Zevia(ZVIA) - 2024 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2024, net sales reached $40.4 million, slightly above the top-end of guidance, but down 4.3% year-over-year [18] - Volume decreased by 5.9%, reflecting challenges in on-shelf distribution, partially offset by a price increase contributing$ 2.4 million [18] - Gross margin was 41.9%, down 4.7 percentage points from the previous year, impacted by a €1.8 million charge related to excess inventory [16][18] - Net loss increased to $7 million compared to a net loss of$ 5 million last year, with adjusted EBITDA loss at $4.4 million [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong performance in the food channel, with 16% growth over 12 weeks and 20% growth over the last 4-week period [9] - New product launches, including Cran-Raspberry, are expected to drive incremental growth [8][15] - The company implemented a 4.5% price increase on soda multipacks, which was well-received by retailers and consumers [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Zevia soda scan dollars were up 6% for the 12 weeks ending July 14, with units up 2% [8] - Retail sales growth accelerated, with dollars closing at +10% and units at +11% in the latest 4-week period, marking the highest retail sales month in Zevia's history [8] - The company is seeing promising growth in strategic channels, particularly in food, which outpaced the broader Carbonated Soft Drinks category [9][23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing brand visibility and expanding distribution through direct-store delivery (DSD) initiatives [10][14] - A productivity initiative aims for annualized savings of$ 12 million, targeting brand maximization, margin enhancement, and operational discipline [12][13] - The strategic focus includes increasing marketing investments to drive consumer awareness and trial packages to expand the user base [10][28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about retail sales growth despite challenges in club distribution, expecting improvements in Q4 [32] - The promotional environment is competitive, with increased promotional spending planned to drive in-store activity [35] - Management anticipates a return to mid-40s gross margins in Q3, with sequential improvements expected [21][41] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with approximately $29 million in cash and cash equivalents, alongside an undrawn revolving credit line of$ 20 million [19] - The company is committed to maintaining a right-sized inventory level, targeting around 90 days of inventory on hand [45] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of club distribution losses - Management acknowledged regional losses in club distribution but noted strong retail scan data and overall healthy retail performance [26] Question: Strategies for reaching new consumers without club visibility - The focus is on expanding singles distribution to drive trial packages in various channels, including mainstream grocery and convenience [28] Question: Clarification on Q3 revenue guidance - Management explained that Q3 guidance reflects temporary distribution challenges and a focus on optimizing the product portfolio [32][33] Question: Promotional environment insights - The promotional environment is competitive, with deeper promotions observed, but the company plans to increase promotional investments to drive growth [35] Question: Marketing efficacy and metro outperformance - Marketing campaigns across multiple markets have shown a 3 percentage point improvement in revenue, indicating effective strategic planning [39] Question: Future gross margin potential - Management expects to maintain mid-40s gross margins while reinvesting in promotional activities and expanding the DSD network [41] Question: Inventory management going forward - The company aims to maintain inventory levels close to current levels while managing working capital effectively [45]