Hayward Holdings Inc (HAYW) Q3 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Sales Growth and Margin Expansion Amid Global Challenges

Hayward Holdings Inc (HAYW) reports a 3% increase in net sales and improved profit margins, while navigating economic headwinds in international markets.

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Oct 30, 2024
Summary
  • Net Sales: Increased 3% year over year to $228 million.
  • Gross Profit Margin: Expanded 190 basis points to 49.7%.
  • Cash Flow from Operations: Increased 27% year to date.
  • Adjusted EBITDA Margin: Increased 110 basis points to 22.5%.
  • Adjusted Diluted EPS: Increased 22% to $0.11.
  • North America Net Sales: Increased 5% to $195 million.
  • Europe and Rest of World Net Sales: Decreased 7% to $33 million.
  • Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA: Improved to 2.8 times.
  • Total Liquidity: $388 million, including cash and equivalents of $274 million.
  • Full-Year 2024 Net Sales Guidance: Expected to increase 3% to 5% to $1.02 billion to $1.04 billion.
  • Full-Year 2024 Adjusted EBITDA Guidance: Expected to increase 5% to 9% to $260 million to $270 million.
  • Full-Year 2024 Free Cash Flow Guidance: Approximately $160 million.
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Release Date: October 29, 2024

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • Hayward Holdings Inc (HAYW, Financial) reported a 3% year-over-year increase in net sales for the third quarter, driven by positive net price realization and the acquisition of ChlorKing.
  • Gross profit margins expanded by 190 basis points to 49.7%, marking the seventh consecutive quarter of year-over-year gross margin expansion.
  • Cash flow from operations increased by 27% year to date, enabling the company to fund growth initiatives and reduce balance sheet leverage to 2.8 times.
  • The company raised the lower end of its full-year guidance, expecting net sales to increase by 3% to 5% and adjusted EBITDA to rise by 5% to 9% from the previous year.
  • Hayward Holdings Inc (HAYW) continues to invest in technology leadership and new product introductions, receiving awards for innovation leadership and operational excellence.

Negative Points

  • Net sales in Europe and the rest of the world declined by 7% due to lower volumes and macroeconomic challenges.
  • The demand for new construction and remodels continues to be impacted by current economic conditions and interest rates.
  • The company experienced a 70-basis-point dilutive impact on gross profit margin due to purchase accounting related to the ChlorKing acquisition.
  • Despite improvements, the Europe and rest of world segment's gross profit margin reduced to 34.4%, affected by lower volumes and unfavorable mix.
  • The company faces ongoing geopolitical and macroeconomic challenges in certain international markets, impacting overall performance.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you explain the difference in gross margins between North America and Europe, and how this might affect future growth?
A: Kevin Holleran, President and CEO, explained that North America's margins benefited from price realization and operational efficiencies, while Europe faced macroeconomic challenges and a discrete inventory adjustment. Investments in Europe are expected to improve margins over time.

Q: What factors contributed to the 6% pricing increase in North America this quarter?
A: Eifion Jones, CFO, noted that the increase was due to year-over-year price hikes, normalized discounts and allowances, and a recent price increase for the 2025 season.

Q: How should we think about the rest of the world's business margins moving forward?
A: Eifion Jones stated that margins are expected to improve in Q4, with a long-term goal of exceeding 40%. The company is focusing on supply chain improvements and new leadership in Europe to drive margin growth.

Q: What is the outlook for new construction and remodeling markets in 2025?
A: Kevin Holleran mentioned that while the aftermarket remains resilient, new construction and remodeling are impacted by economic conditions. Interest rate cuts could provide a tailwind, but significant improvements are not expected immediately.

Q: Can you provide more details on the early buy program and its impact on 2025?
A: Kevin Holleran explained that the early buy program is progressing as expected, with solid participation from channel partners. It helps level load production and provides a discount to partners, indicating a positive outlook for 2025.

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.