Motorcar Parts of America Q4 2023 Earnings Call Transcript

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Provided by Quartr
June 13, 2023

There are 6 speakers on the call.

Operator

Good morning, and welcome to the Motorcar Parts of America Fiscal 2023 and 4th Quarter and Year End Conference Call. All participants are in a listen only mode. After the speakers' presentation, we will conduct a question and answer As a reminder, this conference call is being recorded. I would now like to turn the call over to Gary Meyer, Vice President of Communications and Investor Relations. Thank you.

Operator

Please go ahead.

Speaker 1

Thank you, Julianne. Thanks everyone for joining us. Before we begin and I turn the call over to Selwyn Joffe, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and David Liar, Chief Financial Officer, I'd like to remind everyone of the Safe Harbor statement included in today's press release. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for certain forward looking statements, including statements made during today's conference call. Such forward looking statements are based on the company's current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on the company.

Speaker 1

There could be no assurance that future developments affecting the company will be those anticipated by the company. Actual results may differ from those projected in the forward statements. These forward looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond the control of Motorcar Parts of America and are subject to change based upon various factors. In particular, expectations about future anticipate that future growth and opportunities with This may not be achieved. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Speaker 1

For a more detailed discussion of some of the ongoing risks And uncertainties of the company's business, I refer you to the company's various filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. With that said, I'd like to begin the call and turn it over to Sal. Thank you, Gary.

Speaker 2

I appreciate everyone joining us today. We achieved record sales levels for the Q4 fiscal year, reflecting the resumption of more normalized ordering patterns by certain customers as well as continuing favorable industry demand for our non discretionary automotive or aftermarket parts. The outlook for our product demand is positive as we enter our new fiscal year. Equally important, I must recognize the contributions of all of our team members We're focused every day on providing the highest level of service to our customers. With regard to gross margins, we expect improvement as fiscal 2024 evolves.

Speaker 2

As sales and production volume increases, we expect incremental benefit from increased overhead absorption. Due to the increased demand for our products and the easing of our inventory reduction initiatives, we are starting to increase our production levels. In addition, we will realize the full benefit of price increases that have already been improved, which will roll out throughout this fiscal year and enhance our gross margins. We anticipate benefits from order volume improvement, operating efficiencies and cost reduction initiatives that we continue to implement across the entire organization. These initiatives include an ongoing company wide strategic analysis of opportunities to realign our resources and cost structure to enhance profitability and cash flow, both key areas of particular focus for our team and both in fiscal 2024.

Speaker 2

Higher interest rates continue to have a significant impact on profitability, primarily due to rates related to long established customer supply chain finance programs. Fortunately, we have made progress in getting relief from our customers And we expect to realize benefits as fiscal 2024 evolves. We are a major supplier of critical non discretionary automotive aftermarket parts And we are working with our customers to address the sharply higher interest rate environment, which impacts both MPA and our customers, as well as all companies doing business with the leading automotive retailers. It is an industry challenge that requires practical solutions and further action. Now let me address our outlook.

Speaker 2

As stated in our news release this morning, we expect sales for 2024 to be between $720,000,000 $740,000,000 representing between 5.4% 8.3% year over year growth, respectively. We expect to see margin accretion from efficiencies related to the higher volume and cost cutting initiative, as I noted earlier in my remarks. With respect to cash flow, our expectation is to continue to make progress to generate cash. Operating income is expected to be between $60,000,000 $65,000,000 before the non cash foreign exchange impact of lease liabilities And forward contracts, the non cash impact of revaluation of cores on customer shelves and supply chain disruptions. The company estimates other non cash items will be approximately $16,000,000 including core and finished goods premium amortization and share based compensation.

Speaker 2

And cash expenses anticipated to be approximately $2,000,000 for special EV related research and development expenses impacting operating income. The company estimates depreciation and amortization will be approximately $12,000,000 In summary, Operating income before the impact of the non cash and cash items and before depreciation and amortization as previously mentioned is expected to be between $90,000,000 $95,000,000 In short, it is a top priority in fiscal 2024 to enhance our gross margins and cash flow. Our multi year strategic initiatives and favorable industry dynamics bode well for the company, And we are extremely well positioned for sustainable top and bottom line growth in our hard parts businesses as well as testing solutions. As you know, at the end of the fiscal year, we announced a $32,000,000 strategic convertible note investment to enhance our liquidity and capital resources at a pivotal point in the company's evolution. This strategic investment complements management's ongoing goals and objectives, While enhancing the company's working capital to support building sustainable shareholder value, we not only value the investment, but also the participation of Bison's Co Founder.

Speaker 2

We remain diligently focused on achieving our near and long term financial targets. Now let me expand a bit further and discuss the other drivers to support our ability to achieve our longer term financial targets and why we are enthusiastic about our market position and the opportunities moving forward. We experienced meaningful traction in fiscal 2023 with customers and consumers since the launch of our brick related product lines, With operating efficiency improvements continuing as volume increases and with fixed cost absorption. We are on track to exceed our previously stated goal of achieving $300,000,000 in annual brake related product sales over a several year period since the launch. We are continuing to expand sales in Mexico with multiple product lines as our customers experience increased demand for aftermarket parts, which currently includes rotating electrical, wheel hubs, brake boosters and master cylinders.

Speaker 2

We are receiving increasing interest in orders for our test solutions and diagnostic equipment, which includes our bench top testers for alternators and starters from major retailers and major global automotive aerospace and research institutions for EV mobility product development and design and their related services. We are returning inventory levels to more normalized levels following a strategic buildup to meet demand during recent global supply chain challenges, notwithstanding certain break related inventory product requirements. These efforts throughout fiscal 2024 will greatly enable us to enhance our cash flow targets. In short, we continue to be well positioned to address both the internal combustion engine market and the emerging electrical vehicle market with Product functionality and applications across both markets. Industry data continues to support our view that Strong demand for internal combustion engine applications and our broad line of nondispressiony aftermarket parts will be here for decades, Notwithstanding electric vehicle growth, which still represents a small percentage of the overall car park.

Speaker 2

Despite the global headwinds during the past few years, we in many respects have emerged stronger and better positioned to capitalize on our strengths. I will now turn the call over to David to review our results in greater detail.

Speaker 3

Thank you, Selwyn, and good morning, everyone. I encourage everyone to read the earnings press release issued this morning as well as the 10 ks that will be filed. Let me now provide a review of our fiscal 4th quarter and 12 month financial results. Net sales for the fiscal 2023 4th quarter increased 18.8 percent to a record $194,700,000 from $163,900,000 in the prior year. Fiscal 4th quarter results benefited from increasing product demand for the spring and summer seasons and recently implemented price increases.

Speaker 3

Gross profit for the fiscal 2023 4th quarter increased by 40.3 percent to $36,200,000 compared with $25,800,000 a year earlier. Gross profit for the quarter was impacted by non cash items as well as cash items. Let me provide details for each and then I'll provide further details on the impact on each additional line item, So you can further understand the underlying fundamentals between periods and the opportunities to enhance profitability. The non cash items reflect Core and finished good premium amortization and revaluation of cores and customer shelves, which are unique to certain of our products and required by GAAP. The total for these non cash items in the quarter was approximately $3,600,000 A more detailed explanation of core accounting is available on our website, and I would encourage anyone with questions about this topic to review the video.

Speaker 3

We also incurred Transitory supply chain disruption costs of $2,900,000 as referenced in Exhibit 3 of this morning's earnings press release. 4th quarter gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 18.6% compared with 15.7% a year earlier. Gross margin was impacted by 1.9% from the previously mentioned non cash items as well as 0.5% from the previously mentioned cash items, partially offset by employee retention credit. While the global supply chain situation is improving, we are still experiencing challenges. In summary, in addition to the non cash and cash items explained previously, gross margin for the fiscal 2024 Q4 compared with the prior year was impacted by inflationary costs not yet covered by price increases, higher per unit costs resulting from less absorption of overhead costs as we manage our inventory levels and changes in product mix.

Speaker 3

Gross margin improvement is expected to be enhanced as the full benefit of certain price increases realized and with higher sales volumes in fiscal 2024. Operating expenses were down $8,600,000 for the quarter to $12,400,000 from $21,000,000 in the prior year period. This includes a non cash gain of $6,700,000 for the foreign exchange impact of lease liabilities and order contracts compared with a prior year non cash gain of $3,400,000 The remaining $5,300,000 of operating expense decreases included cost reduction initiatives and approximately $3,100,000 benefit from the employee retention credit. Fiscal 4th quarter results benefited from a $5,100,000 employee retention credit. The ERC was reimbursement for prior incurred expenses during the Subsequent to the pandemic, cost reduction initiatives related to employee related expenses were implemented, along with other ongoing strategic opportunities to reduce costs, resulting in approximately $5,000,000 annual run rate expense reductions going forward.

Speaker 3

We reported net income of $1,500,000 or $0.07 per diluted share. As detailed in Exhibit 1 of this morning's earnings press release, Results reflect the favorable impact of non cash items totaling $1,500,000 or $0.07 per diluted share. Cash items that benefited results, including an employee retention credit, partially offset by transitory costs related to supply chain disruptions, totaled $922,000 or $0.05 per diluted share. In addition to the above cash, Non cash and cash items. As previously mentioned in the gross margin discussion, results for the quarter were impacted by Inflationary costs not yet covered by price increases, higher per unit costs resulting from less absorption of overhead costs as we manage our inventory levels and changes in product mix.

Speaker 3

Results are expected to be enhanced moving forward as the full benefit of certain price increases is realized and with higher sales volumes in fiscal 2024. I should note that we have implemented cost reduction initiatives throughout the company, including travel, Outside services, labor costs and overall cost saving opportunities, which are expected to further enhance profitability. Additionally, results for the fiscal 4th quarter was impacted by $7,800,000 or $0.30 per diluted share of higher interest expenses, primarily due to higher market interest rates, mostly related to customer vendor financing programs, representing $4,900,000 of the increase. Interest expense was $11,900,000 compared with $4,000,000 for last year. Of this rise in interest expense, approximately 80% resulted from higher market interest rates.

Speaker 3

I should further emphasize that the large interest expense incurred in the 4th quarter was primarily driven by a sharp rise in interest rates a 4.2 percentage points compared with the prior year for the accounts receivable discount program offered by our customers. This increased almost triple the discount rate the company paid in its expense in the prior period. As a critical supplier of non discretionary automotive parts, our customers appreciate the challenges. The company expects to realize Meaningful annualized price increases, which will contribute to net income enhancement. We expect that we will more than cover The fiscal 2023 increase in AR discount interest expense of $17,000,000 Fiscal 2023 total interest expense was approximately 5.8 percent of net sales.

Speaker 3

We expect fiscal 2024 total interest expense to be approximately 7% of net sales, including approximately $3,200,000 non cash PIK interest, assuming interest rates remain relatively stable. Income tax expense was $10,400,000 compared with $1,000,000 for the period a year ago. I should mention that the effective

Speaker 2

The tax rate for fiscal

Speaker 3

2023 was affected in part due to the inability to recognize the benefit of losses at specific foreign jurisdictions. However, we expect these losses will be utilized against future profit, which will benefit future tax rates. Net loss was $322,000 or $0.02 per share in the year ago period. Results a year earlier were impacted by non cash items totaling $1,900,000 or $0.10 per share and cash items totaling $3,200,000 or $0.17 per share, primarily transitory costs related to supply chain disruptions. EBITDA for the Q4 was $26,900,000 EBITDA was favorably impacted by $1,900,000 of Dawn cash items and $1,200,000 in cash items and employee retention credit, partially offset by transitory costs related to supply chain disruptions.

Speaker 3

EBITDA before the impact of non cash and cash items mentioned above was $23,700,000 for the 4th quarter. In addition to the above non cash and cash items, EBITDA for the quarter was hindered by inflationary costs not yet covered by price increases, higher per unit costs resulting from less absorption of overhead costs as we manage our inventory levels and changes in product mix as previously mentioned. In summary, further EBITDA improvement in fiscal 2024 is expected as the full benefit of certain price increases realized and with higher sales volume in addition to cost reduction initiatives. EBITDA for the prior year Q4 was 8,000,000 EBITDA a year ago was impacted by $2,500,000 in non cash items as well as $4,300,000 of cash expenses, Primarily transitory costs related to supply chain disruptions, EBITDA before the impact of non cash and cash items mentioned above was $14,800,000 for the prior year Q4. Now let me discuss the 12 months results.

Speaker 3

Net sales for fiscal 2023 increased 5% to a record $683,100,000 from $650,300,000 in the prior year. Prior year net sales was positively impacted by $13,300,000 in core revenue due to a realignment of inventory at customer distribution centers with sales benefits evolving as product mix changes. Gross profit for fiscal 2023 was $114,000,000 compared with $117,900,000 a year earlier. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for fiscal 2023 was 16.7% compared with 18.1% a year earlier. Gross margin for fiscal 2023 was impacted by 2.3% of non cash items and 1.4% primarily by Cash items just mentioned, gross margin for fiscal 2023 was impacted by various items discussed previously for the quarter.

Speaker 3

We expect gross margin improvement to be enhanced with the full benefit of certain price increases and with higher sales volumes, As I noted in my previous comments for the quarter, net loss for fiscal 2023 was $4,200,000 or $0.22 per share compared with net income of $7,400,000 or $0.38 per diluted share a year ago. Results were impacted by non cash items totaling $8,200,000 or $0.42 per share and cash items totaling $8,500,000 or $0.44 per share, primarily transitory costs related to supply chain disruptions as detailed in Exhibit 2. In addition to the above items, results for fiscal 2023 were impacted by various items discussed previously. Results are expected to be enhanced as various initiatives are realized, as I discussed earlier concerning price increases and higher sales volume. EBITDA for fiscal 2023 was 48,900,000 EBITDA was impacted by $10,900,000 of non cash items as well as $11,400,000 in cash items.

Speaker 3

EBITDA before the impact of non cash and cash items mentioned above was $71,200,000 for the current period. In addition to the above items, EBITDA for fiscal 2023 was impacted by various items as referenced previously for the quarter. In summary, as I discussed earlier for the quarter, we expect EBITDA improvement as the full benefit of certain price increases and higher sales volumes are realized along with cost reduction initiatives. EBITDA for the prior fiscal year 2022 was $41,600,000 EBITDA was impacted by $22,300,000 of non cash items as well as $18,500,000 in cash items. EBITDA before the impact of non cash and cash items mentioned above was 82,500,000 Now we will move on to cash flow and key corporate items.

Speaker 3

Net cash used in operating activities during the fiscal 4th quarter was $326,000 versus $22,700,000 cash used in operating activities in the prior year. I should mention the employee retention credit was cash neutral for the Q4. We expect to generate an increase in operating profit On a year over year basis for fiscal 2024, supported by organic growth from customer demand, price increases and operating efficiencies from our now completed footprint expansion and generate positive cash flow for fiscal 2024. In addition to our goal of generating Increased operating profit. We are diligently focused on opportunities to neutralize working capital growth, including customer product demand planning enhanced inventory management and improving vendor payment terms Our return on invested capital on a pre tax basis at March 31, 23 was 15.7% compared with 19% a year earlier.

Speaker 3

Our investments will bear fruit and we are gratified by the ongoing success of our expanded operations in Mexico and the growth momentum of our emerging break categories along with expectations of increasing financial performance for both new and existing product lines. Our net debt at the end of the quarter was approximately $177,500,000 while total cash and availability on the revolving credit facility was approximately $98,600,000 after certain contractual adjustments. Lastly, as someone mentioned, We entered into a note purchase investment and the sale of $32,000,000 in aggregate principal amount convertible notes due in 2029 at a conversion price of $0.15 per share. The company is able to redeem the notes after 3 years. Additional information regarding the The terms and condition of the investment is available in the related Form 8 ks filed on March 31, 23, and in the press release.

Speaker 3

For further explanation on the reconciliation of items that impact the results and non GAAP financial measures, please refer to Exhibits 1 to 5 in this morning's earnings press release. I would now like to open the line for questions.

Operator

Our first question comes from Bill Dezellem from Tieton Capital. Please go ahead. Your line is open.

Speaker 4

Thank you. A couple of questions to begin with here relative to your commentary about the cost reductions That have taken place since the pandemic ended. Presumably, that is Those are cost reductions that have been implemented since early May. And if that is correct, would you talk in more detail About those and how they came about and if there's any more color surrounding the $5,000,000 annualized benefit, please?

Speaker 3

Yes, this is David. So the largest part of that reduction is going to be reduced labor and related costs. So as part of efficiencies and including expanding gross margins, We reduced payroll and related expenses as well as other costs, as well as I mentioned in my prepared remarks, Outside services, travel and etcetera throughout the organization.

Speaker 2

Yes. I think also the second part of the question is, is this $5,000,000 run rate. Mean, we have an additional $5,000,000 that has not been reflected yet in the numbers for the future. So Well, we adjusted out the employee retention credit. We do expect that that $5,000,000 reflects that $5,000,000 gain reflects the annualized run rate going

Speaker 3

That's right.

Speaker 4

Thank you. Do you see additional Cost reduction opportunities similar to what you have implemented here in May June?

Speaker 2

Well, I think that's what I'm referring to when I say there's an additional $5,000,000 of cost reductions on an annualized basis going forward. So Yes. I mean, we do see some of that opportunity.

Speaker 4

Thank you. And then let's talk a little bit about the supply chain, if you will, please. What product lines Are still impacted by the supply chain issues and we've heard a number of companies reference that the supply chain Is largely back to normal. And so what are you experiencing that is different than those companies that are feeling like it's more normal again?

Speaker 2

Yes. So I would say that I echo that, that I think that Supply chain is coming back to normal. We've had a we still have a few headwinds. I mean, we still got the leftover of Distributing Chinese tariff wheel hubs in that we had to put Malaysia got shut down. I mean, there's delays in shipping.

Speaker 2

We're seeing an interesting phenomenon where Freight is actually no longer in excess demand. In fact, there's overcapacity, and we're seeing delays in shipments Because of carriers making unplanned stops to fill up their capacity. So that's Affecting our ability to get to the sales levels that we normally would have been able to do. We see that significant reduction in supply chain expenses. So we do see an end to this.

Speaker 2

The semiconductors on the electric vehicle side has been a challenge. Power supplies on the electric vehicle and diagnostic side has been a challenge. But appears to be getting better as we day by day.

Speaker 4

And so my interpretation with your comments relative to the Chinese tariffs is that you still have product In inventory that has the Chinese tariffs on it, but you will soon be working your way or finished working your way through that And we'll be back to the Malaysian product that will then be lower cost. And at that point, the supply chain Costs, which I think were roughly $3,000,000 this quarter will be significantly reduced if not Essentially eliminated?

Speaker 2

Correct.

Speaker 4

And what quarter are you currently anticipating that you will Finish working your way through that inventory.

Speaker 2

I think we're substantially through it now this quarter.

Speaker 4

Great. Congratulations on that. And then would you please talk through the price increases That were implemented in the fiscal Q4 and then what you have planned here in fiscal 2024 and maybe dissect that whether it's by customer or product line or whether it's Across the board increases?

Speaker 2

Yes. So all the increases across the board and very difficult, Bill, to get into Too much granular detail on that for a number of different reasons, including proprietary information by customer and competitive reasons. But Overall, we expect to have over $20,000,000 of price increases recognized in This fiscal year plus more that will on an annualized basis come into effect the following year. I think for now, we're as David said, I think it more than covers the interest rate increase In the discount rate, so we expect to start seeing that through this year. And clearly, I think the other side of that The gross margin story there is that assuming supply demand continues the way It looks right now we can get our plants back and up and running and get back to more regular overhead absorption numbers.

Speaker 4

Thank you. And so maybe that's a great segue into the vendor finance programs. And what progress have you made on that front or is it really just being addressed through price increases?

Speaker 2

Yes, I think all of that is addressed in the price Between interest and cost and inflation and cost, the price increases get so complicated We had so many rounds of them. It's hard to now start breaking down which is for which anymore. But as I said, we're north of $20,000,000 of incremental price increases that will be recognized in this fiscal year and then additional going forward. I think that answered your question. I'm not sure.

Speaker 2

I'm sorry.

Speaker 4

That was and that covers it. So thank you for the time.

Speaker 2

Thank you very much. Appreciate the questions.

Operator

Our next question comes from Jeff Brocic from CSC. Please go ahead. Your line is open.

Speaker 5

Good morning, gents. Just we're new shareholders. A quick question. I don't think you really have to spend 25 minutes reading the press release, which was excellent and Detailed and you can go right to questions by $0.02 for next time. But Selwyn, maybe you talked about A couple of times bigger changes for the company or I don't know if you used the word historic, but inflection point.

Speaker 5

What sorts of things are you referring to as far as maybe how the company might be run the next 5 to 7 years visavis the past? And then you made a reference to in addition to the gentleman with the convertible At the company, like what other what help is he doing on the Board to help changes you're referencing?

Speaker 2

Okay. So let's break that up and let's talk about inflection. I think we pre COVID embarked on Pretty significant initiatives to launch a brake category, brake parts category. And I think now we're Pretty much almost a full line brake supplier. In conjunction with that, we expanded our facilities from 300,000 square feet to 1,000,000 square feet.

Speaker 2

They added thousands of new employees, added the opportunity to reach what we believe is Another $300,000,000 of break related revenue. And so as we go through the next couple of years, it's not a matter of Searching for new product lines, it's a matter of maturing the existing product lines, leveraging our new facilities into Greater operating efficiencies, generating the significant cash flow that we believe that It will come with us enhancing margins in some of the newer product lines as we get more mature and volume increases through these facilities. And really just leveraging that opportunity for capacity. I mean, that should enable us We haven't given a finite term, but to move us to over $1,000,000,000 in revenue. I think the other side of it is that the industry is interesting right now on the supply side.

Speaker 2

I think we're in a great position To take advantage of opportunities that may exist in the inventory In the industry as the supply chain has generally gone through some hardships and that leverages my answer To the second part of your question is, we've added Doug Trusler to the Board, and I think Doug brings with him significant Industry knowledge and a group behind him that is able to continuously stay focused on that industry knowledge and keep us abreast. From a different perspective, more of a sort of a private equity perspective of market opportunities and Pros and cons of different things. So, while I think we've had a very strong and continue to have a very strong diverse Board, I think this Strong private equity and industry related knowledge enables us To really hunker down on really building value, we've, I think, done a good job in a lot of areas, We certainly have not done a good job of building value in our share price. And we want to be focused on Delivering results that shareholders can relate to and that will drive our value in the marketplace. And so I think all of that sort of bodes well for our future.

Speaker 2

I mean, we have strength now To tackle what we need to tackle, and I believe we've got a very exciting opportunity ahead of us.

Speaker 5

What is the proper inventory number That you think you can comfortably run to balance the desires of the customer base With your interest in reducing interest expense and creating value for shareholders, like what do you think that number is And it's an indeterminate period going forward.

Speaker 2

Yes. So I'm not going to talk about a number, but I will say that I'll give you an inventory turn ratio That I think is much more indicative because we're growing. And I think if you look back historically Well, first of all, before I start talking about that, the number of SKUs that we have to deliver is very significant. We offer over 30,000 SKUs. And our fill rate expectations are significant, mostly in the mid-90s and up.

Speaker 2

And the lead times from our customers are pretty short. So having said that, And being an all makes or model supplier, we think that The historic turn rates of 4 times a year for finished goods inventory is a level that we should be at. And we've been there. And when we were there, we had very significant fill rates, industry leading fill rates for that matter, and as a result, Had incredible support from our customer base. I think we've dropped that down to 3 and change and now we're heading back up To this 4 turns.

Speaker 2

And I think for a near term goal for us that 4 turns is a realistic one. I mean that doesn't mean it stops there, But I think that's the next level for inventory.

Speaker 5

And have you seen I mean, what has been my last question, just in general, Because in some ways, one can argue the shareholders have supported the desires and needs of your customers for quite some time. What sort of feedback or I mean from either the competitive stance as you raise prices and try to Track inventory, back of the customer. What sort of what things are different, let's say, today Then maybe 6 or 9 months ago when you were sort of in the opposite mode, how has the industry changed or the reaction to your moves different than maybe you thought? I

Speaker 2

don't know if they're different to what I thought. I can't really my thoughts Evolve quickly in this. I think, look, anytime you're looking for price increases with large retailers, and I mean, there's always pushback. I think the opportunity to get fairer prices It's better today than it was a year ago or 2 years ago. I think that in part depends on Really, the rationality of our competitors, which I think all have similar challenges with financing the inventory and the payables Our main customers, a lot of it will depend on alternatives.

Speaker 2

I mean, they're driven, obviously, To drive their working negative working capital, a lot of it will depend on their ability to get fair pricing in the market And rational competitors, including Chinese, including the Chinese, which Have always been a wildcard. But look, I think the industry realizes That the amount of financing being supplied by the supply chain is significant and that At some point, the consumer has to pay for that. I mean, our customers are not going to pay for it, but they should pass it on. And so hopefully, we get back to a rational equilibrium, which I think we're getting close to.

Speaker 5

Thank you very much.

Operator

We have no further questions in queue. I'd like to turn the call back over to Selwyn Joffe for closing remarks.

Speaker 2

Great. And thanks for the great questions. In summary, notwithstanding the headwinds, I discussed this morning, we're excited about our future, as I just had mentioned. We've built a solid foundation both top and bottom line growth from our existing product lines, supported by strong demand for replacement parts and Clearly an aging car park in this sort of recessionary environment we're in. We are committed to enhancing cash flow and profitability as our strategic initiatives evolve.

Speaker 2

In closing, one more time, we have great team members and I appreciate their dedication to the company and our customers. We appreciate all your continued support and thank you again for joining us for the call. And we look forward to speaking with you when we host our fiscal 2024 Q1 call in August and at upcoming investor conferences. Thank you.

Operator

This concludes today's conference call. Thank you for your participation. You may now disconnect.

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Motorcar Parts of America Q4 2023
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