Sally Beauty(SBH) - 2026 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported total sales of $943 million for Q1 fiscal 2026, reflecting a 0.6% increase year-over-year, with comparable sales flat compared to the previous year [4][19] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share increased by 12% to $0.48, exceeding guidance [4][21] - Gross margins improved to 51%, with adjusted gross margin expanding by 50 basis points [4][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Sally segment, net sales increased by 1.2% to $532 million, with comparable sales essentially flat, up 10 basis points [21][22] - The core color category in the Sally segment grew by 8%, while care declined by 6% [22] - The BSG segment's net sales totaled $412 million, with comparable sales also flat, down 20 basis points [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global e-commerce sales increased by 11% to $111 million, representing 12% of total net sales [20] - Sally's e-commerce sales grew by 20% to $50 million, while BSG's e-commerce sales increased by 4% to $60 million [22][23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on four key growth drivers: understanding and activating the customer, unlocking digital value, differentiating with product assortment and innovation, and accelerating new growth pathways [9][12][18] - The "Save While You Skip the Salon" campaign is aimed at customer acquisition and retention, particularly among millennials and Gen Z [9][10] - The company is expanding into the fragrance category, with plans to increase presence in 2,000 stores [14][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of the customer base despite macroeconomic challenges, noting a rebound in performance following government shutdowns [5][29] - The company anticipates a strong Q2, with guidance for consolidated net sales between $895 million and $905 million, and comparable sales expected to increase by 0.5% to 1.5% [25][26] - Management remains cautious about macroeconomic factors but is optimistic about the potential for growth in new categories and initiatives [58] Other Important Information - The company generated strong cash flow from operations of $93 million and repaid $20 million of debt, while also returning $21 million to shareholders through share repurchases [5][24] - The company is on track to capture approximately $45 million in benefits from its Fuel for Growth program, contributing to gross margin and profitability [18][21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Comparison of BSG and Sally customers - Management noted that BSG customers are more value-focused, while Sally customers showed resilience and growth in color category sales [29][30] Question: Promotional environment and expectations - Management indicated that promotional levels were slightly up year-over-year, but gross margins remained strong, and they do not expect a highly promotional period in Q2 [38][39] Question: Trends in category growth and salon consumer behavior - Management stated that color categories are performing well, while care categories face challenges, and noted a pullback in add-on services due to macro disruptions [52][54] Question: Comp guidance and potential for improvement - Management expressed optimism for the second half of the year, citing new categories and initiatives as potential growth drivers [57][58] Question: Insights on Ignited stores - Management reported positive trends in Ignited stores, with increased customer engagement and spending compared to the rest of the fleet [48][49]