Two Original Theatrical Productions, Immersive Candlelight Concerts, and High-Energy Pop-Up Performances Bring Every Night to Life Aboard the Newest Sphere-Class ShipFT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- When Star Princess sets sail this October 4, the nights onboard won't simply entertain; they'll mesmerize. Today, Princess Cruises revealed a dynamic new entertainment lineup for its newest Sphere-class ship, including two original theatrical spectacles, a stargazing candlelight concert series ...

Core Insights - Point Predictive announced a new integration with MeridianLink, enhancing fraud prevention solutions for the lending industry [1][2] - The integration allows financial institutions to utilize Point Predictive's risk scoring and reporting capabilities within their existing workflows, improving fraud detection and streamlining the lending process [2][3] Company Overview - Point Predictive specializes in fraud prevention solutions, leveraging artificial intelligence and a proprietary data repository of over 87 billion risk insights to enhance lending confidence and speed [7] - MeridianLink provides modern software platforms for financial institutions, focusing on digital lending and operational efficiency [9] Integration Benefits - The integration features AutoPass technology, enabling lenders to automatically approve up to 80% of credit-approved applications while reducing documentation requirements for low-risk applicants [3][4] - It helps prevent 40% to 60% of loans that would default within the first 6-12 months, addressing significant lender losses [3] - The integration includes over 150 alerts to identify various types of fraud, enhancing the fraud detection capabilities of financial institutions [5] Early Adoption Results - Early adopters of the integrated solution reported a 45% reduction in stipulation requests and a 38% increase in loan conversions, demonstrating the effectiveness of the technology [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated net sales for the first quarter were $85.3 million, a decrease of $8.3 million or 8.8% compared to the same period last year [4] - Operating loss was reduced by $1.6 million or 31% to $3.6 million, reflecting cost reduction initiatives [4] - Net loss was $3.1 million or $0.29 per diluted share, an improvement from the prior year's net loss of $4.1 million or $0.39 per diluted share [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hooker Branded achieved breakeven for the quarter, with net sales increasing slightly due to higher unit volume [5] - Domestic Upholstery segment saw a net sales decrease of about $1 million or 3.7%, but gross profit increased by $575,000 due to reduced material and labor costs [21] - Home Meridian's net sales decreased by $7.6 million or about 29%, primarily due to a significant reduction in unit volume and the loss of a major customer [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall decrease in consolidated sales was driven primarily by a double-digit sales decrease at HMI, which is positioned in the mid-price segment [5] - Existing home sales remain well below pre-pandemic levels, impacting furniture demand [11] - Furniture retail sales showed modest improvement, with April sales up 5.6% year over year [26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is executing a phased cost reduction strategy aimed at achieving approximately $25 million in annualized savings by next fiscal year [13] - A new warehouse facility in Vietnam was opened to enhance supply chain efficiency and reduce lead times [6] - The company is focused on product innovation, cost optimization, and operational excellence to capitalize on emerging opportunities [27] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The home furnishings industry is navigating a challenging environment due to persistent softness in the housing market and higher mortgage rates [11] - Management believes they have successfully mitigated the impact of a 10% tariff through price increases and participation from source factories [12] - The company is optimistic about future growth, with significant increases in orders for Hooker Legacy brands in May [28] Other Important Information - Cash and cash equivalents stood at $18 million, an increase of $11.7 million from year-end, primarily due to accounts receivable collections [22] - The company maintained financial flexibility with about $40 million in available borrowing capacity under its revolving credit facility [23] - The company announced a regular quarterly dividend, reflecting ongoing confidence in its outlook [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you comment on the cadence of shipments from February through April? - Management noted that the cadence changed drastically due to tariffs, particularly affecting the HMI customer [32] Question: What is driving the higher orders at the Hooker legacy brands in May? - The increase in orders is attributed to a significantly broadened merchandising strategy with Collected Living [35] Question: Any comments on HMI's performance in May and early June? - There is still significant uncertainty due to tariffs, which is affecting performance [36] Question: How did Memorial Day sales go for retail partners? - Overall sentiment was relatively positive for most retailers during Memorial Day [38] Question: Can you provide insights on the cost savings initiatives for the rest of the year? - Expected cost savings from Phase one and Phase two initiatives will ramp up, with significant impacts anticipated in Q4 [44] Question: What are the company's capital allocation priorities? - Strengthening the balance sheet is the top priority, followed by maintaining dividends [45] Question: Will the strong May momentum carry over into the rest of the year? - Management believes the first half will be stronger than the second half, based on historical trends [46]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated net sales for the first quarter were $85.3 million, a decrease of $8.3 million or 8.8% compared to the same period last year [3] - Operating loss was reduced by $1.6 million or 31% to $3.6 million, reflecting cost reduction initiatives [3] - Net loss was $3.1 million or $0.29 per diluted share, an improvement from the prior year's net loss of $4.1 million or $0.39 per diluted share [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hooker Branded achieved breakeven for the quarter, with net sales increasing slightly due to higher unit volume [4] - Domestic Upholstery segment saw a net sales decrease of about $1 million or 3.7%, but gross profit increased by $575,000 due to reduced material and labor costs [20] - Home Meridian's net sales decreased by $7.6 million or about 29%, primarily due to a significant reduction in unit volume and loss of a major customer [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall decrease in consolidated sales was driven primarily by a double-digit sales decrease at HMI, which is positioned in the mid-price segment affected by import tariffs [4] - Existing home sales remain well below pre-pandemic levels, impacting furniture demand [10] - Furniture retail sales showed modest improvement, with April sales increasing 5.6% year over year [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is executing a phased cost reduction strategy aimed at achieving approximately $25 million in annualized savings by next fiscal year [12] - A new warehouse facility in Vietnam was opened to enhance supply chain efficiency and reduce lead times [5] - The company is focused on product innovation, cost optimization, and operational excellence to capitalize on emerging opportunities [25] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The home furnishings industry is navigating a challenging environment due to persistent softness in the housing market and declining consumer sentiment [10] - Management believes they have successfully mitigated the impact of a 10% tariff through price increases and participation by source factories [11] - The company is optimistic about fiscal May orders, which were the highest since February [26] Other Important Information - Cash and cash equivalents stood at $18 million, an increase from year-end, primarily due to accounts receivable collections [21] - The company maintained financial flexibility with about $40 million in available borrowing capacity under its revolving credit facility [22] - The company announced a regular quarterly dividend, reflecting ongoing confidence in its outlook [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you comment on the cadence of shipments from February through April? - Management noted that the cadence changed drastically due to tariffs, particularly affecting the HMI customer [30] Question: Can you quantify the impact of discounting on gross margins at Hooker Branded? - Management did not have specific quantification available [31] Question: What is driving the higher orders at the Hooker legacy brands in May? - The increase is attributed to a broadened merchandising strategy with Collected Living, which is starting to show positive effects [33] Question: Any comments on HMI's performance in May and early June? - There is still significant uncertainty due to tariffs, which is affecting performance [34] Question: How did Memorial Day sales go for retail partners? - Overall sentiment was relatively positive for most retailers during Memorial Day [36] Question: What is the cadence for cost savings initiatives for the rest of the year? - Management expects a positive impact from Phase one and anticipates significant savings from Phase two in Q4 [42] Question: What are the capital allocation priorities after dividends and debt? - Strengthening the balance sheet is the top priority, with dividends being a high priority as well [43] Question: Will the strong momentum from May carry over into the rest of the year? - Management believes the first half will be stronger than the second half, but is cautious about predicting sustained momentum [44]

Core Insights - Hooker Furnishings Corporation reported its fiscal 2026 first quarter results, highlighting stable legacy sales and ongoing cost-saving initiatives as key drivers for performance [1][2][3] Financial Performance - The company reported consolidated net sales of $85.3 million, a decrease of $8.3 million or 8.8% compared to the prior year [4] - Operating loss was reduced by $1.6 million, or 31%, to $3.6 million, attributed to cost-saving initiatives despite lower net sales [4] - Gross margin improved by 180 basis points, maintaining overall gross profit levels despite lower net sales [4] - The net loss for the quarter was $3.1 million, or ($0.29) per diluted share, an improvement from a $4.1 million loss, or ($0.39) per diluted share in the prior year [4][33] Cost Reduction Initiatives - The company is executing a multi-phase cost reduction strategy aimed at achieving approximately $25 million in annualized savings by fiscal year 2027 [6][8] - Initial cost reductions have already resulted in $2.2 million in savings, with expectations of $14 million in cost savings net of offsets and special charges for fiscal 2026 [5][8] - The strategic shift to a new warehouse in Vietnam is expected to enhance supply chain efficiency and reduce lead times from about 6 months to 4–6 weeks [11][12] Segment Performance - Hooker Branded segment net sales increased slightly by 0.8%, while Domestic Upholstery segment saw a decrease of 3.7% [4][12] - Home Meridian segment net sales decreased by $7.6 million, or 28.8%, primarily due to the loss of a major customer and reduced sales from import tariff-related hesitancy [19] - Despite sales decreases, Domestic Upholstery significantly narrowed operating losses by 55% [19] Market Conditions - The home furnishings industry is facing challenges due to persistent softness in the housing market, higher mortgage rates, and declining consumer sentiment [3][21] - Existing home sales remain well below pre-pandemic levels, impacting furniture demand [3][21] - Consumer confidence has dropped to near historic lows, leading many households to pull back on discretionary spending [3][21] Strategic Outlook - The company is focused on product innovation, cost optimization, and operational excellence to navigate ongoing economic challenges [22] - Key initiatives include the launch of the Margaritaville licensing program and the Collected Living merchandising approach, which received positive feedback at the April High Point Market [23][24] - The company anticipates that improvements in macroeconomic conditions will enhance its position for growth and shareholder value [5][22]

Core Insights - Golden Matrix Group Inc. (NASDAQ: GMGI) announced an insider purchase of 10,000 shares at a price of $1.36 per share, as reported in an SEC Form 4 filing dated May 27, 2025 [1]. Company Overview - Golden Matrix Group Inc. develops and distributes proprietary gaming platforms, sports betting solutions, and promotional games across over 25 international markets. Its portfolio includes brands such as Meridianbet, Expanse Studios, GMAG, R Kings Competitions, and Classics for a Cause [4]. Insider Activity - There have been a total of 25 insider purchases recorded for GMGI in the past year, indicating a positive sentiment from company insiders [5]. - Argus Research has reiterated a Buy signal for GMGI, suggesting confidence in the company's future performance [5].

Movado Group (MOV) Q1 2026 Earnings Call May 29, 2025 09:00 AM ET Company Participants Allison Malkin - PartnerEfraim Grinberg - Chairman & CEOSallie Demarsilis - EVP, COO, CFO & Principal Accounting OfficerHamed Khorsand - Principal Operator Good day, everybody, and welcome to Movado First Quarter and Fiscal Year twenty twenty six Earnings Call. As a reminder, today's call is being recorded and may not be reproduced in full or in part without permission from the company. At this time, I would like to turn ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the first quarter, sales were $131.8 million, down 1.9% from $134.4 million last year, or down 1% on a constant currency basis [5][15] - Adjusted operating income decreased to $870,000 from $2.1 million last year [5][18] - Adjusted earnings per share were $0.08, down from $0.09 last year [6][18] - Cash at the end of the quarter was $203.1 million, compared to $225.4 million at the same time last year [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. sales decreased by 1.6%, while international sales were down 2.2%, or 0.7% on a constant currency basis [7][16] - Licensed brands saw strong growth with sales improving by high single digits [8] - Movado brand refresh initiatives, including new product introductions, have received a strong consumer response [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The retail environment remains uncertain, impacting consumer behavior, particularly in the U.S. and Europe [24] - The outlet division saw an improved trend with sales down only 1.7%, continuing into the second quarter [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on managing controllables and operating with flexibility while delivering innovation and value [12] - Strategic initiatives include product innovation and cost savings measures, such as reducing marketing expenditures [5][17] - The company is rationalizing its expense infrastructure to improve financial performance [26] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the current economic environment and tariff-related uncertainties have impacted consumer discretionary spending [11][20] - The company is not providing a fiscal 2026 outlook due to macroeconomic uncertainties [20] - There is resilience in the category with young consumers embracing trend-forward watches and jewelry [12] Other Important Information - The company recorded approximately $1.6 million of other non-operating income, primarily from interest earned on its global cash position [18] - Unrealized losses due to currency fluctuations were noted, with management indicating that these will only be realized when paid [30][31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on sales momentum and trends - Management indicated that sales vary by market and brand, with pockets of growth and challenges, but they are satisfied with current sales levels [23] Question: Impact of tariffs on consumer behavior - Management acknowledged that discretionary purchases are challenged and emphasized the importance of delivering value to consumers [24][25] Question: Alignment of earnings per share and cash dividend - Management highlighted a strong balance sheet and expected improved operating cash flow in the second half of the year [28] Question: Unrealized loss in foreign exchange - Management explained that the unrealized loss was due to a decline in the U.S. Dollar and will be mitigated in future quarters [30][31]

MeridianLink (MLNK) Q1 2025 Earnings Call May 12, 2025 05:00 PM ET Company Participants Gianna Rotellini - Senior Director of Investor Relations & Strategic InitiativesNicolaas Vlok - Chief Executive OfficerLarry Katz - PresidentElias Olmeta - Chief Financial OfficerAlexander Sklar - Vice PresidentSaket Kalia - Managing DirectorScott Wurtzel - SVP - Equity ResearchMatthew Kikkert - Equity Research AssociateMarc Feldman - Equity Research Associate Conference Call Participants Nik Cremo - Executive Director, ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - MeridianLink achieved total revenue of $81.5 million, representing a 5% year-over-year growth, and adjusted EBITDA of $34.8 million, with a 43% adjusted EBITDA margin [5][28][42] - Free cash flow was $40.6 million, equating to 50% of revenue, and cash and cash equivalents at the end of the quarter were $128.9 million, an increase of $36.1 million from the previous quarter [36][43] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total lending software revenue grew by 10% year-over-year, accounting for approximately 82% of total revenue, with consumer lending revenue growth at 11% and mortgage lending revenue growth at 7% [39][40] - Data Verification Software Solutions revenue declined by 15% year-over-year, primarily due to a 28% decrease in mortgage-related revenue [41] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2024, MeridianLink processed 28 million consumer loan applications with nearly $700 billion in application volume, and served 50 million background checks and over 40 million credit reports [19] - The company completed 15 mortgage lending deals in Q1, up nearly 90% year-over-year, indicating strong demand in the mortgage lending segment [30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to focus on three strategic pillars: increasing product portfolio breadth and depth, simplifying customer interactions, and strengthening talent [22][24] - MeridianLink aims to enhance its product offerings through innovation, partnerships, and acquisitions, with a particular emphasis on digital interfaces and AI integration [78][81] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate an uncertain macroeconomic environment, with a focus on maintaining strong demand and managing customer relationships [29][60] - The outlook for 2025 remains unchanged, with total GAAP revenue expected to be between $326 million and $334 million, representing a 3% to 6% year-over-year increase [46][49] Other Important Information - A leadership transition is underway, with Larry Katz set to assume the role of CEO effective October 1, following Nicholas Block's six-year tenure [6][12] - The company has made significant investments in its go-to-market organization to enhance value delivery and operational efficiency [7][10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the changes being implemented as part of the new chapter? - Management views the changes as a continuation of existing strategies, focusing on operational discipline and growth acceleration [56] Question: How is the demand backdrop and ability to replace ACV release being assessed? - The pipeline remains strong, with robust demand across platforms, although some softness is noted at the top end of the funnel [60][61] Question: What is the outlook for the consumer lending business? - Growth is driven by ACV release, with solid demand for the comprehensive platform, and an increase in average ARR indicates success with larger clients [68][69] Question: What are the expectations for the auto lending vertical in 2025? - The company anticipates growth in line with the rest of consumer lending, acknowledging uncertainty due to potential tariffs [84] Question: What factors are driving increased mortgage demand? - The strong mortgage offering, effective sales execution, and favorable macro conditions are contributing to the increased demand [92][94] Question: What is the appetite for M&A in the current environment? - The company remains open to M&A opportunities, focusing on finding the right deals at the right price while maintaining a strong balance sheet [99][100]