The Joint (US:JYNT)2025-11-06 23:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from continuing operations increased by 6% compared to Q3 2024, reaching $13.4 million [8][20] - Consolidated adjusted EBITDA grew by 36%, reflecting cost management efforts despite a 1.5% decline in system-wide sales and negative comp sales of 2% [8][18] - Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents stood at $29.7 million, up from $25.1 million at the end of the previous year [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - System-wide sales decreased by 1.5% to $127 million, with comp sales down by 2% [18][20] - The company opened nine franchise clinics in Q3, bringing the total to 884 franchise clinics, which is 92% of the portfolio [19] - The break-even point for new clinics improved significantly due to enhanced pre-opening protocols [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on a national marketing campaign to drive new patient acquisition, shifting from local to national advertising [10][11] - The marketing strategy emphasizes pain relief, which is identified as the primary reason for seeking chiropractic care, with 80% of new patients citing aches and pains [10][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to become a pure-play franchisor by refranchising corporate clinics, with an initial agreement to sell 45 clinics in Southern California for $4.5 million [9][27] - A new pricing pilot for wellness plans is being tested to optimize revenue while maintaining affordability [16][28] - The company is enhancing patient experience through technology upgrades, including a mobile app that has seen 178,000 downloads [17][42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged macroeconomic headwinds affecting the refranchising timeline but expressed confidence in progress [27] - The company revised its full-year 2025 guidance, expecting system-wide sales to range from $530-$534 million, down from previous guidance [24] - Management believes that 2026 will be more profitable than 2025 due to ongoing cost-saving initiatives and refranchising efforts [24][38] Other Important Information - The company was recognized in the Franchise Times Top 400 for the sixth consecutive year, ranking 139th [25] - The patient-facing mobile app is expected to enhance patient engagement and retention, although it is too early to measure its impact [42][43] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timeline for completing refranchising of corporate clinics - Management indicated that while exact timing is uncertain due to lender dynamics, they are confident in making progress [27] Question: Details on pricing plan pilot - The company is testing three different price increase levels for wellness plans to find the optimal balance for patients [28] Question: Steps to improve same-store sales - Management highlighted a shift in marketing focus to pain relief and reallocating funds from local to national marketing efforts [30] Question: Initiatives to improve break-even point for new clinics - The company has implemented robust pre-opening protocols to ensure new clinics achieve break-even faster [32] Question: Trends in comp growth and guidance for Q4 - Management noted that comps were slightly softer at the end of Q3 and that Q4 comparisons would be tougher due to last year's performance [34] Question: SG&A expense reductions and adjusted EBITDA guidance - Management is targeting significant reductions in SG&A expenses as part of the refranchising process [36][38] Question: Performance of clinics in Southern California - The clinics in Southern California are generally performing well, and the company is focused on finding strong operators for refranchising [40] Question: Insights on app utilization and engagement - While it's early to provide metrics, initial feedback on the app's patient experience has been very positive [42][43] Question: Timing for potential pricing increases - Management anticipates activating pricing changes in Q1 2026, pending insights from ongoing tests [45]