Company Overview - La-Z-Boy Inc., a Michigan-based furniture manufacturer, is expanding following a recent acquisition in the southeast, which is expected to close in October [7] - The company reported a mixed fiscal first quarter 2026, with total sales declining 1% year-over-year to $492 million, driven by a 5% increase in retail sales but only a 1% improvement in wholesale sales [4][5] Financial Performance - Adjusted operating margin narrowed to 4.8% from 6.6% a year prior, and adjusted earnings per share dropped 24% to $0.47, below the $0.53 analyst consensus [5] - Cash flow from operations totaled $36 million, with $22 million returned to shareholders through dividends and buybacks [5] Market Position and Strategy - La-Z-Boy's retail division consists of nearly 210 company-owned stores and is part of a broader network of nearly 370 stores, including Joybird, which has 14 stores in the U.S. [6] - The company is balancing optimism in long-term industry fundamentals with a pragmatic approach to current consumer demand, as stated by CEO Melinda Whittington [9] Industry Context - The Trump administration has launched an investigation into imported furniture, potentially leading to new tariffs, which may not significantly impact La-Z-Boy due to its U.S.-based manufacturing [10][11] - The U.S. furniture industry is facing challenges, with companies like Wayfair experiencing weakened demand for big-ticket items amid a slower housing market [12]

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. government is initiating a significant tariff investigation on furniture imports, which may lead to new tariffs aimed at reviving domestic furniture manufacturing [1][2]. Group 1: Tariff Investigation - President Trump announced a 50-day investigation into furniture imports, with unspecified tariff rates to be determined [1]. - The investigation is part of a broader inquiry under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which assesses whether imports threaten national security [1][3]. - The investigation has already led to a sharp decline in stock prices for major furniture retailers, with Wayfair down 10% and RH down 9.9% [1]. Group 2: Price Trends - Furniture prices in the U.S. have been rising due to increased tariffs on major import sources like Vietnam, with significant price increases noted in recent months [2]. - The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for furniture and bedding saw increases of 0.4% and 0.9% in June and July, respectively, following a period of deflation [2]. - Other furniture categories, including office and outdoor furniture, experienced their largest price increases since May, with a 1.5% rise in May and 1.6% and 1.5% increases in June and July [2]. Group 3: Broader Trade Context - The Trump administration has been increasingly utilizing Section 232 and Section 301 investigations, with a total of 11 product categories currently under investigation, including steel, aluminum, and semiconductors [3]. - The trend indicates a shift from raw materials to downstream industries, suggesting a comprehensive approach to trade protection [3][4]. - Previous Section 232 investigations have led to extensive tariffs on various products, with the potential for tariffs to extend to a wide range of goods, including furniture [4].

Group 1 - The U.S. Department of Commerce is conducting an investigation into furniture imports under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which may lead to significant tariffs on imported furniture [1][6] - President Trump announced that the investigation will be completed within 50 days, and tariffs will be imposed on furniture from other countries, although the specific rates are yet to be determined [1][3] - Following the announcement, stock prices of major furniture retailers dropped significantly, with Wayfair down 10%, RH down 9.9%, and Williams-Sonoma down 6.7%, while La-Z-Boy, which primarily produces furniture in North America, saw a 3.7% increase [1] Group 2 - Furniture prices in the U.S. have been rising due to increased tariffs on major furniture importing countries, including Vietnam, leading to a notable increase in consumer prices for furniture and bedding [3][4] - The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for furniture and bedding has shown increases of 0.4% and 0.9% in June and July, respectively, following a period of significant deflation [3] - Other categories of furniture, such as office and outdoor furniture, have also experienced price increases, with the largest rise since May recorded at 1.5% [3] Group 3 - The investigation into furniture is part of a broader trend where the U.S. government is increasingly using Section 232 investigations to assess the impact of imports on national security, extending beyond just tariffs on steel and aluminum [6][9] - The current trend indicates a movement from raw materials to the entire supply chain, suggesting that the scope of investigations may widen to include various products and their derivatives [8][9] - Legal experts have noted that the authority granted to the President under Section 232 is extensive, with limited judicial review, allowing for broad implications for various industries [9]

Core Viewpoint - The Trump administration is investigating imported furniture for potential tariffs, which has led to significant stock declines for companies reliant on foreign manufacturing, while some domestic manufacturers have seen stock increases [1][2][5]. Company Impact - Major home goods companies such as Wayfair, RH, and Williams-Sonoma experienced stock declines of over 6% following the announcement [2][4]. - In contrast, La-Z-Boy's shares rose nearly 2.5% as the company primarily manufactures within the United States [5]. Industry Context - The furniture industry is facing challenges, including a year-long decline in demand for big-ticket items due to a sluggish housing market and persistent inflation affecting consumer spending [9][10]. - The investigation into furniture tariffs is part of a broader trade agenda aimed at reducing reliance on foreign manufacturing and encouraging domestic production, particularly in traditional furniture-making states like North Carolina and South Carolina [11][12]. Trade Relations - The timing of the potential tariffs comes amidst ongoing trade negotiations with global partners, which have provided some market stability, although many disputes remain unresolved [8]. - It is unclear whether the new furniture tariffs would be in addition to existing country-specific duty rates negotiated through bilateral trade deals [7][13].

Trade Policy - US is initiating a significant tariff investigation on furniture entering the US [1] - The investigation is expected to be completed within 50 days [1] - Tariffs will be imposed on furniture entering the US from other countries at an undetermined rate [1] Industry Impact - The goal is to bring furniture business back to states like North Carolina, South Carolina, and Michigan [1]

Just within the past couple of moments, the president of the United States announcing a major tariff investigation in the furniture industry, posting on social media a couple minutes ago, "I am pleased to announce that we are doing a major tariff investigation on furniture coming into the United States within the next 50 days. That investigation will be completed and furniture coming from other countries into the United States will be tariffed at a rate yet to be determined. This will bring the furniture bu ...

Trade Policy - The US is initiating a "major Tariff Investigation on Furniture" entering the country [1] - This investigation sets the stage for potential industry-specific tariffs on furniture [1]

Group 1 - La-Z-Boy Incorporated experienced a significant decline in share price, dropping 12.1% on August 20th [1] - The decline followed the management's report of financial results for the first quarter [1] Group 2 - Crude Value Insights provides an investment service focused on oil and natural gas, emphasizing cash flow and growth prospects [1] - The service includes a stock model account and in-depth cash flow analyses of exploration and production firms [2]

Company Overview - MillerKnoll, Inc. is a growth-oriented small-cap value company operating in the industrial and consumer sectors, formed from the merger of two modern design icons, Herman Miller and Knoll [5] - The company offers a diverse portfolio of furniture and accessories for both commercial and residential spaces, including brands like Colebrook Bosson Saunders, DatesWeiser, DWR, Edelman, Geiger, HAY, HOLLY HUNT, Knoll Textiles, Maharam, Muuto, NaughtOne, and Spinneybeck | FilzFelt [5] - In fiscal year 2025, MillerKnoll generated net sales of $3.7 billion [5] Upcoming Financial Results - MillerKnoll will release its first quarter fiscal 2026 results on September 23, 2025, after market close [1] - A conference call and webcast to discuss the financial and operational results will take place at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on the same day [1][3] - Investors can access the press release and supporting materials on the company's investor relations website [2]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated sales for the quarter were $492 million, down slightly from the prior year, with a 1% decrease compared to the previous year [7][18] - Consolidated GAAP operating income was $22 million, and adjusted operating income was $23 million, with an adjusted operating margin of 4.8% [19][22] - The company maintained a strong balance sheet with $319 million in cash and no external debt, generating $36 million in cash from operating activities [7][23][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Retail segment, delivered sales increased by 2% to $207 million, driven primarily by new and acquired stores, while written sales decreased by 4% in same-store sales [6][19] - The Wholesale segment saw delivered sales grow by 1% to $353 million, with an adjusted operating margin of 7.5%, up from 6.9% [20][22] - Joybird's delivered sales were down 20% to $28 million, with a noted increase in operating loss due to lower delivered volume [21][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Industry traffic remains depressed, with housing transactions near thirty-year lows, affecting store traffic and same-store sales [10] - Retail public company peers reported same-store sales ranging from down low to mid-single digits, while broader industry data showed recently downwardly revised figures but still in the positive mid-single digit range [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on its Century Vision strategy to drive long-term shareholder value, including expanding its direct-to-consumer business and enhancing its retail footprint [11][12] - A significant acquisition of a 15-store network in the Southeast U.S. is expected to close in October, which will be the largest independent La Z Boy Furniture Galleries acquisition in the company's history [11][26] - The company is transforming its distribution network to improve supply chain agility, reducing the number of distribution centers from 15 to 3 centralized hubs [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the ability to grow sales and outperform the industry while navigating the current consumer environment [8][30] - The company anticipates fiscal second-quarter sales to be in the range of $510 million to $530 million, with adjusted operating margins expected between 4.5% to 6% [27][28] - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by an increasingly pressured consumer and emphasized the importance of prudent navigation through these conditions [36][46] Other Important Information - The company was recognized by Newsweek as one of America's best retailers in 2025, ranking number one in the furniture category [12] - The company plans to open approximately 15 new company-owned and independent La Z Boy Furniture Gallery stores during the year, with a focus on maximizing store productivity [28][29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide additional color on the sequential improvement in trends during the quarter? - Management noted that there was a sequential traffic improvement through the first quarter, which has continued into early August, but emphasized that it is too early to call it a trend [34][35] Question: How should we think about the ramp of new stores to maturity and its relation to margins? - New stores typically drag on profitability in year one, with improvements expected in year two and becoming neutral to accretive by year three [37] Question: What are you hearing from wholesale customers regarding order hesitancy due to tariffs and pricing uncertainty? - Management indicated that while there is hesitancy among customers, the company benefits from its North American supply chain, allowing it to provide a steady supply of products [39][40] Question: Did you see notable geographic differences in traffic and sales in North America? - Management reported no significant geographic differences, although Canadian sales were impacted by tariffs, leading to a decrease in units sold offset by pricing [44] Question: Can you expand on the evaluation of alternatives to address financial pressure from non-core parts of the business? - The company is focused on expanding the La Z Boy brand and improving performance in challenged areas like Joybird and international business [45][46] Question: How are you thinking about the pace of new store openings and distribution transformation in light of uneven demand? - Management emphasized the importance of playing offense even in challenging times, while also committing to monitor the situation prudently [47][48] Question: Is the higher promotional activity in case goods expected to continue? - Management indicated that the promotional activity was more transitory, aimed at working through non-performing inventory ahead of the key buying season [49]