PetIQ Inc (PETQ) Reports Strong Growth in 2023 with Record Net Sales and Cash Flow
Net Sales: Achieved record full year net sales of $1.1 billion, a 19.6% year-over-year increase.
Adjusted EBITDA: Exceeded full year guidance with $104.7 million, a 34.8% increase from the previous year.
Net Income: Reported net income of $2.1 million, with adjusted net income of $36.6 million.
Cash Flow: Generated the highest annual cash from operations in the company's history at $61.9 million.
Leverage: Reduced net leverage to a record low of 2.9x under the company's credit agreement.
On February 28, 2024, PetIQ Inc (NASDAQ:PETQ), a leading manufacturer and distributor of health and wellness products for pets, released its 8-K filing, announcing its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023. The company's performance was marked by significant growth in net sales and adjusted EBITDA, surpassing the company's guidance and setting new records in cash flow generation.
PetIQ Inc operates in two segments: Products and Services. The company's proprietary brands include PetIQ, PetArmor, VIP Petcare, and others. It has made its mark by offering veterinarian-grade pet Rx medications, OTC flea and tick preventatives, and various other health-related products. The majority of the company's revenue is generated from the Products segment.
The company's performance in 2023 was noteworthy, with net sales for PetIQs manufactured products increasing by 28%, outperforming growth expectations. The Services segment also saw an increase in net revenue by 10.4%. However, the company faced challenges, including restructuring costs related to its Services segment optimization and a non-cash asset charge for its foreign subsidiary's valuation and expected sale. Despite these challenges, the company's strategic investments in marketing and operational improvements have positioned it for future growth.
Financial achievements such as the record low net leverage and the highest reported cash from operations and free cash flow in the company's history underscore PetIQ's strong financial management and operational efficiency. These achievements are particularly important in the Drug Manufacturers industry, where cash flow is critical for funding research, development, and marketing initiatives.
Key financial metrics from the income statement include a gross profit increase of 20.5% to $252.7 million and a net income of $2.1 million, or $0.07 EPS. The balance sheet shows a healthy liquidity position with $116.4 million in cash and cash equivalents. The cash flow statement highlights the company's operational efficiency with $61.9 million in cash from operations.
CEO Cord Christensen remarked on the company's performance:
"2023 was a record year for PetIQ. I am very proud of our team's execution to grow our business, enabling us to significantly exceed the top and bottom line guidance that we provided at the beginning of the year."
Christensen also highlighted the company's strategic investments and the momentum gained in making affordable pet health and wellness more accessible.
Looking ahead, PetIQ Inc provided an optimistic outlook for the first quarter of 2024 and the full year, expecting net sales between $1.13 billion and $1.18 billion and adjusted EBITDA between $109.0 million and $114.0 million. These projections reflect the company's confidence in its business model and market position.
For detailed financial tables and a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to their most comparable GAAP measures, please refer to the company's 8-K filing.
Investors and stakeholders are encouraged to join PetIQ's conference call with the executive management team to discuss these results further. The call is scheduled for today at 4:30 p.m. ET.
For more information on PetIQ Inc's financial performance and future outlook, visit the Investors section of the company's website at www.PetIQ.com.
Explore the complete 8-K earnings release (here) from PetIQ Inc for further details.
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
