BRC (US:BRCC)2025-05-06 13:32Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - First quarter revenue declined by 9% year over year, primarily due to $8.5 million in barter transactions and a $3.4 million benefit from a change in loyalty rewards accruals in the previous year. Excluding these items, revenue increased by 4% [18] - Adjusted EBITDA declined by $11.6 million compared to the first quarter of last year, totaling approximately $1 million in Q1 2025 [21] - Gross margin decreased by 680 basis points to 36% of sales, impacted by increased trade investment, green coffee inflation, and changes in loyalty rewards [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The wholesale segment, primarily selling packaged coffee and ready-to-drink beverages, declined by 6% year over year. Excluding non-recurring revenue from the previous year, sales in this segment grew by 9% [18] - Direct-to-consumer (DTC) revenue declined by 15% in the first quarter, but adjusted for last year's loyalty reserve, the decline was closer to 5% [19] - The Outpost segment grew revenue by 2%, driven by higher franchise revenue and increased average order value [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S. Food, Drug, and Mass channels, the coffee category declined in unit volume during the first quarter, but Black Rifle Coffee Company achieved 21% sales growth, significantly outperforming the category's 4% increase [8] - The ready-to-drink coffee business saw first-quarter sales up 7% in a category that declined by 6% [12] - Distribution in grocery increased by 25 percentage points year over year to reach 45% [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on long-term growth by scaling the brand, deepening retail partnerships, and ensuring effective investment in the business [6] - The launch of Black Rifle Energy is a key initiative, with plans to expand distribution and marketing efforts in priority markets [14] - The company is committed to cost reduction and efficiency initiatives, aiming for annualized cost savings of $8 million to $10 million [27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a challenging operating environment but expressed confidence in the company's positioning and operational progress [28] - The impact of tariffs and green coffee inflation was highlighted, with an estimated $5 million impact on EBITDA in 2025 [24] - The company maintains its full-year revenue guidance of $395 million to $425 million, expecting sequential growth throughout the year [22] Other Important Information - The company continues to make monetary and product donations to military units and first responder organizations, emphasizing its mission-driven approach [15] - The company has implemented a price increase to offset rising green coffee prices, which have more than doubled since early 2024 [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the business react to an economic slowdown? - Management noted that during economic slowdowns, consumers tend to shift from coffee shops to at-home coffee, which can benefit premium brands like Black Rifle [32] Question: What is the outlook on guidance and gross margin changes? - Management explained that increased trade spending and coffee inflation have impacted gross margin, but they expect to manage these challenges effectively [35][36] Question: Can you share early feedback on the energy drink launch? - Management reported positive early feedback on the energy drink launch, with distribution already reaching over 20% of the market [40][41] Question: What strategies are being implemented to stabilize the DTC business? - Management is focusing on improving conversion rates, particularly through the mobile app, while reallocating resources towards wholesale and energy initiatives [51][53] Question: How is pricing being managed in relation to competitors? - Management indicated that pricing actions are being taken carefully to remain competitive while also considering the elasticity of demand [59] Question: What is the status of hedging for coffee purchases? - Management stated that they are approximately 95% hedged for 2025, which positions them better than competitors who are less hedged [61]