Daktronics, Inc. Announces 2024 Fiscal First Quarter Results

BROOKINGS, S.D., Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Daktronics, Inc. (NASDAQ - DAKT) today reported results for its fiscal 2024 first quarter which ended July 29, 2023.

Q1 FY2024 financial highlights:

  • Record first quarter net sales of $232.5 million, a 35.3 percent increase from the first quarter of fiscal 2023
  • Gross profit as a percentage of net sales of 30.6 percent as a result of record sales volume, stable operations and prior strategic pricing actions
  • Operating income rebounded to $40.2 million as compared to an operating loss of $5.5 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2023
  • Product order backlog was $323.7 million(1) at July 29, 2023 compared to $400.7 million at the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 and $469.1 million in the year-earlier period. This change reflects a more stable operating environment and an intentional focus to reduce lead times.

Reece Kurtenbach, Daktronics' Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "Our first quarter of fiscal 2024 performance is a result of strong execution across all business areas. Our teams strategically utilized our capacity to complete the manufacturing and installation for the start of the fall football season in our High School Park and Recreation ("HSPR") and Live Events business units and to bring lead times back down toward pre-pandemic levels.

As we look ahead to the remainder of the current fiscal year, our attention remains focused on our multi-year journey to capture the market's expected growth and broaden our leading market position by offering best in class technologies and services to both our traditional customers as well as new and adjacent markets. We have applied the experience of the preceding two fiscal years to closely monitor the ever-evolving geopolitical and global economic environment and as necessary quickly adjust our resources and market approaches so that we can maintain profitability and cash generation throughout various cycles.

Our teams remain focused on the following priorities and strategies for fiscal year 2024 and beyond:

  • Growing the business profitably while generating cash through working capital management, strategic pricing adjustments, product mix changes and careful expense management
  • Improving operational efficiency to lower costs, reduce lead times and improve the customer experience
  • Developing additional markets for new customer types and channels while continuing to grow in traditional markets
  • Developing more robust integrated business planning systems to surface data available for improved decision making
  • Investing in high-return projects and technologies, including digital technologies for both internal and customer facing uses

First Quarter Income Statement Highlights
Orders for the first quarter of fiscal 2024 decreased 6.8 percent as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2023. The change is primarily related to a decrease in the Commercial business unit caused by volatility in bookings of larger sized Spectacular LED video display projects.

Net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2024 increased by 35.3 percent as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2023. Sales growth was driven by fulfilling orders in backlog, especially in the HSPR business area. The increase is attributable to a stable operating environment, increased manufacturing capacity and realization of price increases. During the first quarter of fiscal 2023, we experienced multiple material supply chain disruptions, labor shortages and a pandemic related shutdown of our facilities in Shanghai, China for a significant portion of the quarter.

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased to 30.6 percent for the first quarter of fiscal 2024 as compared to 15.0 percent a year earlier. The increase in gross profit percentage is attributable to the record sales volume over our cost structure, strategic pricing actions, and fewer supply chain and operational disruptions during the first quarter of fiscal 2024 as compared to a year earlier.

Operating expenses decreased 1.2 percent to $30.9 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 as compared to $31.3 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2023. In the first quarter of fiscal 2023, we had approximately $1.0 million of professional fees related to shareholder engagement.

Operating income as a percent of sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2024 was a positive 17.3 percent, compared to a negative 3.2 percent for the first quarter of fiscal 2023 due to the combined factors discussed above.

The increase in interest income and expense, net for the first quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to closing in May 2023 on the convertible debt, asset-based and mortgage financings at higher values and interest rates than the utilization of our previous line of credit during the 2023 first quarter and write-off of $3.4 million in debt issuance costs related to convertible debt carried at fair value.

For the three months ended July 29, 2023, we recorded a $7.3 million non-cash change in fair value of the convertible note payable which is accounted for under the fair value option.

Our effective tax rate for the three months ended July 29, 2023, was 31.7 percent as compared to an effective tax rate of 15.8 percent for the three months ended July 30, 2022. The higher tax rate is caused by the fair value adjustment to income that is not taxable. Absent any major tax changes, we expect our full year effective tax rate to be in the mid-twenties, before the impacts of fair value accounting for the convertible debt.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow
At the end of the fiscal 2024 first quarter, our working capital ratio was 1.9 to 1. Inventory levels dropped slightly since the end of the fiscal year ended April 29, 2023, and are expected to approach more normalized levels as supply chain disruptions continue to ease and order backlog is fulfilled. Cash, restricted cash and marketable securities totaled $54.9 million, and $41.4 million of long-term debt was outstanding. There were no draw-downs on our line of credit. During the first quarter of fiscal 2024, we generated $19.3 million from operations and used $4.5 million for purchases of property and equipment.

Webcast Information
The company will host a conference call and webcast to discuss its financial results today at 10:00 am (Central Time). This call will be broadcast live at http://investor.daktronics.com and be available for replay shortly after the event.

About Daktronics
Daktronics has strong leadership positions in, and is the world's largest supplier of, large-screen video displays, electronic scoreboards, LED text and graphics displays, and related control systems. The company excels in the control of display systems, including those that require integration of multiple complex displays showing real-time information, graphics, animation, and video. Daktronics designs, manufactures, markets and services display systems for customers around the world in four domestic business units: Live Events, Commercial, High School Park and Recreation, and Transportation, and one International business unit. For more information, visit the company's website at: www.daktronics.com, email the company at investor@daktronics.com, call (605) 692-0200 or toll-free (800) 843-5843 in the United States, or write to the company at 201 Daktronics Dr., P.O. Box 5128, Brookings, S.D. 57006-5128.

Safe Harbor Statement
Cautionary Notice: In addition to statements of historical fact, this news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is intended to enjoy the protection of that Act. These forward-looking statements reflect the Company's expectations or beliefs concerning future events. The Company cautions that these and similar statements involve risk and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations, including, but not limited to, changes in economic and market conditions, management of growth, timing and magnitude of future contracts and orders, fluctuations in margins, the introduction of new products and technology, the impact of adverse weather conditions, increased regulation and other risks described in the company's SEC filings, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for its 2023 fiscal year. Forward-looking statements are made in the context of information available as of the date stated. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise such statements to reflect new circumstances or unanticipated events as they occur.

For more information contact:
INVESTOR RELATIONS:
Sheila M. Anderson, Chief Financial Officer
Tel (605) 692-0200
Investor@daktronics.com


Daktronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
 
 Three Months Ended
 July 29,
2023
 July 30,
2022
Net sales$232,531  $171,920 
Cost of sales 161,384   146,126 
Gross profit 71,147   25,794 
    
Operating expenses:   
Selling 12,929   14,433 
General and administrative 9,599   9,441 
Product design and development 8,403   7,439 
  30,931   31,313 
Operating income (loss) 40,216   (5,519)
    
Nonoperating (expense) income:   
Interest (expense) income, net (4,234)  (60)
Change in fair value of convertible note (7,260)   
Other expense, net (626)  (747)
    
Income (loss) before income taxes 28,096   (6,326)
Income tax expense (benefit) 8,900   (1,000)
Net income (loss)$19,196  $(5,326)
    
Weighted average shares outstanding:   
Basic 45,645   45,097 
Diluted 46,198   45,097 
    
Earnings (loss) per share:   
Basic$0.42  $(0.12)
Diluted$0.42  $(0.12)


Daktronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
 July 29,
2023
 April 29,
2023
ASSETS   
CURRENT ASSETS:   
Cash and cash equivalents$45,775 $23,982
Restricted cash 8,575  708
Marketable securities 539  534
Accounts receivable, net 125,613  109,979
Inventories 144,794  149,448
Contract assets 50,539  46,789
Current maturities of long-term receivables 970  1,215
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 9,848  9,676
Income tax receivables 5  326
Total current assets 386,658  342,657
    
Property and equipment, net 72,080  72,147
Long-term receivables, less current maturities 153  264
Goodwill 3,332  3,239
Intangibles, net 1,090  1,136
Debt issuance costs   3,866
Investment in affiliates and other assets 27,866  27,928
Deferred income taxes 16,839  16,867
TOTAL ASSETS$508,018 $468,104


Daktronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
 July 29,
2023
 April 29,
2023
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY   
CURRENT LIABILITIES:   
Current portion of long-term debt$1,500  $ 
Accounts payable 62,449   67,522 
Contract liabilities 89,318   91,549 
Accrued expenses 31,992   36,005 
Warranty obligations 13,644   12,228 
Income taxes payable 5,514   2,859 
Total current liabilities 204,417   210,163 
    
Long-term warranty obligations 20,926   20,313 
Long-term contract liabilities 14,541   13,096 
Other long-term obligations 5,463   5,709 
Long-term debt, net 41,422   17,750 
Deferred income taxes 202   195 
Total long-term liabilities 82,554   57,063 
    
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:   
Preferred Shares, no par value, authorized 50,000 shares; no shares issued and outstanding     
Common Stock, no par value, authorized 115,000,000 shares; 45,644,800 and 45,488,595 shares issued at July 29, 2023 and April 29, 2023, respectively 63,684   63,023 
Additional paid-in capital 50,816   50,259 
Retained earnings 122,606   103,410 
Treasury Stock, at cost, 1,907,445 shares at January 23, 2023 and April 30, 2022, respectively (10,285)  (10,285)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (5,774)  (5,529)
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 221,047   200,878 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY$508,018  $468,104 


Daktronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
 Three Months Ended
 July 29,
2023
 July 30,
2022
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:   
Net income (loss)$19,196  $(5,326)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:   
Depreciation and amortization 4,669   4,025 
Loss (gain) on sale of property, equipment and other assets 11   (361)
Share-based compensation 557   511 
Equity in loss of affiliates 690   890 
Provision (recovery) for doubtful accounts, net (65)  177 
Deferred income taxes, net 12   12 
Non-cash impairment changes 442    
Change in fair value of convertible note 7,260    
Change in operating assets and liabilities (13,522)  (22,743)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 19,250   (22,815)
    
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:   
Purchases of property and equipment (4,547)  (10,655)
Proceeds from sales of property, equipment and other assets 27   365 
Proceeds from sales or maturities of marketable securities    999 
Purchases of equity and loans to equity investees (1,186)  (1,081)
Net cash used in investing activities (5,706)  (10,372)
    
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:   
Borrowings on notes payable 40,000   92,098 
Payments on notes payable (17,750)  (67,970)
Principal payments on long-term obligations (102)   
Debt issuance cost (5,838)   
Proceed from exercise of stock options 46    
Net cash provided by financing activities 16,356   24,128 
    
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH (240)  80 
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH 29,660   (8,979)
    
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH:   
Beginning of period 24,690   18,008 
End of period$54,350  $9,029 


Daktronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Net Sales and Orders by Business Unit
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
 Three Months Ended
(in thousands)July 29,
2023
 July 30,
2022
 Dollar
Change
 Percent
Change
Net Sales:       
Commercial$46,883 $40,118 $6,765  16.9 %
Live Events 91,999  56,383  35,616  63.2 
High School Park and Recreation 56,234  35,809  20,425  57.0 
Transportation 21,369  19,540  1,829  9.4 
International 16,046  20,070  (4,024) (20.0)
 $232,531 $171,920 $60,611  35.3 %
Orders: (1)       
Commercial$32,434 $47,678 $(15,244) (32.0)%
Live Events 52,203  51,753  450  0.9 
High School Park and Recreation 35,739  37,579  (1,840) (4.9)
Transportation 18,985  15,704  3,281  20.9 
International 19,269  17,509  1,760  10.1 
 $158,630 $170,223 $(11,593) (6.8)%


Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow*
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
 Three Months Ended
 July 29,
2023
 July 30,
2022
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities$19,250  $(22,815)
Purchases of property and equipment (4,547)  (10,655)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment 27   365 
Free cash flow$14,730  $(33,105)
  • In evaluating its business, Daktronics considers and uses free cash flow as a key measure of its operating performance. The term free cash flow is not defined under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") and is not a measure of operating income, cash flows from operating activities or other GAAP figures and should not be considered alternatives to those computations. Free cash flow is intended to provide information that may be useful for investors when assessing period to period results.
Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income (loss)*
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
 Three Months Ended
 July 29,
2023
 July 30,
2022
Net income (loss)$19,196 $(5,326)
Change in fair value of convertible note 7,260   
Debt issuance costs expensed due to fair value of convertible note, net of taxes 2,290   
Adjusted net income (loss)$28,746 $(5,326)
  • Adjusted net income. We disclose adjusted net income as a non-GAAP financial measurement in order to report our results exclusive of items that are non-recurring or not core to our operating business. We believe presenting this non-GAAP financial measurements provides investors with a consistent way to analyze our performance.

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