WillScot Mobile Mini (WSC) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, total revenue was $560 million, a decline of 5% year over year, primarily due to lower volumes [15][16] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was$ 229 million, with a margin of 40.9%, reflecting a year-over-year margin decline of 130 basis points [17][18] - Adjusted free cash flow amounted to $145 million at a 26% margin, which was 120 basis points higher year over year [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average units on rent decreased by 5% year over year for modular and 16% for storage, aligning with expectations [15] - Total leasing revenue fell by$ 26 million or 6% year over year, while delivery and installation revenue decreased by $12 million or 12% [16] - Value-added products and services (VAPS) represented over 17% of total revenue, indicating growth in this segment despite a decline in consolidated units on rent [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The pending order book increased by 7% year over year for both modular and storage products, supporting expected new lease activations in Q2 [6][11] - The Architectural Billings Index was reported at 44 in March, with Q1 non-residential construction square footage starts down 17% year over year, indicating market caution [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve$ 3 billion in revenue, $1.5 billion in adjusted EBITDA, and$ 700 million in adjusted free cash flow over the next three to five years [7] - There is a focus on margin expansion initiatives and leveraging a portfolio of growth levers valued at $2.5 billion [7] - The company is actively adding sales resources and enhancing productivity tools to drive performance across local and enterprise accounts [12][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains cautious due to macroeconomic uncertainties but is encouraged by the order book growth and internal initiatives [11][14] - The company expects continued easing of volume headwinds, with modest top-line growth anticipated in the second half of the year [23][24] - Management is closely monitoring the impact of tariffs and labor market conditions on demand and operational performance [25][26] Other Important Information - The company successfully refinanced its 2025 senior secured notes, extending maturity to February 2030 at a fixed interest rate of 6.625% [20] - A total of$ 45 million was returned to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends in Q1 [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Comments on the order book and conversion time - Management noted that quoting activity has increased by 10% year over year, with no observed changes in conversion or cancellation rates [34] Question: Details on VAPS and average pricing - Management explained that the shift to reporting VAPS as a percentage of revenue reflects the expanded portfolio and deeper penetration across product lines [39] Question: Q2 top line outlook and expected volume trends - Management expects Q2 revenues to improve sequentially, with no anticipated decline in volumes, particularly for modular products [44] Question: Insights on retail customer segment demand - Management indicated that there has been no change in the outlook for retail-related demand, with ongoing positive conversations with larger accounts [52] Question: Discussion on logistics and margin improvement - Management expressed optimism about logistics margins improving as in-sourcing initiatives progress and operational efficiencies are realized [70] Question: Pricing dynamics in an inflationary environment - Management believes that inflationary pressures can be beneficial, as they have the capability to pass through costs due to owning their fleet and in-house capabilities [74]