PriceSmart(PSMT) - 2026 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net merchandise sales and total revenue reached almost $1.4 billion during the first quarter, with net merchandise sales increasing by 10.6%, or 9.5% in constant currency [5] - Comparable net merchandise sales increased by 8%, or 6.9% in constant currency [5] - Operating income for the first quarter increased by 8% to $62.9 million [25] - Net income for the first quarter was $40.2 million, or $1.29 per diluted share, up from $37.4 million, or $1.21 per diluted share, in the prior year [26] - Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter was $86.9 million, a growth of 9.8% [26] - Total gross margin for the quarter remained strong and unchanged at 15.9% [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Central America, net merchandise sales increased by 9.6%, or 9.2% in constant currency [6] - In the Caribbean, net merchandise sales increased by 5.7%, or 7.8% in constant currency [7] - In Colombia, net merchandise sales increased by 27.8%, or 15% in constant currency [8] - Membership accounts grew by 6.7% year over year to over 2 million accounts, with a strong renewal rate of 89.3% [9] - Private label sales represented 27% of total merchandise sales, down 70 basis points from the same period last year [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Digital channel sales reached $89.8 million, up 29.4% year over year, representing 6.6% of total net merchandise sales [18] - Orders placed directly through the website or app grew by 18.1%, with average transaction value up 10.1% [18] - Membership income as a percentage of revenue increased to 1.7%, compared to 1.6% in the prior year [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on expanding its real estate footprint, with plans to open new clubs in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Costa Rica [10][12] - The company is advancing its supply chain transformation strategy, including opening new distribution centers and implementing a new forecasting platform [15][16] - The company aims to enhance its membership strategy by growing Platinum memberships, which represent 19.3% of the total membership base, up from 14% in the same period last year [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's future, citing strong consumer demand and operational execution [5] - The company is monitoring remittance flows to Latin America and the Caribbean, which are significant for several markets [22] - Management noted that while U.S. tariffs do not apply to most merchandise, they continue to monitor the evolving trade policy environment [21] Other Important Information - The company is investing in technology to enhance both member and employee experience, including a new point of sale system and human capital management system [19][20] - The company is addressing operational disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa, with existing clubs recovering quickly [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Were the comps positive in Honduras and Panama despite issues? - Management indicated that there was front-loading of purchasing in Honduras due to elections, and recovery is seen post-election, while Panama is experiencing okay results [30] Question: What factors contribute to Colombia's strong performance? - Management attributed Colombia's strength to the favorable peso exchange rate, local merchandise mix, and strong team execution [31] Question: What impact might increased migration from Venezuela have on Colombia's economy? - Management refrained from speculation but noted strong consumer demand in Colombia [32] Question: Why did cash in Trinidad increase from $60 million to $80 million? - Management explained that the increase is due to seasonal cash flow fluctuations and ongoing challenges in the availability of U.S. dollars [33] Question: What insights have been gained from the Chilean market? - Management noted that Chile is competitive and digitalized, with no direct club models, but they feel optimistic about entering the market [36] Question: How sustainable is the revenue growth in Colombia? - Management expressed confidence in Colombia's growth, emphasizing efficient operations and a strong brand position [38]