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Access earnings results, analyst expectations, report, slides, earnings call, and transcript.
The earnings call reveals mixed signals: improved leverage ratios and a $50 million tariff cost reduction are positives, but market volumes are down, and guidance remains flat. The Q&A highlights concerns about tariffs and market volumes, though management shows confidence in pricing strategies. With a market cap of $1.73 billion, the stock is likely to have a moderate reaction, leading to a neutral sentiment prediction.
Net Sales Net sales in the second quarter of 2025 totaled $402.8 million, which increased 6.2% versus the second quarter of last year. The growth was driven by a 4-point increase from the Intex acquisition in 2024, 2 points from new business wins, and 2 points from price, partially offset by a 2-point headwind from market volumes.
Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA increased 10.1% to $75.2 million compared to $68.4 million last year. Adjusted EBITDA margins improved by 70 basis points to 18.7%. The improvement was driven by contributions from the Intex acquisition, new business wins, and price increases.
Adjusted Gross Margins Adjusted gross margins for the quarter totaled 48.3%, which were down slightly from 48.7% during the year-ago quarter but improved sequentially from 46.9% in the first quarter of 2025. The sequential improvement was driven by improved margins in Robotics and Digital Solutions (RDS) and a modest amount of tariff-related price.
Hardware and Protective Solutions (HPS) Segment The HPS segment experienced 8.7% growth versus the comparable period. Adjusted EBITDA increased by 14.7% to $51.5 million. The results were driven by contributions from the Intex acquisition, new business wins, and price increases, offset by a 1% decline in HPS market volume.
Robotics and Digital Solutions (RDS) Segment Net sales in RDS were up 2.3% versus the year-ago quarter. Adjusted gross margins and adjusted EBITDA margins both improved sequentially, totaling 73.1% and 32%, respectively. This growth confirms the success of the MinuteKey 3.5 strategy.
Canadian Business Net sales in the Canadian business were down 5.6% compared to the prior year quarter. Sales volumes and adjusted EBITDA improved sequentially as the business moved from winter into the spring selling season. Market volumes improved but remained soft, and FX headwinds weighed on results.
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities was $48.7 million for the quarter, and free cash flow was $31.2 million, even with a $32.5 million cash headwind from tariffs.
Net Debt and Leverage Total net debt outstanding at the end of the second quarter was $674.7 million, a decrease of $29 million from the end of the first quarter. The net debt to trailing 12-month adjusted EBITDA ratio improved to 2.7x from 2.9x a quarter ago and 2.8x at the end of 2024.
MinuteKey 3.5 kiosks: Over 2,200 machines deployed, with plans to finalize rollout to two largest customers by the end of 2026.
Net sales growth: Net sales increased by 6.2% in Q2 2025, driven by contributions from the Intex acquisition, new business wins, and pricing adjustments.
Canadian market: Net sales in Canada decreased by 5.6% year-over-year but are expected to return to growth in the second half of 2025.
Dual faucet strategy: Reduced reliance on Chinese suppliers, with only 20% of products sourced from China by the end of 2025, compared to 50% in 2018.
Operational efficiency: Adjusted EBITDA increased by 10.1% to $75.2 million, with margins improving by 70 basis points to 18.7%.
Share repurchase program: Board approved a $100 million share repurchase program to offset dilution and invest in shareholder value.
Guidance update: Raised full-year 2025 net sales guidance to $1.535-$1.575 billion and adjusted EBITDA guidance to $265-$275 million.
Tariff-related cost increases: The company is managing tariff-related cost increases, which could impact margins and profitability if not effectively addressed.
Dependence on suppliers in China: Despite progress in reducing reliance on Chinese suppliers, the company still sources 20% of its products from China, exposing it to geopolitical and tariff risks.
Declining foot traffic at retail partners: The company acknowledges declining foot traffic at retail partners, which could negatively impact sales volumes.
Soft market volumes in Canada: Market volumes in Canada remain soft, and foreign exchange headwinds are affecting performance in this region.
Integration of Intex acquisition: The Intex acquisition has lower gross margins compared to the company's existing portfolio, which has led to a step down in overall margins.
Consumer spending constraints: The company notes that consumers are watching their spending, which could impact demand for its products.
Full Year 2025 Net Sales: Expected to be between $1.535 billion to $1.575 billion, with a midpoint of $1.555 billion. This represents 4% to 7% growth over 2024.
Full Year 2025 Adjusted EBITDA: Expected to be between $265 million to $275 million, with a midpoint of $270 million. This represents 10% to 14% growth over 2024.
Full Year 2026 Net Sales: Projected to grow in the high single to low double digits, driven by rollover price and new business wins, assuming flat market volumes.
Full Year 2026 Adjusted EBITDA: Expected to grow in the low to mid-single digits, with a focus on managing margins, operating efficiently, and controlling costs.
Canada Business Outlook for 2025: Expected to return to top-line growth in the second half of the year, with full-year adjusted EBITDA margins remaining above 10%.
MinuteKey 3.5 Kiosks: On track to finalize the rollout to the two largest customers by the end of 2026.
Tariff Management: The company is confident in navigating the tariff situation and expects to end 2025 with the ability to source approximately 20% of products from China, down from nearly 50% in 2018.
Share Repurchase Program: Hillman's Board approved a $100 million share repurchase program. This is the first time Hillman has had an SRP in place since coming public in 2021. The company intends to buy stock back to offset dilution resulting from employee stock awards and to buy stock back when there is a disconnect between the company's value and the stock's trading value. They anticipate deploying between $20 million and $25 million annually depending on the market. The repurchases are expected to be accretive to earnings per share, drive shareholder value, and be an attractive place to invest capital.
The earnings call indicates a positive outlook, with a focus on new business wins and consistent order patterns. The company maintains a strong relationship with retail partners and anticipates high single to low double-digit growth. Despite tariff challenges, the company is optimistic about market recovery and operational efficiency. Shareholder return plans and strategic partnerships are likely to boost the stock price. The market cap suggests a moderate reaction, leading to a positive sentiment prediction.
The earnings call reveals mixed signals: improved leverage ratios and a $50 million tariff cost reduction are positives, but market volumes are down, and guidance remains flat. The Q&A highlights concerns about tariffs and market volumes, though management shows confidence in pricing strategies. With a market cap of $1.73 billion, the stock is likely to have a moderate reaction, leading to a neutral sentiment prediction.
The earnings call reveals several challenges: economic uncertainty, tariff impacts, and withdrawn cash flow guidance, all negatively affecting sentiment. Although there is slight sales and EBITDA growth, declining gross margins, negative free cash flow, and rising debt levels overshadow these positives. The Q&A indicates uncertainty in M&A valuations and unclear management responses on pricing and tariffs, further dampening sentiment. Given the company's market cap, this negative sentiment is likely to result in a stock price decline of -2% to -8% over the next two weeks.
The earnings call reveals several concerns: a significant tariff impact, a 17% expected decline in market volumes, and a withdrawal of free cash flow guidance, all indicating financial uncertainty. Although there is a slight increase in net sales and EBITDA, the negative cash flow and elevated debt ratio are worrying. The lack of a clear shareholder return plan and unclear management responses further add to the negative sentiment. Given these factors and the small-cap nature of the company, a negative stock price movement of -2% to -8% is anticipated.
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