Clarus(US:CLAR)2025-05-08 22:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q1 2025 net sales were $60.4 million, exceeding expectations despite a challenging consumer backdrop, compared to $69.3 million in Q1 2024, reflecting a 13% decline year-over-year [5][33] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 was a loss of $800,000, down from breakeven guidance, with adjusted EBITDA margin at negative 1.3% [37][41] - Gross margin for Q1 was 34.4%, down from 35.9% in the prior year, impacted by lower volumes and unfavorable product mix [35][36] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adventure segment revenue was $16.1 million, down 28% year-over-year, primarily due to significant declines from three specific accounts [34] - Outdoor segment revenue was $44.3 million, down 6% year-over-year, driven by a planned decline in the ski business and the shift of IGD revenue to Q4 2024 [34][35] - The company sold $2.7 million of discontinued merchandise in the Outdoor segment during Q1, which contributed to the revenue but negatively impacted gross margins [69] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America wholesale sales in the Outdoor segment were down 7.3%, with a 38% decline in the ski category [17] - North America digital D2C sales were down 7%, while Europe digital D2C sales increased by 10.7% [18] - International distributor markets saw a decline of 21.4% due to optimal timing shifts of deliveries [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing its strategic roadmap for long-term profitable growth, emphasizing product simplification and SKU rationalization [5][6] - A new leadership appointment in the Adventure segment aims to drive growth and improve organizational structure [10][11] - The company is accelerating efforts to reduce exposure to China sourced products, with plans to complete the transition by Q4 2025 [24][42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management has withdrawn full-year guidance due to macroeconomic uncertainties and the impact of U.S. trade policies on consumer demand [12][41] - The company is committed to maintaining competitive positioning and financial strength, supported by a balance sheet with zero third-party bank debt [13][41] - Management remains optimistic about the potential for long-term growth despite current challenges, citing a strong order book for fall/winter apparel [21][46] Other Important Information - The company announced the divestiture of its PEEP Snow Safety brand for EUR 7.8 million, aligning with its strategy to simplify the business [40] - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of Q1 were $41.3 million, down from $45.4 million at the end of 2024 [38] - The company is actively pursuing legal matters related to Section 16B securities litigation and cooperating with ongoing investigations by the DOJ and CPSC [44][45] Q&A Session Summary Question: Are there any cancellations in products brought into the U.S. due to tariff impacts? - Management confirmed there have been no cancellations and emphasized efforts to maintain supply while managing margin impacts [48][50] Question: Can you quantify the headwinds to gross margin in each segment? - Management indicated that the unfavorable product mix and promotional sales efforts negatively impacted gross margins, with specific percentages provided for each segment [56][58] Question: What is the expected annualized contribution from the PEEP business before divestiture? - The PEEP business historically generates about $5 million in annual revenue, with Q1 revenue reported at $1.8 million [61] Question: How is the company navigating distribution in the U.S.? - The company is focusing on specialty distribution channels rather than mass discount retailers, expanding its reach with new partnerships [84] Question: What is the strategy regarding price increases in light of tariffs? - The company has proactively communicated price increases to offset tariffs and is among the first in the industry to do so [86][88]