Release Date: November 06, 2024

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

• Regis Corp (NASDAQ:RGS) achieved a 2% point margin expansion in adjusted EBITDA, indicating improved operational efficiency.
• The company reported an increase in adjusted earnings per share to $0.93 from $0.71 in the prior year, showcasing profitability growth.
• Regis Corp (NASDAQ:RGS) successfully launched the Supercuts rewards loyalty program across all Supercuts salons, aiming to enhance customer engagement.
• The rollout of the Zenoti point of sale system was completed, enhancing digital capabilities and operational efficiency.
• The company is focusing on operational rigor and digital optimization to drive long-term growth and improve the guest experience.

Negative Points

• Same store sales declined by 1.1% compared to the prior year, indicating challenges in maintaining sales momentum.
• GAAP earnings per share reported a loss of $0.36, a significant decline from the previous year's earnings per share of $0.51.
• Total first quarter revenues decreased by $7.3 million, primarily due to a reduction in franchise rental income and advertising fund revenue.
• The company closed a net 41 franchise locations and eight company-owned locations, reflecting ongoing challenges in maintaining its store footprint.
• Regis Corp (NASDAQ:RGS) experienced a decrease in GAAP operating income by $5.3 million year-over-year, driven by lower core business revenue and increased expenses.

Q & A Highlights

• Warning! GuruFocus has detected 9 Warning Signs with RGS.

Q: Can you elaborate on the factors contributing to the decline in same-store sales and how you plan to address them? A: Matthew Doctor, President and CEO, explained that the decline in same-store sales by 1.1% was primarily due to a decrease in traffic, which has been a long-term trend. The company is focusing on reversing this trend through improved marketing and operational strategies, aiming to drive profitable traffic back to franchisee salons without relying heavily on price increases.

Q: What are the key initiatives being implemented to enhance the guest experience in salons? A: Matthew Doctor highlighted the launch of brand excellence standards aimed at ensuring a superior guest experience. This includes maintaining a welcoming environment, consistent service menus, and strengthening stylist-guest connections. The initiative is currently being rolled out in the Supercuts brand, with plans to extend it to other brands by mid-2025.

Q: How is Regis leveraging digital platforms to improve customer engagement and drive sales? A: The company has completed the rollout of the Zenoti point of sale system and the Supercuts rewards loyalty program. These digital tools are designed to enhance customer engagement by providing a seamless experience from online check-ins to personalized post-visit communications, aiming to increase customer frequency and loyalty.

Q: What is the expected impact of salon closures on the company's financial performance? A: Kersten Zupfer, CFO, noted that the closures are part of a trend related to the timing of salon shifts from corporate to franchise. While closures are expected to slow down after 2025, Regis has demonstrated the ability to maintain profitability with a smaller, high-performing footprint and expects to continue this trend.

Q: Can you provide more details on the company's financial outlook for fiscal 2025? A: Matthew Doctor expressed confidence in driving adjusted EBITDA growth, earnings per share, and cash flow in fiscal 2025, despite ongoing challenges such as net closures and a softer sales environment. The focus remains on executing strategic initiatives to support long-term growth and profitability.

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.