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, achieving a CAD 600 million annual run rate, with gross margins reaching 28%, the highest 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 Canna Cabana loyalty program saw membership grow to 2.58 million, up 47% year-over-year, with Elite members increasing by 100% year-over-year to 162,000 [11][29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Market share in the five provinces where the company operates increased to 12% in 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 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 the peer average of CAD 1.3 million [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 U.K., within the next twelve months [23][38] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a slowing market in Canada but expressed confidence in outperforming competitors due to strong execution and strategic location choices [36][68] - The company remains optimistic about the Remexian business, anticipating improved profitability as Canadian biomass begins to arrive in Germany [9][44] - Management highlighted strong cost controls, with general and administrative expenses at a six-quarter low of 4.1% of revenue [23] Other Important Information - The company generated CAD 42.6 million in Adjusted EBITDA over the past 12 months, indicating strong profitability [24] - New advisory positions were created to provide strategic guidance on various matters, including real estate and e-commerce technology [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of winter storms on same-store sales - Management confirmed that same-store sales were impacted in late January but still posted a 2% increase in the last three months of 2025, outperforming the industry [34][36] Question: Plans for entering the U.K. market - Management is actively meeting with key players in the U.K. and aims to enter the market within the next 12 months, with no rush to finalize a deal [37][38] Question: February sales performance in Germany - Management noted that February's sales of EUR 12 million were the highest since acquiring Remexian, but cautioned that this level may not be sustainable in the short term [41][43] Question: Future store openings and market focus - Management indicated that while the focus is on Ontario, growth opportunities exist in Alberta and Saskatchewan as well [48] Question: E-commerce recovery strategies - Management implemented several changes in the e-commerce segment, resulting in a 30%-50% increase in conversion rates and a positive trend continuing into Q2 [56][58]