EDC(EDUC) - 2026 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2026, net revenues decreased to $4.6 million from $6.5 million in Q2 2025, representing a decline of approximately 29.2% [6] - Average active PaperPie brand partners fell to 5,800 from 13,900 year-over-year [6] - Losses before income taxes improved to $1.8 million from a loss of $2.5 million in the prior year [6] - Net loss decreased to $1.3 million compared to a loss of $1.8 million, with loss per share improving to $0.15 from $0.22 [7] - Year-to-date net revenues were $11.7 million, down from $16.5 million, with average active brand partners at 6,800 compared to 13,700 [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The PaperPie division experienced a significant decline in brand partner levels, attributed to a challenging sales environment and lack of new product introductions for 18 months [3][4] - The company is focusing on increasing brand partner counts and improving technology to attract younger demographics, specifically Millennials and Gen Z [4][5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The retail side of the business showed steady performance, particularly in specialty, toy, and gift markets, indicating strong relationships with retail partners [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is adopting a conservative phased approach to introduce new products, aiming for a post-building sale close in spring 2026 [4] - There is a focus on reducing costs and improving results, with a target to return to revenue growth by adding brand partners [5] - The company is exploring alternative financing options post-building sale, with a conservative approach to new credit lines [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenging sales environment and the need to energize the sales force through new titles [4][26] - There is confidence in the upcoming sale of the Hilty Complex to improve financial stability and support future growth [13][20] Other Important Information - Inventory levels decreased from $44.7 million to $40.7 million, generating $4 million in cash flow used to pay down debts [8] - The bank has not renewed loan agreements, leading to a notice of default, but management remains confident in meeting obligations until the building sale is completed [8][13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is the buyer group related to Tenmark Holdings? - Yes, the buyer group is related to Tenmark Holdings, which has significant real estate holdings in Oklahoma [16] Question: How much earnest money is entitled? - The earnest money is $100,000, which will remain in escrow until closing [17] Question: Expected net from the property sale after costs? - The company expects to net enough from the sale to support its plans, though specific figures are not disclosed [18][19] Question: Confidence in closing the sale at $32.2 million? - There is a very high degree of confidence in closing the sale at the expected price [20] Question: Status of establishing a new credit line? - The company is developing several options for financing, likely starting with a conservative $3 to $5 million [21] Question: Cost-cutting measures and potential for profitability? - Major cost impacts include interest expenses and aggressive discounting; the company is also working on reducing excess inventory [23][24] Question: Impact of new titles on brand partner count? - Introducing new titles is expected to help stem the loss of brand partners, but a comprehensive approach is needed for recovery [26][29] Question: Plans for reinstating dividends post-bank obligations? - The goal is to generate positive cash flow and potentially reinstate dividends, but this is not expected to happen for at least a couple of quarters [30][31] Question: Collateralized items under the bank agreement? - All assets, including the building, accounts receivable, inventory, equipment, and land, are cross-collateralized [35][37] Question: Plans for increasing brand partner count? - A multi-pronged approach is planned, including marketing initiatives and new product introductions targeting younger demographics [39][40]