Interface(US:TILE)2025-05-02 12:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Interface reported a 4% year-over-year currency neutral growth in net sales for Q1 2025, with net sales totaling $297.4 million, an increase of 2.6% compared to Q1 2024 [5][16] - Adjusted earnings per share grew by 4% year-over-year, reaching $0.25 compared to $0.24 in Q1 2024 [5][18] - Adjusted gross profit margin was 37.7%, a decrease of 82 basis points from the prior year due to higher manufacturing and freight costs [16][17] - Adjusted operating income remained flat at $25.5 million compared to Q1 2024 [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global education billings increased by 13%, driven by modernization initiatives and strong demand in both K-12 and higher education sectors [11] - Health care segment saw a 16% increase in global billings, supported by strong orders converting to billings [12] - Corporate office billings decreased by 7% year-over-year, attributed to timing, but growth is expected for the full year [12][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Americas, net sales grew by 6% with currency neutral orders up 10%, while EAAA experienced a decline in orders by 6% due to a softer macro environment [10][14] - Consolidated currency neutral orders increased by 3% year-over-year, with a strong backlog up 12% [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The "One Interface" strategy is focused on building strong global functions, enhancing productivity, expanding margins, and leading in design performance and sustainability [5][6] - A new VP of Global Product Category Management was appointed to optimize the product innovation pipeline [6] - The company is committed to sustainability, aiming to be carbon negative by 2040 and incorporating captured carbon into manufacturing processes [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's strong balance sheet and regional manufacturing approach, which mitigates tariff impacts [15][22] - The outlook for Q2 2025 is strong, with expectations of net sales between $355 million and $365 million [20] - The company anticipates continued growth driven by strong order momentum and a healthy backlog [20][22] Other Important Information - Capital expenditures for Q1 2025 were $7.5 million, up from $4 million in 2024, reflecting strategic investments in the business [19] - The company is facing tariff impacts on approximately 15% of global product costs, primarily affecting U.S. imports of nora rubber and LVT [15][50] Q&A Session Summary Question: Q1 results were better than expected, can you elaborate on gross margin and SG&A performance? - Management noted strong performance in the Americas and growth across all product categories, contributing to better-than-expected results [24][26] Question: What drove the raised guidance on revenue? - The raised guidance was based on strong Q1 results and positive outlook for Q2, supported by order growth and a strong backlog [29][33] Question: How did EAAA perform compared to the Americas? - EAAA had softer results, but Asia Pacific showed strong double-digit growth, particularly in local currency [36][38] Question: What is the status of the government business segment? - The government business, while small, showed strength in Q1, benefiting from return-to-work mandates despite some staff reductions [41][43] Question: What are the plans for capital allocation given the strong balance sheet? - The primary focus for capital allocation is to invest in the business and execute on those investments to drive growth [46][48] Question: How will the company manage tariff-related costs? - The company plans to offset tariff costs through pricing and productivity measures, with minimal impact expected due to local manufacturing [49][52] Question: What is the outlook on the return to office dynamic? - Management sees ongoing churn in the return to office trend, which presents opportunities for growth as companies modernize their office spaces [67][69]