Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net sales of $331.3 million for Q3 2025, an increase of 2.2% compared to the prior year [12] - Gross margin improved to 32.8%, a 100 basis point increase year-over-year, driven by better product margins and lower freight expenses [13][14] - Adjusted net income for Q3 was $3 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, compared to $1.4 million, or $0.04 per diluted share in the same quarter last year [15] - Adjusted EBITDA grew 13% to $18.6 million, improving by 50 basis points as a percentage of net sales [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same-store sales grew 2.2% year-over-year, marking the third consecutive quarter of positive growth [12] - Hunting and shooting sports increased by 5%, while fishing saw exceptional growth of 14% [12][6] - Apparel sales grew by 1.5%, but camping sales declined due to its discretionary nature [6][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - E-commerce sales grew by 8% in the quarter, with strong performance in ship-to-home and buy online pick up in store [6] - The company experienced a slowdown in sales trends starting mid-October, attributed to external disruptions from a prolonged government shutdown [10][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a transformation strategy that emphasizes inventory precision, local relevance, and personal protection [7][8] - Plans to open only one new store in 2025 and 2026, reflecting a disciplined growth approach [9] - The company aims to enhance customer acquisition strategies and reduce reliance on promotions for sustainable growth [9][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed caution regarding Q4 due to macroeconomic headwinds and a pressured U.S. consumer [10][11] - The company anticipates modest sales growth for the full year despite challenges, with a focus on maintaining lower inventory and positive free cash flow [11][19] - Full-year guidance for net sales has been adjusted to be flat to slightly up, reflecting a tough Q4 environment [19] Other Important Information - Total inventory at the end of Q3 was $424 million, a decrease of 3.2% year-over-year [16] - The company paid down $13.2 million of debt during the quarter, ending with a total debt balance of $181.9 million [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Recent sales trends during Black Friday and Cyber Monday - Management noted that negative sales trends persisted through November, with no significant improvement post-government shutdown [23] Question: Margin management strategies for Q4 - The company plans to use existing inventory to drive sales while managing working capital, aiming to avoid carrying aged inventory into 2026 [24] Question: Impact of Florida Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday - Management indicated that the holiday did not significantly impact their business as it is not a major market for them [26] Question: Marketing spend in a challenging consumer environment - The company believes increased marketing is necessary to remain competitive, focusing on digital marketing and promotions [30] Question: Performance of the camping department - Camping sales were down high single digits, with inventory trends below sales trends, indicating an area for improvement [32][33] Question: Promotional environment during Black Friday - Management confirmed they were promotional but did not implement traditional doorbusters, adjusting strategy for December to drive foot traffic [38][39] Question: Inventory management by category - The company is focusing on driving sales in the hunting and shooting category, which is a significant traffic driver [42] Question: Margin profile of personal protection products - Personal protection products are performing well and are accretive to margins, attracting a different customer base [44]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q4 net sales were $340.4 million, down from $370.4 million in the prior year, which included a 53rd week contributing $27.1 million [24][25] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $14.6 million, compared to $5.3 million in the same quarter last year, marking a nearly 300% increase in profitability [30] - The company ended the year with liquidity of $131.1 million, an increase of $40 million compared to the end of the previous year [9][31] - Net loss for Q4 was $8.7 million, unchanged from the prior year, but adjusted net income was $1.6 million compared to an adjusted net loss of $7.5 million last year [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Firearms unit sales increased mid-single digits in Q4, despite a 1.7% year-over-year decline in the hunting and shooting sports department [28][10] - Fishing department sales were up 10.3% in Q4, while camping sales increased by 5.2% [26][27] - E-commerce sales were up double digits in Q4, driven by improved marketing and user experience [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The adjusted NICS data showed a 4.5% decline in the firearms industry, but the company outperformed this trend [9][10] - Fishing continues to grow steadily, with a ten-year CAGR of about 5% [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to return to same-store sales growth in 2025 by focusing on core hunting and fishing solutions [12] - Four strategic initiatives for 2025 include narrowing inventory focus, leveraging local connections, becoming an authority in personal protection, and strengthening brand awareness [14][21] - The company is committed to improving inventory management and operational efficiency to enhance profitability [32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in improving sales trends and the effectiveness of the turnaround strategy [9][12] - The company anticipates challenges in Q1 due to calendar shifts but expects stronger performance in Q2 and Q3 [42][43] - Management noted that consumer behavior has not significantly changed due to tariff headlines, attributing any sales fluctuations to timing rather than a slowdown [61][62] Other Important Information - The company ended the year with a net debt balance of $98.7 million and generated $19.7 million of free cash flow [31][33] - Capital expenditures for 2024 were approximately $14.6 million, primarily for store maintenance and technology investments [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Trends in same-store sales and performance in February - Management noted positive trends in February, continuing from January, despite a shift in holiday timing affecting Q1 [39][40] Question: Store opening plans and timing - One new store is planned to open at the end of Q3 or beginning of Q4 [44] Question: Free cash flow conversion from EBITDA guidance - Management expressed confidence in generating positive free cash flow through improved top-line profitability and inventory efficiency [46][48] Question: Trade down in firearms and market share opportunities - Management indicated that while average unit prices are down, they are focused on being in stock with the right products to meet customer demand [56][57] Question: Impact of tariffs on consumer behavior - Management stated that they have not seen significant changes in consumer behavior due to tariffs, attributing sales fluctuations to timing of promotions [61][62] Question: E-commerce growth and fulfillment - E-commerce sales accounted for over 17% of total business, with 75% of e-commerce demand fulfilled at store locations [91] Question: Gross margin outlook for 2025 - Management did not provide specific gross margin guidance but indicated potential for improvement through better inventory management and focus on core goods [94][96]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q4 net sales were $340.4 million, down from $370.4 million in the prior year, with a decline of 0.9% when adjusted for the 53rd week [34][35] - Q4 adjusted EBITDA increased to $14.6 million from $5.3 million in the previous year, representing a nearly 300% increase in profitability [43] - Gross margin improved to 30.4% from 26.8% in the prior year, a 360 basis point increase [39] - Net loss for Q4 was $8.7 million, unchanged from the previous year, but adjusted net income improved to $1.6 million from an adjusted net loss of $7.5 million [41][42] - Full year 2024 sales were approximately $1.2 billion, with adjusted EPS of negative 53 cents per diluted share [44] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fishing department sales increased by 10.3% in Q4, while camping sales rose by 5.2% [36] - Firearms unit sales increased mid-single digits, despite a 1.7% decline in the hunting and shooting sports department [38] - E-commerce sales were up double digits in Q4, contributing to over 17% of overall business [16][101] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted NICS data showed a 4.5% decline, but the company outperformed this with mid-single digit growth in firearm unit sales [13] - The company noted a trade down to lower-priced firearms, impacting sales dollars but maintaining average order value [39][74] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a transformation strategy aimed at improving omnichannel retail fundamentals and inventory efficiency [7][10] - Plans for 2025 include returning to same-store sales growth, improving gross margins, and paying down debt [17][49] - Four strategic initiatives for 2025 include focusing on core hunting and fishing products, leveraging local connections, enhancing personal protection offerings, and strengthening brand awareness [20][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the turnaround strategy, noting steady improvement in sales trends and inventory management [12][33] - The company anticipates challenges in Q1 due to calendar shifts but expects significant opportunities in Q2 and Q3 [61][62] - Management highlighted the importance of being prepared for seasonal demands and improving inventory flow [66][67] Other Important Information - The company ended the year with liquidity of $131 million, an increase of $40 million compared to the previous year [12][48] - Capital expenditures for 2024 were approximately $14.6 million, primarily for store maintenance and technology investments [48] Q&A Session Summary Question: Trends in sales for February and March - Management noted positive sales trends in February, with a shift in holiday timing affecting March sales [56][62] Question: Trade down environment and market share - Management indicated that the trade down in firearms could present an opportunity for market share gains, as they focus on stocking the right products [72][74] Question: Impact of tariffs on consumer behavior - Management stated that there has been no significant change in consumer behavior due to tariffs, attributing any sales shifts to timing of advertising [81][82] Question: Free cash flow conversion from EBITDA - Management expressed confidence in generating positive free cash flow through improved inventory efficiency and sales growth [63][116] Question: Store openings and portfolio optimization - Management confirmed plans for one new store opening and mentioned ongoing evaluations of underperforming stores [110][112]