Hydrofarm(HYFM) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q1 2025 were $40.5 million, down 25.2% year over year, primarily due to a 22.6% decrease in volume mix and a 1.8% decline in pricing [18] - Gross profit in Q1 was $6.9 million, or 17% of net sales, compared to $10.9 million, or 20.2% of net sales in the prior year [19] - Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $2.4 million in Q1, although it improved by $4.8 million compared to Q4 2024 [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Proprietary brands accounted for 55% of net sales in Q1, an improvement from 52% in Q4 2024, but still below the 56% to 58% range seen in the first three quarters of the previous year [18][30] - Consumable products represented over three-quarters of total sales, showing a small increase over 2024 [19] - Adjusted SG&A expenses were $11 million, an 11% reduction compared to $12.3 million last year, marking the eleventh consecutive quarter of significant year-over-year adjusted SG&A savings [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted prolonged industry oversupply challenges and a lack of government progress on regulatory issues, which impacted year-over-year results [12] - The U.S. government clarified that Canadian peat would be tariff-free, which is expected to positively impact the peat moss business moving forward [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on higher-margin proprietary brands to drive revenue and improve profitability, with a strategic initiative to enhance sales in these areas [5][6] - A thorough review of the product portfolio and distribution network is underway to align better with estimated sales demand and support margin expansion [15] - The company is actively pursuing strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value, including potential acquisitions or divestitures [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the potential for regulatory changes in the cannabis market, citing recent polling data showing increased public support for rescheduling [40] - The company has withdrawn its full-year 2025 guidance for net sales, adjusted EBITDA, and free cash flow due to ongoing tariff uncertainties and prolonged industry challenges [14][43] - Despite the challenges, management remains committed to improving adjusted gross profit margins and reducing adjusted SG&A expenses for the full year [44] Other Important Information - The company ended Q1 with a cash balance of $13.7 million and total debt of approximately $127.3 million [24] - Cash used in operating activities was negative $11.8 million, yielding negative free cash flow of $12 million for the quarter [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Follow-up on proprietary brand sales and growth outlook - Management highlighted strong performance from proprietary nutrient brands and emphasized ongoing investments in sales capabilities and marketing efforts to drive growth [31][32] Question: Impact of tariffs on product costs and demand - Management indicated that while consumable products are largely insulated from tariffs, the durable side faces challenges due to sourcing from China, and they are actively renegotiating with vendors [34][35] Question: Regulatory environment and potential changes in the cannabis market - Management expressed optimism about potential regulatory changes, noting recent momentum in rescheduling discussions and efforts to push for safer banking legislation [40][41] Question: Overall outlook for 2025 - Management stated that while Q1 performance was generally in line with previous expectations, the uncertainty surrounding tariffs and industry conditions led to a prudent decision to pause guidance for the year [43][44]