The Company’s EBITDA for the second quarter of 2023 increased to $7.6 million from $6.5 million in the first quarter of 2023 and $4.3 million in the second quarter of 2022. Second quarter 2023 adjusted EBITDA increased 16.5% to $7.9 million from $6.8 million in the first quarter of 2023 and was up 24.8% from $6.4 million in the 2022 second quarter.
Dennis Oates, Chairman, President and CEO, commented: “We returned to bottom line profitability in the second quarter as we achieved gross margin expansion. Higher shipment volume, increased production and higher selling prices were the main drivers.
“Second quarter sales were in line with our plan and expectation for the quarter. Demand for our premium alloys remains robust, and we have a substantial book of business extending through 2024. We expect premium alloy sales to reaccelerate beginning in the third quarter driven by tremendous aerospace demand. Our capital project to add two Vacuum-Arc Remelt (VAR) furnaces at our North Jackson facility remains on target. It is designed to expand our premium alloy portfolio with more technologically advanced, higher margin products.
“We remain highly optimistic about our growth prospects for the remainder of the year and beyond. The hard work of our dedicated and talented employees provides our confidence and ability to seize our opportunities.”
Financial Position
Managed working capital was $148.4 million at June 30, 2023 compared with $149.8 million at March 31, 2023, and $147.9 million at June 30, 2022. Inventory at the end of the second quarter of 2023 was $151.6 million, compared with $149.4 million at the end of the 2023 first quarter, and $149.0 million at the end of the second quarter of 2022, the increase reflecting two record Vacuum-Induction Melt (VIM) production campaigns achieved during the 2023 second quarter.
Backlog (before surcharges) at June 30, 2023 totaled a robust $355.0 million compared with record backlog of $366.0 million at March 31, 2023. Backlog increased 59.4% from $222.7 million at the end of the second quarter of 2022. The average selling price per pound in the backlog increased 7% compared with March 31, 2023.
The Company’s total debt at June 30, 2023 was $93.3 million, down from $99.4 million at March 31, 2023 and compared with $84.0 million at June 30, 2022. Interest expense was $2.0 million for the 2023 second quarter, in line with the 2023 first quarter, but up 135.2% from the second quarter of 2022, due to higher interest rates on the Company’s variable debt.
Capital expenditures for the second quarter of 2023 totaled $2.4 million, compared with $4.5 million in the first quarter of 2023, and $3.0 million in the second quarter of 2022.
Conference Call and Webcast
The Company has scheduled a conference call for today, July 26th, at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern) to discuss second quarter 2023 results. If you wish to listen to the live conference call via telephone, please Click Here to register for the call and obtain your dial-in number and personal PIN number. A simultaneous webcast will be available on the Company’s website at www.univstainless.com, and thereafter archived on the website through the end of the third quarter of 2023.
About Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc.
Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc., established in 1994 and headquartered in Bridgeville, PA, manufactures and markets semi-finished and finished specialty steels, including stainless steel, nickel alloys, tool steel and certain other alloyed steels. The Company’s products are used in a variety of industries, including aerospace, power generation, oil and gas, and heavy equipment manufacturing. More information is available at www.univstainless.com.
2