Core Insights - Chewy, Inc. reported Q1 FY2025 earnings with net sales of $3.12 billion, an increase of 8.3% year-over-year, and adjusted EBITDA of $192.7 million, reflecting a 6.2% adjusted EBITDA margin [1] - The company exceeded internal forecasts for growth and profitability, continuing disciplined share repurchases and making significant progress in core initiatives such as AutoShip, Chewy Plus, advertising, and veterinary clinic expansion [2] AutoShip Performance - The AutoShip subscription model accounted for 82.2% of total net sales, up from the mid-60% range at IPO, with AutoShip revenue growing 14.8% year-over-year, significantly outpacing overall company growth [3][4] - First quarter AutoShip customer sales reached $2.56 billion, representing approximately 82% of Q1 net sales, indicating strong customer loyalty [4] Market Position and Share Gains - The U.S. pet industry is expanding at an annual rate of 3%-4%, with online purchasing penetration estimated in the low-30% range; Chewy is capturing more than 50 cents of every dollar shifting to online channels, compared to 40-42 cents in previous years [5][6] - Management identified the migration to a proprietary first-party advertising platform as a key driver for 60 basis points of year-over-year gross margin expansion [6] Advertising and Revenue Streams - The new advertising system allows for scaling campaigns across on-site and off-site inventory, creating a high-margin revenue stream targeting 1%-3% of net sales [7] - The rapid ramp-up of high-contribution sponsored ads is expected to enhance gross margins and profit conversion [8] Future Guidance - Management reiterated FY2025 full-year net sales guidance of $12.3 billion–$12.45 billion, indicating 6%-7% growth, with first-half momentum suggesting a path toward the upper half of this range [10] - Adjusted EBITDA margin guidance remains at 5.4%-5.7% for FY2025, with an anticipated 80% EBITDA-to-free-cash-flow conversion, projecting about $550 million in free cash flow [11]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q1 net sales increased by over 8% to $3,120,000,000, exceeding the high end of guidance [9][20] - Gross margin for Q1 was 29.6%, with a year-over-year expansion of approximately 60 basis points when adjusted for one-time benefits from the previous year [10][21] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 was $192,700,000, representing a 6.2% adjusted EBITDA margin, with a year-over-year increase of approximately 50 basis points [11][24] - Free cash flow generated in Q1 was nearly $50,000,000 [12][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Autoship customer sales reached $2,560,000,000, representing approximately 82% of Q1 net sales and a growth of nearly 15% year-over-year [9][10] - Hardgoods category saw a 12.3% year-over-year growth [9] - Active customers increased to 20,800,000, reflecting a 3.8% year-over-year growth [10][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall pet industry is estimated to grow at 3% to 4% this year, with the company expecting to grow at roughly two times that rate [38] - The company is capturing approximately $0.50 of every dollar moving online in the pet market, indicating a gain in market share [78] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its Chewy Vet Care (CVC) initiative, with plans to open 8 to 10 new clinics in fiscal year 2025 [12][13] - The transition of the Chewy Plus membership program out of beta is expected to drive stronger customer loyalty [14] - The company aims for a long-term adjusted EBITDA margin target of 10% [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver on its strategic roadmap and long-term financial model [15][29] - The company anticipates that approximately 80% of adjusted EBITDA will convert into free cash flow for the full year [25][28] - Management noted that the competitive landscape remains favorable, with continued strength in customer acquisition and retention [32][52] Other Important Information - The CFO announced plans to leave the company for a CEO role in the semiconductor industry, with a smooth transition expected [17][30] - The company ended the quarter with approximately $616,000,000 in cash and cash equivalents and remains debt-free [27][26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Customer growth expectations for the full year - Management indicated that low single-digit growth remains a reasonable framework for customer count growth, with current momentum exceeding expectations [32][34] Question: Industry growth outlook - Management estimates a 3% to 4% growth for the industry, with Chewy's guidance reflecting a share-gaining plan [38] Question: Advertising investments and opportunities - Management expressed optimism about the sponsored ads business, highlighting successful platform migration and increased demand for off-site advertising [42][45] Question: Sustainability of active customer growth - Management noted improvements in customer retention and acquisition strategies, contributing to sustainable active customer growth [50][52] Question: Autoship customer sales growth - Management detailed the path new customers take to become Autoship customers, emphasizing the importance of assortment and personalized experiences [66][68] Question: Gross margin changes - Management clarified that gross margin expanded year-over-year, driven by sponsored ads and product mix improvements [84][86] Question: Chewy Vet Care expansion opportunities - Management highlighted the potential of the CVC initiative, with strong performance metrics and plans for gradual expansion [94][96]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q1 net sales increased by over 8% year over year to $3,120,000,000, exceeding the high end of guidance [7][18] - Adjusted net income for Q1 was $148,900,000, representing an 8.6% increase year over year [22] - Gross margin for Q1 was 29.6%, with a year-over-year expansion of approximately 60 basis points when adjusted for one-time items [19][20] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 was $192,700,000, reflecting a 6.2% adjusted EBITDA margin, which is a year-over-year increase of approximately 50 basis points [10][22] - Free cash flow generated in Q1 was nearly $50,000,000 [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Autoship customer sales reached $2,560,000,000, representing approximately 82% of total Q1 net sales, with a growth of nearly 15% year over year [7][18] - Hardgoods experienced a notable year-over-year growth of 12.3% [7] - Active customers increased to 20,800,000, reflecting a 3.8% year-over-year growth [8][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The pet industry is estimated to grow at approximately 3% to 4% this year, with Chewy's guidance indicating a plan to grow at roughly two times the market growth [36] - Chewy is capturing approximately $0.50 of every dollar moving online in the pet market, indicating an increase in market share compared to previous quarters [75] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Chewy is focused on expanding its Chewy Vet Care (CVC) initiative, with plans to open 8 to 10 new clinics in fiscal year 2025 [12] - The company is transitioning the Chewy Plus membership program out of beta, aiming to enhance customer loyalty and engagement [13] - Chewy's long-term adjusted EBITDA margin target is set at 10%, with a strong emphasis on strategic growth initiatives [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver on its strategic roadmap and long-term financial model [14] - The company anticipates that approximately 80% of adjusted EBITDA will convert into free cash flow for the full year 2025 [23] - Management noted that the active customer growth is driven by improved retention and acquisition strategies [50] Other Important Information - The CFO, David Reeder, will be leaving the company to pursue a CEO role in the semiconductor industry, with a smooth transition planned [15] - Chewy remains debt-free with a liquidity position of approximately $1,400,000,000 [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Customer growth expectations for the full year - Management indicated that low single-digit growth remains a reasonable framework for customer count growth, with current momentum exceeding expectations [30][31] Question: Industry growth outlook - The industry is expected to normalize, with household formation remaining flat and overall market growth estimated at 3% to 4% [35][36] Question: Advertising investments and opportunities - Management highlighted strong progress in sponsored ads and the successful migration to a new platform, enabling off-site advertising [40][41] Question: Sustainability of active customer growth - Management expressed confidence in the sustainability of active customer growth, driven by improved marketing strategies and product offerings [49] Question: Chewy Plus program adoption rates - The Chewy Plus program has shown strong membership growth and positive customer feedback, with higher engagement metrics compared to non-members [56][57] Question: Autoship customer growth and hardgoods performance - Autoship customer sales have increased significantly, and hardgoods growth is attributed to improved assortment and customer experience [64][70]