HOOKER FURNISHINGS Corp
For the period ended Feb 2, 2025. Filed Apr 18, 2025.
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A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2025 · Filed Apr 18, 2025
HOFT$14.53-0.5%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-01-28; filed 2024-04-12.
0001185185-24-000378
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2025-02-02; filed 2025-04-18.
0001185185-25-000321
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 88 previous paragraphs and 97 current paragraphs.
37 unchanged; 23 reworded; 37 added; 28 removed; 0 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 36 previous and 30 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (37)
Current report
Fiscal 2025 consolidated net sales totaled $397.5 million, reflecting a decrease of $35.8 million, or 8.3%, compared to the previous fiscal year. All three reportable segments experienced sales decreases, driven by weak demand, a depressed housing market, and broader macroeconomic uncertainties impacting the broader home furnishings industry. The Company reported a consolidated operating loss of $18.1 million, primarily due to lower sales volumes, $4.9 million in restructuring costs related to its cost reduction plan, $3.1 million in bad debt expense from a major customer’s bankruptcy, and $2.8 million in a non-cash tradename impairment. Consolidated net loss amounted to $12.5 million, or $1.19 per diluted share.
Current report
Despite the operating loss, the Company achieved significant milestones in fiscal 2025. These included the Margaritaville licensing agreement, the launch of Hooker Branded’s new merchandising strategy, Sunset West’s east coast expansion, key inventory investments, and market share gains amid a tough market. Additionally, the Company secured a new credit agreement, ensuring sufficient financial resources to sustain operations and pursue growth initiatives.
Current report
Because we report on a fiscal year that ends on the Sunday closest to January 31 st of each year, the 2025 fiscal year was one week longer than the comparable 2024 fiscal year. The following table presents average net sales per shipping day in thousands for the 2025 and 2024 fiscal years:
Current report
Consolidated net sales decreased year-over-year due to the ongoing soft market conditions affecting all segments.
Current report
Gross Profit and Margin
Current report
Consolidated gross profit and margin decreased, primarily due to decreases in the Hooker Branded and Domestic Upholstery segments, as well as approximately $1.2 million inventory write-downs and restructuring costs at All Other related to the consolidation of the BOBO business. However, this decrease was partially offset by improved gross profit and margin at Home Meridian.
Current report
Operating (Loss) / Income and Margin
Current report
The Company reported an operating loss of $18.1 million in fiscal 2025 due to decreased sales volume, $4.9 million in restructuring costs, $3.1 million in bad debt, and $2.8 million in intangible asset impairment, as well as other factors discussed above.
Current report
Consolidated interest expense decreased slightly in fiscal 2025 due to decreased principal balance, as well as reduced interest rates in the second half of the year.
Current report
Net (Loss) / Income and (Loss) / Earnings Per Share
Current report
During fiscal 2025, we used cash on hand and $936,000 life insurance proceeds to fund $9.9 million in cash dividends to shareholders, $8.9 million increase in inventory levels, $3.2 million capital expenditures, $3.0 million toward the development of the ERP system, $480,000 debt issuance cost and $395,000 in life insurance premiums on Company-owned life insurance policies. Company-owned life insurance policies are in place to compensate us for the loss of key employees and to facilitate business continuity.
Current report
On December 5, 2024, the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Bradington-Young, LLC, Sam Moore Furniture LLC and Home Meridian Group, LLC (together with the Company, the “Borrowers”), entered into an Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the “Amended and Restated Loan Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A. (“BofA”), as lender. The Amended and Restated Loan Agreement amends, restates and replaces the Second Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2017, between the Borrowers and BofA, as amended (the “Existing Loan Agreement”). The outstanding principal amount of loans and letters of credit issued under the Existing Loan Agreement and used to collateralize certain insurance arrangements and for imported product purchases will remain outstanding as loans and letters of credit under the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement.
Current report
The Amended and Restated Loan Agreement provides for a revolving credit facility in a committed principal amount of up to $70,000,000 (the “Revolving Commitment”), including subline of $8,000,000 for letters of credit, and an option to increase the Revolving Commitment by up to $30,000,000 upon meeting certain conditions, including agreement by BofA to increase the Revolving Commitment by such amount. Proceeds of loans and letters of credit under the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement are available for general working capital and other corporate purposes of the Borrower.
Current report
Availability of loans and letters of credit under the Revolving Commitment is capped by a borrowing base formula calculated as of any date as the sum for the Borrowers of (a) the value of their accounts receivable, (b) the value of their inventory, (c) the value of their in-transit inventory and (d) the life insurance cash surrender value of company-owned life insurance policies, in each case subject to eligibility requirements, advance rates, valuation metrics, reductions for write-offs and other dilutive items and reserves (the “Borrowing Base”). The lesser of the Revolving Commitment and the Borrowing Base, in each case net of the principal amount of outstanding loans and the face amount of letters of credit, constitutes “Availability” under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.
Current report
Outstanding loans under the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement will bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the then-current Term SOFR Rate for a period of one month plus 0.10% plus a margin of 1.75%. The Term SOFR Rate will be adjusted on a monthly basis. Letters of credit are subject to a letter of credit fee equal to the actual daily amount of undrawn letters of credit multiplied by a per annum rate of 1.75% and a fronting fee equal to the actual daily amount of undrawn letters of credit multiplied by a per annum rate of 0.125%. We must also pay a monthly unused commitment fee that is based on the average daily unused amount of Revolving Commitment multiplied by a per annum rate of 0.25%. All accrued interest and fees are payable in cash monthly in arrears.
Current report
We may prepay any outstanding principal amounts borrowed under the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement at any time, without penalty provided that any payment is accompanied by all accrued interest owed. Subject to the Borrowers having sufficient borrowing base capacity and customary conditions precedent to borrowing, amounts repaid may be reborrowed. The Revolving Commitment will terminate, and all amounts outstanding thereunder will be due and payable, on December 5, 2029.
Current report
The obligations under the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement are secured by a first priority security interest in substantially all of the assets of the Borrowers, other than real estate, including all Company-owned life insurance policies, all accounts receivable, all inventory, all intellectual property, all equipment and all other personal property.
Current report
As of February 2, 2025, we had $22.1 million principal amount of outstanding loans and $6.7 million face amount of letters of credit. We had $41.2 million of Availability based on the current Borrowing Base. There were no additional borrowings outstanding under the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement as of February 2, 2025.
Current report
Additionally, the Revolving Commitment will terminate, and all outstanding amounts thereunder will be due and payable, on December 5, 2029.
Current report
Savannah warehouse exit
Current report
On March 24, 2025, we announced our decision to exit its Savannah, Georgia distribution center and consolidate operations in the existing facilities. The Company commenced operations at the Savannah facility in October 2021 for its Home Meridian segment’s (“HMI”) Accentrics Home (“ACH”) brand. However, shortly after opening the facility, ACH’s competitive position was severely eroded by a sharp rise in post-COVID container freight rates from Asia. In 2024, we liquidated its inventory and closed ACH, part of a larger plan to exit unprofitable businesses at HMI. We began reducing our footprint in Savannah shortly after that through a series of sub-leases and lease amendments with our landlord, continued to utilize remaining space for other brands in our Home Meridian segment and for the Sunset West division of our Domestic Upholstery segment. We recorded net charges of between $1.3 million in fiscal 2025 and expect to record between $3.0 million to $4.0 million in fiscal 2026, related to the Savannah exit. We further expect preliminary savings of between $750,000-$1.0 million in net operating expenses in fiscal 2026. Also preliminarily, we expect to realize annualized savings of between $4.0 million to $5.7 million beginning in fiscal 2027. These costs and benefits are largely dependent on the timing of the completion of the exit and could differ from these preliminary estimates.
Current report
There is currently significant economic uncertainty and volatility. We are evaluating a range of strategies to mitigate the current economic environment, including a 50-year low in existing home sales, and the possible impact of additional reciprocal tariffs on our operations and profitability. Tariffs add tremendous complexity and uncertainty that require us to look at our cost structure more aggressively, particularly on the lower margin, direct container side of our business. We continue to identify additional opportunities to gain efficiency by consolidating operations. While evaluation of our cost footprint and implementation of further cuts are both ongoing, we continue to invest in the highest growth-potential areas of our business, as growing profitable sales remains an intense focus.
Current report
On the positive side, the inflation cooled in February and March, falling to the levels experienced last summer and fall before it rose from November 2024 to January 2025. Additionally, according to the U.S. Census Bureau year-over-year monthly furniture sales have increased for 5 straight months, beginning in September 2024.
Current report
However, the Index of Consumer Sentiment and existing home sales continue to be low, which reflects the uncertainty.
Current report
While the current environment is challenging, we believe we have positioned the company to continue gaining market share and maximizing revenues through our merchandising efforts, speed-to-market initiatives and in-stock position on top-selling products.
Current report
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Current report
Tangible and Definite Lived Intangible Assets
Current report
We regularly review our property, plant and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets for indicators of impairment, as specified in the Accounting Standards Codification.
Current report
When an indicator of impairment is present, the impairment test for our property, plant and equipment requires us to assess the recoverability of the value of the assets by comparing their net carrying value to the sum of undiscounted estimated future cash flows directly associated with and arising from use and eventual disposition of the assets. We principally use our internal forecasts to estimate the undiscounted future cash flows used in our impairment analyses. These forecasts are subjective and are largely based on management’s judgment, primarily due to the changing industry in which we compete, changing consumer tastes, trends and demographics and the current economic environment. We monitor changes in these factors as part of the quarter-end review of these assets. While our forecasts have been reasonably accurate in the past, during periods of economic instability, uncertainty, or rapid change within our industry, we may not be able to accurately forecast future cash flows from our long-lived assets and our future cash flows may be diminished. Therefore, our estimates and assumptions related to the viability of our long-lived assets may change and are reasonably likely to change in future periods. These changes could adversely affect our consolidated statements of operations and consolidated balance sheets.
Current report
When we conclude that any of these assets are impaired, the asset is written down to its fair value. Any impaired assets that we expect to dispose of by sale are measured at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value, less estimated cost to sell; are no longer depreciated; and are reported separately as “assets held for sale” in the consolidated balance sheets, if we expect to dispose of the assets in one year or less.
Current report
Intangible Assets and Goodwill
Current report
Our goodwill, trademarks and trade names are tested for impairment annually as of the first day of our fourth quarter or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.
Current report
The fair value of our trademarks and trade names is determined based on the estimated earnings and cash flow capacity of those assets. The impairment test consists of a comparison of the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets with their carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the indefinite-lived intangible assets exceeds their fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. During fiscal 2025, due to the decline in revenue driven by the downturn in the furniture industry, increased freight costs, changes in management’s strategy, and the bankruptcy of a key customer, we identified triggering events that necessitated a valuation of the indefinite-lived trade names and trademarks in the Home Meridian segment. Consequently, we performed a valuation using the discounted cash flow method. This methodology involved cash flow projections and growth rates for each trade name over the next five years, provided by management, along with a royalty rate benchmark for companies engaged in similar activities. Based on this analysis, we recorded non-cash impairment charges of $2.8 million for certain indefinite-lived trade names within the Home Meridian segment. At February 2, 2025, based on our internal valuation, the fair values of our Bradington-Young, remaining Home Meridian and BOBO non-amortizable trademarks and trade names exceeded their carrying values.
Current report
Upon the adoption of ASU 2017-04, we perform our annual goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. Management judgment is a significant factor in the goodwill impairment evaluation process. The computations require management to make estimates and assumptions, the most critical of which are potential future cash flows and the appropriate discount rate. Based on our internal goodwill impairment analysis as described above, we have concluded that Shenandoah and Sunset West goodwill in the Domestic Upholstery segment and BOBO goodwill in All Other is not impaired as of February 2, 2025.
Current report
The assumptions used to determine the fair value of our intangible assets are highly subjective and judgmental and include long-term growth rates, sales volumes, projected revenues, assumed royalty rates and factors used to develop an applied discount rate. If the assumptions that we use in these calculations differ from actual results, we may realize impairment on our intangible assets that may have a material-adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Current report
Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
Current report
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures”. The new guidance requires enhanced effective tax rate reconciliation and income taxes paid disclosures. ASU 2023-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024 (our fiscal 2026). We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this new guidance will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements, if any, and will add necessary disclosures upon adoption.
Removed paragraphs (28)
Previous report
Overview
Previous report
Fiscal 2024 consolidated net sales were $433.2 million, a decrease of $149.9 million or 25.7%, compared to the previous fiscal year. This decline was attributed to industry-wide soft demand and the exit of unprofitable product lines in the Home Meridian segment, the latter of which resulted in an approximate $21 million reduction in revenue. All three segments experienced sales declines with Home Meridian’s net sales down by $72.8 million or 33.7%, Hooker Branded’s net sales down by $49.3 million or 24.0%, and Domestic Upholstery’s net sales down by $29.9 million or 19.1%, all compared to each respective segment’s prior fiscal year sales. Despite the sales decrease, consolidated gross profit increased by $15.4 million and gross margin improved by 910 bps, compared to the prior fiscal year, due primarily to the one-time $24.4 million inventory write-down in fiscal 2023 at Home Meridian, as well as increased gross margin at Hooker Branded in fiscal 2024. The Company recorded a consolidated operating income of $12.4 million compared to an operating loss of $6.0 million in the prior fiscal year. Consolidated net income was $9.9 million, or $0.91 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $4.3 million or ($0.37) per diluted share in the prior fiscal year.
Previous report
Review
Previous report
Fiscal 2024 marked the third full fiscal year since the initial COVID crisis and was a pivotal year for us. Since 2020, we have navigated through some of the most challenging years of our 100-year history: the economic downturn of the pandemic, a demand surge for home furnishings, supply chain disruptions, inventory unavailability, historical high ocean freight costs, significant, persistent inflation and higher interest rates, a slow housing market, and a temporary shift in consumer discretionary spending away from home furnishings. Against the backdrop of these historical disruptions and anemic industry demand, we were able to leverage the strength of our balance sheet and make necessary strategic investments in our business in fiscal 2024 while improving profitability, strengthening our balance sheet and continuing our over 50-year history of dividend payments, including our eighth consecutive annual dividend increase. On top of that, we completed a $25 million share re-purchase program during fiscal 2024. Among other investments in fiscal 2024 were: (1) a new cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning system, which went live in our Legacy Hooker divisions in early September 2023, (2) expanding our showroom footprints by investing in the much larger and better-located showroom in High Point and new showrooms in Atlanta and Las Vegas, (3) acquiring BOBO Intriguing Objects, an accessories and home décor resource (4) adding east coast distribution to the Sunset West outdoor product line, including leveraging our existing facilities at both HF Custom and our Savannah distribution facility by adding assembly operations at each to support east coast distribution. In addition to these investments, we made substantial progress at Home Meridian by liquidating the inventory from its exited low-margin e-commerce division and setting it on an expected path of sustainable profitability. We believe these investments and improvements will act as a springboard to much improved profitability once demand improves. We were pleased to report a consolidated profit for fiscal 2024 despite a challenging and difficult environment for home furnishings.
Previous report
The Hooker Branded segment’s net sales decreased by $49.3 million or 24.0% compared to the prior fiscal year due to soft demand for home furnishings. This decrease was further amplified by the strong sales in the prior year, driven by a surge in demand after the COVID crisis and fulfillment of historically high order backlog carried over from fiscal 2022. Hooker Branded’s fiscal 2024 net sales were at 97% of the pre-pandemic level in fiscal 2020. The sales decline resulted in a decrease of $3.2 million in gross profit; however, gross margin increased by 720 bps due to the combination of reduced ocean freight costs and the lingering effect of price increases implemented in the prior year. We implemented price decreases and promotions on orders effective from August 2023 onward to align with lower ocean freight costs and the current discounting levels within the home furnishings market. Warehousing and distribution costs decreased due to lower demurrage expenses and lower labor costs attributed to decreased inventory volume resulting from adjusted inventory planning, as inventory levels decreased by $20.7 million compared to the previous year-end. The easing of port and warehouse congestion was the primary reason for lower demurrage expenses. Sales and administrative expenses increased due to investments in new showrooms and High Point Market, higher salary expenses due to increased headcount and wage inflation, as well as increased professional service expenses supporting other growth initiatives. Despite decreased sales, this segment delivered a solid operating income of $16.8 million and operating margin of 10.8%, compared to $22 million and 10.7% in the prior year. Incoming orders remained flat compared to the prior year and the backlog was 25% lower than the previous year-end but remained 40% higher than the fiscal 2020 year-end.
Previous report
The Home Meridian segment’*s *net sales decreased by $72.8 million, or 33.7% compared to the prior fiscal year due to sales declines across our major customers including traditional furniture chains, mass merchants and e-commerce. Additionally, closeout sales of exited product lines accounted for 26% of total sales decrease. On a more positive note, SLH achieved robust sales growth with a 38% increase, attributed to the ongoing recovery in the hospitality industry. Despite reduced revenue, we were encouraged by the progress made from the business restructuring and re-organization decisions made in the segment in the prior year such as: (1) returns and allowances decreased by 150 bps compared to the prior year, reaching the lowest level in five years; (2) gross margin reached a five-year high, due to the absence of inventory write-downs as well as improved profitability in four existing divisions, as all four existing divisions exceeded their pre-pandemic gross margins from fiscal 2020; (3) with inventory levels decreased by over 60% in this segment, reduced footprints in the Georgia warehouse and the exit of California and North Carolina warehouses yielded a $3.7 million savings in fiscal 2024; and (4) personnel changes and other cost cutting initiatives contributed to a $3.5 million savings in operating expenses in fiscal 2024. However, these positive developments were not sufficient to offset substantial sales volume loss. While the segment still reported an operating loss of $5.5 million (3.9%), this represented the lowest loss since fiscal 2020. Incoming orders increased by $74.4 million, more than doubling compared to the prior year, due primarily to our efforts to broaden product offerings and to a lesser extent the absence of order cancellations from exited businesses in the current year. The year-end backlog was 16% lower than the previous year-end but increased by 30% compared to fiscal 2024 third quarter end.
Previous report
The Domestic Upholstery segment’s net sales decreased by $29.9 million, or 19.1% compared to the all-time record sales this segment achieved in the prior fiscal year due to fulfillment of historical high order backlog. Net sales at Bradington Young, HF Custom and Shenandoah exceeded the pre-pandemic levels in fiscal 2020. Early in the year, we adjusted production levels at select factories to align with current demand and backlog levels. Sales decreases led to factories operating below full capacity, which resulted in under-absorbed indirect costs, which were 360 bps higher than the prior year. Material costs decreased by 270 bps due to more stable raw materials costs and reduced freight-in costs. Sunset West’s operating income increased over 30% mostly due to decreased material costs, reduced operating expenses, and the absence of disruptions experienced during the prior year due to the implementation of the new ERP system. Bradington Young also recorded increased operating income and margin compared to the prior year. Profitability declined at HF Custom and Shenandoah driven by double-digit sales decreases. Incoming orders increased across all four divisions in fiscal 2024. The year-end order backlog was 36% lower than the prior year-end. Excluding Sunset West, year-end order backlog was 7% higher than the fiscal 2020 year-end.
Previous report
Financial strength: We continued to improve our balance sheet, with cash increasing by $24.2 million to $43.2 million at year end. Additionally, we adjusted inventory levels to better align with our current business structure and demand, resulting in a reduction of $34.9 million or 36% compared to the previous year-end. During fiscal 2024, we used $55.5 million generated from operating activities to fund $11.7 million repurchase of 620,634 shares, $9.7 million cash dividends to our shareholders, $6.8 million capital expenditures including investments in our new High Point, Atlanta and Vegas showrooms, $5.1 million for continued implementation of our new ERP system, $2.8 million principal and interests payments on term loans, and $2.4 million for the BOBO acquisition. In addition to our cash balance, we had $28.3 million available under our $35 million revolving credit facility with BofA (the “Existing Revolver”) to fund working capital needs and have access to $28.5 million in cash surrender value of Company-owned life insurance policies. With strategic inventory management, reasonable capital expenditures, and prudent expense management, we believe we have the financial resources to support our business operations for the foreseeable future.
Previous report
Commitment to shareholders: Our $25 million share repurchase program was completed during fiscal 2024. We purchased and retired approximately 1.4 million shares of our common stock since the share repurchase program began in the second quarter of fiscal 2023. In the third quarter of fiscal 2024, the Board of Directors approved the increase of the quarterly dividend to $0.23 per share, an increase of 4.5% over the previous quarterly dividend, representing the eighth consecutive annual dividend increase. In fiscal 2024, dividends totaled $0.89 per share or $9.7 million in the aggregate, an increase of 8.5% or $0.07 per share compared to the prior year. Notably, we have continuously paid annual dividends since 1969.
Previous report
Consolidated net sales decreased compared to prior year due to sales decreases in all segments.
Previous report
Gross Profit/(Loss) and Margin
Previous report
Despite sales decreases across segments, consolidated gross profit and margin both increased as compared to the prior year, primarily attributable to the absence of the inventory write-down at the Home Meridian segment in the current period.
Previous report
Intangible Asset Amortization
Previous report
Operating Profit / (Loss) and Margin
Previous report
Consolidated operating profitability increased both in absolute terms and as a percentage of net sales in fiscal 2024 compared to the prior-year period due to the factors discussed above.
Previous report
Consolidated interest expense increased in fiscal 2024 due to interest incurred for the entire year on the term loans, which we entered in July of 2022 as well as higher interest rates.
Previous report
Net Income / (Loss) and Earnings (Loss) Per Share
Previous report
During fiscal 2022, we used a portion of the $19.2 million generated from operations and $372,000 in life insurance proceeds to pay $8.8 million in cash dividends, $6.7 million in capital expenditures to enhance our systems and facilities and $560,000 for insurance premiums on Company-owned life insurance policies.
Previous report
On July 26, 2022, we entered into the Fourth Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (the “Amendment”) with Bank of America, N.A. (“BofA”) to replenish cash used to make the Sunset Acquisition. The Second Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated as of September 29, 2017, had previously been amended by a First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated as of January 31, 2019, a Second Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated as of November 4, 2020, and a Third Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated as of January 27, 2021 (as so amended, the “Existing Loan Agreement”). Details of the individual credit facilities provided for in the Amendment are as follows:
Previous report
We may prepay any outstanding principal amounts borrowed under either the Secured Term Loan or the Unsecured Term Loan at any time, without penalty provided that any payment is accompanied by all accrued interest owed. As of January 28, 2024, $4.9 million was outstanding under the Unsecured Term Loan, and $18 million was outstanding under the Secured Term Loan.
Previous report
We were in compliance with each of these financial covenants at January 28, 2024 and expect to remain in compliance with existing covenants for the foreseeable future.
Previous report
Revolving Credit Facility Availability
Previous report
As of January 28, 2024, we had $28.3 million available under our $35 million Existing Revolver to fund working capital needs. Standby letters of credit in the aggregate amount of $6.7 million, used to collateralize certain insurance arrangements and for imported product purchases, were outstanding under the Existing Revolver as of January 28, 2024. There were no additional borrowings outstanding under the Existing Revolver as of January 28, 2024.
Previous report
Contractual term-loan and interest payments assuming identical effective interest rates as of the end of fiscal 2024 are expected to be $2.8 million in fiscal 2025, $2.7 million in fiscal 2026, $2.6 million in fiscal 2027, and $19.3 million in fiscal 2028 including the payoff of $18 million Secured Term Loan.
Previous report
Home furnishings industry demand is exceptionally soft and about two and a half months into the new fiscal year, year-to-date consolidated orders are down in the mid-single digits as compared to the same prior-year period.
Previous report
Economic indicators are mixed, but somewhat encouraging. Over the last six months, US Consumer confidence has shown no real trend to the upside or downside, despite encouraging signs including the easing of inflation from 2023 highs and likely interest rate cuts later in the year. We are also encouraged by recent strong existing home sales, growth in building permits and in single-family housing starts and completions, an encouraging jobs report, and the stock market’s strong performance. We are cautiously optimistic for later this year and beyond and are confident we’ve made the right strategic investments in sales channels, people, systems, and products and that we are positioned to grow when demand returns.
Previous report
We are looking forward to the Spring High Point Market that opens this week and expect strong attendance as we offer an exciting assortment of new products across divisions.
Previous report
We believe the investments and improvements we made in the past year will be a springboard to higher profitability, especially once demand improves. Going forward, we intend to use the strength of our balance sheet and variable cost model to weather current economic volatility until consumer confidence improves and demand returns.
Reworded paragraphs (23)
Previous wording
As you read Management’s Discussion and Analysis, please refer to the selected financial data and the consolidated financial statements, including the related notes, contained elsewhere in this annual report. We especially encourage you to familiarize yourself with:
Current wording
As you read Management’s Discussion and Analysis, please refer to the consolidated financial statements, including the related notes, contained elsewhere in this annual report. We especially encourage you to familiarize yourself with:
Previous wording
Unless otherwise indicated, references to the “Company,” “we,” “our” or “us” refer to Hooker Furnishings Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless specifically referring to segment information. All references to the “Hooker,” “Hooker Division,” “Hooker Legacy Brands” or “traditional Hooker” divisions or companies refer to the current components of our Hooker Branded segment, the Domestic Upholstery segment including Bradington-Young, HF Custom, Shenandoah Furniture and Sunset West, and All Other which includes H Contract, Lifestyle Brands and BOBO Intriguing Objects.
Current wording
Unless otherwise indicated, references to the “Company,” “we,” “our” or “us” refer to Hooker Furnishings Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless specifically referring to segment information. All references to the “Hooker,” “Hooker Division,” “Hooker Legacy Brands” or “traditional Hooker” divisions or companies refer to the current components of our Hooker Branded segment, the Domestic Upholstery segment including Bradington-Young, HF Custom, Shenandoah Furniture and Sunset West, and All Other which includes H Contract, and BOBO.
Previous wording
Furnishings sales account for all of our net sales. For financial reporting purposes, we are organized into three reportable segments- Hooker Branded, Home Meridian and Domestic Upholstery, with our other businesses included in All Other. We regularly monitor our reportable segments for changes in facts and circumstances to determine whether changes in the identification or aggregation of operating segments are necessary. Before the fiscal 2024 third quarter, H Contract’s results included sales of products sourced from the Hooker Branded and Domestic Upholstery segments. Due to a change in the way management internally evaluates operating performance, beginning with fiscal 2024 third quarter, Hooker Branded and Domestic Upholstery segments’ results now include sales of products formerly included in H Contract’s results. Fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023 results discussed below have been recast to reflect this change. The Home Meridian segment is unchanged. Additionally, based on our analysis and the requirements of ASC 280: Segment Reporting, the operational results of the newly acquired BOBO Intriguing Objects division are included in All Other starting in the second quarter of fiscal 2024 on a prospective basis. See Note 18 to our consolidated financial statements for additional financial information regarding our segments.
Current wording
Furnishings sales account for all of our net sales. For financial reporting purposes, we are organized into three reportable segments- Hooker Branded, Home Meridian and Domestic Upholstery, with our other businesses included in All Other. We regularly monitor our reportable segments for changes in facts and circumstances to determine whether changes in the identification or aggregation of operating segments are necessary. See Note 16 to our consolidated financial statements for additional financial information regarding our segments.
Previous wording
Our fiscal 2024 performance is discussed in greater detail below under “Review” and “Results of Operations”.
Current wording
Our fiscal 2025 performance is discussed in greater detail below under “Results of Operations”.
Previous wording
Consolidated selling and administrative expenses decreased in absolute terms due to reduced costs at Home Meridian and Domestic Upholstery segments, though partially offset by increased expenses in the Hooker Branded segment. Consolidated S&A expenses increased as a percentage of net sales due to a decrease in net sales.
Current wording
Consolidated S&A expenses increased by $7.5 million or 380 bps compared to the previous year due to increases in all three segments and All Other. Consolidated S&A expenses increased as a percentage of net sales also due to a decrease in net sales.
Previous wording
Intangible asset amortization expense was higher in fiscal 2024 due to the reassessment and amortization of Sam Moore trade name. See Note 10 Intangible Assets and Goodwill to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about our amortizable intangible assets.
Current wording
Intangible asset amortization expense stayed flat in fiscal 2025. The $2.8 million non-cash impairment charge was related to certain indefinite-lived trade names in the Home Meridian segment. See Note 10 Intangible Assets and Goodwill to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about the impairment charges and our amortizable intangible assets.
Previous wording
We recorded income tax expense of $2.6 million for fiscal 2024, compared to income tax benefit of $1.8 million for fiscal 2023. The effective tax rates for fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023 were 20.7% and 29.9%, respectively. The effective tax rate was higher in fiscal 2023 due to the impact of state tax benefits and the cash surrender value of company-owned life insurance which were added to the favorable tax impact of the pretax loss, versus a subtraction from tax expense in the case of a pretax profit in the current year. See Note 17 Income Taxes to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about our income taxes.
Current wording
We recorded income tax benefit of $3.9 million for fiscal 2025, compared to income tax expense of $2.6 million for fiscal 2024. The effective tax rates for fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024 were 23.9% and 20.7%, respectively. The effective tax rate was higher in fiscal 2025 due to the impact of state tax benefits and the cash surrender value of company-owned life insurance which were added to the favorable tax impact of the pretax loss, versus a subtraction from tax expense in the case of a pretax profit in the previous year. See Note 17 Income Taxes to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about our income taxes.
Previous wording
During fiscal 2024, we used a portion of the $55.5 million cash generated from operations and $1.0 million life insurance proceeds to fund $11.7 million share repurchases, $9.7 million in cash dividends to our shareholders, $6.8 million capital expenditures including investments in our new showrooms, $5.1 million for development of our cloud-based ERP system, $2.4 million on the BOBO acquisition, and $406,000 in life insurance premiums on Company-owned life insurance policies. Company-owned life insurance policies are in place to compensate us for the loss of key employees and to facilitate business continuity.
Current wording
During fiscal 2024, we used a portion of the $55.5 million cash generated from operations and $1.0 million life insurance proceeds to fund $11.7 million share repurchases, $9.7 million in cash dividends to our shareholders, $6.8 million capital expenditures including investments in our new showrooms, $5.1 million for development of our cloud-based ERP system, $2.4 million on the BOBO acquisition, and $406,000 in life insurance premiums on Company-owned life insurance policies.
Previous wording
During fiscal 2023, we used a portion of the $25 million term-loan proceeds and existing cash and cash equivalents on hand to fund the $25 million Sunset Acquisition, pay $13.3 million in purchases and retirement of common stock, build up inventory levels by $19 million, $9.6 million in cash dividends, $5.4 million for the development of our new cloud-based ERP system, $4.2 million capital expenditures to enhance our business systems and facilities, and $492,000 in life insurance premiums on Company-owned life insurance policies.
Current wording
During fiscal 2023, we used a portion of the $25 million term-loan proceeds and existing cash and cash equivalents on hand to fund the $25 million Sunset Acquisition, pay $13.3 million in purchases and retirement of common stock, build up inventory levels by $12 million, $9.6 million in cash dividends, $5.4 million for the development of our new cloud-based ERP system, $4.2 million capital expenditures to enhance our business systems and facilities, and $492,000 in life insurance premiums on Company-owned life insurance policies.
Previous wording
Our most significant ongoing short-term cash requirements relate primarily to funding operations (including expenditures for inventory, lease payments and payroll), quarterly dividend payments and capital expenditures related primarily to our ERP project, showroom renovations and upgrading systems, buildings and equipment. The timing of our working capital needs can vary greatly depending on demand for and availability of raw materials and imported finished goods but is generally the greatest in the mid-summer as a result of inventory build-up for the traditional fall selling season. Long-term cash requirements relate primarily to repayment of long-term debt and funding lease payments.
Current wording
Our most significant ongoing short-term cash requirements relate primarily to funding operations (including expenditures for inventory, lease payments and payroll), quarterly dividend payments and capital expenditures related primarily to showroom renovations and upgrading systems, buildings and equipment. The timing of our working capital needs can vary greatly depending on demand for and availability of raw materials and imported finished goods but is generally the greatest in the mid-summer as a result of inventory build-up for the traditional fall selling season. Long-term cash requirements relate primarily to repayment of long-term debt and funding lease payments.
Previous wording
The Amendment also included customary representations and warranties and requires us to comply with customary covenants, including, among other things, the following financial covenants:
Current wording
The Amended and Restated Loan Agreement includes customary representations and warranties and requires the Borrowers to comply with customary affirmative and negative covenants, including, among other things, a financial covenant requiring the maintenance of a ratio of (x) EBITDA net of capital expenditures (to the extent not paid using Borrowed Money) to (y) the sum of debt service and dividends paid, in each case as of the last day of each month for the trailing twelve-month period ending on such day, of at least 1.0 to 1.0, if an event of default has occurred and is continuing or Availability has fallen below 10% of the Revolving Commitment at any time (until such time as both Availability is 10% or greater and no event of default exists, for the 30 consecutive days prior to such month end).
Previous wording
The Existing Loan Agreement also limits our right to incur other indebtedness, make certain investments and create liens upon our assets, subject to certain exceptions, among other restrictions. The Existing Loan Agreement does not restrict our ability to pay cash dividends on, or repurchase, shares of our common stock, subject to our compliance with the financial covenants discussed above, if we are not otherwise in default under the Existing Loan Agreement.
Current wording
The Amended and Restated Loan Agreement also limits the Borrowers’ right to incur other indebtedness, make certain investments and create liens upon our assets, subject to certain exceptions, among other restrictions. The Amended and Restated Loan Agreement does not restrict the Company’s ability to pay cash dividends on, or repurchase, shares of its common stock, subject to (a) no default existing prior to or resulting from such dividend or repurchase, (b) Availability is not less than 15% of the Revolving Commitment for each of the preceding 45 days prior to announcement of such dividend or repurchase and after giving pro forma effect to such dividend or repurchase and (c) if Availability is less than 20% of the Revolving Commitment on any day in such 45-day period, the Borrowers are in compliance with the financial covenant described above after giving effect to such dividend or repurchase.
Previous wording
We incurred $37,500 in debt issuance costs in connection with our term loans. As of January 28, 2024, unamortized loan costs of $26,250 were netted against the carrying value of our term loans on our consolidated balance sheets.
Current wording
We incurred $480,000 in debt issuance costs in connection with our term loans. As of February 2, 2025, unamortized loan costs of $464,000 were netted against the carrying value of our term loans on our consolidated balance sheets.
Previous wording
We expect to spend between $3 million to $4 million in capital expenditures in fiscal 2025 to maintain and enhance our operating systems and facilities.
Current wording
We expect to spend between $2 million to $3 million in capital expenditures in fiscal 2026 to maintain and enhance our operating systems and facilities.
Previous wording
During calendar 2021, our Board of Directors approved an upgrade to our current ERP system and implementation efforts began shortly thereafter. The ERP system went live at Sunset West in December 2022 and in the legacy Hooker divisions in early September 2023. We expect it to go live in the Home Meridian segment in fiscal 2026. To complete the ERP system implementation as anticipated, we will be required to expend significant financial and human resources. We anticipate spending approximately $4.0 million in fiscal 2025, with a significant amount of time invested by our associates.
Current wording
During calendar 2021, our Board of Directors approved an upgrade to our current ERP system and implementation efforts began shortly thereafter. The ERP system went live at Sunset West in December 2022 and in the legacy Hooker divisions in early September 2023. Due to our cost reduction initiatives, we have temporarily paused the ERP project in the Home Meridian segment.
Previous wording
Our material capital commitments primarily consist of term loans and lease payments.
Current wording
Our material capital commitments primarily consist of lease payments.
Previous wording
We lease office space, warehousing facilities, showroom space and office equipment under leases expiring over the next five years. Future minimum annual commitments under leases and operating agreements are $9.5 million in fiscal 2025, $9.6 million in fiscal 2026, $9.4 million in fiscal 2027, $7.8 million in fiscal 2028 and $7.3 in fiscal 2029.
Current wording
We lease office space, warehousing facilities, showroom space and office equipment under leases expiring over the next five years. As of February 2, 2025, future minimum annual commitments under leases and operating agreements are $10.0 million in fiscal 2026, $10.1 million in fiscal 2027, $8.4 million in fiscal 2028, $7.7 million in fiscal 2029, and $7.3 million in fiscal 2030. In March 2025, we announced the decision to exit the Savannah, Georgia distribution center. This will reduce lease payments and our future commitments by approximately $10 million over the next five years, with a total of $14.5 million over the remaining lease term. See Note 22 Subsequent Events for additional information.
Previous wording
We declared and paid dividends of $0.89 per share or approximately $9.7 million in fiscal 2024, an increase of 8.5% or $0.07 per share compared to $0.82 per share in fiscal 2023.
Current wording
We declared and paid dividends of $0.92 per share or approximately $9.9 million in fiscal 2025, an increase of 3.4% or $0.03 per share compared to $0.89 per share or approximately $9.7 million in fiscal 2024.
Previous wording
See the Accounting Standards to be Adopted section of Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for further details of recent accounting pronouncements.
Current wording
See the Recently Adopted Accounting Standards section of Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for further details of recent accounting pronouncements.
Previous wording
The methods, estimates and judgments we use in applying our most critical accounting policies have a significant impact on the results we report in our consolidated financial statements. Critical accounting estimates are those that involve a significant level of estimation uncertainty and have had or are reasonably likely to have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations. Specific areas requiring the application of management’s estimates and judgments include, among others, revenue recognition and inventory valuation. Accordingly, a different financial presentation could result depending on the judgments, estimates or assumptions that are used. However, we do not believe that actual results will deviate materially from our estimates related to our accounting policies described below but because application of these accounting policies involves the exercise of judgment and the use of assumptions as to future uncertainties, actual results could differ materially from these estimates. Therefore, we consider an understanding of the variability and judgment required in making these estimates and assumptions to be critical in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results.
Current wording
The methods, estimates and judgments we use in applying our most critical accounting policies have a significant impact on the results we report in our consolidated financial statements. Critical accounting estimates are those that involve a significant level of estimation uncertainty and have had or are reasonably likely to have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations. Specific areas requiring the application of management’s estimates and judgments include, among others, revenue recognition, inventory valuation, assumptions pertaining to valuation of goodwill and intangible assets and useful lives of long-lived assets. Accordingly, a different financial presentation could result depending on the judgments, estimates or assumptions that are used. However, we do not believe that actual results will deviate materially from our estimates related to our accounting policies described below but because application of these accounting policies involves the exercise of judgment and the use of assumptions as to future uncertainties, actual results could differ materially from these estimates. Therefore, we consider an understanding of the variability and judgment required in making these estimates and assumptions to be critical in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results.
Previous wording
We review inventories on hand and record an allowance for slow-moving and obsolete inventory based on historical experience, current sales trends and market conditions, expected sales and other factors. When we identify inventory that is unlikely to be sold or that has a cost basis in excess of its net realizable value, we record a write-down to reduce the carrying amount of inventory to its estimated net realizable value.
Current wording
We review inventories on hand and record an allowance for slow-moving and obsolete inventory based on historic experience, current sales trends and market conditions, expected sales and other factors. When we identify inventory that is unlikely to be sold or that has a cost basis in excess of its net realizable value, we record a write-down to reduce the carrying amount of inventory to its estimated net realizable value. In March 2025, we announced the planned exit of our Savannah, GA warehouse and the consolidation of warehouse operations at existing and temporary facilities. In fiscal 2025, we recorded $1.3 million in inventory reserves on end-of-life and near-end of life cycle products that we don’t plan to move to these existing or temporary facilities due to the moving costs involved.
Previous wording
Our other significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our Consolidated Financial Statements beginning at page F-11 in this report.
Current wording
Our other significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our Consolidated Financial Statements beginning at page F-10 in this report.
Previous wording
In fiscal 2024, imported products sourced from Vietnam accounted for 88% of our import purchases and our top five suppliers in Vietnam accounted for 60% of our fiscal 2024 import purchases. A disruption in our supply chain, or from Vietnam in general, could significantly impact our ability to fill customer orders for products manufactured in those countries. Our supply chain could be adversely impacted by the uncertainties of health concerns and governmental restrictions. In some cases, we were able to provide substitutions using inventory on hand, in-transit and from our domestic warehouses, but not enough to entirely mitigate the lost sales. Supply disruptions and delays on selected items could occur for six months or longer before the impact of remedial measures would be reflected in our results. If we are unsuccessful in obtaining those products from other sources or at comparable cost, a disruption in our supply chain from our largest import furniture suppliers, or from Vietnam in general, could adversely affect our sales, earnings, financial condition and liquidity.
Current wording
In fiscal 2025, imported products sourced from Vietnam accounted for 76% of our import purchases and our top five suppliers in Vietnam accounted for 62% of our fiscal 2025 import purchases. A disruption in our supply chain, or from Vietnam in general, could significantly impact our ability to fill customer orders for products manufactured in those countries. Our supply chain could be adversely impacted by the uncertainties of health concerns and governmental restrictions. In some cases, we may be able to provide substitutions using inventory on hand, in-transit and from our domestic warehouses, but not enough to entirely mitigate the lost sales. Supply disruptions and delays on selected items could occur for six months or longer before the impact of remedial measures would be reflected in our results. If we are unsuccessful in obtaining those products from other sources or at comparable cost, a disruption in our supply chain from our largest import furniture suppliers, or from Vietnam in general, could adversely affect our sales, earnings, financial condition and liquidity.