Live Ventures Inc. reported fiscal first‑quarter 2026 revenue of $108.5 million, a 2.7% decline from the $111.5 million earned in the same period a year earlier. The drop is largely attributable to a 20.2% year‑over‑year decline in the Retail‑Flooring segment, which is still pressured by a soft housing market. In contrast, the Retail‑Entertainment segment grew 11.0% year‑over‑year, offsetting some of the revenue weakness in other areas.
Operating income jumped 352.9% to $3.5 million, while adjusted EBITDA rose 35.7% to $7.8 million. The sharp improvement is driven by higher gross margins—32.6% versus 31.7% a year earlier—resulting from a more favorable product mix and stronger pricing in Flooring Manufacturing and Retail‑Entertainment. Cost‑reduction initiatives across the company, coupled with a refinancing of a credit facility in the Steel Manufacturing segment, helped lift profitability even as overall sales slipped.
The company posted a net loss of $0.1 million for the quarter, compared with a net income of $0.5 million a year earlier. The current loss reflects the absence of the $3.6 million non‑recurring gain that boosted last year’s earnings, rather than a deterioration in core operating performance.
Cash and balance‑sheet strength improved: total cash availability reached $38.7 million, comprising $15.1 million in cash on hand and $23.6 million under credit lines. Debt fell to $117.7 million, a $33.5 million reduction from the prior year, underscoring the company’s focus on deleveraging and liquidity.
Segment analysis shows that while Retail‑Flooring revenue fell 20.2% year‑over‑year, Retail‑Entertainment grew 11.0%. Flooring Manufacturing and Steel Manufacturing segments experienced revenue declines but benefited from margin expansion, contributing to the overall improvement in gross margin and operating income.
Management highlighted the success of cost‑control measures and the refinancing of the Steel Manufacturing credit facility. CFO David Verret noted that operational progress was evident despite softness in new home construction, and CEO Jon Isaac emphasized the rollout of an AI‑driven strategy to modernize operations and reinforce cost discipline.
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