Part 1: Performance Analysis
NN INC, a public listed company, reported its financial results for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, in its Annual Report on Form 10-K. The company has a long-term objective of organic growth within its segments, improved operating margins, cost reduction, optimization of manufacturing footprint, efficient capital deployment, debt leverage ratio improvement, capital management initiatives, and employee health, safety, and satisfaction. The company's management focuses on industry trends, such as electric vehicles and regulatory compliance, and key performance indicators such as sales growth, gross margin, and leverage ratio.
During the fiscal year 2021, the company reported net sales of $1,034 million, a decrease compared to the $1,058 million reported in fiscal year 2020. Gross profit margin improved to 23.9% from 22.9%, which the company attributed to cost reduction initiatives and sale of a low-margin business. Additionally, the company's operating expenses decreased by $15.3 million due to cost-cutting measures undertaken by management. However, the company reported an operating loss of $24.2 million, up from the $8.9 million loss reported in the previous year. The higher operating loss was primarily due to an impairment charge of $38.4 million related to the company's industrial segment.
The company had a strong liquidity position with $128.3 million in cash and cash equivalents at the end of the fiscal year 2021. The company's debt leverage ratio improved to 3.32x from 3.75x due to debt repayment activities. Additionally, the company continued to invest in capital expenditures to optimize its manufacturing footprint, which totaled $32.1 million for the fiscal year.
Part 2: Future Outlook
While the company faced challenges in 2021 due to the pandemic and industry disruptions, it remains confident in its long-term objectives and growth prospects. According to the CEO, Rich Holder, "We remain focused on achieving our long-term goals through disciplined execution of our strategy, continued optimization of our manufacturing footprint, and investment in high-growth markets and products." The company expects to see growth opportunities in electric vehicles and electrification, which aligns with the industry trend of sustainable transportation.
Management also anticipates continued cost pressures related to inflationary environments, including raw materials, wages and benefits, regulatory compliance, and energy costs. The company plans to offset these pressures through continued cost reduction initiatives and efficiency improvements. The company's capital management initiatives, such as debt repayment and optimization of its manufacturing footprint, are expected to further improve its financial position.
Overall, NN INC remains optimistic about its long-term prospects, despite the challenges faced in 2021. The company's focus on organic growth, cost reduction, and efficient capital deployment, combined with industry trends in sustainable transportation, position it well for future success.