Hillman Solutions (HLMN) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2024, net sales totaled $1.473 billion, slightly down from 2023, impacted by a nearly 6% decline in foot traffic and existing home sales at 30-year lows [17][55] - Adjusted EBITDA for 2024 increased 10.2% to $241.8 million, with a margin of 16.4%, compared to 14.9% a year ago [59][70] - Adjusted gross margins improved by 390 basis points to 48.1% for 2024, driven by operating efficiencies and a higher margin product mix [19][55] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Hardware and Protective Solutions (HPS) segment saw a 23% increase in adjusted EBITDA with flat top-line results, demonstrating strong customer value [21] - Robotics and Digital Solutions (RDS) is expected to return to growth in 2025, with new strategies and machine rollouts enhancing revenue potential [45][111] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Existing home sales fell to 30-year lows, contributing to a 5-point reduction in market volume for Hillman in 2024 [18] - The company anticipates a return to 2% to 3% volume growth in the market, which is crucial for achieving organic top-line growth of 5% to 6% [27][69] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to grow to $2 billion in net sales over the next three to five years, focusing on core business growth and strategic acquisitions [26][29] - Investments in technology, including cloud migration and AI, are prioritized to enhance operational efficiency and customer service [30][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about returning to growth in 2025, despite current market pressures, and emphasized readiness for future market improvements [40][76] - The company is confident in its ability to navigate macroeconomic challenges and maintain profitability through strategic initiatives [39][41] Other Important Information - Hillman made two acquisitions in 2024, Koch Industries and Intex DIY, which are expected to provide organic growth opportunities [14][15] - The company has paid down over $900 million of debt in the past four years, improving its balance sheet [24][63] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you break out organic growth in Q4 by price and volume? - Management indicated that price was down just over 1%, with volume making up the remainder of the growth calculation [80] Question: Why should MinuteKey 3.5% drive sustainable growth in RDS? - Management highlighted the expansion into new markets and improved machine capabilities as key drivers for growth [84][87] Question: How did December trends look, and what is expected in Q1? - December was pressured, but Q1 has stabilized, aligning with expectations from Q4 [96] Question: How are tariffs being managed? - Management plans to handle tariffs similarly to past experiences, ensuring pricing adjustments are made as necessary [98][102] Question: What is the outlook for the Canadian business? - The Canadian market is facing pressures, but new business wins are helping to offset these challenges [127][130]