Camping World Holdings Inc. reported a 25% increase in revenue for its third quarter, ended Sept. 30, boosted by strong performance in new vehicle sales.
During the period, revenue totaled $1.24 billion compared with $991.1 million in last year’s third quarter. Net income increased 24.6% to $85.3 million, or 68 cents per diluted share, from $68.4 million a year ago while gross profit increased 27.3% to $356.7 million and gross margin increased 51 basis points to 28.8%. Adjusted EBITDA increased 35.2% to $122.1 million and adjusted EBITDA margin increased 74 basis points to 9.9%.
Camping World Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Marcus Lemonis, stated, “We are very pleased with our third quarter results and the continued strength in the underlying trends across our business. For the quarter, total revenue grew 25.0%, adjusted pro forma net income increased 53.4% and adjusted EBITDA grew 35.2%, once again demonstrating the power and leverage of our unique business and operating model. Looking ahead, we believe we are well positioned to continue gaining share in the RV market and broadening our reach across the outdoor lifestyle consumer market.”
Units and Average Selling Prices
New vehicle units sold increased 33.3% to 19,107 units and the average selling price of a new vehicle decreased 1.6% to $37,430. The increase in new vehicle units sold was primarily driven by strong consumer demand for new vehicles. The decrease in the average selling price of a new vehicle was driven by a higher mix of lower-priced towable units.
Used vehicle units sold increased 7.2% to 8,557 units and the average selling price of a used vehicle decreased 3.3% to $22,009. The increase in used vehicle units sold was primarily driven by sales at new stores.
Revenue
Consumer services and plans revenue increased 1.6% to $46.2 million and retail revenue increased 26.1% to $1.19 billion. In the retail segment, new vehicle revenue increased 31.2% to $715.2 million primarily driven by the 33.3% increase in new vehicle unit sales. Used vehicle revenue increased 3.7% to $188.3 million while parts, services and other revenue increased 24.3% to $187.8 million and finance and insurance revenue increased 50.0% to $101.6 million. Finance and insurance, net revenue as a percentage of total new and used vehicle revenue increased to 11.2% from 9.3% in last year’s third quarter.
Same store sales for the base of 115 retail locations that were open both at the end of the corresponding period and at the beginning of the preceding fiscal year increased 9.4% to $982.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The increase in same store sales was primarily driven by a 14.5% increase in new vehicle same store sales, a 30.5% increase in finance and insurance same store sales, and a 1.4% increase in parts, services and other same store sales, partially offset by a 7.9% decrease in used vehicle same store sales.
The company operated a total of 137 Camping World retail locations, two Overton’s locations, two TheHouse.com locations, and one W82 location as of Sept. 30 compared to 120 Camping World retail locations and zero Overton’s, TheHouse.com, and W82 locations at Sept. 30, 2016.
Gross Profit
Total gross profit increased 27.3% to $356.7 million, or 28.8% of total revenue, from $280.2 million, or 28.3% of total revenue, in last year’s third quarter. On a segment basis, consumer services and plans gross profit increased 2.3% to $26.1 million, or 56.5% of segment revenue, from $25.5 million, or 56.1% of segment revenue, and retail gross profit increased 29.8% to $330.6 million, or 27.7% of segment revenue, from $254.8 million, or 26.9% of segment revenue, in last year’s third quarter. A 41 basis point improvement in consumer services and plans gross margin was primarily driven by an increase in roadside assistance file size and reduced program costs. A 77 basis point increase in retail gross margin was primarily driven by an increase in the finance and insurance, net revenue as a percentage of total new and used vehicle revenue to 11.2% of vehicle sales from 9.3% of vehicle sales in last year’s third quarter, and the 33.3% increase in new units sold.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses increased 27.0% to $244.6 million from $192.5 million in last year’s third quarter. Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses increased 26.8% to $236.2 million from $186.3 million in last year’s third quarter. The increase in SG&A expenses was primarily driven by the additional expenses associated with the incremental eighteen dealerships and two Overton’s locations operated during the third quarter of 2017 versus the prior year period, $7.3 million of pre-opening and payroll costs associated with the Gander Mountain Acquisition, and $0.5 million of transaction expenses associated with the acquisition into new or complimentary markets. As a percentage of total gross profit, SG&A expenses declined 25 basis points to 66.2% compared to last year’s third quarter. Depreciation and amortization expense increased 34.8% to $8.4 million primarily due to the addition of acquired and greenfield locations, and acquired businesses.
Floorplan Interest & Other Interest Expenses
Floorplan interest expense increased to $7.4 million from $4.3 million in last year’s third quarter. The increase was primarily attributable to higher inventory from new dealership locations and locations expecting higher unit sales, as well as a 68 basis point increase in the average floorplan borrowing rate. Other interest expense decreased $1.7 million to $11.0 million from $12.7 million in last year’s third quarter. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in average debt outstanding, and an 86 basis point decrease in the average interest rate.
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