Hanes(HBI) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hanesbrands reported a 4% year-over-year growth in sales for the fourth quarter, with net sales increasing 4.5% to $888 million [34][14] - Gross margin improved by 580 basis points to 41.4%, while operating margin expanded by 390 basis points to 11.8% [14][15] - Earnings per share (EPS) increased by 670% [15] - The company paid down over $1 billion in debt, reducing leverage by nearly 2 turns [15][40] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., net sales increased by 3% year-over-year, driven by innovation and increased brand investments [34][35] - The International segment saw a 6% increase in net sales on a constant currency basis, with growth in each region [35] - The Champion Japan business has been reclassified to discontinued operations, affecting comparability with previous guidance [4][5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Australian business experienced growth driven by better inventory management and strong innovation [35][106] - The company noted no significant shifts in ordering patterns among major retail accounts, maintaining strong relationships across channels [78][123] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Hanesbrands is transitioning from a global holding company to a global operating company, focusing on consumer-centric innovation and streamlined operations [16][18] - The company aims to expand margins to over 15% and generate more than $400 million in annual operating cash flow [21][23] - The strategy includes leveraging competitive strengths and focusing on new revenue streams, particularly in the Printwear channel [22][111] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving positive organic constant currency sales growth in 2025, despite a challenging consumer environment [50][51] - The company anticipates further margin expansion in 2025, driven by cost savings and improved operational efficiencies [22][39] - Management highlighted a strong foundation and momentum entering 2025, with a commitment to shareholder value creation [13][24] Other Important Information - The company has initiated a leadership succession plan, with the current CEO planning to step down after five years [24][66] - Management emphasized the importance of transparency during the transition and the strength of the current leadership team [66][67] Q&A Session Summary Question: Confidence in driving positive sales in 2025 and revenue opportunities - Management expressed confidence in achieving 1% organic constant currency growth, supported by innovation and brand investments [50][51] Question: Visibility and control over future margin expansion - Management indicated strong visibility to cost and savings, expecting another step up in operating margins in 2025 [54][59] Question: Elimination of stranded costs associated with Champion - Management stated that stranded costs would be largely eliminated by the end of 2025, contributing to margin expansion [72][73] Question: Guidance breakdown for U.S. vs. international business - Management expects flat growth in the U.S. and low-single-digit growth internationally, with no major shifts in ordering patterns [77][78] Question: Gross margin cadence throughout the year - Management anticipates a stronger gross margin in the first half of the year, with some stabilization expected in the back half [81][84] Question: Cash flow build for the year - Management outlined factors contributing to the expected $350 million in operating cash flow, including profit growth and lower cash interest [95][100] Question: International revenue outlook and inventory position - Management clarified that growth in Australia is driven by volume rather than inventory fill, with a focus on consumer engagement and innovation [105][106] Question: Impact of potential retaliatory tariffs on sales into Mexico and Canada - Management confirmed no impact from tariffs, as products are not sold from the U.S. into those countries [115][117] Question: Consumer trends and channel shifts - Management noted that the business follows macro channel trends closely, with strong relationships across various retail channels [123]