Friedman Industries Stock Slips Post Q4 Earnings Despite Margin Gains

Core Viewpoint - Friedman Industries' stock has underperformed following its earnings release, with a 3.2% decline compared to a 0.7% dip in the S&P 500 Index, although it showed a slight gain of 0.5% over the past month [1] Earnings and Revenue Summary - For Q4 fiscal 2025, Friedman Industries reported net earnings of $5.3 million ($0.76 per diluted share), a 7.8% increase from $4.9 million ($0.71 per share) in the previous year [2] - Quarterly sales decreased by 2.3% to $129.2 million from $132.2 million, despite achieving record sales volume of 166,500 tons, a 4.7% year-over-year rise and a 28% sequential increase [2] - Full-year net earnings fell 64.9% to $6.1 million ($0.87 per diluted share) from $17.3 million ($2.39 per share) in fiscal 2024, with annual sales dropping 13.9% to $444.6 million from $516.3 million [2] Segment Performance - The flat-roll segment generated $117.7 million in sales, down 2.4% from $120.6 million year-over-year, with tons sold from inventory rising 15.8% to 139,000 [3] - The tubular segment's sales were nearly flat at $11.5 million, with volume increasing 15.8% to 11,000 tons, while the average selling price declined 14.1% to $1,044 per ton [4] Hedging and Financial Metrics - The company recorded a $1.8 million gain from hot-rolled coil futures in Q4 and $7.6 million for the full fiscal year, aiding in offsetting price volatility in the steel market [5] - Management noted that hedging capabilities were crucial in stabilizing margins during a challenging pricing environment [6] Cost Control and Expense Management - SG&A expenses decreased by 37.5% to $3.8 million in Q4 from $6.1 million a year earlier, and full-year SG&A expenses fell 23.1% to $16.2 million from $21 million [7] Management Commentary and Strategy - CEO Michael J. Taylor highlighted the disciplined execution of the growth strategy, noting a 28% sequential increase in quarterly sales volume and a 4.7% year-over-year rise [8] - The new facility in Sinton, TX, achieved the highest profit margin among all locations, reaching full production capacity during the year [8][9] Forward Guidance - The company expects slightly lower sales volume in Q1 fiscal 2026 due to planned equipment downtime but anticipates improved margins from pricing actions and operational streamlining [10] - Management expressed confidence in capitalizing on growth opportunities, citing favorable industry demand and a strong balance sheet [10] Other Developments - No acquisitions, divestitures, or restructuring initiatives were reported in Q4 fiscal 2025, but management reaffirmed its commitment to disciplined capital allocation and a continued quarterly dividend policy since 1972 [11]