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e.l.f.(ELF) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
ELFe.l.f.(ELF)2024-08-09 00:27

Financial Data and Key Metrics - Q1 net sales grew 50% year-over-year, driven by broad-based strength across national and international retailers as well as digital commerce [20] - Gross margin increased by approximately 80 basis points to 71% in Q1, benefiting from favorable foreign exchange impacts, lower transportation costs, and cost savings [22] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 was 77million,up477 million, up 4% year-over-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 24% [23] - Adjusted net income was 64 million or 1.10perdilutedshare,comparedto1.10 per diluted share, compared to 63 million or 1.10perdilutedshareayearago[24]Thecompanyraiseditsfullyearfiscal2025outlook,expectingnetsalesgrowthof251.10 per diluted share a year ago [24] - The company raised its full-year fiscal 2025 outlook, expecting net sales growth of 25% to 27%, adjusted EBITDA between 297 million to 301million,andadjustedEPSof301 million, and adjusted EPS of 3.36 to 3.41perdilutedshare[26]BusinessLinePerformanceIncolorcosmetics,e.l.f.grew263.41 per diluted share [26] Business Line Performance - In color cosmetics, e.l.f. grew 26% in tracked channels, outperforming the category which was down 1%, increasing market share by 260 basis points [4] - e.l.f. SKIN grew 45% in tracked channels, 32 times the category growth of 1.4%, and became a top 10 brand for the first time, ranking number nine [5] - International net sales grew 91% in Q1, driven by growth in existing markets and expansion into new markets, contributing 16% of total sales [6] Market Performance - In the UK, e.l.f. is now the number four brand, up from number eight a year ago, and in Canada, it is now the number four brand, up from number six a year ago [6] - The company has successfully launched in new markets such as the Netherlands and Italy, maintaining the number one brand ranking since launch [6] - International sales contributed 16% of total sales in Q1, up from 13% a year ago, with significant growth potential compared to global peers [6] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company has five areas of competitive advantage: a passionate team, a strong value proposition, powerhouse innovation, a disruptive marketing engine, and a unique productivity model [7][8][9][10][12] - e.l.f. is one of only five brands to achieve over 700 million in retail sales, with a competitive moat formed by its unique advantages [7] - The company continues to innovate, with new product launches like the Soft Glam Satin Foundation and Naturium's Glow Getter Body Oil, which sold out in ten days [11][12] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains bullish on the company's ability to drive market share gains in both color cosmetics and skincare, as well as continued international expansion [33] - The company expects adjusted EBITDA growth to accelerate in the second half of fiscal 2025 as it cycles the inclusion of Naturium and sees more normalized marketing investment [23] - Management highlighted the company's strong unit growth, with e.l.f. being the only top five cosmetics brand to grow units in Q1 [10] Other Important Information - The company's Beauty Squad Loyalty Program reached over 5 million members, with enrollment growing 30% year-over-year [21] - e.l.f. became the first beauty brand to test real-world commerce on Roblox, enhancing credibility and visibility among key audiences [17] - The company is investing in its ERP transition to SAP and expanding distribution capacity to support strong consumer demand [25][60] Q&A Session Summary Question: Growth Drivers and Consumer Sentiment - Growth in Q1 was driven by both new distribution and strength in existing distribution, with international growth contributing significantly [32] - Management noted that while consumers are becoming more selective, they are choosing e.l.f., with growth across all channels [33] Question: International Expansion Opportunities - The company's international strategy involves partnering with leading retailers in each market, with recent successes in the UK, Canada, and new markets like Germany [35] Question: Q2 Growth and Tariff Impact - Q2 growth is expected to be slightly above the annual outlook of 25% to 27%, with no immediate impact from potential tariffs in fiscal 2025 [39][40] Question: Trade Down and Marketing ROI - The company does not see significant trade-down effects, with its value proposition driving growth across all segments [45] - Marketing ROI remains strong, with unaided brand awareness increasing from 13% in 2020 to 33% in 2024 [47] Question: Shelf Space Opportunities and Guidance - The company sees significant shelf space opportunities in the U.S., particularly at Walmart and Target, with plans to expand further [51] - Germany and Australia are new additions to the guidance, reflecting the company's international expansion [54] Question: Inventory Management and ERP Transition - The company has proactively increased inventory levels to meet strong consumer demand and is transitioning to SAP for its ERP system, with a planned launch in spring [59][60] Question: International Margins - International margins are expected to be accretive as the company scales, with no tariffs on imports into those markets [63] Question: Q2 Sales Guidance and Profit Margins - Q2 sales growth is expected to be slightly above the annual range, with flattish gross margins and a focus on marketing investment [66][69] Question: Naturium Performance and Promotional Activity - Naturium contributed 16 percentage points to net sales growth in Q1 and is performing ahead of expectations, with no significant increase in promotional activity observed [73][76] Question: Naturium Rollout at Ulta - Naturium's rollout at Ulta is progressing well, with plans to focus on existing U.S. retailers before further international expansion [80][81]