Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated net sales for Q2 2026 were $82.1 million, down $13 million, or 13.6% year-over-year, primarily driven by declines at Home Meridian [4][5] - Consolidated operating loss was $4.4 million compared to $3.1 million in the prior year quarter, reflecting lower sales volume and unfavorable customer mix [4] - Consolidated net loss was $3.3 million, or $0.31 per share, with a six-month net loss of $6.3 million, or $0.60 per diluted share [4][5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hooker branded net sales increased by 1.3% year-over-year, reaching breakeven compared to a $329,000 loss last year, despite $655,000 in restructuring costs [3][15] - Home Meridian's net sales decreased by 44.5%, with a significant portion attributed to the loss of a major customer and macroeconomic pressures [4][16] - Domestic upholstery's net sales were flat, with a 1.7% decline over six months, but operating losses were reduced by 68% in Q2 [17][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The home furnishings industry is facing challenges from low existing home sales, elevated mortgage rates, and persistent inflation, impacting consumer confidence and demand [21] - Incoming orders for Hooker branded and domestic upholstery increased by 24% year-over-year in July, indicating some positive momentum [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on cost reduction efforts, aiming to eliminate approximately $25 million, or 25% of fixed costs, with significant savings expected by the end of Q3 2026 [13][14] - A new Margaritaville product line is set to launch in October, which is anticipated to create growth opportunities [10][21] - The company is adapting to tariff impacts by evaluating pricing on a SKU-level basis and implementing mitigation strategies [11][39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in returning to profitability through cost structure scaling and strategic growth initiatives [7][21] - The company expects HMI's performance to improve significantly by the end of the fiscal year, barring additional tariffs or disruptive events [8][21] Other Important Information - The company reported $1.9 million in cash on hand and no outstanding amounts under its credit facility, with $67.9 million in available borrowing capacity [19] - Restructuring costs for the quarter totaled $2 million, with two-thirds attributed to cost of goods sold and one-third to selling and administrative expenses [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the increased orders at Hooker branded and domestic upholstery? - Management noted subtle macro improvements at the retail level, with positive feedback from partners regarding Labor Day sales [26][27] Question: How does the company plan to return HMI to profitability? - Management indicated that achieving a 25% reduction in overhead costs by the end of Q3 is crucial for short-term profitability [28][29] Question: What is the breakdown of restructuring costs for the quarter? - Approximately two-thirds of the restructuring costs were in cost of goods sold, and one-third in selling and administrative expenses [30] Question: Can you provide updates on the Margaritaville launch? - The launch is seen as a significant opportunity, with positive early indicators from partners and a substantial number of SKUs planned [37][38] Question: What are the expectations for price increases? - Management is evaluating pricing on a SKU-by-SKU basis and believes they have a clear understanding of the impact of the 20% tariff [39][41] Question: Will the additional $2 million in charges coincide with the Savannah warehouse exit? - Yes, the additional charges are expected to be related to the closing of the Savannah warehouse [42]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total company sales for Q4 2024 were $664 million, a 14% sequential decrease and 10% lower than the same quarter a year ago [28] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $32 million, or 4.8% of sales, with full year adjusted EBITDA reaching $220 million, or 6.7% [34][39] - The company generated $268 million in operating cash flow from continuing operations for the full year, the highest level in years [12][36] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gas utility sales in Q4 were $253 million, a decline of $40 million or 14%, primarily due to reduced customer activity and delayed spending [29] - The diet sector revenue for Q4 was $208 million, a decrease of $31 million or 13% due to timing of project deliveries [30] - DTI sector revenue for Q4 was $203 million, down $36 million or 15% due to reduced upstream activity [31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International revenue for Q4 was $122 million, down $5 million or 4% from lower turnaround activity [31] - The international segment achieved 14% year-on-year revenue growth in 2024, marking the second consecutive year of double-digit growth [32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company simplified its capital structure by repurchasing convertible preferred shares and extending its asset-based lending facility maturity to 2029 [10][11] - A three-pronged capital allocation strategy targets a net debt leverage ratio of less than 1.5 times, returning cash to shareholders, and investing in future growth [12] - The company initiated several growth initiatives and strategic supply agreements to enhance customer service and product offerings [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2025, projecting low to upper single-digit percentage revenue increases compared to 2024 [15][39] - Key growth drivers include improving fundamentals in the gas utilities sector, inflationary pressures on product pricing, and a strong outlook for midstream natural gas projects [16][20] - The company expects to maintain adjusted gross margins of approximately 21% and generate at least $100 million in operating cash flow in 2025 [39][42] Other Important Information - The company has initiated a remediation plan to address inventory cycle count compliance issues detected late in the year [9] - The Emtek joint venture aims to enhance gas meter sales by incorporating automatic meter reading technology, potentially unlocking tens of millions in revenue [24][72] Q&A Session Summary Question: Revenue guidance and strength sustainability - Management noted a 19% increase in backlog in the U.S. segment, indicating strong customer signals and optimism for revenue growth in 2025 [51][52] Question: Gross margin guidance - Management indicated that the 21% gross margin guidance includes a modest amount of inflation but does not fully account for potential tariff impacts [62][68] Question: International market outlook - Management highlighted strong project activity in Europe and Asia Pacific, with a significant international backlog of $254 million, the largest in years [79] Question: Capital allocation priorities - Management emphasized a focus on maintaining a prudent balance sheet while executing the $125 million share repurchase program and considering M&A opportunities as the balance sheet improves [85][88]