Live Ventures Reports Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Live Ventures (NASDAQ: LIVE) reported fiscal year 2024 results with revenue increasing 33.1% to $472.8 million, driven by strategic acquisitions of Flooring Liquidators, PMW, and Central Steel. Despite revenue growth, the company posted a net loss of $26.7 million ($8.48 per share), compared to a $0.1 million loss in 2023. The loss includes an $18.1 million goodwill impairment charge in the Retail-Flooring segment.

Adjusted EBITDA decreased 22.3% to $24.5 million. The company maintained strong liquidity with $33.3 million in total cash availability. Challenging market conditions in Retail-Flooring and Steel Manufacturing segments negatively impacted operating results, with operating loss at $13.6 million compared to operating income of $15.4 million in the prior year.

Positive

• Revenue growth of 33.1% to $472.8 million
• Gross profit increase of 25.3% to $144.8 million
• Flooring Manufacturing segment operating income up 36% to $8.2 million
• Strong liquidity position with $33.3 million in cash availability

Negative

• Net loss widened to $26.7 million from $0.1 million in prior year
• $18.1 million goodwill impairment charge in Retail-Flooring segment
• Adjusted EBITDA declined 22.3% to $24.5 million
• Operating loss of $13.6 million compared to $15.4 million income in prior year
• Retail-Flooring segment operating loss increased to $25.5 million

Insights

Financial Analyst

The fiscal year 2024 results present a mixed picture with significant revenue growth but concerning profitability metrics. The 33.1% revenue increase to $472.8 million was primarily acquisition-driven, masking underlying operational challenges. The substantial net loss of $26.7 million (versus $0.1 million loss in FY23) is particularly concerning, heavily impacted by an $18.1 million goodwill impairment in the Retail-Flooring segment. The 22.3% decline in Adjusted EBITDA to $24.5 million signals deteriorating operational efficiency.

The segment performance reveals systemic challenges: Retail-Entertainment revenue declined 9.1%, Steel Manufacturing faces efficiency issues and Retail-Flooring posted significant losses. The company's liquidity position with $33.3 million in total cash availability provides some buffer, but rising interest expenses and operational headwinds warrant careful monitoring.

Market Research Analyst

The results reflect broader market challenges affecting multiple segments. The Retail-Flooring segment's performance, particularly the goodwill impairment, indicates significant market deterioration. Consumer behavior shifts are evident in the Entertainment segment, with a notable trend toward used products. The Steel Manufacturing segment's reduced efficiency due to lower demand aligns with industry-wide softening.

The acquisition-driven growth strategy masks organic growth challenges, with core businesses showing revenue declines. The decline in adjusted EBITDA margin from 8.9% to 5.2% suggests integration challenges and market pressures are impacting operational efficiency. The company's "buy-build-hold" strategy faces a critical test as it navigates these headwinds.

LAS VEGAS, Dec. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Live Ventures Incorporated (Nasdaq: LIVE) (“Live Ventures” or the “Company”), a diversified holding company, today announced financial results for its fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. 

Fiscal Year 2024 Key Highlights:

• Revenue increased 33.1% to $472.8 million, compared to $355.2 million in the prior year
• Gross profit increased 25.3% to $144.8 million, compared to $115.6 million in the prior year
• Net loss was $26.7 million and loss per share was $8.48, compared to the prior year net loss of $0.1 million and loss per share of $0.03. Net loss for fiscal year 2024 includes an $18.1 million goodwill impairment charge in the Retail-Flooring segment
• Adjusted EBITDA¹ was $24.5 million, compared to $31.5 million in the prior year
• Total assets of $407.5 million and stockholders’ equity of $72.9 million as of September 30, 2024
• Approximately $33.3 million of cash and availability under the Company’s credit facilities as of September 30, 2024

“Revenue increased 33.1% for fiscal year 2024 as compared to the prior year, primarily driven by the strategic acquisitions of Flooring Liquidators, Inc. (“Flooring Liquidators”) and Precision Metal Works, Inc. (“PMW”) in fiscal year 2023, as well as CSF Holdings, LLC (“Central Steel”), which was acquired in fiscal year 2024 and an increase in revenue in our Flooring Manufacturing segment,” commented David Verret, Chief Financial Officer of Live Ventures.

“Our fiscal year 2023 acquisitions drove substantial revenue and gross profit growth in fiscal year 2024,” stated Jon Isaac, President and Chief Executive Officer of Live Ventures. “However, challenging market conditions in our Retail-Flooring and Steel Manufacturing segments adversely affected the operating results of these businesses. Despite these industry-specific headwinds, we remain confident in our businesses and our long-term 'buy-build-hold' strategy.”

FY 2024 Financial Summary (in thousands except per share amounts)
	For the year ended September 30,
		2024				2023			% Change
Revenue	$	472,840			$	355,171			33.1	%
Operating (loss) income	$	(13,644	)		$	15,449			N/A
Net loss	$	(26,685	)		$	(102	)		N/A
Loss per share	$	(8.48	)		$	(0.03	)		N/A
Adjusted EBITDA¹	$	24,497			$	31,538			-22.3	%

Revenue increased approximately $117.7 million, or 33.1%, to approximately $472.8 million for the year ended September 30, 2024, compared to revenue of approximately $355.2 million in the prior year. The increase is primarily attributable to the acquisitions of Flooring Liquidators and PMW, both of which were acquired during fiscal year 2023, and Central Steel, which was acquired in May 2024, that collectively added approximately $118.3 million, as well as an increase of approximately $15.2 million in the Flooring Manufacturing segment. The increase was partially offset by decreased revenue of approximately $13.7 million in the Company’s other businesses primarily due to general economic conditions.

Operating loss was approximately $13.6 million for the year ended September 30, 2024, compared with operating income of approximately $15.4 million in the prior year. The increase in operating loss is primarily attributable to the Retail-Flooring segment’s $18.1 million goodwill impairment charge and increased selling, general and administrative expenses in the Retail-Flooring segment. The increase in operating loss was also attributable to the Steel Manufacturing segment’s reduced production efficiencies as a result of lower demand and lower revenue in the Retail-Entertainment segment.

For the year ended September 30, 2024, net loss was approximately $26.7 million, and loss per share was $8.48, compared with net loss of approximately $0.1 million and loss per share of $0.03 in the prior year. The increase in net loss is primarily attributable to the goodwill impairment charge in the Retail-Flooring segment, lower operating income, and higher interest expense.

Adjusted EBITDA¹ for the year ended September 30, 2024 was approximately $24.5 million, a decrease of approximately $7.0 million, or 22.3%, compared to the prior year. The decrease in adjusted EBITDA is primarily due to an overall decrease in operating income.

As of September 30, 2024 the Company had total cash availability of $33.3 million, consisting of cash on hand of $4.6 million and availability under its various lines of credit of $28.7 million.

FY 2024 Segment Results (in thousands)

	For the year ended September 30,
		2024				2023			% Change
Revenue
Retail - Entertainment	$	71,023			$	78,124			-9.1	%
Retail - Flooring		136,989				75,872			80.6	%
Flooring Manufacturing		124,929				109,770			13.8	%
Steel Manufacturing		139,566				88,912			57.0	%
Corporate & Other		333				2,493			-86.6	%
Total Revenue	$	472,840			$	355,171			33.1	%
	For the year ended September 30,
		2024				2023			% Change
Operating Income (loss)
Retail - Entertainment	$	7,177			$	9,265			-22.5	%
Retail - Flooring		(25,520	)			(292	)		N/A
Flooring Manufacturing		8,240				6,061			36.0	%
Steel Manufacturing		4,584				7,978			-42.5	%
Corporate & Other		(8,125	)			(7,563	)		-7.4	%
Total Operating Income	$	(13,644	)		$	15,449			N/A
	For the year ended September 30,
		2024				2023			% Change
Adjusted EBITDA¹
Retail - Entertainment	$	8,407			$	10,581			-20.5	%
Retail - Flooring		(2,357	)			3,321			-171.0	%
Flooring Manufacturing		11,868				10,100			17.5	%
Steel Manufacturing		11,039				12,210			-9.6	%
Corporate & Other		(4,460	)			(4,674	)		4.6	%
Total Adjusted EBITDA¹	$	24,497			$	31,538			-22.3	%
Adjusted EBITDA¹ as a percentage of revenue
Retail - Entertainment		11.8	%			13.5	%
Retail - Flooring		-1.7	%			4.4	%
Flooring Manufacturing		9.5	%			9.2	%
Steel Manufacturing		7.9	%			13.7	%
Corporate & Other	N/A				N/A
Total Adjusted EBITDA¹		5.2	%			8.9	%
as a percentage of revenue

Retail – Entertainment

Retail-Entertainment segment revenue for the year ended September 30, 2024 was approximately $71.0 million, a decrease of approximately $7.1 million, or 9.1%, compared to prior year revenue of approximately $78.1 million. Revenue decreased primarily due to reduced consumer demand and a shift in sales mix toward used products, which generally have lower ticket sales with higher margins. The shift in sales mix also contributed to the increase in gross margin to 57.6% for the year ended September 30, 2024, compared to 54.7% for the prior year. Operating income for the year ended September 30, 2024 was approximately $7.2 million, compared to operating income of approximately $9.3 million for the prior year.

Retail – Flooring

The Retail-Flooring segment revenue for the year ended September 30, 2024, was approximately $137.0 million, an increase of approximately $61.1 million, or 80.6%, compared to the prior year revenue of approximately $75.9 million. The increase is primarily due to the acquisition of Flooring Liquidators in the second quarter of fiscal year 2023, increased revenue in Flooring Liquidator's builder design and installation segment, Elite Builder Services, and the acquisition of Carpet Remnant Outlet, Inc. (“CRO”) during the first quarter of fiscal year 2024. Gross margin for the year ended September 30, 2024 was 35.9%, compared to 36.6% for the prior year. Operating loss for the year ended September 30, 2024 was approximately $25.5 million, compared to operating loss of approximately $0.3 million for the prior year. The increase in operating loss was primarily due to the recognition of the $18.1 million goodwill impairment, temporary inefficiencies associated with the acquisition of CRO, and increased selling, general and administrative expenses.

Flooring Manufacturing

Revenue for the year ended September 30, 2024 was approximately $124.9 million, an increase of approximately $15.2 million, or 13.8%, compared to prior year revenue of approximately $109.8 million. Gross margin was 25.9% for the year ended September 30, 2024, compared to 21.8% for the prior year. The revenue and gross margin increases are primarily due to increased sales associated with the acquisition of the Harris Flooring Group® brands in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023. Operating income for the year ended September 30, 2024 was approximately $8.2 million, compared to operating income of approximately $6.1 million for the prior year.

Steel Manufacturing

Revenue for the year ended September 30, 2024 was approximately $139.6 million, an increase of approximately $50.7 million or 57.0%, compared to prior year revenue of approximately $88.9 million. The increase is primarily due to increased revenue of approximately $51.2 million at PMW and approximately $6.0 million at Central Steel, partially offset by a $6.5 million decrease in the Company’s other Steel Manufacturing businesses. Gross margin was 15.8% for the year ended September 30, 2024, compared to 22.5% for the prior year. The decrease in gross margin is primarily due to the acquisition of PMW, which has historically generated lower margins, as well as an overall decrease in margins in the Steel Manufacturing segment due to reduced production efficiencies as a result of lower demand. Operating income for the year ended September 30, 2024 was approximately $4.6 million, compared to operating income of approximately $8.0 million in the prior year.

Corporate and Other

Revenue for the year ended September 30, 2024 was approximately $0.3 million, a decrease of approximately $2.2 million, or 86.6%, compared to prior year revenue of approximately $2.5 million. The decrease in revenue was primarily due to the closure of SW Financial in May 2023. Operating loss for the year ended September 30, 2024 was approximately $8.1 million, compared to an operating loss of approximately $7.6 million in the prior year.

Non-GAAP Financial Information

Adjusted EBITDA

We evaluate the performance of our operations based on financial measures, such as “Adjusted EBITDA,” which is a non-GAAP financial measure. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) before interest expense, interest income, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation, and other non-cash or nonrecurring charges. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is an important indicator of the operational strength and performance of the business, including the business’s ability to fund acquisitions and other capital expenditures and to service its debt. Additionally, this measure is used by management to evaluate operating results and perform analytical comparisons and identify strategies to improve performance. Adjusted EBITDA is also a measure that is customarily used by financial analysts to evaluate a company’s financial performance, subject to certain adjustments. Adjusted EBITDA does not represent cash flows from operations, as defined by generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), should not be construed as an alternative to net income or loss, and is indicative neither of our results of operations, nor of cash flow available to fund our cash needs. It is, however, a measurement that the Company believes is useful to investors in analyzing its operating performance. Accordingly, Adjusted EBITDA should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, net income, cash flow provided by operating activities, and other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. As companies often define non-GAAP financial measures differently, Adjusted EBITDA, as calculated by Live Ventures Incorporated, should not be compared to any similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements

The use of the word “Company” refers to Live Ventures and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Certain statements in this press release contain or may suggest “forward-looking” information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, that are intended to be covered by the “safe harbor” created by those sections. Words such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” and similar statements are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Live Ventures may also make forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, in its annual report to stockholders, in press releases and other written materials, and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and there are a number of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by the Company, including, but not limited to, plans and objectives of management for future operations or products, the market acceptance or future success of our products, and our future financial performance. The Company cautions that these forward-looking statements are further qualified by other factors including, but not limited to, those set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. Additionally, new risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all such risk factors, or to assess the impact such risk factors might have on our business. Live Ventures undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Live Ventures Incorporated

Live Ventures is a diversified holding company with a strategic focus on value-oriented acquisitions of domestic middle-market companies. Live Ventures’ acquisition strategy is sector-agnostic and focuses on well-run, closely held businesses with a demonstrated track record of earnings growth and cash flow generation. The Company looks for opportunities to partner with management teams of its acquired businesses to build increased stockholder value through a disciplined buy-build-hold long-term focused strategy. Live Ventures was founded in 1968. In late 2011 Jon Isaac, Chief Executive Officer and strategic investor, joined the Board of Directors of the Company and later refocused it into a diversified holding company. The Company’s current portfolio of diversified operating subsidiaries includes companies in the textile, flooring, tools, steel, and entertainment industries.

Contact:
Live Ventures Incorporated
Greg Powell, Director of Investor Relations
725.500.5597
gpowell@liveventures.com
www.liveventures.com

Source: Live Ventures Incorporated

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
	September 30, 2024				September 30, 2023
Assets
Cash	$	4,601			$	4,309
Trade receivables, net		46,861				41,194
Inventories, net		126,350				131,314
Income taxes receivable		—				1,116
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		4,123				4,919
Total current assets		181,935				182,852
Property and equipment, net		82,869				80,703
Right of use asset - operating leases		55,701				54,544
Deposits and other assets		787				1,282
Intangible assets, net		25,103				26,568
Goodwill		61,152				75,866
Total assets	$	407,547			$	421,815
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	31,002			$	27,190
Accrued liabilities		31,740				31,826
Income taxes payable		948				—
Current portion of long-term debt		43,816				23,077
Current portion of notes payable related parties		6,400				4,000
Current portion of lease obligations - operating leases		12,885				11,369
Current portion of lease obligations - finance leases		368				359
Seller notes - related parties		2,500				—
Total current liabilities		129,659				97,821
Long-term debt, net of current portion		54,994				78,710
Lease obligation long term - operating leases		50,111				48,156
Lease obligation long term - finance leases		41,677				32,942
Notes payable related parties, net of current portion		4,934				6,914
Seller notes - related parties		40,361				38,998
Deferred tax liability		6,267				14,035
Other non-current obligations		6,655				4,104
Total liabilities		334,658				321,680
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Series E convertible preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 200,000 shares authorized, 47,840 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, with a liquidation preference of $0.30 per share		—				—
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, 3,131,360 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2024; 3,164,330 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2023		2				2
Paid-in capital		69,692				69,387
Treasury stock common 694,687 and 660,063 shares as of September 30, 2024 and 2023		(9,072	)			(8,206	)
Treasury stock Series E preferred 50,000 shares as of September 30, 2024 and 2023		(7	)			(7	)
Accumulated earnings		12,274				38,959
Total stockholders' equity		72,889				100,135
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	407,547			$	421,815

LIVE VENTURES, INCORPORATED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED) (dollars in thousands, except per share)
	Years Ended September 30,
		2024				2023
Revenues	$	472,840			$	355,171
Cost of revenues		328,016				239,605
Gross profit		144,824				115,566
Operating expenses:
General and administrative expenses		118,040				86,670
Sales and marketing expenses		22,372				13,447
Impairment expense		18,056				—
Total operating expenses		158,468				100,117
Operating (loss) income		(13,644	)			15,449
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net		(16,847	)			(12,741	)
Loss on disposition of SW Financial		—				(1,696	)
SW Financial settlement		—				2,750
Other expense, net		(852	)			(2,293	)
Total other expense, net		(17,699	)			(13,980	)
(Loss) income before income taxes		(31,343	)			1,469
(Benefit) provision for income taxes		(4,658	)			1,571
Net loss		(26,685	)			(102	)
Loss per share:
Basic and diluted	$	(8.48	)		$	(0.03	)
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic and diluted		3,147,646				3,133,554

LIVE VENTURES INCORPORATED NON-GAAP MEASURES RECONCILIATION
Adjusted EBITDA The following table provides a reconciliation of Net loss to total Adjusted EBITDA¹ for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):
	For the Year Ended September 30,
		2024				2023
Net loss	$	(26,685	)		$	(102	)
Depreciation and amortization		17,215				14,257
Stock-based compensation		325				446
Interest expense, net		16,847				12,741
Income tax (benefit) expense		(4,658	)			1,571
Debt acquisition costs		183				—
Disposition of Johnson		301				—
SW Financial settlement gain		—				(2,750	)
Disposition of SW Financial		—				1,697
Acquisition costs		2,314				3,554
Impairment of goodwill		18,056				—
Other non-recurring company initiatives		599				124
Adjusted EBITDA	$	24,497			$	31,538

¹Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures is included below.

FAQ

What caused Live Ventures (LIVE) net loss to increase in FY 2024?

The increased net loss was primarily due to an $18.1 million goodwill impairment charge in the Retail-Flooring segment, lower operating income, and higher interest expense.

How much did Live Ventures (LIVE) revenue grow in fiscal 2024?

Live Ventures' revenue grew by 33.1% to $472.8 million in fiscal 2024, compared to $355.2 million in the prior year.

What was Live Ventures (LIVE) cash position as of September 30, 2024?

As of September 30, 2024, Live Ventures had total cash availability of $33.3 million, consisting of $4.6 million in cash and $28.7 million in credit line availability.

How did Live Ventures (LIVE) Retail-Flooring segment perform in FY 2024?

The Retail-Flooring segment revenue increased 80.6% to $137.0 million but recorded an operating loss of $25.5 million, including an $18.1 million goodwill impairment charge.