MillerKnoll(MLKN) - 2026 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported consolidated net sales of $956 million for Q1, representing a growth of 10.9% year-over-year and 10% on an organic basis [12][13] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) increased by 25% to $0.45, significantly outperforming guidance [12] - Consolidated gross margin for Q1 was 38.5%, impacted by approximately $8 million in net tariff-related costs [14][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America Contract segment net sales were $534 million, up 12% year-over-year, with new orders down 8% [15][16] - International Contract segment net sales improved to $168 million, up 14.4% reported and 11.3% organically, with new orders down 6.5% [16][17] - Global Retail segment net sales were $254 million, up 6.4% reported and 4.9% organically, with new orders up 1.7% [17][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Office leasing activity for Class A space remains robust, with Manhattan leasing activity in August exceeding the 10-year monthly average [7] - Web traffic in North America increased by 17% year-over-year, indicating strong customer engagement [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on accelerated product creation, consistent execution, and prudent cost management while investing for profitable growth [6] - Plans to open 12-15 new stores in the U.S. for the fiscal year, aiming to double the store footprint over the next several years [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth momentum in the contract business, with improving conditions in key markets [7] - The company anticipates that pricing actions will offset tariff impacts in the second half of the fiscal year [19][20] Other Important Information - The company has refinanced its Term Loan B to extend maturity to 2032, ending the quarter with $481 million in liquidity [15] - The company was recognized as a great workplace for innovators, reflecting its commitment to employee engagement [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Normalization of growth in the Americas - Management confirmed that North America Contract has averaged 3.3% growth over the trailing two quarters, with volume being a key driver [26][27] Question: Discounting trends - Management indicated that discounting has remained stable and has not increased [31] Question: Retail profitability pressures - Management noted that new store expenses are the primary driver of margin degradation, with expectations for revenue from new stores to mitigate this impact by the end of Q4 [32][33] Question: Impact of tariffs - Management clarified that the $8 million net tariff-related impact reflects both costs and mitigation efforts, with expectations for reduced impact in Q2 [46][47] Question: Industry consolidation and competitive outlook - Management views industry consolidation positively, presenting opportunities for growth and differentiation [40][41] Question: International market performance - Management acknowledged slower recovery in international markets but noted growth in direct-to-consumer channels [42][43]