U.S. Auto Parts Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2016 Results
PR NewswireMarch 6, 2017
CARSON, Calif., March 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Auto Parts Network, Inc. (
PRTS), one of the largest online providers of aftermarket automotive parts and accessories, reported results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2016. All information and data below excludes AutoMD unless specifically noted.
Fourth Quarter 2016 Highlights vs. Year-Ago Quarter
- Net sales up 5% to $71.1 million
- Gross profit up 7% to $21.4 million, with gross margin up 50 basis points to 30.1%
- Ended the quarter with no revolver debt compared to $11.8 million at January 2, 2016
- Total online orders increased by 14% to 840,000 orders
- Conversion rate increased by 10 basis points to 1.9% versus year-ago quarter
Full Year 2016 Highlights vs. 2015
- Net sales up 4% to $303.3 million
- Gross profit up 11% to $92.0 million, with gross margin up 170 basis points to 30.3%
- Net income increased significantly to $3.0 million or $0.08 per share, compared to a net loss of $0.1 million or ($0.01) per share
- Adjusted EBITDA increased 40% to $14.0 million
- Total online orders increased by 10% to 3,426,000 orders
Management Commentary
"2016 was highlighted by our renewed focus to drive profitability, which led to our first year of GAAP net income since 2010," said Shane Evangelist, CEO of U.S. Auto Parts. "We also ended the year with no revolver debt for the first time since 2011. These accomplishments were driven by our emphasis on higher-margin private label sales, which continue to grow at a double-digit rate. In fact, the fourth quarter revenue mix of private label sales hit an all-time high at 68%. During the quarter, we also enacted a stock repurchase program, which we believe was a wise utilization of our cash flow.
"In 2017, we plan to continue executing on our profitability initiatives to remain revolver debt free. We also plan to continue growing private label sales by double-digits and generating strong free cash flow."
Fourth Quarter 2016 Financial Results
Net sales in the fourth quarter of 2016 increased 5% to $71.1 million compared to $67.5 million in the year-ago quarter. The increase was largely driven by a 23% increase in online marketplace sales to $19.5 million.
Gross profit in the fourth quarter of 2016 increased 7% to $21.4 million compared to $20.0 million in the year-ago quarter. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit increased 50 basis points to 30.1% compared to 29.6%. The increase in gross profit margin was primarily driven by a higher mix of private label sales, which was 68% of net sales compared to 63% in the year-ago quarter. The increase was also driven by freight and warehouse supplies savings.
Total operating expenses in the fourth quarter increased 8% to $21.3 million compared to $19.7 million in the year-ago quarter. As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses increased to 29.9% compared to 29.2% in the year-ago quarter.
Net loss in the fourth quarter was $195 thousand, or ($0.01) per share, compared to a net loss of $65 thousand, or $0.00 per share in the year-ago quarter.
Adjusted EBITDA in the fourth quarter of 2016 was $2.5 million, compared to $2.6 million in the same period of 2015.
At December 31, 2016, cash and cash equivalents totaled $2.7 million compared to $1.5 million at January 2, 2016. The Company also had no revolver debt at December 31, 2016 compared to $11.8 million at January 2, 2016.
Key Operating Metrics