LAS VEGAS, Feb. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Live Ventures Incorporated (NASDAQ: LIVE) (“Live Ventures” or the “Company”), a diversified holding company, will issue its financial results for its fiscal first quarter ended December 31, 2025, before the market opens on Thursday, February 12, 2026. The Company will hold a conference call to discuss the results on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time). The dial-in numbers are as follows: 800.231.0316 ( ...

LAS VEGAS and BROADVIEW, Ill., Jan. 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Central Steel Fabricators, a portfolio company of Live Ventures Incorporated (NASDAQ: LIVE), today highlighted its expanding role as a critical infrastructure provider to the rapidly accelerating artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and data-center ecosystem. With a manufacturing heritage spanning major technological transitions, Central Steel Fabricators has provided essential infrastructure for the advent of digital telecommunications, ...

Core Insights - Live Ventures Incorporated is advancing automation at its subsidiary Flooring Liquidators, Inc. with an AI-powered logistics and autonomous material-handling strategy aimed at enhancing warehouse efficiency and modernizing distribution [1][4] Group 1: Automation and Technology - The initiative focuses on the Fairfield, California distribution hub, which is being designed for autonomous operations using self-guided vehicles for pallet movement, minimizing human intervention [2] - Autonomous vehicles are reported to operate at approximately ten times the throughput of traditional methods, enhancing efficiency and reducing errors [3] - The facility employs advanced technologies such as LiDAR-based navigation and collision-avoidance systems, specifically optimized for high-volume flooring products [3] Group 2: Strategic Objectives - The strategic goal is to facilitate smooth inventory flow, allowing professional staff to concentrate on customer engagement and relationship building [4] - AI-driven capabilities are expected to enable Flooring Liquidators to scale more rapidly than regional competitors without proportional increases in labor costs or facility size [4] - Live Ventures emphasizes the integration of AI and robotics across its portfolio, positioning itself for competitive advantages in the AI era [4][6] Group 3: Company Background - Flooring Liquidators, established in 1997, is a prominent retailer and installer of flooring, carpeting, and countertops in California, Nevada, and the Midwest [5] - Live Ventures Incorporated is a diversified holding company focused on acquiring and operating middle-market companies with strong cash flows and market positions, leveraging advanced technologies to enhance operational efficiency [6]

Core Insights - Flooring Liquidators, a subsidiary of Live Ventures, has integrated artificial intelligence into its operations to enhance inventory management, delivery efficiency, and in-store availability [1][2][3] Group 1: AI Integration and Operational Efficiency - The company has embedded AI directly into daily operations rather than using it solely as a back-office tool, allowing for real-time demand forecasting based on sales and inventory data [2][3] - AI-driven demand forecasting enables Flooring Liquidators to position products closer to customers before demand peaks, optimizing inventory placement [2][3] - The implementation of AI has led to improved planning and sequencing, resulting in damage rate reductions of over 80% and increased overall throughput [4] Group 2: Performance Management System - Flooring Liquidators is deploying an AI-driven performance management system named "No Excuses AI," which monitors performance across all branches and identifies anomalies [4][5] - The first phase of the system analyzes thousands of transactions weekly, generating prioritized alerts based on severity [5] - The second phase focuses on defining problems clearly and steering managers towards specific solutions, while the third phase aims to auto-detect patterns and suggest improvements before sales decline [6] Group 3: Broader Transformation and Future Outlook - The advancements at Flooring Liquidators reflect a broader transformation within the Live Ventures portfolio, where AI is applied to create immediate advantages across various companies [7] - Live Ventures aims to transform conventional operations into more efficient enterprises by incorporating AI, robotics, and data analytics [9]

Acquisitions and Business Operations - Live Ventures acquired Flooring Liquidators, Inc. in January 2023, which operates 25 warehouse-format stores and design centers across California, Arkansas, Missouri, and Nevada[28]. - Marquis Industries, a subsidiary of Live Ventures, operates through ten brands and focuses on residential, niche commercial, and printed hospitality end-markets[34][36]. - Vintage Stock operates 73 storefronts across the U.S. and has a customer list of approximately 900,000 for promotions[23][24]. - Flooring Liquidators offers a wide selection of flooring, cabinets, and countertops, featuring high-quality imported hardwood, laminate, and vinyl products[29]. - Flooring Liquidators utilizes social media and targeted paid search advertising to expand its reach and attract customers[33]. - Flooring Liquidators leases all 25 of its retail stores and warehouses, with a corporate office located in Modesto, California[187]. - Vintage Stock operates 73 stores across various states, with a significant presence in Missouri (19 stores) and Texas (16 stores)[186]. - The company operates in five segments: Retail-Entertainment, Retail-Flooring, Flooring Manufacturing, Steel Manufacturing, and Corporate & Other[206]. Financial Performance and Market Conditions - The U.S. floor covering industry had an estimated $33.2 billion in sales in 2024, with the carpet and rug industry shipments approximately $11.2 billion[40][42]. - The video game industry reported over $59 billion in consumer spending in 2024, with 205 million adults in the U.S. playing video games[26]. - The average video game player in the U.S. is 36 years old, with 64% of American adults playing video games for at least one hour weekly[26]. - Economic conditions in the U.S. could adversely affect demand for the company's products, impacting sales driven by discretionary consumer spending[132]. - The flooring manufacturing segment is sensitive to economic conditions, with potential adverse effects from declines in the U.S. or global economies impacting demand for flooring products[147]. - The steel manufacturing segment's business is cyclical and may be adversely affected by fluctuations in demand from industries such as automotive and construction[165]. Operational Challenges and Risks - The company faces risks related to fluctuating demand for its products and services, which could lead to significant fluctuations in operating results[99]. - The company may struggle to pass on rising costs of raw materials and energy to customers, which could adversely affect its financial results[151]. - Disruptions in the global supply chain, including recent geopolitical conflicts and natural disasters, may lead to increased costs and delays in delivery[152]. - Labor disruptions due to union negotiations could interfere with operations and increase operating expenses[159]. - The company may face challenges in predicting customer preferences and responding to technological developments, which could adversely affect its business[148]. - The company may struggle to renew or enter into new leases on favorable terms, potentially leading to revenue growth decline[138]. - Seasonal sales trends, particularly during winter and holiday periods, could significantly impact financial results[139]. - Results of operations may fluctuate from quarter to quarter due to various uncontrollable factors, making financial predictions challenging[140]. - Failure to effectively manage new store openings could lower sales and profitability, impacting the company's growth strategy[141]. Financial Obligations and Capital Expenditures - As of September 30, 2025, the company had approximately $117.7 million in total consolidated principal indebtedness outstanding, including $48.7 million in floating rate credit borrowings[100][102]. - The company has significant obligations under its consolidated indebtedness, which may limit its ability to react to changing market conditions and could adversely affect its financial flexibility[101]. - The company anticipates needing to make increased capital expenditures to support anticipated growth in operations and infrastructure[104]. - The company may be adversely affected by interest rate changes due to its floating rate credit facilities, which could impact its financial condition[101]. Intellectual Property and Legal Matters - The company relies on trade secrets and unpatented proprietary know-how as its principal method of protecting proprietary technologies, which may impact its competitive edge[93]. - The company is committed to protecting its intellectual property rights, but there is no assurance that these protections will be adequate against third-party infringement[110]. - The company is subject to ongoing legal proceedings that could materially affect its operations and financial condition[172]. - The company is involved in an ongoing SEC investigation, which could divert management's focus and result in substantial investigation expenses[123]. - The SEC complaint alleges various financial, disclosure, and reporting violations related to income and earnings per share data from 2016 through 2018[123]. Stock and Shareholder Information - As of September 30, 2025, the company has 198 holders of record for its common stock and 29 holders for its Series E Preferred Stock[197]. - The Series E Preferred Stock has 47,840 shares issued and outstanding, with dividends of approximately $720 paid during the year ending September 30, 2025[198]. - The company has no current plans to pay cash dividends on its common stock for the foreseeable future, with any future dividends dependent on various financial factors[199]. - A $10 million common stock repurchase program was announced on June 4, 2024, and extended through May 31, 2028[200]. - The company repurchased a total of 59,977 shares of common stock from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, at an average purchase price of $8.88 per share[201]. - As of September 30, 2025, the maximum amount available for future stock repurchases under the announced plan is $9,467,429[201]. Manufacturing and Production Capabilities - Precision Marshall, acquired in July 2020, is the North American leader in pre-finished de-carb-free tool and die steel, serving over 500 steel distributors[51]. - Precision Metal Works, Inc. (PMW) ships over 35 million stampings and assemblies annually, operating across 400,000 square feet of manufacturing space[56]. - Kinetic Co. manufactures over 90 types of knives and employs approximately 100 non-union employees, serving a diverse customer base of around 600[54][67]. - Central Steel Fabricators offers over 2,300 unique products to more than 500 customers, primarily for data centers[57]. - Precision Marshall maintains a national distribution center with over 99% same-day shipment capability for its Precision Ground Flat Stock products[60]. - Kinetic's revenues are primarily derived from replacement knives, with 95% of sales to U.S.-based companies[67]. - PMW has established long-term relationships with major appliance manufacturers, serving the largest and second-largest in North America[75]. - Central Steel's adaptability to new communication technologies positions it well in the evolving data and IP markets[69]. - Precision Marshall's tool and die steel market is highly competitive, requiring significant investment in inventory and service infrastructure[79]. - Marquis has invested in new yarn extrusion capacity to expand into new markets and reduce production costs, enhancing margins[49].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue decreased approximately $27.9 million, or 5.9%, to approximately $444.9 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, compared to approximately $472.8 million in the prior year [6] - Operating income increased by $10.2 million, or 231.7%, compared to the prior year, excluding an $18.1 million goodwill impairment recorded in Fiscal Year 2024 [5] - Adjusted EBITDA for Fiscal Year 2025 was approximately $33.4 million, an increase of approximately $8.9 million, or 36.3%, compared to $24.5 million in the prior year [15] - Net income was approximately $22.7 million, with diluted EPS of $4.93, compared to a net loss of approximately $26.7 million and a loss per share of $8.48 in the prior year [14] - Gross profit increased approximately $900,000 to $145.7 million, with gross margin increasing 210 basis points to 32.7% [10][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail entertainment segment revenue increased by approximately $6.5 million, or 9.1%, to approximately $77.5 million, driven by strong consumer demand for vintage and collectible media [8] - Retail flooring segment revenue decreased by approximately $14.7 million, or 10.7%, to approximately $122.3 million, primarily due to the disposition of certain stores and decreased consumer demand [9] - Flooring manufacturing segment revenue decreased by approximately $11.5 million, or 8.6%, to approximately $121.6 million, attributed to reduced consumer demand [9] - Steel manufacturing segment revenue decreased by approximately $7.2 million, or 5.1%, to approximately $132.6 million, driven by lower sales volumes, partially offset by incremental revenue from Central Steel [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Continued softness in the new home construction and home refurbishment markets negatively impacted the retail flooring and flooring manufacturing segments [5][6] - The fourth quarter of 2025 showed year-over-year revenue improvement compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, indicating potential recovery [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on driving sustainable profitability and enhancing overall performance across its businesses [18] - Strategic pricing initiatives and targeted cost reduction measures were implemented to strengthen operating disciplines [4] - The company aims to build a durable platform of businesses that are resilient in the real economy [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the company's position for continued progress, despite challenges in the housing market [18] - The company is excited about recent interest rate cuts, which are expected to benefit interest expenses and stimulate housing sales [30][31] Other Important Information - Total debt declined approximately $33.5 million in Fiscal Year 2025, leading to a decrease in interest expense by approximately $1.3 million, or 7.7% [13] - The company repurchased 59,704 shares of common stock at an average price of $8.85 per share during the fiscal year [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding share repurchases and issuance strategy - Management indicated that shares may be issued in connection with acquisitions and that repurchase levels are monitored based on market conditions [26][28] Question: Debt repayment intentions - Management confirmed a commitment to continue paying down debt, evaluating the optimal level for long-term sustainability [28] Question: Impact of interest rate reductions - Management noted that interest rate cuts have positively impacted the company, reducing interest expenses and potentially stimulating the housing market [30][31]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Fiscal Year 2025 decreased approximately $27.9 million, or 5.9%, to approximately $444.9 million compared to approximately $472.8 million in the prior year [6] - Operating income increased by $10.2 million, or 231.7%, compared to the prior year, excluding an $18.1 million goodwill impairment recorded in Fiscal Year 2024 [5] - Net income for Fiscal Year 2025 was approximately $22.7 million, with diluted EPS of $4.93, compared to a net loss of approximately $26.7 million and a loss per share of $8.48 in the prior year [14] - Adjusted EBITDA for Fiscal Year 2025 was approximately $33.4 million, an increase of approximately $8.9 million, or 36.3%, compared to $24.5 million in the prior year [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail entertainment segment revenue for Fiscal Year 2025 was approximately $77.5 million, an increase of $6.5 million, or 9.1%, compared to the prior year [8] - Retail flooring segment revenue decreased by approximately $14.7 million, or 10.7%, to approximately $122.3 million, primarily due to the disposition of certain stores and decreased consumer demand [9] - Flooring manufacturing segment revenue decreased by approximately $11.5 million, or 8.6%, to approximately $121.6 million, driven by reduced consumer demand [10] - Steel manufacturing segment revenue decreased by approximately $7.2 million, or 5.1%, to approximately $132.6 million, primarily due to lower sales volumes, partially offset by incremental revenue from an acquisition [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported continued softness in the new home construction and home refurbishment markets, which negatively impacted the retail flooring and flooring manufacturing segments [6][17] - Despite revenue declines, the fourth quarter of 2025 showed year-over-year improvement, generating higher revenues than the fourth quarter of 2024 [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on driving sustainable profitability and enhancing overall performance across its businesses [18] - Strategic pricing initiatives and targeted cost reduction measures were implemented to strengthen operating disciplines and optimize cost structures [4] - The company aims to build a durable platform of businesses that are resilient in the real economy [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the company's position for continued progress, citing actions taken during the year to strengthen operational discipline [18] - The company anticipates that interest rate reductions will benefit its financial performance, particularly as they may stimulate the housing market [30][31] Other Important Information - Total debt declined approximately $33.5 million in Fiscal Year 2025, leading to a decrease in interest expense by approximately $1.3 million, or 7.7% [13] - The company ended the fiscal year with total cash availability of approximately $38.1 million and working capital of approximately $62.1 million [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding share repurchases and issuance - Management indicated that shares may be issued in connection with acquisitions and that repurchase levels are monitored based on market conditions [26][28] Question: Debt repayment strategy - Management confirmed a commitment to continue paying down debt, with future evaluations on whether to maintain a certain level of debt for optimal returns [28] Question: Impact of interest rate reductions - Management noted that interest rate cuts have positively impacted the company, reducing interest expenses and potentially stimulating the housing market [30][31]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Fiscal Year 2025 decreased approximately $27.9 million, or 5.9%, to approximately $444.9 million compared to $472.8 million in the prior year [5] - Operating income increased by $10.2 million, or 231.7%, compared to the prior year, excluding an $18.1 million goodwill impairment recorded in Fiscal Year 2024 [4] - Net income for Fiscal Year 2025 was approximately $22.7 million, with diluted EPS of $4.93, compared to a net loss of approximately $26.7 million and a loss per share of $8.48 in the prior year [10] - Adjusted EBITDA for Fiscal Year 2025 was approximately $33.4 million, an increase of approximately $8.9 million, or 36.3%, compared to $24.5 million in the prior year [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail entertainment segment revenue increased by approximately $6.5 million, or 9.1%, to approximately $77.5 million, driven by strong consumer demand for vintage and collectible media [6] - Retail flooring segment revenue decreased by approximately $14.7 million, or 10.7%, to approximately $122.3 million, primarily due to the disposition of certain stores and decreased consumer demand [6] - Flooring manufacturing segment revenue decreased by approximately $11.5 million, or 8.6%, to approximately $121.6 million, attributed to reduced consumer demand [7] - Steel manufacturing segment revenue decreased by approximately $7.2 million, or 5.1%, to approximately $132.6 million, primarily due to lower sales volumes, partially offset by incremental revenue from Central Steel [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Continued softness in the new home construction and home refurbishment markets negatively impacted the retail flooring and flooring manufacturing segments [4][5] - The company reported a year-over-year improvement in revenue for the fourth quarter of 2025 compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, despite overall revenue decline for the fiscal year [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on building a durable platform of businesses that are resilient and efficient, with an emphasis on operational discipline and cost structure optimization [12] - The company plans to continue paying down debt while evaluating the best use of capital for shareholder returns, including potential acquisitions [20][22] - The management expressed optimism about future performance, citing actions taken to position the company for sustainable profitability [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by a mixed economy but highlighted the successful execution of strategic initiatives that led to improved operating performance [4][12] - The company anticipates that interest rate reductions will benefit its financials and stimulate the housing market, which could positively impact flooring sales [23][24] Other Important Information - General and administrative expenses decreased by approximately $4.3 million, or 3.6%, to $113.7 million, due to targeted cost reduction measures [9] - The company repurchased 59,704 shares of common stock at an average price of $8.85 per share during the fiscal year [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding share repurchases and issuance strategy - Management indicated that shares may be issued in connection with acquisitions and that repurchase levels are monitored based on market conditions [20] Question: Debt repayment intentions - Management confirmed a commitment to continue paying down debt and will evaluate the optimal debt level for long-term operations [22] Question: Impact of interest rate reductions - Management noted that recent interest rate cuts have positively impacted the company and are expected to benefit future financial performance [23][24]

Core Insights - Live Ventures Incorporated reported a significant turnaround in fiscal year 2025, with a 231.7% increase in operating income, driven by strategic pricing and cost-reduction initiatives despite challenges in the housing market [3][4]. Financial Performance - Revenue for fiscal year 2025 decreased by 5.9% to approximately $444.9 million from $472.8 million in the prior year, primarily due to declines in the Retail-Flooring, Flooring Manufacturing, and Steel Manufacturing segments [6][8]. - Operating income increased to $14.6 million from an operating loss of $13.6 million in the previous year, marking a 207.3% improvement [6][11]. - Net income rose to $22.7 million, a 185.2% increase compared to a net loss of $26.7 million in the prior year, with diluted earnings per share improving to $4.93 from a loss of $8.48 [6][12]. - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 36.3% to $33.4 million from $24.5 million in the prior year, reflecting improved operational performance [6][13]. Segment Performance - Retail-Entertainment segment revenue grew by 9.1% to approximately $77.5 million, driven by strong consumer demand for vintage and collectible media [22]. - Retail-Flooring segment revenue decreased by 10.7% to approximately $122.3 million, attributed to store dispositions and decreased consumer demand due to housing market weakness [23]. - Flooring Manufacturing segment revenue fell by 8.6% to approximately $121.6 million, primarily due to reduced consumer demand [24]. - Steel Manufacturing segment revenue decreased by 5.1% to approximately $132.6 million, with lower sales volumes offset by revenue from the acquisition of Central Steel [25]. Operational Highlights - Gross margin improved to 32.7% from 30.6% in the prior year, driven by efficiencies and the acquisition of higher-margin businesses [9][10]. - The company repurchased 59,704 shares of common stock at an average price of $8.85 per share [9]. - As of September 30, 2025, total assets were $386.4 million, with stockholders' equity at $95.3 million [9][14].

Group 1 - Live Ventures Incorporated will release its financial results for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, on December 11, 2025, before market opening [1] - A conference call to discuss the financial results will take place on December 11, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time [1] - The company encourages participants to dial in at least 15 minutes in advance for the conference call [1] Group 2 - Live Ventures is a diversified holding company focused on value-oriented acquisitions of domestic middle-market companies [2] - The company's acquisition strategy is sector agnostic, targeting well-run, closely held businesses with a proven track record of earnings growth and cash flow generation [2] - Live Ventures was founded in 1968 and refocused into a diversified holding company in 2011 under the leadership of CEO Jon Isaac [2] - The current portfolio includes subsidiaries in various industries such as textile, flooring, tools, steel, and entertainment [2]