Micron Technology (NasdaqGS:MU) Q1 2026 Earnings Call December 17, 2025 04:30 PM ET Company ParticipantsMark Murphy - CFOSatya Kumar - Head of Investor RelationsSanjay Mehrotra - CEOConference Call ParticipantsTom O'Malley - Research AnalystVivek Arya - AnalystChris Danely - Managing Direct and Semiconductor AnalystC.J. Muse - Senior Managing Director and AnalystKrish Sankar - AnalystHarlan Sur - AnalystTimothy Arcuri - AnalystOperatorAs a reminder, today's program is being recorded. And now I'd like to int ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Micron reported total fiscal Q1 revenue of $13.6 billion, up 21% sequentially and 57% year over year, marking a quarterly record for the third consecutive quarter [20] - Fiscal Q1 DRAM revenue reached a record $10.8 billion, up 69% year over year and 20% sequentially, representing 79% of total revenue [20][21] - Fiscal Q1 NAND revenue was a record $2.7 billion, up 22% year over year and sequentially, accounting for 20% of total revenue [21][22] - Consolidated gross margin for fiscal Q1 was 56.8%, up 11 percentage points sequentially, driven by higher pricing and strong cost execution [22] - Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share in fiscal Q1 was $4.78, reflecting 58% sequential growth and 167% year-over-year growth [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Cloud memory business unit revenue was a record $5.3 billion, representing 39% of total revenue, up 16% sequentially [22] - Core data center business unit revenue reached a record $2.4 billion, up 51% sequentially, representing 17% of total revenue [23] - Mobile and client business unit revenue was a record $4.3 billion, up 13% sequentially, representing 31% of total revenue [23] - Automotive and embedded business unit revenue was a record $1.7 billion, up 20% sequentially, representing 13% of total revenue [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Server unit demand is expected to grow in the high teens percentage range for calendar 2025, higher than previous expectations [10] - PC unit sales are forecasted to grow in the high single-digit percentage range for calendar 2025, above prior expectations [12] - Smartphone unit volumes are on track to grow in the low single-digit percentage range for calendar 2025 [12] - The aggregate industry supply is expected to remain substantially short of demand for the foreseeable future, with DRAM and NAND bit demand growth expectations revised higher [16][17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Micron is focused on maximizing production output and ramping industry-leading technology nodes while investing in new cleanroom space to enhance supply capability [6][18] - The company anticipates substantial new records in revenue, gross margin, EPS, and free cash flow for both the second quarter and the full fiscal year 2026 [6] - Micron plans to increase fiscal 2026 capital expenditures to approximately $20 billion, primarily to support HBM supply capability and 1-gamma supply [17][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted that AI-driven demand is accelerating, with significant growth in data center capacity driving demand for high-performance memory [9][10] - The company expects tight market conditions to persist beyond calendar 2026 due to sustained strong industry demand and supply constraints [6][16] - Management expressed confidence in Micron's competitive position, emphasizing technology leadership and a differentiated product portfolio [6][7] Other Important Information - Micron generated record free cash flow of $3.9 billion in fiscal Q1, exceeding the previous record from fiscal Q4 2018 by over 20% [25] - The company reduced debt by $2.7 billion during the quarter, closing with $11.8 billion of debt and a net cash balance of over $250 million [25][26] - Over 80% of Micron's professional workforce actively uses GenAI, significantly enhancing productivity across various functions [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Long-term agreements with customers - Management discussed ongoing discussions for multi-year contracts with key customers, emphasizing stronger contract structures compared to previous agreements [31] Question: Capital expenditures and intensity - Management confirmed an increase in capital expenditures to $20 billion for fiscal 2026, with a focus on supporting DRAM and HBM supply [32][34] Question: Supply constraints and cleanroom space - Management acknowledged supply constraints and the need for cleanroom space, emphasizing efforts to maximize production efficiency within existing facilities [35][36] Question: HBM market share and competitive positioning - Management expressed confidence in Micron's competitive position, highlighting strong performance and low power consumption of HBM products [46][47] Question: Pricing dynamics for HBM - Management confirmed that HBM for 2026 is sold out in terms of volume, with completed negotiations for pricing, ensuring strong profitability [56]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a gross margin of 17%, which is a decrease from previous expectations, reflecting ongoing pressure in the housing market [8][16][37] - The average sales price for homes was reported at $386,000, with expectations for the first quarter of 2026 to be between $365,000 and $375,000 [16][36] - The company ended the quarter with $3.4 billion in cash and total liquidity of $6.5 billion, indicating a strong balance sheet [32][33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company started 18,443 homes, delivered 23,034 homes, and sold just over 20,000 homes in the fourth quarter, exceeding delivery expectations [15][36] - Sales incentives remained flat at 14%, but the gross margin was reduced to 17%, slightly lower than expected [16][29] - The company achieved a sales pace of four homes per community per month, meeting its sales plan [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The housing market remains challenging, with consumer confidence impacted by economic uncertainties and a government shutdown [10][11] - The supply of owned home sites decreased year-over-year to 0.1 years, while controlled home sites increased to 98% from 82% [30] - The company reported a significant reduction in warranty spend by 45% year-over-year, indicating improved operational efficiency [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining volume and even-flow production while managing an affordable cost structure [9][10] - A shift towards an asset-light model has been completed, with less than 5% of land on the balance sheet, reducing overall inventory from just under $20 billion to just under $12 billion [17][20] - The company aims to leverage its strong market position and efficient product offerings to accommodate pent-up demand as market conditions improve [9][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future market conditions, anticipating that government actions may enhance affordability and activate demand [10][50] - The company is well-positioned to provide affordable housing solutions when demand is activated by lower interest rates or government-sponsored programs [9][10] - Management acknowledged the ongoing challenges in the housing market but remains committed to driving efficiencies and improving margins over time [9][56] Other Important Information - The company completed the Millrose transaction, resulting in a non-cash repurchase of 8 million shares [20][35] - The management team is transitioning leadership roles internally, indicating a strong internal talent pool to maintain operational continuity [21][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is contributing to the continued pressure on margin? - Management noted unexpected headwinds from the government shutdown impacting consumer confidence, which affected pricing stability [43][44] Question: Will government actions improve affordability in 2026? - Management believes that significant attention is being paid to affordability issues, and they expect some form of government action in 2026 [50][51] Question: How does the company envision recapturing margin as the market improves? - The company is focused on maintaining volume and leveraging operational efficiencies to improve margins as incentives decrease [56][57] Question: What is the strategy regarding supply and margin? - Management is committed to maintaining volume while navigating market conditions, with a focus on building efficiencies [82][86] Question: How will the company approach share repurchases in 2026? - Management is optimistic about the balance sheet and expects to continue returning cash to shareholders through repurchases and dividends [89][90]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a gross margin of 17%, which is a decrease from previous expectations, reflecting ongoing pressure on margins due to market conditions [8][16] - The average sales price for homes was approximately $386,000, with expectations for the first quarter of 2026 to be between $365,000 and $375,000 [16][36] - The company ended the quarter with $3.4 billion in cash and total liquidity of $6.5 billion, indicating a strong balance sheet [32][33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company started 18,443 homes, delivered 23,034 homes, and sold just over 20,000 homes, exceeding delivery goals but facing challenges in maintaining sales volume [15][16] - Sales incentives remained flat at 14%, contributing to a reduction in gross margin [16][29] - The company achieved a cycle time of 127 days for detached single-family homes, a reduction from 138 days a year ago [18][29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The housing market remains challenging, with consumer confidence impacted by economic uncertainties and a government shutdown [10][11] - The supply of owned home sites decreased year-over-year to 0.1 years, while controlled home sites increased to 98% from 82% [30][33] - The company noted that inflation-driven affordability concerns are central to the national conversation, affecting consumer behavior [10][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining volume and even-flow production while managing an affordable cost structure [9][10] - A shift towards an asset-lighter model has been completed, with less than 5% of land on the balance sheet, allowing for improved operational efficiency [17][20] - The company aims to leverage its strong market position to provide affordable housing when demand activates, driven by lower interest rates or government programs [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future market conditions, despite current challenges, and emphasized the importance of government action to enhance affordability [11][14] - The company is well-positioned for future growth, with a focus on cash flow and high returns on capital and equity [23][24] - Management acknowledged that while current numbers are not ideal, the company is strategically positioned to meet the ongoing housing shortage [22][23] Other Important Information - The company completed the Millrose transaction, resulting in a non-cash repurchase of 8 million shares [20][35] - The company plans to maintain a focus on technology solutions to drive future efficiencies and improve customer experience [17][77] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: What is contributing to the continued pressure on margin? - Management noted unexpected headwinds from the government shutdown impacting consumer confidence, which affected pricing stability [44][45] Question: Do you anticipate government actions to improve affordability? - Management believes that government action is likely, as affordability is a political issue that needs addressing [50][51] Question: How does the company envision recapturing margin as the market improves? - The company expects to leverage its efficiencies and lower incentive structures to improve margins as market conditions stabilize [58][60]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported fourth-quarter consolidated net sales of $1.07 billion, a decrease of 0.9% from the previous year, primarily due to lower shipments and prior-year divestitures, partially offset by net price realization [13][14] - For the full year, total consolidated net sales were $4.51 billion, essentially in line with fiscal 2024 net sales, adjusting for the impact of divestitures [13][14] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share for the fourth quarter were $0.91, compared to $0.95 in the prior year, reflecting higher expenses related to restored employee incentives [15] - Full-year adjusted earnings per diluted share were $4.20, slightly up from $4.17 in fiscal 2024 [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Professional segment net sales in the fourth quarter were $910 million, virtually equal to last year's performance, with earnings margin at 19.2%, up 60 basis points year-over-year [11][12] - Residential segment fourth-quarter net sales were $147 million, down 5.1% from the prior year, but exceeded expectations due to net price realization and higher shipments of snow products [12][13] - For the full year, professional segment net sales rose 1.9% to $3.62 billion, while residential segment net sales were $858.4 million, down 14% from the prior year [12][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted sustained momentum in the underground construction business and better-than-anticipated growth in snow and ice management [4][5] - The acquisition of Tornado Infrastructure Technologies is expected to enhance the company's position in the underground construction market, driven by new infrastructure installation projects [7][16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leveraging its diverse portfolio and driving operational excellence, with a commitment to investing in technology and innovation [4][7] - The AMP program aims to achieve $125 million in cost savings by the end of 2026, up from the original target of at least $100 million [8][19] - The company is strategically investing in growth markets, particularly in golf, grounds, and underground construction, to strengthen its competitive position [22][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the macroeconomic environment, noting potential pressures from inflation and interest rates but also highlighting strong demand in key markets [17][21] - For fiscal 2026, the company expects total net sales to rise 2%-5%, with professional segment sales anticipated to grow mid-single digits and residential segment sales expected to decline low to mid-single digits [17][18] Other Important Information - The company achieved record free cash flow of $578 million for the year, resulting in a free cash flow conversion rate of 146% [4][15] - The company returned $441 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, demonstrating confidence in its cash generation capabilities [15][19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance on sales growth and volume expectations - Management indicated that a portion of the sales growth is attributed to the Tornado acquisition, with continued strength expected in the professional segment, particularly in underground construction [33][34] Question: Improvement expectations in residential segment - Management expects some recovery in the residential segment, driven by productivity improvements and favorable snow conditions, despite ongoing homeowner caution [37][39] Question: Details on the AMP program and savings - The company raised its AMP savings target to $125 million, with savings expected to come from supply-based improvements and operational efficiency, without needing increased volume [40][41] Question: Raw material cost expectations for 2026 - Management anticipates some inflation in raw material costs early in the year, settling mid-year, and has built these expectations into their guidance [44] Question: Channel inventories and backlog status - Management reported improved channel inventories and a $400 million year-over-year improvement in backlog, indicating strong demand across various segments [51][52]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported consolidated net sales of $1.07 billion for Q4, a decrease of 0.9% from the previous year, primarily due to lower shipments and prior-year divestitures, partially offset by net price realization [21] - For the full year, total consolidated net sales were $4.5 billion, down 1.6% from fiscal 2024, largely due to strategic divestitures [7] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share for Q4 were $0.91, compared to $0.95 in the prior year, reflecting higher expenses related to employee incentive compensation [23] - Full-year adjusted earnings per diluted share were $4.20, slightly up from $4.17 in fiscal 2024 [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Professional segment net sales for Q4 were $910 million, virtually unchanged from the previous year, with earnings margin at 19.2%, up 60 basis points year-over-year [17] - Residential segment net sales for Q4 were $147 million, down 5.1% from the prior year, but exceeded expectations due to net price realization [20] - Full-year professional segment net sales rose 1.9% to $3.62 billion, with earnings margin improving to 19.4% from 18% in fiscal 2024 [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on key growth markets, particularly in golf, grounds, and underground specialty construction, anticipating a multi-year growth trajectory [8] - The acquisition of Tornado Infrastructure Equipment is expected to enhance the company's position in the underground construction market [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance customer productivity through investments in technology and innovation, with a focus on operational excellence and cost savings [5][10] - The AMP program has been expanded, with a new savings target of $125 million by the end of 2026, up from the previous target of $100 million [11] - The company is committed to maintaining strong profit margins and market competitiveness through productivity improvements and selective price increases [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the macroeconomic environment, noting potential pressures from inflation and interest rates on consumer confidence [29] - For fiscal 2026, the company expects total net sales to rise by 2%-5%, with professional segment sales anticipated to grow mid-single digits and residential segment sales expected to decline low to mid-single digits [30] - The company is confident in its ability to navigate cost pressures while continuing to invest in innovation [31] Other Important Information - The company achieved record free cash flow of $578 million for the year, with a conversion rate of 146% [12] - A quarterly dividend increase from $0.38 to $0.39 was announced, along with a share repurchase authorization of up to six million shares [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance on sales growth and volume expectations - Management acknowledged that a portion of the sales growth is attributed to the Tornado acquisition and indicated continued strength in the professional segment, particularly in underground construction [52][54] Question: Improvement expectations in residential segment - Management expects some recovery in the residential segment, influenced by macroeconomic factors and potential restocking in the channel [57][60] Question: Details on the AMP program and additional savings - Management confirmed that the additional $25 million in savings is achievable through ongoing operational efficiency initiatives without needing volume growth [61][62] Question: Raw material cost expectations for 2026 - Management anticipates some inflation in raw material costs early in the year, with expectations of stabilization by mid-year [66] Question: Channel inventory status - Management reported that channel inventories are in good shape, with improved lead times contributing to customer confidence [73][80] Question: Margin guidance for professional segment - Management indicated that while some benefits from the AMP program will continue, the addition of Tornado may not be fully accretive to operating margin in the first year [81][82]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported fourth-quarter consolidated net sales of $1.07 billion, a decrease of 0.9% from the previous year, primarily due to lower shipments and prior-year divestitures, partially offset by net price realization [14] - For the full year, total consolidated net sales were $4.51 billion, essentially in line with fiscal 2024 net sales, adjusting for the impact of divestitures [14] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share for the fourth quarter were $0.91, compared to $0.95 in the prior year, reflecting higher expenses related to restored employee incentives [15][16] - Full-year adjusted earnings per diluted share were $4.20, slightly up from $4.17 in fiscal 2024 [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Professional segment net sales in the fourth quarter were $910 million, virtually equal to last year's performance, with earnings margin at 19.2%, up 60 basis points year-over-year [11][12] - Residential segment fourth-quarter net sales were $147 million, down 5.1% from the prior year, but exceeded expectations due to net price realization and higher shipments of snow products [12][13] - For the full year, residential segment net sales were $858.4 million, down 14% from the prior year, with earnings margin at 4.2% [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced sustained momentum in the underground construction business and better-than-anticipated growth in snow and ice management [5] - The acquisition of Tornado Infrastructure Technologies is expected to enhance the company's position in the underground construction market, driven by new infrastructure installation projects [6][25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leveraging its diverse portfolio, driving operational excellence, and investing in technology and innovation to enhance customer productivity [4][10] - The AMP program aims to achieve $125 million in annualized run-rate cost savings by the end of 2026, up from the original target of at least $100 million [8][19] - The company is strategically investing in growth markets such as golf, grounds, and underground construction, while maintaining a disciplined approach to capital deployment [17][28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the macroeconomic environment, including inflation and interest rates, which may pressure consumer confidence [18] - For fiscal 2026, the company expects total net sales to rise by 2%-5%, with professional segment sales expected to grow mid-single digits and residential segment sales expected to decline low to mid-single digits [18][19] - The company anticipates an improvement in total adjusted gross margin in 2026, reflecting its ability to navigate cost pressures while investing in innovation [19] Other Important Information - The company returned $441 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases in fiscal 2025, demonstrating confidence in its cash generation capabilities [16][21] - The leverage ratio remains healthy at 1.3 times, providing financial flexibility for strategic investments [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance on sales growth and volume expectations - Management indicated that a portion of the sales growth is attributed to the Tornado acquisition, with continued strength expected in the professional segment, particularly in underground construction and golf [30][31] Question: Residential segment outlook - The residential segment is expected to see a decline in the first quarter but may improve in subsequent quarters due to factors like snow and channel restocking [32][33] Question: AMP program and savings targets - The company raised its AMP savings target to $125 million, with savings expected to come from operational efficiency and supply chain improvements [34][35] Question: Raw material costs for 2026 - Management expects some inflation in raw material costs early in the year, settling mid-year [37] Question: Channel inventories and backlog status - The company reported a $400 million improvement in backlog year-over-year, indicating strong demand across various segments [38][39]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a gross margin of 17%, which is a decrease from previous expectations, attributed to market conditions and increased sales incentives [9][18] - The average sales price for homes was $386,000, with expectations for the first quarter of 2026 to be between $365,000 and $375,000 [18][34] - The company ended the quarter with $3.4 billion in cash and total liquidity of $6.5 billion, indicating a strong balance sheet [31][34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company started 18,443 homes, delivered 23,034 homes, and sold just over 20,000 homes, exceeding delivery expectations but only meeting the low end of sales expectations [17][18] - Sales incentives remained flat at 14%, contributing to a reduction in gross margin [18][29] - The company achieved a cycle time of 127 days for detached single-family homes, a reduction from 138 days a year ago [20][29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The housing market remains challenging, with consumer confidence impacted by economic uncertainties and a government shutdown [11][12] - The supply of owned home sites decreased year-over-year to 0.1 years, while controlled home sites increased to 98% from 82% [30][32] - The company noted a significant supply shortage in the housing market, which has kept home prices high [13][14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining volume and even-flow production while managing costs to prepare for future market recovery [10][11] - An asset-light strategy has been implemented, reducing overall inventory from just under $20 billion to just under $12 billion [19][30] - The company aims to leverage its strong market position and efficient product offerings to meet pent-up demand as market conditions improve [10][25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future market conditions, anticipating that government actions may enhance affordability and stimulate demand [15][44] - The company is positioned to benefit from a potential recovery in the housing market, with expectations for margin improvement as incentives decrease [46][47] - Management acknowledged the ongoing challenges but emphasized the importance of operational efficiencies and technology investments to drive future growth [57][66] Other Important Information - The company completed the Millrose transaction, resulting in a non-cash repurchase of 8 million shares [21][33] - The leadership transition is underway as the co-CEO retires, with experienced professionals prepared to take on new roles [22][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is contributing to the continued pressure on margin? - Management noted unexpected headwinds from the government shutdown affecting consumer confidence, which impacted pricing stability [40][41] Question: Will government actions improve affordability in 2026? - Management believes that government focus on affordability is likely to result in actionable programs, although specifics remain uncertain [44][45] Question: How does the company envision recapturing margin as the market improves? - The company is focused on maintaining volume and leveraging operational efficiencies to improve margins as incentives decrease [46][47] Question: What are the expectations for share repurchases in 2026? - Management expressed enthusiasm for 2026, indicating that the asset-light model will allow for continued shareholder returns through repurchases and dividends [64][66]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has improved its gross margin this quarter, surpassing levels recorded in the first two quarters of the year, attributed to a more favorable sales mix [4][5] - Sales of Natuzzi Italia grew by 18% compared to the third quarter of last year, while sales of unbranded products decreased by 20% [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on supporting branded sales that offer higher margins, while unbranded products, which are not core to the business, have seen a decline [5] - SG&A costs remain high relative to the current revenue base, despite decreases in wages and transportation expenses this quarter [5][6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Foot traffic in stores, particularly in the United States and Europe, continues to lag, although there are improvements in conversion rates [4] - Consumer confidence remains weak, impacting overall sales despite marketing investments [4][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to rationalize its factory operations in Italy, reducing production from six factories to three, which requires government and union agreements [12] - The company is committed to reducing costs while improving margins and sales, with a focus on enhancing consumer confidence [19][20] - The company is investing in international trade events and enhancing in-store experiences to attract customers [6][7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the challenging business environment and the impact of geopolitical situations on consumer confidence [4][19] - There is a commitment to work on cost reduction and improving margins, with expectations for better sales in 2026 compared to 2025 [19][20] Other Important Information - The company is actively pursuing government aid to improve quality and reduce transformation costs at its Italian factory [6] - The company is treating its contract trade division as a startup, with a conservative forecast for 2026 revenue between EUR 5 million and EUR 10 million [26][27] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations from the upcoming meeting with the government? - Management is working on a restructuring plan that includes rationalizing factory operations and potentially reducing the workforce with government assistance [11][12] Question: Will the company be profitable at current revenue levels? - The target is to achieve profitability around EUR 28 million to EUR 29 million per month, with various measures being discussed to avoid cash burn [16][17] Question: Update on the commercial division's progress? - The company is making significant investments in the trade contract business, with ongoing projects in Dubai and Jerusalem, but forecasts for 2026 are conservative [22][24][26] Question: Status of the CEO selection process? - The decision on the new CEO is ongoing, with interviews being conducted over weekends, and management hopes to provide updates soon [28]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company improved its gross margin this quarter, surpassing levels recorded in the first two quarters of the year, attributed to a more favorable sales mix [4][5] - Sales of Natuzzi Italia grew by 18% compared to the third quarter of the previous year, while sales of unbranded products decreased by 20% [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on supporting branded sales that offer higher margins, as indicated by the growth in Natuzzi Italia sales [5] - The closure of the Shanghai factory last year resulted in cost savings on industrial operations in China, although labor costs in Italy remain a challenge [5][6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumer confidence remains weak, impacting foot traffic in stores, particularly in the United States and Europe, despite marketing investments [4][15] - The company is actively participating in international trade events to enhance brand visibility and customer engagement [6][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to rationalize its factory operations in Italy, reducing the number of factories from six to three, which requires government and union agreements [9][11] - The management is committed to reducing fixed costs while supporting sales, and is in discussions with the Italian government for aid to improve production efficiency [6][9] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management acknowledges the challenging business environment and the impact of geopolitical situations on consumer confidence [4][15] - There is a focus on achieving profitability and positive cash flow through cost reduction and improved margins, with a target of EUR 28-29 million in monthly turnover [13][15] Other Important Information - The company is treating its contract trade division as a startup, with a conservative forecast for 2026 revenue between EUR 5 million and EUR 10 million [22] - The CEO selection process is ongoing, with interviews being conducted over weekends to expedite the decision [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations from the upcoming meeting with the government? - The management is working on a restructuring plan that includes rationalizing factory operations and negotiating workforce adjustments with the government and unions [9][11] Question: Will the company be profitable with the current revenue levels? - The target is to achieve profitability with a monthly turnover of EUR 28-29 million, focusing on cost reduction and margin improvement [13][15] Question: What is the progress in the commercial division? - The company is making significant investments in the trade contract business, with ongoing projects in Dubai and Jerusalem, and is optimistic about future opportunities [19][20] Question: What is the timeframe for the CEO selection? - The decision will be made soon, with ongoing interviews being conducted during weekends to find the right candidate [23]