WD-40 (WDFC -6%) experienced a decline today despite exceeding earnings and sales estimates for Q1 (November). The downturn is largely due to the company maintaining its FY25 (August) outlook, despite surpassing expectations this quarter. Previously, WDFC had issued a cautious FY25 guidance, forecasting earnings significantly below consensus at $5.20-5.45 with pro forma revenue growth of +6-11%. By not adjusting its guidance upwards, WDFC indicates potential challenges ahead.

Key Points:

• WDFC's unchanged FY25 guidance suggests potential slowing trends. In Q1, EPS grew by approximately 9% to $1.39. To achieve the midpoint of its FY25 outlook, WDFC needs to average earnings of about $1.31 over the next three quarters. Similarly, its FY25 sales outlook anticipates possible weakening after a 9.2% rise in Q1 to $153.3 million.
• The Asia-Pacific region, including Australia and China, may impact future growth. Q1 sales in this region fell by 4% year-over-year to $26.6 million, mainly due to reduced sales of core products in Asian distributor markets.
• Conversely, the Americas region shows promise. Q1 sales increased by 8% to $69.4 million, driven by the WD-40 brand and higher sales volumes from promotional activities. The U.S. home center channel remained robust, with improving retail sales and DIY activity.
• In the EIMEA region, including India, sales rose by 18% year-over-year to $57.5 million, supported by a 19% increase in maintenance products and a 21% rise in core products. While Asian Pacific sales were underwhelming, success in EIMEA highlights progress in WDFC's geographic expansion strategy.
• WDFC continues to face declining sales in its homecare and cleaning product portfolio, which it plans to divest by Q2 (February). This business has been excluded from the FY25 revenue growth outlook.

WDFC posted a solid Q1 performance, but the lack of reflection in the FY25 guidance leaves investors seeking more. The unchanged guidance may keep sellers dominant in the short term until WDFC shows greater optimism for the latter half of the year.