BRC (US:BRCC)2025-11-04 14:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, net revenue increased by 3% year over year, primarily driven by growth in the wholesale segment [13] - Gross margin was 36.9%, a decrease of 520 basis points compared to the prior year, mainly due to increased trade investment and green coffee inflation [15] - Operating expenses declined by $3.6 million, or 9%, compared to the same quarter last year, with marketing expenses decreasing by 14% [15][16] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 19% to 8.4% of sales, representing a 115 basis point improvement year over year [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The wholesale segment, which sells packaged coffee and ready-to-drink beverages, grew by 5% year over year, with a 9% increase when adjusted for non-recurring revenue [13] - Direct-to-consumer segment revenue was down 4% year over year, but adjusted results were slightly positive after accounting for prior year benefits [14][8] - The outpost segment revenue grew by 6%, benefiting from higher franchise fees and improved merchandising [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Nielsen data indicated that the U.S. coffee category grew by 13.2%, while Black Rifle Coffee Company outperformed with sales up 36.7% year over year [4][5] - The ready-to-drink coffee category faced a 3.1% decline, but Black Rifle's performance was resilient, down only 0.6% overall [9] - Black Rifle Energy expanded its footprint to nearly 20,000 retail locations, achieving approximately 22% ACV [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to drive strong on-shelf execution, maintain cost discipline, and build a scalable platform for long-term success [4] - Focus on expanding distribution and driving velocity with key retail partners while advancing the product lineup [4][5] - The company is committed to supporting veterans through initiatives like forgiving medical debt for veterans [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the opportunities ahead, despite challenges in the cost environment [4] - The company expects to finish the year with at least $395 million in revenue and a gross margin of at least 35% [17] - Management acknowledged ongoing pressures from commodity inflation and tariffs but remains focused on operational improvements [20][19] Other Important Information - The company raised $40.25 million through an equity offering to strengthen its cash position [16] - The brand continues to gain share at retail, with unit gains up more than 20% year to date, reflecting real consumer demand [6] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance language appears more cautious than before, is that correct? - Management confirmed that while guidance remains unchanged, they are guiding towards the lower end of the range due to ongoing coffee inflation and trade investment [24] Question: Confidence in long-term growth targets? - Management expressed confidence in achieving a 10%-15% CAGR on the top line and approaching 40% margins by 2027, driven by distribution gains [26][28] Question: Consumer acceptance of energy drinks? - Management reported positive performance in initial markets and plans to expand strategically while maintaining focus on coffee [30] Question: Expansion of the energy category? - Management highlighted the launch of new flavors and the importance of staying relevant in the energy segment to drive distribution [32][34] Question: Marketing spend outlook for next year? - Management plans to maintain marketing spend as a percentage of net sales while shifting focus towards more effective working marketing strategies [36][38]