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CIX Earnings Drop Y/Y in Q4 as Security Products Sales Decline
CompXCompX(US:CIX) ZACKSยท2025-03-10 16:46

Core Viewpoint - CompX International Inc. reported a decline in sales and earnings for the fourth quarter of 2024, with a notable drop in its Security Products segment, while the Marine Components segment showed some resilience [2][3][5]. Financial Performance - The company reported fourth-quarter 2024 earnings per share of 37 cents, a decrease of 31.5% from 54 cents in the same quarter of the previous year [2]. - Net sales for the fourth quarter were $38.4 million, down 11.1% from $43.2 million in the same period of 2023 [3]. - Operating income fell 33.8% year over year to $4.9 million from $7.4 million [4]. Segment Performance - The Security Products segment was the main contributor to the sales decline, primarily due to reduced sales to a government security customer and the absence of a pilot project that occurred in the previous year [5]. - The Marine Components segment performed relatively well, with increased sales driven by demand from towboat and government markets, which helped mitigate some losses from the Security Products segment [6]. Profitability Metrics - The gross margin for the fourth quarter was 28.6%, down from 31.5% in the same period last year, reflecting lower margins in the Security Products segment [7]. - Operating expenses remained stable at $6.1 million, slightly lower than $6.2 million in the prior-year quarter [7]. Influencing Factors - The company cited fluctuations in demand from key customers and changes in product mix as factors impacting results, particularly in the Security Products segment [8]. - Cost pressures, including raw material inflation and competitive market conditions, also affected earnings performance [9]. Dividend Announcement - Despite the decline in earnings, CompX International declared a quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share, indicating confidence in its financial position and commitment to returning value to shareholders [10].