Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for the first quarter were $50.7 million, down from $56.5 million in the prior year period, primarily due to market softness and tariff-related shipment pauses [21][22] - Gross profit improved to $7.2 million or 14.3% of sales, compared to $5.1 million or 9% of sales in the prior year, reflecting a 530 basis point increase driven by restructuring benefits [21][22] - Operating income was $1.6 million, a significant improvement from a loss of $6.9 million in the prior year [21][22] - Net loss for the quarter was $231,000 or $0.02 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $7.3 million or $0.58 per diluted share in the prior year [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Bedding segment sales were $28 million, flat compared to the previous year, with gross profit at $2.9 million or 10.5% of sales, a significant improvement from a negative gross profit in the prior year [24] - Upholstery segment sales were $22.6 million, down approximately 20% from $28.5 million in the prior year, with gross profit at $4.3 million or 18.9% of sales, down from $5.5 million or 19.4% [25][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The bedding industry is still in a down cycle, but analysts suggest that demand may be close to bottoming out, with potential for recovery driven by product replacement and household formation [8][9] - The upholstery segment faced challenges due to high tariffs on imports from China, which significantly impacted sales during the quarter [11][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on restructuring and integration initiatives to improve operating efficiency and profitability, with expectations for sequential sales growth throughout fiscal 2026 [31][32] - Project Blaze aims to unify operations and share resources across divisions, which is expected to enhance overall business performance [16][18] - The company is strategically positioned to capitalize on market recovery by maintaining flexibility in its supply chain and not limiting production capacity [42][43] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the ongoing challenges from tariffs and market conditions but remains optimistic about gaining market share and improving profitability [9][31] - The company expects adjusted EBITDA results to range from near breakeven to slightly positive for the second quarter, with continued improvements anticipated throughout fiscal 2026 [31][32] Other Important Information - The company reported $11.1 million in total cash and $18.1 million in outstanding debt, maintaining a net debt position of $7.1 million [26][28] - Capital expenditures were reduced to $179,000 for the quarter, reflecting a focus on managing costs and efficiency [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Are all known tariff impacts accounted for in your initiatives? - Management indicated that they have adjusted pricing and operations to mitigate tariff impacts, and they feel confident in their current strategies [34][35] Question: What is the elasticity of pricing in the current market? - Management acknowledged the competitive nature of the market but emphasized the need to pass on costs to maintain profitability [37] Question: How does the current market downturn compare to past cycles? - Management noted that while down cycles are common, the current downturn has been prolonged, but they are confident in a future recovery [40][42] Question: Will the company be able to meet increased demand with the existing cost structure? - Management assured that they have not limited capacity and can grow as demand increases, leveraging existing cost structures for better margins [43][44] Question: What is the estimated market value of real estate and the future use of NOLs? - Management provided a net book value of $12 million for real estate, with an estimated market value of $40 to $45 million, and discussed the potential future benefits of NOLs once profitability is achieved [45][46]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for the first quarter were $50.7 million, down from $56.5 million in the prior year, primarily due to market softness and tariff-related shipment pauses [21] - Gross profit increased to $7.2 million or 14.3% of sales, compared to $5.1 million or 9% of sales in the prior year, reflecting a 530 basis point improvement driven by restructuring initiatives [21] - Operating income was $1.6 million, a significant recovery from a loss of $6.9 million in the prior year [21] - Net loss for the quarter was $231,000 or $0.02 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $7.3 million or $0.58 per diluted share in the prior year [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Bedding segment sales were $28 million, flat compared to the previous year, with gross profit improving to $2.9 million or 10.5% of sales from a negative $326,000 or negative 1.2% [24] - Upholstery segment sales were $22.6 million, down approximately 20% from $28.5 million in the prior year, with gross profit at $4.3 million or 18.9% of sales, down from $5.5 million or 19.4% [25][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The home furnishings industry continues to experience depressed demand, with challenges from consumer spending and housing market trends impacting both business segments [10][11] - Despite the downturn, there are indications of pent-up demand in the mattress market, with analysts suggesting that demand may be close to bottoming out [8][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on restructuring and integration initiatives to improve operational efficiency and profitability, with expectations for sequential sales growth throughout fiscal 2026 [31][32] - Project Blaze aims to unify the two former divisions into a single Culp-branded business, enhancing operational capabilities and cost efficiencies [16][18] - The company is strategically positioned to leverage its global supply chain and manufacturing flexibility to navigate tariff challenges and capitalize on market recovery [19][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the ongoing challenges from tariffs and a low demand environment but remains optimistic about gaining market share and improving profitability [31][32] - The company expects adjusted EBITDA results to range from near breakeven to slightly positive for the second quarter, with continued improvements anticipated throughout the fiscal year [31] - Management emphasizes the importance of not waiting for market recovery but instead making proactive adjustments to enhance profitability [42] Other Important Information - The company reported $11.1 million in total cash and $18.1 million in outstanding debt, maintaining a net debt position of $7.1 million [26] - Capital expenditures were reduced to $179,000 for the quarter, reflecting a strategic focus on managing capital and operational efficiency [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Are all known tariff impacts accounted for in your initiatives? - Management indicated that they have adjusted pricing and operational strategies to mitigate tariff impacts, and they feel confident in their current position regarding tariffs [35][36] Question: What is the elasticity of pricing in the current market? - Management acknowledged the competitive nature of the industry but emphasized the need to pass on costs to maintain profitability, while being fair and aggressive in pricing strategies [37] Question: How does the current market downturn compare to past cycles? - Management noted that while down cycles are common, the current downturn has been prolonged since 2020, but they remain confident in a future recovery [40][42] Question: Will the company be able to meet increased demand with the existing cost structure? - Management assured that they have not limited capacity and can grow as needed, indicating significant cost leverage available when demand increases [43][44] Question: What is the estimated market value of real estate and the future use of NOLs? - The net book value of real estate is approximately $12 million, with an estimated market value of $40 to $45 million, and NOLs will provide future tax benefits once profitability is achieved [45][46]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for the first quarter were $50.7 million, down from $56.5 million in the prior year, primarily due to market softness and tariff-related shipment pauses [21] - Gross profit increased to $7.2 million or 14.3% of sales, compared to $5.1 million or 9% of sales in the prior year, reflecting a 530 basis point improvement [21] - Operating income was $1.6 million, a significant recovery from a loss of $6.9 million in the prior year [21] - Net loss for the quarter was $231,000 or $0.02 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $7.3 million or $0.58 per diluted share in the prior year [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Bedding segment sales were $28 million, flat compared to the previous year, with gross profit improving to $2.9 million or 10.5% of sales from a negative $326,000 or negative 1.2% [24] - Upholstery segment sales were $22.6 million, down approximately 20% from $28.5 million in the prior year, with gross profit at $4.3 million or 18.9% of sales, down from $5.5 million or 19.4% [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The home furnishings industry continues to experience depressed demand, impacting both bedding and upholstery segments [5][12] - Analysts suggest that mattress demand may be close to bottoming out, with potential for recovery driven by product replacement and household formation [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on restructuring and integration initiatives to improve operating efficiency and profitability, with expectations for sequential sales growth throughout fiscal 2026 [30] - Project Blaze aims to unify operations and share best practices across divisions, enhancing overall business performance [16] - The company is strategically managing its supply chain to navigate tariff challenges and maintain competitive advantages [13][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the ongoing challenges from tariffs and market conditions but remains optimistic about gaining market share and improving profitability [10][19] - The company expects adjusted EBITDA results to range from near breakeven to slightly positive for the second quarter of fiscal 2026, with continued improvements anticipated throughout the year [30] Other Important Information - The company reported $11.1 million in total cash and $18.1 million in outstanding debt, maintaining a net debt position of $7.1 million [26] - Capital expenditures were reduced to $179,000 for the quarter, reflecting a focus on managing capital and operational efficiency [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Are all known tariff impacts accounted for in current initiatives? - Management indicated that they have adjusted pricing and operations to mitigate tariff impacts, and they are currently able to perform and grow margins despite the challenges [34][35] Question: What is the current pricing elasticity in the market? - Management noted that while pricing is challenging, they are being fair yet aggressive in adjusting prices to cover tariffs and improve margins [36] Question: How far along is the company in realizing the $18 million in initiatives? - Management stated that the $10 to $11 million from the previous year's restructuring is expected to fully impact fiscal 2026, while other initiatives will contribute in the latter half of the year [37][38] Question: How does the current market dip compare to past downturns? - Management described the current prolonged downturn as unusual but expressed confidence in the eventual recovery of the market [39][40] Question: How will the company handle potential increased demand in the future? - Management emphasized that they have not limited capacity and can grow it as needed, allowing for significant cost leverage when demand increases [41][42] Question: What is the estimated market value of the company's real estate and the status of federal NOLs? - Management confirmed the net book value of real estate is around $12 million, with an estimated market value of $40 to $45 million, and noted that federal NOLs will provide future tax benefits once profitability is achieved [43][44]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for the fourth quarter were $48.8 million, generally flat compared to $49.5 million in the prior year period [25] - The company reported a loss from operations of $2.2 million, which included $1.5 million in restructuring-related expenses, compared to a loss of $4.2 million in the prior year [25] - Net loss for the fourth quarter was $2.1 million or $0.17 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $4.9 million or $0.39 per diluted share for the prior year [26] - Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter was $559,000 compared to negative $2.2 million in the prior year [26] - For the full fiscal year, net sales were $213.2 million, down 5.4% compared to the previous year [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Mattress fabrics segment sales for the fourth quarter were $27.1 million, up 5.3% compared to the prior year [31] - Upholstery fabrics segment sales for the fourth quarter were $21.7 million, down 8.9% compared to the prior year [32] - Operating loss in the mattress fabrics segment for the quarter was $217,000, compared to an operating loss of $2.9 million in the prior year [32] - Operating income for the upholstery fabrics segment for the quarter was $1.1 million, compared to $975,000 in the prior year [34] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The mattress industry is experiencing a projected decline in overall sales, with a report indicating a decline in units of around 11% or more [11] - Demand trends in the furniture market segment continue to be historically low, particularly affecting residential upholstery sales [12] - Hospitality and commercial markets have shown relatively solid demand, with sales in that area growing to constitute approximately 42% of total upholstery sales during the quarter [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has completed a restructuring plan aimed at reducing fixed costs and enhancing operational efficiency [9] - An integration initiative called Project Blaze is underway to unify the mattress and upholstery fabric divisions, expected to generate approximately $3 million in annualized savings [18][21] - The company is focusing on price increases in response to the tariff landscape, with an expected annualized benefit of $2.5 million [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the mattress fabrics business, noting a solid pipeline and backlog despite overall industry challenges [43] - The company is not providing specific financial guidance for fiscal 2026 due to macroeconomic uncertainty and ongoing tariff impacts [39] - Management anticipates continued sales pressure on the residential side of the upholstery business but expects operational improvements from restructuring efforts [39] Other Important Information - The effective income tax rate for the fourth quarter was 10.5%, compared to negative 19.8% for the same period a year ago [28] - Cash flow from operations and free cash flow were negative $17.7 million and negative $17.1 million, respectively, for the full fiscal year [35] - The company extended its credit facility with Wells Fargo for an additional three years, providing liquidity and financing flexibility [23][37] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the cadence of business across mattress, residential upholstery, and commercial upholstery? - Management expressed encouragement about the mattress fabrics business and noted optimism in the backlog, while residential upholstery remains challenging due to low demand [43][44] Question: How have tariffs specifically impacted end customer demand across segments? - Management indicated that while prices are being pushed through to consumers, tariffs are just one factor among many affecting demand, with broader economic uncertainty playing a significant role [46] Question: What are the revenue assumptions baked into the pricing actions? - Management clarified that the price increases are based on steady state revenue and are primarily focused on the mattress side [48] Question: Can you explain the change in approach to inventory markdowns? - Management noted that they adjusted their markdown strategy to better align with actual prices received, resulting in a $1.7 million benefit in the quarter [55] Question: How aggressive will the company be on debt pay down? - Management stated that they will pay down debt as quickly as possible while ensuring working capital needs are met [57] Question: What growth investments in new products and markets will be prioritized? - Management highlighted the potential for growth in the mattress fabric and hospitality markets, while also continuing to support the residential upholstery business despite current demand challenges [66]