Williams-Sonoma(WSM) - 2026 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2, the company reported a net revenue of $1.84 billion, exceeding expectations with a comparable sales growth of 3.7% [41][42] - Operating margin was 17.9%, an increase of 240 basis points year-over-year, with diluted earnings per share growing nearly 20% to $2 [46][40] - Gross margin improved to 47.1%, up 220 basis points from the previous year, driven by merchandise margins and supply chain efficiencies [42][43] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - All brands delivered positive comparable sales, with furniture and non-furniture categories both showing growth [37][41] - The B2B segment grew by 10% in Q2, with strong performance in both trade and contract businesses [30][9] - Emerging brands, particularly Rejuvenation, continued to show double-digit growth, with Rejuvenation achieving its seventh consecutive quarter of positive comps [10][31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company gained market share despite a weak housing market and high interest rates, indicating strong brand performance [40][41] - Retail channels saw a 7.3% increase in comparable sales, while e-commerce grew by 2% [42] - The company reported strong performance in strategic global markets, including Canada, Mexico, India, and the UK [34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on three key priorities: returning to growth, enhancing customer service, and driving earnings [7][35] - Strategic collaborations and product innovation are central to the growth strategy, particularly in furniture and seasonal decor [8][9] - The integration of AI across various business functions aims to enhance customer experience, optimize supply chain, and automate operations [12][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate macroeconomic uncertainties and tariff volatility while maintaining growth [40][52] - The company raised its top-line guidance for fiscal year 2025, expecting comparable brand revenue growth of 2% to 5% [15][49] - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by increased tariffs but emphasized the effectiveness of their mitigation strategies [51][52] Other Important Information - The company plans to invest between $250 million and $275 million in capital expenditures for fiscal year 2025, focusing on e-commerce and supply chain efficiency [54] - A quarterly dividend of $0.66 per share was announced, marking the sixteenth consecutive year of increased dividend payouts [54] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the comp performance and what drove the outperformance? - Management noted that the positive comps reflect strong momentum across nearly all initiatives, with both furniture and non-furniture categories performing well [58][60] Question: How do you view gross margin versus SG&A outlook for the second half? - Management reiterated that while gross margins may be pressured by tariffs, SG&A could benefit from strong sales, maintaining overall operating margin guidance [61][64] Question: What is the pricing strategy for the back half of the year? - The company aims to provide value while being strategic about price increases, ensuring competitiveness and quality [66][68] Question: Can you provide an update on sourcing products given tariff changes? - Management emphasized strong sourcing capabilities and flexibility in product sourcing to mitigate tariff impacts [74][76] Question: How much price increase has been taken across the industry? - Management indicated that pricing strategies are complex due to market dynamics, but they are pleased with their own pricing strategies and customer response [80][84] Question: What signals have you seen regarding consumer interest in furniture shopping? - Management attributed the positive performance in furniture to new product offerings rather than broader macroeconomic improvements [87][88] Question: How do you view demand elasticity for the second half? - Management noted that demand elasticity varies by category and emphasized the importance of product differentiation in pricing strategy [109][110]