ZK International Group Co., Ltd. Announces Record Revenue of $52.89 Million, an Increase of 6.5% for the First Half of Fiscal Year 2024

Rhea-AI Summary

ZK International Group Co., (ZKIN) reported record revenue of $52.89 million for the first half of fiscal year 2024, a 6.5% increase from the same period last year. The company, which manufactures stainless steel and carbon steel pipe products, saw increased demand due to real estate market recovery. Despite higher revenue, ZKIN experienced a net loss of $0.48 million, compared to a $0.06 million loss in the previous year. Gross profit rose by 5.68% to $3.35 million, but gross margin slightly declined to 6.33% due to rising raw material costs. The company's financial condition shows a current ratio of 1.55 as of March 31, 2024, with cash and equivalents totaling $5.06 million.

Positive

• Record revenue of $52.89 million, a 6.5% year-over-year increase
• Gross profit increased by 5.68% to $3.35 million
• Increased demand for piping products due to real estate market recovery
• Current ratio of 1.55, indicating solid short-term liquidity

Negative

• Net loss widened to $0.48 million from $0.06 million in the previous year
• Slight decline in gross margin to 6.33% due to rising raw material costs
• Operating loss of $0.16 million compared to operating income of $0.14 million last year
• General and administrative expenses increased by 39.26% to $2.01 million

Insights

Financial Analyst

ZK International's financial results for H1 FY2024 present a mixed picture. The company achieved record revenue of $52.89 million, a 6.5% increase year-over-year, primarily driven by increased demand and higher selling prices. However, this growth was offset by rising raw material costs, particularly nickel, which impacted profitability.

The slight decline in gross margin from 6.38% to 6.33% indicates pressure on profitability. More concerning is the shift from an operating income of $0.14 million in H1 FY2023 to an operating loss of $0.16 million in H1 FY2024. This was largely due to a 39.26% increase in general and administrative expenses.

The company's financial position shows some strain, with short-term borrowings increasing from $9.39 million to $13.34 million. The current ratio has also decreased from 1.74 to 1.55, suggesting a tightening of liquidity. Investors should monitor the company's ability to manage costs and improve profitability in the face of challenging market conditions.

Market Research Analyst

The Chinese real estate market recovery has been a key driver for ZK International's revenue growth. This sector's rebound is significant for the company's piping products demand. However, the sustainability of this recovery remains uncertain, given the ongoing challenges in China's property sector.

The company's strategy of increasing average selling prices (ASP) to offset rising raw material costs demonstrates adaptability but has not fully mitigated the impact on margins. This pricing power, or lack thereof, will be important to watch in future quarters.

The 8.60% decrease in selling and marketing expenses, coupled with increased revenue, suggests improved efficiency in customer acquisition. However, the substantial rise in general and administrative expenses is concerning and may indicate underlying operational challenges or investments for future growth.

Investors should closely monitor the company's ability to capitalize on the real estate market recovery while managing costs and improving operational efficiency in a competitive and cost-sensitive industry.

WENZHOU, China, Sept. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ZK International Group Co., Ltd. (ZKIN) ("ZK International" or the "Company"), a designer, engineer, manufacturer, and supplier of patented high-performance stainless steel and carbon steel pipe products primarily used for water and gas supplies, today announced its unaudited financial results for the six months ended March 31, 2024. 

Financial Highlights for the First Half of Fiscal Year 2024

		For the Six Months Ended March 31,
($ millions, except per share data)		2024				2023				% Change
Revenue		$	52.89			$	49.66				6.50 %
Gross profit		$	3.35			$	3.17				5.68 %
Gross margin			6.33 %				6.38 %				-0.05% pp*
Income (loss) from operations		$	(0.16)			$	0.14				(2.14) %
Operating margin			(0.31) %				0.29 %				0.60% pp*
Net loss		$	(0.48)			$	(0.06)				-
Diluted earnings per share		$	(0.01)			$	0.00				-
* pp: percentage point(s)

• Revenue increased 6.50% to a record 52.89 million for the six months ended March 31, 2024 from approximately $49.66 million for the six months ended March 31, 2023. During the first fiscal half of 2024, we observed an increase of demand for our piping products, primarily attributable to the real estate market recovery during the fiscal period. Raw materials price, especially the price of nikel which is an important component of stainless steel, also increased. To minimize the impact the rise of raw material price, we increased our weighted average selling price ("ASP") during the period.
• Gross profit increased by 5.68% to $3.35 million. Gross margin was 6.33%, compared to 6.38% for the same period of the prior fiscal period. The rising costs of raw materials, particularly for stainless steel coil which is a key component of our products, has ourpaced the increase of our ASP which led to a slight decline in gross margin.
• Loss from operations was $0.16 million, compared to income from operations of $0.14 million for the same period of the prior fiscal year. Operating margin was -0.31%, compared to 0.29% for the same period of the prior fiscal year.
• Net loss was $0.48 million. This compared to a net loss of $0.06 million for the same period of the prior fiscal year. 

Financial Results for the First Half of Fiscal Year 2023

Revenue

Revenue increased by $3,231,757 or 6.50%, to $52,887,156 for the six months ended March 31, 2024 from $49,655,399 for the six months ended March 31, 2023. During the first fiscal half of 2024, we observed an increase of demand for our piping products, primarily attributable to the real estate market recovery during the fiscal period. Raw materials price, especially the price of nikel which is an important component of stainless steel, also increased. To minimize the impact the rise of raw material price, we increased our weighted average selling price ("ASP") during the period.

Gross Profit

Our gross profit increased by 181,368, or 5.68%, to $3,350,010 for the six months ended March 31, 2024 from $3,168,642 for the six months ended March 31, 2023. Gross profit margin was 6.33% for the six months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to 6.38% for the six months ended March 31, 2023. The increase of our gross profit was mainly attributable to the recovery of domestic real estate market, however the rising costs of raw materials, particularly for stainless steel coil which is a key component of our products, has outpaced the increase of our ASP which led to a slight decline in gross margin.

Selling and Marketing Expenses

We incurred $880,824 in selling and marketing expenses for the six months ended March 31, 2024, compared to $ 963,655 for the six months ended March 31, 20223. Selling and marketing expenses decreased by $82,831, or 8.60%, during the six months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the six months ended March 31, 2023. This slight decrease is primarily due to decreased marketing expenses.

General and Administrative expenses

We incurred $ 2,010,566 in general and administrative expenses for the six months ended March 31, 2024, compared to $1,443,743 for the six months ended March 31, 2023. General and administrative expenses increased by $566,823 or 39.26%, for the six months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The increase is primarily due to increase in consulting expenses and employee salaries.

Research and Development Expenses

We incurred $622,805 in research and development expenses for the six months ended March 31, 2024, compared to $619,511 for the six months ended March 31, 2023. R&D expenses increased by $3294, or 0.53%, for the six months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. 

Income (loss) from Operations

As a result of the factors described above, we incurred operating loss of $164,185 for the six months ended March 31, 2024, compared to operating income of $141,734 for the six months ended March 31, 2023, a decrease of operating income of $305,919.

Other Income (Expenses)

Our interest income and expenses were $7,868 and $411,045, respectively, for the six months ended March 31, 2024, compared to interest income and expenses of $25,123 and $386,527, respectively, for the six months ended March 31, 2023.

Net Income (loss) 

As a result of the factors described above, we incurred net loss of $481,753  for the six months ended March 31, 2024, compared to net income of $57,080 for the six months ended March 31, 2023, a decrease in profit of $424,673

Financial Condition

As of March 31, 2024, cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments totaled $5.06 million, compared to $5.05 million as of September 30, 2023. Short-term bank borrowings were $13.34 million as of March 31, 2024, compared to $9.39 million as of September 30, 2023. 

Accounts receivable was $20.56 million as of March 31, 2024, compared to $14.97 million as of September 30, 2023. Inventories were $13.39 million as of March 31, 2024, compared to $17.94 million as of September 30, 2023. Accounts payable was $2.18 million as of March 31, 2024, compared to $2.61 million as of September 30, 2023.

Total current assets and current liabilities were $62.05 million and $40.03 million, respectively, leading to a current ratio of 1.55 as of March 31, 2024. This compared to total current assets and current liabilities were $43.25 million and $24.89 million, respectively, and current ratio of 1.74 as of September 30, 2023.

About ZK International Group Co., Ltd.

ZK International Group Co., Ltd. is a China-based designer, engineer, manufacturer, and supplier of patented high-performance stainless steel and carbon steel pipe products that require sophisticated water or gas pipeline systems. The Company owns 33 patents, 21 trademarks, 2 Technical Achievement Awards, and 10 National and Industry Standard Awards. ZK International is Quality Management System Certified (ISO9001), Environmental Management System Certified (ISO1401), and a National Industrial Stainless Steel Production Licensee that is focused on supplying steel piping for the multi-billion dollar industries of Gas and Water sectors. ZK has supplied stainless steel pipelines for over 2,000 projects, including the Beijing National Airport, the "Water Cube", and "Bird's Nest", which were venues for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.  Emphasizing superior properties and durability of its steel piping, ZK International is providing a solution for the delivery of high quality, highly sustainable, environmentally sound drinkable water not only to the China market but also to international markets such as Europe, East Asia, and Southeast Asia.

For more information please visit www.ZKInternationalGroup.com. Additionally, please follow the Company on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Weibo. For further information on the Company's SEC filings please visit www.sec.gov.

Safe Harbor Statement 

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, words such as "may," "will," "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "could," "estimate" or "continue" or the negative or other variations thereof or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantee of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of ZK International. Actual results may differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties, as well as other risk factors that are included in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Although ZK International believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of the assumptions could prove inaccurate and, therefore, there can be no assurance that the results contemplated in forward-looking statements will be realized.  In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking information included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by ZK International or any other person that their objectives or plans will be achieved. ZK International does not undertake any obligation to revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

ZK International Group Co., Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (Unaudited)
(IN U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
		For the Six Months Ended  March 31,
		2024				2023
Revenues			52,887,156			$	49,655,399
Cost of sales			49,537,146				46,486,756
Gross profit			3,350,010				3,168,642
Operating expenses:
Selling and marketing expenses			880,824				963,655
General and administrative expenses			2,010,566				1,443,743
Research and development costs			622,805				619,511
Total operating expenses			3,514,195				3,026,909
Operating Income			164,185				141,734
Other income (expenses):
Interest expenses			(411,045)				(386,527)
Interest income			7,868				25,123
Other income (expenses), net			92,816				162,590
Total other income (expenses), net			(310,361)				(198,814)
Income (Loss) before income taxes			(474,546)				(57,080)
Income tax provision			-				-
Net income (loss)			(481,753)			$	(57,080)
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests							1,663
Net income (loss) attributable to ZK International Group Co., Ltd.			(481,753)			$	(55,417)
Net income (loss)			(481,753)			$	(57,080)
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment							(1,912,369)
Total comprehensive income (loss)			(481,753)				(1,969,449)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests			(9,284)				(10,076)
Comprehensive income attributable to ZK International Group Co., Ltd.			(472,468)				(1,979,525)
Basic and diluted earnings per share
Basic			-				-
Diluted			-				-
Weighted average number of shares outstanding
Basic			31,445,962				30,392,940
Diluted			31,445,962				30,518,893

 

ZK International Group Co., Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As of March 31, 2024 and September 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
(IN U.S. DOLLARS)
		2024 (Unaudited)				2023
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$	4,945,913			$	4,994,411
Restricted cash			65,379				50,995
Short-term Investment			48,650				48,145
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $6,686,864 and $6,617,485, respectively			20,556,288				14,967,186
Notes receivable			269,424				54,825
Other receivables			6,022,949				383,413
Due from related parties			1,532,776				-
Inventories			13,390,249				17,937,425
Advance to suppliers			15,216,014				4,810,044
Total current assets			62,047,642				43,246,444
Property, plant and equipment, net			7,822,460				7,836,017
Right-of use asset			18,573				43,840
Intangible assets, net			1,446,461				1,437,384
Long-term accounts receivable			5,585,636				5,527,682
Long-term investment			302,760				285,540
TOTAL ASSETS		$	77,223,532			$	58,668,977
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		$	2,178,436			$	2,611,220
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			1,634,393				4,964,892
Lease liability - current portion			21,977				21,749
Accrued payroll and welfare			1,867,631				1,918,415
Advance from customers			16,847,355				821,694
Due to related parties			128,903				1,111,001
Convertible debentures			4,011,224				4,011,224
Short-term bank borrowings			13,336,426				9,388,706
Notes payables			-				41,118
Income tax payable			-				669
Total current liabilities			40,026,345				24,890,689
Bank borrowings – non-current			8,617,093				8,527,686
Lease liability - long term portion			11,935				11,811
TOTAL LIABILITIES		$	48,655,373			$	33,430,186
Equity
Common stock, no par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, 30,392,940 and 30,392,940 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
Additional paid-in capital			76,386,898				72,886,898
Statutory surplus reserve			3,176,556				3,176,556
Subscription receivable			(125,000)				(125,000)
Retained earnings			(48,140,252)				(47,666,657)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			(2,878,739)				(3,190,985)
Total equity attributable to ZK International Group Co., Ltd.			28,419,463				25,080,812
Equity attributable to non-controlling interests			148,696				157,980
Total equity			28,568,159				25,238,792
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY		$	77,223,532			$	58,668,977

 

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SOURCE ZK International Group Co., Ltd.

FAQ

What was ZKIN's revenue for the first half of fiscal year 2024?

ZKIN reported record revenue of $52.89 million for the first half of fiscal year 2024, representing a 6.5% increase from the same period last year.

How did ZKIN's net income change in the first half of fiscal year 2024?

ZKIN reported a net loss of $0.48 million for the first half of fiscal year 2024, compared to a net loss of $0.06 million in the same period of the previous fiscal year.

What factors contributed to ZKIN's revenue growth in the first half of fiscal year 2024?

ZKIN's revenue growth was primarily attributed to increased demand for their piping products due to real estate market recovery and an increase in the weighted average selling price to offset rising raw material costs.

How did ZKIN's gross margin change in the first half of fiscal year 2024?

ZKIN's gross margin slightly declined to 6.33% in the first half of fiscal year 2024, compared to 6.38% in the same period of the previous year, due to rising raw material costs outpacing the increase in average selling prices.