FI
Frontdoor, Inc. (FTDR)·Q3 2025 Earnings Summary
Executive Summary
- Q3 2025 delivered double‑digit top-line growth and margin expansion: revenue rose 14% to $618M; gross profit margin increased 60 bps to 57%; adjusted EBITDA grew 18% to $195M; GAAP diluted EPS was $1.42 and adjusted diluted EPS was $1.58 . Versus Q2, revenue was flat (+0.2%), margins and EPS eased (gross margin 57% vs 58%; GAAP diluted EPS $1.42 vs $1.48; adj. EBITDA $195M vs $199M) .
- The quarter beat S&P Global consensus on both EPS and revenue: Q3 adjusted EPS $1.58 vs consensus $1.51*; revenue $618M vs $611.0M*; Q2 also posted beats (adj. EPS $1.63 vs $1.455*; revenue $617M vs $602.6M*) — reinforcing estimate momentum. Management raised full‑year revenue to $2.075–$2.085B and adjusted EBITDA to $545–$550M . Values retrieved from S&P Global.
- Strategic drivers: strong contribution from the 2‑10 acquisition, sequential real estate member growth for the first time since 2020, and robust non‑warranty programs (new HVAC outlook lifted to $125M, up 44% YoY) .
- Catalyst watch: guidance raise; CEO signaling a reassessment of long‑term margin targets next quarter; continued share repurchases ($215M YTD through Oct); and CFO transition to Jason Bailey effective Nov 10, 2025 .
What Went Well and What Went Wrong
What Went Well
- Revenue +14% to $618M with broad-based channel strength; price +3% and volume +12% primarily from 2‑10; adjusted EBITDA +18% to $195M; gross margin +60 bps to 57% .
- Real estate turning the corner: ending member count grew sequentially for the first time in five years; management highlighted promotional efforts and a buyer’s market tailwind; “We are firing on all cylinders” and “real estate member count grew sequentially in Q3” .
- Non‑warranty momentum: new HVAC revenue outlook raised to $125M (+44% YoY); appliance replacement pilot expanding with 2026 nationwide target; “every sale is a relatively CAC‑free opportunity” .
What Went Wrong
- QoQ moderation: GAAP diluted EPS fell to $1.42 from $1.48; adjusted EBITDA dipped to $195M from $199M; gross margin fell to 57% from 58% .
- Inflation ticked toward ~4% (low‑to‑mid single digits), with appliance costs up; tariffs had limited impact given domestic equipment sourcing .
- Higher SG&A and promotional pricing pressured DTC revenue in Q4 outlook and full‑year assumptions; FY SG&A raised to $670–$675M; DTC revenue growth assumption ~3% reflects unit growth over price; home warranty member count expected to decline ~2% in 2025 .
Financial Results
Key P&L Metrics (USD, oldest → newest)
Actual vs Consensus (S&P Global) — EPS and Revenue
Values retrieved from S&P Global.
Segment Revenue Breakdown (USD, oldest → newest)
KPIs (end of period, oldest → newest)
Guidance Changes
No dividend guidance mentioned in the materials .
Earnings Call Themes & Trends
Management Commentary
- “We are firing on all cylinders… operational excellence… DTC continues to perform… real estate channel turning the corner… non‑warranty growth continues to be a game changer” — Bill Cobb .
- “Adjusted EBITDA grew 18% to $195 million… gross profit margin grew 60 basis points to 57%, which includes the benefit of higher price, a lower number of service requests per member and low‑to‑mid‑single digit inflation” — Jessica Ross .
- “We especially love [HVAC] because every sale is a relatively CAC‑free opportunity across our member base… appliance replacement pilot… nationwide in 2026” — Bill Cobb .
- “We are reevaluating the long‑term margin targets… will provide more information on our next earnings call” — Bill Cobb .
Q&A Highlights
- Cost inflation: ticked toward ~4% in Q3, primarily appliance costs; tariffs limited due to domestic equipment; management confident in dynamic pricing and trade service fee levers to offset .
- Real estate promotions: introduced $100 off in July–August and partner promos; contributed to outpacing market and sequential member growth .
- Non‑warranty appliance pilot: targeted nationwide rollout in 2026; complexity due to product breadth; early member reception positive .
- DTC Q4 dynamics: promotional pricing prioritizes unit growth over near‑term revenue; seasonality also weighs on Q4; retention enables margin durability .
- Organic revenue: mid‑single‑digit in Q3; full‑year organic expected ~3% .
- Margin framework: long‑term margin targets under reconsideration given sustained execution and pricing/fee tools .
Estimates Context
- Q3 2025: adjusted EPS $1.58 vs consensus $1.51063*; revenue $618M vs consensus $611.0M* — both beats. EPS estimates count: 5*; revenue estimates count: 6* . Values retrieved from S&P Global.
- Q2 2025: adjusted EPS $1.63 vs consensus $1.45479*; revenue $617M vs consensus $602.615M* — both beats. EPS estimates count: 5*; revenue estimates count: 6* . Values retrieved from S&P Global.
- Implications: With FY revenue and adjusted EBITDA raised, sell‑side models likely need higher “Other” revenue (HVAC), stronger real estate channel, and modestly higher SG&A; margin assumptions shift to ~55.5% GP and adjusted EBITDA $545–$550M .
Key Takeaways for Investors
- Quality beat and raise: Q3 exceeded consensus and management raised FY revenue and EBITDA; near‑term catalysts include margin target re‑set and Q4 outlook execution . Values retrieved from S&P Global.
- Non‑warranty flywheel: HVAC revenue outlook lifted; appliance pilot progressing toward 2026 national launch; expanding builder access via 2‑10 (19,000 partners) supports TAM expansion .
- Real estate inflection: sequential member growth after five years; promotional strategy and improving inventory dynamics support FY ~12% channel growth .
- DTC playbook: promotional pricing builds cohorts for renewal book; expect Q4 seasonal and pricing headwinds to revenue but retention and margin levers offset .
- Cash generation and capital returns: YTD free cash flow up 64% to $296M; cash $563M; $215M buybacks YTD provide downside support .
- Watch costs: inflation ticked toward ~4%, notably appliances; management cites dynamic pricing and operational execution to sustain margins .
- Leadership transition: CFO change to Jason Bailey, an internal veteran, suggests continuity ahead of margin target update next quarter .