Janus International (JBI) - 2024 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenue for Q3 2024 was $230.1 million, down 17.9% year-over-year, with declines across all sales channels [20][21] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 was$ 43.1 million, a decrease of 43.4% compared to the same quarter last year, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 18.7%, down from 27.2% [23] - Adjusted net income was $15.7 million, reflecting a 59.8% decline year-over-year, with adjusted diluted earnings per share of$ 0.11 [24] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $39.3 million, representing a free cash flow conversion of adjusted net income of 134% [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Self-storage revenue decreased by 22.4%, attributed to tighter borrowing standards and elevated interest rates causing project delays [16][21] - New construction revenue was down 12.6%, while R3 revenue declined by 34.4% [21] - The commercial and other sales channel saw a 7.8% decline, driven by decreased demand for carports and sheds, partially offset by contributions from the TMC acquisition [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that project deferrals were prevalent due to market uncertainty, with developers waiting for better borrowing conditions and clarity around the election [10][21] - The anticipated rate cuts by the Federal Reserve have led to continued delays in project initiation, particularly among mid-level non-institutional customers [10][27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is implementing a structural cost reduction plan expected to generate annual pre-tax cost savings of approximately$ 8 million to $12 million, with one-time pre-tax charges estimated at$ 2 million to $4 million [12][32] - The focus remains on rightsizing the organization while maintaining key resources to adapt to market dynamics [11] - The company is optimistic about 2025, expecting catalysts such as industry consolidation, the full-year contribution from TMC, and positive customer interest in the Noke Ion offering [13][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term fundamentals of the self-storage industry despite current challenges, citing elevated occupancy rates and ongoing life events driving demand [34] - The company remains well-positioned to capitalize on market recovery when it occurs, supported by a robust balance sheet and strong cash flow [9][34] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 4.3 million shares for a total cost of$ 45.5 million as part of a $100 million share repurchase program [18][26] - Total liquidity at the end of the quarter was$ 226.7 million, including $102.1 million in cash and equivalents [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: What changed regarding the backlog and incoming order activity? - Management noted that anticipated project releases did not materialize post-rate cut, leading to continued delays [37][38] Question: Can you discuss incoming order rates and cancellations? - New orders remain stable, with larger operators continuing business as usual, while non-institutional operators are more affected [39] Question: What is the magnitude of the bad debt impact? - A significant bad debt adjustment of approximately$ 6.5 million impacted adjusted EBITDA due to a customer bankruptcy [40][41] Question: How do you view the long-term framework and pricing adjustments? - Management maintains a long-term margin framework of 25% to 27%, despite necessary pricing adjustments due to market conditions [42][43] Question: What is the impact of project delays on future guidance? - Delays are expected to persist, with no immediate recovery anticipated, leading to adjusted guidance for 2024 [27][70] Question: How does the company view competition and market share? - Management is not overly concerned about losing market share, emphasizing the importance of a strong business model in a competitive environment [55]