Vista Outdoor Q2 2024 Earnings Call Transcript

Quartr
Provided by Quartr
November 2, 2023

There are 6 speakers on the call.

Operator

Thank you all for joining. I would like to welcome you all to the 2nd Quarter Fiscal Year 2024 Vista Outdoor Earnings Conference Call. My name is Brica, and I will be your moderator for today's call. All lines are on mute for the presentation portion of the call with an opportunity for questions and answers at the end. Followed by one on your telephone keypad.

Operator

I would now like to pass the conference over to your host, Tyler Lindwall, Vice President of Investor Relations. Please go

Speaker 1

ahead. Thank you, operator, and good morning to everyone joining us for our Q2 Fiscal year 2024 earnings call. With me this morning is Gary McArthur, Interim Chief Executive Officer Jason Vander Brink, CEO of Sporting Products Eric Niemann, CEO of Outdoor Products and Andy Keegan, Vice President and Interim Chief Financial Officer. Before we begin, I'd like to remind everyone that during today's call, we will be making several forward looking statements reflecting future events and their potential effect on our operating and financial performance, and we make these statements under the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. These forward looking statements reflect our best estimates and assumptions based on our understanding of information known to us today, and we are under no obligation to provide updates to these forward looking statements.

Speaker 1

These forward looking statements are subject to the risks and uncertainties that face Vista Outdoor and the industries in which we operate and actual results may differ materially from these forward looking statements. We encourage you to review today's press release and Vista Outdoor's SEC filings for more information on these risk factors and uncertainties. Please also note That we have posted presentation materials on our website at investors. Vistaoutdoor.com, which supplement our comments this morning and include reconciliations of non GAAP Financial Measures. Gary, I'll turn it over to you.

Speaker 2

Thank you, Tyler, and good morning, everyone. I would like to thank all of you for joining us today as we discuss our Q2 fiscal year 2024 results. For the next few minutes, I'm going to focus my comments on the sale of the Sporting Products segment and then turn the time over to Jason To provide an update on sporting products, then Eric to do the same for outdoor products, recently rebranded as Revelist And to trade under the stock ticker gear, followed by Andy, who will provide our Q2 results and guidance. We are currently at one of the most exciting junctures in our company's history. As recently announced, We have entered into a definitive agreement to sell our sporting products segment to Checklist Slovak Group or CSG for $1,910,000,000 We believe that this outcome provides great value, It's the best strategic alternative for maximizing value to stockholders due to the payment of approximately $750,000,000 of Cash consideration and locking in certainty of value for stockholders in the near term.

Speaker 2

Long term, this outcome jump starts Our compelling vision for REVELIS by capitalizing its balance sheet with cash to accelerate its capital allocation strategy And puts us in a position to hit the ground running as a successful independent company. The sporting products business will remain headquartered in Anoka, Minnesota, will be led by Jason Vander Brink and his team And the business will stay true to its long standing heritage of manufacturing and selling our iconic American Brands in America. Additionally, teaming with CSG, sporting products will increase its efforts to market and Sell these iconic brands to civilian and government customers around the globe. For every one share of Vista Outdoor At the time of closing, a stockholder will receive 1 share of Revalyst and cash consideration of 12 point And $0.90 per share for a total cash consideration to stockholders of approximately $750,000,000 This cash consideration is not a dividend and is instead part of the merger consideration. Upon closing this transaction, we'll be treated as a taxable sale of stockholders Vista Outdoor shares For the Revla shares and cash consideration they receive in the merger, Vista Outdoor stockholders We'll generally recognize gain or loss in the transaction equal to the difference between their tax basis in the Vista Outdoor shares they And the sum of the cash consideration and the fair market value of the Revolis shares they received determined as of the closing date.

Speaker 2

This allows stockholders to recover tax basis and recognize built in gain new tax basis and each share of Revolis received will equal the fair market value of such share determined as of the closing date. Additionally, we expect that immediately after closing, any cash remaining After the payment of taxes, transaction costs and other customary closing related payments, the pay down of all debt, The approximately $750,000,000 payment to stockholders and the capitalization of REVELIST With cash up to $250,000,000 will be returned to stockholders of Revolis in the form of a share buyback for a one time special dividend. Please refer to Slide 9 in the slide deck provided. Prior to the stockholder vote, all free cash flow will be used to pay down debt as we are unable Under applicable security laws to repurchase shares while the stockholder vote for our sporting product sale is pending. After the stockholder vote is complete and before closing, we will have the option to evaluate whether a share repurchase program would be appropriate.

Speaker 2

The transaction is subject to approval of our stockholders' receipt of necessary regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. We expect to hold our stockholder vote in the March April timeframe Calendar year 2024. If we have not received regulatory approvals prior to the stockholder vote, The timing of closing will depend primarily upon receipt of necessary regulatory approvals. Under the merger agreement, CSG is committed to take all actions necessary or advisable To obtain the necessary regulatory approvals and to pay a termination fee equal to 100 and $14,600,000 if the transaction does not close due to failure to obtain the required Regulatory Approvals. We are excited about the future opportunities for both the sporting products business under CSG ownership And revel us under Eric's leadership as we embark on our new strategic journey, Including a new transformation program that Eric and Andy will cover in more detail shortly.

Speaker 2

I'd like to thank all of our employees For their hard work in shaping our company into what it has become today and for giving us confidence in the future success Both businesses will be able to achieve as separate companies. Thank you, everyone. I will now hand the call over to Jason, We will discuss porting products. Thank you, Gary, and good morning, everyone. We are at the midpoint of our fiscal year and are Pleased with where we are currently standing and we believe there are positive trends on the horizon.

Speaker 2

Sales for the sporting product segment In the Q2 were $350,000,000 with segment adjusted EBITDA margins of 28%, Which shows a strong product mix and is in line with our margin rate expectations. As Gary mentioned in his opening remarks, We believe the sale of sporting products to CSG is a great outcome for our stockholders, our business, our employees and our customers. A private global strategic owner will allow us to grow the reach of our iconic American brands and expand our legacy of U. S. Manufacturing, Support for the military and law enforcement customers and investments in conservation and our hunting and shooting heritage.

Speaker 2

The leadership team is excited for a bright future and I'm pleased to welcome Al Kurfeld as the Chief Financial Officer, Jeff Ehrich as our General Counsel and Corporate Secretary and Mark Kowalski as Controller and Chief Accounting Officer. This team has 8 decades of combined experience and a great working knowledge of our business and the ammunition industry. While market conditions were more challenging in the Q2, we see a higher baseline and participation rates remain very strong. NICS data continues to signal sustained gun purchases with now 50 straight months of firearms checks over 1,000,000. In September, this was 13% higher than 2019 and continues to show the industry has grown its user base.

Speaker 2

We have seen a return to seasonal buying patterns driving the consumer purchase cycle and continued participation From the 19,000,000 new gun owners. There has also been a significant recent increase in demand Across several categories due to global unrest that we are monitoring. We continue to monitor point of sale and customer level inventory in this dynamic market. To highlight some recent wins, we secured the Department of Homeland Security Contracts For 5 years to provide the highest quality duty ammunition for both the U. S.

Speaker 2

Customs and Border Patrol and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Agencies. The CBB contract is our 2nd largest ever and both agencies chose federal's tactical bonded ammunition for their duty rifles. This supports their mission to protect our borders and preserve national security and public safety. Our law enforcement team also secured a contract win with the Miami Dade Police Department, the 8th largest department in the United States. The 3,500 member police force will use SPEAR 9 millimeter gold dot for their duty pistol and Federal 223 tactical bonded ammunition For the department's duty rifle.

Speaker 2

We are proud to provide the highest quality duty ammunition to law enforcement and federal agencies in the United States and globally. Our employees produce excellent products that many law enforcement agencies in the United States trust to protect and serve our communities. As we work toward the closing of the sale to CSG, the team will continue to focus on making the best ammunition in America and delivering on our goals. We believe our diverse customer base and multi brand strategy will allow us to compete for additional market share, expand our presence into new markets, Improve the financial performance of Remington and continue to deliver mid-twenty percent segment adjusted EBITDA margins. I have full confidence that with the best team in the ammunition business, we will continue to perform at the highest level.

Speaker 2

We look forward to working towards closing the sale to CSG in the calendar year 2024. Thank you. Eric? Thanks, Jason, and good morning, everyone. During my 1st 10 weeks, I have visited multiple Revolis locations on a look, listen, learn tour.

Speaker 2

I had the chance to meet and hear from a large number of our employees who are eager to share their pride and excitement about the future of our company. I left feeling energized as I saw a tremendous amount of potential and a lot to be excited about at this company, which we have recently named Revelist. At Revelist, we are a collective of category defining maker brands, transcending the boundaries of precision, Performance and protection. We exist to inspire and equip the ambitious to achieve their greatest experiences in the places they love. We are excited for you all to join us in our pursuit to redefine what is humanly possible outdoors.

Speaker 2

As I mentioned, I was thrilled to meet so many of the proud and talented employees we have to lead us into the future. As previously announced, Andy Keegan, currently Vice President and Interim CFO of Vista Outdoor, plans to join REVELIST as CFO. Andy's work as Interim CFO has given me and the Board high confidence in his ability to serve in this position. In addition, We announced the hiring of our General Counsel, Jung Choi. Jung has over 15 years of diverse legal experience and expertise, Most recently serving as the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for Boxed, a publicly traded e commerce grocery platform.

Speaker 2

I am eager to partner with Andy, Jung and the rest of the leadership team and leading Revolus during this transformational period in our company's history And support the work that we are doing to advance our mission of creating the best and largest house of outdoor brands. As I was able to reflect on what I saw and learned from my tour, a few things became very clear to me. First, we have the most passionate workforces in the industry. 2nd, a big part of the reason for their passion is that our company is comprised of a collection of many of the world's most iconic outdoor brands. 3rd, what I observed and heard in several ways from our team was that these powerful brands and assets have not yet been harnessed and elevated to achieve their true potential.

Speaker 2

While our fully formed strategy for REVELIST will evolve and expand over the coming months, A few key pillars of that game plan are already clear and we will act on them with urgency. As such, we are kicking off a new program today called Gear Up, inspired by our future stock ticker Gear. This transformation program will focus on 3 elements. Those elements are simplifying the business model, delivering increased efficiency and profitability from that simplified structure And reinvesting in our highest potential brands to accelerate their growth and transformation. In the current structure, The business has become increasingly complex over time with multiple acquisitions causing brands to become independent of one another And creating inefficiencies across the entire company.

Speaker 2

Through a simplified structure, REVLIST can become an integrated house of iconic High performing outdoor brands that work together as one cohesive unit to form a globally branded company. We will leverage shared learnings and centers of empowerment across the company to drive efficiency through strong execution, while embarking on a global Omnichannel growth strategy that marries our imagination with innovation to create products that unlock wildly human experiences. Our first action towards achieving our goal of simplification within the Gear Up initiative is to reorganize the business to create 3 distinct platforms and drive success. The platforms will be 1, Precision Sports and Technology, which will consist of Foresight Sports and Bushnell Golf, Our highest EBITDA margin and highest growth potential business, which will be led by John Waters and Scott Berglow, Co Presidents of Precision Sports and Technology 2, Adventure Sports, which will be comprised of Fox, Belle, Shiro, Camelback, QuietKat and more, our largest segment with the most well renowned brands which will be led by Jeff McWane, President of Adventure Sports and 3, Outdoor Performance, which will include Bushnell, Primos, Sims, Camp Shop, Stone Glacier and more, a group with market leadership in hiking, camping, fishing and hunting.

Speaker 2

In addition, with our Blackhawk brand, We also serve our military, first responders and law enforcement professionals around the world with pride. This group will be led by Jordan Judd, President of Outdoor Performance. This simplified structure will allow us to kick off a significant efficiency program within the Gear Up framework that is Being actioned immediately. We expect that this effort will streamline our operations and unlock profitability improvements And cost savings beginning in Q4 fiscal year 2024 with an estimated $100,000,000 of realized annual cost savings by fiscal year 2027. These net savings are in addition to the $50,000,000 cost restructuring program announced in April 2023 With about $25,000,000 of those early savings specifically related to REVELIST for a total of $125,000,000 in cost improvements On a run rate basis enabled by a simplified structure and powered by a recently signed deal with a leading consulting partner, This new initiative will maximize efficiency through consolidation of our current real estate footprint as well as within our back office technology stack, Supply Chain and Organizational Structure.

Speaker 2

In the next several weeks months, we will start our investor roadshows, Attend conferences and host an Investor Day in the spring of 2024 to provide more details on our strategic plan. We are taking decisive action at this time to position us well ahead of the separation and set us up for a strong start to fiscal year 2025. As reflected in our guidance, we are working hard to clear high priced inventory to ensure that our products are front and center with our channel partners during the holiday season. We intend to utilize strategic promotions to work through the high priced inventory and continue driving market share gains across categories Regardless of external market factors, we are building momentum from the ground up and expect sequential margin improvements from Q3 to Q4 Finishing the fiscal year strong. Through our efforts in the back half of fiscal year 2024, our inventory will be right sized.

Speaker 2

Our restructuring program will begin taking hold and other strategic growth initiatives across the company will fuel organic top line growth, Reversing the declines experienced over the past few quarters carrying us into fiscal year 2025 with momentum. Lastly, in the near term, I am excited to announce the first ever Revelist list that showcases select great products that our teams have built in time for the holidays. These products range across our brands. From Foresight Sports, We have the all new Foresight Falcon to shave strokes off your game with the best launch monitor and simulator technology on the market. Our Bushnell live camera with TruTarget and On X integration lets you see live video of the wildlife you manage, the spots you scout And the property you protect.

Speaker 2

From our QuietKat electric bikes, we offer the all new QuietKat links To take you from the trails to around the town. From Sims Fishing Products, we have the all new Challenger 7 inches deck boot, Purpose built fishing footwear that's extremely versatile around and off the water. And from Giro, just in time for the skiing season, we offer the all new Owens spherical helmet built for moments on the mountain with modern styling, Premium Innovations and All Day Comfort. This is just a short list highlighting the culture of innovation we have. You will be able to find the full REVELIST list across all of our social channels and our website, REVELIST dot com, along with the unique stories Behind each product.

Speaker 2

In closing, our future at Revelist is bright. While we have hard work to do, Our future value creation will come from streamlining and efficiency savings, brand building, incredible consumer focused innovation, An expanded international footprint, doubling down on our own D2C business and expanding our technology and gaming investments, particularly within the precision sports and technology area. We look forward to sharing more of those plans in the months ahead As we work towards our Investor Day being rescheduled for spring 2024. I'll now hand it over to Andy to provide a financial update for the quarter. Andy, over to you.

Speaker 2

Thank you, Eric, and hello, everyone. My comments today will focus on adjusted results compared to the prior year period, unless otherwise noted, which are presented using non GAAP financial measures. In the appendix to the slide presentation, We've included reconciliations of these non GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. For additional information regarding forward looking statements and non GAAP financial measures, please refer to Page 30 of the slide presentation. Further, as a result of correspondence with SEC staff in connection with the separation of our outdoor products and sporting products businesses, Adjusted results reflect a slightly different preparation than what was done previously and do not have an adjustment for certain retention payments.

Speaker 2

Turning to Slide 22. For the Q2, total sales decreased 13.4% to $677,000,000 in line with our recent earnings pre release. Organic sales for the quarter were $646,000,000 Down 17.4 percent driven by lower shipments across nearly all categories in sporting products and lower volume as channel partners Gross profit was $209,000,000 and gross margin decreased 270 basis points to 30.9%. The decline was primarily due to lower volumes and price in our sporting product segment and decreased volumes in the organic outdoor products businesses, partially offset by acquisitions. EBITDA in the quarter decreased 27.6 percent to $116,000,000 And EBITDA margin was 17.2 percent, down 3 70 basis points.

Speaker 2

Organic EBITDA for the quarter was $114,000,000 a decrease of 29.2%. Organic EBITDA margin in Q2 was 17.6%, down 292 basis points. The decline was driven by lower gross profits in both segments, partially offset by decreased selling costs in sporting products And decreased selling, general and administrative expenses related to the organic businesses in outdoor products. 2nd quarter EPS decreased 42.5 percent to $0.96 Turning to Slide 23, Our balance sheet remains healthy. Year to date free cash flow was $116,000,000 Net debt decreased $27,000,000 sequentially to $905,000,000 and our net debt leverage ratio is now at 1.8x.

Speaker 2

Turning to our segments results On Slide 24, within outdoor products, sales decreased 6.3% in Q2 to $327,000,000 Organic sales were down 15.2 percent to $296,000,000 in Q2, driven primarily By lower volumes, these channel partners continue to be cautious with purchasing due to inventory levels and as consumers are pressured by higher interest rates and other short term factors affecting their purchases of consumer durable goods. Gross profit decreased 12% in Q2 to $94,000,000 due to lower volume from organic businesses, partially offset by acquisition. Gross margin decreased 197 basis points to 28.6%. EBITDA in Q2 was $30,000,000 down 33% With an EBITDA margin of 9.3 percent, down 3 70 basis points. Organic EBITDA decreased 38.4 percent $28,000,000 and organic EBITDA margin decreased to 9.4%, down 354 basis points.

Speaker 2

The decline in the quarter was primarily driven by decreased gross profit, partially offset by reduced selling, general and administrative costs related to organic business. For sporting products, sales in Q2 decreased 19.2% to $350,000,000 Driven by lower shipments across nearly all categories as channel inventory has normalized, lower pricing and the previously announced termination of the Lake City contract at the beginning of the 3rd fiscal quarter in the prior year. Gross profit decreased 27.6 percent in Q2 to $115,000,000 driven by decreased volume and price. Gross margin decreased 3 82 basis points to 33%. EBITDA was $99,000,000 Down 29.4 percent, primarily due to decreased gross profit, partially offset by lower selling costs.

Speaker 2

EBITDA margin was 28.3 percent, a decrease of 409 basis points. As Eric mentioned, our Gear Up transformation program for Revolis is being action immediately as we work to simplify and streamline our operations. We currently expect GearUp to start contributing limited cost savings in Q4 of fiscal 2024, contribute approximately $25,000,000 to $30,000,000 and realized cost savings in fiscal 2025 and we expect to unlock an estimated $100,000,000 And realized annual cost savings in fiscal year 2027 as a result of this program. These savings are in Addition to the $25,000,000 related specifically to REVLIST as part of our $50,000,000 cost restructuring program announced in April of 2023, Great totaled an estimated $125,000,000 of cost savings related to REVELIST on a run rate basis. In fiscal year 2025, we anticipate that the $25,000,000 to $30,000,000 of cost savings related to our Gear Up program, Contributions from our previously announced April 2023 cost restructuring program as well as our previously communicated improvements in supply chain, Freight and lower expected promotions will help as we aim to bring our outdoor product segment EBITDA margin to low double digit levels.

Speaker 2

Or said differently, our standalone Revolis business including estimated standalone costs to high single digit adjusted EBITDA margin. This would be approximately a 400 basis point improvement from fiscal year 2024. We expect that Revolis adjusted EBITDA margin will be in the mid teens including estimated standalone costs by our fiscal year 2027, An estimated 1,000 basis point improvement over standalone fiscal 2024 with the $125,000,000 of realized run rate cost savings being the primary driver of the increase from today's levels. We are reaffirming The full year 2024 guidance discussed on our conference call a few weeks ago. For the full fiscal year 2024, we expect sales of $2,725,000,000 to $2,825,000,000 sporting product sales of $1,450,000,000 to $1,500,000,000 And outdoor product sales of $1,275,000,000 to $1,325,000,000 Adjusted EBITDA Margins Between 15.5 Percent and 16.25 percent, sporting products EBITDA margin range of 26.5 percent to 27.5 percent And Outdoor Products EBITDA margin range of 7.75 percent to 8.25 percent.

Speaker 2

Adjusted EPS in the range of $3.65

Speaker 3

to 4

Speaker 2

Interest expense in the range of $55,000,000 to $65,000,000 and adjusted free cash flow Diving deeper, Although we do not provide quarterly guidance, we thought it would be prudent to give more color on our expectations for the remainder of the year. In the sporting products segment, Q2 sales were pressured by the market softening across categories. We believe that the current increased global unrest Along with the strong hunting season in Q3 and the start of an election season in Q4 will result in more favorable performance than in Q2. We see segment adjusted EBITDA margins in the mid-twenty percent range for the rest of our fiscal year. In outdoor products, as previously mentioned, high interest rates and other short term factors have impacted consumer demand.

Speaker 2

We expect consumer demand to be slower for the rest of the calendar year 2023, resulting in channel partners remaining cautious and not increasing their purchasing behavior Until calendar year 2024. This dynamic is causing slower than expected inventory sell in, which Coupled with promotional pressures as we work to sell through our high priced inventory positions during the holiday season is driving down profitability in Q3. We expect sales to decline in the high single digit range in Q3 versus the prior year period, Returning to low single digit growth in Q4 versus the prior year period. The year over year growth in Q4 will be driven by exciting new product introductions in our golf business as well as more favorable purchasing patterns in our action sports businesses versus the prior year. Due to the increased promotional environment of the holiday season and moving through the higher price inventory in Q3, we expect segment adjusted EBITDA margin To be in mid single digits, returning to high single digits in the 4th quarter as we reduce promotions and start to see the impact of our Gear Up program read through.

Speaker 2

With the expected improvement in outdoor products to end fiscal year 2024, which includes returning to organic growth and generating segment adjusted EBITDA margins In the high single digits in Q4, combined with our gear up profitability improvement program, we seek Revolus adjusted EBITDA dollars On a standalone basis to double in fiscal year 2025. We are also still gaining market share In key categories, which positions us well for a strong start to fiscal year 2025 as we expect demand to return and channel partners to begin purchasing at normal rates again. Thank you, everyone. Operator, please open up the line for questions.

Operator

We now have Matt Koranda of ROTH MKM. Your line is open.

Speaker 4

Hey, guys. Good morning. Thanks for taking the questions. Just first on the high level sale dynamics Involved with the ammo business, any potential for another buyer to emerge now that that transaction is public? And then just could you maybe help us understand the next steps of CFIUS approval as it pertains to the transaction?

Speaker 2

Sure. Matt, this is Gary. As to speculating whether another buyer will come forward, that would be Just speculation. It's always possible. We as a Board and a company are not allowed to go solicit Buyers, but if a qualified bid comes forward, we do have the ability to evaluate such.

Speaker 2

With regards to CFIUS and other regulatory approvals, we expect to have all of those filed in the coming weeks. And From there, obviously, it will just proceed as they typically do through that process. We do have a shareholder vote that is required that we will I anticipate in that March, April timeframe and that's kind of the process for the next steps.

Speaker 4

Okay. I appreciate that Gary. Thank you. And then maybe just for Jason, can you talk about the dynamic that's happening In the retail and distribution channels as it pertains to 2 23 and 556, I guess we've been seeing some of that inventory clearing in recent weeks. What

Speaker 2

are you seeing

Speaker 4

in terms of inventory and pricing? And how does that feed into the commentary that you guys provided in terms of the more favorable performance For the next couple of quarters.

Speaker 2

Yes. Good question, Matt. So on the 223,556 specifically, we don't do a whole lot of that Say in the last 4 weeks, we've certainly seen POS upticks significantly across broader categories. And we watch that daily, literally daily with our customers and then our wholesale partners, we watch their inventory daily. But we certainly have seen an uptick in the last 4 weeks across pretty much all categories.

Speaker 4

Got it. And then as it pertains to the near term sort of guidance commentary that you provided, the more favorable performance, I guess, just help us unpack what that means. It sounds like higher revenue and then you alluded to sort of mid-twenty percent EBITDA margin in that segment, I guess that might be a little lower than where you were in the Q2. So just help us kind of square those.

Speaker 2

Yes, I think on the EBITDA front, we like what we see on the EBITDA front. We've always guided towards mid-20s in the back half of the year. There could be some favorability to that in the 3rd Q4 if we see what market trends are and if we can control mix A little bit and get more profitable items out there than we had assumed. So I think on the revenue side, We don't guide quarterly. I think it's going to look very similar to the first half.

Speaker 2

The second half will look very similar and there is a chance that we don't see the degradation the profitability that we had predicted in the 1st part of the year.

Speaker 4

Okay, got it. That's clear. And then on REVELISTS for Eric maybe, just curious, are we committing to mid teens Standalone EBITDA margins for Revolus still. And then is the gear up program enough to get you there? I guess I'm curious how much of the $100,000,000 of incremental cost savings in that program are related to Sort of segment cost improvements versus corporate costs.

Speaker 4

If you could maybe just help us understand and unpack that program a bit in a bit more detail on how it pertains to the long term target, That'd be great.

Speaker 2

Sure. Hey, Matt, it's Eric. I'll provide some color and then I'll turn it over to Andy to give a little bit of additional detail. First and foremost, to your first question, you asked about our long term guidance and we do feel like the mid teens Long term guidance is something that we are still committing to and we'll continue to provide more detail on that over the coming months. With regards to the Gear Up program, it's obviously something that we're very excited and committed to doing.

Speaker 2

It's a program that drives profitability improvements along with organic growth for So along with organic growth for REVELIST and everything does ladder back to that $100,000,000 in new cost savings and $25,000,000 in cost savings from the March 2023 initiative. So we just want to make sure it's clear that's how we get to the $125,000,000 in cost savings by Fiscal year 'twenty seven. We're on that with a great team and a world class consulting organization. And just to give you some color before I pass it over to Andy, there's a lot of significant detail there that I think will build confidence For all of our stakeholders, when we look at simplifying the business model, we do feel really good about The 3 platforms that we announced this morning and we've been working on now for the past several weeks really going to that precision sports technology platform Which will be driven by Foresight in Bushnell Golf, the adventure sport platform which will be driven by Fox, Belle, Giro, Quiet Cat and Camelback and our outdoor performance group, which will be driven by Sims and Camp Chef, Bushnell, Blackhawk, Primos and more. And there's a lot of excitement about being able to really focus on those brands to grow.

Speaker 2

And then secondly, we Feel really good about delivering increased efficiency and profitability. There's some color to that initiative called Gear Up, Which is really that entirety of the transformation. With supply chain today, we have 9 DCs in domestic warehouses And we see significant consolidation opportunity in the future. Today we have 8 USA manufacturing sites and we see opportunity for Consolidation in the future, which will lead to cost savings there. On the real estate front, we have over 21 domestic locations today And we expect some significant real estate consolidation.

Speaker 2

So that's just a little bit of color for how we're going to get there. But Yes, we do feel good that those programs will lead to those improved margins over time. Ed, do you want to add any more to that? Yes. Matt, I think your point was a great one.

Speaker 2

We want to be clear, the $100,000,000 gear up program It is going to be fully related to Revlis. So there isn't going to be only a part of that that actually goes Revlis. Unlike the previous program, which was Split between the 2, this is going to be completely related to Revla. So that will get us a Fairly significant way towards that mid teens once fully implemented. There will be a little bit more we need to do and I think some of that is going to See a lot of what Eric talked about is the growth in some of these very high profit areas of golf and other areas with new products that are going to generate additional revenue Will help close that gap as well, but this is going to be a significant component of us getting, which is why we're confident in the mid teens In the long

Speaker 4

run. Got it. I'll leave it there guys. Appreciate it.

Operator

Thank you. We now have Mark Smith of Lake Street Capital Markets. Please go ahead when you're ready.

Speaker 2

Hey, guys. It's Alex Furniss on the line for Mark Smith this morning. For my first question, for the Revolis business, you guys mentioned simplifying the business model, Reinvesting in high potential brands. Is there any consideration or discussion about the possibility of divesting certain brands within that Revolis portfolio? Hey, Alex, it's Eric.

Speaker 2

And thanks for the question. The answer is yes. As we think about focus, we're going to continue to give more information about how we're looking at our brands over the months ahead. But at a high level, we look at our power brands being things like Foresight and Bushnell Golf, Fox, Bell, Giro, Sims, Bush and Bushnell and we're going to really focus a lot of our efforts on those things and As we focus intensely on our power brands that will also mean that we're taking a look at all of the brands in our portfolio. I would say that we're evaluating all of our assets and we're open to licensing or divesting from non core assets and brands in the future.

Speaker 2

And as we make more progress on that, we'll certainly be updating all stakeholders in our community. That's great. And then for my second question here, could you give your thoughts around the promotional environment As we enter this holiday season, are you guys being a little more promotional than traditional levels? And then are you guys seeing retail partners getting overly promotional? Yes.

Speaker 2

So, I mean, as we mentioned, the promotional level is going to be, I would say more than historical as we are moving through inventory and our retailers are moving through inventory in this time period. So the high priced inventory That we have on our balance sheet, we have made progress. Our outdoor products business was down about $20,000,000 a little bit over that Inventory here in the quarter, but we need to move through more of that. So you're going to see promotional environment More than typical in the Q3, which is why we are expecting EBITDA margins to be a little bit lower in Q3 for the Breville side and then that will return because those promotions will not continue past the holiday season. So it will come back in Q4, Which is a little bit of a dip and bring it up, but it will move through the inventories and the retailers will have moved through it because we're partnering with them as well.

Speaker 2

And that will be will not continue into next year is the expectation. It will return more to historic normal level. That's great. Hey, thanks for taking my questions today. You bet.

Speaker 2

Thanks, Alex.

Operator

Thank you. We now have Jim Chartier of Monness, Crepts.

Speaker 5

Good morning. Thanks for taking my question. Can you just tell us kind of what your expectation for standalone EBITDA for Revalyst is this year?

Speaker 2

Yes. Standalone EBITDA, it's so based on 8% kind of midpoint for what we're guiding for the segment With just over $50,000,000 of expected standalone cost, it's going to be in that 4.5% -ish range is what you would Expect for FY 'twenty four.

Speaker 5

Okay. And then you mentioned in a press release, thought to maybe double that next What's kind of the confidence in your ability to do that? And then in addition to the cost of the plan outlined, What would be the drivers behind that significant growth?

Speaker 2

Yes. So there's a few things. I think we are We said it, so we're certainly confident that we can accomplish this goal. I think you're right, the 25 to 30 is a big component of that for what we're doing with the project savings. Promotions that we just talked about as well, not having those repeated because we do expect promotions, but they're going to be at more Historical normal levels and with inventory that is at the lower price that we expected.

Speaker 2

So those items between the promotions coming down To more normal and the supply that we already expected with freight reductions and the high priced inventory items that we have moved through Will get us the remaining amount of that difference from the $25,000,000 to $30,000,000 to the doubling that we're talking about.

Speaker 5

Okay. So you don't need any meaningful revenue growth next year to achieve that?

Speaker 2

Revenue growth would not be the necessary. This is going to be more on the cost to get to that level. We do it. We will We'll evaluate the revenue and where we expect to grow, but given the new innovations and whatnot that we're working through and the fact that Q4 is going to start the organic growth, That will be assistance on the top basically of that.

Speaker 5

Okay. And then any plans to reinvest And you have to gear up savings into parts of business?

Speaker 2

The $100,000,000 is the net That we would expect EBITDA to move by. We are fully expecting that we are going to be reinvesting. So there will be portions of the savings that will be going into Reinvestment, but that is the net number that we would expect our EBITDA, which is going to get us to that mid teens long term. But the reinvestment is a very important Aspect for our business between marketing and the innovation of R and D to really grow these business and See that organic growth that we're fully expecting, that is going to be a key component of it, but we just wanted we are communicating the net to make it as easy as possible.

Speaker 5

Okay, great. Thank you.

Operator

Thank you. We now have William Reuter of Bank of America. Your line is open.

Speaker 3

Hi. I just have 2. The first is now that you've had a little more time since the announcement of the divestiture, has there been any change in the plans With regard to repaying the bonds, do you still plan to repay them before closing? And do you know if this is planned to be a call or a defeasance, If you give that any more thought.

Speaker 2

Thanks, Bill. So we have had a little time. As we said, The vote would be in the March kind of end of March, April time period. So it likely will be a redemption of the bonds, not a call On the May call premium, so that is still the expectation until then. So we haven't had any other Discussions on anything earlier than that being done at this point.

Speaker 3

Great. And then in terms of Terry, about what's going on with Revolis and inventory levels in your different channels. Is it just elevated inventory and The stocking that's going on with regard to the kind of soft environment or how is sell through of those products?

Speaker 2

So no, POS is down as well. So it isn't just that inventory. POS is down. It's but the what we're seeing is beyond the POS being down, the sell in isn't even keeping up with the POS. So there is still a gap between Those items, that POS is down, but it's slowing on how compared year over year.

Speaker 2

That isn't as down as it previously was, But that's more that it started last year at this point in time. So we're just seeing that it's kind of stabilized at some level of those So it is continuing to be down on POS, which is why part of what promotional is going to be for Q3 to push through the inventory. We need to increase some of that POS, which is why the promotions are a little bit higher than they would be normally to drive that here in the holiday season.

Speaker 3

I guess one follow-up on that, the POS being down, how much of that do you think is being driven just by constrained consumer budgets versus Changes in behavior that may be causing people to participate less in some of these activities post COVID?

Speaker 2

I think it's a mix on it certainly is a mix that there are constrained budgets, but the consumer And these discretionary type of activities is a little bit lighter, but I think they're making some decisions to do other items. The participation in general in the outdoors is still high. We're still seeing solid participation in elevated levels above the pandemic time Our pre pandemic period. So long term, we're still confident that this is going to return to growth over From where they have been here over the last few months or even year, but it is right now constrained on that and It's a mix. It's hard for us to point exactly what's driving what, but there certainly is a mix of that.

Speaker 3

Yes, understood. Okay, cool. That's all for me. Thank you.

Operator

I can confirm we have had no further questions. So I would like to conclude the call here. Please have a lovely rest of your day.

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Earnings Conference Call
Vista Outdoor Q2 2024
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