•
Sep 30, 2024

Preformed Line Products Q3 2024 Earnings Report

Preformed Line Products reported an 8% decrease in net sales due to slowdown in spending in the communications end market.

Key Takeaways

Preformed Line Products reported a decrease in net sales by 8% to $147.0 million compared to $160.4 million in the third quarter of 2023. Net income also decreased to $7.7 million, or $1.54 per diluted share, compared to $15.1 million, or $3.03 per diluted share, for the comparable period in 2023. The decline in sales is primarily related to a continuation of the slowdown in spending in the communications end market.

Net sales decreased by 8% to $147.0 million compared to $160.4 million in Q3 2023, primarily due to a slowdown in the communications end market.

Net income for Q3 2024 was $7.7 million, or $1.54 per diluted share, compared to $15.1 million, or $3.03 per diluted share, in Q3 2023.

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 31.2% for Q3 2024, consistent with Q2 2024.

The company remains optimistic about the prospects of the markets and will continue investment in new product development and streamlining manufacturing operations.

Total Revenue
$147M
Previous year: $160M
-8.4%
EPS
$1.54
Previous year: $3.03
-49.2%
Gross Profit
$45.8M
Previous year: $54.1M
-15.4%
Cash and Equivalents
$47.5M
Previous year: $43.7M
+8.6%
Free Cash Flow
$5.79M
Previous year: $32.6M
-82.2%
Total Assets
$592M
Previous year: $607M
-2.4%

Preformed Line Products

Preformed Line Products

Forward Guidance

The company anticipates nearing the final stages of inventory destocking. Focus remains on providing customers with high-quality products and timely service.

Positive Outlook

  • Slower pace of net sales decline.
  • Increase in order backlog.
  • Gross margin percentage has been consistent throughout 2024.
  • Continued investment in new product development.
  • Streamlining of manufacturing operations.

Challenges Ahead

  • Continued softness in the communications end market.
  • Reduction in deployment due to higher borrowing costs.
  • Continued inventory destocking.
  • Uncertainty in global business conditions and the economy due to factors such as inflation and rising interest rates.
  • Potential impact from labor disruptions, military conflict, political instability, and exchange rates.