European Wax Center(US:EWCZ)2025-08-13 13:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2025, the company reported system-wide sales of $257.6 million, a decrease of 1% year-over-year, with same-store sales growth of 30 basis points [6][26] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $21.6 million, reflecting a 4.7% increase from $20.6 million in the prior year period, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 38.7% [28][29] - Total revenue decreased by approximately $4 million or 6.6% to $55.9 million, primarily due to lower contributions from wholesale product and retail revenue [26][28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company opened two growth centers during the quarter and closed five, resulting in three net center closures, with a total of 1,059 centers at the end of Q2, flat year-over-year [26][30] - The company has seen an improvement in transaction growth, with same-store sales up 1.7% in June and 1.5% through the first five weeks of Q3 [8][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted challenges in the California market, while improvements were observed in Texas, Florida, and New York [62] - The Wax Pass sales increased by almost 2% year-over-year, indicating stable customer engagement [66] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three strategic objectives: driving sales through traffic growth, improving profitability for franchisees, and implementing a more sophisticated development approach [10][20] - The leadership team has been expanded with the addition of a Chief Operating Officer and a Chief Development Officer to enhance operational execution and franchise development [10][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the fundamentals of the business and the potential for long-term growth, despite being in a transitional year [7][39] - The company is narrowing its full-year revenue outlook to between $940 million and $950 million, with same-store sales expected to be flat to up 1% for the full year [33][36] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with $63.9 million in cash and $388 million outstanding under senior secured notes, with a net leverage ratio of 4.2 times [30] - The company plans to maintain advertising expenses slightly above 3% of system-wide sales to support ongoing traffic-driving initiatives [37] Q&A Session Summary Question: What changes have been made to the grand opening playbook? - The company has refined its grand opening playbook to ensure centers are set up for success, focusing on staffing and training, which has led to improved ramping of new units [44] Question: How should we think about closure pace going forward? - The company aims to minimize negative impacts from closures by building a strong foundation for sustainable traffic growth and improving overall network health [49] Question: Are there notable changes at the store level or in center execution? - The company is focusing on both marketing and operational tactics to drive frequency with existing guests, with a strong partnership with franchisees [53] Question: What is the outlook for regional performance? - The company is seeing challenges in California but improvements in Texas and Florida, with a focus on using data analytics to engage guests effectively [62] Question: How is the new product launch performing? - The company is pleased with the acceptance of new products and continues to prioritize transaction counts while maintaining a focus on retail [64] Question: What is the trajectory of Wax Pass sales? - Wax Pass sales have increased by almost 2% year-over-year, indicating continued customer engagement [66]