Caesarstone (CSTE) reported Q4 EPS of ($0.02), $0.04 worse than the analyst estimate of $0.02. Revenue for the quarter came in at $159.4 million versus the consensus estimate of $165.72 million.
Outlook
Given the challenging macroeconomic environment and limited ability to forecast the duration of government-induced actions that have slowed the pace of construction activity in many countries, at this time the Company anticipates revenues for 2023 will be within range of 2022 revenues. This will be largely achieved through enacted price actions roughly offsetting an expected decline in volume and the unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Additionally, the Company expects moderate and gradual improvement in Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of sales for the full year 2023, primarily attributable to pricing initiatives, cost optimization efforts and other actions, which are expected to more than offset higher raw material and shipping costs in inventory entering into 2023.
Nahum Trost, Caesarstone’s Chief Financial Officer, concluded, “We believe the outlook that we are providing is both achievable and appropriate given the level of uncertainty in the industry. We are well positioned and prepared to execute on our multi-pronged growth strategy and the factors that are within our control. We believe we are taking a balanced and prudent approach to set expectations and we will fully leverage all resources available to us to mitigate risk and capitalize on the market opportunities available to Caesarstone.”