Flexsteel Industries, Inc. Reports Fiscal Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Results

Flexsteel Industries, Inc. (“Flexsteel” or the “Company”), one of the largest manufacturers, importers, and marketers of residential furniture products in the United States, today reported fourth quarter and full-year fiscal 2023 results.

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

Management Commentary

“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,” said Jerry Dittmer, President and CEO of Flexsteel Industries. “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. 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.”

Mr. Dittmer concludes, “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. 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.”

Operating Results for the Fourth Quarter Ended June 30, 2023

Net sales were $105.8 million for the fourth quarter compared to net sales of $124.5 million in the prior year quarter, a decrease of ($18.7) million, or (15.0%). The decrease was driven by lower sales volume in home furnishings products sold through retail stores of ($19.9) million, or (17.9%), versus the prior-year quarter. Sales of products sold through e-commerce channels increased by $1.2 million or 9.2% compared to the fourth quarter of the prior year.

Gross margin as a percent of net sales for the quarter ended June 30, 2023, was 20.0%, compared to 14.2% for the prior-year quarter, an increase of 580 basis points (“bps”). The 580-bps increase was primarily driven by operational efficiencies and cost savings as well as lower inventory write-downs, partially offset by de-leveraging of fixed costs due to lower net sales.

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses increased to 16.0% of net sales in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 compared with 11.3% of net sales in the prior-year quarter. The increase is primarily due to deleverage of fixed expenses from lower sales as well as continued investment in growth initiatives.

Operating income for the quarter ended June 30, 2023, was $4.2 million compared to $3.6 million in the prior-year quarter.

The Company reported net income of $10.2 million, or $1.91 per diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2023, compared to a net loss of ($0.3) million, or ($0.05) per diluted share, in the prior-year quarter. The reported net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2023, included an $8.3 million income tax benefit primarily due to the reversal of our full valuation allowance on deferred tax assets. Excluding these items (see attached non-GAAP disclosure), the Company reported adjusted net income of $1.9 million, or $0.36 per diluted share, as compared to an adjusted net income of $2.2 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year 2022.

The Company reported income tax benefit of ($6.4) million, or an effective rate of (167.5%), during the fourth quarter compared to $3.6 million tax expense, or an effective rate of 108.1%, in the prior-year quarter. The effective tax rate is primarily impacted by the reversal of our full valuation allowance on deferred tax assets.

Liquidity

The Company ended the quarter with a cash balance of $3.4 million and working capital (current assets less current liabilities) of $115.5 million, and availability of approximately $45.8 million under its secured line of credit.

Capital expenditures for the year ended June 30, 2023, were $4.8 million.

For the full fourth quarter results, click here.

About Flexsteel

Flexsteel Industries, Inc., and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) is one of the largest manufacturers, importers, and marketers of residential furniture products in the United States. Product offerings include a wide variety of furniture such as sofas, loveseats, chairs, reclining rocking chairs, swivel rockers, sofa beds, convertible bedding units, occasional tables, desks, dining tables and chairs, kitchen storage, bedroom furniture, and outdoor furniture. A featured component in most of the upholstered furniture is a unique steel drop-in seat spring from which the name “Flexsteel” is derived. The Company distributes its products throughout the United States through its e-commerce channel and direct sales force.

Contact:

Derek Schmidt – Media Contact – investors@flexsteel.com – (563) 585-8122

Source: Flexsteel Industries, Inc.