Significant Operating Income Improvement
Operating income increased by $2.7 million or 352.9% to $3.5 million for the quarter, driven by higher gross margins and cost reduction initiatives across multiple segments.
Adjusted EBITDA Growth
Adjusted EBITDA rose to $7.8 million, up $2.0 million or 35.7% versus the prior year period, primarily due to higher operating income.
Gross Margin Expansion
Gross margin improved by 90 basis points to 32.6% (from 31.7%), reflecting improved efficiencies in Flooring Manufacturing, better product mix in Retail-Entertainment, and efficiency gains in Steel Manufacturing.
Cost Reductions and Lower Operating Expenses
General & administrative expense decreased ~$2.2 million or 7.4% to $27.8 million and sales & marketing expense decreased 10.4% to ~$4.1 million, driven by targeted cost reduction initiatives (lower compensation, professional fees, and product sample expenses).
Lower Interest Expense and Stronger Liquidity
Interest expense declined 14.4% to ~$3.6 million. Total cash availability was $38.7 million (cash on hand $15.1 million plus $23.6 million in credit availability) and working capital increased to ~$69.1 million from $62.1 million at prior quarter-end.
Balance Sheet and Strategic Actions
Completed refinancing of a credit facility in the Steel Manufacturing segment, strengthening the balance sheet and ability to support growth; total assets were $389.2 million and total stockholders' equity was $95.3 million as of quarter end.
Operational Initiatives and Growth Investments
Opened 3 new Retail-Flooring stores late in the quarter and announced a company-wide strategy to integrate AI, robotics and data analytics to modernize operations and reinforce cost discipline.