Leslie's (LESL) Q4 Earnings call transcript Nov 25, 2024

In the recent fiscal fourth quarter and full year 2024 earnings call for Leslie's, the new CEO, Jason McDonell, shared insights into the company's strategy and outlook, highlighting a renewed focus on customer-centric initiatives and leveraging the company's competitive advantages to drive sustainable, profitable growth.

Customer-Centric Approach and Empowering Teams

McDonell, who joined Leslie's in September, emphasized the importance of understanding the needs of customers and employees. He shared his admiration for the company's legacy and his commitment to building on it. McDonell's customer-centric approach is evident in his efforts to engage with customers and employees across various locations, emphasizing the value of personalized care and expertise. He noted his visits to more than 40 stores and distribution centers, highlighting the dedication of employees in providing trusted care solutions to DIY and PRO customers.

Leveraging Competitive Advantages for Long-Term Growth

McDonell also highlighted Leslie's competitive advantages, including its national scale and omnichannel presence, proximity to the majority of pools in the United States, and its pool expertise. These factors, combined with the company's focus on customer centricity, convenience, and asset utilization, are expected to fuel long-term profitable growth.

Customer Centricity as a Strategic Priority

The first strategic theme outlined by McDonell is customer centricity. He emphasized the importance of putting the customer at the heart of the business, building on the brand's existing reputation for trust and expert care. The focus is on elevating the customer experience through more personalized approaches and leveraging pool expertise for both DIY and PRO customers. McDonell also highlighted the importance of understanding the value of Leslie's to customers who take care of their pools, indicating a commitment to enhancing the customer experience further.

Future Outlook and Growth Opportunities

McDonell's optimistic outlook for Leslie's is based on the growth potential of the pool industry, with an estimated 14 million pools and spas and a total addressable market of approximately $15 billion. He believes that Leslie's unique advantages, particularly its proximity to a large portion of pools and its strong brand, position the company well for success. McDonell also indicated a clear focus on the fundamentals of retailing, emphasizing the importance of getting back to basics and leveraging the company's competitive advantages to drive long-term profitable growth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Leslie's earnings call for the fiscal fourth quarter and full year 2024 underscored the company's commitment to customer-centric initiatives and leveraging its competitive advantages for long-term profitable growth. With a focus on customer centricity, convenience, and asset utilization, Leslie's is poised to capitalize on the growing pool and spa care market, ensuring shareholder value creation in the process. As the company embarks on this new era, its strategic themes and priorities, as outlined by CEO Jason McDonell, offer a promising outlook for Leslie's future.