Deswell Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq: DSWL) today announced its unaudited financial results for the first six months of fiscal 2023, ended September 30, 2023.
Net sales for the six months ended September 30, 2023 were $37.7 million, a decrease of 15.1% compared to net sales of $44.4 million for the six months ended September 30, 2022. Net sales decreased by 24.6% to $6.3 million in the plastic segment and by 12.9% to $31.4 million in the Company's electronic segment.
Total gross margin increased to 19.5% of net sales during the six months ended September 30, 2023, as compared to 16.0% of net sales in the same period last year. Gross profit margin in the plastic segment increased to 19.6% of net sales for the first half of fiscal 2024, compared to 13.2% of net sales for the corresponding period of last fiscal year. The increase in gross margin in the plastic segment was mainly due to decreases in raw materials cost, and in basic pay rate of labor costs due to lower headcount and the depreciation of renminbi in the first six months of fiscal 2024. Gross profit margin in the electronic segment increased to 19.5% of net sales for the first half of fiscal 2024, compared to 16.7% of net sales for the corresponding period of last fiscal year. The increase in gross margin in the electronic segment was mainly the result of the depreciation of renminbi, and decreases in raw materials and labor costs due to continuous cost control measures in the segment for the first six months of fiscal 2024. Operating income in the first half of fiscal 2024 was $2.3 million, compared to operating income of $2.0 million for the same period of fiscal 2023.
The Company reported net income of $3.6 million for the six months ended September 30, 2023, compared to net loss of $0.6 million for the six months ended September 30, 2022. This was primarily due to non-operating income of $1.4 million for the six months ended September 30, 2023, as compared to a non-operating expense of $2.3 million for the same period of fiscal 2023. Deswell reported basic and diluted income per share of $0.22 for the first half of fiscal 2024 (based on 15,935,000 and 15,973,000 weighted average shares outstanding), as compared to basic and diluted loss per share of $0.04 for the first half of fiscal 2023 (based on 15,935,000 and 15,935,000 weighted average shares outstanding), for the six months ended September 30, 2022. The Company's financial position remained strong, with $17.4 million in cash and cash equivalents and working capital totaling $63.8 million as of September 30, 2023. Furthermore, the Company has no longterm or short-term borrowings as of September 30, 2023.
Mr. Edward So, Chief Executive Officer, commented, 'With global inflation continuing to rise, consumers are spending less on non-essential items such as home audio equipment and entertainment products as they navigate the challenging economy. Despite the sales pressure we encountered in the first half of fiscal 2024, we're pleased to have achieved enhanced margins and significantly improved profitability, with net income of $3.6 million or $0.22 per share, as compared to a net loss of $0.6 million in the first half of fiscal 2023. Margins were favorably impacted by lower raw materials costs related to an improved supply chain environment and by our ongoing expense control initiatives. Additionally, our margin performance benefitted from the depreciation of renmibi in the first half of 2024.
'We continue to work diligently with our customers to develop new products strategically tailored to appeal to our end markets during this challenging economic landscape. Our balance sheet remains strong with a solid cash position and no debt, providing us the financial flexibility to deliver strong operating performance while implementing our long-term growth strategy to capitalize on market demand for our manufacturing capabilities.'
About Deswell
Deswell manufactures injection-molded plastic parts and components, electronic products and subassemblies, and metallic molds and accessory parts for original equipment manufacturers ('OEMs') and contract manufacturers at its factories in the People's Republic of China. The Company produces a wide variety of plastic parts and components used in the manufacture of consumer and industrial products; printed circuit board assemblies using surface mount ('SMT') and finished products such as telephones, telephone answering machines, sophisticated studio-quality audio equipment and computer peripherals.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release that are 'forward-looking statements' are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. For example, our statements regarding our expected growth in sales from the electronic division in the coming year and our efforts to reduce overhead costs in our plastic division are forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially because of the following factors, among others, which may cause revenues and income to fall short of anticipated levels or our overhead expenses to increase: our dependence on a few major customers; vigorous competition forcing product price reductions or discounts; the timing and amount of significant orders from our relatively few significant customers; continuing increases in resin prices that cannot be passed on to customers; unexpected production delays; obsolete inventory or product returns; losses resulting from fraudulent activity of our customers or employees; labor shortages that increase labor and costs; changes in the mix of product products we manufacture and sell; adverse currency fluctuations in the renminbi and Hong Kong dollar when translated to US dollars; potential new accounting pronouncements and the effects of travel restrictions and quarantines associated with major health problems, such as the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, on general economic activity.
Deswell Industries, Inc. is engaged in the manufacturing and selling of injection-molded plastic parts and components. The Company also provides manufacturing services for electronic products and subassemblies, and manufactures metallic molds and accessory parts for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and contract manufacturers. Its segments include plastic injection molding and electronic products assembling. It produces a range of plastic parts and components that are used in the manufacture of consumer and industrial products, using various plastic injection technologies, such as film injection, integrated injection and insert injection. Its products include plastic components of electronic entertainment products; cases for flashlights, telephones, paging machines, projectors and alarm clocks; toner cartridges and cases for photocopy and printer machines; parts for electrical products, such as air-conditioning and ventilators; laser key caps, and automobile components.
DESWELL INDUSTRIES, INC. 
