Hayward (US:HAYW)2025-05-01 13:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales increased by 8% to $229 million, driven by a 3% increase in both price and organic volume, along with a 3% contribution from the Core King acquisition [7][19] - Gross profit margins rose to 49.5%, an increase of 30 basis points, marking the ninth consecutive quarter of year-over-year gross margin expansion [5][10] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 9% to $49 million, with adjusted EBITDA margins also increasing by 30 basis points to 21.5% [10][19] - Adjusted diluted EPS increased by 25% to $0.10 [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American net sales increased by 8% to $187 million, driven by 3% net price realization and 2% higher volume [20] - In Europe and Rest of World, net sales increased by 7% to $42 million, benefiting from 1% favorable net pricing and 8% higher volume [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales growth was consistent across both segments, with North America net sales increasing by 8% and Europe and Rest of World by 7% [8] - Trends improved in March, aligning with normal seasonal demand as the peak pool season approached [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on mitigating tariff impacts while supporting margins and positioning for growth, with over 80% of sales aligned with aftermarket needs [6] - The recent launch of the Omni X platform aims to provide wireless IoT connectivity and control for non-automated pools, representing a significant growth opportunity [5][16] - The company confirmed its guidance for 2025, expecting net sales to increase approximately 1% to 5% and adjusted EBITDA of $280 million to $290 million [7][27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the increasing economic uncertainty but expressed confidence in the resilience of the business model, particularly in the aftermarket segment [9][28] - The company anticipates pressure on discretionary elements of the market, such as new construction and remodels, due to economic conditions and higher interest rates [9][28] - Management remains optimistic about long-term growth in the pool industry, especially in the aftermarket segment [29] Other Important Information - The company is taking proactive measures to reduce reliance on China for sourcing, aiming to decrease direct sourcing from approximately 10% to 3% by year-end [12][13] - Total liquidity at the end of the first quarter was $398 million, with no near-term debt maturities [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on tariffs and mitigation actions - Management discussed the estimated annualized tariff impact of approximately $85 million, primarily from China, and outlined steps to increase domestic manufacturing to mitigate this impact [34][35] Question: Channel inventory levels and demand impact - Management expressed confidence in current channel inventory levels, stating they are appropriate for the season and have been recalibrated in prior periods [49][51] Question: Trends in consumer behavior and pricing actions - Management noted that while there has been some deferral in discretionary spending, the maintenance side of the business remains resilient [53][72] Question: Insights on OmniX sales and automation adoption - Early trends with OmniX have been encouraging, and the platform is expected to provide a cost-effective solution for homeowners looking to automate their pools [75][76] Question: Manufacturing utilization and cost levers - Management indicated that bringing more manufacturing to the U.S. will increase utilization rates and provide opportunities for margin improvement through automation [80][83]