Culp(CULP) - 2026 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for the first quarter were $50.7 million, down from $56.5 million in the prior year, primarily due to market softness and tariff-related shipment pauses [21] - Gross profit increased to $7.2 million or 14.3% of sales, compared to $5.1 million or 9% of sales in the prior year, reflecting a 530 basis point improvement driven by restructuring initiatives [21] - Operating income was $1.6 million, a significant recovery from a loss of $6.9 million in the prior year [21] - Net loss for the quarter was $231,000 or $0.02 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $7.3 million or $0.58 per diluted share in the prior year [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Bedding segment sales were $28 million, flat compared to the previous year, with gross profit improving to $2.9 million or 10.5% of sales from a negative $326,000 or negative 1.2% [24] - Upholstery segment sales were $22.6 million, down approximately 20% from $28.5 million in the prior year, with gross profit at $4.3 million or 18.9% of sales, down from $5.5 million or 19.4% [25][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The home furnishings industry continues to experience depressed demand, with challenges from consumer spending and housing market trends impacting both business segments [10][11] - Despite the downturn, there are indications of pent-up demand in the mattress market, with analysts suggesting that demand may be close to bottoming out [8][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on restructuring and integration initiatives to improve operational efficiency and profitability, with expectations for sequential sales growth throughout fiscal 2026 [31][32] - Project Blaze aims to unify the two former divisions into a single Culp-branded business, enhancing operational capabilities and cost efficiencies [16][18] - The company is strategically positioned to leverage its global supply chain and manufacturing flexibility to navigate tariff challenges and capitalize on market recovery [19][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the ongoing challenges from tariffs and a low demand environment but remains optimistic about gaining market share and improving profitability [31][32] - The company expects adjusted EBITDA results to range from near breakeven to slightly positive for the second quarter, with continued improvements anticipated throughout the fiscal year [31] - Management emphasizes the importance of not waiting for market recovery but instead making proactive adjustments to enhance profitability [42] Other Important Information - The company reported $11.1 million in total cash and $18.1 million in outstanding debt, maintaining a net debt position of $7.1 million [26] - Capital expenditures were reduced to $179,000 for the quarter, reflecting a strategic focus on managing capital and operational efficiency [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Are all known tariff impacts accounted for in your initiatives? - Management indicated that they have adjusted pricing and operational strategies to mitigate tariff impacts, and they feel confident in their current position regarding tariffs [35][36] Question: What is the elasticity of pricing in the current market? - Management acknowledged the competitive nature of the industry but emphasized the need to pass on costs to maintain profitability, while being fair and aggressive in pricing strategies [37] Question: How does the current market downturn compare to past cycles? - Management noted that while down cycles are common, the current downturn has been prolonged since 2020, but they remain confident in a future recovery [40][42] Question: Will the company be able to meet increased demand with the existing cost structure? - Management assured that they have not limited capacity and can grow as needed, indicating significant cost leverage available when demand increases [43][44] Question: What is the estimated market value of real estate and the future use of NOLs? - The net book value of real estate is approximately $12 million, with an estimated market value of $40 to $45 million, and NOLs will provide future tax benefits once profitability is achieved [45][46]