“In this current soft environment, we continue to take both operational and strategic steps to position the Company for long-term growth and positive shareholder returns. We are pleased to announce that our board has approved a special dividend payable during the second quarter, returning approximately $24 million to investors, in addition to the approximately $5 million through our regular quarterly dividend. With no debt, strong cash generation, and more than $80 million in cash at the end of the first quarter, we can provide this attractive tangible return of capital while still leaving Marine Products with ample liquidity to pursue both organic growth investments and strategic acquisitions,” concluded Palmer.
1Q:24 Consolidated Financial Results: Year-Over-Year Comparisons (versus 1Q:23)
Net sales were $69.3 million, down 42%. The decrease in net sales was primarily due to a 40% decrease in the number of boats sold during the quarter. Price/mix was down 2%, reflecting retail incentives and lower average selling prices. Sales continued to be impacted by dealer efforts to reduce their inventories, due in part to higher floor plan carrying costs. The company believes its sales (as well as those of the broader marine industry) continue to normalize following the period of high post-pandemic demand, and that while boat production and sales have been stabilizing, year-over-year comparisons will likely remain soft in the near term.
Gross profit was $14.0 million, down 52%. Gross margin was 20.2%, down 420 basis points. The year-over-year gross margin change reflected lower sales volumes and associated manufacturing cost inefficiencies, coupled with the impact of higher retail incentive costs. Gross margin increased, however, from the 19.0% reported in 4Q:23, when the Company disclosed the re-initiation of retail incentives. Production schedules and labor costs have been adjusted to more closely align with current demand.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $8.7 million, down 40%, generally in line with the sales decline, and represented 12.6% of net sales, up 40 basis points. The decrease in SG&A expenses was due to costs that vary with sales and profitability, such as incentive compensation, sales commissions and warranty expense. In addition, last year’s first quarter results included a non-cash pension settlement charge of $2.1 million.
Interest income of $851 thousand increased due to higher cash balances and interest rates.
Income tax provision was $1.5 million, or 24.6% of income before income taxes.
Net income and diluted EPS were $4.6 million and $0.13, respectively, down from $11.5 million and $0.34, respectively, in 1Q:23. Net income margin was 6.6%, down 310 basis points.
EBITDA was $5.9 million, down from $15.0 million; EBITDA margin was 8.5%, down 410 basis points.
Balance Sheet, Cash Flow and Capital Allocation
Cash and cash equivalents were $81.2 million at the end of 1Q:24, with no outstanding borrowings under the Company’s $20 million revolving credit facility.
Net cash provided by operating activities and free cash flow were $15.9 million and $15.0 million, respectively, in 1Q:24.
