Armanino Foods of Distinction Inc (AMNF)

[31set]

Record 2018Q1 sales up 4%, but operating income was down 3%. Net income was up a strong 18% benefiting from recent tax law changes. EBITDA was up 1%. All these figures are for 2018Q1 versus 2017Q1.

These results show weakening operating performance due to some margin pressure, though overall net profits benefited in a major way from the new lower corporate tax rates. Part of the margin deterioration was due to investment in a strategic planning initiative to improve future sales and profitability. However, management also cited rising cost pressures for raw materials and packaging.

Asian market sales turned in the first strong performance in a while. Management made no mention of significant unspecified sales opportunities being entertained currently as they have sometimes done in the past. They did mention actively managing costs and margins going forward.

Overall, a solid, but not stellar Q1 for AMNF. It's possible it would have been better had bad weather in the NE USA not postponed some orders. The recent 12.5% dividend boost is a nice benefit to shareholders. Company continues to grow, maintaining a strong balance sheet and healthy order pipeline.

Rising cost pressures are a concern. We shall see how effectively they can be controlled. Expect AMNF to boost prices sometime later this year to help maintain margins.