Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the fourth quarter of 2025, revenues increased by 7% compared to the same period in 2024, with adjusted EBITDA at $9.8 million, down from $12.4 million in the previous year [17][5] - Full year net sales reached $2.56 billion, a growth of 4%, while adjusted EBITDA grew by 1.5% to $410 million [5][6] - Gross profit for the full year was $1.2 billion, up 3% or $34 million, but gross margin fell to 47.7%, down 60 basis points due to increased tariff costs [18][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Titleist Golf Equipment segment grew by 10% in Q4, driven by higher sales volumes of T-Series irons and SM10 wedges, while FootJoy sales increased by 4.5% [17][19] - Golf gear net sales decreased by 5% in the fourth quarter [17] - Titleist Golf Clubs saw over 7% growth, supported by new product launches and a strong performance in the Vokey Wedge franchise [8][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. market remains the strongest, with rounds of play increasing by 25% over the last five to six years, contributing to a healthy golfer base [39][41] - EMEA and Japan showed growth in equipment sales, while Korea experienced flat conditions, particularly in apparel and footwear categories [10][52] - The global golf industry is projected to continue adapting to golfer preferences, with a healthy outlook for 2026 [12][16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Acushnet is focused on expanding its product pipeline and enhancing operational efficiencies, with significant investments in R&D and capacity expansion [13][15] - The company plans to prioritize strategic capacity expansion and build out global fitting networks for golf equipment and footwear [15][26] - Acushnet aims to maintain a strong balance sheet while returning capital to shareholders, with an 8.5% increase in quarterly dividends approved for 2026 [10][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the structural health of the golf industry and the company's ability to capture market share through product innovation and fitting experiences [16][72] - The company anticipates continued growth in 2026, with projected net sales between $2.625 billion and $2.675 billion, reflecting a 2.5% to 4.5% increase on a constant currency basis [23][24] - Management acknowledged the impact of tariffs on costs and pricing strategies, with expectations of approximately $70 million in tariff costs for 2026 [24][26] Other Important Information - Acushnet returned $268 million to shareholders in 2025, including $56 million in cash dividends and $212 million in share repurchases [23] - The company expects capital expenditures in 2026 to be approximately $95 million, reflecting investments in golf ball manufacturing capacity and club production [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on the 2026 product calendar and innovation pipeline? - Management indicated that the new driver launch has been accelerated to late June, differing from the usual August timing, with further details to be shared later [32][34] Question: What are the expectations for the U.S. market in 2026 regarding volume versus price? - Management noted that the U.S. market remains healthy, with a strong consumer base and increasing rounds of play, while pricing actions will be taken in the first half of 2026 [39][43] Question: Can you provide an update on the FootJoy business and its performance? - Management highlighted a shift towards premium products in FootJoy, with a focus on high-performance footwear and the Fit Lab program enhancing customer experience [47][50] Question: What is the current pricing environment across categories? - Management acknowledged a firm pricing environment, with price increases expected in equipment and golf balls, while emphasizing the need to demonstrate value to consumers [54][56] Question: How is the company positioned relative to competitors in terms of pricing? - Management believes Acushnet's premium positioning allows for effective price increases, with a focus on product quality and consumer experience [85][86]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Acushnet reported worldwide net sales of $703 million, a 1% increase year-over-year [6] - Adjusted EBITDA was $139 million, reflecting a decrease of $15 million due to increased investment in the equipment segment [6][18] - Gross profit decreased by $5 million compared to the first quarter of 2024, primarily due to higher manufacturing costs [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Golf equipment net sales increased by almost 4%, driven by new product launches and strong performance in the EMEA region [7][11] - Titleist golf ball business grew by 4%, with significant gains in the EMEA region [8] - FootJoy sales declined by 5%, attributed to lower closeout footwear sales and targeted product line rationalization [10][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The US market saw a 1% increase, while EMEA grew by 4% [11] - Japan and Korea experienced declines of 24% each, primarily due to poor weather affecting the golf season [11] - Rounds of play in the US were down 2%, but worldwide rounds were slightly up, led by a 15% increase in EMEA and the UK [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing a full slate of product fitting events across all markets [11] - Acushnet is adapting its supply chain to mitigate tariff impacts, with plans to source more components from non-China territories [14][26] - The company aims to maintain a strong consumer base and provide exceptional product experiences while navigating tariff uncertainties [17][25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of the core consumer, the dedicated golfer, despite macroeconomic uncertainties [17][25] - The company expects a gross tariff impact of approximately $75 million in 2025, with plans to mitigate over 50% of this impact [25][26] - Future guidance remains uncertain due to changing trade policies, with no updates provided until more clarity is achieved [25] Other Important Information - Capital expenditures for the first quarter were $11 million, with a planned total of approximately $85 million for 2025 [22] - The company returned roughly $51 million to shareholders through share repurchases and cash dividends [23] - The effective tax rate in Q1 was 17.9%, down from 21.7% the previous year [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance and Consumer Demand - Management indicated that the decision to pause guidance updates is due to less visibility rather than a change in consumer demand [30][31] Question: Tariff Mitigation Actions - Management outlined that pricing would be a last resort, focusing first on supply chain adjustments and cost-sharing with suppliers [34][36] Question: Impact of Tariff Changes - If the China tariff rate were to decrease, the potential mitigation of the $75 million impact could be significant [41][42] Question: Demand Trends in Asia - Management noted a slow start in Asia due to weather but observed improvement in March and April [43][44] Question: Currency Exchange Rate Impact - A potential tailwind of $20 million was discussed if current exchange rates persist, impacting overall financial outlook positively [49][50] Question: Diversification from China - Management confirmed plans to diversify sourcing away from China while maintaining some supply chains for non-US markets [56][58]