Haverty Furniture(HVT) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, the company reported net sales of $181.6 million, a decrease of 1.3% compared to the prior year quarter, with comparable store sales down 4.8% [3][17] - Gross profit margin increased by 90 basis points to 61.2% from 60.3% due to product selection and merchandise mix [4][17] - SG&A expenses decreased by $2.2 million or 1.9% to $107.2 million, representing 59% of sales, down from 59.4% in the prior year quarter [18] - Net income for Q1 2025 was $3.8 million or $0.23 per diluted share, compared to $2.4 million or $0.14 per share in the comparable quarter last year [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The design business improved to approximately 33% of total business, with the designer average ticket growing over 9% to over $7,400 [6] - Average ticket rose by approximately 4% to just over $3,300, while written sales were down 2.6% with comps down 6.3% [3][6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The housing market continues to operate at thirty-year lows, influenced by affordability issues, inflated interest rates, and declining consumer confidence [4][16] - Sales for the Presidents' Day event were disappointing, down roughly 10% over the two-week period [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to roll out a new point of purchase and tagging program to enhance the in-store customer experience by Labor Day [7] - The company aims to open five new stores a year but will be cautious based on current conditions, with plans for a third store in Houston and relocating an existing store [13][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating challenges such as housing affordability, high interest rates, and tariffs, citing a strong brand and debt-free balance sheet [16] - The company anticipates gross margins for 2025 to be between 60% and 60.5%, with fixed and discretionary SG&A expenses expected to increase due to store growth and inflation [21] Other Important Information - The company has halted most direct shipments from China due to tariffs, which could cause temporary supply disruptions [10] - Inventories increased by approximately $5 million or about 6% since year-end 2024, with expectations for further increases in Q2 [11][12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of winter storms on business - Management noted that multiple winter storms impacted business, but did not quantify the exact impact [24][27] Question: Price increases due to tariffs - Management confirmed that targeted price increases will be implemented, but they expect minimal impact on consumers due to supplier support [30][31] Question: Changes in competition - Management observed aggressive promotions from competitors but did not believe it was affecting their promotional activity [33] Question: Reduction in CapEx guidance - The reduction in CapEx guidance was due to tariff uncertainty, prompting a cautious approach to store expansion [35][36] Question: Performance of new stores - Management reported positive performance from new stores, leveraging existing distribution networks, and expressed optimism for future openings [47][49]