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Karat Packaging Inc. (KRT) Q1 2024 Earnings: Misses Analyst Revenue and EPS Projections

GuruFocus Research
·3-min read

  • Net Sales: Reported at $95.6 million, slightly below estimates of $99.82 million and marginally down from $95.8 million in the prior-year quarter.

  • Gross Profit: Decreased to $37.6 million from $38.1 million year-over-year, with a gross margin of 39.3%, down from 39.8%.

  • Net Income: Fell to $6.5 million, significantly below the estimated $8.90 million and down from $9.2 million in the prior-year quarter.

  • Earnings Per Share (EPS): Diluted EPS was $0.31, falling short of the estimated $0.45 and below the prior-year quarter's $0.44.

  • Adjusted EBITDA: Decreased to $13.5 million from $15.3 million in the prior-year quarter, with the adjusted EBITDA margin also dropping to 14.2% from 15.9%.

  • Dividend Increase: Quarterly cash dividend raised to $0.35 per share from $0.30 per share.

  • Future Guidance: Expects mid-single digit increase in net sales and a gross margin of 38 to 40 percent for the 2024 second quarter.

Karat Packaging Inc. (NASDAQ:KRT), a key player in the environmentally conscious disposable foodservice products industry, disclosed its financial outcomes for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024, through its 8-K filing. The company reported a slight decrease in net sales and net income compared to the previous year, amidst strategic transitions and market fluctuations.

Company Overview

Karat Packaging Inc. specializes in the distribution and manufacturing of disposable products for the foodservice sector. These products range from packaging and containers to utensils and straws, with a focus on eco-friendly materials through its Karat Earth line. The company serves a broad customer base across the United States, including national and regional restaurants.

Financial Performance Insights

The company posted net sales of $95.6 million for Q1 2024, a slight dip from $95.8 million in the same quarter the previous year, missing analyst expectations of $99.82 million. This decline was influenced by unfavorable pricing comparisons and delayed deliveries, though partially offset by increased volume and product mix enhancements, including the contribution from online sales platform fees.

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Net income for the quarter stood at $6.5 million, down from $9.2 million year-over-year, impacted by a non-cash impairment charge and increased operating expenses related to the expansion of its workforce and leased warehouse spaces. This resulted in earnings per share of $0.31, falling short of the estimated $0.45.

Operational Highlights and Future Outlook

Despite the financial downturn, Karat Packaging has made significant strategic moves, including the operationalization of a new distribution center in Arizona, which is expected to enhance operational efficiencies and reduce costs. The company anticipates mid-single-digit growth in net sales and a gross margin of 38 to 40 percent for the second quarter of 2024.

CEO Alan Yu emphasized the growth in the eco-friendly product line, which saw a 5.6 percent increase in sales, now representing 34.5 percent of total sales. This segment continues to be a focal point for the company's innovation and inventory expansion.

Adjusted Financial Metrics

Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was reported at $13.5 million, a decrease from $15.3 million in the prior year, with the adjusted EBITDA margin also contracting to 14.2 percent from 15.9 percent. The adjusted diluted earnings per share were $0.40, compared to $0.46 in Q1 2023.

Dividend and Shareholder Returns

The board of Karat Packaging approved an increase in the quarterly cash dividend to $0.35 per share, payable on May 24, 2024, signaling confidence in the company's cash flow and financial stability despite the current challenges.

In conclusion, Karat Packaging Inc. faces a challenging market environment but remains steadfast in its strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and capitalize on the growing demand for eco-friendly products. Investors and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how these strategies unfold in the coming quarters.

Explore the complete 8-K earnings release (here) from Karat Packaging Inc for further details.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.