Brilliant Earth (BRLT) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q3 net sales reached $110.3 million, representing a year-over-year increase of 10.4%, exceeding the top end of guidance by approximately 40 basis points [17] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 was $3.6 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 3.2%, marking the 17th consecutive quarter of positive adjusted EBITDA [18] - Gross margin for Q3 was 57.6%, within the medium-term target range, but a decline of 320 basis points compared to Q3 last year [18] - Average order value (AOV) was $2,209, reflecting a decline of 5.5% year-over-year but an increase of 6.5% quarter-over-quarter [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Engagement ring bookings returned to growth, marking an inflection point after a multi-year market normalization [9] - Wedding and anniversary band bookings achieved the largest quarter ever, with double-digit year-over-year growth [10] - Fine jewelry bookings grew 45% year-over-year, driven by both unit and average selling price (ASP) growth [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total orders grew 17% year-over-year, while repeat orders increased by 16% year-over-year, indicating strong brand resonance [9] - The company noted stabilization in engagement ring average selling prices, with sequential ASP growth in the last two quarters [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue capturing market share in the $350 billion jewelry industry, leveraging its asset-light, data-driven business model [5] - Strategic brand investments and celebrity placements have significantly increased brand awareness, generating over 13 billion impressions in Q3 [12] - The company is focused on expanding its showroom footprint and enhancing its omnichannel shopping experience [40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating industry-wide headwinds such as rising metal prices and tariffs, citing a globally diversified supply chain as a competitive advantage [24] - The company raised its full-year net sales guidance to 3-4.5% growth year-over-year, driven by improvements in engagement ring bookings and strong fine jewelry performance [22] - Management anticipates some impact from gold and platinum prices in Q4, which are near all-time highs, and the additional 25% tariff on India [24] Other Important Information - The company ended Q3 with approximately $73 million in cash and has generated approximately $12 million of free cash flow on a trailing 12-month basis [21] - The company has no debt on its balance sheet and has spent approximately $1.1 million on stock repurchases to date [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Sustainability of engagement ring bookings growth and expectations for bridal recovery versus fine jewelry mix - Management is optimistic about the sustainability of engagement ring bookings growth and expects to continue outperforming the industry [26] Question: Adjusted EBITDA margin guidance and impact of metals pricing and tariffs - Management indicated that they have taken selective pricing increases and are continuously optimizing pricing to mitigate cost increases [28] Question: Top-line guidance for the full year and headwinds - Management noted that the top-line guidance factors in strong performance in engagement and fine jewelry, with caution due to the holiday season's variability [33] Question: Marketing efficiencies driving sales and leverage - Management highlighted improvements in marketing efficiency through better allocation of spend and machine learning models to enhance site conversion [37] Question: Capital priorities and factors driving upside in fine versus engagement jewelry - Management emphasized a strong balance sheet and flexibility to invest in showroom expansion and brand awareness while maintaining a focus on ROI [40]