Chromcraft Revington, Inc. reported improved first quarter 2010 operating results compared to the prior year period. The net loss for the current quarter was reduced by 69% compared to the first quarter of 2009. The Company’s net loss for the current quarter was $980,000 as compared to a net loss of $3,152,000 for the prior year period.
Operating results include an increase in gross margin for the first quarter of 2010 of $1.6 million over the first quarter of 2009, primarily due to the impact of restructuring and cost containment efforts and a favorable product sales mix in the current quarter. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the current quarter decreased $0.5 million compared to the first quarter of 2009, primarily due to lower professional fees and sales commissions. The first quarter of 2009 included a reduction of accrued severance benefits of approximately $0.3 million resulting from the revisions to severance agreements with two former executives.
Cash flow provided by operating activities was $4.5 million compared to $3.9 million provided in the first quarter of 2009. The increase in the 2010 period was primarily due to the receipt of a previously announced federal tax refund of $6.6 million and a reduced cash net loss, partially offset by lower cash generated from working capital reductions as compared to the prior year period. At April 3, 2010, the Company had cash of $8.1 million and no bank borrowings during the first quarter of 2010 or an outstanding balance at April 3, 2010.
The Company’s sales for the first quarter of 2010 were $13.9 million, a decrease of 17% from the first quarter of 2009, due primarily to the discontinuation of certain high end, low demand products; weak consumer confidence and housing activity reflecting the effects of the current economic downturn which continue to depress demand for furniture; and import competition.
Commenting on these results, Ronald H. Butler, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said that the restructuring and cost containment actions implemented starting in 2008 have made a significant positive impact on first quarter results and have helped reduce the effects of the economic downturn. He added, "2010 appears to be a continuation of the challenging economic environment for consumers. We believe the positive reactions we received from dealers recently at the April High Point Furniture Market indicate they are interested in selling new products like our Southern Living® line of furniture, and an increasing interest in our existing occasional and casual dining products, as well as our custom Design and Dine program. We continue to believe that when the furniture market improves, the Company is well positioned to return to profitability."
Chromcraft Revington™ businesses design residential and commercial furniture marketed throughout North America. The Company wholesales its residential furniture products under Chromcraft®, Cochrane™, Peters-Revington™, Southern Living®, and CR Kids & Beyond™ as primary brand names. It sells commercial furniture under the Chromcraft® brand name. The Company sources furniture from overseas, with domestic contract specialty facilities, and operates one U.S. manufacturing facility for its commercial furniture and motion based casual dining furniture in Mississippi.