Crown Crafts delivered a solid Q4 2024 despite ongoing macro headwinds, underscored by the full-quarter contribution from the Manhattan Toy acquisition. Net sales for the quarter rose to $22.58 million from $21.60 million a year earlier, driven by Manhattan Toy versus an offsetting drop from legacy bedding orders. The gross margin expanded to 23.2% in Q4 2024 from 21.9% in the prior-year quarter, largely reflecting reserve-related margin capture in the year-ago period that did not repeat in the current quarter. Management highlighted ongoing cost-management initiatives that helped minimize gross-margin pressure, even as macro conditions persisted. Net income for the quarter was $1.00 million ($0.10 per diluted share), up from $0.83 million ($0.08 per diluted share) year-over-year.
For the full year, Crown Crafts posted net sales of $87.6 million, up from $75.1 million in fiscal 2023, driven primarily by Manhattan Toy (contributing roughly $18.5 million in 2024) and partially offset by softer bedding-related categories. Gross margin for the year stood at 26.2%, slightly below 26.4% in 2023, with the decline attributed to warehousing rent increases in California and offset by favorable product mix. Net income for fiscal 2024 was $4.9 million ($0.48 per diluted share) versus $5.7 million ($0.56 per diluted share) in the prior year. The company reduced debt by $4.6 million over the year and ended 2024 with cash and cash equivalents of approximately $0.83 million while maintaining a robust liquidity profile (current ratio 5.24x).
Management emphasized a constructive growth trajectory ahead through Manhattan Toy’s ramp, expansion of direct-to-consumer capabilities, and select shelf-space gains (including Walmart) anticipated in fiscal 2025. They also flagged ongoing optimization initiatives around warehouse footprint, the Minneapolis lease, and further cross-brand opportunities (NoJo and Sassy) with a view toward strengthening the portfolio while maintaining prudent balance-sheet discipline. The absence of formal earnings guidance remains a feature of the near-term posture, but management indicated plans to expand product offerings and to capitalize on improving macro conditions as 2025 progresses.