Crown Crafts (NasdaqCM:CRWS) Q3 2026 Earnings call February 11, 2026 09:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsClaire Spencer - VP and CFODoug Ruth - PresidentIgor Novgorodtsev - Portfolio ManagerJohn Deysher - President and Portfolio ManagerJohn McNamara - Managing DirectorOlivia Elliott - President, CEO, and DirectorConference Call ParticipantsAnthony Lebiedzinski - Senior Equity AnalystNone - AnalystOperatorPlease note this event is being recorded. I would now like to turn the conference over to John McNamara with ...

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the robust demand and production activities in various industries in Guangdong as companies prepare for the upcoming Spring Festival, indicating a strong recovery and growth potential in the market [1][8]. Group 1: Order and Production Trends - In January, the order volume for certain companies saw a significant year-on-year increase of 272% [2][3]. - Companies like 威力电器 (Weili Electric) and 索而家居 (Sora Home) are experiencing a surge in orders, leading to extended production hours and minimal holiday breaks for workers [3][5]. - The food industry, particularly companies like 东莞百客临供应链 (Dongguan Baikelin Supply Chain), is also witnessing a 10% increase in sales, driven by the demand for traditional festive foods [5][8]. Group 2: Strategic Initiatives and Innovations - Companies are not only focusing on current orders but are also investing in capacity, market expansion, and innovation for future growth [8]. - 玩乐童话 (Playful Fairy) is leveraging its location in Dongguan, a major toy manufacturing hub, to enhance its product development and market responsiveness [6][9]. - The integration of AI and automation technologies is being adopted by companies like 威力电器 and 索而家居 to improve production efficiency and reduce error rates [5][9]. Group 3: Market Expansion and Globalization - 威力电器 has set ambitious goals, aiming for a revenue target of 10 billion by 2028, with plans to establish factories in Thailand and Egypt [9]. - The article notes that companies are increasingly focusing on global markets while also enhancing their domestic presence through initiatives like "广货行天下" [9][10]. - The Guangdong region's comprehensive manufacturing ecosystem supports rapid order fulfillment and flexible capacity adjustments, which are crucial for companies aiming to expand [10].

广货行天下，当前广东制造正以多元优势走向全球。普渡机器人拿下2026年全国出口"第一 单"，其智能服务机器人从深圳口岸出发远销东盟、欧盟；雷鸟创新带着全球首款支持eSIM功 能的双目全彩AR眼镜，勇闯CES展会；以创想三维、拓竹科技为代表的企业则依托供应链与 技术优势，占据全球九成入门级3D打印市场。 数据进一步印证了这一趋势：1月26日举行的广东省十四届人大五次会议上，广东省政府工作 报告透露， 2025年进出口总额突破9万亿元 。同时，广东提出全省2026年全年进出口总额增 长3%左右的目标，明确推动货物贸易持续稳定发展、推动服务贸易抢抓机遇加快发展等，当 好国家高水平对外开放门户枢纽。 具体而言， 2025年广东外贸进出口同比增长4.4%，规模连续40年居全国首位，对全国外贸增 长贡献率达24.1%，居全国第一。 在此基础上，多个广东外贸企业受访时表达了对2026年出 口形势的信心。中国人民大学重阳金融研究院研究员刘英向南方财经记者分析，从广东的部署 看，2026年广东外贸将聚焦"稳规模、优结构、提质量"，依托粤港澳大湾区开放枢纽作用推动 高质量、高技术、高附加值产品出口，加快从出口导向转向全球资源配置 ...

Group 1: Aging Population Trends - The aging population in the US, Europe, and Japan is driving demand for products that promote independence, dignity, and choice among seniors, with 65+ population percentages reaching 30% in Japan, 26% in Europe, and 17% in North America [3] - There is a significant consumer interest in aging-related products, with 81% of North American consumers, 76% of European consumers, and 67% of Japanese consumers expressing concern [3] - Smart mobility devices, personalized nutrition supplements, and home care products are emerging as key consumption trends among the elderly [3] Group 2: Sleep Anxiety and Solutions - Approximately 40% of Gen Z adults in the US, Europe, and Japan experience sleep anxiety at least three times a week, a notable increase from previous years [4] - Around 80% of consumers are interested in non-drug sleep aid products, with preferences varying by region: US consumers favor AI-assisted sleep solutions, while Japanese consumers prefer nutritional supplements [4] - European consumers show a low acceptance of synthetic products, leaning towards plant-based sleep aids [4] Group 3: Beauty and Personal Care Innovations - Over 50% of consumers in the US, Europe, and Japan are willing to invest in smart beauty devices, with North American consumers showing a 66% willingness [5] - The integration of technology in oral care and beauty tools is meeting consumer demands for personalized and aesthetically pleasing products [5] - Innovations in beauty tools, such as AI skin diagnostics and lightweight hair dryers, reflect the trend of "technology as aesthetics" [5] Group 4: Natural and Organic Products - There is a growing consumer preference for natural and organic products, with 76% of European consumers willing to pay more for natural ingredients, compared to 60% in North America and 56% in Japan [6] - This trend is driving innovation in the natural and organic product sector, emphasizing sustainable packaging and eco-friendly values [6] Group 5: The Rise of Minimalist Makeup - The beauty industry is experiencing a "light makeup revolution," focusing on detail and comfort, driven by fast-paced lifestyles and emotional well-being [7] - In Japan, over two-thirds of consumers consider lightweight makeup tools essential for commuting, with a high importance placed on low-sensitivity products [7] - The demand for convenient and comfortable beauty products is leading to the popularity of items like adhesive eye masks and portable touch-up pens [7] Group 6: Parenting Pressures and Product Preferences - More than half of new parents globally feel societal pressure during parenting, with safety, eco-friendliness, and smart features being the top concerns when purchasing baby products [8] - In Japan, 86% prioritize safety in baby products, while 48% of US consumers are open to smart technology in parenting [8] - Common preferences include eco-certified baby products, with regional differences in product types, such as algorithm-based feeding in the US and advanced baby monitors in Japan [8]

Core Viewpoint - The recent tariff conflict between China and the U.S. has prompted Chinese companies, particularly in Guangdong, to adapt their strategies to mitigate risks and explore new markets as a response to the changing trade environment [1][2]. Group 1: Company Responses to Tariff Changes - Companies like Kunyan Technology in Foshan have faced significant challenges due to their heavy reliance on the North American market, which accounted for over 80% of their business. The sudden increase in tariffs led to a halt in orders, prompting the company to seek new markets and diversify its customer base [2][3]. - Kunyan Technology has successfully reduced its North American customer base to less than 50% by actively engaging with clients from Brazil, Germany, the UK, and France, thus mitigating risks associated with the tariff conflict [3]. - Shenzhen Kairun Electronics has seen a 67% drop in the export volume of digital cameras due to increased tariffs, leading the company to optimize its supply chain and explore emerging markets to counteract the impact of policy changes [4][5]. Group 2: Strategic Adjustments and Innovations - Kairun Electronics is implementing strategic adjustments by enhancing contract terms to clarify delivery timelines and risk-sharing, as well as optimizing pricing mechanisms to remain competitive amidst tariff fluctuations [4][5]. - Dongguan's Wanle Toy Company has shifted its focus to domestic sales, signing a significant procurement order with JD Supermarket worth 50 million yuan, thus alleviating pressure from the U.S. market [6]. - The trend of "exporting to domestic sales" is gaining traction among companies, with many exploring local markets to reduce dependency on international trade [6]. Group 3: Global Expansion and Supply Chain Restructuring - Companies are increasingly adopting a "don't put all eggs in one basket" approach, diversifying their market presence to reduce reliance on single markets, as seen with Kunyan Technology's outreach to various countries [7][8]. - Many Guangdong enterprises are establishing manufacturing bases in countries like Mexico to minimize geopolitical risks and reduce tariff impacts while being closer to end markets [8][9]. - The shift towards global supply chain restructuring is evident, with companies considering Southeast Asia for production and sourcing opportunities [7][8]. Group 4: Brand Development and Localization - There is a growing emphasis on building strong independent brands as companies transition from pure OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) models to brand-oriented strategies, enhancing their market presence and pricing power [10][11]. - Companies are focusing on localizing their products and services to meet the preferences of different markets, which includes adapting product designs and establishing local service teams to improve customer satisfaction [11][12].

Core Viewpoint - The recent implementation of tariff adjustments between China and the U.S. has led to a surge in demand for expedited orders from American clients, significantly impacting production and shipping activities in the Greater Bay Area [1][6]. Group 1: Production and Shipping Dynamics - Factories in the Greater Bay Area are responding to urgent requests from U.S. clients, with companies like Dongguan Playful Fairy Baby Products Co., Ltd. ramping up production to fulfill previously stalled orders worth approximately 40 to 50 million [1]. - The logistics company Guangdong Lianyu Logistics Co., Ltd. reports a continuous increase in order and shipping volumes, with a shipping capacity of 400 containers per week to the U.S., indicating a high demand for shipping space [6][7]. Group 2: Supply Chain Efficiency - The efficiency of the supply chain in Dongguan allows for rapid delivery of production components, enabling production lines to operate at full capacity and meet urgent demands [3][4]. - The ability to source any production component within 10 to 30 minutes via a phone call highlights the competitive advantage of the local supply chain, which is difficult for other regions to replicate in the near future [4]. Group 3: Market Expansion and Brand Development - Companies are exploring new development paths and diversifying their markets beyond the U.S., targeting regions such as Europe and Southeast Asia, as well as enhancing domestic market potential [9]. - The creation of proprietary cultural brand IPs, such as the "Dream Eater" inspired by traditional Chinese culture, has gained international recognition and is expected to significantly increase in value over time [10][12]. - The growing global recognition of Chinese culture is seen as an opportunity for Chinese brands to expand internationally, with a strong emphasis on internal capabilities and brand development [12].

Group 1 - Japan Activation Capital (JAC), led by former Carlyle executive Hiroyuki Otsuka, has acquired shares in Pigeon Corporation, a baby products manufacturer, betting on overseas demand for its products as Japan's birth rate approaches the lowest in the world [1] - JAC has purchased less than 5% of Pigeon Corporation's shares and will act as a minority shareholder, providing consulting services to Pigeon's management [1]

Core Viewpoint - The new tariff policy implemented by the U.S. government is significantly increasing the cost of child-rearing for American families, exacerbating an already high financial burden [1] Industry Impact - The average cost of raising an infant in the U.S. for the first year is approximately $20,384, which is about 148,800 RMB [1] - The new tariff policy is expected to increase expenses for new parents by several times [1] - Approximately 90% of essential baby care products, including bottles, strollers, and car seats, are produced in Asia, with a majority sourced from China [1] Manufacturer Response - The American Association of Youth Product Manufacturers is advocating for the exemption of tariffs, emphasizing the critical importance of baby products for children's well-being [1]

Core Viewpoint - Japanese companies with significant revenue from China are facing challenges, as indicated by a decline in their market capitalization index from 100 to 67 since March 7, 2024, due to intensified competition from Chinese firms and economic concerns stemming from US-China tensions [1][2]. Group 1: Market Performance - The weighted average market capitalization of ten major Japanese companies with high revenue from China has dropped significantly, while companies like SUBARU and Takeda Pharmaceutical, which have higher revenue from the US, remain relatively stable at 91 [2]. - The Japanese stock market is particularly affected by the performance of Chinese concept stocks, which are struggling amid fears of economic slowdown and increased competition from Chinese enterprises [2]. Group 2: Economic Policies and Expectations - The Japanese market is closely watching China's National People's Congress for policies aimed at stimulating domestic demand, with a notable increase in the mention of "consumption" in the government work report [1]. - There are expectations that China's economic stimulus measures starting in 2024 could positively impact Japanese companies' performance [1]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Chinese companies, particularly in the automotive sector, are gaining market share through cost reductions and innovations, with BYD's electric vehicle sales projected to grow by 40% in 2024, while Japanese automakers like Honda and Nissan are experiencing declines in sales [2][3]. - The rise of Chinese firms is attributed not only to government subsidies but also to significant improvements in production efficiency, with labor productivity in China increasing by 30% from 2017 to 2022, compared to a 7% increase in Japan [3]. Group 4: Strategic Responses - Despite the competitive pressures, some Japanese companies are investing in China, such as Toyota's plan to build a Lexus factory in Shanghai and launch a budget EV [4]. - Pigeon Corporation, a baby products giant, is implementing aggressive marketing strategies to recover its lost market share in China, aiming for a 20% increase in sales [4][5]. Group 5: Future Outlook - The competitive landscape in China is described as overly competitive, raising questions about the prospects for Japanese companies [5]. - There is a belief that Japanese firms, known for their quality and price balance, may have opportunities to regain market share, especially in sectors like AI and hardware [5].