CompX reports significant decline in Q3 earnings

CompX International, a manufacturer of security products and marine components, has reported a significant decline in its third-quarter earnings for 2024. Net income dropped to $3.5m compared to $5.8m in the same period last year. Meanwhile, third-quarter sales plummeted 16.6 per cent to $33.6m, down from $40.2m in 2023.

The Texas-based firm’s revenue decline primarily has been reported to stem from two factors: the conclusion of a government security pilot project that boosted 2023 figures and decreased sales in the Marine Component divisions, particularly in the towboat market. Both divisions experienced reduced gross margins, contributing to the lower operating income. 

The decline extends beyond the quarterly results, with year-to-date figures showing similar downward trends. For the first nine months of this year, operating income dropped to $12.1m from $18m in the comparable period, while earnings per share decreased to $0.98 from $1.29. 

CompX, which operates from three US locations and employs approximately 524 people, has signposted several possible reasons within its forward-looking statements, outlining the market risks and uncertainties that may cause a change in financial results. 

The firm included factors such as raw material cost fluctuations, competition from low-cost manufacturing sources, global supply chain disruptions, market demand uncertainties, technology infrastructure vulnerabilities, and environmental regulatory compliance.