Regis (RGS) - 2023 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics - The company reported positive adjusted EBITDA of $15.8 million for the first 9 months of fiscal 2023, an$ 80 million improvement compared to the $66.2 million loss in the previous year [12] - Q3 2023 adjusted EBITDA was$ 4.2 million, a $4.5 million improvement from the$ 0.3 million loss in the prior year's quarter [23] - Operating income for Q3 was $2 million, a significant improvement from the$ 22.2 million loss in Q3 of fiscal 2022 [24] - Cash used in operations improved by $26 million year-over-year, with$ 8 million used in the first 9 months and $1.6 million in Q3 [9] - Total liquidity remained stable at$ 43 million, consistent with the previous quarter [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics - Same-store sales increased by 6.0% in Q3 compared to the prior year [23] - The franchise segment EBITDA was $4.8 million in Q3, a$ 1.9 million increase from the previous year [64] - The company-owned segment lost $0.5 million in Q3, a$ 3 million improvement from the same quarter last year [73] - The company closed underperforming salons with an average sales volume of $100,000, optimizing resources for more viable locations [25] Market Data and Key Metrics - The company has seen steady customer traffic despite price increases of 20%-25% since COVID, indicating low price elasticity [17] - The company's brands cater to a wide range of customers, from those seeking quality haircuts to those looking for quick and convenient services [74] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is focused on streamlining G&A, winding down corporate salons, and rolling out the Zenoti Salon Management platform [22] - The company is investing in stylist recruitment, retention, and training, with initiatives like in-salon design teams and stylist events [10][40] - The company is launching a pilot loyalty program across two major brands, aiming to drive customer retention and repeat behavior [66] - The company is exploring new geographies, brands, and concepts for future growth [58] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the stabilization of the business and the potential for future growth, with fiscal 2023 on track to be the best in years [12][33] - The company expects to continue rationalizing its salon portfolio while growing top and bottom-line performance [25] - Management remains committed to smart cash management and returning to cash generation [60] Other Important Information - The company announced the addition of Nancy Benacci to the Board of Directors, bringing capital markets and strategic expertise [41] - The company remains in the care period regarding the NYSE market cap requirement, having briefly fallen below the$ 50 million threshold [55] Q&A Session Question: Status of the company's continued listing with the NYSE - The company briefly fell below the $50 million market cap requirement but has since recovered and remains in the care period [55] Question: Impact of price increases on customer traffic - Customer traffic has remained steady despite price increases of 20%-25% since COVID, indicating low price elasticity [17] Question: Stylist retention and recruitment efforts - Stylist retention and recruitment have stabilized, with efforts focused on keeping stylists busy and engaged [10][18] Question: Zenoti's impact on franchisees and marketing efforts - Zenoti will enable lifecycle marketing and loyalty programs by consolidating customer profiles and automating messaging [52][62] Question: In-store styling and training initiatives - Salons with dedicated in-salon design teams have seen sales improvements of up to 10%, and the company continues to invest in these programs [54][76] Question: Economic outlook and customer profile - The company's brands are well-positioned to attract customers seeking value, regardless of macroeconomic changes [49]