Live Ventures rporated(US:LIVE)2025-12-11 23:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue decreased approximately $27.9 million, or 5.9%, to approximately $444.9 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, compared to approximately $472.8 million in the prior year [6] - Operating income increased by $10.2 million, or 231.7%, compared to the prior year, excluding an $18.1 million goodwill impairment recorded in Fiscal Year 2024 [5] - Adjusted EBITDA for Fiscal Year 2025 was approximately $33.4 million, an increase of approximately $8.9 million, or 36.3%, compared to $24.5 million in the prior year [15] - Net income was approximately $22.7 million, with diluted EPS of $4.93, compared to a net loss of approximately $26.7 million and a loss per share of $8.48 in the prior year [14] - Gross profit increased approximately $900,000 to $145.7 million, with gross margin increasing 210 basis points to 32.7% [10][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail entertainment segment revenue increased by approximately $6.5 million, or 9.1%, to approximately $77.5 million, driven by strong consumer demand for vintage and collectible media [8] - Retail flooring segment revenue decreased by approximately $14.7 million, or 10.7%, to approximately $122.3 million, primarily due to the disposition of certain stores and decreased consumer demand [9] - Flooring manufacturing segment revenue decreased by approximately $11.5 million, or 8.6%, to approximately $121.6 million, attributed to reduced consumer demand [9] - Steel manufacturing segment revenue decreased by approximately $7.2 million, or 5.1%, to approximately $132.6 million, driven by lower sales volumes, partially offset by incremental revenue from Central Steel [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Continued softness in the new home construction and home refurbishment markets negatively impacted the retail flooring and flooring manufacturing segments [5][6] - The fourth quarter of 2025 showed year-over-year revenue improvement compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, indicating potential recovery [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on driving sustainable profitability and enhancing overall performance across its businesses [18] - Strategic pricing initiatives and targeted cost reduction measures were implemented to strengthen operating disciplines [4] - The company aims to build a durable platform of businesses that are resilient in the real economy [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the company's position for continued progress, despite challenges in the housing market [18] - The company is excited about recent interest rate cuts, which are expected to benefit interest expenses and stimulate housing sales [30][31] Other Important Information - Total debt declined approximately $33.5 million in Fiscal Year 2025, leading to a decrease in interest expense by approximately $1.3 million, or 7.7% [13] - The company repurchased 59,704 shares of common stock at an average price of $8.85 per share during the fiscal year [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding share repurchases and issuance strategy - Management indicated that shares may be issued in connection with acquisitions and that repurchase levels are monitored based on market conditions [26][28] Question: Debt repayment intentions - Management confirmed a commitment to continue paying down debt, evaluating the optimal level for long-term sustainability [28] Question: Impact of interest rate reductions - Management noted that interest rate cuts have positively impacted the company, reducing interest expenses and potentially stimulating the housing market [30][31]