High Tide (HITI) - 2026 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
High Tide High Tide (US:HITI)2026-03-18 16:32

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q1 was CAD 178.3 million, up 25% year-over-year, marking the fastest growth in 10 quarters and a 9% sequential increase [6][26] - Adjusted EBITDA was CAD 11.5 million, up 62% year-over-year, representing the fastest growth in 2 years [7][28] - Free Cash Flow for Q1 was CAD 2.9 million, a significant improvement from -CAD 1.9 million in Q1 last year and more than double the CAD 1.3 million generated in Q4 [10][28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The domestic core brick-and-mortar segment generated CAD 150 million in revenue, with a gross margin of 28%, marking the highest level in over three years [12][27] - The Remexian international business generated EUR 25 million in revenue for Q1, averaging over EUR 8 million a month, with February alone contributing EUR 12 million [8][41] - The brick-and-mortar segment's adjusted EBITDA margin was 9% in Q1, consistent with Q4's high [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Canna Cabana's market share in the five provinces where it operates increased to 12% during November and December, up from 11% a year ago [13] - Total industry sales in the five provinces were up 3% year-over-year, while Canna Cabana's sales increased by 14% during the same period [15][16] - The average annual revenue per square foot for Canna Cabana was CAD 1,728, significantly above many leading retailers [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to add 20-30 stores in Canada during the calendar year, focusing primarily on Ontario, while also exploring M&A opportunities [17][48] - Long-term goals include increasing sales from white label products to approximately 20% from the current 1.6% [17] - The company aims to expand its ecosystem into other international markets, particularly the UK, within the next twelve months [23][38] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the performance of the Remexian business, anticipating improved profitability as Canadian biomass begins to arrive in Germany [9][44] - The company acknowledged potential headwinds in Germany due to new laws but remains optimistic about the market's growth [22] - Management noted that the current macroeconomic environment, including inflation and potential recession, could impact consumer spending [68] Other Important Information - General and administrative expenses represented just 4.1% of revenue, marking a six-quarter low [23] - The company has a strong balance sheet with total debt at CAD 64.5 million and CAD 46.4 million in cash and restricted cash [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of winter storms on same-store sales - Management acknowledged that same-store sales were impacted by severe winter storms in January, but they still posted positive growth [34][36] Question: Plans for entering the UK market - Management is actively meeting with key players in the UK and aims to enter the market within the next 12 months, without rushing the process [38] Question: February sales performance in Germany - Management indicated that February's sales of EUR 12 million were exceptional but cautioned that this level may not be consistently repeatable in the near term [41][43] Question: Organic growth focus in Canada - Management confirmed that the focus for organic growth is primarily on Ontario, with potential expansions in Alberta and Saskatchewan as well [48] Question: E-commerce recovery strategies - Management highlighted recent changes in their e-commerce platforms that have led to increased conversion rates and order volumes [56][58] Question: Competitive pressures in the market - Management acknowledged the potential for irrational competitive behavior among competitors but emphasized their strategy of steady pricing and margin management [70][72]