Savers Value Village(SVV)2024-05-10 19:51Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2024, the company reported sales of 60.3 million, representing growth of 2.5% and 2.1% respectively [116] - Comparable sales in the US grew by 2.3%, while Canada experienced a decline of 2.6% [116] - On a two-year stack basis, aggregate comparable store sales increased by 7.5%, with the US up 7.9% and Canada up 6.4% [117] - The cost of merchandise sold as a percentage of net sales increased by 260 basis points to 44.7%, driven by higher material, labor, benefits, and freight costs [100] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company opened 12 stores in 2023 and is on track to open 22 stores in 2024, with 21 leases already signed [118] - Newly opened stores are demonstrating strong unit economics with a targeted return on investment exceeding 20% [118] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Canada, the company is facing more difficult macro conditions compared to the US, impacting sales performance [117] - Shopper satisfaction in Canada is reported at 85%, while in the US it is around 87% [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The acquisition of 2 Peaches, a regional thrift store chain in Georgia, is seen as a strategic move to establish a presence in the Southeast, a key growth area [122] - The company plans to convert the remaining stores from the 2 Peaches acquisition to the Savers Value Village model, optimizing supply through centralized processing [124] - Continued investments are being made in centralized processing centers and automated book processing units to support growth [126] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the trajectory in the US, noting positive trends in thrift shopping and loyalty program growth [5] - The company anticipates that the second half of the year will see improved adjusted EBITDA, with expectations of mid to high single-digit percentage growth year-over-year [1] - Management acknowledged macroeconomic pressures in Canada but remains confident in the company's value proposition and market positioning [21][61] Other Important Information - The company ended Q1 with 765.8 million and a net leverage of 2.1 times [101] - A new CFO, Michael Maher, has been appointed, replacing Jay Stasz [99] Q&A Session Summary Question: Health of the US business and traffic trends - Management reported positive trends in the US, with a 2.3% comparable sales increase and strong performance from new stores [5] Question: Drivers of gross margin contraction - Management noted that Q1 is typically the lowest gross margin quarter, with unexpected large benefit claims and misalignment of production hours contributing to margin contraction [6][7] Question: Historical perspective on the Canadian market - Management highlighted strong brand awareness in Canada and low attrition rates among loyalty members, despite macroeconomic challenges [20] Question: Update on central processing centers and productivity initiatives - The company currently operates five centralized processing centers and plans to open a sixth in California, with positive returns on investment from automated book processing units [25][26] Question: Impact of promotional activities in Canada - Management is testing targeted promotional activities in specific markets rather than a nationwide approach, aiming to drive traffic and revenue [56] Question: On-site donations and GreenDrop initiative - On-site donations are performing well, and the GreenDrop initiative is expected to expand, with plans to open 20 to 25 new locations this year [81][82]