Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net revenues for the first quarter were $7.1 million, down from $10 million in the prior year [6] - Average active brand partners decreased to 7,700 from 13,400 year-over-year [6] - Loss before income taxes improved to a negative $1.4 million from a negative $1.7 million [6] - Net loss decreased to $1.1 million compared to a loss of $1.3 million last year [6] - Loss per share improved to $0.13 from $0.15 on a fully diluted basis [6] - Net inventories decreased by $2.7 million from $44.7 million to $42 million [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The decline in sales was primarily driven by reduced brand partner levels in the paper pie division [4] - Customer sales events were implemented to promote paper pie sales and generate cash [4] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company faced a challenging sales environment due to high inflation and reduced disposable income among families with small children [4] - The direct sales industry, particularly in the product sector, has experienced difficulties in recruiting new consultants [4] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on strategic changes to support brand partners and has launched new incentive programs [7] - A successful partnership with Ticket to Dream has allowed the company to distribute thousands of books to foster children [9] - The company is planning a phased approach to purchasing new titles and replenishing best sellers to energize the sales force [10][41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the current downturn in the industry but expressed confidence in emerging stronger and more resilient [13] - The company is working on a sale leaseback of its headquarters, with expectations to complete the sale before September [12] - Management is optimistic about the ongoing sale process and has developed a contingency plan (Plan B) in case the primary sale does not go through [22][23] Other Important Information - The company has executed an agreement to sell the Hilti Complex, with a 90-day due diligence period [12] - Proceeds from the sale are expected to fully pay back the bank, leaving the company with no debt [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the contingency plan if the sale of the Hilti Complex falls through? - Management has a viable Plan B that includes other offers with quick close contingencies, which would also help eliminate bank debt [22][23] Question: Can you provide more details about the buyer group for the Hilti Complex? - The buyer group is a real estate company, and management is optimistic about the ongoing due diligence process [26][27] Question: What is the strategy behind buying new titles given the current inventory levels? - The strategy involves a conservative approach to introduce new titles to energize the sales force without significantly increasing inventory levels [40][41] Question: What is the target net revenue run rate and average from partners during normalization? - Management indicated that rebuilding will take time, and they are implementing various strategies to improve sales and recruitment [44][45] Question: Has there been any serious interest in acquiring the company? - Management has not received any serious unsolicited offers for acquisition, but they would entertain such discussions in the future [47][50] Question: What is the current relationship with the bank? - The relationship has been good, with the bank supporting the company through the process, although amendments have become more restrictive [51][53]
EDC(EDUC) - 2026 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript