Hurco Companies, Inc. HURC faced significant challenges in the third quarter of fiscal 2024, reporting a loss per share of $1.47 compared to earnings per share of 4 cents in the same period last year.
Reviewing Declining Revenues
During the third quarter, Hurco’s revenues plummeted to $42.7 million, marking a 19.8% year-over-year decrease. Struggling performances across all geographic regions contributed to the declining revenue figures.
Despite the challenging environment, the company managed to see a 3.1% increase in its stock value by the end of the reporting period.
Digging into Geographic Performance
Hurco operates across the Americas, Europe, and Asia Pacific regions. Sales in the Americas totaled $15.4 million, down 15.8% year over year, primarily due to reduced shipments of certain machine types.
In Europe, sales amounted to $24.1 million, reflecting a 22.8% decline driven by decreased shipments in key European markets. Meanwhile, Asia Pacific sales fell to $3.2 million, mainly due to lower machine shipments in select countries.
Analyzing Order Trends
Orders for the quarter reached $52.8 million, representing a 25.5% increase compared to the previous year. The Americas and Europe showed growth in order volumes, while Asia Pacific experienced a substantial surge in order value.
Unveiling Gross Margin Challenges
Hurco’s gross profit decreased by 41.7% to $7.8 million, with a significant contraction in gross margin to 18.4%, reflecting a challenging operational environment.
Exploring Financial Metrics
Operating expenses decreased by 16.6% to $10.4 million in the fiscal third quarter, contributing to the company’s overall operational performance.
However, Hurco reported an operating loss of $2.5 million, a notable decline compared to the previous year. The company also reported a net loss of $9.6 million for the quarter.
Reviewing Liquidity and Debt Position
Hurco ended the quarter with $36.1 million in cash and equivalents and zero outstanding debt, showcasing a strong liquidity position. The company’s net cash used for operating activities decreased significantly year over year.
Closing Thoughts
Hurco faced headwinds during the third quarter, with declining revenues and profitability. The margin pressures and operational challenges warrant careful monitoring in the upcoming quarters.
Despite the hurdles, the company’s improved order performance shows resilience and potential for recovery in the unpredictable market landscape. Investors are advised to stay vigilant and track the company’s progress closely.