Lifetime Brands(LCUT) - 2024 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q3 2024, the company reported net sales of $183.8 million, a decrease from$191.7 million in the same period last year, reflecting a 4.1% decline [8][50] - Net income for Q3 2024 was $300,000 or$0.02 per diluted share, down from $4.2 million or$0.20 per diluted share in Q3 2023 [47] - Adjusted net income for Q3 2024 was $4.5 million or$0.21 per diluted share, compared to $7.7 million or$0.36 per diluted share in 2023 [48] - Adjusted EBITDA for the trailing 12-month period ended September 30, 2024, was $53.9 million [48] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. segment sales decreased by 5.1$170.2 million, impacted by end market softness and retailer de-stocking [50] - E-commerce sales increased to $34.4 million, representing 18.7$13.6 million, driven by new placements at large retailers [51][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced weakness in the seasonal back-to-school consumer demand, but anticipates a rebound during the holiday season [13] - The food service market has seen a downturn, leading to fewer shipments than anticipated [12][28] - The UK end markets remain soft, but the company is gaining traction with national retailers and grocers [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on restoring international business profitability, which could add an incremental 10 million in annual EBITDA compared to fiscal year 2023 [20] - The company is actively pursuing M&A opportunities in core business areas and new product adjacencies, while maintaining financial discipline [31][34] - A strategic goal is to expand the Dolly Parton brand presence, with expectations of exceeding 10 million in revenue from this program [25][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism for the holiday season, expecting it to align with forecasted increases by major retailers [13] - The company anticipates full-year sales of $680 million to$700 million, reflecting a slight decrease from $687 million in 2023 [14][60] - Management highlighted the importance of consumer confidence and demand for long-term growth, particularly in the food service sector [73][75] Other Important Information - The company has taken defensive operational measures by increasing inventory levels to mitigate risks from potential tariff increases [41][43] - The company recorded one-time acquisition-related expenses of$0.2 million in the quarter related to a potential acquisition target that did not materialize [33] Q&A Session Summary Question: What were the main reasons for the Q3 sales shortfalls? - Management indicated that the primary reasons were softness in the mass channel and delayed shipments from the Dollar General program [62] Question: Can you elaborate on the distribution expenses increase? - Management noted that approximately $2 million of the$3 million year-over-year increase in distribution expenses was non-recurring [66] Question: What are the expectations for the international segment in the new guidance? - Management stated that while the international segment will not be profitable this year, it is expected to improve year-over-year [67] Question: What drives the anticipated sales growth in Q4? - Management explained that the growth is largely due to timing, with several programs shifting from Q3 to Q4 [70][71] Question: What is needed for sustainable long-term growth? - Management emphasized that consumer confidence and demand are critical, along with potential economic stimulus [75]