Flexsteel Industries, Inc. Reports Strong Fiscal Third Quarter 2024 Results: 8% Sales Growth, Improved Operating Margin, Continued Debt Reduction

Rhea-AI Summary

Flexsteel Industries, Inc. reported strong fiscal third quarter 2024 results with 8% sales growth, improved operating margin, and continued debt reduction. The company achieved net sales of $107.2 million, representing an 8.2% increase from the prior year quarter. Gross margin expanded to 21.7%, operating income improved to $3.0 million, and adjusted net income per diluted share rose to $0.67.

Positive

• Strong sales growth of 8.2% with net sales reaching $107.2 million.

• Gross margin expansion to 21.7% from 18.8% in the prior year quarter.

• Adjusted operating income increased to $5.6 million or 5.2% of net sales.

• Adjusted net income per diluted share rose to $0.67 from $0.28 in the prior year quarter.

Negative

• $2.6 million in restructuring charges related to the closure of the Dublin, GA facility impacted adjusted operating margin.

• Income tax expense increased to an effective rate of 32.2% from 21.0% in the prior year quarter.

Insights

Financial Analyst

Flexsteel's reported 8.2% sales growth, translating into a net sales increase of $8.1 million, signals a strong market demand for the company's offerings, notably in the home furnishings segment. This is further bolstered by the $12.2 million or 12.3% increase in sales orders, indicating sustained growth potential. However, the e-commerce channel's sales dip of 3.6% suggests a need for strategy reassessment in this area. The reported improvement in operating margin to 5.2% is commendable and reflects effective cost management and operational efficiency. Moreover, the substantial gross margin expansion by 290 basis points outpaces industry averages, reflecting sound product portfolio management and possibly some supply chain cost benefits. The debt reduction by 21% is also a positive indicator of prudent financial management. Yet, it's important for investors to consider the effective tax rate hike to 32.2%, which may impact future net income figures. Looking ahead, the company's forecast of an operational margin increase for the next quarter could point to continued efficiency improvements, though these projections should always be considered with caution.

Market Research Analyst

The noticeable growth in retail store sales suggests Flexsteel has been successful in capturing consumer interest with its product mix. The significant attention to new product development and innovation as growth drivers cannot be underestimated. Through this lens, their commitment to these areas seems to be paying off, as evidenced by the robust sales figures. However, the e-commerce decline should not be ignored, as this channel is increasingly relevant for consumer goods companies. Addressing this dip will be key in maintaining overall sales momentum. The company's proactive approach in improving working capital efficiency and optimizing its manufacturing network, including inventory reductions, may also contribute towards a leaner operation capable of adapting to market changes more swiftly. This strategic approach, if sustained, can be an important factor in securing Flexsteel's market position long-term.

Operational Analyst

Flexsteel's operational decisions, particularly the closure of the Dublin, GA facility, while incurring short-term costs, may yield long-term benefits in terms of reduced overhead and increased efficiency. The company's ability to leverage fixed costs and deliver a gross margin expansion of 290 basis points indicates a strong operational focus. This kind of margin improvement is significant and reflects well on management's ability to control costs and streamline operations. The reduction in SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales, even with increased investments in growth initiatives, suggests prudent expense management. Investors should note the company's ability to manage and rationalize its expenses will be critical as it navigates through macroeconomic headwinds. In addition, Flexsteel's efforts to improve working capital efficiency have led to a commendable reduction in debt levels, which enhances financial stability. As the company continues to optimize its manufacturing network, investors should monitor how these changes affect operational performance and cost structures.

DUBUQUE, Iowa--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Flexsteel Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLXS) (“Flexsteel” or the “Company”), one of the largest manufacturers, importers, and marketers of residential furniture products in the United States, today reported third quarter fiscal 2024 results.

Key Results for the Third Quarter Ended March 31, 2024

• Strong sales growth of 8.2%. Net sales for the quarter of $107.2 million compared to $99.1 million in the prior year quarter.
• Robust sales orders of $111.5 million representing growth of $12.2M, or 12.3%, compared to the prior year quarter.
• Significant gross margin expansion to 21.7% compared to 18.8% in the prior year quarter.
• GAAP operating income of $3.0 million or 2.8% of net sales compared to $2.1 million or 2.1% of net sales in the prior year quarter.
  • Adjusted operating income of $5.6 million or 5.2% of net sales for the third quarter compared to $2.1 million or 2.1% of net sales in the prior year quarter.
• GAAP net income per diluted share of $0.33 for the current quarter compared to net income per diluted share of $0.28 in the prior year quarter.
  • Adjusted net income per diluted share of $0.67 for the quarter compared to adjusted net income per diluted share of $0.28 in the prior year quarter.
• Cash flow from operations of $7.2 million for the quarter and $24.4 million year to date.
• Debt repayments of $3.7 million for the quarter, or a 21% reduction in borrowings under the line of credit.

_{GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliations follow the financial statements in this press release}

Management Commentary

“I am extremely pleased with our third quarter results,” said Jerry Dittmer, CEO of Flexsteel Industries, Inc. “While macroeconomic conditions continue to present headwinds in our industry, we continue to execute on our strategies, are outperforming the industry, and are growing our top line while improving our profitability.”

Mr. Dittmer continues, “We delivered strong net sales of $107.2 million, or growth of 8.2%, which exceeded our sales guidance range of $101 to $106 million. In addition, comparisons to prior year continued to be adversely impacted by the elimination of ocean freight surcharges in the prior year when ocean container delivery costs were inflated. Excluding the approximately $1.5 million impact from surcharge reductions, growth from unit volume and sales mix was impressive at 9.9% in the quarter. This out-performance is a result of continued investment in new product development and innovation coupled with an intense focus on our growth initiatives. From a profitability perspective, we are executing well operationally and leveraging the combined benefits of operational efficiency, cost savings, and product life cycle management to meaningfully expand gross margin and improve operating income. Our GAAP operating margin for the quarter was 2.8% of net sales. Excluding the approximately $2.6 million in restructuring charges related to the closure of our Dublin, GA facility, our adjusted operating margin was a healthy 5.2% of net sales in the quarter and represented strong, sequential margin improvement versus the prior quarter. Lastly, we are making good progress in improving working capital efficiency and optimizing our manufacturing network. Given improved demand stability and better supplier lead times, we optimized and reduced our inventories by another $8.6 million in the third quarter which allowed us to reduce debt by an additional 21% in the quarter.”

Mr. Dittmer concludes, “I’m very encouraged by these third quarter results and excited about the direction we are headed. Our strategies are working, and I am confident in our ability to continue creating significant value for our customers and shareholders in both the near and long-term."

Operating Results for the Third Quarter Ended March 31, 2024

Net sales were $107.2 million for the third quarter compared to net sales of $99.1 million in the prior year quarter, an increase of $8.1 million, or 8.2%. The increase was driven by higher sales of home furnishings products sold through retail stores of $8.5M million, or 9.7%, led by unit volume and product mix. Sales of products sold through e-commerce channels decreased by ($0.4) million, or (3.6%), compared to the third quarter of the prior year. Lower sales in the e-commerce channel were driven by softer consumer demand.

Gross margin for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, was 21.7%, compared to 18.8% for the prior-year quarter, an increase of 290 basis points (“bps”). The 290-bps increase was primarily due to fixed cost leverage on higher sales, supply chain cost savings and efficiency improvements, and ongoing product portfolio management.

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses decreased as a percentage of net sales to 16.5% of net sales in the third quarter of fiscal 2024 compared with 16.7% of net sales in the prior year quarter. The decrease was due to leverage on higher sales partially offset by investments in growth initiatives and higher incentive compensation.

Operating income for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, was $3.0 million compared to $2.1 million in the prior-year quarter. On an adjusted basis, operating income for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, was $5.6 million compared to $2.1 million in the prior year quarter.

Income tax expense was $0.9 million, or an effective rate of 32.2%, during the third quarter compared to tax expense of $0.4 million, or an effective rate of 21.0%, in the prior year quarter.

Net income was $1.8 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, compared to net income of $1.5 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, in the prior year quarter. On an adjusted basis, net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, was $3.6 million or $0.67 per diluted share compared to adjusted net income of $1.5 million or $0.28 per diluted share in the prior year quarter.

Manufacturing Network Optimization Update

During the quarter, the Company incurred $2.6 million of restructuring expense primarily due to one-time employee termination costs as part of the Company’s previously announced closure of our Dublin, GA manufacturing facility. The Company expects to incur $0.4 to $0.5 million in restructuring expenses during fiscal fourth quarter 2024 to finalize the closure.

Liquidity

The Company ended the quarter with a cash balance of $4.6 million, working capital (current assets less current liabilities) of $96.2 million, and availability of approximately $46.9 million under its secured line of credit.

Capital expenditures for the nine months ended March 31, 2024, were $4.4 million.

Financial Outlook

For the fourth quarter fiscal 2024, the Company reiterates previously disclosed sales guidance. The Company is increasing the low-end range of expected non-GAAP operating margin from 5.0% to 5.2%. GAAP operating margin in the fourth quarter has been updated to reflect non-cash costs related to the revaluation of equity awards associated with our CEO transition and retirement. The Company reiterates its full year fiscal 2025 guidance.

	Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2024	Full Year Fiscal 2025
Sales	$107 - 112 million	$416 - 432 million
Sales Growth (vs. Prior Year)	1% to 6%	2% to 6%
GAAP Operating Margin	3.5% to 4.3%	5.5% to 6.5%
Non-GAAP Operating Margin	5.2% to 6.0%	5.5% to 6.5%
Free Cash Flow	$5 to 11 million	$20 to 30 million
Line of Credit Borrowings	$4 to 10 million	$0

Investor Presentation

An updated investor presentation has been posted on the Company's website at https://ir.flexsteel.com/news-events/events-and-presentations which incorporates third quarter fiscal 2024 operating results as well as the financial outlook noted above.

CEO Transition

Flexsteel Industries has announced the appointment of Derek P. Schmidt to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer effective July 1, 2024. Mr. Schmidt will succeed Jerald K. Dittmer who has announced his resignation from the position of Chief Executive Officer effective June 30, 2024, and retirement from Flexsteel on December 31, 2024. Further discussion of this matter can be found in the press release announcement, which can be accessed on the Company's website at https://ir.flexsteel.com/news-events/press-releases.

Conference Call and Webcast

The Company will host a conference call and audio webcast with analysts and investors on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. Central Time to discuss the results and answer questions.

• Live conference call: 833-816-1123 (domestic) or 412-317-0710 (international)
• Conference call replay available through May 7, 2024: 877-344-7529 (domestic) or 412-317-0088 (international)
• Replay access code: 9414420
• Live and archived webcast: ir.flexsteel.com

To pre-register for the earnings conference call and avoid the need to wait for a live operator, investors can visit https://dpregister.com/sreg/10188314/fc4913477a and enter their contact information. Investors will then be issued a personalized phone number and pin to dial into the live conference call.

About Flexsteel

Flexsteel Industries, Inc., and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) is one of the largest manufacturers, importers, and marketers of residential furniture products in the United States. Product offerings include a wide variety of furniture such as sofas, loveseats, chairs, reclining rocking chairs, swivel rockers, sofa beds, convertible bedding units, occasional tables, desks, dining tables and chairs, kitchen storage, bedroom furniture, and outdoor furniture. A featured component in most of the upholstered furniture is a unique steel drop-in seat spring from which the name “Flexsteel” is derived. The Company distributes its products throughout the United States through its e-commerce channel and direct sales force.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements, including those in this release, which are not historical or current facts, are “forward-looking statements” made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. There are certain important factors that could cause our results to differ materially from those anticipated by some of the statements made herein. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty. Some of the factors that could affect results are the cyclical nature of the furniture industry, supply chain disruptions, litigation, restructurings, the effectiveness of new product introductions and distribution channels, the product mix of sales, pricing pressures, the cost of raw materials and fuel, changes in foreign currency values, retention and recruitment of key employees, actions by governments including laws, regulations, taxes and tariffs, the amount of sales generated and the profit margins thereon, competition (both U.S. and foreign), credit exposure with customers, participation in multi-employer pension plans, disruptions or security breaches to business information systems, the impact of any future pandemic, and general economic conditions. For further information regarding these risks and uncertainties, see the “Risk Factors” section in Item 1A of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.

For more information, visit our website at http://www.flexsteel.com.

FLEXSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands)
		March 31,			June 30,
		2024			2023
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	4,570		$	3,365
Trade receivables, net			38,884			38,168
Inventories			96,589			122,076
Other			9,235			6,417
Assets held for sale			616			616
Total current assets			149,894			170,642
NONCURRENT ASSETS:
Property, plant and equipment, net			39,963			38,652
Operating lease right-of-use assets			63,398			68,294
Other assets			20,511			12,962
TOTAL ASSETS		$	273,766		$	290,550
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable - trade		$	21,655		$	24,745
Accrued liabilities			32,082			30,360
Total current liabilities			53,737			55,105
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
Line of credit			14,184			28,273
Other liabilities			60,581			65,551
Total liabilities			128,502			148,929
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY			145,264			141,621
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY		$	273,766		$	290,550

FLEXSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands, except per share data)
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		March 31,								March 31,
		2024				2023				2024				2023
Net sales		$	107,219			$	99,052			$	301,930			$	287,873
Cost of goods sold			83,902				80,407				238,253				238,041
Gross profit			23,317				18,645				63,677				49,832
Selling, general and administrative expenses			17,708				16,529				51,566				45,967
Environmental remediation			—				—				—				(2,788	)
Restructuring expense			2,627				—				2,627				—
Other expense			—				—				—				347
Operating income			2,982				2,116				9,484				6,306
Interest expense			336				260				1,395				897
Other (income)			(14	)			(12	)			(14	)			(11	)
Income before income taxes			2,660				1,868				8,103				5,420
Income tax provision			857				393				2,497				803
Net income and comprehensive income		$	1,803			$	1,475			$	5,606			$	4,617
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic			5,154				5,179				5,175				5,249
Diluted			5,448				5,352				5,410				5,427
Earnings per share of common stock:
Basic		$	0.35			$	0.28			$	1.08			$	0.88
Diluted		$	0.33			$	0.28			$	1.04			$	0.85

FLEXSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands)
		Nine Months Ended
		March 31,
		2024				2023
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income		$	5,606			$	4,617
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation			2,940				3,483
Deferred income taxes			74				—
Stock-based compensation expense			2,722				2,472
Change in provision for losses on accounts receivable			(149	)			(149	)
Loss on disposal of assets			60				—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities			13,108				20,039
Net cash provided by operating activities			24,361				30,462
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures			(4,361	)			(3,597	)
Net cash (used in) investing activities			(4,361	)			(3,597	)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Dividends paid			(2,446	)			(3,241	)
Treasury stock purchases			(1,660	)			(2,968	)
Proceeds from line of credit			270,421				254,482
Payments on line of credit			(284,510	)			(274,494	)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock			88				—
Shares withheld for tax payments on vested restricted shares			(688	)			(419	)
Net cash (used in) financing activities			(18,795	)			(26,640	)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents			1,205				225
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period			3,365				2,184
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period		$	4,570			$	2,409

NON-GAAP DISCLOSURE (UNAUDITED)

The Company is providing information regarding adjusted net sales, adjusted operating income, adjusted net income, and adjusted diluted earnings per share of common stock, which are not recognized terms under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) and do not purport to be alternatives to net sales, operating income, net income, or diluted earnings per share of common stock as a measure of operating performance. A reconciliation of adjusted net sales, adjusted operating income, adjusted net income, and adjusted diluted earnings per share of common stock is provided below. Management believes the use of these non-GAAP financial measures provides investors useful information to analyze and compare performance across periods excluding the items which are considered by management to be extraordinary or one-time in nature. Because not all companies use identical calculations, these presentations may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.

Reconciliation of GAAP net sales to adjusted net sales:

The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the Company's reported GAAP net sales to the calculation of adjusted net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,			March 31,
(in thousands)		2024			2023				Change			% Change
Net Sales		$	107,219		$	99,052			$	8,167		8.2%
Freight Surcharges		$	—		$	(1,454	)		$	1,454
Adjusted Net Sales		$	107,219		$	97,598			$	9,621		9.9%

Reconciliation of GAAP operating income to adjusted operating income:

The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the Company’s reported GAAP operating income to the calculation of adjusted operating income for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:

		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		March 31,						March 31,
(in thousands)		2024			2023			2024			2023
Reported GAAP operating income		$	2,982		$	2,116		$	9,484		$	6,306
Other expense			—			—			—			347
Environmental remediation			—			—			—			(2,788	)
Restructuring expense			2,627			—			2,627			—
Adjusted operating income		$	5,609			2,116		$	12,111		$	3,865

Reconciliation of GAAP net income to adjusted net income:

The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the Company’s reported GAAP net income to the calculation of adjusted net income for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:

		Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
		March 31,							March 31,
(in thousands)		2024				2023			2024				2023
Reported GAAP net income		$	1,803			$	1,475		$	5,606			$	4,617
Other expense			—				—			—				347
Environmental remediation			—				—			—				(2,788	)
Restructuring expense			2,627				—			2,627				—
Tax impact of the above adjustments(1)			(789	)			—			(790	)			561
Adjusted net income		$	3,641			$	1,475		$	7,443			$	2,737
(1) Effective tax rate of 30.0% and 30.1% was used to calculate the three and nine months ended March 31, 2024 respectively. There were no non-GAAP adjustments for the three months ended March 31, 2023. Effective tax rate of 23.0% was used to calculate the nine months ended March 31, 2023.

Reconciliation of GAAP diluted earnings per share of common stock to adjusted diluted earnings per share of common stock:

The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the Company’s reported GAAP diluted earnings per share to the calculation of adjusted diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:

		Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
		March 31,							March 31,
		2024				2023			2024				2023
Reported GAAP diluted earnings per share		$	0.33			$	0.28		$	1.04			$	0.85
Other expense			—				—			—				0.06
Environmental remediation			—				—			—				(0.51	)
Restructuring expense			0.48				—			0.49				—
Tax impact of the above adjustments(1)			(0.14	)			—			(0.15	)			0.10
Adjusted diluted earnings per share		$	0.67			$	0.28		$	1.38			$	0.50
Note: The table above may not foot due to rounding.
(1) Effective tax rate of 30.0% and 30.1% was used to calculate the three and nine months ended March 31, 2024 respectively. There were no non-GAAP adjustments for the three months ended March 31, 2023. Effective tax rate of 23.0% was used to calculate the nine months ended March 31, 2023.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240429545954/en/

INVESTOR CONTACT:

Michael Ressler, Flexsteel Industries, Inc.

563-585-8116

investors@flexsteel.com

Source: Flexsteel Industries, Inc.

FAQ

What was Flexsteel Industries, Inc.'s sales growth in fiscal third quarter 2024?

Flexsteel Industries, Inc. reported strong sales growth of 8.2% in fiscal third quarter 2024.

What was the adjusted operating income in the third quarter for Flexsteel Industries, Inc.?

Flexsteel Industries, Inc. achieved an adjusted operating income of $5.6 million or 5.2% of net sales in the third quarter.

Who is the new President and CEO of Flexsteel Industries, Inc. effective July 1, 2024?

Derek P. Schmidt is the new President and Chief Executive Officer of Flexsteel Industries, Inc. effective July 1, 2024.

How can investors access the latest investor presentation from Flexsteel Industries, Inc.?

Investors can access the latest investor presentation from Flexsteel Industries, Inc. on the company's website at https://ir.flexsteel.com/news-events/events-and-presentations.