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Steel Connect Reports Third Quarter Fiscal 2024 Financial Results

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Steel Connect (NASDAQ: STCN) released its third-quarter financial results for fiscal 2024 ended April 30. The company reported a significant non-cash income tax benefit adjustment of $71.5 million due to the release of a portion of its valuation allowance for deferred tax assets. Net revenue decreased by 5% to $43.85 million, primarily due to lower volumes in computing and consumer electronics markets. However, net income surged to $71.66 million from $3.03 million year-over-year. Adjusted EBITDA also saw a decline of 14.9% to $4.45 million. Despite lower sales and increased capital expenditures, the company maintained liquidity with $269.2 million in cash and equivalents.

Positive
  • Net income increased significantly to $71.66 million from $3.03 million due to a major one-time non-cash tax benefit adjustment.
  • Gross profit margin improved by 170 basis points to 29.7% in Q3 2024.
  • SG&A expenses decreased by 27.5% due to lower legal and board fees.
  • Interest expense decreased by $0.7 million due to changes in debt amortization.
  • Strong liquidity position with $269.2 million in cash and cash equivalents.
Negative
  • Net revenue decreased by 5% to $43.85 million due to lower volumes in computing and consumer electronics markets.
  • Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 14.9% to $4.45 million, indicating lower operational profitability.
  • Capital expenditures increased to $1.2 million from $0.4 million, impacting free cash flow.
  • Gross profit decreased by $4.4 million year-over-year for the nine months ended April 30, 2024.
  • Revenue for the nine months ended April 30, 2024, decreased by 13.5% compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year.

Insights

Examining Steel Connect's Q3 fiscal 2024 results, there are a few key takeaways. The company's net revenue declined by $2.3 million (5%) compared to the prior year. This drop was primarily due to lower volumes and loss of programs in the computing and consumer electronics markets, although partially offset by new business from a consumer electronics client.

One of the most significant figures in the report is the one-time non-cash income tax benefit of $71.5 million due to the release of a portion of its deferred tax assets. While this drastically boosts net income for the quarter, it should be noted that this is an accounting adjustment and doesn't reflect the company's operational efficiency or cash flow.

Adjusted EBITDA, a key measure of operational performance, decreased by $0.8 million (14.9%) for the quarter and $5.2 million (30.5%) for the nine months year-over-year. This decline, along with falling net revenue, raises concerns about the company's ability to generate consistent earnings from its operations.

On a positive note, free cash flow has improved, moving from a deficit of $1.0 million in the previous year's quarter to a positive $7.6 million. This is a positive indicator of cash generated by the business after accounting for capital expenditures.

The company's liquidity remains strong, with $269.2 million in cash and equivalents and a relatively low debt load of $12.9 million. This provides some financial flexibility to navigate current operational challenges.

The most striking element in Steel Connect's financial results is the impact of a one-time non-cash income tax benefit of $71.5 million. This stems from the release of a portion of the company's deferred tax assets, significantly boosting net income for the quarter. While this improves the company's net income, it's a non-operational gain and does not affect the company's cash position.

Deferred tax assets represent future tax savings to be realized when a company has sufficient taxable income. The release indicates that Steel Connect expects to utilize these assets, which suggests a positive outlook on future profitability. However, investors should be cautious and not view this as a recurring benefit.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Steel Connect, Inc. (the "Company") (NASDAQ: STCN) today announced financial results for its third quarter ended April 30, 2024.

Results of Operations

During the current quarter, the Company booked a $71.5 million non-cash accounting adjustment to net income as a result of a release of a portion of its valuation allowance for certain pre-existing Company deferred tax assets. The release resulted in a one-time non-cash adjustment to income tax benefit of $71.5 million for the quarter ended April 30, 2024. This adjustment to net income has no cash impact and is not expected to reoccur.

Due to the previously disclosed application of pushdown accounting, the Company's consolidated financial statements include a black line division between the two distinct periods to indicate the application of two different bases of accounting, which may not be comparable, between the periods presented. The pre-exchange period through April 30, 2023, is referred to as the "Predecessor" period. The post-exchange period, May 1, 2023, and onward, includes the impact of pushdown accounting and is referred to as the "Successor" period.

As it relates to the results of operations, while the Successor period and the Predecessor period are distinct reporting periods, the effects of the change of control for financial statement purposes did not have a material impact on the comparability of our results of operations between the periods, unless otherwise noted related to the impact from pushdown accounting.

 

Successor

 

 

Predecessor

 

 

Successor

 

 

Predecessor

 

Three Months
Ended April 30,

 

 

Three Months
Ended April 30,

 

 

Nine Months
Ended April 30,

 

 

Nine Months
Ended April 30,

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

(in thousands)

Net revenue

$

43,855

 

 

 

$

46,142

 

 

 

$

128,240

 

 

 

$

148,283

 

Net income

 

71,660

 

 

 

 

3,029

 

 

 

 

81,442

 

 

 

 

7,460

 

Adjusted EBITDA*

$

4,451

 

 

 

$

5,233

 

 

 

$

11,908

 

 

 

$

17,145

 

Adjusted EBITDA margin*

 

10.1

%

 

 

 

11.3

%

 

 

 

9.3

%

 

 

 

11.6

%

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

8,767

 

 

 

 

(588

)

 

 

 

15,428

 

 

 

 

9,000

 

Additions to property and equipment

 

(1,211

)

 

 

 

(445

)

 

 

 

(2,911

)

 

 

 

(1,311

)

Free cash flow*

$

7,556

 

 

 

$

(1,033

)

 

 

$

12,517

 

 

 

$

7,689

 

*

See reconciliations of these non-GAAP measurements to the most directly comparable GAAP measures included in the financial tables. See also "Note Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measurements" below for the definitions of these non-GAAP measures.

Comparison of the Third Quarter and Nine Months Ended April 30, 2024 and 2023

 

Successor

 

 

Predecessor

 

 

 

Successor

 

 

Predecessor

 

 

 

Three Months
Ended April 30,

 

 

Three Months
Ended April 30,

 

 

 

Nine Months
Ended April 30,

 

 

Nine Months
Ended April 30,

 

 

 

(unaudited in thousands)

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

Fav (Unfav) ($)

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

Fav (Unfav) ($)

Net revenue

$

43,855

 

 

 

$

46,142

 

 

$

(2,287

)

 

$

128,240

 

 

 

$

148,283

 

 

$

(20,043

)

Cost of revenue

 

(30,838

)

 

 

 

(33,218

)

 

 

2,380

 

 

 

(92,402

)

 

 

 

(108,031

)

 

 

15,629

 

Gross profit

 

13,017

 

 

 

 

12,924

 

 

 

93

 

 

 

35,838

 

 

 

 

40,252

 

 

 

(4,414

)

Gross profit percentage

 

29.7

%

 

 

 

28.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

27.9

%

 

 

 

27.1

%

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

(9,144

)

 

 

 

(12,619

)

 

 

3,475

 

 

 

(26,670

)

 

 

 

(33,463

)

 

 

6,793

 

Amortization

 

(893

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(893

)

 

 

(2,661

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,661

)

Interest expense

 

(243

)

 

 

 

(914

)

 

 

671

 

 

 

(739

)

 

 

 

(2,588

)

 

 

1,849

 

Other gains, net

 

1,123

 

 

 

 

4,489

 

 

 

(3,366

)

 

 

8,739

 

 

 

 

4,889

 

 

 

3,850

 

Total costs and expenses

 

(39,995

)

 

 

 

(42,262

)

 

 

2,267

 

 

 

(113,733

)

 

 

 

(139,193

)

 

 

25,460

 

Income before income taxes

 

3,860

 

 

 

 

3,880

 

 

 

(20

)

 

 

14,507

 

 

 

 

9,090

 

 

 

5,417

 

Income tax benefit (expense)

 

67,800

 

 

 

 

(851

)

 

 

68,651

 

 

 

66,935

 

 

 

 

(1,630

)

 

 

68,565

 

Net income

$

71,660

 

 

 

$

3,029

 

 

$

68,631

 

 

$

81,442

 

 

 

$

7,460

 

 

$

73,982

 

Net Revenue

Net revenue for the third quarter decreased $2.3 million, or 5.0%, as compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year. This decrease in net revenue was primarily driven by lower volumes and loss of programs associated with existing clients in the computing and consumer electronics markets, offset partially by new business revenue with a client in the consumer electronics market.

Net revenue for the nine months ended April 30, 2024 decreased $20.0 million, or 13.5%, as compared to the nine months ended April 30, 2023. This decrease in net revenue was primarily driven by lower volumes associated with existing clients in the computing and consumer electronics markets, partially offset by new business revenue with a client in the consumer electronics market. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates had an insignificant impact on net revenues for the three and nine month periods ended April 30, 2024 and 2023.

Cost of Revenue

Total cost of revenue decreased by $2.4 million, or 7.2%, for the third quarter, as compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year. This was primarily driven by a decrease in cost of materials procured on behalf of our clients of $2.3 million as a result of lower sales volumes associated with existing clients in the computing and consumer electronics markets.

Total cost of revenue decreased by $15.6 million, or 14.5%, for the nine months ended April 30, 2024, as compared to the nine months ended April 30, 2023. This was primarily driven by a decrease in cost of materials procured on behalf of our clients of $15.1 million as a result of lower sales volumes associated with existing clients in the computing and consumer electronics markets, along with a decrease in payroll, benefits and labor in support of customers in the consumer electronics market. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates had an insignificant impact on cost of revenues for the three and nine month periods ended April 30, 2024 and 2023.

Gross Profit Margin

Gross profit remained relatively flat in the third quarter as compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year. Gross profit percentage increased 170 basis points to 29.7% from 28.0% in the third quarter as compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year, primarily due to a decrease in cost of materials as discussed above.

Gross profit decreased $4.4 million or 11.0% in the nine months ended April 30, 2024 as compared to the nine months ended April 30, 2023, primarily driven by lower sales volume discussed above. The gross profit percentage increased 80 basis points to 27.9% from 27.1%, primarily due to changes in customer sales mix. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates had an insignificant impact on the Company's gross margin for the three and nine month periods ended April 30, 2024 and 2023.

Selling, General and Administrative

Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses during the third quarter decreased by approximately $3.5 million, or 27.5%, as compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year due to Corporate-level activity, driven by a decrease in legal fees and board fees, partially offset by an increase in expenses related to mergers and acquisitions activity.

SG&A expenses decreased by approximately $6.8 million, or 20.3%, during the nine months ended April 30, 2024 as compared to the nine months ended April 30, 2023. SG&A expenses for ModusLink Corporation ("Supply Chain") decreased by $0.8 million primarily due to bad debt expense recorded for a client in the consumer products industry during the nine months ended April 30, 2023 that did not reoccur during the nine months ended April 30, 2024. Corporate-level activity decreased by $6.0 million, primarily due to a decrease in legal and other professional fees, offset partially by an increase in expenses related to mergers and acquisitions activity. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates did not have a significant impact on SG&A expenses for the three and nine month periods ended April 30, 2024 and 2023.

Amortization Expense

Amortization expense of $0.9 million and $2.7 million for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2024, respectively, was driven by the recognition of intangible assets in connection with the application of pushdown accounting discussed above.

Interest Expense

Interest expense during the three and nine months ended April 30, 2024 decreased $0.7 million and $1.8 million, respectively, as compared to the three and nine months ended April 30, 2023, primarily due to the cessation of the amortization of the discount on the 7.50% Convertible Senior Note due September 1, 2024 (the “SPHG Note”) as of May 1, 2023 in connection with the application of pushdown accounting discussed above.

Other Gains, Net

Other gains, net are primarily composed of investment gains (losses), fair value remeasurement gains (losses), foreign exchange gains (losses), interest income, and sublease income.

The Company recorded $1.1 million to Other gains, net for the three months ended April 30, 2024, driven by $3.7 million interest income, primarily due to interest earned on money market funds, offset by $2.1 million of net realized and unrealized losses recognized on investments, and $0.6 million in foreign exchange losses. The Company recorded $4.5 million to Other gains, net, for the three months ended April 30, 2023 primarily due to: (1) $1.9 million gain from proceeds received from the sale of an investment, (2) $1.4 million gain due to settlement with a client, (3) $0.5 million interest income, and (4) $0.3 million foreign exchange gains.

The Company recorded $8.7 million to Other gains, net for the nine months ended April 30, 2024, due to $10.4 million interest income primarily earned on money market funds. This activity was partially offset by $1.5 million of net realized and unrealized losses recognized on investments, and $0.4 million unrealized losses recognized as a result of the fair value remeasurement of the SPHG Note. The Company recorded $4.9 million to Other gains, net, for the nine months ended April 30, 2023, primarily due to: (1) $1.9 million gain from proceeds received from the sale of an investment, (2) $1.4 million gain due to settlement with a client, (3) $0.9 million interest income, and (4) $0.8 million sublease income. These gains were partially offset by $0.5 million foreign exchange losses.

Income Tax Benefit (Expense)

During the third quarter, the Company recorded income tax benefit of approximately $67.8 million as compared to $0.9 million income tax expense for the same period in the prior fiscal year. During the nine months ended April 30, 2024, the Company recorded income tax benefit of approximately $66.9 million as compared to $1.6 million income tax expense for the nine months ended April 30, 2023. The favorable change in income tax for both periods is due to the Company's release of a portion of its valuation allowance for certain pre-existing Company deferred tax assets. The release resulted in a one-time non-cash adjustment to income tax benefit of $71.5 million for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2024.

Net Income

Net income for the third quarter increased $68.6 million as compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year, and increased $74.0 million for the nine months ended April 30, 2024 as compared to the nine months ended April 30, 2023. The increase in net income for both periods is due primarily to the one-time non-cash, significant income tax benefit accounting adjustment booked during the third quarter of 2024.

Additions to Property and Equipment (Capital Expenditures)

Capital expenditures for the third quarter totaled $1.2 million, or 2.8% of net revenue, as compared to $0.4 million, or 1.0% of net revenue, for the same period in the prior fiscal year.

Capital expenditures for the nine months ended April 30, 2024 totaled $2.9 million, or 2.3% of net revenue, as compared to $1.3 million, or 0.9% of net revenue, for the nine months ended April 30, 2023.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA decreased $0.8 million, or 14.9%, for the third quarter as compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year, primarily due to lower strategic consulting and other related professional fees.

Adjusted EBITDA decreased $5.2 million, or 30.5%, for the nine months ended April 30, 2024 as compared to the nine months ended April 30, 2023, primarily due to lower strategic consulting and other related professional fees.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of April 30, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $269.2 million and ModusLink had readily available borrowing capacity of $11.9 million under its revolving credit facility with Umpqua Bank.

As of April 30, 2024, the fair value of outstanding debt was $12.9 million, which was comprised of $12.9 million principal outstanding on the SPHG Note.

About Steel Connect, Inc.

Steel Connect, Inc. is a holding company whose wholly-owned subsidiary, ModusLink Corporation, serves the supply chain management market.

ModusLink is an end-to-end global supply chain solutions and e-commerce provider serving clients in markets such as consumer electronics, communications, computing, medical devices, software and retail. ModusLink designs and executes critical elements in its clients' global supply chains to improve speed to market, product customization, flexibility, cost, quality and service. These benefits are delivered through a combination of industry expertise, innovative service solutions, and integrated operations, proven business processes, an expansive global footprint and world-class technology. ModusLink also produces and licenses an entitlement management solution powered by its enterprise-class Poetic software, which offers a complete solution for activation, provisioning, entitlement subscription, and data collection from physical goods (connected products) and digital products. ModusLink has an integrated network of strategically located facilities in various countries, including numerous sites throughout North America, Europe and Asia.

– Financial Tables Follow –

Steel Connect, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands)

 

 

Successor

 

April 30, 2024

 

July 31, 2023

 

(unaudited)

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

269,237

 

$

121,372

Accounts receivable, trade, net

 

31,873

 

 

28,616

Inventories, net

 

7,474

 

 

8,569

Funds held for clients

 

3,139

 

 

2,031

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

2,727

 

 

158,686

Total current assets

 

314,450

 

 

319,274

Property and equipment, net

 

5,153

 

 

3,698

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 

22,907

 

 

27,098

Investments

 

14,293

 

 

Other intangible assets, net

 

31,929

 

 

34,589

Goodwill

 

22,785

 

 

22,785

Deferred tax assets

 

71,065

 

 

317

Other assets

 

2,880

 

 

3,420

Total assets

$

485,462

 

$

411,181

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES, CONTINGENTLY REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

Accounts payable

$

27,494

 

$

26,514

Accrued expenses

 

23,057

 

 

26,774

Funds held for clients

 

3,031

 

 

1,949

Current lease obligations

 

8,890

 

 

7,973

Convertible note payable

 

12,903

 

 

Other current liabilities

 

4,333

 

 

4,544

Total current liabilities

 

79,708

 

 

67,754

Convertible note payable

 

 

 

12,461

Long-term lease obligations

 

14,444

 

 

19,161

Other long-term liabilities

 

4,997

 

 

5,442

Total long-term liabilities

 

19,441

 

 

37,064

Total liabilities

 

99,149

 

 

104,818

 

 

 

 

Contingently redeemable preferred stock

 

237,733

 

 

237,739

 

 

 

 

Total stockholders' equity

 

148,580

 

 

68,624

Total liabilities, contingently redeemable preferred stock and stockholders' equity

$

485,462

 

$

411,181

 

Steel Connect, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

 

Successor

 

 

Predecessor

 

Successor

 

 

Predecessor

 

Three Months
Ended
April 30,

 

 

Three Months
Ended
April 30,

 

Nine Months
Ended
April 30,

 

 

Nine Months
Ended
April 30,

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

2024

 

 

2023

Net revenue

$

43,855

 

 

 

$

46,142

 

 

$

128,240

 

 

 

$

148,283

 

Cost of revenue

 

30,838

 

 

 

 

33,218

 

 

 

92,402

 

 

 

 

108,031

 

Gross profit

 

13,017

 

 

 

 

12,924

 

 

 

35,838

 

 

 

 

40,252

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

9,144

 

 

 

 

12,619

 

 

 

26,670

 

 

 

 

33,463

 

Amortization

 

893

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,661

 

 

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

 

10,037

 

 

 

 

12,619

 

 

 

29,331

 

 

 

 

33,463

 

Operating income

 

2,980

 

 

 

 

305

 

 

 

6,507

 

 

 

 

6,789

 

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

3,656

 

 

 

 

452

 

 

 

10,374

 

 

 

 

928

 

Interest expense

 

(243

)

 

 

 

(914

)

 

 

(739

)

 

 

 

(2,588

)

Other gains, net

 

(2,533

)

 

 

 

4,037

 

 

 

(1,635

)

 

 

 

3,961

 

Total other income

 

880

 

 

 

 

3,575

 

 

 

8,000

 

 

 

 

2,301

 

Income before income taxes

 

3,860

 

 

 

 

3,880

 

 

 

14,507

 

 

 

 

9,090

 

Income tax (benefit) expense

 

(67,800

)

 

 

 

851

 

 

 

(66,935

)

 

 

 

1,630

 

Net income

 

71,660

 

 

 

 

3,029

 

 

 

81,442

 

 

 

 

7,460

 

Less: Preferred dividends on Series C redeemable preferred stock

 

(531

)

 

 

 

(519

)

 

 

(1,604

)

 

 

 

(1,593

)

Net income available to common stockholders

$

71,129

 

 

 

$

2,510

 

 

$

79,838

 

 

 

$

5,867

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common shares - basic

$

2.73

 

 

 

$

0.39

 

 

$

3.07

 

 

 

$

0.91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common shares - diluted

$

2.51

 

 

 

$

0.36

 

 

$

2.88

 

 

 

$

0.89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding - basic

 

6,224

 

 

 

 

6,461

 

 

 

6,211

 

 

 

 

6,449

 

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding - diluted

 

28,599

 

 

 

 

8,431

 

 

 

28,580

 

 

 

 

8,417

 

 

Steel Connect, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

Successor

 

 

Predecessor

 

Nine Months
Ended
April 30,

 

 

Nine Months
Ended
April 30,

 

2024

 

 

2023

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

81,442

 

 

 

$

7,460

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

1,324

 

 

 

 

1,427

 

Amortization of finite-lived intangible assets

 

2,661

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of deferred financing costs

 

 

 

 

 

36

 

Accretion of debt discount

 

 

 

 

 

1,688

 

Share-based compensation

 

459

 

 

 

 

529

 

Deferred taxes

 

(71,550

)

 

 

 

 

Non-cash lease expense

 

6,838

 

 

 

 

6,760

 

Bad debt expense

 

 

 

 

 

1,136

 

Other losses (gains), net

 

1,635

 

 

 

 

(3,962

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

(3,632

)

 

 

 

2,933

 

Inventories, net

 

808

 

 

 

 

1,440

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

1,363

 

 

 

 

(1,237

)

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

(1,725

)

 

 

 

(3,886

)

Refundable and accrued income taxes, net

 

(117

)

 

 

 

(829

)

Other assets and liabilities

 

(4,078

)

 

 

 

(4,495

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

15,428

 

 

 

 

9,000

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

Purchases of investments

 

(18,869

)

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from sales of investments

 

157,599

 

 

 

 

1,881

 

Additions of property and equipment

 

(2,911

)

 

 

 

(1,311

)

Proceeds from the disposition of property and equipment

 

 

 

 

 

166

 

Net cash provided by investing activities

 

135,819

 

 

 

 

736

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

Preferred dividend payments

 

(1,604

)

 

 

 

(1,593

)

Payment of deferred financing costs

 

 

 

 

 

(149

)

Repayments on debt

 

 

 

 

 

(1,000

)

Repayments on capital lease obligations

 

 

 

 

 

(38

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(1,604

)

 

 

 

(2,780

)

Net effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

(670

)

 

 

 

895

 

Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

148,973

 

 

 

 

7,851

 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period

 

123,403

 

 

 

 

58,045

 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period

$

272,376

 

 

 

$

65,896

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

269,237

 

 

 

$

62,738

 

Restricted cash for funds held for clients, end of period

 

3,139

 

 

 

 

3,158

 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period

$

272,376

 

 

 

$

65,896

 

 

Steel Connect, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Segment Data

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

Successor

 

 

Predecessor

 

Successor

 

 

Predecessor

 

Three Months
Ended
April 30,

 

 

Three Months
Ended
April 30,

 

Nine Months
Ended
April 30,

 

 

Nine Months
Ended April
30,

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

(Unaudited)

Net revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supply Chain

$

43,855

 

 

 

$

46,142

 

 

$

128,240

 

 

 

$

148,283

 

Total segment net revenue

 

43,855

 

 

 

 

46,142

 

 

 

128,240

 

 

 

 

148,283

 

Operating income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supply Chain

 

4,448

 

 

 

 

5,249

 

 

 

10,187

 

 

 

 

16,488

 

Total segment operating income

 

4,448

 

 

 

 

5,249

 

 

 

10,187

 

 

 

 

16,488

 

Corporate-level activity

 

(1,468

)

 

 

 

(4,944

)

 

 

(3,680

)

 

 

 

(9,699

)

Total operating income

 

2,980

 

 

 

 

305

 

 

 

6,507

 

 

 

 

6,789

 

Total other income, net

 

880

 

 

 

 

3,575

 

 

 

8,000

 

 

 

 

2,301

 

Income before income taxes

$

3,860

 

 

 

$

3,880

 

 

$

14,507

 

 

 

$

9,090

 

Steel Connect, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures to GAAP Measures

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliations:

 

 

Successor

 

 

Predecessor

 

Successor

 

 

Predecessor

 

Three Months
Ended
April 30,

 

 

Three Months
Ended
April 30,

 

Nine Months
Ended
April 30,

 

 

Nine Months
Ended
April 30,

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

2024

 

 

2023

Net income

$

71,660

 

 

 

$

3,029

 

 

$

81,442

 

 

 

$

7,460

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

(3,656

)

 

 

 

(452

)

 

 

(10,374

)

 

 

 

(928

)

Interest expense

 

243

 

 

 

 

914

 

 

 

739

 

 

 

 

2,588

 

Income tax expense

 

(67,800

)

 

 

 

851

 

 

 

(66,935

)

 

 

 

1,630

 

Depreciation

 

439

 

 

 

 

502

 

 

 

1,324

 

 

 

 

1,427

 

Amortization

 

893

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,661

 

 

 

 

 

EBITDA

 

1,779

 

 

 

 

4,844

 

 

 

8,857

 

 

 

 

12,177

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Strategic consulting and other related professional fees

 

 

 

 

 

3,786

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,617

 

Executive severance and employee retention

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(150

)

Restructuring and restructuring-related expense

 

8

 

 

 

 

97

 

 

 

132

 

 

 

 

97

 

Share-based compensation

 

162

 

 

 

 

174

 

 

 

459

 

 

 

 

529

 

Loss (gain) on sale of long-lived assets

 

 

 

 

 

(145

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(129

)

Unrealized foreign exchange losses (gains), net

 

517

 

 

 

 

(167

)

 

 

835

 

 

 

 

3,561

 

Other non-cash losses (gains), net

 

1,985

 

 

 

 

(3,356

)

 

 

1,625

 

 

 

 

(3,557

)

Adjusted EBITDA

$

4,451

 

 

 

$

5,233

 

 

$

11,908

 

 

 

$

17,145

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenue

$

43,855

 

 

 

$

46,142

 

 

$

128,240

 

 

 

$

148,283

 

Adjusted EBITDA margin

 

10.1

%

 

 

 

11.3

%

 

 

9.3

%

 

 

 

11.6

%

Free Cash Flow Reconciliation:

 

 

Successor

 

 

Predecessor

 

Successor

 

 

Predecessor

 

Three Months
Ended
April 30,

 

 

Three Months
Ended
April 30,

 

Nine Months
Ended April 30,

 

 

Nine Months
Ended April 30,

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

2024

 

 

2023

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

8,767

 

 

 

$

(588

)

 

$

15,428

 

 

 

$

9,000

 

Additions to property and equipment

 

(1,211

)

 

 

 

(445

)

 

 

(2,911

)

 

 

 

(1,311

)

Free cash flow

$

7,556

 

 

 

$

(1,033

)

 

$

12,517

 

 

 

$

7,689

 

 

Net Cash (Debt) Reconciliation:

 

 

Successor

 

April 30, 2024

 

July 31, 2023

Total debt, net

 

(12,903

)

 

 

(12,461

)

Cash and cash equivalents

 

269,237

 

 

 

121,372

 

Net cash

$

256,334

 

 

$

108,911

 

Note Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measurements

In addition to the financial measures prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the Company uses EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Free Cash Flow and Net Cash (Debt), all of which are non-GAAP financial measures, to assess its performance. EBITDA represents earnings (losses) before interest income, interest expense, income tax expense (benefit), depreciation, and amortization. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) excluding net charges related to interest income, interest expense, income tax expense (benefit), depreciation, amortization, strategic consulting and other related professional fees, executive severance and employee retention, restructuring and restructuring-related expense, share-based compensation, (gain) loss on sale of long-lived assets, impairment of long-lived assets, unrealized foreign exchange (gains) losses, net, and other non-cash (gains) losses, net. The Company defines Free Cash Flow as net cash provided by (used in) operating activities less additions to property and equipment, and defines Net Cash (Debt) as the sum of total debt, excluding reductions for unamortized discounts and issuance costs, less cash and cash equivalents.

We believe that providing these non-GAAP measurements to investors is useful, as these measures provide important supplemental information of our performance to investors and permit investors and management to evaluate the operating performance of our business. These measures provide useful supplemental information to management and investors regarding our operating results as they exclude certain items whose fluctuation from period-to-period do not necessarily correspond to changes in the operating results of our business. We use EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA in internal forecasts and models when establishing internal operating budgets, supplementing the financial results and forecasts reported to our Board of Directors, determining a component of certain incentive compensation for executive officers and other key employees based on operating performance, determining compliance with certain covenants in the Company's credit facilities, and evaluating short-term and long-term operating trends in our core business. We use Free Cash Flow to conduct and evaluate our business because, although it is similar to cash flow from operations, we believe it is a useful measure of cash flows since purchases of property and equipment are a necessary component of ongoing operations, and similar to the use of Net Cash (Debt), assists management with its capital planning and financing considerations.

We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures assist in providing an enhanced understanding of our underlying operational measures to manage our core businesses, to evaluate performance compared to prior periods and the marketplace, and to establish operational goals. Further, we believe that these non-GAAP financial adjustments are useful to investors because they allow investors to evaluate the effectiveness of the methodology and information used by management in our financial and operational decision-making. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial information provided in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures may not be computed in the same manner as similarly titled measures used by other companies.

Some of the limitations of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA include:

  • EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs;
  • EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect our interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on our debt;
  • EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect our tax expense or the cash requirements to pay our taxes;
  • EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect historical capital expenditures or future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments;
  • although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements; and
  • other companies in our industry may calculate EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA differently, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures.

In addition, Net Cash (Debt) assumes the Company's cash and cash equivalents can be used to reduce outstanding debt without restriction, while Free Cash Flow has limitations due to the fact that it does not represent the residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures and excludes the Company's remaining investing activities and financing activities, including the requirement for principal payments on the Company's outstanding indebtedness.

See reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures included in the financial tables of this release.

Net Operating Loss Carryforwards

The Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Protective Amendment”) and Amended Tax Benefits Preservation Plan (the “Tax Plan”) includes provisions designed to protect the tax benefits of the Company's net operating loss carryforwards by preventing certain transfers of our securities that could result in an "ownership change" (as defined under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code). The Protective Amendment generally restricts any direct or indirect transfer if the effect would be to (i) increase the direct, indirect or constructive ownership of any stockholder from less than 4.99 percent to 4.99 percent or more of the shares of common stock then outstanding or (ii) increase the direct, indirect or constructive ownership of any stockholder owning or deemed to own 4.99 percent or more of the shares of common stock then outstanding. Pursuant to the Protective Amendment, any direct or indirect transfer attempted in violation of the Protective Amendment would be void as of the date of the prohibited transfer as to the purported transferee (or, in the case of an indirect transfer, the ownership of the direct owner of the shares would terminate simultaneously with the transfer), and the purported transferee (or in the case of any indirect transfer, the direct owner) would not be recognized as the owner of the shares owned in violation of the Protective Amendment (the "excess stock") for any purpose, including for purposes of voting and receiving dividends or other distributions in respect of such shares, or in the case of options, receiving shares in respect of their exercise. Pursuant to the Tax Plan and subject to certain exceptions, if a stockholder (or group) becomes a 4.99-percent stockholder after adoption of the Tax Plan, certain rights attached to each outstanding share of our common stock would generally become exercisable and entitle stockholders (other than the new 4.99-percent stockholder or group) to purchase additional shares of the Company at a significant discount, resulting in substantial dilution in the economic interest and voting power of the new 4.99-percent stockholder (or group). In addition, under certain circumstances in which the Company is acquired in a merger or other business combination after a non-exempt stockholder (or group) becomes a new 4.99-percent stockholder, each holder of a right (other than the new 4.99-percent stockholder or group) would then be entitled to purchase shares of the acquiring company's common stock at a discount. For further discussion of the Company's tax benefits preservation plan, please see the Company's filings with the SEC.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements in this release that are not historical facts are hereby identified as "forward-looking statements" for the purpose of the safe harbor provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including without limitation, those with respect to the Company's goals, plans, expectations and strategies set forth herein are forward-looking statements. The following important factors and uncertainties, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements: changes in the Company’s relationships with significant clients; fluctuations in demand for our products and services; the Company’s ability to achieve and sustain operating profitability; demand variability from clients without minimum purchase requirements; general economic conditions and public health crises; intense competition in the Company’s business; risks relating to impairment, misappropriation, theft and credit-related issues with respect to funds held for the Company’s clients; a decrease in our key business sectors or a reduction in consumer demand; our ability to maintain adequate inventory levels; our ability to raise or access capital in the future; difficulties increasing operating efficiencies and effecting cost savings; loss of essential employees or an inability to recruit and retain personnel; the Company's ability to execute on its business strategy and to achieve anticipated synergies and benefits from business acquisitions; risks inherent with conducting international operations, including the Company’s operations in Mainland China; the risk of damage, misappropriation or loss of the physical or intellectual property of the Company’s clients; disruptions in or breaches of the Company’s technology systems; failure to settle disputes and litigation on terms favorable to the Company; the Company's ability to preserve and monetize its net operating losses; changes in tax rates, laws or regulations; the vast majority of the voting power of our capital stock is owned and controlled by Steel Partners Holdings, L.P.; potential conflicts of interest arising from the interests of the members of the Company’s board of directors in Steel Holdings and its affiliates; risks related to the reverse/forward stock split; potential restrictions imposed by its indebtedness; and potential adverse effects from changes in interest rates. For a detailed discussion of cautionary statements and risks that may affect the Company's future results of operations and financial results, please refer to the Company's filings with the SEC, including, but not limited to, the risk factors in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on November 8, 2023. These filings are available on the Company's Investor Relations website under the "SEC Filings" tab.

All forward-looking statements are necessarily only estimates of future results, and there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from expectations, and, therefore, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Jennifer Golembeske

914-461-1276

investorrelations@steelconnectinc.com

Source: Steel Connect, Inc.

FAQ

What were Steel Connect's net earnings for Q3 2024?

Steel Connect reported net income of $71.66 million for Q3 2024, primarily due to a one-time non-cash tax benefit adjustment.

Why did Steel Connect's revenue decrease in Q3 2024?

Revenue decreased by 5% to $43.85 million in Q3 2024 due to lower volumes in the computing and consumer electronics markets.

How much did Steel Connect's Adjusted EBITDA change in Q3 2024?

Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 14.9% to $4.45 million in Q3 2024.

What is the current liquidity position of Steel Connect?

As of April 30, 2024, Steel Connect had $269.2 million in cash and cash equivalents.

What was the impact of the non-cash tax benefit adjustment on Steel Connect's Q3 2024 results?

The non-cash tax benefit adjustment resulted in a significant increase in net income to $71.66 million for Q3 2024.

What were Steel Connect's capital expenditures for Q3 2024?

Capital expenditures were $1.2 million in Q3 2024, up from $0.4 million in the same period the previous year.

How did Steel Connect's SG&A expenses change in Q3 2024?

SG&A expenses decreased by 27.5% in Q3 2024 due to lower legal and board fees.

Steel Connect, Inc.

NASDAQ:STCN

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Integrated Freight & Logistics
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United States of America
NEW YORK