Highway Holdings reports second quarter fiscal year 2025 results

• 60.1 per cent Year Over Year Increase in Second Quarter Revenue
• 117.8 per cent Year Over Year Increase in Second Quarter Gross Profit
• Cash and Cash Equivalents of $1.28 Per Diluted Share

HONG KONG, Oct. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Highway Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: HIHO, "the Company" or "Highway Holdings") today reported results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025 and the six months ended September 30, 2024, with second quarter of fiscal year 2025 revenue growth of 60.1 per cent and gross profit growth of 117.8 per cent on a year over year basis.

Roland Kohl, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Highway Holdings, noted, "While the positive results reflect an improving environment at our customers, we still have a lot of ground to make up to return to our normalized pre-COVID business level. The rebound continues but has been slowed by the uncertain macro environment, following the fallout of COVID, as orders for customer products have been adversely impacted by the Russia/Ukraine war and the conflict in Mid-East. In addition, our business progress is not immediately reflected on a net income comparison, and we caution investors this is not an accurate measure, because we benefitted in the year ago period from the reversal of previously taken bad debt provisions. With that being said, we are encouraged with our progress and expect an improving business environment over the coming quarters will help our business now that we have stopped the bleeding and can focus on expanding revenue growth, profitability and free cash flow."

Mr. Kohl concluded, "We are cautiously optimistic that we have come through the worst part of this low business cycle. Even with our existing products still experiencing below normal levels of demand, we are coming online shortly with the new motor project we previously announced. Production is expected to start in the fiscal third quarter of 2025 and should ramp up in the fiscal fourth quarter of 2025. As a result, if our core existing business remains stable or improves slightly, the positive impact of the additional new business will help drive a further improvement in results. Our company is financially very healthy with over $5.6 million in cash on hand and a net cash positive position. At the same time, as part of our business growth strategy, we are evaluating numerous possible ventures, which could substantially improve the Company's future. We are fully committed to building value for the Company and all shareholders, as we continue to build on our track record of success over the long-term."

Select Additional Financial Results:

Gross profit for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025 was $834,000 compared with $383,000 in the year ago period mainly due to the 60.1% increase in sales over the same period. Gross profit as a percentage of sales for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025 was 39.4 percent, compared to 29.0 percent in the year ago period. Gross profit for the first half of fiscal year 2025 was $1,495,000 compared with $760,000 in the year ago period. Gross profit as a percentage of sales for the first half of fiscal year 2025 was 37.4 percent compared with 28.5 percent in the year ago period.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025 increased to $724,000 from $272,000, primarily reflecting the above-noted bad debt provision reversal in the year ago period.

Net income for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025 reflects a currency exchange gain of $58,000 compared to a $14,000 gain in the year ago period mainly due to a weakening of the Kyat. The Company reported a currency exchange gain of $96,000 for the first half of fiscal year 2025, compared with a $31,000 gain in the year ago period.

The Company had interest income of approximately $58,000 for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, and interest income of approximately $103,000 for the first half of fiscal year 2025 due to the increase in interest rates.

The Company's balance sheet remains strong, with total assets of $11.0 million dollar and cash and cash equivalents in excess of $5.6 million, or approximately $1.28 per diluted share. The cash and cash equivalent amount exceeded all of its short- and long-term liabilities by approximately $1.4 million. Total shareholders' equity at September 30, 2024, was $6.8 million, or $1.54 per diluted share.