
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved 4% net sales growth and 6% growth in adjusted EBITDA during Q1 2025, despite challenging weather conditions [4][12] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter increased to 27.3 million for Q1 2025, compared to a loss of 45 million or 5% to net sales growth [25] - Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) increased by 5% to approximately 343 million, with SG&A as a percentage of net sales rising to 36.5% [25][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Four out of nine regions achieved positive organic daily sales growth in Q1 2025, with weather and tough comparisons being the primary differentiators [24] - The company estimates its market share at approximately 18% in a fragmented 25 billion wholesale landscaping products distribution market [6][7] - The repair and upgrade market, representing 30% of sales, was the weakest end market in 2024, with expectations of low single-digit declines in 2025 [38] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to execute its acquisition strategy, having completed its 100th acquisition in March 2025, adding over $2 billion in acquired revenue since 2014 [12][33] - The strategy focuses on leveraging scale and resources to support local teams, driving organic growth, and improving productivity [9][10] - The company aims to fill in its product portfolio primarily through acquisitions, especially in nursery, hardscapes, and landscape supplies categories [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about navigating market uncertainties and achieving solid performance in 2025, despite macroeconomic challenges [5][20] - The outlook for pricing in 2025 has been revised to flat to up 1%, reflecting current prices and announced increases from suppliers [23][35] - The company expects low single-digit organic daily sales growth for the full year 2025, supported by positive sales volume trends observed in April [40] Other Important Information - The company has a robust pipeline of potential acquisition deals, although 2025 may see lower acquired revenue compared to previous years due to market uncertainties [20][33] - The effective tax rate for Q1 2025 was 25.5%, down from 33.4% in the prior year, primarily due to a decrease in excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you define recent wins in Dispatch Track and focus branch efforts? - Management highlighted significant progress in both areas, with Dispatch Track improving delivery efficiency and focus branches showing overhead savings and improved customer service [46][48] Question: What efforts are being targeted to gain a larger share of wallet from existing customers? - The company is focusing on increasing product lines for existing customers and targeting small customers, where market share is currently low [50][52] Question: What is the expectation for organic sales growth in Q2? - Management expects low single-digit organic growth in Q2, with pricing anticipated to be roughly negative 1% to flat [61][62] Question: Can you provide details on the impact of tariffs? - The company indicated that 10% to 15% of sales are indirectly affected by tariffs, primarily from suppliers sourcing from Mexico and China [63][64] Question: How are you managing inventory levels amid inflationary pressures? - The company is selectively purchasing inventory to mitigate risks associated with supply chain disruptions and inflation [76] Question: How do you balance cash for acquisitions versus share repurchases? - Management emphasized maintaining a strong balance sheet while being selective in capital allocation, considering both acquisitions and share repurchases [78] Question: What is the outlook for gross margins? - The company expects gross margins to remain steady for the year, with improvements primarily coming from SG&A leverage rather than significant changes in gross margin [82][83]