Jewett-Cameron Trading Co Ltd(JCTC) - 2026 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q1 2026 was $8.3 million, a decrease of 7% compared to $9.3 million in Q1 2025 [13] - Gross operating profit margins were negative 12.5% in Q1 2026, down from positive 18.3% in Q1 2025, primarily due to $2.2 million in additional inventory write-downs [15] - Net loss for Q1 2026 was $3.9 million or negative $1.12 per share, compared to a net loss of $658,000 or negative $0.19 per share in Q1 2025 [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales in the core metal fence business increased slightly year-over-year despite challenges, indicating resilience [14] - The Greenwood industrial wood business saw a 45% increase in sales, driven by demand from municipalities and new customers [14] - Decreased sales were noted in lumber and PET products due to market conditions and customer program changes [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company faced ongoing challenges from tariffs and negative consumer sentiment, impacting purchasing behavior [11] - The operational environment remains uncertain, with weak consumer sentiment affecting discretionary spending [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to exit fiscal 2026 with a sustainable business model focused on core product categories and operational efficiency [12] - There is a strong emphasis on the metal fencing business as a competitive advantage and a primary focus for capital allocation and innovation [7] - Initiatives to streamline operations and reduce costs are ongoing, with a target to reduce annual operating expenses by $1 million to $3 million [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the challenges faced in Q1 but expresses optimism about long-term growth potential, particularly in the metal fencing business [4][7] - The company is making progress in pricing alignment with customers to improve margins, despite the difficulties posed by tariff volatility [16] - Future strategies include monetizing non-core assets and exploring partnerships to strengthen liquidity [10][21] Other Important Information - The company has amended its lending agreement to increase borrowing capacity, providing additional flexibility for operational realignment [19] - Inventory balance decreased to $13.5 million from $15.9 million, with an increased allowance for inventory reflecting market value adjustments [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you expand upon the renegotiated pricing agreements you've entered into? - Management reported successful negotiations for price increases to minimize margin erosion due to tariffs, with implementation beginning in Q1 of fiscal 2026 [24] Question: Can you provide a general breakdown of your inventory by product category? - Management indicated that metal fencing remains the highest velocity inventory, while some PET inventory is slow-moving, with efforts ongoing to move excess lumber inventory [25]