Karat(KRT) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q1 2025 were $103.6 million, an increase of 8.4% from $95.6 million in the prior year quarter [10] - Sales volume grew by 10.9% year over year, while pricing was unfavorable by $3.9 million [10] - Gross profit increased by 8.4% to $40.8 million, with a consistent gross margin of 39.3% [12][13] - Operating income for Q1 2025 was $7.8 million, down from $8.1 million in the prior year quarter [14] - Net income rose by 5.2% to $6.8 million, with a net income margin of 6.6% [14] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 was $11.9 million, compared to $13.5 million in the prior year quarter, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 11.5% [14][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales to chain accounts and distributors increased by 7.1%, while online sales rose by 19.6% [11] - Retail channel sales decreased by 3.2% [12] - The company is combining net sales to chain accounts and distributors into a single category for reporting purposes [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strongest growth came from Texas and the Midwest, with California, the largest market, also showing improvement [7] - Online business experienced nearly a 20% sales increase during the first quarter [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on reducing imports from China, aiming to lower it to under 10% by the end of Q2 2025 [6] - Price increases were implemented on April 1, with additional increases expected in mid-May [7][24] - A new distribution center is expected to enhance capacity and support anticipated growth [9] - The company is committed to balancing shareholder returns with long-term growth investments [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating supply chain challenges and an uncertain trade environment [6] - The company anticipates net sales for Q2 2025 to increase by high single digits to low double digits compared to the prior year quarter [17] - Gross margin for Q2 2025 is expected to be in line with Q1, with adjusted EBITDA margin projected in the mid-teens [17] Other Important Information - The Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend of $0.45 per share, payable on May 23, 2025 [16] - As of March 31, 2025, the company had financial liquidity of $46.7 million and $23.8 million in short-term investments [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: What countries are being considered for sourcing to reduce China exposure? - The company plans to move sourcing to Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand, aiming for less than 10% exposure to China by August [21][22] Question: How will the company manage the impact of tariffs on pricing? - Price increases have been implemented, ranging from 5% to 20%, depending on the product, with the company absorbing some costs due to high demand [24][25] Question: How are reciprocal tariffs factored into guidance? - The company is currently operating on a day-to-day basis due to the unpredictable nature of tariff changes [26] Question: Is the company in a position to benefit from tariffs compared to competitors? - The company has been proactive in sourcing outside of China, positioning itself to gain market share [28] Question: What is the current status of freight costs? - Freight costs were lower in Q1 compared to Q4, but are expected to rise in Q2 due to ongoing shipping delays [29] Question: What cost-saving initiatives are being implemented? - The company is negotiating with third-party carriers to reduce shipping costs, with initial savings already observed [33][34] Question: What is the expected gross margin trend for the second half of the year? - The company anticipates some compression in gross margins in the second half due to tariffs and duties [40] Question: What is the mix of revenue from domestic manufacturing? - Domestic manufacturing was stable in Q1, but the company is ramping up production due to increased demand [42] Question: What factors are contributing to market share growth? - The company's credibility and reliability during the COVID period have strengthened customer relationships, leading to increased market share [45]