Core Insights - Karat Packaging Inc. reported robust growth in its fourth quarter and full year 2024, achieving a record gross margin as the business continues to expand [1][4][8] Fourth Quarter 2024 Highlights - Sales volume grew by 14% and net sales increased by 6.3% to $101.6 million, compared to $95.6 million in the prior-year quarter [4][8] - Eco-friendly product sales rose by 11% year-over-year, accounting for 35% of total sales [6] - Gross profit for the fourth quarter increased by 16.8% to $39.8 million, with a gross margin of 39.2%, up from 35.7% in the prior-year quarter [9][11] - Net income for the fourth quarter was $5.9 million, a 40.3% increase from $4.2 million in the prior-year quarter, resulting in a net income margin of 5.8% [13] Full Year 2024 Results - Net sales for the full year increased by 4.2% to $422.6 million, driven by volume growth and changes in product mix [15] - Gross profit for the year rose by 7.4% to $164.3 million, with a gross margin of 38.9%, up from 37.7% in the prior year [18] - Operating expenses for the year were $126.6 million, or 29.9% of net sales, compared to $111.0 million, or 27.4% of net sales, in the prior year [19] - Net income for the full year was $30.8 million, down from $33.2 million in 2023, with adjusted EBITDA of $55.3 million [20][21] Guidance - For the first quarter of 2025, net sales are expected to increase by 6% to 8%, with a gross margin projected between 37% to 39% [9] - Full year 2025 net sales are anticipated to grow by 9% to 11%, with a gross margin expected to be between 36% to 38% [9] Strategic Initiatives - The company is diversifying its supply chain, reducing dependence on China to approximately 20%, and increasing sourcing from countries like Taiwan [5] - A new 187,000 square-foot distribution center in Chino, California, is set to enhance capacity ahead of the summer peak season [7]