Flexsteel Industries Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results

August 21, 2023  by HFBusiness Staff in Business Strategy, Industry   

Key Results for the Fourth Quarter and Full Year Ended June 30, 2023

~ Net sales for the quarter decreased (15.0%) to $105.8 million compared to $124.5 million in the prior year quarter. For the year, net sales decreased (27.7%) to $393.7 million compared to $544.3 million in the prior year.

~ Fourth quarter net sales grew 6.8% sequentially compared to $99.1 million in the third quarter, which similarly grew 6.4% sequentially compared to $93.1 million in the second quarter.

~ Gross margin increased to 20.0% for the fourth quarter and 18.0% for the year compared to 14.2% in the prior year quarter and 13.4% for the prior year.

~ GAAP operating income of $4.2 million or 4.0% of net sales for the fourth quarter and operating income of $10.5 million or 2.7% of net sales for the year compared to $3.6 million or 2.9% of net sales in the prior year quarter and $6.6 million or 1.2% of net sales for the prior year.

~ GAAP net income per diluted share of $1.91 for the current quarter and net income per diluted share of $2.74 for the current year compared to net loss of ($0.05) in the prior year quarter and net income of $0.28 in the prior year.

~ Non-GAAP¹ net income per diluted share of $0.36 for the quarter and $0.87 for the year compared to net income of $0.41 in the prior year quarter and $0.64 in the prior year.

~ Full year cash flow from operations of $23 million.

¹GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliations follow the financial statements in this press release

President and CEO of Flexsteel Industries, Jerry Dittmer commented on the company’s report, “I am pleased with our fourth quarter financial results. The continued focus on our growth initiatives enabled us to deliver another quarter of solid sequential sales growth as fourth quarter results climbed 6.8% above third quarter sales, which in turn, grew 6.4% over second quarter sales.”

“Despite near-term macroeconomic uncertainty and softening consumer demand within the industry, we are overcoming these headwinds and building strong sales growth momentum which we will carry into fiscal year 2024.”

“As important, we are growing the business profitably. Our operating margins improved sequentially quarter-over-quarter throughout fiscal year 2023, even with increased strategic investments to support long-term growth. While challenging market conditions remain as we start our new fiscal year, I’m confident in our organization’s ability to grow both sales and profits year-over-year given our strong momentum and operational execution.”

“To summarize fiscal year 2023, our team was presented with several hurdles that we had to rise above, most notably a return to pre-pandemic demand levels which was exacerbated by an additional curb in consumer demand due to higher interest rates, rising inflation, and general economic uncertainty.”

“At the same time, the industry experienced pervasive price reductions as many manufacturers and retailers quickly dropped prices in response to lower ocean freight and other cost inputs, forcing others to follow suit. The downward shift in demand early in the year also left many retailers with an oversupply of inventory which subsequently created additional pricing pressures across the industry.”

Dittmer continued, “Despite the significant decline in year over year sales caused by these challenges, our strong team of dedicated employees identified the obstacles early and executed plans to navigate them while delivering profitable growth, which resulted in higher full year operating income of $10.5 million compared to $6.6 million in the prior year.”

“At the same time we made important strides in advancing our strategic growth initiatives: expanding our big box distribution channel, introducing our Zecliner™ sleep solutions recliner and flex™, our contemporary modular furniture solution, and launching the new Charisma brand.”

“We are also proud to have published our first annual ESG report which can be found on our website at www.flexsteelindustries.com. This report lays out the foundation of our approach to environmental, social and governance matters while formalizing our ongoing commitment to sustainable and responsible business practices.”

“While external conditions remain uncertain, I am confident that our long-term growth outlook remains promising. Our team’s commitment to profitable growth, combined with our market momentum, have positioned us to successfully deliver improved earnings and an even stronger balance sheet in fiscal year 2024.”

Mr. Dittmer concludes, “We are focused on executing our strategic growth initiatives, investing in future innovation and other competitive advantages, and delivering sustainable profit improvement through operational efficiencies while continuing to reduce inventory levels and pay down debt. In summary, we’re enthusiastic about fiscal year 2024 and the long-term growth opportunities for the Company while being attentive to navigating near-term ambiguity in the economy and furniture industry outlook.”