Karat Packaging, Inc. (NASDAQ:KRT) Q4 2024 Earnings Conference Call March 13, 2025 5:00 PM ET Company Participants Roger Pondel - PondelWilkinson Inc., Investor Relations Alan Yu - Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jian Guo - Chief Financial Officer Conference Call Participants Ryan Meyers - Lake Street Capital Markets Jake Bartlett - Truist Securities Brian Butler - Stifel Michael Francis - William Blair Roger Pondell Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome to Karat Packaging's 2024 fourth quarter conference ...

Karat Packing (KRT) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.29 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.37 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.24 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of -21.62%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this company would post earnings of $0.52 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.47, delivering a surprise of -9.62%.Over the last four quarters, the company ha ...

Karat Packaging Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results — Robust Growth, Including Record Full Year Gross Margin, as Business Continues to Expand — CHINO, Calif, March 13, 2025 – Karat Packaging Inc. (Nasdaq: KRT) ("Karat" or the "Company"), a specialty distributor and manufacturer of environmentally friendly, disposable foodservice products and related items, today announced financial results for its fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024. Fourth Quarter 2024 Highlights Gu ...

— Robust Growth, Including Record Full Year Gross Margin, as Business Continues to Expand — CHINO, Calif., March 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Karat Packaging Inc. (Nasdaq: KRT) (“Karat” or the “Company”), a specialty distributor and manufacturer of environmentally friendly, disposable foodservice products and related items, today announced financial results for its fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024. Fourth Quarter 2024 Highlights Net sales of $101.6 million, up 6.3 percent, from $95.6 mil ...

Core Viewpoint - Karat Packaging Inc. has signed a lease for a new 187,000 square-foot warehouse and distribution center in Chino, California, which will nearly double its current distribution capabilities and support growth initiatives [1][2]. Company Expansion - The new facility will enhance inventory management and ensure faster delivery times, crucial for accommodating the company's growth strategy [2]. - The expansion allows for nearly doubling inventory in California and adding approximately 500 new SKUs of paper products, improving operational efficiencies [3]. Product and Service Offerings - Karat Packaging specializes in disposable foodservice products, including containers, bags, tableware, and eco-friendly options under the Karat Earth® line, which focuses on sustainability [4]. - The company also provides customized solutions, including product development, design, printing, and logistics services [4].

CHINO, Calif., Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Karat Packaging Inc. (“Karat” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: KRT), a specialty distributor and manufacturer of environmentally friendly, disposable foodservice products and related items, today announced it will release its 2024 fourth quarter and full year financial results after market close on Thursday, March 13, 2025. The Company will host an investor conference call on the same day. Call Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025Time: 2:00 p.m. PT/5:00 p.m. ETPhone: 646 ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics - Net sales for Q3 2024 increased by 6.9% to $112.8 million compared to $105.5 million in Q3 2023 [14] - Sales volume grew nearly 10% year-over-year [14] - Gross margin improved to 38.6% in Q3 2024 from 36.9% in Q3 2023, despite higher ocean freight costs [11][17] - Net income increased by 1.3% to $9.3 million in Q3 2024, with a net income margin of 8.2% [19] - Adjusted EBITDA was $14.7 million in Q3 2024, down from $15.2 million in Q3 2023, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 13.0% [20] - Operating cash flow for Q3 2024 was $19.5 million, and the company ended the quarter with $115.6 million in working capital [21] Business Line Performance - Online sales grew by 32.8% in Q3 2024, driven by $3 million in online platform fees [6][15] - Retail and distributor channel sales increased by 9.2% and 3.3% respectively [15] - Sales to national and regional chains remained flat [15] - Eco-friendly product sales grew by 9% year-over-year, representing 33.4% of total sales in Q3 2024 [8] Market Performance - Strong growth was observed in the Midwest, Northwest, and East Coast regions [10] - Sales in California, the company's largest market, stabilized after a sharp decline in previous quarters [10] Strategic Direction and Industry Competition - The company is expanding into the supermarket chain category, with initial shipments to major grocery chains starting in late September and mid-October [7] - A new line of rPET cups and lids, made with over 25% recycled PET material, is expected to launch by the end of Q4 2024 [9] - The company is focusing on eco-friendly product development to enhance its competitive edge [9] - Efforts to optimize inventory sourcing and management, control expenses, and enhance warehouse capabilities are ongoing [12][13] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management is encouraged by the positive momentum and expects Q4 2024 gross margins to remain between 39% and 40% [11][23] - The company reaffirmed its full-year 2024 guidance and expects mid to high single-digit sales growth in Q4 2024 [23] - The Board of Directors approved an increase in the quarterly cash dividend to $0.40 per share, reflecting confidence in the company's liquidity and long-term outlook [22] Other Important Information - The company implemented measures to reduce labor and operating costs, which are expected to yield benefits in Q4 2024 [13] - A new distribution center in the Southeast region is being sought to support anticipated business growth [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on Q4 sales growth guidance [24] - The company expects mid to high single-digit sales growth in Q4 2024, with a double-digit growth rate when excluding a $6 million accounting adjustment from Q4 2023 [25][26][31] Question: Flat revenue in national and regional chains [27] - Pricing adjustments were made to remain competitive, and full annualized volume with a major supermarket chain customer is expected to benefit Q4 2024 [29][30] Question: Supermarket chain opportunity [36] - Initial annualized revenue from new supermarket chain accounts is projected at $5-6 million, with potential growth to $15 million for one account [37] - The company is shifting focus to bakery and deli packaging, which offers higher growth potential compared to traditional cup business [38][39] Question: Eco-friendly product growth [40] - The company is launching new eco-friendly products, including corrugated box takeout containers, to meet rising demand for sustainable packaging [40][41] Question: Gross margin sustainability [43] - Gross margins are expected to remain in the high 30s to low 40s, supported by online sales growth and stabilizing ocean freight costs [44][45] Question: Double-digit growth outlook [49] - The company expects double-digit growth in Q1 2025, driven by strong online sales and new market opportunities [50] Question: Operating cost growth [51] - Increased online advertising expenses are expected to support revenue growth, with a goal to grow online sales to $125 million in 2025 [51] Question: Capital expenditure for growth [52] - Capital expenditure will focus on expanding warehouse space in the Southeast region, with no significant increase in other areas [52] Question: Data breach impact [53] - The company reported no material data breach or monetary damages from a recent incident [53]

Net Sales and Revenue - Net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2024 were $112.8 million, a 6.9% increase compared to $105.5 million in the same period last year, driven by a $9.4 million increase in volume and product mix, and $3.0 million from online sales platform fees, partially offset by a $5.7 million unfavorable pricing comparison[96] - Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, increased by 3.5% YoY to $321.0 million, driven by higher volume and product mix changes[104] Gross Profit and Margin - Gross margin for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was 38.6%, an increase of 170 basis points compared to the same period last year[87] - Gross profit for Q3 2024 increased to $43.5 million, up 11.7% YoY, with gross margin improving to 38.6% from 36.9% in Q3 2023[98] - Gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, increased by 4.7% YoY to $124.5 million, with gross margin improving to 38.8% from 38.4%[107] Net Income - Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $9.3 million, a 1.3% increase compared to $9.1 million in the same period last year[87] - Net income for Q3 2024 was $9.3 million, a slight increase of 1.3% YoY, primarily due to a reduction in income tax provision[103] - Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, decreased by 13.9% YoY to $25.0 million, driven by lower operating income[112] - Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was $25.0 million (7.8% of net sales), compared to $29.0 million (9.4% of net sales) in the same period in 2023[121] Cost of Goods Sold - Cost of goods sold for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $69.3 million, a 4.0% increase compared to $66.6 million in the same period last year, driven by a $1.4 million increase in ocean freight and duty costs and $0.7 million in production expenses[97] - Cost of goods sold for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, increased by 2.8% YoY to $196.5 million, primarily due to higher freight and duty costs[106] Operating Expenses and Income - Operating expenses for Q3 2024 rose to $32.2 million, a 16.9% increase YoY, driven by online sales platform fees and new distribution center costs[100] - Operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, increased by 15.4% YoY to $94.0 million, driven by online sales platform fees and new distribution center costs[108] - Operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, decreased by 18.7% YoY to $30.5 million, primarily due to higher operating expenses[109] Adjusted EBITDA - Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $14.7 million, a 3.4% decrease compared to the same period last year[89] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2024 was $14.7 million, representing 13.0% of net sales, compared to $15.2 million (14.4% of net sales) in Q3 2023[119] - Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was $43.9 million, representing 13.7% of net sales, compared to $51.6 million (16.6% of net sales) in the same period in 2023[121] Cash Flow and Liquidity - The company generated $19.5 million in net cash from operating activities for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $12.0 million in the same period last year[88] - Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was $39.7 million, compared to $43.1 million in the same period in 2023[137] - Net cash provided by investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was $1.8 million, primarily due to $38.6 million in redemptions of short-term investments, partially offset by $33.6 million in purchases of short-term investments[139] - Net cash used in investing activities was $21.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, primarily including $18.0 million in net purchases of short-term investments, $5.4 million of deposits for property and equipment, and $2.9 million for direct purchases of property and equipment[140] - Net cash used in financing activities was $25.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, primarily including $23.0 million of cash dividends paid to shareholders and $2.3 million for the redemption of a non-controlling member's interest in Global Wells[141] - Net cash used in financing activities was $9.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, primarily including $16.9 million of cash dividends paid to shareholders and $0.7 million of term loan repayments, partially offset by $8.0 million of additional borrowings under the 2027 Term Loan[142] Dividends and Financial Liquidity - The company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.40 per share on November 5, 2024, payable on or around November 29, 2024[89] - The company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.40 per share on November 5, 2024, with total dividends paid in the current fiscal year amounting to $23.0 million[130] - The company had financial liquidity of $75.1 million and additional short-term investments of $21.5 million as of September 30, 2024[89] Working Capital and Liabilities - Working capital increased by $5.1 million (4.6%) to $115.6 million as of September 30, 2024, driven by a $15.2 million increase in current assets, partially offset by a $10.1 million increase in current liabilities[135] - The company has an import duty liability reserve of $3.0 million as of September 30, 2024, related to an ongoing investigation by U.S. Customs and Border Protection[129] Loans and Credit Facilities - The company has a $40.0 million revolving loan facility with a standby letter of credit sublimit of $5.0 million, of which $3.8 million was issued as of September 30, 2024, leaving $36.2 million available for borrowing[125] - As of September 30, 2024, the company had $27.8 million outstanding under the 2027 Term Loan and $21.1 million outstanding under the 2026 Term Loan[128] Government Grants and Other Income - The company received government grants totaling $1.5 million and $1.3 million for Lollicup and Global Wells, respectively, as of September 30, 2024, which have not yet been recognized as other income[132] Related Party Transactions and Accounting - Significant related party transactions are detailed in Note 13 of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements[143] - Recent accounting pronouncements are summarized in Note 2 of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements[144] - Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk are not required for smaller reporting companies[145] Distribution Centers and Manufacturing - The company operates a 500,000 square foot distribution center in Rockwall, Texas, a 300,000 square foot distribution center in Chino, California, and a 76,000 square foot distribution center in Kapolei, Hawaii, with selected manufacturing capabilities in all facilities[86] Eco-Friendly Products - Eco-friendly products accounted for 33.4% of total sales during the three months ended September 30, 2024, up from 32.7% in the same period last year[90]

Karat Packing (KRT) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.47 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.52 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.47 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of -9.62%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this company would post earnings of $0.60 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.49, delivering a surprise of -18.33%.Over the last four quarters, the company ha ...

Karat Packaging Reports 2024 Third Quarter Financial Results CHINO, Calif, November 7, 2024 – Karat Packaging Inc. (Nasdaq: KRT) ("Karat" or the "Company"), a specialty distributor and manufacturer of environmentally friendly, disposable foodservice products and related items, today announced financial results for its 2024 third quarter ended September 30, 2024. Third Quarter 2024 Highlights • Net sales of $112.8 million, up 6.9 percent from the prior-year quarter. • Gross profit of $43.5 million, up 11.7 p ...