National Presto Industries, Inc. (NPK) – 10-K Filing Analysis – FY2024
Executive Summary
This report analyzes National Presto Industries, Inc.’s (NPK) Form 10-K filing for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. NPK operates in three segments: Housewares/Small Appliance, Defense, and Safety. Overall, the company demonstrated revenue growth and improved profitability compared to the prior year. However, a recent cybersecurity incident disclosed in the filing introduces uncertainty. The Defense segment continues to be a significant revenue driver, while the Safety segment remains in a startup phase with limited revenues. Given the positive financial performance but the potential impact of the cybersecurity incident, a Hold rating is recommended. Further investigation into the cybersecurity incident is warranted.
Company Overview
National Presto Industries, Inc. is a diversified company operating in the housewares and small appliance, defense, and safety industries. The Housewares/Small Appliance segment designs, markets, and distributes a variety of kitchen and home comfort appliances. The Defense segment manufactures ammunition, precision mechanical and electro-mechanical assemblies, and performs related services for the U.S. government and prime contractors. The Safety segment focuses on developing and marketing safety-related products and technologies.
Detailed Analysis
Financial Statement Analysis
Key Ratios and Trends
Metric |
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
Trend |
Revenue (USD thousands) |
388,228 |
340,912 |
321,623 |
Increasing |
Gross Profit (USD thousands) |
78,566 |
67,452 |
55,125 |
Increasing |
Gross Margin (%) |
20.2% |
19.8% |
17.1% |
Increasing |
Net Income (USD thousands) |
41,460 |
34,559 |
20,699 |
Increasing |
Net Profit Margin (%) |
10.7% |
10.1% |
6.4% |
Increasing |
Current Ratio |
4.9 |
5.0 |
6.1 |
Slightly Decreasing |
Revenue Growth: NPK experienced significant revenue growth in 2024, driven primarily by the Defense segment. The Housewares/Small Appliance segment also contributed to the increase, albeit at a smaller rate.
Improved Profitability: Gross and net profit margins expanded, indicating improved operational efficiency and cost management. A favorable LIFO inventory adjustment in the Housewares/Small Appliance segment contributed to the gross margin improvement.
Liquidity: The current ratio remains strong, indicating a healthy liquidity position. However, the slight decrease from 2022 to 2024 warrants monitoring.
Segment Performance
Segment |
2024 Revenue (USD thousands) |
2024 Operating Profit (USD thousands) |
2023 Revenue (USD thousands) |
2023 Operating Profit (USD thousands) |
Housewares/Small Appliance |
102,799 |
12,602 |
97,619 |
7,352 |
Defense |
284,025 |
42,853 |
241,703 |
38,286 |
Safety |
1,404 |
(10,242) |
1,590 |
(10,605) |
Defense Segment Dominance: The Defense segment is the primary revenue and profit generator for NPK. Continued contract wins and efficient operations are crucial for maintaining this performance.
Safety Segment Challenges: The Safety segment continues to operate at a loss, reflecting its startup nature. The segment’s success hinges on developing commercially viable products and achieving market acceptance.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) Insights
Management attributes the revenue increase to higher unit shipments in both the Housewares/Small Appliance and Defense segments. The improved gross profit in the Housewares/Small Appliance segment is attributed to increased sales, an improved product mix, and a favorable LIFO inventory adjustment.
Red Flags: The MD&A highlights the dependence of the Defense segment on U.S. government contracts and the potential impact of changes in defense spending. The reliance on third-party suppliers in Asia for the Housewares/Small Appliance segment also poses a risk of supply interruptions and increased costs.
Cybersecurity Incident: The disclosure of a cybersecurity incident on March 1, 2025, is a significant concern. While the full scope of the impact is unknown, management acknowledges the potential for a material impact on the company’s financial condition and results of operations. This requires further investigation and assessment.
Risk and Opportunity Assessment
Risks
- Cybersecurity Incident: The recent cybersecurity incident poses a significant risk to NPK’s operations, data security, and financial performance.
- Defense Spending: Dependence on U.S. government contracts makes the Defense segment vulnerable to changes in defense spending and government priorities.
- Supply Chain Disruptions: Reliance on third-party suppliers in Asia for the Housewares/Small Appliance segment exposes the company to supply chain disruptions and increased costs.
- Competition: The Housewares/Small Appliance segment operates in a highly competitive and price-sensitive environment.
- Startup Risks: The Safety segment faces the inherent risks associated with startup businesses, including limited revenues and the need for significant investment in product development and marketing.
Opportunities
- Defense Contract Backlog: The significant contract backlog in the Defense segment provides revenue visibility and growth potential.
- New Product Development: Successful development and introduction of new products in the Housewares/Small Appliance and Safety segments can drive revenue growth and market share gains.
- Acquisitions: Strategic acquisitions can expand NPK’s product offerings and market reach.
Conclusion and Actionable Insights
National Presto Industries, Inc. demonstrated solid financial performance in FY2024, driven by revenue growth and improved profitability. The Defense segment remains a key revenue driver, while the Safety segment faces ongoing challenges. The recent cybersecurity incident introduces uncertainty and requires further investigation. Given these factors, a Hold rating is recommended.
Recommendations
- Investigate Cybersecurity Incident: Conduct a thorough investigation into the cybersecurity incident to assess the full scope of the impact and implement appropriate remediation measures.
- Monitor Defense Spending: Closely monitor U.S. government defense spending and contract opportunities to mitigate the risk of changes in government priorities.
- Diversify Supply Chain: Explore opportunities to diversify the supply chain for the Housewares/Small Appliance segment to reduce reliance on third-party suppliers in Asia.
- Evaluate Safety Segment Strategy: Re-evaluate the strategy for the Safety segment to identify opportunities to improve its financial performance and achieve market acceptance.