The AZEK Company(AZEK) - 2023 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2023, the company generated net sales of $377.7 million, a decline of 4.7% year-over-year, with adjusted EBITDA of$ 72.8 million, down from $90.9 million in the prior year [6][22][23] - Operating cash flow increased by approximately$ 94 million year-over-year to $56.7 million in Q2 2023 [6] - The company reduced inventory by nearly$ 50 million from the end of fiscal 2022 to Q2 2023 [6][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Residential net sales were $342 million, down 2.4% year-over-year, with adjusted EBITDA of$ 8.4 million, a decrease of approximately 18% [24] - Commercial segment net sales were $35.6 million, down 22.5% year-over-year, with adjusted EBITDA of$ 7.8 million, a decrease of $900,000 [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Residential channel inventory levels are approximately 15% below the historical average from 2017 to 2019 [7][20] - The commercial segment is experiencing challenges due to channel destocking and softer demand in certain markets, with an expected headwind of approximately$ 15 million in segment adjusted EBITDA for the fiscal year [8][17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on driving accelerated material conversion and growth through new product development and channel expansion, targeting a $14 billion core market [5][6] - New product launches, including TimberTech decking and outdoor furniture, are expected to drive incremental growth [9][10] - The company aims to increase the use of recycled materials in its products and is nearing completion of capacity expansion in its PVC recycling plant [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving adjusted EBITDA in the range of$ 250 million to $265 million for fiscal 2023, despite challenges in the commercial segment [8][19] - The company is monitoring demand indicators closely and remains optimistic about the residential business, with contractor backlogs remaining consistent [15][30] - Management highlighted the importance of balancing constructive sentiment with caution due to ongoing market uncertainties [16] Other Important Information - The company received multiple awards for its sustainable products, validating its investment in R&D and innovation [12][14] - Free cash flow in the first six months of the fiscal year was up$ 197 million year-over-year, with expectations for continued expansion in the second half [25][26] Q&A Session Summary Question: What would give confidence for the back half of the year? - Management indicated the need to see positive momentum convert to revenue and is cautiously optimistic based on contractor and dealer feedback [35][36] Question: What pricing expectations are there for the residential segment? - Pricing realization is expected to be low single digits for the third quarter, with a flat outlook for the fourth quarter [41][42] Question: What is the expected impact of commercial segment performance? - The commercial segment is expected to see a top-line decline of about 20% for the full year, with adjusted EBITDA margins maintained at or above 20% [48][49] Question: How is sell-through demand progressing? - Sell-through demand has been steady, with some geographic variations, and the company is well-positioned to meet any incremental demand [60][61] Question: What are the expectations for share repurchase in the back half of the year? - The company aims to stay within a leverage ratio target of 2 to 2.5 times, suggesting potential for increased share repurchase activity [57][58]