HF Foods Reports First Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Rhea-AI Summary

HF Foods Group Inc. (NASDAQ: HFFG) reported unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024. The company achieved its highest net revenue ever of $295.7 million, with an increase in net revenue and gross profit compared to the prior year. Despite exiting its chicken processing businesses in 2023, the company's net loss improved, and adjusted EBITDA increased significantly. The management commentary highlighted progress in operational transformation, including centralized purchasing, fleet improvements, digital transformation, and facility upgrades to drive sales and efficiencies. Cash flow from operating activities decreased, but the company had a cash balance of $18.2 million and access to additional funds through its line of credit.

Positive

• Highest net revenue ever recorded during the first quarter of $295.7 million.

• Net revenue increased by 0.6% to $295.7 million compared to the prior year.

• Gross profit increased by 0.5% to $50.4 million compared to the prior year.

• Adjusted EBITDA increased by 51.4% to $8.7 million compared to the prior year.

• Management highlighted progress in operational transformation, focusing on key areas to drive sales and efficiencies.

• Company had a cash balance of $18.2 million and access to approximately $40.9 million in additional funds through its line of credit.

Negative

• Cash flow from operating activities decreased to $7.1 million in the first quarter of 2024 compared to $12.6 million in the prior year.

• Decrease in cash flow from operating activities primarily due to the timing of working capital outlays.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The modest revenue growth of 0.6% reported by HF Foods, reaching $295.7 million, is in line with cautious optimism in a market where consumer spending is unpredictable. The stability of the gross profit margin at 17.1% suggests efficient cost control, maintaining profitability in a competitive sector. The net loss improvement from $5.8 million to $0.6 million is a strong turnaround, reflecting effective management strategies in reducing expenses, particularly professional fees. The 51.4% surge in Adjusted EBITDA to $8.7 million is noteworthy, indicating operational resilience and an improving bottom line.

From an investor's standpoint, these results could signal a positive trajectory for HF Foods, yet it's important to consider the decreased cash flow from operations, which dipped from $12.6 million to $7.1 million. This drop highlights potential concerns over the company's working capital management. Furthermore, the exit from the chicken processing business may have impacted revenue streams, an area investors should monitor for potential risks or opportunities from new ventures.

Supply Chain Expert

The strategic shift to centralized purchasing and improvements in fleet and transportation can potentially offer long-term savings and increased efficiency for HF Foods. These initiatives may reduce fuel costs and optimize logistics, a critical aspect in the distribution industry. Also, the emphasis on digital transformation and facility upgrades could enhance the company's adaptability in a market driven by technology and fast-changing consumer preferences.

For investors, these developments could imply sustainable growth and an enhanced market position. However, it's essential to observe the execution of these strategies and the resulting operational efficiencies. It's also prudent to assess the broader industry context to understand how HF Foods' transformation aligns with—or differentiates from—its competitors' strategies.

Highest Net Revenue Ever Recorded During First Quarter of $295.7 Million

Pre-Recorded Earnings Call Webcast Available on Investor Relations Website

LAS VEGAS, May 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HF Foods Group Inc. (NASDAQ: HFFG) (“HF Foods”, or the “Company”), a leading food distributor to Asian restaurants across the United States, reported unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024.

First Quarter 2024 Financial Results

• Net revenue increased 0.6% to $295.7 million compared to $293.9 million in the prior year.
• Gross profit increased 0.5% to $50.4 million compared to $50.2 million in the prior year. Gross profit margin was flat at 17.1%.
• Net loss improved to $0.6 million compared to $5.8 million in the prior year.
• Adjusted EBITDA increased 51.4% to $8.7 million compared to $5.7 million in the prior year.

Management Commentary

“We are pleased to report record first quarter revenue, showing progress in our core operations as we achieved growth despite exiting our chicken processing businesses in 2023,” said Peter Zhang, Chief Executive Officer of HF Foods. “We continue to make progress on all key areas of our operational transformation plan, including centralized purchasing which will allow us to maximize synergies from our acquisitions, fleet and transportation improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce fuel costs, digital transformation which will improve our operations and strengthen our ability to adapt quickly to market dynamics, and facility upgrades to allow our distribution centers to serve as full broadline facilities that supply the products that are strongest in demand in a given area. We are a trusted partner for thousands of restaurants across the United States, empowering them to serve customers high quality products at affordable prices. I remain confident that our operational transformation plan will drive sales and efficiencies and help us deliver on our growth targets.”

First Quarter 2024 Results

Net revenue was $295.7 million for the first quarter of 2024 compared to $293.9 million in the prior year period, an increase of $1.8 million, or 0.6%. This increase was primarily attributable to product cost inflation and improved pricing in certain categories, partially offset by the $2.7 million loss in revenue resulting from the exit of our chicken processing businesses.

Gross profit was $50.4 million for the first quarter of 2024 compared to $50.2 million in the prior year period, an increase of $0.2 million, or 0.5%. Gross profit margin was flat at 17.1% compared to the prior year period.

Distribution, selling and administrative expenses decreased by $2.4 million to $50.5 million, primarily due to a decrease of $2.8 million in professional fees, partially offset by higher payroll and related labor costs. Distribution, selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenue decreased to 17.1% from 18.0% in the prior year period primarily attributable to lower professional fees and increased net revenue, partially offset by increased headcount.

Net loss improved to $0.6 million for the first quarter of 2024 compared to $5.8 million in the prior year period. The improvement was primarily attributable to the decreased distribution, selling and administrative expenses and the impact from changes in the fair value of interest rate swap contracts.

Adjusted EBITDA increased 51.4% to $8.7 million for the first quarter of 2024 compared to $5.7 million in the prior year. The increase was primarily attributable to the decreased distribution, selling and administrative expenses.

Cash Flow and Liquidity

Cash flow from operating activities decreased to $7.1 million for in the first quarter of 2024, compared to $12.6 million in the prior year. The decrease in cash flow from operating activities was primarily due to the timing of working capital outlays. As of March 31, 2024, the Company had a cash balance of $18.2 million and access to approximately $40.9 million in additional funds through its $100.0 million line of credit, subject to a borrowing base calculation.

Earnings Call and Webcast

A pre-recorded call and webcast with HF Foods’ management team discussing the results is now available on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at https://investors.hffoodsgroup.com/.

About HF Foods Group Inc.

HF Foods Group Inc. is a leading marketer and distributor of fresh produce, frozen and dry food, and non-food products to primarily Asian restaurants and other foodservice customers throughout the United States. HF Foods aims to supply the increasing demand for Asian American restaurant cuisine, leveraging its nationwide network of distribution centers and its strong relations with growers and suppliers of fresh, high-quality specialty restaurant food products and supplies in the US, South America, and China. Headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, HF Foods trades on Nasdaq under the symbol “HFFG”. For more information, please visit www.hffoodsgroup.com.

Investor Relations Contact:

HFFG Investor Relations

hffoodsgroup@icrinc.com

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements in this news release other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements which contain our current expectations about our future results. We have attempted to identify any forward-looking statements by using words such as “aims,” “continues,” “expects,” “plans,” “will,” and other similar expressions. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in all of our forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company’s actual results, events or financial positions to differ materially from those included within or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, risks relating to our ability to consummate our operational transformation plan as anticipated, risks relating to the impact of our operational plan on our sales and efficiencies, statements of assumption underlying any of the foregoing, and other factors including those disclosed under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and other filings with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to disclose any revision to these forward-looking statements.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Discussion of our results includes certain non-GAAP financial measures, including EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA and non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to HF Foods Group Inc., that we believe provides an additional tool for investors to use in evaluating ongoing operating results and trends and in comparing our financial performance with other companies in the same industry, many of which present similar non-GAAP financial measures to investors. The definitions of EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA and non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to HF Foods Group Inc. may not be the same as similarly titled measures used by other companies in the industry. EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA and non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to HF Foods Group Inc. are not defined under GAAP and are subject to important limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of our financial results as reported under GAAP.

We use non-GAAP financial measures to supplement our GAAP financial results. Management uses EBITDA, defined as net income (loss) before interest expense, interest income, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization to measure operating performance. In addition, management uses Adjusted EBITDA, defined as net income (loss) before interest expense, interest income, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization, further adjusted to exclude certain unusual, non-cash, or non-recurring expenses. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is less susceptible to variances in actual performance resulting from non-recurring expenses, and other non-cash charges, provides useful information for our investors and is more reflective of other factors that affect our operating performance.

We believe non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to HF Foods Group Inc. is a useful measure of operating performance because it excludes certain items not reflective of our core operating performance. Non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to HF Foods Group Inc. is defined as net income (loss) attributable to HF Foods Group Inc. adjusted for amortization of intangibles, change in fair value of interest rate swaps, stock based compensation, transaction related costs, transformational project costs and certain unusual, non-cash, or non-recurring expenses. We believe that non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to HF Foods Group Inc. facilitates period-over-period comparisons and provides additional clarity for investors to better evaluate our operating results. We present EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to HF Foods Group Inc. in order to provide supplemental information that we consider relevant for the readers of our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in its reports filed with the SEC, including its current Quarterly Report on Form 10Q, and such information is not meant to replace or supersede U.S. GAAP measures. Reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures to their most comparable GAAP financial measures are included in the schedules attached to this press release.

HF FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
	March 31, 2024				December 31, 2023
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash	$	18,215			$	15,232
Accounts receivable, net		50,000				47,832
Inventories		107,908				105,618
Other current assets		9,363				10,145
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS		185,486				178,827
Property and equipment, net		137,989				133,136
Operating lease right-of-use assets		11,815				12,714
Long-term investments		2,389				2,388
Customer relationships, net		144,540				147,181
Trademarks, trade names and other intangibles, net		29,196				30,625
Goodwill		85,118				85,118
Other long-term assets		6,532				6,531
TOTAL ASSETS	$	603,065			$	596,520
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Checks issued not presented for payment	$	8,663			$	4,494
Line of credit		55,192				58,564
Accounts payable		57,834				52,014
Current portion of long-term debt, net		5,427				5,450
Current portion of obligations under finance leases		2,299				1,749
Current portion of obligations under operating leases		3,766				3,706
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		17,454				17,287
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES		150,635				143,264
Long-term debt, net of current portion		107,331				108,711
Obligations under finance leases, non-current		14,689				11,229
Obligations under operating leases, non-current		8,493				9,414
Deferred tax liabilities		28,557				29,028
Other long-term liabilities		5,198				6,891
TOTAL LIABILITIES		314,903				308,537
Commitments and contingencies
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Preferred stock		—				—
Common stock		5				5
Treasury stock		(7,750	)			(7,750	)
Additional paid-in capital		603,832				603,094
Accumulated deficit		(309,382	)			(308,688	)
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO HF FOODS GROUP INC.		286,705				286,661
Noncontrolling interests		1,457				1,322
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY		288,162				287,983
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	603,065			$	596,520

HF FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2024				2023
Net revenue	$	295,654			$	293,855
Cost of revenue		245,243				243,683
Gross profit		50,411				50,172
Distribution, selling and administrative expenses		50,496				52,929
Loss from operations		(85	)			(2,757	)
Other (income) expenses:
Interest expense		2,834				2,868
Other income		(94	)			(228	)
Change in fair value of interest rate swap contracts		(1,970	)			2,746
Lease guarantee income		(115	)			(120	)
Total Other expenses, net		655				5,266
Loss before income taxes		(740	)			(8,023	)
Income tax benefit		(181	)			(2,226	)
Net loss		(559	)			(5,797	)
Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		135				136
Net loss attributable to HF Foods Group Inc.	$	(694	)		$	(5,933	)
Loss per common share - basic	$	(0.01	)		$	(0.11	)
Loss per common share - diluted	$	(0.01	)		$	(0.11	)
Weighted average shares - basic		52,155,968				53,822,794
Weighted average shares - diluted		52,155,968				53,822,794

HF FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2024				2023
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$	(559	)		$	(5,797	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense		6,676				6,689
Provision for credit losses		(40	)			57
Deferred tax benefit		(471	)			(1,324	)
Change in fair value of interest rate swap contracts		(1,970	)			2,746
Stock-based compensation		738				1,096
Non-cash lease expense		935				965
Lease guarantee income		(115	)			(120	)
Other expense (income)		39				93
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable		(2,141	)			1,034
Accounts receivable - related parties		13				(416	)
Inventories		(2,290	)			9,822
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		782				1,238
Other long-term assets		368				(829	)
Accounts payable		6,074				2,327
Accounts payable - related parties		(254	)			(776	)
Operating lease liabilities		(897	)			(961	)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		167				(3,274	)
Net cash provided by operating activities		7,055				12,570
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment		(2,585	)			(629	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(2,585	)			(629	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Checks issued not presented for payment		4,169				(7,852	)
Proceeds from line of credit		345,697				298,195
Repayment of line of credit		(349,082	)			(306,808	)
Repayment of long-term debt		(1,414	)			(1,642	)
Repayment of obligations under finance leases		(857	)			(646	)
Net cash used in financing activities		(1,487	)			(18,753	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash		2,983				(6,812	)
Cash at beginning of the period		15,232				24,289
Cash at end of the period	$	18,215			$	17,477

HF FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF NET LOSS TO EBITDA AND ADJUSTED EBITDA
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended March 31,
			2024				2023			Change
Net loss		$	(559	)		$	(5,797	)		$	5,238
Interest expense			2,834				2,868				(34	)
Income tax benefit			(181	)			(2,226	)			2,045
Depreciation and amortization			6,676				6,689				(13	)
EBITDA			8,770				1,534				7,236
Lease guarantee income			(115	)			(120	)			5
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps			(1,970	)			2,746				(4,716	)
Stock-based compensation expense			738				1,096				(358	)
Business transformation costs (1)			973				44				929
Other non-routine expense (2)			306				449				(143	)
Adjusted EBITDA		$	8,702			$	5,749			$	2,953

^{(1) Represents non-recurring expenses associated with the launch of strategic projects including supply chain strategy improvements and technology infrastructure initiatives.
(2) Includes contested proxy and related legal and consulting costs and facility closure costs.}

HF FOODS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO HF FOODS GROUP INC.
TO NON-GAAP NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO HF FOODS GROUP INC.
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended March 31,
			2024				2023			Change
Net loss attributable to HF Foods Group Inc.		$	(694	)		$	(5,933	)		$	5,239
Amortization of intangibles			4,070				4,071				(1	)
Lease guarantee income			(115	)			(120	)			5
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps			(1,970	)			2,746				(4,716	)
Stock-based compensation expense			738				1,096				(358	)
Business transformation costs (1)			973				44				929
Other non-routine expense (2)			306				449				(143	)
Aggregate adjustment for income taxes			(980	)			(2,312	)			1,332
Non-GAAP net income attributable to HF Foods Group Inc.		$	2,328			$	41			$	2,287

^{(1) Represents non-recurring expenses associated with the launch of strategic projects including supply chain strategy improvements and technology infrastructure initiatives.
(2) Includes contested proxy and related legal and consulting costs and facility closure costs.}

FAQ

What is HF Foods' stock symbol?

HF Foods' stock symbol is HFFG.

What was HF Foods' net revenue during the first quarter of 2024?

HF Foods reported a net revenue of $295.7 million during the first quarter of 2024.

What was the change in adjusted EBITDA for HF Foods in the first quarter of 2024?

Adjusted EBITDA for HF Foods increased by 51.4% to $8.7 million in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the prior year.

Where can I find the pre-recorded earnings call and webcast discussing HF Foods' financial results?

The pre-recorded call and webcast are available on the Investor Relations section of HF Foods' website at https://investors.hffoodsgroup.com/.