Pro-Dex, Inc. demonstrated resilience and tenacity in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, showcasing impressive financial performance with notable growth in both earnings per share and revenues. The company recorded a quarterly net income of $1.6 million, translating to 46 cents per share, a substantial increase from 42 cents per share in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.
The standout highlight was a remarkable 41% surge in quarterly net sales, soaring to $15 million compared to $10.6 million in the same period last year. This surge was primarily attributed to a $3.4 million increase in revenues from Pro-Dex’s largest customer, bolstered by enhanced repair program revenues and new unit sales.
The financial prowess showcased by Pro-Dex in the fiscal fourth quarter is a testament to the company’s strategic operational enhancements. Despite facing challenges in maintaining gross margin levels, Pro-Dex effectively boosted sales and managed operating expenses efficiently. Management’s discourse underscored the success of sales strategies and operational efficiencies. The figures for net income, which saw a modest uptick despite a surge in operating income, were affected by unrealized gains and losses on investments, exposing the inherent volatility in investment valuations faced by Pro-Dex.
Financial Performance Insights
Pro-Dex witnessed substantial sales growth in the quarter, albeit with a slight contraction in gross margin from 32% to 27%. This decline in gross margin was attributed to ongoing price pressures and an increase in indirect labor costs essential to support the company’s expansion endeavors.
Operating expenses remained stable at $1.7 million, closely aligning with the figures from the previous year. Noteworthy strategic adjustments included a reduction in general and administrative costs complemented by a slight uptick in engineering expenses, signaling a pivot towards sustaining engineering efforts over billable project activities.
Operating income for the quarter surged by 46% year over year to $2.4 million, highlighting the success of Pro-Dex’s operational refinements and sales initiatives.
Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Highlights
As of June 30, 2024, Pro-Dex reported cash and cash equivalents amounting to $2.6 million, showing a slight decrease from $2.9 million at the close of the previous fiscal year. Total assets marginally increased from $51.8 million to $52.5 million. Additionally, the lease liability, net of the current portion, decreased from $1.6 million in the prior fiscal year to $1.2 million. Shareholders’ equity also saw a dip from $31.6 million to $30.9 million.
In terms of cash flows, Pro-Dex witnessed a commendable performance, generating $6.2 million in operating cash flows in fiscal 2024, showcasing an improvement compared to the $5.5 million generated in the preceding year.
Fiscal Year 2024 Recap
The annual net sales for fiscal year 2024 surged by 17% to $53.8 million, primarily driven by consistent increases in repair and new unit sales to the key customer. Despite the overall growth, the annual net income experienced a substantial decline to $2.1 million, or 60 cents per share, down from $1.95 per share in the prior year. This significant contrast in net income year-over-year was predominantly attributed to a $4.1 million unrealized loss on marketable equity investments, emphasizing the volatile nature of investment valuations that overshadowed the operational income growth.
The year was characterized by a steady rise in research and development expenditures, reflecting Pro-Dex’s ongoing investment in technology and product development. This deliberate focus aims to solidify the company’s competitive stance in the medical device sector.
