Camping World’s first quarter results were met with a negative market reaction as the company missed Wall Street’s revenue expectations despite achieving year-on-year sales growth. Management attributed the quarter’s performance to a sharp focus on operational efficiency—streamlining its dealership footprint and reducing overhead—while leveraging strong used RV sales and improved margins. CEO Marcus Lemonis acknowledged, “We made a commitment to deliver... an improvement of SG&A as a percentage of growth by 600 to 700 basis points,” highlighting difficult decisions around headcount and store consolidations as key contributors. The company emphasized that decisive cost actions taken in the quarter have not yet been fully reflected in reported results, with further benefits anticipated in coming periods.
Is now the time to buy CWH? Find out in our full research report (it’s free).
Camping World (CWH) Q1 CY2025 Highlights:
- Revenue: $1.41 billion vs analyst estimates of $1.43 billion (3.6% year-on-year growth, 1% miss)
- Adjusted EPS: -$0.15 vs analyst estimates of -$0.20 (26.5% beat)
- Adjusted EBITDA: $49.45 million vs analyst estimates of $28.03 million (3.5% margin, 76.4% beat)
- Operating Margin: 1.5%, up from 0.3% in the same quarter last year
- Locations: 209 at quarter end, down from 215 in the same quarter last year
- Market Capitalization: $1.14 billion
While we enjoy listening to the management's commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls are the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention.
Our Top 5 Analyst Questions Camping World’s Q1 Earnings Call
- Joseph Altobello (Raymond James) asked how much of the new vehicle ASP softness was due to promotions versus mix. CEO Marcus Lemonis explained ASPs were pressured mainly by a shift toward entry-level products, not increased promotions.
- Sean Wagner (Citigroup) questioned the potential impact of tariffs on pricing and whether management’s outlook had changed. Lemonis and COO Matthew Wagner reiterated that price increases are expected only with the model year changeover and that tariffs will have minimal direct impact.
- Michael Swartz (Truist Securities) inquired about the timing and reinvestment of the $35 million in cost reductions. Lemonis answered that most cuts are completed and should benefit results throughout the year, with flexibility for deeper cuts if needed.
- Noah Zatzkin (KeyBanc Capital Markets) asked if recent market consolidations would be accretive and about M&A priorities. Lemonis said consolidations are expected to improve margins, and acquisitions will be opportunistic, focusing on returns and cash preservation.
- Bret Jordan (Jefferies) pressed on whether tariffs or inflation could indirectly impact consumer demand. Lemonis replied that affordability and credit access are more critical metrics for the business, with product offerings adjusted to fit consumer budgets.
Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters
In the quarters ahead, the StockStory team will monitor (1) the continued performance of used RV sales and whether the company maintains its market share gains, (2) realization of planned cost savings and their effect on SG&A efficiency, and (3) any shifts in consumer affordability or credit conditions that could impact demand. Execution on footprint optimization and adaptation to tariff or rate developments will also be closely watched.
Camping World currently trades at $18.40, up from $14.10 just before the earnings. Is the company at an inflection point that warrants a buy or sell? The answer lies in our full research report (it’s free).
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