Topgolf Callaway Brands (MODG) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenues for Q3 2025 were $934 million, a 3% increase year-over-year, driven by growth in both Topgolf and golf equipment segments [23][24] - Q3 adjusted EBITDA was $115 million, a decrease of $4 million year-over-year, primarily due to $12 million in incremental tariffs [23][24] - Net debt decreased to $2.23 billion from $2.54 billion year-over-year, attributed to increased cash [25][26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Golf equipment segment revenue increased 4% year-over-year to $305 million, with a 4% increase in golf clubs and a 6% increase in golf balls [24] - Active lifestyle segment revenue was approximately flat at $156 million, with operating income down due to tariffs [12][24] - Topgolf revenue increased 4% to $472 million, driven by the addition of six new venues and a 1% increase in same-venue sales [24][25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. golf market is up 2% year-to-date, with mid-single-digit growth in sell-through reports [7][8] - Participation in golf remains strong, with rounds played up 1.4% year-to-date [8] - Market conditions in Europe and the U.K. are positive, while Japan and Korea have seen slight declines [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on delivering "demonstrably superior and pleasingly different" products to enhance pricing power and market share [10][14] - Continued emphasis on value initiatives at Topgolf, including new pricing strategies and membership programs, to drive traffic and sales [15][16][67] - The company is committed to the separation of Topgolf and is actively evaluating strategic alternatives [20][61] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strategic direction and raised full-year guidance based on strong Q3 performance and positive trends [5][27] - The impact of tariffs is acknowledged, with ongoing efforts to mitigate costs through efficiency improvements and pricing strategies [13][27] - Positive consumer engagement and market conditions are expected to support growth in the golf equipment segment [45][55] Other Important Information - The company plans to open four new Topgolf venues in 2025, with continued strong economic returns from new locations [19][25] - The implementation of a new point-of-sale system is expected to improve service speed and efficiency [18][67] - The company is optimistic about maintaining free cash flow positivity for both the total company and Topgolf in 2025 [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Pricing power on golf equipment due to strong demand - Management indicated that pricing power is dependent on product differentiation and market conditions, with strategic pricing adjustments being considered to offset tariff impacts [34][35] Question: Trends in Topgolf visitation and food and beverage sales - Management reported strong traffic growth and positive trends in food and beverage sales, driven by new offerings and successful value initiatives [37][39] Question: Sell-through trends and consumer behavior changes - Management noted strong sell-through trends, with consumer engagement remaining high, and indicated a positive outlook for new product launches in 2026 [43][45] Question: Visibility on corporate event bookings for Q4 - Management confirmed reasonable visibility on corporate event bookings, with over half booked 30 days in advance [74] Question: Update on CEO search and its impact on separation timing - Management stated that the search for a new CEO is ongoing, with strong candidates, but did not provide a specific timeline for the separation process [87][89]

Topgolf Callaway Brands (MODG) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript - Reportify