Fox(FOXF) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total consolidated net sales in Q4 2024 were $352.8 million, an increase of 6.1% compared to$ 332.5 million in the same quarter last year [41] - Gross margin increased by 120 basis points to 28.9% in Q4 2024, compared to 27.7% in the same quarter last year [42] - Net loss in Q4 2024 was $0.1 million, or zero per diluted share, compared to net income of$ 4.1 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, in the same quarter last year [44] - Adjusted EBITDA increased to$ 40.4 million for Q4 2024, compared to $38.8 million in the same quarter last year [45] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Powered Vehicle Group (PVG), net sales were$ 116 million, slightly down from $118 million in the prior year quarter, but up 5% sequentially [16] - In the Aftermarket Applications Group (AAG), net sales were$ 112 million, down from $121 million in the prior year quarter, but up 11% sequentially [22] - In the Sports Segment Group (SSG), net sales were$ 125 million compared to $93 million last year, reflecting a 41.5% increase from a full quarter of Marucci [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The automotive sector continues to face headwinds from ongoing OEM production issues, with expectations for flat-to-down, low single-digit retail sales in 2025 [19] - The bike business is experiencing varied recovery rates across different geographies, channels, and customers, with a cautious outlook for 2025 [30] - The European market showed strength in early 2024, but purchasing habits weakened in Q4 due to inventory concerns [32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on operational excellence and strategic positioning across segments, with a comprehensive cost reduction program aimed at improving margins [56] - The company is diversifying across segments, products, markets, and geographies, with a focus on product development initiatives to create new customer engagements [15] - The company aims to restore best-in-class EBITDA margins as market conditions normalize while driving higher rates of free cash flow [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects continued market pressures in 2025 but remains committed to operational efficiency and cost management to protect margins [21] - The company anticipates net sales for fiscal year 2025 in the range of$ 1.385 billion to $1.485 billion, with adjusted earnings per diluted share between$ 1.60 and $2.60 [52] - Management acknowledges the complexity of the regulatory environment, including tariffs, and is actively analyzing potential impacts [37] Other Important Information - The company has identified$ 25 million in savings across COGS and SG&A as part of its cost optimization plan [13] - The company is expanding its product portfolio, including the launch of the AGwagon, designed for agricultural use [26] - The company is working on several new products expected to launch in 2025, which are anticipated to revolutionize the suspension and bike market [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on Taiwan facilities consolidation and capacity - Capacity is in line with pre-COVID levels, with increased efficiency within the same footprint, and future growth may occur outside Taiwan [62] Question: Update on the upfitting business and dealership dialogue - Strong relationships are being cultivated with dealers, and efforts are being made to reposition inventory effectively [66] Question: Insights on the bike business and revenue expectations - The company is being conservative in its outlook for the bike business, with potential upside but cautious due to previous forecasting challenges [72] Question: Impact of the new MLB partnership on Marucci - Growth is expected to ramp up in Q2 and Q3, with positive signs but no specific numbers provided yet [76] Question: Conversations with OEM partners regarding tariffs - The company feels relatively insulated from tariff impacts due to its focus on premium products and strong relationships with OEMs [84]