Core Insights - La-Z-Boy Incorporated has been recognized as one of America's Most Iconic Companies for 2026 by TIME magazine, highlighting its significant role in shaping American history through influence, longevity, and cultural impact [1][2] Company Overview - Founded in 1927, La-Z-Boy operates as a vertically integrated enterprise, managing all aspects of its business from retail to manufacturing and distribution [3][6] - The company has a retail network of 370 La-Z-Boy stores and strategic partnerships with national brands, with approximately 90% of its products manufactured in the United States [3][7] Strategic Initiatives - La-Z-Boy's Century Vision strategy and consumer-first approach have led to sustainable growth, with the company growing at more than twice the market rate over the past five years [4] - Recent strategic investments in operations and distribution have reinforced the company's ability to succeed in various market environments [4] Cultural Impact - The recognition as an iconic company reflects the lasting connection generations of families have with La-Z-Boy, emphasizing its commitment to transforming homes and enhancing consumer experiences [5][8] - La-Z-Boy will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2027 with a program designed to engage various stakeholders and highlight its rich heritage [5]

Inflation Overview - Inflation has been a persistent issue in the U.S. economy over the past five years, primarily driven by rising prices for groceries and housing [2] - Other categories, such as electricity and utilities, have also seen significant price increases, with electricity prices up 6.9% year-over-year in November [2][3] Energy Sector - Utility gas services, fuel oils, and other motor fuels have increased at rates faster than the overall annual inflation rate of 2.7% [3] - The surge in energy usage by data centers powering artificial intelligence (AI) services is a contributing factor to rising energy prices [3] Household Goods - Furniture prices have risen faster than the inflation rate, with living room, kitchen, and dining room furniture costs up by 4.6% in November [5] - Prices for indoor plants and flowers increased at a faster rate, while cookware and tableware prices rose by 6.3% [6] - Tools saw a price increase of 5.6%, influenced by tariffs, and audio equipment prices increased by over 10% [6][7] Jewelry and Apparel - Jewelry prices rose by 8.3% in November, influenced by tariffs and the surge in gold and silver prices [8] - While overall apparel prices decreased, women's outerwear prices increased by 7.4%, highlighting the impact of tariffs on women's apparel [9] Health Care Costs - Health care services generally rose at the same rate as inflation, but hospital services saw a sharp increase of 6% in November [11] - Dental services costs increased by 4% in the third quarter of 2025, with nursing home costs also rising significantly [11] Financial Services - The cost of financial services surged in 2025, with prices up by 5.6% and fees and commissions rising by more than 8% in the third quarter [12]

Core Insights - The Zacks Furniture industry is focusing on long-term growth through innovation, digital expansion, and product evolution, leveraging e-commerce, AI-driven personalization, and AR/VR tools to enhance customer engagement [1][4][5] - Demand for multifunctional furniture, particularly from millennials and Gen Z, is driving new product development, while strategic acquisitions and partnerships are enhancing growth opportunities [1][6] Industry Overview - The Zacks Furniture industry includes manufacturers, designers, and marketers of residential and commercial furnishing solutions, with involvement in various sectors such as construction, healthcare, and retail [3] - Companies are diversifying their portfolios and expanding their geographic reach, particularly in resilient sectors like healthcare and public infrastructure [6] Trends Impacting the Industry - The industry is experiencing significant growth in e-commerce and digital transformation, with investments in technology to improve customer experiences and operational efficiency [4][5] - There is a rising demand for multifunctional furniture due to urban living constraints, with products like convertible sofas and foldable tables gaining popularity [4] Economic Challenges - Near-term headwinds include cautious consumer spending and weak housing activity, which are negatively impacting demand for big-ticket furniture [2][7] - Elevated costs related to labor, occupancy, and marketing, along with competitive pricing and supply-chain inefficiencies, are pressuring profit margins [2][9] Performance Metrics - The Zacks Furniture industry has underperformed compared to the broader Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector and the S&P 500, declining 20.4% over the past year [13] - The industry is currently trading at a forward P/E of 10.12X, significantly lower than the S&P 500's 23.11X and the sector's 18.24X [17] Company Highlights - La-Z-Boy is expanding its retail footprint and optimizing its portfolio, with a focus on its core upholstery business, which is expected to enhance margins [19][20] - Bassett is benefiting from product innovation and improved customer engagement through its Custom Studio concept, which is expected to drive profitability despite market challenges [24][28] - MillerKnoll is experiencing growth through strategic retail expansion and product innovation, particularly in contract markets, supported by a return-to-office trend [27][30]

Core Insights - The Lovesac Company is scheduled to participate in the 2026 ICR Conference on January 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time [1] - The event will be webcast live and archived on the Company's Investor Relations website [2] Company Overview - The Lovesac Company, based in Stamford, Connecticut, is a technology-driven furniture brand known for its modular couches called Sactionals, designed to be adaptable and long-lasting [3] - The product lineup includes Sactionals, Sactionals Reclining seat, premium foam beanbag chairs (Sacs), PillowSac Chair, StealthTech home theater system, and Snugg™ sofa seating solution [3] - The brand emphasizes responsible production and innovation, having received awards for sustainability and product design, and holds a robust portfolio of utility and design patents [3] - Products are primarily sold online through the official website, complemented by physical retail locations and partnerships with third-party retailers [3]

Core Insights - Lovesac is implementing a four-pronged tariff strategy that includes diversifying its supply base and reducing production in China, with a focus on a new made-in-the-U.S.A. product development approach aimed at being better and less expensive [2][7] - The company's gross margin fell in the third fiscal quarter due to rising costs in transportation, tariffs, and warehousing, although margin pressure was somewhat alleviated by price increases and cost-reduction initiatives [3] - The company is expanding delivery options, including a planned "white glove" delivery and assembly service to enhance customer experience and address feedback regarding delivery issues [5] Financial Performance - The gross margin decline was primarily attributed to increased costs, with the company experiencing pressure in smaller and mid-range setups following price increases to offset tariffs [3][4] - La-Z-Boy's tariff strategy includes production adjustments and planned price increases, with 90% of its products made in the U.S., positioning it favorably regarding tariffs [6] Product Development - Lovesac is redesigning the core inserts of its Sactionals line to enable U.S. manufacturing, with plans to start domestic production in summer 2026 [7] - The redesign is part of a broader initiative to drive secular growth, with the CEO indicating more initiatives will be announced in the coming fiscal year [6][7]

Oil Market - Oil prices fell, with U.S. benchmark crude trading at $57.09 per barrel, down 23 cents, and Brent crude at $60.58 per barrel, down 17 cents [2] - Venezuela's oil industry, currently producing about 1.1 million barrels per day, may see output double or triple with significant investments, despite being in disrepair due to years of neglect and sanctions [3] Precious Metals - The price of gold rose by 1.9% and silver surged by 5.7%, as these assets are viewed as safe havens amid geopolitical turmoil following the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro [4] Stock Market Performance - Asian share prices opened higher, with the Nikkei 225 increasing by 3% to 51,853.53, marking a year-end high for 2025 [5] - South Korea's Kospi surged 3.1% to 4,441.80, also closing at a record high [6] - The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 0.7% to 48,382.39, while the Nasdaq composite fell slightly by less than 0.1% to 23,235.63, influenced by declines in major tech stocks like Microsoft and Tesla [8][9] Economic Outlook - Upcoming economic updates will include reports on the services sector, consumer sentiment, and job market data, which are expected to provide insights into the U.S. economy's performance at the end of 2025 and its trajectory for 2026 [10][11]

Core Viewpoint - The delay in tariff increases for upholstered furniture and related products is beneficial for RH, but the more significant factors are its strong free cash flow and ambitious international expansion plans [1][15]. Tariff Impact - The White House announced a delay in the planned increase of tariffs on upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets, and vanities, maintaining the current 25% tariff [1][6]. - This delay alleviates some uncertainty for RH and other furniture companies, contributing to a rise in their stock prices [2][6]. - The volatile tariff environment has previously caused significant operational challenges for RH, including resource allocation issues and price negotiations [5][6]. Financial Performance - RH reported a 9% revenue growth in the most recent quarter, resulting in a third-quarter free cash flow of $83 million and a year-to-date total of $198 million [8]. - The company maintains a full-year free cash flow outlook of $250 million to $300 million, which is substantial given its market capitalization of $3.6 billion [8]. - Strong free cash flow indicates resilience in RH's business model, suggesting the company can manage its $2.4 billion net debt effectively [9]. International Expansion - RH has initiated international expansion with the opening of RH England in 2023 and plans to expand to Paris in 2025, positioning these locations as immersive brand experiences [11]. - The company aims to establish itself as a global brand through these international galleries, with additional openings planned in London and Milan in 2026 [11]. - Management has indicated that this expansion may temporarily impact operating margins by approximately 200 basis points due to associated costs [12]. Investment Considerations - RH's stock appears attractive at a valuation of 13 times the midpoint of its full-year 2025 free cash flow guidance [13]. - Investors should be aware of the company's debt levels and the unpredictable nature of the housing and furniture markets, which could affect sales [13][14].

Core Viewpoint - Hooker Furnishings Corporation has entered into a cooperation agreement with Global Value Investment Corporation (GVIC) to appoint an independent director with industry expertise to its Board, enhancing governance and strategic direction [1][2][3] Group 1: Cooperation Agreement - The cooperation agreement stipulates that GVIC and Hooker will work together to identify a mutually agreeable independent director within 45 days [1] - Upon identification, the Board will increase its size from eight to nine members and appoint the new director immediately [1] - GVIC has committed to vote in favor of Hooker's nominees at the 2026 and 2027 annual meetings, subject to certain conditions [3] Group 2: Leadership Changes - W. Christopher Beeler, Jr., the Board Chair, plans to retire at the 2026 annual meeting and will not seek re-election, a decision made without any disagreement with the Company [2][3] - The CEO of Hooker expressed gratitude for Beeler's 33 years of service, highlighting his instrumental role in navigating economic cycles [3] Group 3: Company Overview - Hooker Furnishings Corporation is a designer, marketer, and importer of various home furnishings, including casegoods, upholstered furniture, and outdoor furniture, serving residential and commercial markets [4][5] - The company operates manufacturing facilities in Virginia, North Carolina, and California, with distribution centers in Virginia, North Carolina, and Vietnam [5]

Market Overview - U.S. stocks experienced small gains on the first trading day of 2026, with the S&P 500 rising 12.97 points, or 0.2%, to 6,858.47, following a gain of over 16% in 2025 [1] - The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 319.10 points, or 0.7%, to 48,382.39, while the Nasdaq composite fell 6.36 points, or less than 0.1%, to 23,235.63, impacted by losses in Microsoft and Tesla [2] Technology Sector - The technology sector, particularly companies focused on artificial intelligence, was a significant driver of market activity, continuing the trend that led to record highs in 2025 [2][4] - Nvidia saw a 1.3% increase, contributing positively to the market, while Microsoft experienced a 2.2% decline, and Tesla dropped 2.6% due to falling sales for the second consecutive year [3] Company Developments - Alibaba's stock rose by 4.3%, and Baidu's stock jumped 9.4% in Hong Kong after announcing plans to spin off its AI computer chip unit Kunlunxin, with a potential listing in Hong Kong in early 2027, pending regulatory approvals [5] - Furniture companies gained following President Trump's decision to delay increased tariffs on upholstered furniture, with RH rising 8% and Wayfair increasing by 6.1% [4] Commodity Prices - Crude oil prices remained stable, with U.S. crude oil prices falling 0.2% to $57.32 per barrel and Brent crude also decreasing by 0.2% to $60.75 per barrel [5]

Core Insights - The Lovesac Company is celebrating "Couchmas," a week dedicated to relaxation and comfort, with initiatives aimed at recognizing deserving individuals and families [1][2][4] Group 1: Couchmas Celebration - Couchmas runs from December 26 to January 4, during which customers can nominate individuals for a chance to win a free Lovesac couch [3] - The company is offering a 40% discount on all products both online and in showrooms, matching their Black Friday promotion [3] Group 2: Community Engagement - Lovesac has initiated "Spread the Love" programs, surprising deserving individuals through various community-focused events and social media activations [2] - The company aims to honor those who contribute positively to their communities, encouraging people to share stories of generosity [2][4] Group 3: Company Overview - The Lovesac Company, based in Stamford, Connecticut, specializes in high-quality, sustainable furniture designed to last a lifetime [4] - The product lineup includes modular couches (Sactionals), premium foam beanbag chairs (Sacs), and an immersive surround sound system (StealthTech) [4]