Skyline Champion(SKY) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In fiscal year 2025, the company sold over 26,000 homes, a 19% increase year-over-year, with revenue growth of 23%, totaling $2.5 billion [4] - Fourth quarter net sales increased 11% to $594 million, with homes sold increasing 6% to 6,171 units [8][18] - Consolidated gross profit rose 55% to $152 million in the fourth quarter, with gross margin expanding by 740 basis points to 25.6% [21] - Net income for the fourth quarter increased by $33 million to $36 million, or earnings of $0.63 per diluted share [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. factory-built housing revenue increased by 10%, with homes sold rising 5% to 5,941 homes [18] - Canadian revenue during the quarter was $25 million, representing a 22% increase in homes sold, although the average selling price decreased by 9% to $110,600 [21] - Sales to independent retail channels and captive retail stores both increased compared to the prior year [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The backlog at the end of the year was $343 million, up 9% from the end of the previous year [9] - Average backlog lead time ended at eight weeks, within the target range of four to twelve weeks [9] - The company noted mixed traffic in retail stores, with some regions showing strong buyer engagement while others were weaker [30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its retail capabilities and has announced the acquisition of Eisman Homes to enhance its market presence [5][15] - The strategic priorities include investing in new products and services, enhancing customer experience, and navigating market uncertainties [7][28] - The company is optimistic about the long-term outlook for affordable housing and is actively managing costs while investing in growth [27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the unpredictable demand environment and noted a shift towards smaller floor plans with fewer features [13] - The company anticipates low single-digit revenue growth for Q1 of fiscal 2026, reflecting mixed consumer sentiment [12] - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate current challenges while focusing on long-term strategic growth [27] Other Important Information - The company has a strong cash position with $610 million in cash and cash equivalents and plans to continue share repurchases [24][25] - The effective tax rate for the quarter was 17.1%, down from 19.2% in the prior year, due to increased tax credits [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on discussions with customers in retail and community markets? - Management noted that digital leads are up, but in-store traffic is mixed across regions, with more serious buyers in the market [30][31] Question: What is the status of the community segment? - The community segment saw year-over-year growth, now representing 28% of overall units, but remains cautious due to market dynamics [33] Question: Can you break down the increase in SG&A expenses? - Management indicated that the increase was due to industry shows and higher sales volumes, but specific components were not disclosed [37] Question: Thoughts on share buybacks? - Management expressed a balanced capital allocation strategy and indicated they would be opportunistic with share repurchases [40][42] Question: Were there any shipping issues due to weather? - Management confirmed that weather conditions in Texas and the South impacted order rates, but they feel balanced regarding inventory [44] Question: What are the dynamics of manufactured housing and potential share gains? - Management highlighted the importance of captive retail and consumer financing, as well as regulatory changes that could support growth [48][49] Question: Can you clarify the near-term gross margin guidance? - Management stated that the guidance reflects short-term pressures but expects structural margins to return to the 26% to 27% range in the long term [57] Question: How would the removal of the permanent chassis requirement impact costs? - Management noted that it would allow for more flexible designs and potentially lower transport costs, but would need to balance product pricing [61] Question: What is the current state of credit availability for chattel? - Credit availability remains stable, with rates still higher than traditional fixed rates for well-qualified buyers [100]