Release Date: August 08, 2024
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
Positive Points
- FGI Industries Ltd (FGI, Financial) reported a year-over-year revenue increase of 0.6%, reaching $29.4 million in the second quarter.
- Gross profit grew by 11.9% year-over-year, with gross margin improving to 30.5%, an increase of 310 basis points compared to the second quarter of 2023.
- The Shower Systems business saw a significant revenue increase of 37% compared to the same period last year, driven by new customer programs.
- Covered Bridge kitchen cabinetry revenue increased by 66% in the quarter, supported by strong dealer and customer expansion across the US.
- FGI's geographic expansion plans in Europe and India are progressing, with a new office and showroom opened in India, promising future growth opportunities.
Negative Points
- Sanitaryware revenue declined by 8% year-over-year in the quarter.
- The transition to SAP enterprise software and ongoing import logistics challenges led to extended lead times and shipment delays, impacting second-quarter results.
- Freight rates have more than doubled since December 2023, posing a challenge for cost management.
- Operating expenses increased to $9.4 million from $7.4 million in the prior year due to inflation and investments in growth initiatives.
- GAAP operating income was negative $0.5 million in the quarter, down from $0.6 million the prior year, primarily due to higher operating expenses.
Q & A Highlights
Q: Can you provide details on the SAP enterprise switch and its impact?
A: David Bruce, CEO, explained that SAP was implemented on May 1, 2024. The transition from an outdated ERP system is expected to bring efficiencies, although it caused some shipment delays in Q2. These are not lost sales and are expected to spill over into Q3.
Q: Are you seeing any signs of weakening consumer demand, particularly at the entry level?
A: David Bruce, CEO, noted that they are not experiencing destocking issues and have seen improved order cadence in Bath Furniture. Inventory has increased due to new program launches, and they expect improvement in the second half.
Q: What are your expectations for 2025, considering new products and customers?
A: David Bruce, CEO, expressed optimism about the momentum heading into 2025, driven by new program launches and strong performance in the kitchen business. They aim to outpace macroeconomic challenges with new business opportunities.
Q: What factors influenced the decision to maintain guidance for 2024?
A: David Bruce, CEO, stated that maintaining guidance reflects expectations. While shipping delays due to SAP impacted Q2, they anticipate a sales spike in the second half with new business. They aim to outpace market challenges with incremental sales.
Q: How are freight rates trending, and what is the outlook for Q3?
A: David Bruce, CEO, mentioned that freight rates are climbing, with mixed industry predictions on when they might decrease. They are monitoring costs to protect margins and remain competitive, with no immediate concerns.
Q: What is the updated outlook for the Indian market?
A: David Bruce, CEO, shared that they have secured key distributors and opened an office/showroom in India. An official launch is planned for fall 2024, which will help seed the market and drive growth.
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
