Rocky Brands(US:RCKY)2025-10-28 21:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales for Q3 2025 increased by 7% to $122.5 million, with gross profit at $49.3 million, representing 40.2% of net sales, up from 38.1% in Q3 2024 [12][16] - Adjusted diluted EPS was $1.03, a 34% increase compared to Q3 2024 [3][16] - Gross margins improved by 210 basis points, driven by higher wholesale and retail margins [13][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wholesale net sales increased by 6.1% to $89.1 million, retail net sales rose by 10.3% to $29.5 million, and contract manufacturing net sales grew by 4.1% to $3.9 million [12][16] - XTRATUF brand showed strong growth, particularly in U.S. wholesale, which increased by double digits [4][5] - Muck brand continued its positive trajectory with double-digit growth in U.S. wholesale, supported by successful collaborations and improved inventory positions [6][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a challenging consumer environment, with cautious spending observed among consumers [21][23] - E-commerce business showed recovery in September after a sluggish period in July and August, indicating strong marketplace performance [29][31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is diversifying its sourcing base to mitigate the impact of higher tariffs, including adding new manufacturing partners outside of China and Vietnam [3][4] - Plans to manufacture approximately 50% of inventory needs in-house by 2026, up from 30% in 2025, to improve gross margins [18][19] - The company is focusing on expanding its direct-to-consumer business and enhancing marketing investments to support growth [15][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the fourth quarter, balancing strong brand momentum with concerns about the broader consumer environment [11][19] - Anticipated that headwinds from higher tariffs will abate midway through 2026, with expectations for improved gross margins in the second half of next year [12][18] - Management noted that Q4 2025 is expected to be the worst quarter from a tariff perspective, with improvements anticipated in 2026 [35] Other Important Information - The company reported a decrease in total debt by 7.5% year-over-year, totaling $139 million [16][17] - Inventory levels increased by 12.7% year-over-year, primarily due to higher tariffs and increased production in-house [16][17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on the consumer environment - Management noted that the consumer environment is dynamic, with cautious spending observed, but products are still selling well [21][23] Question: Quantifying delayed sales due to supply chain issues - Delays in sourcing changes resulted in a few million dollars in missed inventory, with expectations that bringing more products in-house will help margins in 2026 [25] Question: Insights on third-quarter results versus expectations - Management expressed satisfaction with Q3 results despite challenges, noting strong performance in marketplace and e-commerce [29][31] Question: Pockets of weakness and fourth-quarter guidance - Durango brand showed some weakness due to pulled-forward orders, while other brands like XTRATUF and Georgia Boot performed well [32][33] Question: Implied profit guidance for the fourth quarter - Management indicated that pricing will help offset tariff impacts, but Q4 margins are expected to be depressed due to timing of tariff effects [34][35] Question: Potential impact of consumer stimulus in 2026 - Management is prepared to take advantage of any consumer stimulus, with positive momentum expected for XTRATUF in 2026 [39][40]