ACCO(US:ACCO)2025-05-02 13:32Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - First quarter sales were reported in line with expectations, while adjusted EPS exceeded outlook [6][20] - Overall demand environment remained soft, with reported sales decreasing approximately 12% and comparable sales down 8% excluding foreign exchange [20][21] - Gross profit for the first quarter was $100 million, a decrease of 10%, but gross margin rate expanded by 60 basis points [21] - The company generated free cash flow of $3 million, down from the previous year due to timing and performance of sales in Brazil [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Americas segment, sales declined 12%, with comparable sales down 8%, primarily due to lower sales of technology accessories and office products [22][23] - The international segment also saw comparable sales decline by 8%, although technology accessories experienced mid-single-digit growth driven by a large B2B sale [23][14] - Kensington brand had a strong quarter with mid-single-digit growth, while PowerA brand sales were down due to aging consoles and low consumer spending trends [16][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The demand environment was challenging, particularly in the Americas, impacted by soft consumer and business demand [12][20] - Brazil returned to volume growth, driven by strong performance in premium notebooks and products with popular licenses [14] - The company noted that about 60% of its business is outside the U.S., which is less impacted by the current tariff situation [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a $100 million multi-year cost reduction program, realizing $7 million in additional savings in the first quarter [6][19] - A "China plus one" strategy has been implemented to diversify the supplier base and reduce dependency on China [8][9] - The company is implementing price increases in North America in response to tariffs, with two increases communicated to customers [10][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating uncertainties related to tariffs and consumer demand, emphasizing a strong balance sheet and proactive actions [11][29] - The company is not providing full-year guidance due to uncertainties surrounding customer demand and tariff impacts [25] - For the second quarter, reported sales are expected to decline by 8% to 12%, with adjusted EPS anticipated in the range of $0.28 to $0.32 [28][29] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $15 million in stock during the quarter and closed on a small acquisition in the Australia-New Zealand markets [7][19] - The company is deferring most discretionary spending and pausing capital expenditures except for new product development and certain IT projects [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of the large B2B contract on future quarters - Management confirmed that the large B2B contract had a one-time impact in the first quarter and will not contribute to future sales [31] Question: Details on price increases in the international segment - Price increases of approximately 2% were communicated to customers in the international segment, with further increases anticipated in the U.S. due to tariffs [34][35] Question: Details on the recent acquisition - The acquisition was in ergonomic seating and business seating, aimed at entering a growing category in Australia and New Zealand [36][38] Question: Appetite for future acquisitions - Management indicated a cautious approach to acquisitions in the near term due to current trade dynamics, but still sees acquisitions as part of the long-term strategy [42] Question: Timing and revenue expectations from new product development - New products are being introduced throughout the year, with notable launches supporting the Nintendo Switch 2 expected in June [44][46] Question: Dynamics of international segment performance - The international segment faced challenges primarily in EMEA, with specific issues in Germany impacting sales [48][50]