Flexsteel Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ:FLXS) has demonstrated its resilience in the face of macroeconomic headwinds, delivering impressive financial results in its third quarter of fiscal year 2024. The company's strategic initiatives, operational efficiency, and prudent cost management have enabled it to navigate the challenging industry environment and continue its profitable growth trajectory.
Financials
For the fiscal year 2023, Flexsteel reported annual net income of $14,778,000 and annual revenue of $393,692,000. The company's annual operating cash flow was $22,989,000, and its annual free cash flow reached $18,199,000, showcasing its strong financial position and ability to generate cash.
In the third quarter of fiscal year 2024, Flexsteel reported net sales of $107,219,000, an increase of 8.2% compared to the prior-year quarter. This growth was driven by a 9.7% increase in home furnishings products sold through retail stores, partially offset by a 3.6% decrease in sales of products sold through e-commerce channels. The company's backlog stood at $61.5 million at the end of the quarter, up $6.5 million from the previous quarter, indicating a healthy order pipeline.
Gross margin for the quarter improved significantly, reaching 21.7% compared to 18.8% in the prior-year quarter. This expansion was primarily due to the company's supply chain cost-saving initiatives, fixed cost leverage on higher sales volume, and disciplined pricing. Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses decreased to 16.5% of net sales, down from 16.7% in the prior-year quarter, reflecting leverage on higher sales, partially offset by investments in strategic growth initiatives and higher incentive compensation.
During the quarter, Flexsteel incurred $2.6 million in restructuring expenses related to the closure of its Dublin, Georgia manufacturing facility. Excluding these charges, the company's adjusted operating income was $5.6 million, or 5.2% of net sales, a significant improvement from the prior-year quarter.
Strategic Initiatives
The company's performance was bolstered by its strategic initiatives, which include the expansion of its Charisma brand, enhancements to the Flex collection, the growth of its Zecliner sleep solution, and the introduction of new case goods products. These initiatives, combined with the company's focus on innovation, customer experience, and market expansion, have enabled Flexsteel to gain market share and drive profitable growth.
Outlook
Looking ahead, Flexsteel has provided guidance for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024. The company expects net sales to be in the range of $107 million to $112 million, with GAAP operating margin between 3.5% and 4.3%, and adjusted operating margin between 5.2% and 6.0%. Gross margin is expected to be in the range of 21.5% to 22.0%, with cost savings from the Dublin plant closure partially offset by higher ocean freight costs.
Liquidity
The company's liquidity position remains strong, with $4.6 million in cash and a balance of $14.2 million on its revolving line of credit as of the end of the third quarter. Flexsteel's focus on working capital optimization has enabled it to reduce inventory by $8.6 million during the quarter, while maintaining excellent customer service levels.
Geographic Footprint and Revenue Breakdown
Flexsteel's geographic footprint is primarily focused on the United States, with a small presence in Mexico. The company's revenue breakdown by product category shows that home furnishings products sold through retail stores account for the majority of its sales, with e-commerce sales representing a smaller but still significant portion.
Long-term Strategy
The company's long-term strategy is centered on continued innovation, market expansion, and operational excellence. Flexsteel is committed to investing in new product development, enhancing its customer experience, and pursuing strategic acquisitions that align with its growth objectives and create shareholder value.
Conclusion
Despite the ongoing macroeconomic challenges, Flexsteel has demonstrated its ability to navigate the industry landscape and deliver consistent growth. The company's strong financial performance, strategic initiatives, and focus on operational efficiency position it well for continued success in the future.