Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a revenue of $78.1 million for the first quarter, a decrease of 7.6% compared to the previous year [8] - Gross margin fell to 34.1% from 36.9% in the previous quarter, attributed to a transition phase in production [8][10] - The company experienced an operating loss of €800,000 for the quarter, with net financial costs increasing to $2.9 million from $2.2 million due to currency volatility [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The transition of Natuzzi Edition production from China to Italy impacted gross margins, leading to a temporary decrease in profitability [9][10] - Significant investments of approximately $2 million were made primarily on factory improvements during the quarter [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumer confidence in the US has declined to levels not seen since early 2023, with European confidence down by 3.1 percentage points [11] - The market environment remains challenging, with consumers postponing durable purchases [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on enhancing its brand commercial strategy, integrating collection, marketing, and customer experience [16] - Natuzzi plans to strengthen its retail and wholesale channels, with a particular emphasis on the North American market [21] - The company is exploring sustainable production locations for Natuzzi Editions to mitigate tariff impacts [33] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the difficult business environment, exacerbated by US trade duties and geopolitical tensions [16] - The company is committed to protecting margins and is actively reviewing pricing strategies in response to tariffs [33][36] - There is a focus on improving operational efficiency and brand strength to deliver sustainable value to stakeholders [24] Other Important Information - The company has returned to the Salon del Mobile Fair in Milan, unveiling new collections that reflect its evolution as a global lifestyle brand [17] - The introduction of a new software platform for retail performance assessment is showing early signs of improvement [45] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of production shift on gross margin - The production shift from China to Italy has caused disruptions, leading to a decrease in gross margin [31] Question: Future gross margin expectations - Management is reviewing pricing strategies and production allocations to protect margins, but specific guidance on future margins was not provided [36] Question: Sustainability of operating expenses - Operating expenses were reduced to $27.4 million, and management expressed confidence in maintaining this level with ongoing cost reviews [39] Question: Early signs of improvement in retail technology - The new performance assessment platform is enabling data-driven decisions and improving store performance [45] Question: Potential of the commercial division - The trade and contract division is seeing growth, with a focus on B2B relationships and bespoke solutions for hospitality and residential sectors [62]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported total sales of €318.8 million for the year, a decrease of 3% compared to the previous year [6] - Gross margin improved to 36.3% in 2024, up from 34.3% in 2023 and 29.7% in 2019, indicating a significant enhancement in profitability [15][16] - The operational loss for the year was €6.3 million, a notable improvement from a loss of €22.5 million in 2019 with higher sales [16][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Branded sales accounted for €289 million, representing approximately 93% of total sales, an increase from 80% in 2019 [7][9] - Direct-to-operator store sales reached €70.1 million, up 4% from 2023 and 18% from 2019, driven primarily by growth in the U.S. market [11] - The company closed two underperforming Natuzzi Italia stores and one Divani Divani store, reflecting a strategic move to optimize retail locations [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a challenging and volatile market environment, impacting overall sales performance [6][7] - The U.S. market showed resilience with the opening of a new store in Denver, contributing to the growth in direct-to-operator sales [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on transforming from a manufacturer to a brand retailer, emphasizing the importance of retail presence and customer experience [10][24] - A significant restructuring effort was undertaken, including the relocation of production from Shanghai to Qinzhou, aimed at improving cost efficiency [14][21] - The company is committed to organic growth and enhancing profitability through improved sales per store and effective marketing strategies [98] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate current market challenges, highlighting the flexibility of its production capabilities across various regions [61][66] - The management acknowledged the uncertainty in the market due to potential tariff increases but emphasized the company's preparedness to protect margins [62][64] - The focus remains on improving consumer confidence and sales across all geographies, supported by new product launches and marketing initiatives [81][82] Other Important Information - The company has made significant investments in developing new marketing and retail competencies, aiming to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency [24][32] - A strategic divestment of non-core assets is ongoing, with the completion of a transaction involving High Point expected in March 2025 [19][20] Q&A Session Summary Question: How will increased tariffs impact pricing and margins? - Management indicated that they are proactively protecting margins through discussions with partners and implementing surcharges where necessary to mitigate tariff impacts [62][63] Question: What is the company's strategy for increasing revenue? - The focus is on organic growth, improving sales per store, and leveraging new collections and marketing strategies to drive traffic [98] Question: What tools and systems are in place to support the retail transition? - The company has developed analytical tools to diagnose store performance and improve merchandising strategies, enabling faster decision-making [90] Question: What is the outlook for profitability and potential retail expansion in the U.S.? - Management believes that breakeven can be achieved at lower sales levels than in the past, with a focus on nurturing new stores opened in the U.S. [99][100]