Marine Products Corporation reports first quarter 2024 financial results

Marine Products Corporation reports first quarter 2024 financial results © Marine Products Corporation

Marine Products Corporation (NYSE: MPX) ("the Company"), a leading manufacturer of fiberglass boats, announced its unaudited results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024.

*Non-GAAP measures, including EBITDA, EBITDA margin, and free cash flow are reconciled to the most comparable GAAP measures in the appendices of this earnings release.
*All comparisons are year-over-year to 1Q:23 unless stated otherwise.

First Quarter 2024 Highlights

• Net sales decreased 42% year-over-year to $69.3 million
• Net income was $4.6 million, down 60% year-over-year, and diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) was $0.13; net income margin decreased 310 basis points to 6.6%
• Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) was $5.9 million, down 61% year-over-year; EBITDA margin decreased 410 basis points to 8.5%
• Results reflected softer consumer demand and dealer ordering patterns due to higher interest rates and elevated channel inventory industry-wide, with difficult year-over-year comparisons to strong results in early 2023; the Company has taken steps to adjust production and costs
• The Board of Directors approved a regular quarterly dividend of $0.14 per share, as well as a special dividend of $0.70 per share, both payable during 2Q:24, returning an aggregate of approximately $29 million of cash to shareholders

Management Commentary

"First quarter results are indicative of a normalization of the elevated post-pandemic demand we were experiencing during the first quarter of last year, with year-over-year financial comparisons remaining unfavorable," stated Ben M. Palmer, Marine Products' President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our industry continues to navigate an uncertain demand environment and high inventory levels in the retail channel across many boat categories. In addition, higher interest rates versus last year have increased financing costs for consumers and increased floor plan carrying costs for dealers, curbing our order flow and retail sell-through. We have worked diligently to support our dealers by implementing retail incentive programs and modifying boat production schedules to help manage channel inventory, and we have adjusted our cost structure."

"We were encouraged by the Spring boat shows and the excitement around our new products. Our larger, higher-priced boats sold relatively well, but challenges remain for consumers who rely on financing for their boat purchases. We are just now entering the Spring selling season and are optimistic about new boat sales."

"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.

Read the full report here.