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]