Hooker Furniture(US:HOFT)2025-12-11 15:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated net sales from continuing operations for Q3 2026 were $70.7 million, a decrease of $11.9 million or 14.4% compared to the prior year period [2][3] - Gross profit decreased by $2.4 million, but gross margin improved to 25.6%, up from 24.8% last year [3] - Operating loss from continuing operations totaled $16.3 million, and net loss from continuing operations was $12.5 million or $1.18 per diluted share [5][6] - Year-to-date consolidated net sales from continuing operations were $211.1 million, down $22 million or 9.4% compared to the prior year [6][7] - Gross margin for the nine-month period improved to 25%, up from 23.9% in the prior year [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Domestic Upholstery sales increased by 3% in Q3, while Hooker Branded sales rose by 1.1% [3][15] - Hooker Branded reported GAAP operating income of $711,000 for Q3 compared to a loss of $1.5 million [15] - Domestic Upholstery backlog fell from year-end but rose year-over-year on a 3.5% increase in orders [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The hospitality business experienced a decline due to the timing of shipments, with several large projects shipping in the previous year's third quarter [3][4] - Discontinued operations for Pulaski Furniture and Samuel Lawrence Furniture saw combined net sales decline by $11.3 million in Q3 and $22.5 million year-to-date [8][17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on becoming a higher margin, design-driven entity by exiting low-margin, tariff-sensitive categories [9][10] - The launch of the Margaritaville license collection is seen as a significant organic growth opportunity, with initial purchase commitments exceeding historical levels [10][11] - A new share repurchase program has been authorized, allowing the company to repurchase up to $5 million of outstanding shares, while also recalibrating the dividend [19][20] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding the retail environment, noting that while peak sales periods are positive, consistent demand is needed [28][46] - The company believes it is better positioned to improve profitability even in a prolonged downturn due to a more efficient cost structure and sharper portfolio focus [22][46] Other Important Information - The company recorded $22.1 million in non-cash impairment charges, which included $14.5 million on Sunset West goodwill [4][5] - Cash and cash equivalents stood at $1.4 million, with $63.8 million in available borrowing capacity at quarter end [18][19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of shipment timing in hospitality division - Management noted that the hospitality brand had significant contributions from large hotel projects last year, which did not repeat this quarter [24] Question: Sustainability of sales gains in core business - Management expressed confidence in sustaining sales gains due to product momentum and significant product introductions [25][26] Question: Revenue from discontinued operations - Management indicated that discontinued operations were a significant drag on operating income, with further details expected in upcoming filings [29] Question: Margin profile for Margaritaville line - Management suggested that the margin profile could be estimated based on historical Hooker Branded margins [41] Question: Future cost-cutting measures - Management indicated that additional savings would be identified in future announcements, with a focus on the divestiture of brands creating opportunities [43] Question: Signs of demand recovery - Management reported cautious optimism from retail partners but did not identify specific green shoots indicating demand recovery [46]