BRC (BRCC)2025-05-06 12:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - First quarter revenue declined by 9% year-over-year, primarily due to 3.4 million benefit from a change in loyalty rewards accruals in the previous year. Excluding these items, revenue increased by 4% [17] - Adjusted EBITDA declined by 1 million for Q1 2025 [21] - Gross margin decreased by 680 basis points to 36% of sales, impacted by increased trade investment, green coffee inflation, and changes in loyalty rewards [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The wholesale segment, which sells packaged coffee and ready-to-drink beverages, declined by 6% year-over-year. However, excluding non-recurring revenue from the previous year, sales in this segment grew by 9% [17] - Direct-to-consumer (DTC) revenue declined by 15% in the first quarter, but adjusting for last year's loyalty reserve, the decline was closer to 5% [19] - The Outpost segment grew revenue by 2%, driven by higher franchise revenue and increased average order value [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S. Food, Drug, and Mass channels, the coffee category declined in unit volume during the first quarter, but Black Rifle Coffee Company achieved 21% sales growth, significantly outpacing the category's 4% increase [6] - The ready-to-drink coffee business saw first-quarter sales up 7% in a category that declined by 6%, maintaining the company's position as the third-largest RTD coffee brand in the U.S. [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on long-term growth by scaling the brand, deepening retail partnerships, and ensuring efficient investment in the business [5] - The launch of Black Rifle Energy is a key initiative, with plans to expand distribution and marketing efforts in priority markets [12][13] - The company is committed to cost reduction and efficiency initiatives, aiming for annualized cost savings of 10 million [27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a challenging operating environment but expressed confidence in the company's positioning for growth in 2025 and beyond [4] - The impact of tariffs and green coffee inflation was highlighted, with an estimated 395 million to $425 million, expecting sequential growth throughout the year [22] Other Important Information - The company continues to make monetary and product donations to military units and first responder organizations, emphasizing its mission-driven approach [14][15] - The company has implemented a price increase to offset rising green coffee prices, which have more than doubled since early 2024 [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the business react to an economic slowdown? - Management noted that during economic slowdowns, consumers tend to shift from coffee shops to at-home coffee, which can benefit premium brands like Black Rifle [33] Question: What is the outlook on guidance, particularly regarding gross margin? - Management indicated that increased trade spending and coffee inflation have impacted gross margin expectations, but they remain confident in achieving their EBITDA range [36][37] Question: Can you share early feedback on the energy drink launch? - Early feedback has been positive, with strong distribution and marketing efforts planned to support the launch [41][43] Question: What strategies are being implemented to stabilize the DTC business? - The company is focusing on improving conversion rates, particularly through its mobile app, while reallocating resources towards wholesale and energy initiatives [52][55] Question: How is pricing being managed in light of inflation and tariffs? - Management stated that pricing actions are being taken strategically to remain competitive while managing the impact of tariffs and inflation on costs [60][62]