Core Viewpoint - The stock of Crystal International (02232) has seen an increase of over 3%, currently trading at 6.81 HKD, with a transaction volume of 10.6 million HKD, driven by favorable market conditions and strategic adjustments in response to tariff changes [1] Group 1: Market Conditions - Starting from August 12, 2025, the US and China will again suspend the implementation of a 24% tariff for 90 days, which is expected to create a customer dividend resonance period for manufacturing companies like Crystal International [1] - Tianfeng Securities indicates that the ongoing impact of tariffs has reshaped the procurement landscape of the US apparel industry, with brand clients leaning towards low-cost alternatives to mitigate the burden of high tariffs [1] - This trend may intensify due to signs of economic weakness in the US [1] Group 2: Strategic Initiatives - In response to market conditions, Crystal International will prioritize growth opportunities in Europe and Asia [1] - Vietnam serves as the cornerstone of the company's global production network, accounting for over 60% of total output, and the company plans to reserve capacity for growth while modernizing its factories and building a local vertical supply chain [1] - The company will also actively assess the feasibility of establishing new production bases in regions surrounding Europe to shorten transportation times and enhance its capability to respond to the European market [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2026, net sales were $110.4 million, a growth of 6.2% compared to $104 million in the prior year quarter, marking the eighth consecutive quarter of sales growth [20][21] - Operating margin was 8.1%, up 230 basis points from 5.8% in the prior year quarter, representing the tenth consecutive quarter of year-over-year adjusted operating margin improvement [5][21] - GAAP operating income was $9.0 million, exceeding the top end of the guidance range of 6.0% to 7.3% of sales [21][22] - The company ended the quarter with a cash balance of $38.6 million and no bank debt [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales growth was primarily driven by source soft seating products, partially offset by lower unit volume in made-to-order soft seating products and Home Styles branded ready-to-assemble category [20] - The current quarter included approximately $2.4 million in pricing from tariff surcharges [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Weekly consumer traffic and sales were described as uneven, with significant volatility observed during the quarter [27] - The weak housing market and shaky consumer confidence are expected to be headwinds for the industry in the near term [7][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on growth strategies that include investments in consumer research, new product development, innovation, and marketing [5][12] - A total of 26 new product groups and 226 unique SKUs are being introduced, with a long-term goal of 30 to 40% of sales derived from new products [14][33] - The company is pursuing a multipronged response plan to mitigate tariff impacts, including increasing tariff surcharges and evaluating structural cost reduction opportunities [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management expressed confidence in navigating the challenging environment while maintaining a focus on growth investments [24] - The new Section 232 tariffs are expected to have a dramatic impact on the business and the entire U.S. furniture industry, leading to broad price increases and potential demand declines [9][10] - Despite near-term challenges, management remains optimistic about long-term industry growth drivers and Flexsteel's position to gain market share [12][24] Other Important Information - The company is committed to growing its case goods business through its Statements sub-brand, which emphasizes quality, design, and durability [16] - Consumer insights are driving innovation and marketing strategies, enhancing the in-store brand experience [17][18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on the uneven demand during the quarter? - Management noted that weekly store traffic and sales were volatile, with weak performance leading up to Labor Day followed by strong sales around the holiday [27][28] Question: What was the level of the tariff surcharges and their impact? - The company implemented an 8.5% surcharge for the previous 20% tariff, which increased to 15% in anticipation of the new 30% tariff [30] Question: What percentage of sales is targeted from new products? - The long-term goal is for 30 to 40% of sales to come from new products, with over 50% of Q1 sales derived from new products [33] Question: What are the dynamics regarding USMCA compliance and tariffs? - The new Section 232 tariffs do not exempt USMCA compliant products, which changes the previous dynamics [41] Question: How are competitors responding to tariff-related price increases? - Competitors are passing through tariff increases, with some implementing surcharges as high as 21% to 25% [42]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2026, net sales were $110.4 million, representing a 6.2% increase from $104 million in the prior year quarter, marking the eighth consecutive quarter of sales growth [20][4] - Operating margin improved to 8.1%, up 230 basis points from 5.8% in the prior year quarter, indicating consistent profit improvement [5][20] - GAAP operating income was $9.0 million, exceeding the top end of the guidance range of 6.0% to 7.3% of sales [20][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales growth was primarily driven by source soft seating products, while lower unit volume was noted in made-to-order soft seating products and Home Styles branded ready-to-assemble category [20] - The current quarter included approximately $2.4 million in pricing from tariff surcharges, indicating the impact of external cost pressures on sales [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Weekly consumer traffic and sales were described as volatile, with significant fluctuations observed around the Labor Day holiday [26][27] - The company noted that consumer sentiment remains fragile due to concerns about inflation and slowing employment growth, which could impact demand [6][7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on growth strategies that include investments in consumer research, new product development, and marketing to drive future sales increases [5][12] - A multipronged response plan is being pursued to mitigate the impact of new tariffs, including increased pricing and cost reduction initiatives [11][12] - The introduction of 26 new product groups and 226 unique SKUs is expected to drive growth, with a long-term goal of 30% to 40% of sales coming from new products [13][32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management expressed optimism about long-term industry growth despite near-term challenges from tariffs and macroeconomic conditions [12][24] - The company is well-positioned to navigate the challenging environment with a solid balance sheet and healthy profitability [11][24] Other Important Information - The new Section 232 tariffs on imported timber and upholstered furniture are expected to have a significant impact on the company's business and the broader U.S. furniture industry [9][10] - The company ended the quarter with a cash balance of $38.6 million and no bank debt, indicating strong financial health [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on the uneven demand during the quarter? - Management noted that weekly store traffic and sales were volatile, with weak performance leading up to Labor Day followed by a strong week around the holiday, but demand dropped again afterward [26][27] Question: What is the level of the tariff surcharges and their impact on sales and gross margins? - The company implemented an 8.5% surcharge for the previous 20% tariff, which increased to 15% in anticipation of the new 30% tariff [30] Question: What percentage of sales does the company aim to derive from new products? - The long-term goal is for 30% to 40% of sales to come from new products, with over 50% of Q1 sales derived from new products launched within the last three years [32] Question: What are the dynamics regarding USMCA compliance and recent tariffs? - The new Section 232 tariffs do not exempt USMCA compliant products, which changes the previous dynamics of tariff exemptions [38] Question: How do the company's price increases compare to competitors? - Competitors are reportedly implementing price increases of 21% to 25%, while the company is increasing its surcharges to 15% [39]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint is that the Bank of Japan, represented by Governor Haruhiko Kuroda, indicates a need for further adjustments to the monetary easing policy as the inflation target has been largely achieved [1] - Initial concerns regarding the impact of tariffs have eased, suggesting a more stable economic outlook [1] - There is a cautionary note regarding the potential for inflation in Japan to exceed expectations, highlighting the need for vigilance [1]

Core Viewpoint - Shares of Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) are experiencing a decline due to renewed concerns regarding President Trump's tariffs on China [1] Company Summary - Apple’s stock performance is negatively impacted by fears surrounding potential tariffs imposed by the U.S. government on Chinese imports [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Third quarter sales reached $1,190.8 million, up 3.8% from $1,147 million last year, with organic sales increasing by 3% [5][27] - Operating income margin was 23.4%, including a 190 basis point benefit from a legal settlement, while excluding this, it was 21.5%, down 50 basis points year-over-year [6][30] - Earnings per share (EPS) was $5.02, the highest ever for a third quarter, compared to $4.71 excluding the one-time legal benefit [6][31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - CNI Group sales were $367.7 million, reflecting a slight organic sales decrease of 0.8%, primarily due to reductions in the Asia-Pacific business [12][32] - Tools Group sales increased to $506 million, with a 1% organic gain, driven by new product introductions and higher sales in the U.S. [16][34] - RS&I Group sales rose to $464.8 million, with an organic increase of 8.9%, supported by strong performance in diagnostics and repair information products [22][36] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The automotive repair market showed favorable conditions, with increased complexity in vehicle repairs and a growing need for maintenance as vehicles age [7][8] - Spending on repairs increased in double digits, indicating a robust market environment for automotive repair services [8][9] - The industrial sector saw mixed results, with gains in critical industries offset by weakness in Asia-Pacific export activities [27][32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on leveraging its manufacturing flexibility and short supply chains to capitalize on market opportunities and challenges [9][10] - There is a strategic pivot towards faster payback products, which is gaining traction in the current economic environment [9][22] - The company aims to maintain its competitive advantage through innovation and strong customer connections, particularly in the RS&I segment [24][25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of their markets and the company's ability to navigate through economic uncertainties [4][43] - The outlook for the fourth quarter remains positive, with expectations of continued strong performance driven by strategic initiatives and market demand [42][44] - The company anticipates that its advantages in strategy, structure, and product offerings will lead to stronger performance in 2025 and beyond [45][46] Other Important Information - The company celebrated its 105th anniversary with a successful Franchisee Conference, which saw increased orders and positive feedback from franchisees [17][18] - The legal settlement provided a significant one-time benefit, impacting operating earnings and margins positively [30][31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Consistency in RS&I diagnostics and repair systems growth - Management noted improved product launches and consistent performance across the line, indicating a positive trend in diagnostics [49][50] Question: Stability in undercar sales - Undercar sales appeared to stabilize, contributing less negatively to RS&I's performance compared to previous quarters [51][52] Question: European tools market performance - The European market is showing uncertainty similar to the U.S., with transactional business remaining flat but opportunities in project-based work [53][54] Question: Impact of capacity investments on sequential volume - Capacity increases over the past two years have helped match volume fluctuations, contributing to sequential improvements [56][57] Question: Performance breakdown of tools segment - Diagnostics performed well, while hand tools and tool storage faced challenges, with power tools showing improvement towards the end of the quarter [66]

Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Positive" and maintained [8] Core Insights - In FY2026Q1 (June 1, 2025 - August 31, 2025), the company achieved revenue of $11.72 billion, exceeding Bloomberg's consensus estimate of $11.02 billion, with a year-over-year decline of 1% at constant exchange rates [2][5] - Gross margin decreased by 3.2 percentage points to 42.2%, primarily due to increased product costs from higher wholesale and factory store discounts, tariffs, and a decline in direct sales channels [2][5] - Marketing expenses reduction led to a 0.6 percentage point decline in SG&A expense ratio, but a 1.5 percentage point increase in the tax rate negatively impacted net margin, which fell by 2.9 percentage points to 6.2% [2][5] Revenue Breakdown - By region, revenue for Nike brand was as follows: North America +4%, EMEA +1%, APLA +1%, Greater China -10%, totaling $5.02 billion, $3.33 billion, $1.49 billion, and $1.51 billion respectively [6] - By channel, DTC (Direct-to-Consumer) revenue decreased by 5% to $4.5 billion, while wholesale revenue increased by 5% to $6.8 billion [6] - By product category, revenue for footwear decreased by 2% to $7.41 billion, apparel increased by 7% to $3.31 billion, and equipment increased by 3% to $630 million [7] Inventory and Cost Impact - As of FY2026Q1, the company's inventory stood at $8.11 billion, a year-over-year decrease of 2%, with a healthy inventory recovery plan in progress [11] - Tariffs are expected to add approximately $1.5 billion in costs, with an adverse impact on FY2026 gross margin estimated at 1.2 percentage points [11]

Group 1: Aluminum Price Trends - The Aluminum Monthly Metal Index (MMI) has remained stable, with a mild increase of 0.5% from September to October, indicating a rising trend in aluminum prices supported by various factors [1] - Following a significant fire at Novelis' Oswego plant, which produces about 40% of the aluminum sheets for the automotive industry, the overall outlook for U.S. aluminum prices has changed, with Midwest premiums reaching a historical high of $0.77 per pound as of October 6 [2][3] - The LME three-month aluminum price increased by 2.61% last month, reaching its highest level since March, reflecting a broader trend of rising prices among other base metals [6] Group 2: Supply Chain Impact - The fire at Novelis has severely weakened U.S. aluminum production capacity, with the plant expected to remain offline until early next year, impacting the automotive supply chain significantly [2] - U.S. aluminum imports have been declining, with a 3.69% decrease in aluminum sheet imports from February to August compared to the same period in 2024, contributing to domestic supply tightness [4] - Overall, aluminum product imports have decreased by 10.17%, indicating that the U.S. remains a net importer of aluminum, necessitating overseas supply to meet demand [5] Group 3: Market Dynamics - The imposition of tariffs has intensified the impact of supply disruptions on the market, leading buyers to increasingly seek domestic producers for raw materials [5] - Despite the current upward trend in aluminum prices, ongoing inflationary pressures and a softening demand environment may challenge the sustainability of this trend in the coming months [6][7]

Core Viewpoint - The company has a low proportion of direct exports to the United States and will closely monitor changes in international trade policies to actively respond to tariff impacts [1] Company Summary - The company's current direct export volume to the United States is relatively low [1] - The company is committed to closely observing international trade policy changes [1] - The company aims to proactively address the impacts of tariffs [1]

消息面上，美方日前宣布将对中方加征100%关税。招商证券认为，应将本次威胁关税视为筹码而非目 的，100%关税落地概率较低。华福证券表示，关税对果链设备公司的影响不应被高估，苹果对供应商 的要求极为严格，国内果链公司具备不可替代性。 ...