Annual Statements Open main menu

MOTORCAR PARTS OF AMERICA INC - Annual Report: 2023 (Form 10-K)


UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023
 
OR
 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _____________ to ______________

Commission File No. 001-33861

MOTORCAR PARTS OF AMERICA, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

New York
 
11-2153962
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
2929 California Street, Torrance, California
 
90503
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
Zip Code

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (310) 212-7910

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
     
Title of each class
Trading symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share MPAA The Nasdaq Global Select Market

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☑

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☑ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes  ☑ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer 
 
Accelerated filer ☑
Non-accelerated filer 
 
Smaller reporting company 
 
 
Emerging growth company 
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☑

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes  No ☑

As of September 30, 2022, which was the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed fiscal second quarter, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $285,989,000 based on the closing sale price as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.

There were 19,494,615 shares of common stock outstanding as of June 6, 2023.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

In accordance with General Instruction G (3) of Form 10-K, the information required by Part III hereof will either be incorporated into this Form 10-K by reference to the registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the registrant’s next Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed within 120 days of March 31, 2023 or will be included in an amendment to this Form 10-K filed within 120 days of March 31, 2023.



TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
 
5
12
21
21
21
21
 
PART II
   
22
25
26
46
47
47
47
48
48
 
PART III
   
49
49
49
49
49
 
PART IV
   
50
55
56

MOTORCAR PARTS OF AMERICA, INC.

GLOSSARY

The following terms are frequently used in the text of this report and have the meanings indicated below.

“Used Core” — An automobile part which has previously been used in the operation of a vehicle. Generally, the Used Core is an original equipment (“OE”) automobile part installed by the vehicle manufacturer and subsequently removed for replacement. Used Cores contain salvageable parts, which are an important raw material in the remanufacturing process. We obtain most Used Cores by providing credits to our customers for Used Cores returned to us under our core exchange programs. Our customers receive these Used Cores from consumers who deliver a Used Core to obtain credit from our customers upon the purchase of a newly remanufactured automobile part. When sufficient Used Cores are not available from our customers, we purchase Used Cores from core brokers, who are in the business of buying and selling Used Cores. The Used Cores purchased from core brokers or returned to us by our customers under the core exchange programs, and which have been physically received by us, are part of our raw material and work-in-process inventory. Used Cores returned by consumers to our customers but not yet returned to us are classified as contract assets until we physically receive these Used Cores.

“Remanufactured Core” — The Used Core underlying an automobile part that has gone through the remanufacturing process and through that process has become part of a newly remanufactured automobile part. The remanufacturing process takes a Used Core, breaks it down into its component parts, replaces those components that cannot be reused and reassembles the salvageable components of the Used Core and additional new components into a remanufactured automobile part. Remanufactured Cores held for sale at our customer locations are included in long-term contract assets. The Remanufactured Core portion of stock adjustment returns are classified as contract assets until we physically receive them.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to “the Company,” “we,” “us,” “MPA,” and “our” refer to Motorcar Parts of America, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

This Form 10-K may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to our future performance that involve risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements about our strategic initiatives, operational plans and objectives, expectations for economic conditions and recovery and future business and financial performance, as well as statements regarding underlying assumptions related thereto. They include, among others, factors related to the timing and implementation of strategic initiatives, the highly competitive nature of our industry, demand for our products and services, complexities in our inventory and supply chain, challenges with transforming and growing our business and factors related to the current global COVID-19 pandemic. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on those statements. Please refer to Item 1A. Risk Factors” included in this report and other filings made by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for a description of these and other risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or implied by the forward-looking statements.

PART I

Item 1.
Business

General

We are a leading supplier of automotive aftermarket non-discretionary replacement parts and test solutions and diagnostic equipment -- building upon industry leading technology to be “The Global Leader for Parts and Solutions that Move Our World Today and Tomorrow”. We operate in the $130 billion non-discretionary automotive aftermarket for replacement hard parts in North America. Our hard parts products include light-duty rotating electrical products, wheel hub products, brake-related products, and turbochargers. In addition, we sell test solutions and diagnostic equipment, which were added with our acquisitions of D&V Electronics Ltd. in July 2017 and Mechanical Power Conversion, LLC in December 2018 and heavy-duty rotating electrical products, which were added with our January 2019 acquisition of Dixie Electric, Ltd.

The automotive aftermarket is divided into two markets. The first is the do-it-yourself (“DIY”) market, which is generally serviced by the large retail chain outlets and on-line resellers. Consumers who purchase parts from the DIY market generally install parts into their vehicles themselves. In most cases, this is a less expensive alternative than having the repair performed by a professional installer. The second is the professional installer market, commonly known as the do-it-for-me (“DIFM”) market. Traditional warehouse distributors, dealer networks, and commercial divisions of retail chains service this market. Generally, the consumer in this market is a professional parts installer. Our products are distributed to both the DIY and DIFM markets. The distinction between these two markets has become less defined over the years, as retail outlets leverage their distribution strength and store locations to attract customers.

Demand for replacement parts generally increases with the age of vehicles and miles driven, which provides favorable opportunities for sales of our products. The current population of light-duty vehicles in the U.S. is approximately 285 million, and the average age of these vehicles is approximately 12 years and is expected to continue to grow, in particular during recession years. Although miles driven can fluctuate for various reasons, including fuel prices, they have been generally increasing for several years.

In addition, we operate in the $11 billion-plus rapidly emerging global market for automotive test solutions and diagnostic equipment and see the opportunity for accelerating growth rates for today and the future as electrification becomes increasingly important around the world. We also operate in the $700 million market for medium and heavy-duty automotive aftermarket replacement parts for truck, industrial, marine, and agricultural applications.

Growth Strategies and Key Initiatives

With a scalable infrastructure and abundant growth opportunities, we are focused on growing our aftermarket business in the North American marketplace and growing our leadership position in the test solutions and diagnostic equipment market by providing innovative and intuitive solutions to our customers.

To accomplish our strategic vision, we are focused on the following key initiatives:

Hard Parts
 

Grow our current product lines both with existing and potential new customers.  We continue to develop and offer current and new sales programs to ensure that we are supporting our customers’ businesses. We remain dedicated to managing growth and continuing to focus on enhancements to our infrastructure and making investments in resources to support our customers. We have globally positioned manufacturing and distribution centers to support our continuous growth.
 

Introduction of new product lines.  We continue to strive to expand our business by exploring new product lines, including working with our customers to identify potential new product opportunities.
 

Creating value for our customers.  A core part of our strategy is ensuring that we add meaningful value for our customers. We consistently support and pilot our customers’ supply management initiatives in addition to providing demand analytics, inventory management services, online training guides, and market share and retail store layout information to our customers.
 

Technological innovation.  We continue to expand our research and development teams as we further develop in-house technologies and advanced testing methods. This elevated level of technology aims to deliver our customers high quality products and support services.

Test Solutions and Diagnostic Equipment
 

We provide industry-leading test solutions and diagnostic equipment to both original equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket. We are continuously upgrading our equipment to accommodate testing for the latest alternator and starter technology for both existing and new customers. These software and hardware upgrades are also available for existing products that the customer is using. In addition, we provide industry leading maintenance and service support for our test solutions and diagnostic equipment to provide a better end-user experience and value to our customers.
 

Market and grow our new product lines on a global basis. We offer products and services that cater to automotive test solutions and diagnostic equipment for inverter and electric motors for both development and production. In addition, we provide power supply hardware and emulation software diagnostic products. Our strategy is to market these products on a global basis to original equipment manufacturers as well as suppliers to the original equipment manufacturers for development and production of electric vehicles and electric vehicle charging systems. We believe this is a rapidly emerging business, and see the opportunity for accelerating growth rates. In addition, we are well-positioned to supply test solutions and diagnostic equipment to the aerospace industry to support its shift to electric power driven control systems in airplanes.

Heavy Duty
 

Market and grow our innovative design solutions and commitment to quality. We continue to develop and improve product performance, ease of installation or coverage simplification to deliver installation-ready products to provide extended service life and reduced downtime for our existing and new customers.
 
Products

We carry approximately 37,000 stock keeping units (“SKUs”) to support automotive replacement parts and test solutions and diagnostic equipment. Our products are sold under our customers’ widely recognized private label brand names and our own brand names including Quality-Built®, Pure Energy™, D&V Electronics, Dixie Electric, and DelStar®.

Our products include: (i) rotating electrical products such as alternators and starters, (ii) wheel hub assemblies and bearings, (iii) brake-related products, which include brake calipers, brake boosters, brake rotors, brake pads, and brake master cylinders, (iv) turbochargers, (v) test solutions and diagnostic equipment products, and (vi) heavy-duty products.

Segment Reporting

Our three operating segments are as follows:


Hard Parts, including (i) light duty rotating electric products such as alternators and starters, (ii) wheel hub products, (iii) brake-related products, including brake calipers, brake boosters, brake rotors, brake pads and brake master cylinders, and (iv) turbochargers,

Test Solutions and Diagnostic Equipment, including (i) applications for combustion engine vehicles, including bench top testers for alternators and starters, (ii) test solutions and diagnostic equipment for the pre- and post-production of electric vehicles, (iii) software emulation of power systems applications for the electrification of all forms of transportation (including automobiles, trucks and the emerging electrification of systems within the aerospace industry, such as electric vehicle charging stations), and


Heavy Duty, including non-discretionary automotive aftermarket replacement hard parts for heavy-duty truck, industrial, marine, and agricultural applications.

Prior to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, our operating segments met the aggregation criteria and were aggregated. Effective as of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, we revised our segment reporting as we determined that our three operating segments no longer met the criteria to be aggregated. Our Hard Parts operating segment meets the criteria of a reportable segment. The Test Solutions and Diagnostic Equipment and Heavy Duty segments are not material, are not separately reportable, and are included within the “all other” category. See Note 19 of the notes to consolidated financial statements for more information.

Sales, Marketing and Distribution

We sell our hard parts products to the largest automotive chains, including Advance (inclusive of Carquest, Autopart International, and Worldpac), AutoZone, Genuine Parts (NAPA), and O’Reilly with an aggregate of approximately 26,000 retail outlets. In addition, these products are sold to warranty replacement programs (“OES”) customers, professional installers, and a diverse group of automotive warehouse distributors. Our heavy-duty products, which have some overlap with the light-duty automotive aftermarket, are also sold via specialty distribution channels through OES, fleet, and auto electric outlets. We also sell test solutions and diagnostic equipment to the automotive chains listed above and via direct and indirect sales channels, technical conferences, and trade shows to some of the world’s leading automotive companies, and to the aerospace/aviation sector. We offer testing services at our technical center located in Detroit, Michigan. During fiscal 2023, we sold approximately 98% of our products in North America, with approximately 2% of our products sold in Asian and European countries.

We publish printed and electronic catalogs with part numbers and applications for our products along with a detailed technical glossary and informational database. In addition, we publish printed and electronic product and service brochures and data sheets for our test solutions and diagnostic equipment and service offerings. We believe that we maintain one of the most extensive catalog and product identification systems available to the market.

We primarily ship our products from our facilities and various third-party warehouse distribution centers in North America, including our 410,000 square foot distribution center in Tijuana, Mexico.

Customers: Customer Concentration. While we continually seek to diversify our customer base, we currently derive, and have historically derived, a substantial portion of our sales from a small number of large customers. Sales to our three largest customers in the aggregate represented 84%, 85%, and 87%, and sales to our largest customer, represented 37%, 38%, and 42% of our net sales during fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Any meaningful reduction in the level of sales to any of these customers, deterioration of the financial condition of any of these customers or the loss of any of these customers could have a materially adverse impact on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Customer Arrangements; Impact on Working Capital. We have various length agreements with our customers. Under these agreements, which in most cases have initial terms of at least four years, we are designated as the exclusive or primary supplier for specified categories of our products. Because of the very competitive nature of the market and the limited number of customers for these products, our customers have sought and obtained price concessions, significant marketing allowances and more favorable delivery and payment terms in consideration for our designation as a customer’s exclusive or primary supplier. These incentives differ from contract to contract and can include: (i) the purchase of Remanufactured Core inventory on customer shelves, (ii) the issuance of a specified amount of credits against receivables in accordance with a schedule set forth in the relevant contract, (iii) support for a particular customer’s research or marketing efforts provided on a scheduled basis, (iv) discounts granted in connection with each individual shipment of product, and (v) store expansion or product development support. These contracts typically require that we meet ongoing performance standards.

While these longer-term agreements strengthen our customer relationships, the increased demand for our products often requires that we increase our inventories and personnel. Customer demands that we purchase and maintain their Remanufactured Core inventory also requires the use of our working capital. The marketing and other allowances we typically grant our customers in connection with our new or expanded customer relationships adversely impact near-term revenues, profitability and associated cash flows from these arrangements. However, we believe the investment we make in these new or expanded customer relationships will improve our overall liquidity and cash flow from operations over time.

Competition

Our business is highly competitive. We compete with several large and medium-sized companies, including BBB Industries and Cardone Industries for hard parts, and AVL and Horiba for test solutions and diagnostic equipment, and a large number of smaller regional and specialty companies. We also compete with other overseas manufacturers, particularly those located in China who are increasing their operations and could become a significant competitive force in the future.

We believe that the reputations for quality, reliability, and customer service that a supplier provides are significant factors in our customers’ purchase decisions. We continuously strive to increase our competitive and technical advantages as the industry and technologies rapidly evolve. Our advanced power emulators are protected by U.S. patents that provide us a strong competitive barrier for a large segment of the market and allow us to be lower cost and more efficient.

We believe our ability to educate also helps to distinguish us from many of our competitors. We have created an online library of video courses, aimed at supporting our customers as they seek to train the next generation of technicians. We also offer live and web-based training courses via our education center within our Torrance, California headquarters. We believe our ability to provide quality replacement automotive parts, rapid and reliable delivery capabilities as well as promotional support also distinguishes us from many of our competitors. In addition, favorable pricing, our core exchange programs, and extended payment terms are also very important competitive factors in customers’ purchase decisions.

We seek to protect our proprietary processes and other information by relying on trade secret laws and non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements with certain of our employees and other persons who have access to that information.

Operations

Production Process for Non-discretionary Replacement Parts. The majority of our products are remanufactured at our facilities in Mexico, Canada, and to a lesser extent in Malaysia. We continue to maintain production of certain remanufactured units that require specialized service at our Torrance, California facility. We also manufacture and assemble new products at our facilities in Malaysia and India. Our remanufacturing process begins with the receipt of Used Cores from our customers or core brokers. The Used Cores are evaluated for inventory control purposes and then sorted by part number. Each Used Core is completely disassembled into its fundamental components. The components are cleaned in an environmentally sound process that employs customized equipment and cleaning materials in accordance with the required specifications of the particular component. All components known to be subject to major wear and those components determined not to be reusable or repairable are replaced by new components. Non-salvageable components of the Used Core are sold as scrap.

After the cleaning process is complete, the salvageable components of the Used Core are inspected and tested as prescribed by our IATF 16949 and ISO 9001:2015 approved quality programs, which have been implemented throughout the production processes. IATF 16949 and ISO 9001:2015 are internationally recognized, world class, quality programs. Upon passage of all tests, which are monitored by designated quality control personnel, all the component parts are assembled in a work cell into a finished product. Inspection and testing are conducted at multiple stages of the remanufacturing process, and each finished product is inspected and tested on equipment designed to simulate performance under operating conditions. To maximize remanufacturing efficiency, we store component parts ready for assembly in our production facilities.

Our remanufacturing processes combine product families with similar configurations into dedicated factory work cells. This remanufacturing process, known as “lean manufacturing,” eliminated a large number of inventory moves and the need to track inventory movement through the remanufacturing process. This manufacturing enables us to significantly reduce the time it takes to produce a finished product. We continue to explore opportunities for improving efficiencies in our remanufacturing process.

Production Process for Test Solutions and Diagnostic Equipment. Our test solutions and diagnostic equipment are engineered and manufactured in North America at facilities in Toronto, Canada and Binghamton, New York, U.S. Our facility in Canada is certified under ISO 9001:2015 quality management system, which mandates that we foster continuous improvement to our manufacturing processes. Materials for custom systems are purchased in a “just-in-time” environment while materials for standard systems are purchased in economic quantities. All materials and components are inspected and tested when required. Certain components require certificates of compliance or test results from our vendors prior to shipping to us. Our manufacturing process combines skilled labor from certified and licensed technicians with raw materials, manufactured components, purchased components, and purchased capital components to complete our test solutions and diagnostic equipment. All test solutions and diagnostic equipment are inspected and tested per our quality control program, which has been approved by the ISO 9001:2015 quality management system.

Our facility in New York, U.S., manufactures test solutions and diagnostic equipment using purchased electronic and custom components that are primarily assembled at this facility. While some circuit card assemblies are handled by outside subcontractors, most of the assemblies are manufactured in-house along with the fabrication of electronic subassemblies. Quality control and testing is completed on these subassemblies prior to their final installation into the overall equipment rack that includes mechanical, electrical and thermal management operations. Final inspection and acceptance testing are performed to predefined procedures prior to the equipment being packaged in a crate for shipment.

Used Cores. The majority of our Used Cores are obtained from customers through the core exchange programs. To supplement Used Cores received from our customers we purchase Used Cores from core brokers. Although this is not a primary source of Used Cores, it is a critical source for meeting our raw material demands. Remanufacturing consumes, on average, more than one Used Core for each remanufactured unit produced since not all Used Cores are reusable. The yield rates depend upon both the product and customer specifications.

We recycle materials, including metal from the Used Cores and corrugated packaging, in keeping with our focus as a remanufacturer to lessen our footprint on the environment.

Purchased Finished Goods. In addition to our remanufactured goods, we also purchase finished goods from various approved suppliers, including several located in Asia. We perform supplier qualification, product inspection and testing according to our IATF 16949 or ISO 9001:2015 certified quality systems to assure product quality levels. We also perform periodic site audits of our suppliers’ manufacturing facilities.

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and Human Capital

Our Culture. Our Company was founded in 1968 on the values of integrity, common decency and respect for others.  Our core values are Excellence, Passion/Productivity, Innovation/Integrity, Community, and Quality (“EPICQ”) and characterize our daily corporate focus. These values are embodied in our Code of Ethics, which has been adopted by our Board of Directors to serve as a statement of principles to guide our decision-making and reinforce our commitment to these values in all aspects of our business. We believe that our commitment to our Company, our employees and the communities within which we operate has led to high employee satisfaction and low employee turnover, and our commitment to our customers, suppliers and business partners has resulted in high customer satisfaction, as evidenced by the customer awards that we routinely win, and decades-long customer relationships.

Environmental. Environmental and sustainable processes have been our hallmark since the Company’s establishment. We take our commitment to environmental stewardship seriously. The use of Remanufactured Cores results in a substantial reduction of raw materials and energy consumption. With the potential to significantly reduce material and energy consumption, industry sources believe that remanufacturing is the most efficient and sustainable process for producing aftermarket replacement parts – making our business practices green by nature. See more information on this at investors.motorcarparts.com/esg. Highlights of our eco-friendly remanufacturing processes include:


sorting the Used Cores returned by customers utilizing an innovative and efficient core-sorting process;

reconditioning and re-utilizing durable components after passing rigorous testing processes;

savings of raw materials due to a reduction in the required materials used in the remanufacturing production process, compared with new product processes; and

recycling of water, cardboard, and metal.

Human Capital. We regard our team members as integral to our strategic growth and success. We recognize that safety, inclusion, and offering exciting opportunities are fundamental to facilitating high retention and satisfaction of high performance team members. Equally important, we provide competitive compensation and excellent benefit programs, and support numerous programs that build connections between our team members and their communities. We believe our team members share our corporate ethics and values, as demonstrated in their daily interactions with customers, co-workers, vendors, and the public at large.

As of March 31, 2023, we employed approximately 5,600 people, with 400 people in the United States, 4,800 people in Mexico, 200 people Canada, and 200 people in Malaysia and China. Approximately 5,200 people are production employees. We have non-union and unionized facilities. Approximately 4,700 production employees are covered by a local union. We believe we have a strong relationship with the union that represents our employees.

Our facilities are located in labor markets with readily available access to skilled and unskilled workers. Our relationship and communication with our unionized and non-represented workforce is good.

Inclusion and Diversity. Our board is ethnically diverse and comprised of 9 independent directors, including three women. We believe an inclusive workforce is critical to our success, with an ongoing focus on the hiring, retention, and advancement of women and other underrepresented ethnic groups. We employ 38% women and 62% men globally. In the United States, 76% of our workforce are considered ethnic minorities.

Health, Safety and Wellness.  The success of our business is connected to the safety and well-being of our team members and their families. We provide our employees and their families with flexible and convenient health and wellness programs – including protection and security to lessen concerns about missing work and the potential financial impact.  Our programs are intended to support the physical and mental well-being with the tools and resources for employees to improve or maintain their health, and we encourage engagement in healthy behaviors for team members and their families.

Compensation and benefits. We provide competitive compensation and benefit programs that meet the needs of our employees, and are tailored to their local markets. In addition to wages and salaries, these programs may include annual cash bonuses, stock awards, a 401(k) Plan, healthcare, and insurance, and implemented methodologies to manage performance, provide feedback and develop talent.

Social Responsibility. We are firmly committed to social responsibility. While safety, respect, and inclusion have always been fundamental to our company, these qualities are more important than ever. Our socially responsible initiatives include subsidized food programs for certain employees, donations to community organizations, sponsorship of sport teams and weekend family events. In addition, we launched an Agri-farm organic food and community program in Mexico to enhance our social responsibility practices on a global basis.

Information Security and Risk Oversight

We have an information security risk program committed to regular risk management practices surrounding the protection of confidential data. This program includes various technical controls, including security monitoring, data leakage protection, network segmentation and access controls around the computer resources that house confidential or sensitive data. We have also implemented employee awareness training programs around phishing, malware, and other cyber risks. We continually evaluate the security environment surrounding the handling and control of our critical data and have instituted additional measures to help protect us from system intrusion or data breaches.

Our Board of Directors appointed the Audit Committee with direct oversight of our: (i) information security policies, including periodic assessment of risk of information security breach, training program, significant threat changes and vulnerabilities and monitoring metrics and (ii) effectiveness of information security policy implementation. Our Audit Committee is comprised entirely of independent directors, one of whom has significant work experience related to information security issues or oversight. Management will report information security instances to the Audit Committee as they occur, if material, and will provide a summary multiple times per year to the Audit Committee.

Governmental Regulation

Our operations are subject to various regulations governing, among other things, emissions to air, discharge to waters, and the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste and other materials. We believe that our businesses, operations and facilities have been and are being operated in compliance in all material respects with applicable environmental and health and safety laws and regulations, many of which provide for substantial fines and criminal sanctions for violations. Potentially significant expenditures, however, could be required in order to comply with evolving environmental and health and safety laws, regulations or requirements that may be adopted or imposed in the future.

Access to Public Information

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available free of charge to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, our SEC filings and Code of Ethics are available free of charge on our website www.motorcarparts.com. The information contained on the websites referenced in this Form 10-K is not incorporated by reference into this filing. Further, our references to website URLs are intended to be inactive textual references only.

Item 1A.
Risk Factors

While we believe the risk factors described below are all the material risks currently facing our business, additional risks we are not presently aware of or that we currently believe are immaterial may also impair our business operations. Our financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely impacted by these risks, and the trading price of our common stock could be adversely impacted by any of these risks. In assessing these risks, you should also refer to the other information included in or incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K, including our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto appearing elsewhere or incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K.

Risks Related to Economic, Political and Health Conditions

Developments in global and local conditions, such as slowing growth, inflation, the Russia/Ukraine conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic, have a material impact on our results of operations and financial condition, and the continuation of or worsening of such conditions could have a similar or worse impact.

Several conditions have led to adverse impacts on the U.S. and global economies and created uncertainty regarding the potential effects on our employees, supply chain, operations, and customer demand. These conditions impact our operations and the operations of our customers, suppliers, and vendors because of quarantines, facility closures, travel, logistics restrictions and supply chain issues. The extent to which these conditions impact us will depend on numerous factors and future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including, but not limited to: (i) general economic and growth conditions, (ii) the impact of inflation on our expenses, (iii) the effects of the Russia/Ukraine conflict on international trade, customers, suppliers, and vendors, (iv) public health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and (v) the extent to which we return to “normal” economic and operating conditions or the economy stabilizes to a “new normal.”  Even if some of these conditions subside, we may continue to experience adverse impacts to our business because of an economic recession or depression that has occurred or may occur in the future, as well as the lingering effects on logistics, supply chain and the social norms of society. We could experience adverse impacts from these conditions in a number of ways, including, but not limited to, the following which have occurred to some extent during this fiscal year:

supply chain delays or stoppages due to shipping delays (cargo ship, train and truck shortages as well as staffing shortages) resulting in increased freight costs, closed supplier facilities or distribution centers, reduced workforces, scarcity of raw materials and scrutiny or embargoing of goods produced in infected areas;
change in demand for or availability of our products as a result of our customers modifying their restocking, fulfillment, or shipping practices;
increased raw material, and other input costs resulting from market volatility;
increased working capital needs and/or an increase in trade accounts receivable write-offs as a result of increased financial pressures on our suppliers or customers; and
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates or interest rates resulting from market uncertainties.

At this time, we are unable to predict accurately the impact these conditions will have on our business and financial condition in the future.

Unfavorable economic conditions may adversely affect our business.

Adverse changes in economic conditions, including inflation, recession, increased fuel prices, tariffs, and unemployment levels, availability of consumer credit, taxation or instability in the financial markets or credit markets may either lower demand for our products or increase our operational costs, or both. In addition, elections and other changes in the political landscape could have similar effects. Such conditions may also materially impact our customers, suppliers and other parties with whom we do business. Our revenue will be adversely affected if demand for our products declines. The impact of unfavorable economic conditions may also impair the ability of our customers to pay for products they have purchased. As a result, reserves for doubtful accounts and write-offs of accounts receivables may increase and failure to collect a significant portion of amounts due on those receivables could have a material adverse effect upon our business, results of operations, and financial condition.  In addition, we also get pressure from our suppliers to pay them faster and our customers to pay us slower, which impacts our cash flows.

Risks Related to Our Business and Industry

We rely on a few large customers for a majority of our business, and the loss of any of these customers, significant changes in the prices, marketing allowances or other important terms provided to any of these customers or adverse developments with respect to the financial condition of these customers could reduce our net income and operating results.

Our net sales are concentrated among a small number of large customers. Sales to our three largest customers in the aggregate represented 84%, and sales to our largest customer represented 37% of our net sales during fiscal 2023. We are under ongoing pressure from our major customers to offer lower prices, extended payment terms, increased marketing and other allowances and other terms more favorable to these customers because our sales to these customers are concentrated, and the market in which we operate is very competitive. Customer demands have put continued pressure on our operating margins and profitability, resulted in periodic contract renegotiation to provide more favorable prices and terms to these customers and significantly increased our working capital needs. The loss of or a significant decline in sales to any of these customers could adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition. In addition, customer concentration leaves us vulnerable to any adverse change in the financial condition of these customers.

We regularly review our accounts receivable and allowance for credit losses by considering factors such as historical experience, credit quality and age of the accounts receivable, and the current economic conditions that may affect a customer’s ability to pay such amounts owed to us. The majority of our sales are to leading automotive aftermarket parts suppliers. We participate in trade accounts receivable discount programs with our major customers. If the creditworthiness of any of our customers was downgraded, we could be adversely affected, in that we may be subjected to higher interest rates on the use of these discount programs or we could be forced to wait longer for payment. Should our customers experience significant cash flow problems, our financial position and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected, and the maximum amount of loss that would be incurred would be the outstanding receivable balance, Used Cores expected to be returned by customers, and the value of the Remanufactured Cores held at customers’ locations. We maintain an allowance for credit losses that, in our opinion, provides for an adequate reserve to cover losses that may be incurred. However we cannot assure you that our losses will not exceed our reserve for the reasons and risks above. Changes in terms with, significant allowances for, and collections from these customers could affect our operating results and cash flows.

Failure to compete effectively could reduce our market share and significantly harm our financial performance.

Our industry is highly competitive, and our success depends on our ability to compete with suppliers of automotive aftermarket products, some of which may have substantially greater financial, marketing and other resources than we do. The automotive aftermarket industry is highly competitive, and our success depends on our ability to compete with domestic and international suppliers of automotive aftermarket products. Due to the diversity of our product offering, we compete with several large and medium-sized companies, including BBB Industries and Cardone Industries for hard parts, and AVL and Horiba for test solutions and diagnostic equipment and a large number of smaller regional and specialty companies and numerous category specific competitors. In addition, we face competition from original equipment manufacturers, which, through their automotive dealerships, supply many of the same types of replacement parts we sell.

Some of our competitors may have larger customer bases and significantly greater financial, technical and marketing resources than we do. These factors may allow our competitors to:

respond more quickly than we can to new or emerging technologies and changes in customer requirements by devoting greater resources than we can to the development, promotion and sale of automotive aftermarket products;
engage in more extensive research and development; and
spend more money and resources on marketing and promotion.

In addition, other overseas competitors, particularly those located in China, are increasing their operations and could become a significant competitive force in the future. Increased competition could put additional pressure on us to reduce prices or take other actions, which may have an adverse effect on our operating results. We may also lose significant customers or lines of business to competitors.

If we do not respond appropriately, the evolution of the automotive industry could adversely affect our business.

The automotive industry is increasingly focused on the development of hybrid and electric vehicles and of advanced driver assistance technologies, with the goal of developing and introducing a commercially-viable, fully-automated driving experience. There has also been an increase in consumer preferences for mobility on demand services, such as car and ride sharing, as opposed to automobile ownership, which may result in a long-term reduction in the number of vehicles per capita. In addition, some industry participants are exploring transportation through alternatives to automobiles. These evolving areas have also attracted increased competition from entrants outside the traditional automotive industry. If we do not continue to innovate and develop, or acquire, new and compelling products that capitalize upon new technologies in response to consumer preferences, it could have an adverse impact on our results of operations. These changes may also reduce demand for our products for combustion engine vehicles.

Work stoppages, production shutdowns and similar events could significantly disrupt our business.

Because the automotive industry relies heavily on just-in-time delivery of components during the assembly and manufacture of vehicles, a work stoppage or production shutdown at one or more of our manufacturing and assembly facilities could have adverse effects on our business. Similarly, if one or more of our customers were to experience a work stoppage, that customer would likely halt or limit purchases of our products. We have also experienced significant disruptions in the supply of several key components from Asia due to work stoppages, production shutdowns, government closures, and other supply chain issues at many of our suppliers, leading to an adverse effect on our financial results.

Interruptions or delays in obtaining component parts could impair our business and adversely affect our operating results.

In our remanufacturing processes, we obtain Used Cores, primarily through the core exchange programs with our customers, and component parts from third-party manufacturers. To supplement Used Cores received from our customers we purchase Used Cores from core brokers. Historically, the Used Core returned from customers together with purchases from core brokers have provided us with an adequate supply of Used Cores. If there was a significant disruption in the supply of Used Cores, whether as a result of increased Used Core acquisitions by existing or new competitors or otherwise, our operating activities could be materially and adversely impacted. In addition, a number of the other components used in the remanufacturing process are available from a very limited number of suppliers. We are, as a result, vulnerable to any disruption in component supply, and any meaningful disruption in this supply would materially and adversely impact our operating results.

Increases in the market prices of key component raw materials could increase the cost of our products and negatively impact our profitability.

In light of the continuous pressure on pricing which we have experienced from our large customers, we may not be able to recoup the higher costs of our products due to changes in the prices of raw materials, including, but not limited to, aluminum, copper, steel, and cardboard. If we are unable to recover a substantial portion of our raw materials from Used Cores returned to us by our customers through the core exchange programs, the prices of Used Cores that we purchase may reflect the impact of changes in the cost of raw materials. Sustained raw material price increases has had an impact on our product costs and profitability to date, but we are unable to determine the overall impact, in the future, at this time.

Our financial results are affected by automotive parts failure rates that are outside of our control.

Our operating results are affected over the long term by automotive parts failure rates. These failure rates are impacted by a number of factors outside of our control, including product designs that have resulted in greater reliability, the number of miles driven by consumers, and the average age of vehicles on the road. A reduction in the failure rates of automotive parts would reduce the demand for our products and thus adversely affect our sales and profitability.

Our reliance on foreign suppliers for some of the automotive parts we sell to our customers or included in our products presents risks to our business.

A significant portion of automotive parts and components we use in our remanufacturing process are imported from suppliers located outside the U.S., including China and other countries in Asia. As a result, we are subject to various risks of doing business in foreign markets and importing products from abroad, such as the following, which we have experienced in the last fiscal year:

significant delays in the delivery of cargo due to port security and over-crowding considerations;
imposition of duties, taxes, tariffs or other charges on imports;
financial or political instability in any of the countries in which our product is manufactured;
potential recalls or cancellations of orders for any product that does not meet our quality standards;
disruption of imports by labor disputes or strikes and local business practices;
inability of our non-U.S. suppliers to obtain adequate credit or access liquidity to finance their operations; and
natural disasters, disease epidemics and health related concerns, which could result in closed factories,  reduced workforces, scarcity of raw materials and scrutiny or embargoing of goods produced in infected areas.

It is also possible, in the future, that we may experience the following risks related to doing business in foreign markets and importing products from abroad, such as the following:

imposition of new legislation relating to import quotas or other restrictions that may limit the quantity of our product that may be imported into the U.S. from countries or regions where we do business;
political or military conflict involving foreign countries or the U.S., which could cause a delay in the transportation of our products and an increase in transportation costs;
heightened terrorism security concerns, which could subject imported goods to additional, more frequent or more thorough inspections, leading to delays in deliveries or impoundment of goods for extended periods; and
our ability to enforce any agreements with our foreign suppliers.

Any of the foregoing factors, or a combination of them, could increase the cost or reduce the supply of products available to us and materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

In addition, because we depend on independent third parties to manufacture a significant portion of our wheel hub, brake-related products, and other purchased finished goods, we cannot be certain that we will not experience operational difficulties with such manufacturers, such as reductions in the availability of production capacity, errors in complying with merchandise specifications, insufficient quality controls and failure to meet production deadlines or increases in manufacturing costs.

An increase in the cost or a disruption in the flow of our imported products may significantly decrease our sales and profits.

Merchandise manufactured offshore represents a significant portion of our total product purchases. A disruption in the shipping or cost of such merchandise may significantly decrease our sales and profits. In addition, if imported merchandise becomes more expensive or unavailable, the transition to alternative sources may not occur in time to meet our demands. Merchandise from alternative sources may also be of lesser quality and more expensive than those we currently import. Risks associated with our reliance on imported merchandise include disruptions in the shipping and importation or increase in the costs of imported products. For example, common risks include:

raw material shortages;
problems with oceanic shipping, including shipping container shortages;
increased customs inspections of import shipments or other factors causing delays in shipments; and
increases in shipping rates, all of which we experienced.

As well as the following common risks, which we may experience in the future:

work stoppages;
strikes and political unrest;
economic crises;
international disputes and wars;
loss of “most favored nation” trading status by the U. S. in relations to a particular foreign country;
import duties; and
import quotas and other trade sanctions.

Products manufactured overseas and imported into the U.S. and other countries are subject to import restrictions and duties, which could delay their delivery or increase their cost. We are subject to various lawsuits and claims. In addition, government agencies and self-regulatory organizations have the ability to conduct periodic examinations of and administrative proceedings regarding our business.

Our operating results may continue to fluctuate significantly.

We have experienced significant variations in our annual and quarterly results of operations. These fluctuations have resulted from many factors, including shifts in the demand and pricing for our products, general economic conditions, including changes in prevailing interest rates, and the introduction of new products. Our gross profit percentage fluctuates due to numerous factors, some of which are outside of our control. These factors include the timing and level of marketing allowances provided to our customers, actual sales during the relevant period, pricing strategies, the mix of products sold during a reporting period, and general market and competitive conditions. We also incur allowances, accruals, charges and other expenses that differ from period to period based on changes in our business, which causes our operating income to fluctuate.

Regulations related to conflict minerals could adversely impact our business.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank”) contains provisions to improve transparency and accountability concerning the supply of certain minerals, known as “conflict minerals”, originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo (“DRC”) and adjoining countries. These rules could adversely affect the sourcing, supply, and pricing of materials used in our products, as the number of suppliers who provide conflict-free minerals may be limited. We may also suffer reputational harm if we determine that certain of our products contain minerals not determined to be conflict-free or if we are unable to modify our products to avoid the use of such materials. We may also face challenges in satisfying customers who may require that our products be certified as containing conflict-free minerals.

The products we manufacture or contract to manufacture contain small quantities of Tin and Gold. We manufacture or contract to manufacture one product with small quantities of Tantalum. For the reporting year ending December 31, 2022, we surveyed 211 smelters, refiners, or metal processing facilities for these minerals that are, or could be, in our supply chain. Of these, 89% were validated as conflict-free, per publicly available information on the Conflict Free Sourcing Initiative website. We have not been able to ascertain the conflict-free status of the remaining smelters or refiners.

Our strategy for managing risks associated with conflict minerals in products includes continuing to encourage our suppliers to engage in conflict-free sourcing and obtaining data from our suppliers that is more applicable to the products we purchase. We continue to monitor progress on industry efforts to ascertain whether some facilities that suppliers identified are actually smelters. We do not believe conflict minerals pose risk to our operations. We are a member of the Automobile Industry Action Group (AIAG) and support their efforts in the conflict minerals area.

Natural disasters or other disruptions in our business in California and Baja California, Mexico could increase our operating expenses or cause us to lose revenues.

A substantial portion of our operations are located in California and Baja California, Mexico, including our headquarters, remanufacturing and warehouse facilities. Any natural disaster, such as an earthquake, or other damage to our facilities from weather, fire or other events could cause us to lose inventory, delay delivery of orders to customers, incur additional repair-related expenses, disrupt our operations or otherwise harm our business. These events could also disrupt our information systems, which would harm our ability to manage our operations worldwide and compile and report financial information. As a result, we could incur additional expenses or liabilities or lose revenues, which could exceed any insurance coverage and would adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Our failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting may affect our ability to accurately report our financial results and could materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

Under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we must maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, which requires significant resources and management oversight. Effective internal and disclosure controls are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and effectively prevent fraud and to operate successfully as a public company. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, our reputation and operating results would be harmed. We cannot assure you that our internal control over financial reporting will be effective in the future or that other material weakness will not be discovered in the future. Any failure to maintain effective controls or timely effect any necessary improvement of our internal and disclosure controls could harm operating results or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations, which could affect our ability to remain listed with the NASDAQ Global Select Market or subject us to adverse regulatory consequences. Ineffective internal and disclosure controls could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which would likely have a negative effect on the trading price of our stock.

Risks Related to Our Overseas Operations

Our offshore remanufacturing and logistic activities expose us to increased political and economic risks and place a greater burden on management to achieve quality standards.

Our overseas operations, especially our operations in Mexico, increase our exposure to political, criminal or economic instability in the host countries and to currency fluctuations. Risks are inherent in international operations, including:

exchange controls and currency restrictions;
currency fluctuations and devaluations;
changes in local economic conditions;
repatriation restrictions (including the imposition or increase of withholding and other taxes on remittances and other payments by foreign subsidiaries);
global sovereign uncertainty and hyperinflation in certain foreign countries;
laws and regulations relating to export and import restrictions;

exposure to government actions;
increased required employment related costs; and
exposure to local political or social unrest including resultant acts of war, terrorism or similar events.

These and other factors may have a material adverse effect on our offshore activities and on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Our overall success as a business depends substantially upon our ability to manage our foreign operations. We may not continue to succeed in developing and implementing policies and strategies that are effective in each location where we do business, and failure to do so could materially and adversely impact our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Unfavorable currency exchange rate fluctuations could adversely affect us.

We are exposed to market risk from material movements in foreign exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the currencies of the foreign countries in which we operate. In fiscal 2023, approximately 25% of our total expenses were in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. As a result of our extensive operations in Mexico, our primary risk relates to changes in the rates between the U.S. dollar and the Mexican peso. To mitigate this currency risk, we enter into forward foreign exchange contracts to exchange U.S. dollars for Mexican pesos. We also enter into forward foreign exchange contracts to exchange U.S. dollars for Chinese yuan in order to mitigate risk related to our purchases and payments to our Chinese vendors. The extent to which we use forward foreign exchange contracts is periodically reviewed in light of our estimate of market conditions and the terms and length of anticipated requirements. The use of derivative financial instruments allows us to reduce our exposure to the risk that the eventual net cash outflow resulting from funding the expenses of the foreign operations will be materially affected by changes in the exchange rates. We do not engage in currency speculation or hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes. These contracts generally expire in a year or less. Any change in the fair value of foreign exchange contracts is accounted for as an increase or decrease to foreign exchange impact of lease liabilities and forward contracts in the consolidated statements of operations. We recorded a non-cash gain of $2,776,000 and a non-cash loss of $316,000 due to the change in the fair value of the forward foreign currency exchange contracts during fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively. In addition, we recorded gains of $6,515,000 and $1,989,000 in connection with the remeasurement of foreign currency-denominated lease liabilities during fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Changes in trade policy and other factors beyond our control could materially adversely affect our business.

The former presidential administration advocated for greater restrictions on international trade generally, including with respect to the North American Free Trade Agreement (“NAFTA”) and the World Trade Organization (the “WTO”). In December 2019, the United States, Mexico and Canada signed the amended United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (the “USMCA”), which replaced NAFTA. In July 2020, the U.S. notified the United Nations of its intention to withdraw from the WTO. While the current presidential administration has rejoined the WTO, it remains difficult to predict what affect the USMCA, the WTO or other trade agreements and organizations will have on our business. If the U.S. were to withdraw from or materially modify any other international trade agreements to which it is a party or if the U.S. imposes significant additional tariffs on imports from China or other restrictions, it could have an adverse impact on our business.

Possible new tariffs that might be imposed by the United States government could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

The U.S. government has placed tariffs on certain goods imported from China and may impose new tariffs on goods imported from China and other countries, including products that we import. In retaliation, China has responded by imposing tariffs on a wide range of products imported from the U.S. and by adjusting the value of its currency. If renegotiations of existing tariffs are unsuccessful or additional tariffs or trade restrictions are implemented by the U.S. or other countries in connection with a global trade war, the resulting escalation of trade tensions could have a material adverse effect on world trade and the global economy. Even in the absence of further tariffs or trade restrictions, the related uncertainty and the market’s fear of an economic slowdown could lead to a decrease in consumer spending and we may experience lower net sales than expected. Reduced net sales may result in reduced operating cash flows if we are not able to appropriately manage inventory levels or leverage expenses.

Risks Related to Our Indebtedness

Our debt can impact our operating results and cash flows and limit our operations.

As of March 31, 2023, we had $158,325,000 of debt outstanding under our credit facility, which is at variable interest rates. Fluctuations in those rates could impact our operating results and cash flows. In particular, interest rates have been rising recently, which increases our interest expense. The weighted average interest on our debt was 8.12% at March 31, 2023 compared to 3.12% at March 31, 2022. In addition, our credit facility has covenants that limit aspects of our operations.

In addition, on March 31, 2023, we issued and sold $32,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of 10.0% convertible notes due in 2029 (the “Convertible Notes”). The issuance of shares of our common stock upon conversion of the Convertible Notes may dilute the ownership interests of existing stockholders and reduce our per share results of operations. Any sales in the public market of our common stock issuable upon such conversion could adversely affect prevailing market prices of our common stock.

We may also incur additional debt in the future, which could further increase our leverage, reduce our cash flow or further restrict our business.

Our lenders may not waive future defaults under our credit agreements.

Our credit agreement with our lenders contains certain financial and other covenants. If we fail to meet any of these covenants in the future, there is no assurance that our lenders will waive any such defaults or that we will otherwise be able to cure them. If we obtained a waiver, it may impose significant costs or covenants on us. In addition, as the capital markets get more volatile, it may become more difficult to obtain such waivers or refinance our debt.

Weakness in conditions in the global credit markets and macroeconomic factors, including interest rates, could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

The banking industry and global credit markets also experience difficulties from time to time, and issues involving our lenders could impact our deposits, the availability, terms and cost of borrowings or our ability to refinance our debt.  Any weakness in the credit markets could result in significant constraints on liquidity and availability of borrowing terms from lenders and accounts payable terms with vendors. These issues could also result in more stringent lending standards and terms and higher interest rates. In addition, we are exposed to changes in interest rates primarily as a result of our borrowing and receivable discount programs, which have interest costs that vary with interest rate movements. Any limitations on our ability to fund our operations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and ability to grow.

Risks Related to Owning Our Stock

Our stock price is volatile and could decline substantially.

Our stock price has fluctuated in the past and may decline substantially in the future as a result of developments in our business, the volatile nature of the stock market, and other factors beyond our control. Our stock price and the stock market generally has, from time to time, experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations. Many factors may cause the market price for our common stock to decline, including: (i) our operating results failing to meet the expectations of securities analysts or investors in any period, (ii) downward revisions in securities analysts’ estimates, (iii) market perceptions concerning our future earnings prospects, (iv) public or private sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock, (v) adverse changes in general market conditions or economic trends, and (vi) market shocks generally or in our industry, such as what has recently occurred.

General Risk Factors

We may continue to make strategic acquisitions of other companies or businesses and these acquisitions introduce significant risks and uncertainties, including risks related to integrating the acquired businesses and achieving benefits from the acquisitions.

In order to position ourselves to take advantage of growth opportunities, we have made, and may continue to make, strategic acquisitions that involve significant risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include:

the difficulty in integrating newly-acquired businesses and operations in an efficient and effective manner;
the challenges in achieving strategic objectives, cost savings and other benefits from acquisitions;
the potential loss of key employees of the acquired businesses;
the risk of diverting the attention of senior management from our operations;
risks associated with integrating financial reporting and internal control systems;
difficulties in expanding information technology systems and other business processes to accommodate the acquired businesses; and
future impairments of any goodwill of an acquired business.

We may also incur significant expenses to pursue and consummate acquisitions. Any of the foregoing, or a combination of them, could cause us to incur additional expenses and materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

Increasing attention to environmental, social, and governance matters may impact our business, financial results, or stock price.

In recent years, increasing attention has been given to corporate activities related to environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) matters in public discourse and the investment community. A number of advocacy groups, both domestically and internationally, have campaigned for governmental and private action to promote change at public companies related to ESG matters, including through the investment and voting practices of investment advisers, public pension funds, universities, and other members of the investing community. These activities include increasing attention and demands for action related to climate change and promoting the use of energy saving building materials. A failure to comply with investor or customer expectations and standards, which are evolving, or if we are perceived to not have responded appropriately to the growing concern for ESG issues, regardless of whether there is a legal requirement to do so, could also cause reputational harm to our business and could have a material adverse effect on us.

If our technology and telecommunications systems were to fail, or we were not able to successfully anticipate, invest in or adopt technological advances in our industry, it could have an adverse effect on our operations.

We rely on computer and telecommunications systems to communicate with our customers and vendors and manage our business. The temporary or permanent loss of our computer and telecommunications equipment and software systems, through casualty, operating malfunction, software virus or service provider failure, could disrupt our operations. In addition, our future growth may require additional investment in our systems to keep up with technological advances in our industry. If we are not able to invest in or adopt changes to our systems, or such upgrades take longer or cost more than anticipated, our business, financial condition and operating results may be adversely affected.

Cyber-attacks or other breaches of information technology security could adversely impact our business and operations.

The incidence of cyber-attacks and other breaches of information technology security have increased worldwide. Cyber-attacks or other breaches of network or information technology security may cause equipment failure or disruption to our operations. Such attacks, which include the use of malware, computer viruses and other means for disruption or unauthorized access, on companies have increased in frequency, scope and potential harm in recent years. While, to the best of our knowledge, we have not been subject to cyber-attacks or to other cyber incidents which, individually or in the aggregate, have been material to our operations or financial conditions, the preventive actions we take to reduce the risk of cyber incidents and protect our information technology and networks may be insufficient to repel a major cyber-attack in the future. To the extent that any disruption or security breach results in a loss or damage to our data or unauthorized disclosure of confidential information, it could cause significant damage to our reputation, affect our relationship with our customers, suppliers and employees, and lead to claims against us and ultimately harm our business. Additionally, we may be required to incur significant costs to protect against damage caused by these disruptions or security breaches in the future. While we maintain specific cyber insurance coverage, which may apply in the event of various breach scenarios, the amount of coverage may not be adequate in any particular case. Furthermore, because cyber threat scenarios are inherently difficult to predict and can take many forms, some breaches may not be covered under our cyber insurance coverage.

Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2.
Properties

The following sets forth the location, type of facility, square footage and ownership interest in each of our material facilities.

Location
 
Type of Facility
 
Approx.
Square
Feet
 
Leased
or
Owned
 
Expiration

 
           
Torrance, CA
 
Remanufacturing, Warehouse, Administrative, and Office
 
231,000
 
Leased
 
March 2032
Tijuana, Mexico
 
Remanufacturing, Warehouse, and Office
 
312,000
 
Leased
 
August 2033
Tijuana, Mexico
 
Distribution Center and Office
 
410,000
 
Leased
 
December 2032
Tijuana, Mexico
 
Remanufacturing, Warehouse, and Office
 
199,000
 
Leased
 
December 2032
Tijuana, Mexico
 
Core Induction, Warehouse, and Office
 
173,000
 
Leased
 
December 2032
Tijuana, Mexico
 
Warehouse
 
104,000
 
Leased
 
May 2024
Singapore & Malaysia
 
Remanufacturing, Warehouse, and Office
 
114,000
 
Leased
 
Various through December 2024
Shanghai, China
 
Warehouse and Office
 
27,000
 
Leased
 
March 2024
Ontario, Canada
 
Remanufacturing, Warehouse, and Office
 
157,000
 
Leased
 
May 2026
Ontario, Canada
 
Manufacturing, Warehouse, and Office
 
35,000
 
Leased
 
December 2024

We believe the above mentioned facilities are sufficient to satisfy our current and foreseeable operations.

Item 3.
Legal Proceedings

We are subject to various lawsuits and claims. In addition, government agencies and self-regulatory organizations have the ability to conduct periodic examinations of and administrative proceedings regarding our business. Following an audit in fiscal 2019 (“Audit”), the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) stated that it believed that we owed additional duties relating to products that we imported from Mexico from 2011 through mid-2018. The CBP recently requested that we pay additional duties of approximately $3,900,000 from 2011 through mid-2018 related to the findings of the Audit.  We do not believe that this amount is correct and believe that we have numerous defenses and are disputing this amount vigorously. We cannot assure that the CBP will agree or that we will not need to accrue or pay additional amounts in the future.

Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

PART II

Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the trading symbol MPAA. As of June 6, 2023, there were 19,494,615 shares of common stock outstanding held by 11 holders of record.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer

Share repurchase activity during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 was as follows:

Periods
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
   
Average Price
Paid Per Share
   
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
   
Approximate
Dollar Value of
Shares That May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs (1)
 
 
                       
January 1 - January 31, 2023:
                       
Open market and privately negotiated purchases
   
-
   
$
-
     
-
   
$
18,255,000
 
February 1 - February 28, 2023:
                               
Open market and privately negotiated purchases
   
-
   
$
-
     
-
     
18,255,000
 
March 1 - March 31, 2023:
                               
Open market and privately negotiated purchases
   
-
   
$
-
     
-
     
18,255,000
 
 
                               
Total
   
0
             
0
   
$
18,255,000
 



(1)
As of March 31, 2023, $18,745,000 of the $37,000,000 was utilized and $18,255,000 remains available to repurchase shares under the authorized share repurchase program, subject to the limit in our Credit Facility. We retired the 837,007 shares repurchased under this program through March 31, 2023. Our share repurchase program does not obligate us to acquire any specific number of shares and shares may be repurchased in privately negotiated and/or open market transactions.

Sales of Unregistered Securities

On March 31, 2023, we issued $32,000,000 aggregate principal amount of convertible notes (the “Convertible Notes”) in a private placement offering to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A under the Securities Act. The Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 10% per year. The Convertible Notes may either be redeemed for cash, converted into shares of our common stock, or a combination thereof, at our election. The Convertible Notes are presented as convertible notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs, on the consolidated balance sheet. The aggregate proceeds from the offering were approximately $31,280,000 million, net of initial purchasers’ fees and other related expenses. The notes will mature on March 30, 2029, unless earlier converted, repurchased or redeemed. The initial conversion rate is 66.6667 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $15.00 per share of common stock).

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following summarizes our equity compensation plans as of March 31, 2023:

Plan Category
 
Number of securities to
be issued upon
exercise of outstanding
options, warrants and
rights
(a)
   
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options
warrants and rights
(b)
     
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (a))
(c )
   

                     
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
   
1,854,795
(1
)
$
20.20
(2
)
   
871,432
(3
)
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
   
N/A
     
N/A
       
N/A
   
Total
   
1,854,795
   
$
20.20
       
871,432
   


(1)
Consists of (i) 6,000 stock options issued under the 2004 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan, (ii) 366,169 restricted stock units and restricted stock (collectively “RSUs”), 192,696 performance stock units (PSU’s), and 1,226,745 stock options issued under the Fourth Amended and Restated 2010 Incentive Award Plan (the “2010 Plan”), (iii) 10,417 RSUs issued under our 2014 Non-Employee Director Incentive Award Plan (the “2014 Plan”), and (iv) 52,768 RSUs issued under our 2022 Incentive Award Plan (the “2022 Plan”).
(2)
The weighted average exercise price does not reflect the shares that will be issued in connection with the settlement of RSUs and PSUs, since RSUs and PSUs have no exercise price.
(3)
Consists of shares available for future issuance under our 2022 Plan.

Stock Performance Graph

The following graph compares the cumulative return to holders of our common stock for the five years ending March 31, 2023 with the NASDAQ Composite Total Returns Index and the Zacks Retail and Wholesale Auto Parts Index. The comparison assumes $100 was invested at the close of business on March 31, 2018 in our common stock and in each of the comparison groups, and assumes reinvestment of dividends.

graphic

Item 6.
Selected Financial Data

None.

Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion contains forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, our expectations and statements regarding our outlook and future revenues, expenses, results of operations, liquidity, plans, strategies and objectives of management and any assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Our actual results may differ significantly from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements and factors that might cause future actual results to differ materially from our recent results or those projected in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the section titled “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or our risk factors for any reason.

Management Overview

With a scalable infrastructure and abundant growth opportunities, we are focused on growing our aftermarket business in the North American marketplace and growing our leadership position in the test solutions and diagnostic equipment market by providing innovative and intuitive solutions to our customers. Our investments in infrastructure and human resources during the past few years reflects the significant expansion of manufacturing capacity to support multiple product lines. These investments included (i) a 410,000 square foot distribution center, (ii) two buildings totaling 372,000 square feet for remanufacturing and core sorting of brake calipers, and (iii) the realignment of production at our original 312,000 square foot facility in Mexico.

Highlights and Accomplishments in Fiscal 2023

During fiscal 2023, we continued to execute our strategic plan – focusing on meaningful growth and improving profitability by leveraging our offshore infrastructure, industry position and customer relationships. The following significant accomplishments support our optimism moving forward:


We achieved record fiscal fourth quarter and full-year sales, which increased 18.8 percent and 5.0 percent, respectively, with solid demand across multiple categories;

We experienced meaningful traction with our customers and consumers since last year’s launch of a comprehensive line of brake pads utilizing an industry-leading formulation, and brake rotors – serving the professional installer market under our Quality-Built® brand;

We expanded sales with additional product line offerings and customers in Mexico;

We continued to improve efficiencies with expected ongoing benefits through increased production volume and pricing;

We focused on reduction in inventory levels following a strategic build up to meet demand during recent global supply chain challenges;

We enhanced our liquidity and capital resources with a $32 million strategic convertible note investment that supports us at an exciting pivotal point in our evolution;

We received increasing interest and orders for our Test Solutions and Diagnostic Equipment, including our emerging contract testing center, from major automotive retailers, major global automotive, aerospace and research institutions;

We continued our social responsibility initiatives with the successful launch of an Agri-farm organic food and community program in Mexico and a continued focus on opportunities to enhance our Environmental, Social and Governance practices on a global basis.

Trends Affecting Our Business

Our business is impacted by various factors within the economy that affect both our customers and our industry, including but not limited to inflation, interest rates, global supply chain disruptions, fuel costs, wage rates, and other economic conditions. Given the nature of these various factors, we cannot predict whether or for how long certain trends will continue, nor can we predict to what degree these trends will impact us in the future.

Inflation

The cost to manufacture and distribute our products is impacted by the cost of raw materials, finished goods, labor, and transportation. During fiscal 2023, we experienced continued inflationary pressure and higher costs as a result of the increasing cost of raw materials, finished goods, labor, transportation, and other administrative costs. The increase in the cost of raw materials and finished goods are due in part to a shortage in the availability of certain products and the higher cost of shipping. We can only pass our increased costs onto customers on a limited basis. Future general price inflation and its impact on costs and availability of materials could adversely affect our financial results.

Interest Rates

Interest rates are rising in an effort to curb higher inflation. We are experiencing higher interest costs for our borrowing and our customers’ receivable discount programs, which have interest costs that vary with interest rate movements. The majority of our interest costs results from our customers’ receivable discount programs. The weighted average discount rate for these programs was 5.3% for fiscal 2023 compared with 1.9% for fiscal 2022. These higher interest rates and any future increases in interest rates will continue to adversely affect our financial results.

Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to adversely impact the U.S. and global economies – creating uncertainty regarding the potential effects on the supply chain disruptions, rate of inflation, increasing interest rates, and customer demand. We incurred certain costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic, which are included in cost of goods sold and operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations of $1,957,000 and $3,368,000 during fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Employee Retention Credit

The CARES Act provides an employee retention credit (“ERC”) that is a refundable tax credit against certain employer taxes. In the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022, we amended certain payroll tax filings and applied for a refund of $5,104,000. As of March 31, 2023, we determined that all contingencies related to the ERC were resolved and recorded a $5,104,000 receivable which is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The ERC was recognized as a reduction in employer payroll taxes and allocated to the financial statement captions from which the employee’s taxes were originally incurred. As a result, we recorded a reduction in expenses of $2,034,000 in cost of goods sold, $1,377,000 in general and administrative expense, $968,000 in selling and marketing expense, and $725,000 in research and development expense, which is reflected in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended March 31, 2023. In April 2023, we received full payment of the ERC receivable.

Segment Reporting

Our three operating segments are as follows:


Hard Parts, including (i) light duty rotating electric products such as alternators and starters, (ii) wheel hub products, (iii) brake-related products, including brake calipers, brake boosters, brake rotors, brake pads and brake master cylinders, and (iv) turbochargers,

Test Solutions and Diagnostic Equipment, including (i) applications for combustion engine vehicles, including bench top testers for alternators and starters, (ii) test solutions and diagnostic equipment for the pre- and post-production of electric vehicles, (iii) software emulation of power systems applications for the electrification of all forms of transportation (including automobiles, trusts and the emerging electrification of systems within the aerospace industry, such as electric vehicle charging stations), and


Heavy Duty, including non-discretionary automotive aftermarket replacement hard parts for heavy-duty truck, industrial, marine, and agricultural applications.

Prior to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, our operating segments met the aggregation criteria and were aggregated. Effective as of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, we revised our segment reporting as we determined that our three operating segments no longer met the criteria to be aggregated. Our Hard Parts operating segment meets the criteria of a reportable segment. The Test Solutions and Diagnostic Equipment and Heavy Duty segments are not material, are not separately reportable, and are included within the “all other” category. See Note 19 of the notes to consolidated financial statements for more information.

Critical Accounting Policies

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, in the United States. Our significant accounting policies are discussed in detail below and in Note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements.

In preparing our consolidated financial statements, we use estimates and assumptions for matters that are inherently uncertain. We base our estimates on historical experiences and reasonable assumptions. Our use of estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and the amount and timing of revenues and expenses we recognize for and during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from our estimates.

There continues to be uncertainty and disruption in the global economy and financial markets. We are not currently aware of any specific event or circumstance that would require an update to our estimates or judgments or a revision of the carrying value of our assets or liabilities as of March 31, 2023. These estimates may change, as new events occur and additional information is obtained. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Our remanufacturing operations include core exchange programs for the core portion of the finished goods. The Used Cores that we acquire and are returned to us from our customers are a necessary raw material for remanufacturing. We also offer our customers marketing and other allowances that impact revenue recognition. These elements of our business give rise to more complex accounting than many businesses our size or larger.

Inventory

Inventory is comprised of: (i) Used Core and component raw materials, (ii) work-in-process, and (iii) remanufactured and purchased finished goods.

Used Core, component raw materials, and purchased finished goods are stated at the lower of average cost or net realizable value.

Work-in-process is in various stages of production and is valued at the average cost of Used Cores and component raw materials issued to work orders still open, including allocations of labor and overhead costs. Historically, work-in-process inventory has not been material compared to the total inventory balance.

Remanufactured finished goods include: (i) the Used Core cost and (ii) the cost of component raw materials, and allocations of labor and variable and fixed overhead costs (the “Unit Cost”). The allocations of labor and variable and fixed overhead costs are based on the actual use of the production facilities over the prior 12 months which approximates normal capacity. This method prevents the distortion in allocated labor and overhead costs that would occur during short periods of abnormally low or high production. In addition, we exclude certain unallocated overhead such as severance costs, duplicative facility overhead costs, start-up costs, training, and spoilage from the calculation and expenses these unallocated overhead costs as period costs. Purchased finished goods also include an allocation of fixed overhead costs.

The estimate of net realizable value is subjective and based on our judgment and knowledge of current industry demand and management’s projections of industry demand. The estimates may, therefore, be revised if there are changes in the overall market for our products or market changes that in our judgment impact our ability to sell or liquidate potentially excess or obsolete inventory. Net realizable value is determined at least quarterly as follows:

Net realizable value for finished goods by customer, by product line are determined based on the agreed upon selling price with the customer for a product in the trailing 12 months. We compare the average selling price, including any discounts and allowances, to the finished goods cost of on-hand inventory, less any reserve for excess and obsolete inventory. Any reduction of value is recorded as cost of goods sold in the period in which the revaluation is identified.

Net realizable value for Used Cores are determined based on current core purchase prices from core brokers to the extent that core purchases in the trailing 12 months are significant. Remanufacturing consumes, on average, more than one Used Core for each remanufactured unit produced since not all Used Cores are reusable. The yield rates depend upon both the product and customer specifications. We purchase Used Cores from core brokers to supplement our yield rates and Used Cores not returned under the core exchange programs. We also consider the net selling price our customers have agreed to pay for Used Cores that are not returned under our core exchange programs to assess whether Used Core cost exceeds Used Core net realizable value on a by customer, by product line basis. Any reduction of core cost is recorded as cost of goods sold in the period in which the revaluation is identified.

We record an allowance for potentially excess and obsolete inventory based upon recent sales history, the quantity of inventory on-hand, and a forecast of potential use of the inventory. We periodically review inventory to identify excess quantities and part numbers that are experiencing a reduction in demand. Any part numbers with quantities identified during this process are reserved for at rates based upon our judgment, historical rates, and consideration of possible scrap and liquidation values which may be as high as 100% of cost if no liquidation market exists for the part. As a result of this process, we recorded reserves for excess and obsolete inventory of $16,436,000 and $13,520,000 at March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. This increase in the reserve was primarily due to excess inventory of certain finished goods on hand at March 31, 2023 compared with March 31, 2022.

We record vendor discounts as a reduction of inventories and are recognized as a reduction to cost of sales as the inventories are sold.

Inventory Unreturned

Inventory unreturned represents our estimate, based on historical data and prospective information provided directly by the customer, of finished goods shipped to customers that we expect to be returned, under our general right of return policy, after the balance sheet date. Inventory unreturned includes only the Unit Cost of a finished goods. The return rate is calculated based on expected returns within the normal operating cycle, which is generally one year. As such, the related amounts are classified in current assets. Inventory unreturned is valued in the same manner as our finished goods inventory.

Contract Assets

Contract assets consists of: (i) the core portion of the finished goods shipped to customers, (ii) upfront payments to customers in connection with customer contracts, (iii) core premiums paid to customers, (iv) finished goods premiums paid to customers, and (v) long-term core inventory deposits.

Remanufactured Cores held at customers’ locations as a part of the finished goods sold to the customer are classified as long-term contract assets. These assets are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value of Used Cores on hand (See Inventory above). For these Remanufactured Cores, we expect the finished good containing the Remanufactured Core to be returned under our general right of return policy or a similar Used Core to be returned to us by the customer, under our core exchange programs, in each case for credit.  Remanufactured Cores and Used Cores returned by consumers to our customers but not yet returned to us are classified as “Cores expected to be returned by customers”, which are included in short-term contract assets until we physically receive them during our normal operating cycle, which is generally one year.

Upfront payments to customers represent marketing allowances, such as sign-on bonuses, slotting fees, and promotional allowances provided to our customers. These allowances are recognized as an asset and amortized over the appropriate period of time as a reduction of revenue if we expect to generate future revenues associated with the upfront payment. If we do not expect to generate additional revenue, then the upfront payment is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations when payment occurs as a reduction of revenue. Upfront payments expected to be amortized during our normal operating cycle, which is generally one year, are classified as short-term contract assets.

Core premiums paid to customers represent the difference between the Remanufactured Core acquisition price paid to customers generally in connection with new business, and the related Used Core cost. The core premiums are treated as an asset and recognized as a reduction of revenue through the later of the date at which related revenue is recognized or the date at which the sales incentive is offered. We consider, among other things, the length of our largest ongoing customer relationships, duration of customer contracts, and the average life of vehicles on the road in determining the appropriate period of time over which to amortize these premiums. These core premiums are amortized over a period typically ranging from six to eight years, adjusted for specific circumstances associated with the arrangement. Core premiums are recorded as long-term contract assets. Core premiums expected to be amortized within our normal operating cycle, which is generally one year, are classified as short-term contract assets.

Finished goods premiums paid to customers represent the difference between the finished good acquisition price paid to customers, generally in connection with new business, and the related finished good cost, which is treated as an asset and recognized as a reduction of revenue through the later of the date at which related revenue is recognized or the date at which the sales incentive is offered. We consider, among other things, the length of our largest ongoing customer relationships, duration of customer contracts, and the average life of vehicles on the road in determining the appropriate period of time over which to amortize these premiums. Finished goods premiums are amortized over a period typically ranging from six to eight years, adjusted for specific circumstances associated with the arrangement. Finished goods premiums are recorded as long-term contract assets. Finished goods premiums expected to be amortized within our normal operating cycle, which is generally one year, are classified as short-term contract assets.

Long-term core inventory deposits represent the cost of Remanufactured Cores we have purchased from customers, which are held by the customers and remain on the customers’ premises. The costs of these Remanufactured Cores were established at the time of the transaction based on the then current cost. The selling value of these Remanufactured Cores was established based on agreed upon amounts with these customers. We expect to realize the selling value and the related cost of these Remanufactured Cores should our relationship with a customer end, a possibility that we consider remote based on existing long-term customer agreements and historical experience.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized when performance obligations under the terms of a contract with our customers are satisfied; generally, this occurs with the transfer of control of our products. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring goods or providing services. Revenue is recognized net of all anticipated returns, marketing allowances, volume discounts, and other forms of variable consideration. Revenue is recognized either when products are shipped or when delivered, depending on the applicable contract terms.

The price of a finished remanufactured product sold to customers is generally comprised of separately invoiced amounts for the Remanufactured Core included in the product (“Remanufactured Core value”) and the unit portion included in the product (“Unit Value”), for which revenue is recorded based on our then current price list, net of applicable discounts and allowances. The Remanufactured Core value is recorded as a net revenue based upon the estimate of Used Cores that will not be returned by the customer for credit. These estimates are subjective and based on management’s judgment and knowledge of historical, current, and projected return rates. As reconciliations are completed with the customers the actual rates at which Used Cores are not being returned may differ from the current estimates. This may result in periodic adjustments of the estimated contract asset and liability amounts recorded and may impact the projected revenue recognition rates used to record the estimated future revenue. These estimates may also be revised if there are changes in contractual arrangements with customers, or changes in business practices. A significant portion of the remanufactured automotive parts sold to customers are replaced by similar Used Cores sent back for credit by customers under the core exchange programs (as described in further detail below). The number of Used Cores sent back under the core exchange programs is generally limited to the number of similar Remanufactured Cores previously shipped to each customer.

Revenue Recognition — Core Exchange Programs

Full price Remanufactured Cores: When remanufactured products are shipped, certain customers are invoiced for the Remanufactured Core value of the product at the full Remanufactured Core sales price. For these Remanufactured Cores, revenue is only recognized based upon an estimate of the rate at which these customers will pay cash for Remanufactured Cores in lieu of sending back similar Used Cores for credits under the core exchange programs. The remainder of the full price Remanufactured Core value invoiced to these customers is established as a long-term contract liability rather than being recognized as revenue in the period the products are shipped as we expect these Remanufactured Cores to be returned for credit under our core exchange programs.

Nominal price Remanufactured Cores: Certain other customers are invoiced for the Remanufactured Core value of the product shipped at a nominal (generally $0.01 or less) Remanufactured Core price. For these nominal Remanufactured Cores, revenue is only recognized based upon an estimate of the rate at which these customers will pay cash for Remanufactured Cores in lieu of sending back similar Used Cores for credits under the core exchange programs. Revenue amounts are calculated based on contractually agreed upon pricing for these Remanufactured Cores for which the customers are not returning similar Used Cores. The remainder of the nominal price Remanufactured Core value invoiced to these customers is established as a long-term contract liability rather than being recognized as revenue in the period the products are shipped as we expect these Remanufactured Cores to be returned for credit under our core exchange programs.

Revenue Recognition; General Right of Return

Customers are allowed to return goods that their end-user customers have returned to them, whether or not the returned item is defective (warranty returns). In addition, under the terms of certain agreements and industry practice, customers from time to time are allowed stock adjustments when their inventory of certain product lines exceeds the anticipated sales to end-user customers (stock adjustment returns). Customers have various contractual rights for stock adjustment returns, which are typically less than 5% of units sold. In some instances, a higher level of returns is allowed in connection with significant restocking orders. The aggregate returns are generally limited to less than 20% of unit sales.

The allowance for warranty returns is established based on a historical analysis of the level of this type of return as a percentage of total unit sales. The allowance for stock adjustment returns is based on specific customer inventory levels, inventory movements, and information on the estimated timing of stock adjustment returns provided by customers. Stock adjustment returns do not occur at any specific time during the year. The return rate for stock adjustments is calculated based on expected returns within the normal operating cycle, which is generally one year.

The Unit Value of the warranty and stock adjustment returns are treated as reductions of revenue based on the estimations made at the time of the sale. The Remanufactured Core value of warranty and stock adjustment returns are provided for as indicated in the paragraph “Revenue Recognition – Core Exchange Programs”.

As is standard in the industry, we only accept returns from on-going customers. If a customer ceases doing business with us, we have no further obligation to accept additional product returns from that customer. Similarly, we accept product returns and grant appropriate credits to new customers from the time the new customer relationship is established.

Contract Liability

Contract liability consists of: (i) customer allowances earned, (ii) accrued core payments, (iii) customer core returns accruals, (iv) core bank liability, (v) finished goods liabilities, and (vi) customer deposits.

Customer allowances earned includes all marketing allowances provided to customers. Such allowances include sales incentives and concessions. Voluntary marketing allowances related to a single exchange of product are recorded as a reduction of revenues at the time the related revenues are recorded or when such incentives are offered. Other marketing allowances, which may only be applied against future purchases, are recorded as a reduction to revenues in accordance with a schedule set forth in the relevant contract. Sales incentive amounts are recorded based on the value of the incentive provided. Customer allowances to be provided to customers within our normal operating cycle, which is generally one year, are considered short-term contract liabilities and the remainder are recorded as long-term contract liabilities.

Accrued core payments represent the sales price of Remanufactured Cores purchased from customers, generally in connection with new business, which are held by these customers and remain on their premises. The sales price of these Remanufactured Cores will be realized when our relationship with a customer ends, a possibility that we consider remote based on existing long-term customer agreements and historical experience. The payments to be made to customers for purchases of Remanufactured Cores within our normal operating cycle, which is generally one year, are considered short-term contract liabilities and the remainder are recorded as long-term contract liabilities.

Customer core returns accruals represent the full and nominally priced Remanufactured Cores shipped to our customers. When we ship product, we recognize an obligation to accept a similar Used Core sent back under the core exchange programs based upon the Remanufactured Core price agreed upon by us and our customer. The contract liability related to Used Cores returned by consumers to our customers but not yet returned to us are classified as short-term contract liabilities until we physically receive these Used Cores as they are expected to be returned during our normal operating cycle, which is generally one year and the remainder are recorded as long-term contract liabilities.

The core bank liability represents the full Remanufactured Core sales price for cores returned under our core exchange programs. The payment for these returned cores are made over a contractual repayment period pursuant to our agreement with this customer. Payments to be made within our normal operating cycle, which is generally one year, are considered short-term contract liabilities and the remainder are recorded as long-term contract liabilities.

Finished goods liabilities represents the agreed upon price of finished goods acquired from customers, generally in connection with new business. The payment for these finished goods are made over a contractual repayment period pursuant to our agreement with the customer. Payments to be made within our normal operating cycle, which is generally one year, are considered short-term contract liabilities and the remainder are recorded as long-term contract liabilities.

Customer deposits represent the receipt of prepayments from customers for the obligation to transfer goods or services in the future. We classify these customer deposits as short-term contract liabilities as we expect to satisfy these obligations within our normal operating cycle, which generally one year.

Customer Finished Goods Returns Accrual

The customer finished goods returns accrual represents our estimate of our exposure to customer returns, including warranty returns, under our general right of return policy to allow customers to return items that their end user customers have returned to them and from time to time, stock adjustment returns when the customers’ inventory of certain product lines exceeds the anticipated sales to end-user customers. The customer finished goods returns accrual represents the Unit Value of the estimated returns and is classified as a current liability due to the expectation that these returns will occur within the normal operating cycle of one year. Our customer finished goods returns accrual was $37,984,000 and $38,086,000 at March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The change in the customer finished goods returns accrual primarily resulted from the timing of returned goods authorizations (“RGAs”) issued at March 31, 2023 compared with March 31, 2022.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes using the liability method, which measures deferred income taxes by applying enacted statutory rates in effect at the balance sheet date to the differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements. The resulting asset or liability is adjusted to reflect changes in the tax laws as they occur. A valuation allowance is provided to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.

Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon our ability to generate sufficient future taxable income. Significant judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes, our deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance recorded against our net deferred tax assets. We make these estimates and judgments about our future taxable income that are based on assumptions that are consistent with our future plans. A valuation allowance is established when we believe it is not more likely than not all or some of a deferred tax assets will be realized. In evaluating our ability to recover deferred tax assets within the jurisdiction in which they arise, we consider all available positive and negative evidence. Deferred tax assets arising primarily as a result of net operating loss carry-forwards and research and development credits in connection with our Canadian operations have been offset completely by a valuation allowance due to the uncertainty of their utilization in future periods. Should the actual amount differ from our estimate, the amount of our valuation allowance could be impacted.

We have made an accounting policy election to recognize the U.S. tax effects of global intangible low-taxed income as a component of income tax expense in the period the tax arises.

Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis should be read together with the financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere herein.

The following summarizes certain key operating consolidated data for the periods indicated:

   
Fiscal Years Ended March 31,
 
   
2023
   
2022
   
2021
 
                   
Cash flows (used in) provided by operations
 
$
(21,754,000
)
 
$
(44,862,000
)
 
$
56,089,000
 
Finished goods turnover (1)
   
3.6
     
3.8
     
4.1
 


(1)
Finished goods turnover is calculated by dividing the cost of goods sold for the year by the average between beginning and ending non-core finished goods inventory values, for each fiscal year. We believe that this provides a useful measure of our ability to turn our inventory into revenues. Our finished goods turnover for fiscal 2023 was impacted by our investment in inventory during the prior year to address disruptions related to the worldwide supply chain and logistics challenges to meet higher anticipated future sales.

Fiscal 2023 Compared with Fiscal 2022

Net Sales and Gross Profit

The following summarizes net sales and gross profit:

   
Fiscal Years Ended March 31,
 
   
2023
   
2022
 
             
Net sales
 
$
683,074,000
   
$
650,308,000
 
Cost of goods sold
   
569,112,000
     
532,443,000
 
Gross profit
   
113,962,000
     
117,865,000
 
Gross profit percentage
   
16.7
%
   
18.1
%

Net Sales. Our consolidated net sales for the year ended March 31, 2023 were $683,074,000, which represents an increase of $32,766,000, or 5.0%, from the year ended March 31, 2022 of $650,308,000. The prior year’s net sales was positively impacted by $13,327,000 in core revenue due to a realignment of inventory at certain customer distribution centers. This increase in net sales for the year ended March 31, 2023 primarily reflects growing sales of our brake-related products and higher sales of our rotating electric products, partially offset by disruptions to global supply chain and logistics services and inventory reduction initiatives from one of our largest customers.

The following summarizes consolidated net sales by product mix:

   
Years Ended March 31,
 
   
2023
   
2022
 
             
Rotating electrical products
   
67
%
   
69
%
Wheel hub products
   
11
%
   
13
%
Brake-related products
   
18
%
   
15
%
Other products
   
4
%
   
3
%
     
100
%
   
100
%

Gross Profit. Our consolidated gross profit was $113,962,000, or 16.7% of consolidated net sales, for the year ended March 31, 2023 compared with $117,865,000, or 18.1% of consolidated net sales, for the year ended March 31, 2022. Our gross margin for the year ended March 31, 2023 reflects (i) higher per unit costs resulting from absorption of overhead costs as we manage our inventory levels, (ii) higher costs due to disruptions to the global supply chain, logistics services, related higher freight costs, higher wages, (iii) impact of core revenue in the prior period due to a realignment of inventory at certain customer distribution centers, and (iv) changes in product mix.

Our gross margin for the years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 was impacted by (i) higher freight costs, net of certain price increases, of $3,290,000, and $9,135,000, respectively, (ii) additional expenses due to certain costs for disruptions in the supply chain of $8,195,000 and $8,759,000, respectively, (iii) amortization of core and finished goods premiums paid to customers related to new business of $11,791,000 and $11,960,000, respectively.

In addition, gross margin for the year ended March 31, 2023 was impacted by (i) non-cash quarterly revaluation of cores that are part of the finished goods on the customers’ shelves (which are included in contract assets) to the lower of cost or net realizable value, which resulted in a write-down of $3,736,000 and (ii) a $2,034,000 reduction of payroll expense for the ERC.

For the year ended March 31, 2022, gross margin was impacted by non-cash quarterly revaluation of cores that are part of the finished goods on the customers’ shelves (which are included in contract assets) to the lower of cost or net realizable value and gain due to realignment of inventory at certain customer distribution centers, which resulted in a net gain of $75,000. Gross margin for the year ended March 31, 2022 was further impacted by transition expenses in connection with the expansion of our brake-related operations in Mexico of $2,744,000.

Operating Expenses

The following summarizes consolidated operating expenses:

   
Fiscal Years Ended March 31,
 
   
2023
   
2022
 
             
General and administrative
 
$
54,756,000
   
$
57,499,000
 
Sales and marketing
   
21,729,000
     
22,833,000
 
Research and development
   
10,322,000
     
10,502,000
 
Foreign exchange impact of lease liabilities and forward contracts
   
(9,291,000
)
   
(1,673,000
)
 
               
Percent of net sales
               
 
               
General and administrative
   
8.0
%
   
8.8
%
Sales and marketing
   
3.2
%
   
3.5
%
Research and development
   
1.5
%
    1.6
%
Foreign exchange impact of lease liabilities and forward contracts
   
(1.4
)%
   
(0.3
)%

General and Administrative. Our general and administrative expenses for fiscal 2023 were $54,756,000, which represents a decrease of $2,743,000, or 4.8%, from fiscal 2022 of $57,499,000. The decrease in general and administrative expense during fiscal 2023 was primarily due to (i) $3,743,000 of decreased employee incentives as no bonuses were recorded for fiscal 2023, (ii) $2,602,000 of decreased share-based compensation in connection with equity grants made to employees, and (iii) a $1,377,000 reduction of payroll expense for the ERC. These decreases were partially offset by (i) $1,640,000 of increased expense resulting from foreign currency transactions, (ii) $1,562,000 of increased severance expense due to headcount reduction, (iii) $920,000 of increased employee-related expense at our offshore locations, (iv) $403,000 of increased information technology costs in connection with cybersecurity and other productivity tools, and (v) $346,000 of increased professional services.

Sales and Marketing. Our sales and marketing expenses for fiscal 2023 were $21,729,000, which represents a decrease of $1,104,000, or 4.8%, from fiscal 2022 of $22,833,000. This decrease in sales and marketing expense during fiscal 2023 was primarily due to (i) $1,359,000 of decreased employee-related expenses (including a $968,000 reduction of payroll expense for the ERC) due to our cost-cutting measures and (ii) $535,000 of decreased marketing and advertising expenses. These decreases were partially offset by (i) $359,000 of increased trade shows as normal business expenses resumed, (ii) $370,000 of increased travel costs as some business travel resumed, and (iii) $171,000 of increased commissions due to higher sales.

Research and Development. Our research and development expenses for fiscal 2023 were $10,322,000, which represents a decrease of $180,000, or 1.7%, from fiscal 2022 of $10,502,000. This decrease in research and development expenses during fiscal 2023 was primarily due to (i) a $725,000 reduction of payroll expense related to the ERC and (ii) $265,000 of decreased outside services. These decreases were partially offset by (i) $558,000 of increased samples for our core library and other research and development supplies and (ii) $238,000 of increased employee-related expenses.

Foreign Exchange Impact of Lease Liabilities and Forward Contracts. Our foreign exchange impact of lease liabilities and forward contracts for the years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 were non-cash gains of $9,291,000 and $1,673,000, respectively. This change was primarily due to (i) the remeasurement of our foreign currency-denominated lease liabilities, which resulted in non-cash gains of $6,515,000 and $1,989,000 for the years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, due to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and (ii) the forward foreign currency exchange contracts, which resulted in a non-cash gain of $2,776,000 compared with a non-cash loss of $316,000 for the years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, due to the changes in their fair values.

Operating Income

Consolidated Operating Income. Our consolidated operating income for the year ended March 31, 2023 was $36,446,000, which represents an increase of $7,742,000, or 27.0%, from the year ended March 31, 2022 of $28,704,000. Operating income increased primarily due to increased non-cash gains from the foreign exchange impact of lease liabilities and forward contracts and lower operating expenses, which were partially offset by lower gross profit as discussed above.

Interest Expense

Interest Expense, net. Our interest expense for the year ended March 31, 2023 was $39,555,000, which represents an increase of $24,000,000, or 154.3%, from interest expense for the year ended March 31, 2022 of $15,555,000. Approximately 86% of this increase was due to higher interest rates on our borrowing and accounts receivable discount programs, which have variable interest rates. In addition, during the year ended March 31, 2023, utilization of our accounts receivable discount programs and our average borrowing under our credit facility increased.

Provision for Income Taxes

Income Tax. We recorded an income tax expense of $1,098,000, or an effective tax rate of (35.3)%, and income tax expense of $5,788,000, or an effective tax rate of 44.0%, for fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively. The effective tax rate for year ended March 31, 2023, was primarily impacted by (i) specific jurisdictions that we do not expect to recognize the benefit of losses, (ii) foreign income taxed at rates that are different from the federal statutory rate, and (iii) non-deductible executive compensation under Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m).

Fiscal 2022 Compared with Fiscal 2021

Net Sales and Gross Profit

The following summarizes net sales and gross profit:

   
Fiscal Years Ended March 31,
 
   
2022
   
2021
 
             
Net sales
 
$
650,308,000
   
$
540,782,000
 
Cost of goods sold
   
532,443,000
     
431,321,000
 
Gross profit
   
117,865,000
     
109,461,000
 
Gross profit percentage
   
18.1
%
   
20.2
%

Net Sales. Our consolidated net sales for fiscal 2022 were $650,308,000, which represents an increase of $109,526,000, or 20.3%, from fiscal 2021 of $540,782,000. While our net sales increased across all product lines due to strong demand for our products, we continued to experience a number of challenges related to the global COVID-19 pandemic, including disruptions with worldwide supply chain and logistics services during both periods. Net sales for fiscal 2022 and 2021 include $13,327,000 and $12,779,000, respectively, in core revenue due to a realignment of inventory at certain customer distribution centers.

The following summarizes sales mix:

   
Years Ended March 31,
 
   
2022
   
2021
 
             
Rotating electrical products
   
69
%
   
73
%
Wheel hub products
   
13
%
   
15
%
Brake-related products
   
15
%
   
10
%
Other products
   
3
%
   
2
%
     
100
%
   
100
%

Gross Profit. Our gross profit increased $8,404,000, or 7.7%, to $117,865,000 for fiscal 2022 from $109,461,000 for fiscal 2021. Our gross profit increased due to strong demand across all product lines. Our consolidated gross margin was 18.1% of net sales for fiscal 2022 compared with 20.2% of net sales for fiscal 2021. The decrease in our gross margin was primarily due to inflationary costs related to the global pandemic, including disruptions with worldwide supply chain, logistics services, and related higher freight costs. During fiscal 2022 and 2021, higher freight costs, net of certain price increases that went into effect during the latter part of the current year, impacted gross margin by approximately $9,135,000, and $1,785,000, respectively. During fiscal 2022, we also incurred additional expenses of $8,759,000 due to COVID-19 related costs for disruptions in the supply chain, increased salaries associated with COVID-19 vulnerable employee pay, and personal protective equipment. During fiscal 2021, we incurred additional expenses of $5,268,000 due to increased salaries associated with COVID-19 bonuses, vulnerable employee pay, and personal protective equipment in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our gross margin for fiscal 2022 and 2021 was also impacted by (i) transition expenses in connection with the expansion of our brake-related operations in Mexico of $2,744,000 and $16,353,000, respectively, and (ii) amortization of core and finished goods premiums paid to customers related to new business of $11,960,000 and $6,691,000, respectively. Expansion of our brake-related operations in Mexico was completed during the second quarter of fiscal 2022.

In addition, gross margin was impacted by (i) non-cash quarterly revaluation of cores that are part of the finished goods on the customers’ shelves (which are included in contract assets) to the lower of cost or net realizable value and gain due to realignment of inventory at customer distribution centers, which resulted in a net gain of $75,000 and net write-down of $209,000 for fiscal 2022 and 2021, respectively, (ii) customer allowances and return accruals related to new business of $307,000 recorded during fiscal 2021, (iii) net tariff costs of $332,000 not passed through to customers for fiscal 2021, and (iv) a $3,561,000 benefit for revised tariff costs recorded during fiscal 2021.

Operating Expenses

The following summarizes consolidated operating expenses:

   
Fiscal Years Ended March 31,
 
   
2022
   
2021
 
             
General and administrative
 
$
57,499,000
   
$
53,847,000
 
Sales and marketing
   
22,833,000
     
18,024,000
 
Research and development
   
10,502,000
     
8,563,000
 
Foreign exchange impact of lease liabilities and forward contracts
   
(1,673,000
)
   
(17,606,000
)
 
               
Percent of net sales
               
 
               
General and administrative
   
8.8
%
   
10.0
%
Sales and marketing
   
3.5
%
   
3.3
%
Research and development
   
1.6
%
   
1.6
%
Foreign exchange impact of lease liabilities and forward contracts
   
(0.3
)%
   
(3.3
)%

General and Administrative. Our general and administrative expenses for fiscal 2022 were $57,499,000, which represents an increase of $3,652,000, or 6.8%, from fiscal 2021 of $53,847,000, however, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 8.8% for fiscal 2022 from 10.0% for the prior year. The increase in general and administrative expense was primarily due to (i) $2,040,000 of increased share-based compensation due to equity grants made to employees in fiscal 2022, (ii) $353,000 of increased employee related expenses, primarily due to the reinstatement of salary reductions in the prior year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, (iii) $905,000 of decreased gain resulting from foreign currency transactions, (iv) $705,000 of increased costs at our offshore locations, (vi) $305,000 of increased information technology costs in connection with cybersecurity and other productivity tools, and (vii) $292,000 of increased general insurance costs. These increases in general and administrative expenses were partially offset by $1,329,000 of decreased professional services.

Sales and Marketing. Our sales and marketing expenses for fiscal 2022 were $22,833,000, which represents an increase of $4,809,000, or 26.7%, from fiscal 2021 of $18,024,000. This increase in sales and marketing expense during fiscal 2022 was primarily due to (i) $1,500,000 of increased commissions due to higher sales, (ii) $1,304,000 of increased employee related expenses, primarily due to the reinstatement of salary reductions in the prior year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and increased headcount in the current year, (iii) $1,027,000 of increased marketing in connection with new business and advertising expense, (iv) $501,000 of increased travel as normal business operations resume, and (v) $261,000 of increased trade shows expense as normal business operations resume.

Research and Development. Our research and development expenses for fiscal 2022 were $10,502,000, which represents an increase of $1,939,000, or 22.6%, from fiscal 2021 of $8,563,000. This increase in research and development expenses during fiscal 2022 was primarily due to (i) $1,274,000 of increased employee related expenses, primarily due to the reinstatement of salary reductions in the prior year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and increased headcount during the current year, (ii) $504,000 of increased outside services primarily due to development projects, and (iii) $110,000 of increased samples for our core library and other research and development supplies.

Foreign Exchange Impact of Lease Liabilities and Forward Contracts. Our foreign exchange impact of lease liabilities and forward contracts for fiscal 2022 was a non-cash gain of $1,673,000 compared with a non-cash gain for fiscal 2021 of $17,606,000. This change in gain was primarily due to (i) the remeasurement of our foreign currency-denominated lease liabilities which resulted in non-cash gains of $1,989,000 compared with $9,893,000 for fiscal 2022 and 2021, respectively, due to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and (ii) the forward foreign currency exchange contracts which resulted in a non-cash loss of $316,000 compared with a non-cash gain of $7,713,000 for fiscal 2022 and 2021, respectively, due to the changes in their fair values.

Operating Income

Consolidated Operating Income. Our consolidated operating income for the year ended March 31, 2022 was $28,704,000, which represents a decrease of $17,929,000, or 38.4%, from the year ended March 31, 2021 of $46,633,000. Operating income decreased primarily due to decreased non-cash gains from foreign exchange impact of lease liabilities and forward contracts and increased operating expenses, which were partially offset by increased gross profit as discussed above.

Interest Expense

Interest Expense, net. Our interest expense, net for fiscal 2022 was $15,555,000, which represents a decrease of $215,000, or 1.3%, from fiscal 2021 of $15,770,000. The decrease in interest expense was primarily due to lower interest rates on our accounts receivable discount programs partially offset by increased borrowing under our credit facility.

Provision for Income Taxes

Income Tax. We recorded income tax expense of $5,788,000, or an effective tax rate of 44.0%, for fiscal 2022 and $9,387,000, or an effective tax rate of 30.4%, for fiscal 2021. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2022 was primarily impacted by (i) non-deductible executive compensation under Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m), (ii) income taxes associated with uncertain tax positions, (iii) specific jurisdictions that we do not expect to recognize the benefit of losses, and (iv) foreign income taxed at rates that are different from the federal statutory rate.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

We had working capital (current assets minus current liabilities) of $154,886,000 and $110,580,000, a ratio of current assets to current liabilities of 1.4:1.0 at March 31, 2023 and 1.3:1.0 at March 31, 2022. The increase in working capital resulted primarily from (i) lower accounts payable balances, (ii) the pay down of our revolving loans from the net proceeds received from the issuance of $32,000,000 in convertible notes, (iii) higher accounts receivable, which resulted from higher net sales for fiscal 2023, and (iv) a reduction of inventory that was built-up in the prior year to meet customer demand.

Our primary source of liquidity was from the use of our receivable discount programs, credit facility, and issuance of convertible notes during fiscal 2023. In addition, we have access to our existing cash, as well as our available credit facilities to meet short-term liquidity needs. We believe our cash and cash equivalents, use of receivable discount programs, amounts available under our credit facility, and other sources are sufficient to satisfy our expected future working capital needs, repayment of the current portion of our term loans, and lease and capital expenditure obligations over the next 12 months.

On March 31, 2023, we issued $32,000,000 aggregate principal amount of convertible notes in a private placement offering. The convertible notes bear interest at a rate of 10% per year. The convertible notes may either be redeemed for cash, converted into shares of our common stock, or a combination thereof, at our election. The aggregate proceeds from the offering were approximately $31,280,000, net initial purchasers’ fees and other related expenses. The notes will mature on March 30, 2029, unless earlier converted, repurchased or redeemed.

Cash Flows

The following summarizes cash flows as reflected in the consolidated statements of cash flows:

   
Fiscal Years Ended March 31,
 
 
 
2023
   
2022
   
2021
 
Cash (used in) provided by:
                 
Operating activities
 
$
(21,754,000
)
 
$
(44,862,000
)
 
$
56,089,000
 
Investing activities
   
(4,191,000
)
   
(7,938,000
)
   
(14,214,000
)
Financing activities
   
14,308,000
     
60,215,000
     
(76,567,000
)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
   
217,000
     
78,000
     
599,000
 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
$
(11,420,000
)
 
$
7,493,000
   
$
(34,093,000
)
 
                       
Additional selected cash flow data:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
 
$
12,444,000
   
$
12,886,000
   
$
11,144,000
 
Capital expenditures
   
4,201,000
     
7,550,000
     
13,942,000
 

Fiscal 2023 Compared with Fiscal 2022

Net cash used in operating activities was $21,754,000 and $44,862,000 for fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively. The significant change in our operating activities was due primarily to (i) a reduction of inventory that was built-up in the prior year to meet customer demand, (ii) a reduction of accounts payable balances due to lower purchases as we continue to manage our inventory levels, and (iii) increased sales for fiscal 2023 compared with fiscal 2022, resulting in a higher accounts receivable balance which will be collected in future periods. We continue to manage our working capital to maximize our operating cash flow.

Net cash used in investing activities was $4,191,000 and $7,938,000 for fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively. The change in our investing activities primarily resulted from decreased capital expenditures due to the completion of our expansion of our brake-related operations in Mexico during the second quarter of fiscal 2022.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $14,308,000 and $60,215,000 for fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively. The significant change in our financing activities was due mainly to net repayments under our credit facility during fiscal 2023 compared to net borrowings under our credit facility during fiscal 2022 to support the investment in our inventory partially offset by $32,000,000 in proceeds less debt issuance costs from the issuance of our convertible notes during fiscal 2023. In addition, we repurchased 106,486 shares of our common stock for $1,914,000 during fiscal 2022.

Fiscal 2022 Compared with Fiscal 2021

Net cash used in operating activities was $44,862,000 for fiscal 2022 compared with net cash provided by operating activities of $56,089,000 for fiscal 2021. The significant change in our operating activities was due primarily to (i) increased sales for fiscal 2022 compared with fiscal 2021, resulting in a higher accounts receivable balance which will be collected in future periods and (ii) higher inventory purchases during the current year compared with the prior year as we increased our inventory levels as a result of disruptions with worldwide supply chain and logistics services to meet higher anticipated sales, however, our days payable outstanding did not increase proportionately to our purchases during the current year as compared with the prior year. Our operating results (net income plus the net add-back for non-cash transactions in earnings) were higher during fiscal 2022 as compared with fiscal 2021.

Net cash used in investing activities was $7,938,000 and $14,214,000 for fiscal 2022 and 2021, respectively. The significant change in our investing activities was due primarily to decreased capital expenditures in connection with the completion of our expansion of our brake-related operations in Mexico during the second quarter of fiscal 2022.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $60,215,000 for fiscal 2022 compared with net cash used in financing activities $76,567,000 for fiscal 2021. The significant change in our financing activities was due mainly to additional net borrowings under our credit facility during fiscal 2022 to support the investment in our inventory compared with repayments under our credit facility during fiscal 2021.

Capital Resources

Credit Facility

We are party to a $268,620,000 senior secured financing, (as amended from time to time, the “Credit Facility”) with a syndicate of lenders, and PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, consisting of (i) a $238,620,000 revolving loan facility, subject to borrowing base restrictions, a $24,000,000 sublimit for borrowings by Canadian borrowers, and a $20,000,000 sublimit for letters of credit (the “Revolving Facility”) and (ii) a $30,000,000 term loan facility (the “Term Loans”). The loans under the Credit Facility mature on May 28, 2026. The Credit Facility currently permits the payment of up to $29,043,000 of dividends and share repurchases for fiscal year 2023, subject to pro forma compliance with financial covenants. In connection with the Credit Facility, the lenders have a security interest in substantially all of our assets.

The Term Loans require quarterly principal payments of $937,500. The Credit Facility bears interest at rates equal to either SOFR (as defined below) plus a margin of 2.75%, 3.00% or 3.25% or a reference rate plus a margin of 1.75%, 2.00% or 2.25%, in each case depending on the senior leverage ratio as of the applicable measurement date. There is also a facility fee of 0.375% to 0.50%, depending on the senior leverage ratio as of the applicable measurement date. The interest rate on our Term Loans and Revolving Facility was 8.02% and 8.13%, respectively, at March 31, 2023, and 2.99% and 3.13%, respectively, at March 31, 2022.

The Credit Facility, among other things, requires us to maintain certain financial covenants -- including a maximum senior leverage ratio and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. In addition, the Credit Facility places limits on our ability to incur liens, incur additional indebtedness, make loans and investments, engage in mergers and acquisitions, engage in asset sales, redeem, or repurchase capital stock, alter the business conducted by us and our subsidiaries, transact with affiliates, prepay, redeem, or purchase subordinated debt, and amend or otherwise alter debt agreements.

On November 3, 2022, we entered into a fourth amendment to the Credit Facility, which among other things, (i) modified the fixed charge coverage ratio financial covenant for the fiscal quarters ending September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2022, (ii) modified the total leverage ratio financial covenant for the quarter ending September 30, 2022, (iii) modified the definition of “Consolidated EBITDA”, and (iv) replaced LIBOR as the benchmark rate with a replacement benchmark based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) effective November 3, 2022. The modifications to the financial covenants were effective as of September 30, 2022.

As of December 31, 2022, we identified certain defaults with respect to the Credit Facility, which arose from non-compliance with certain financial covenants. On February 3, 2023, we entered into the fifth amendment, which among other things, (i) waived certain existing defaults and events of defaults arising from non-compliance with the fixed charge coverage ratio and senior leverage ratio financial covenants as of the end of the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2022, (ii) modified the fixed charge coverage ratio and senior leverage ratio financial covenant levels for the quarters ending March 31, 2023 and June 30, 2023, (iii) modified the definitions of “Applicable Margin” and “Consolidated EBITDA”, and (iv) added a new minimum undrawn availability financial covenant.

On March 31, 2023, we entered into a sixth amendment to the Credit Facility, which among other things, (i) permitted the issuance of the Convertible Notes (as defined below), (ii) amended the definition of Consolidated EBITDA, and (iii) amended certain component definitions used in calculating the senior leverage ratio financial covenant to exclude the Convertible Notes (as defined below).

We were in compliance with all financial covenants as of March 31, 2023.

We had $145,200,000 and $155,000,000 outstanding under the Revolving Facility at March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. In addition, $6,370,000 was reserved for letters of credit at March 31, 2023. At March 31, 2023, after certain adjustments, $87,050,000 was available under the Revolving Facility.

Convertible Notes

On March 31, 2023, we entered into a note purchase agreement (the “Note Purchase Agreement”) with Bison Capital Partners VI, L.P. and Bison Capital Partners VI-A, L.P. (collectively, the “Purchasers”) and Bison Capital Partners VI, L.P., as the purchaser representative (the “Purchaser Representative”) for the issuance and sale of $32,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of convertible notes due in 2029 (the “Convertible Notes”) to be used for general corporate purposes.  The Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 10.0% per annum, compounded annually, and payable (i) in kind or (ii) in cash, annually in arrears on April 1 of each year, commencing on April 1, 2024. On June 8, 2023, we entered into the first amendment to the Note Purchase Agreement, which among other things, removed a provision that specified the Purchasers would be entitled to receive a dividend or distribution payable in certain circumstances. This amendment was effective as of March 31, 2023.

The aggregate proceeds from the offering were approximately $31,280,000, net of initial purchasers’ fees and other related expenses. The initial conversion rate is 66.6667 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $15.00 per share of common stock). At March 31, 2023, we had 28,650,590 shares of our common stock available to be issued if the Convertible Notes were converted.

In connection with the Note Purchase Agreement, we entered into common stock warrants (the “Warrants”) with the Purchasers, which mature on March 30, 2029. The Warrants do not become exercisable unless a Company Redemption (as defined below) occurs and the volume weighted average price of our common stock for 20 consecutive days prior to the redemption is less than $15.00. The fair value of the Warrants, using Level 3 inputs and the Monte Carlo simulation model, was zero at March 31, 2023. We estimate the fair value of the Warrants at each balance sheet date. Any subsequent changes from the initial recognition in the fair value of the Warrants will be recorded in current period earnings in the consolidated statements of operations.

The Convertible Notes may be converted, subject to certain conditions, at a conversion price of approximately $15.00 (the “Conversion Option”). The Convertible Notes also include a provision for a return of interest (“Return of Interest”), which requires the Purchasers to return 15.0% of the interest paid to us in certain circumstances. The Return of Interest provision is accounted for as part of the Conversion Option and if the Conversion Option is exercised in the future, the Return of Interest provision will remain outstanding until the Purchaser sells all of the underlying stock received upon conversion. Upon conversion, any value associated with the Return of Interest provision will be reflected as a derivative asset upon conversion, with changes in fair value being recorded in earnings in the consolidated statements of operations until settlement in connection with the sale of the underlying stock by the Purchaser.  Unless and until we deliver a redemption notice, the Purchasers of the Convertible Notes may convert their Convertible Notes at any time at their option. Upon conversion, the Convertible Notes will be settled in shares of our common stock. The conversion rate and conversion price are subject to customary adjustments upon the occurrence of certain events. The Convertible Notes have a stated maturity of March 30, 2029, subject to earlier conversion or redemption in accordance with their terms.

If there is a Fundamental Transaction, as defined in the Form of Convertible Promissory Note, we may redeem all or part of the Convertible Notes. Except in the case of the occurrence of a Fundamental Transaction, we may not redeem the Convertible Notes prior to March 31, 2026. After March 31, 2026, we may redeem all or part of the Convertible Notes for a cash purchase (the “Company Redemption”) price equal to the redemption price plus $4,000,000, but only if (i) we are listed on a national exchange, (ii) there is no “Event of Default” occurring and continuing and (iii) Adjusted EBITDA for the prior four quarters is greater than $80,000,000.  The “Redemption Price” shall mean a cash amount equal to the principal amount of the Convertible Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest. However, if the volume weighted average price of our common stock for 20 consecutive days prior to the notice of the Company Redemption is less than $15.00, the Purchasers may exercise the warrants and we will pay the Redemption Price plus $2,000,000. However, if the volume weighted average price of our common stock is less than $8 for 20 days between March 31, 2023 and September 27, 2023, we will pay the redemption price plus $5,000,000.

The Conversion Option and the Company Redemption both met the criteria for bifurcation from the Convertible Notes as derivatives and using the Monte Carlo simulation model were fair valued as a derivative liability of $10,400,000 and an asset of $1,970,000 at March 31, 2023, respectively. The Company Redemption has been combined with the Conversion Option as a compound net derivative liability (the “Compound Net Derivative Liability”). The Compound Net Derivative Liability has been recorded within convertible note, related party in the consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2023. We estimate the fair value of the Compound Net Derivative Liability at each balance sheet date. Any subsequent changes from the initial recognition in the fair value of the Compound Net Derivative Liability will be recorded in current period earnings in the consolidated statements of operations.

The Convertible Notes also contain additional features, such as, default interest and options related to a Fundamental Transaction, requiring bifurcation which were not separately accounted for as the value of such features were not material at March 31, 2023. Any subsequent changes from the initial recognition in the fair value of those features will be recorded in current period earnings in the consolidated statements of operations.

The Convertible Notes include customary provisions relating to the occurrence of Events of Default, which include the following: (i) certain payment defaults on the Convertible Notes; (ii) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency and reorganization involving us or any of our subsidiaries; (iii) the entering of one or more final judgements or orders against us or any of our subsidiaries for an aggregate payment exceeding $25,000,000; (iv) the acceleration of senior debt; (v) certain failures of us to comply with certain provisions of the Note Purchase Agreement or material breaches of the Note Purchase Agreement by us or any of our subsidiaries; (vi) any material provision of the Note Purchase Agreement, the Convertible Notes, the guarantee, the subordination agreement, the warrants or the registration rights agreement, for any reason, ceases to be valid and binding on us or any subsidiary, or any subsidiary shall so claim in writing to challenge the validity of or our liability under the Note Purchase Agreement, the Convertible Notes, or the registration rights agreement; or (vii) we fail to maintain the listing of our capital stock on a national securities exchange. Events of Default will be subject to a 30-day cure period except for those related to clause (ii) and (iv) of the preceding sentence.

If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, then, we shall deliver written notice to the Purchasers within 5 business days of first learning of such Event of Default. If an Event of Default involving bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization events with respect to us (and not solely with respect to our significant subsidiary) occurs, then the principal amount of, and all accrued and unpaid interest on, all of the Convertible Notes then outstanding will immediately become due and payable without any further action.

Debt issuance costs of $1,006,000 are presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amounts of the Convertible Notes at March 31, 2023. Debt issuance costs are amortized using the effective interest method through the maturity of the Convertible Note and recorded in interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Debt issuance costs of $360,000 allocated to the Compound Net Derivative Liability were immediately expensed to interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended March 31, 2023.

Additionally, pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement, subject to certain conditions, the Purchaser Representative shall have the right to nominate one director to serve (the “Investor Director”) on our Board of Directors (the “Board”). If an Investor Director is not currently serving on the Board, and subject to certain other conditions set forth in the Note Purchase Agreement, the Purchaser Representative shall have the right to designate one person to have observation rights with respect to all meetings of the Board. In connection with our entry into the Note Purchase Agreement, we have appointed Douglas Trussler to serve on our Board.

Receivable Discount Programs

We use receivable discount programs with certain customers and their respective banks. Under these programs, we have options to sell those customers’ receivables to those banks at a discount to be agreed upon at the time the receivables are sold. These discount arrangements allow us to accelerate receipt of payment on customers’ receivables. While these arrangements have reduced our working capital needs, there can be no assurance that these programs will continue in the future. Interest expense resulting from these programs would increase if interest rates rise, if utilization of these discounting arrangements expands, if customers extend their payment to us, or if the discount period is extended to reflect more favorable payment terms to customers.

The following is a summary of the receivable discount programs:

   
Fiscal Years Ended March 31,
 
   
2023
   
2022
 
             
Receivables discounted
 
$
548,376,000
   
$
525,441,000
 
Weighted average days
   
328
     
336
 
Weighted average discount rate
   
5.3
%
   
1.9
%
Amount of discount as interest expense
 
$
26,432,000
   
$
9,197,000
 

Multi-year Customer Agreements

We have or are renegotiating long-term agreements with many of our major customers. Under these agreements, which in most cases have initial terms of at least four years, we are designated as the exclusive or primary supplier for specified categories of our products. Because of the very competitive nature of the market and the limited number of customers for these products, our customers have sought and obtained price concessions, significant marketing allowances and more favorable delivery and payment terms in consideration for our designation as a customer’s exclusive or primary supplier. These incentives differ from contract to contract and can include (i) the issuance of a specified amount of credits against receivables in accordance with a schedule set forth in the relevant contract, (ii) support for a particular customer’s research or marketing efforts provided on a scheduled basis, (iii) discounts granted in connection with each individual shipment of product, and (iv) other marketing, research, store expansion or product development support. These contracts typically require that we meet ongoing performance standards.

While these longer-term agreements strengthen our customer relationships, the increased demand for our products often requires that we increase our inventories and personnel. Customer demands that we purchase their Remanufactured Core inventory also require the use of our working capital. The marketing and other allowances we typically grant our customers in connection with our new or expanded customer relationships adversely impact the near-term revenues, profitability and associated cash flows from these arrangements. However, we believe the investment we make in these new or expanded customer relationships will improve our overall liquidity and cash flow from operations over time.

Share Repurchase Program

In August 2018, our board of directors approved an increase in our share repurchase program from $20,000,000 to $37,000,000 of our common stock.  During fiscal 2023, we did not repurchase any shares of our common stock.  During fiscal 2022 and 2021, we repurchased 106,486 and 54,960 shares of our common stock, respectively, for $1,914,000 and $1,139,000, respectively. As of March 31, 2023, $18,745,000 was utilized and $18,255,000 remains available to repurchase shares under the authorized share repurchase program, subject to the limit in our Credit Facility. We retired the 837,007 shares repurchased under this program through March 31, 2023. Our share repurchase program does not obligate us to acquire any specific number of shares and shares may be repurchased in privately negotiated and/or open market transactions.

Capital Expenditures and Commitments

Our total capital expenditures, including capital leases and non-cash capital expenditures, were $4,792,000 for fiscal 2023 and $8,150,000 for fiscal 2022. These capital expenditures primarily include the purchase of equipment for our current operations and the expansion of our operations in Mexico, which was completed during the second quarter of fiscal 2022. We expect to incur approximately $7,000,000 of capital expenditures primarily to support our current operations during fiscal 2024. We have used and expect to continue using our working capital and additional capital lease obligations to finance these capital expenditures.

Contractual Obligations

The following summarizes our contractual obligations and other commitments as of March 31, 2023 and the effect such obligations could have on our cash flows in future periods:

   
Payments Due by Period
 
Contractual Obligations
 
Total
   
Less than
1 year
   
1 to 3
years
   
3 to 5
years
   
More than 5
years
 
                               
Finance lease obligations (1)
 
$
5,008,000
   
$
2,064,000
   
$
2,406,000
   
$
532,000
   
$
6,000
 
Operating lease obligations (2)
   
113,671,000
     
13,567,000
     
24,634,000
     
21,541,000
     
53,929,000
 
Revolving facility (3)
   
145,200,000
     
-
     
-
     
145,200,000
     
-
 
Term loan (4)
   
14,947,000
     
4,655,000
     
8,391,000
     
1,901,000
     
-
 
Convertible notes (5)
   
56,704,000
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
56,704,000
 
Accrued core payment (6)
   
13,289,000
     
3,480,000
     
5,985,000
     
3,824,000
     
-
 
Core bank liability (7)
   
16,148,000
     
2,018,000
     
4,036,000
     
4,036,000
     
6,058,000
 
Finished goods liabilities (8)
   
1,710,000
     
1,277,000
     
433,000
     
-
     
-
 
Unrecognized tax benefits (9)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Other long-term obligations (10)
   
63,976,000
     
14,637,000
     
22,226,000
     
19,137,000
     
7,976,000
 
Total
 
$
430,653,000
   
$
41,698,000
   
$
68,111,000
   
$
196,171,000
   
$
124,673,000
 



(1)
Finance lease obligations represent amounts due under finance leases for various types of equipment.

(2)
Operating lease obligations represent amounts due for rent under our leases for all our facilities, certain equipment, and our Company automobile.

(3)
Obligations under our Revolving Facility mature on May 28, 2026. This debt is classified as a short term liability on our balance sheet as we expect to use our working capital to repay the amounts outstanding under our revolving loan.

(4)
Term Loan obligations represent the amounts due for principal payments as well as interest payments to be made. Interest payments were calculated based upon the interest rate for our Term Loan using the SOFR option at March 31, 2023, which was 8.02%.

(5)
Obligations under our Convertible Notes mature on March 30, 2029. There are no future payments required under the Convertible Notes prior to their maturity, therefore, the carrying value of the notes plus interest payable in kind, assuming no early redemption or conversion has occurred, is included in the above table based on their maturity date of March 30, 2029.

(6)
Accrued core payment represents the amounts due for principal of $12,227,000 and interest payments of $1,062,000 to be made in connection with the purchases of Remanufactured Cores from our customers, which are held by these customers and remain on their premises.

(7)
The core bank liability represents the amounts due for principal of $15,268,000 and interest payments of $880,000 to be made in connection with the return of Used Cores from our customers.

(8)
Finished goods liabilities represents the amounts due for principal of $1,690,000 and interest payments of $20,000 to be made in connection with the purchase of finished goods from our customers.

(9)
We are unable to reliably estimate the timing of future payments related to uncertain tax position liabilities at March 31, 2023; therefore, future tax payment accruals related to uncertain tax positions in the amount of $1,964,000 have been excluded from the table above.

(10)
Other long-term obligations represent commitments we have with certain customers to provide marketing allowances in consideration for multi-year customer agreements to provide products over a defined period. We are not obligated to provide these marketing allowances should our business relationships end with these customers.

Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Our primary market risk relates to changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, and customer credit. We do not enter into derivatives or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. As our overseas operations expand, our exposure to the risks associated with foreign currency fluctuations will continue to increase.

Interest rate risk

We are exposed to changes in interest rates primarily as a result of our borrowing and receivable discount programs, which have interest costs that vary with interest rate movements. Our credit facility bears interest at variable base rates, plus an applicable margin. At March 31, 2023, our net debt obligations totaled $158,143,000. If interest rates were to increase 1%, our net annual interest expense on our credit facility would have increased by approximately $1,581,000. The weighted average interest on our debt was 8.12% at March 31, 2023 compared to 3.12% at March 31, 2022.  In addition, during the year ended March 31, 2023, receivables discounted were $548,376,000. For each $500,000,000 of accounts receivable we discount over a period of 180 days, a 1% increase in interest rates would have increased our interest expense by $2,500,000. The weighted average discount rate on our factored receivables was 5.3% during fiscal 2023 compared with 1.9% for fiscal 2022.

Foreign currency risk

We are exposed to foreign currency exchange risk inherent in our anticipated purchases and expenses denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. We transact business in the following foreign currencies; Mexican pesos, Malaysian ringgit, Singapore dollar, Chinese yuan, and the Canadian dollar. Our primary currency risks result from fluctuations in the value of the Mexican peso and to a lesser extent the Chinese yuan. To mitigate these risks, we enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts to exchange U.S. dollars for these foreign currencies. The extent to which we use forward foreign currency exchange contracts is periodically reviewed in light of our estimate of market conditions and the terms and length of anticipated requirements. The use of derivative financial instruments allows us to reduce our exposure to the risk that the eventual net cash outflow resulting from funding the expenses of the foreign operations will be materially affected by changes in exchange rates. These contracts generally expire in a year or less. Any changes in the fair values of our forward foreign currency exchange contracts are reflected in current period earnings. Based upon our forward foreign currency exchange contracts related to these currencies, an increase of 10% in exchange rates at March 31, 2023 would have increased our operating expenses by approximately $4,761,000. During fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, a gain of $2,776,000 and a loss of $316,000, respectively, was recorded due to the change in the value of the forward foreign currency exchange contracts subsequent to entering into the contracts. In addition, we recorded gains $6,515,000 and $1,989,000 in connection with the remeasurement of foreign currency-denominated lease liabilities during fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, respectively.

Credit Risk

We regularly review our accounts receivable and allowance for credit losses by considering factors such as historical experience, credit quality and age of the accounts receivable, and the current economic conditions that may affect a customer’s ability to pay such amounts owed to us. The majority of our sales are to leading automotive aftermarket parts suppliers. We participate in trade accounts receivable discount programs with our major customers. If the creditworthiness of any of our customers was downgraded, we could be adversely affected, in that we may be subjected to higher interest rates on the use of these programs or we could be forced to wait longer for payment. Should our customers experience significant cash flow problems, our financial position and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected, and the maximum amount of loss that would be incurred would be the outstanding receivable balance, Used Cores expected to be returned by customers, and the value of the Remanufactured Cores held at customers’ locations. We maintain an allowance for credit losses that, in our opinion, provides for an adequate reserve to cover losses that may be incurred.

Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The information required by this item is set forth in the consolidated financial statements, commencing on page F-1 included herein.

Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) and Chief Accounting Officer (“CAO”), has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a- 15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the “Exchange Act,”) as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information we are required to disclose in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO, CFO and CAO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures, and is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Based on this evaluation, our CEO, CFO and CAO have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of March 31, 2023.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d- 15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of our financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2022 using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013). Based on its assessment, our management, including our CEO and CFO, has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of March 31, 2023.

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2023 has been audited by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP. Their assessment is included in the accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

Change in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) identified in connection with the evaluation of our internal control performed during the period covered by this report, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls

Management recognizes that a control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud or error, if any, have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of a simple error or mistake.

Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

Item 9B.
Other Information

None.

Item 9C.
Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections

None.

PART III

Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement in connection with our next Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”).

Item 11.
Executive Compensation

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement.

Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement.

Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement.

Item 14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement.

PART IV

Item 15.
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

a.
Documents filed as part of this report:


(1)
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements:

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID No. 42)
58
Consolidated Balance Sheets
F-1
Consolidated Statements of Operations
F-2
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
F-3
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
F-4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
F-5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-6

 
(2)
Schedules.

Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
S-1


(3)
Exhibits:

Number
 
Description of Exhibit
 
Method of Filing
         
3.1
 
Certificate of Incorporation of the Company
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 declared effective on March 22, 1994 (the “1994 Registration Statement”).
         
3.2
 
Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of the Company
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-97498) declared effective on November 14, 1995 (the “1995 Registration Statement”).
         
3.3
 
Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of the Company
 
         
3.4
 
Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of the Company
 
         
3.5
 
Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of the Company
 
         
3.6
 
Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company
 
         
3.7
 
Certificate of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company
 
         
3.8
 
Amendment to the Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company
 

Number
 
Description of Exhibit
 
Method of Filing
         
3.9
 
Amendment to the Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company
 
         
3.10
 
Third Amendment to the Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company
 
         
4.1
 
Description of the  Registrant’s Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
         
4.2
 
2004 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan
 
         
4.3
 
2010 Incentive Award Plan
 
         
4.4
 
Amended and Restated 2010 Incentive Award Plan
 
         
4.5
 
Second Amended and Restated 2010 Incentive Award Plan
 
         
4.6
 
2014 Non-Employee Director Incentive Award Plan
 
         
4.7
 
Third Amended and Restated 2010 Incentive Award Plan
 
         
4.8
 
Fourth Amended and Restated 2010 Incentive Award Plan
 
         
4.9
 
2022 Incentive Award Plan
 
         
4.10
 
Form of Convertible Promissory Note
 
         
4.11
 
Form of Common Stock Warrant
 
         
  First Amended and Restated Convertible Promissory note
 
Filed herewith.

       
  First Amended and Restated Common Stock Warrant
 
Filed herewith.

       
10.1
 
Form of Indemnification Agreement for officers and directors
 
         
10.2
 
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2008, by and between the Company and Selwyn Joffe
 

Number
 
Description of Exhibit
 
Method of Filing
         
10.3
 
Employment Agreement, dated as of May 18, 2012, between Motorcar Parts of America, Inc., and Selwyn Joffe
 
     
10.4
 
Form of Stock Option Notice for use in connection with stock options granted to Selwyn Joffe pursuant to the Motorcar Parts of America, Inc. 2010 Incentive Award Plan
 
         
10.5
 
Form of Stock Option Agreement for use in connection with stock options granted to Selwyn Joffe pursuant to the Motorcar Parts of America, Inc. 2010 Incentive Award Plan
 
         
10.6*
 
Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of June 3, 2015, among Motorcar Parts of America, Inc., each lender from time to time party thereto, and PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent
 
         
10.7
 
First Amendment to Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of November 5, 2015, among Motorcar Parts of America, Inc., each lender from time to time party thereto, and PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent
   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2015.
         
10.8
 
Consent and Second Amendment to Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of May 19, 2016, among Motorcar Parts of America, Inc., each lender from time to time party thereto, and PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent
   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2016.
         
10.9
 
Third Amendment to Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of March 24, 2017, among Motorcar Parts of America, Inc., each lender from time to time party thereto, and PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent
   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38 to Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on June 14, 2017.
         
10.10
 
Fourth Amendment to Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of April 24, 2017, among Motorcar Parts of America, Inc., each lender from time to time party thereto and PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent
   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2017.

Number
 
Description of Exhibit          
 
Method of Filing          
         
10.11
 
Fifth Amendment to Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of July 18, 2017, among Motorcar Parts of America, Inc., each lender from time to time party thereto and PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent
 
         
10.12*
 
Amended and Restated Credit Facility, dated as of June 5, 2018, among Motorcar Parts of America, Inc., each lender from time to time party thereto and PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent
 
         
10.13
 
First Amendment to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of November 14, 2018, among Motorcar Parts of America, Inc., D & V Electronics Ltd., each lender from time to time party thereto, and PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent
 
         
10.14
 
Amendment No. 2 to Employment Agreement, dated as of February 5, 2019, between Motorcar Parts of America, Inc., and Selwyn Joffe
 
         
10.15
 
Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of June 4, 2019, among Motorcar Parts of America, Inc., D&V Electronics Ltd., Dixie Electric Ltd., Dixie Electric Inc., each lender from time to time party thereto, and PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent
 
         
10.16
 
Amendment No. 3 to Employment Agreement, dated as of March 30, 2020, between Motorcar Parts of America, Inc., and Selwyn Joffe
 
         
10.17
 
Amendment No. 4 to Employment Agreement, dated as of May 21, 2020, between Motorcar Parts of America, Inc., and Selwyn Joffe
 
         
10.18
 
Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of May 28, 2021, among Motorcar Parts of America, Inc., D&V Electronics Ltd., Dixie Electric Ltd., Dixie Electric Inc., each lender from time to time party thereto, and PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent
 

Number
 
Description of Exhibit          
 
Method of Filing          
         
10.19
 
Amendment No. 5 to Employment Agreement, dated as of June 18, 2021, between Motorcar Parts of America, Inc., and Selwyn Joffe
 
         
10.20
 
Fourth Amendment to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of November 3, 2022, among Motorcar Parts of America, Inc., D&V Electronics Ltd., Dixie Electric Ltd., Dixie Electric Inc., each lender from time to time party thereto, and PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent
 
         
10.21
 
Fifth Amendment to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of February 3, 2023, among Motorcar Parts of America, Inc., D&V Electronics Ltd., Dixie Electric Ltd., Dixie Electric Inc., each lender from time to time party thereto, and PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent
 
         
10.22
 
Note Purchase Agreement
 
         
10.23
 
Registration Rights Agreement
 
         
10.24
 
Sixth Amendment to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of May 28, 2021, among Motorcar Parts of America, Inc., D & V Electronics Ltd., Dixie Electric Ltd., and Dixie Electric Inc., each lender from time to time party thereto, and PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent
 
         
10.25
 
Amendment No. 6 to Employment Agreement, dated March 29, 2023, between Motorcar Parts of America, Inc. and Selwyn Joffe.
 
         
 
First Amendment to Note Purchase Agreement
 
Filed herewith.
         
 
List of Subsidiaries
 
Filed herewith.
         
 
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Ernst & Young LLP
 
Filed herewith.
         
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
 
Filed herewith.

 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
 
Filed herewith.
         
 
Certification of Chief Accounting Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
 
Filed herewith.
         
 
Certifications of Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
 
Filed herewith.
         
101.INS
 
Inline XBRL Instance Document (the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the XBRL document)
 
Filed herewith.
         
101.SCM
 
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
Filed herewith.
         
101.CAL
 
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
Filed herewith.
         
101.DEF
 
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
Filed herewith.
         
101.LAB
 
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
Filed herewith.
         
101.PRE
 
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
Filed herewith.
         
104
 
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
 
Filed herewith.



*
Portions of this exhibit have been granted confidential treatment by the SEC.

The agreements and other documents filed as exhibits to this report are not intended to provide factual information or other disclosure other than with respect to the terms of the agreements or other documents themselves, and you should not rely on them for that purpose. In particular, any representations and warranties made by us in those agreements or other documents were made solely within the specific context of the relevant agreement or document and may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time.

Item 16.
Form 10-K Summary

None.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 
MOTORCAR PARTS OF AMERICA, INC.
     
Dated: June 13, 2023
By:
/s/ David Lee
   
David Lee
   
Chief Financial Officer
     
Dated: June 13, 2023
By:
/s/ Kamlesh Shah
   
Kamlesh Shah
   
Chief Accounting Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report on Form 10-K has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

/s/ Selwyn Joffe
Chief Executive Officer and Director
June 13, 2023
Selwyn Joffe
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
     
/s/ David Lee
Chief Financial Officer
June 13, 2023
David Lee
(Principal Financial Officer)

     
/s/ Kamlesh Shah
Chief Accounting Officer
June 13, 2023
Kamlesh Shah
(Principal Accounting Officer)

     
/s/ Rudolph Borneo
Director
June 13, 2023
Rudolph Borneo
   
     
/s/ David Bryan
Director
June 13, 2023
David Bryan
   
     
/s/ Joseph Ferguson
Director
June 13, 2023
Joseph Ferguson
   
     
/s/ Philip Gay
Director
June 13, 2023
Philip Gay
   
     
/s/ Jeffrey Mirvis
Director
June 13, 2023
Jeffrey Mirvis
   
     
/s/ Jamy Rankin
Director
June 13, 2023
Jamy Rankin
   
     
/s/ Douglas Trussler
Director
June 13, 2023
Douglas Trussler
   
     
/s/ Patricia Warfield
Director
June 13, 2023
Patricia Warfield
   
     
/s/ Barbara Whittaker
Director
June 13, 2023
Barbara Whittaker
   

MOTORCAR PARTS OF AMERICA, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONTENTS

 
Page
58
F-1
F-2
F-3
F-4
F-5
F-6
S-1

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Motorcar Parts of America, Inc.

Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We have audited Motorcar Parts of America, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Motorcar Parts of America, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2023, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of March 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2023, and the related notes and financial statement schedule and our report dated June 13, 2023 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
   
Los Angeles, California
 
June 13, 2023
 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Motorcar Parts of America, Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Motorcar Parts of America, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of March 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2023, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15 (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at March 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2023, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated June 13, 2023 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

 
Contractual Agreements with Core Exchange Programs
   
Description of the Matter
As more fully described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company enters into contractual arrangements with customers (core exchange programs) which represent the majority of the Company’s sales for products that contain remanufactured cores. At March 31, 2023, contract assets and contract liabilities related to core exchange programs recorded on the consolidated balance sheet were $343,824,000 and $233,946,000, respectively.

Auditing contract assets and contract liabilities related to the core exchange programs involved complex auditor judgment due to the unique terms of each customer arrangement which impact the completeness, existence, valuation and classification of contract assets and liabilities.

How We Addressed the
Matter in Our Audit
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of controls over management’s review of contracts with customers, management’s assessment of the accounting for core exchange programs, including unique contractual terms, and management’s review of the related contract assets and liabilities including controls over the completeness and accuracy of data.
 
Our audit procedures to test the contract assets and contract liabilities related to core exchange programs included, among others, (i) reviewing agreements and amendments for significant customers, (ii) testing the completeness of management’s identification of contractual terms, (iii) evaluating the consistency of the accounting treatment with the Company’s policies; and (v) testing the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data used in management’s analyses.
 
 
Marketing Allowances
   
Description of the Matter
As more fully described in Note 2 and Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements, revenue is recognized net of applicable marketing allowances. These marketing allowances vary by contract and can include (i) the issuance of a specified amount of credits against receivables, (ii) support for research or marketing efforts, (iii) discounts granted in connection with shipments of product, and (iv) other marketing, research, store expansion or product development support. At March 31, 2023, marketing allowances recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet was $19,997,000, which is presented within contract liabilities.

Auditing the completeness of marketing allowances was complex because marketing allowances vary by contract and could be impacted by unrecorded marketing allowances provided to customers.
   
How We Addressed the
Matter in Our Audit
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of controls over the marketing allowances processes. For example, we tested controls over management’s review of contracts with customers containing marketing allowances, management’s review of the completeness and accuracy of data used in the marketing accrual analysis at period end and management’s review of credits issued to customers subsequent to the balance sheet date.

Our audit procedures to test marketing allowances included, among others, reviewing significant contracts with customers, obtaining confirmations of contractual terms and conditions from a sample of the Company’s customers, and testing credits issued or payments made to customers throughout the year and subsequent to year-end. We tested the completeness and accuracy of data used in the calculation of the marketing allowance by agreeing contractual terms to the underlying agreements. In addition, we evaluated the relationship between revenue and marketing allowances and assessed subsequent events to determine whether there was any new information that would require adjustments to the amounts recorded.

 
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
   
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2007.
 
   
Los Angeles, California
 
June 13, 2023
 

MOTORCAR PARTS OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets

 
 
March 31, 2023
   
March 31, 2022
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
11,596,000
   
$
23,016,000
 
Short-term investments
   
2,011,000
     
2,202,000
 
Accounts receivable — net
   
119,868,000
     
85,075,000
 
Inventory — net
   
339,675,000
     
370,503,000
 
Inventory unreturned
   
16,579,000
     
15,001,000
 
Contract assets
   
25,443,000
     
27,500,000
 
Income tax receivable
   
2,156,000
     
301,000
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
   
20,150,000
     
13,387,000
 
Total current assets
   
537,478,000
     
536,985,000
 
Plant and equipment — net
   
46,052,000
     
51,062,000
 
Operating lease assets
   
87,619,000
     
81,997,000
 
Deferred income taxes
   
32,625,000
     
26,982,000
 
Long-term contract assets
   
318,381,000
     
310,255,000
 
Goodwill
   
3,205,000
     
3,205,000
 
Intangible assets — net
   
2,143,000
     
3,799,000
 
Other assets
   
1,062,000
     
1,413,000
 
TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
1,028,565,000
   
$
1,015,698,000
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’  EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
 
$
119,437,000
   
$
147,469,000
 
Accrued liabilities
   
22,329,000
     
20,966,000
 
Customer finished goods returns accrual
   
37,984,000
     
38,086,000
 
Contract liabilities
   
40,340,000
     
42,496,000
 
Revolving loan
   
145,200,000
     
155,000,000
 
Other current liabilities
   
4,871,000
     
11,930,000
 
Operating lease liabilities
   
8,767,000
     
6,788,000
 
Current portion of term loan
   
3,664,000
     
3,670,000
 
Total current liabilities
   
382,592,000
     
426,405,000
 
Term loan, less current portion
   
9,279,000
     
13,024,000
 
Convertible notes, related party
    30,994,000       -  
Contract liabilities, less current portion
   
193,606,000
     
172,764,000
 
Deferred income taxes
   
718,000
     
126,000
 
Operating lease liabilities, less current portion
   
79,318,000
     
80,803,000
 
Other liabilities
   
11,583,000
     
7,313,000
 
Total liabilities
   
708,090,000
     
700,435,000
 
Commitments and contingencies
   
     
 
Shareholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock; par value $0.01 per share, 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued
   
-
     
-
 
Series A junior participating preferred stock; par value $0.01 per share, 20,000 shares authorized; none issued
   
-
     
-
 
Common stock; par value $0.01 per share, 50,000,000 shares authorized; 19,494,615 and 19,104,751 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively
   
195,000
     
191,000
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
231,836,000
     
227,184,000
 
Retained earnings
   
88,747,000
     
92,954,000
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(303,000
)
   
(5,066,000
)
Total shareholders’ equity
   
320,475,000
     
315,263,000
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
$
1,028,565,000
   
$
1,015,698,000
 

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part hereof.

MOTORCAR PARTS OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Operations

 
 
Years Ended March 31,
 
 
 
2023
   
2022
   
2021
 
 
                 
Net sales
 
$
683,074,000
   
$
650,308,000
   
$
540,782,000
 
Cost of goods sold
   
569,112,000
     
532,443,000
     
431,321,000
 
Gross profit
   
113,962,000
     
117,865,000
     
109,461,000
 
Operating expenses:
                       
General and administrative
   
54,756,000
     
57,499,000
     
53,847,000
 
Sales and marketing
   
21,729,000
     
22,833,000
     
18,024,000
 
Research and development
   
10,322,000
     
10,502,000
     
8,563,000
 
Foreign exchange impact of lease liabilities and forward contracts
   
(9,291,000
)
   
(1,673,000
)
   
(17,606,000
)
Total operating expenses
   
77,516,000
     
89,161,000
     
62,828,000
 
Operating income
   
36,446,000
     
28,704,000
     
46,633,000
 
Interest expense, net
   
39,555,000
     
15,555,000
     
15,770,000
 
(Loss) income before income tax expense
   
(3,109,000
)
   
13,149,000
     
30,863,000
 
Income tax expense
   
1,098,000
     
5,788,000
     
9,387,000
 
 
                       
Net (loss) income
 
$
(4,207,000
)
 
$
7,361,000
   
$
21,476,000
 
Basic net (loss) income per share
 
$
(0.22
)
 
$
0.38
   
$
1.13
 
Diluted net (loss) income per share
 
$
(0.22
)
 
$
0.38
   
$
1.11
 
                         
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
                       
Basic
   
19,340,246
     
19,119,727
     
19,023,145
 
Diluted
   
19,340,246
     
19,559,646
     
19,387,555
 

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part hereof.

MOTORCAR PARTS OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

 
 
Years Ended March 31,
 
 
 
2023
   
2022
   
2021
 
 
                 
Net (loss) income
 
$
(4,207,000
)
 
$
7,361,000
   
$
21,476,000
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
                       
Foreign currency translation income (loss)
   
4,763,000
     
2,630,000
     
(328,000
)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
   
4,763,000
     
2,630,000
     
(328,000
)
 
                       
Comprehensive income
 
$
556,000
   
$
9,991,000
   
$
21,148,000
 

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part hereof.

MOTORCAR PARTS OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

 
 
Common Stock
                         
 
 
Shares
   
Amount
   
Additional Paid-in
Capital Common
Stock
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss (Income)
   
Total
 
 
                                   
Balance at March 31, 2020
   
18,969,380
   
$
190,000
   
$
218,581,000
   
$
64,117,000
   
$
(7,368,000
)
 
$
275,520,000
 
 
                                               
Compensation recognized under employee stock plans
   
-
     
-
     
5,247,000
     
-
     
-
     
5,247,000
 
Exercise of stock options
   
58,848
     
-
     
719,000
     
-
     
-
     
719,000
 
Issuance of common stock upon vesting of RSUs, net of shares withheld for employee taxes
   
72,118
     
1,000
     
(351,000
)
   
-
     
-
     
(350,000
)
Repurchase and cancellation of treasury stock, including fees
    (54,960 )     (1,000 )     (1,138,000 )     -       -       (1,139,000 )
Foreign currency translation
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(328,000
)
   
(328,000
)
Net income
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
21,476,000
     
-
     
21,476,000
 
 
                                               
Balance at March 31, 2021
   
19,045,386
   
$
190,000
   
$
223,058,000
   
$
85,593,000
   
$
(7,696,000
)
 
$
301,145,000
 
 
                                               
Compensation recognized under employee stock plans
   
-
     
-
     
7,287,000
     
-
     
-
     
7,287,000
 
Exercise of stock options, net of shares withheld for employee taxes and net share settlement of exercise price
   
33,996
     
-
     
499,000
     
-
     
-
     
499,000
 
Issuance of common stock upon vesting of RSUs, net of shares withheld for employee taxes
   
131,855
     
2,000
     
(1,747,000
)
   
-
     
-
     
(1,745,000
)
Repurchase and cancellation of treasury stock, including fees
    (106,486 )     (1,000 )     (1,913,000 )     -       -       (1,914,000 )
Foreign currency translation
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
2,630,000
     
2,630,000
 
Net income
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
7,361,000
     
-
     
7,361,000
 
 
                                               
Balance at March 31, 2022
   
19,104,751
   
$
191,000
   
$
227,184,000
   
$
92,954,000
   
$
(5,066,000
)
 
$
315,263,000
 
                                                 
Compensation recognized under employee stock plans
   
-
     
-
     
4,685,000
     
-
     
-
     
4,685,000
 
Exercise of stock options, net of shares withheld for employee taxes and net share settlement of exercise price
   
236,199
     
2,000
     
938,000
     
-
     
-
     
940,000
 
Issuance of common stock upon vesting of RSUs, net of shares withheld for employee taxes
   
153,665
     
2,000
     
(971,000
)
   
-
     
-
     
(969,000
)
Foreign currency translation
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
4,763,000
     
4,763,000
 
Net loss
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(4,207,000
)
   
-
     
(4,207,000
)
                                                 
Balance at March 31, 2023
   
19,494,615
   
$
195,000
   
$
231,836,000
   
$
88,747,000
   
$
(303,000
)
 
$
320,475,000
 

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part hereof.

MOTORCAR PARTS OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 
 
Years Ended March 31,
 
 
 
2023
   
2022
   
2021
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                 
Net (loss) income
 
$
(4,207,000
)
 
$
7,361,000
   
$
21,476,000
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
   
10,984,000
     
11,338,000
     
9,573,000
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
1,460,000
     
1,548,000
     
1,571,000
 
Amortization and write-off of debt issuance costs
   
663,000
     
623,000
     
859,000
 
Amortization of interest on contract liabilities, net
   
940,000
     
879,000
     
924,000
 
Accrued interest on convertible notes, related party
    9,000       -       -  
Amortization of core premiums paid to customers
   
11,113,000
     
11,242,000
     
6,590,000
 
Amortization of finished goods premiums paid to customers
   
678,000
     
718,000
     
101,000
 
Non-cash lease expense
   
8,348,000
     
7,447,000
     
7,102,000
 
Foreign exchange impact of lease liabilities and forward contracts
   
(9,291,000
)
   
(1,673,000
)
   
(17,606,000
)
Foreign currency remeasurement loss (gain)
   
1,408,000
     
48,000
     
(1,500,000
)
Loss due to the change in the fair value of the contingent consideration
   
-
     
67,000
     
230,000
 
Loss (gain) on short-term investments
   
181,000
     
(163,000
)
   
(521,000
)
Net provision for inventory reserves
   
18,851,000
     
13,504,000
     
12,803,000
 
Net provision for customer payment discrepancies
   
2,112,000
     
2,142,000
     
694,000
 
Net provision for doubtful accounts
   
108,000
     
95,000
     
(1,000
)
Deferred income taxes
   
(5,207,000
)
   
(7,442,000
)
   
(433,000
)
Share-based compensation expense
   
4,685,000
     
7,287,000
     
5,247,000
 
Loss on disposal of plant and equipment
   
17,000
     
36,000
     
29,000
 
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
                       
Accounts receivable
   
(37,176,000
)
   
(24,145,000
)
   
28,364,000
 
Inventory
   
10,423,000
     
(95,529,000
)
   
(73,564,000
)
Inventory unreturned
   
(1,531,000
)
   
(437,000
)
   
(5,514,000
)
Income tax receivable
   
(2,030,000
)
   
111,000
     
3,200,000
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
   
(2,906,000
)
   
(682,000
)
   
(2,763,000
)
Other assets
   
435,000
     
122,000
     
523,000
 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
   
(23,757,000
)
   
17,453,000
     
55,958,000
 
Customer finished goods returns accrual
   
(201,000
)
   
6,533,000
     
6,138,000
 
Contract assets, net
   
(17,560,000
)
   
(52,474,000
)
   
(43,871,000
)
Contract liabilities, net
   
17,719,000
     
48,056,000
     
45,118,000
 
Operating lease liabilities
   
(7,141,000
)
   
(5,442,000
)
   
(6,376,000
)
Other liabilities
   
(881,000
)
   
6,515,000
     
1,738,000
 
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
   
(21,754,000
)
   
(44,862,000
)
   
56,089,000
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
Purchase of plant and equipment
   
(4,201,000
)
   
(7,550,000
)
   
(13,942,000
)
Proceeds from sale of plant and equipment
   
-
     
-
     
8,000
 
Redemptions of (payments for) short term investments
   
10,000
     
(388,000
)
   
(280,000
)
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(4,191,000
)
   
(7,938,000
)
   
(14,214,000
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
Borrowings under revolving loan
   
65,000,000
     
107,000,000
     
27,000,000
 
Repayments under revolving loan
   
(74,800,000
)
   
(36,000,000
)
   
(95,000,000
)
Repayments of term loan
   
(3,750,000
)
   
(3,750,000
)
   
(3,750,000
)
Proceeds from issuance of convertible notes, related party
    32,000,000       -       -  
Payments for debt issuance costs
   
(1,716,000
)
   
(1,159,000
)
   
-
 
Payments on finance lease obligations
   
(2,397,000
)
   
(2,716,000
)
   
(2,442,000
)
Payment of contingent consideration
   
-
     
-
     
(1,605,000
)
Exercise of stock options
   
940,000
     
499,000
     
719,000
 
Cash used to net share settle equity awards
   
(969,000
)
   
(1,745,000
)
   
(350,000
)
Repurchase of common stock, including fees
   
-
     
(1,914,000
)
   
(1,139,000
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
   
14,308,000
     
60,215,000
     
(76,567,000
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
   
217,000
     
78,000
     
599,000
 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
(11,420,000
)
   
7,493,000
     
(34,093,000
)
Cash and cash equivalents — Beginning of year
   
23,016,000
     
15,523,000
     
49,616,000
 
Cash and cash equivalents — End of year
 
$
11,596,000
   
$
23,016,000
   
$
15,523,000
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
                       
Cash paid for interest, net
 
$
37,772,000
   
$
13,994,000
   
$
14,066,000
 
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds
   
14,198,000
     
6,746,000
     
3,027,000
 
Cash paid for operating leases
   
12,055,000
     
10,406,000
     
10,878,000
 
Cash paid for finance leases
   
2,659,000
     
3,061,000
     
2,821,000
 
Plant and equipment acquired under finance lease
   
1,246,000
     
836,000
     
4,102,000
 
Assets acquired under operating leases
   
7,832,000
     
16,187,000
     
16,484,000
 
Non-cash capital expenditures
   
6,000
     
661,000
     
857,000
 
Debt issuance costs included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    476,000       -       -  

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part hereof.

MOTORCAR PARTS OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Company Background and Organization

Motorcar Parts of America, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”, or “MPA”) is a leading supplier of automotive aftermarket non-discretionary replacement parts, and test solutions and diagnostic equipment. These replacement parts are primarily sold to automotive retail chain stores and warehouse distributors throughout North America and to major automobile manufacturers for both their aftermarket programs and warranty replacement programs (“OES”). The Company’s test solutions and diagnostic equipment primarily serves the global automotive component and powertrain testing market. The Company’s products include (i) light duty and heavy duty rotating electrical products such as alternators and starters, (ii) wheel hub assemblies and bearings, (iii) brake-related products, which include brake calipers, brake boosters, brake rotors, brake pads, brake shoes, and brake master cylinders, and (iv) other products, which include (a) turbochargers and (b) test solutions and diagnostic equipment including: (i) applications for combustion engine vehicles, including bench top testers for alternators and starters, (ii) test solutions and diagnostic equipment for the pre- and post-production of electric vehicles, (iii) software emulation of power systems applications for the electrification of all forms of transportation (including automobiles, trusts and the emerging electrification of systems within the aerospace industry, such as electric vehicle charging stations).

The Company primarily ships its products from its facilities, including the Company’s 410,000 square foot distribution center in Tijuana, Mexico, and various third-party warehouse distribution centers in North America.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Motorcar Parts of America, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Segment Reporting

The Company’s three operating segments are as follows:

Hard Parts, including (i) light duty rotating electric products such as alternators and starters, (ii) wheel hub products, (iii) brake-related products, including brake calipers, brake boosters, brake rotors, brake pads and brake master cylinders, and (iv) turbochargers,
Test Solutions and Diagnostic Equipment, including (i) applications for combustion engine vehicles, including bench top testers for alternators and starters, (ii) test solutions and diagnostic equipment for the pre- and post-production of electric vehicles, (iii) software emulation of power systems applications for the electrification of all forms of transportation (including automobiles, trucks and the emerging electrification of systems within the aerospace industry, such as electric vehicle charging stations), and
Heavy Duty, including non-discretionary automotive aftermarket replacement hard parts for heavy-duty truck, industrial, marine, and agricultural applications.

Prior to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, the Company’s operating segments met the aggregation criteria and were aggregated. Effective as of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, the Company revised its segment reporting as it determined that its three operating segments no longer met the criteria to be aggregated. The Company’s Hard Parts operating segment meets the criteria of a reportable segment. The Test Solutions and Diagnostic Equipment and Heavy Duty are not material, are not separately reportable, and are included within the “all other” category. See Note 19 for more information.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash primarily consists of cash on hand and bank deposits. Cash equivalents consist of money market funds. The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original or remaining maturity of less than three months at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with various financial institutions.

Accounts Receivable

The Company’s accounts receivable are recorded at amortized cost less an allowance for credit losses that are not expected to be recovered. The net amount of accounts receivable and corresponding allowance for credit losses are presented in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company maintains allowances for credit losses resulting from the expected failure or inability of its customers to make required payments. The Company does not require collateral for accounts receivable. The Company believes its credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable is limited due to its credit evaluation process and the long-term nature of its relationships with its largest customers. The Company utilizes a historical loss rate method, adjusted for any changes in economic conditions or risk characteristics, to estimate its expected credit losses each period. When developing an estimate of expected credit losses, the Company considers all available relevant information regarding the collectability of cash flows, including historical information, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions over the contractual life of the receivable. The historical loss rate method considers past write-offs of trade accounts receivable over a period commensurate with the initial term of the Company’s contracts with its customers. The Company recognizes the allowance for credit losses at inception and reassesses quarterly based on management’s expectation of the asset’s collectability. The Company’s accounts receivable are short-term in nature and written off only when all collection attempts have failed.

The Company has receivable discount programs that have been established with certain major customers and their respective banks. Under these programs, the Company has the option to sell those customers’ receivables to those banks at a discount to be agreed upon at the time the receivables are sold. Once the customer chooses which outstanding invoices are going to be made available for discounting, the Company can accept or decline the bundle of invoices provided. The receivable discount programs are non-recourse, and funds cannot be reclaimed by the customer or its bank after the related invoices have been discounted.

Inventory

Inventory is comprised of: (i) Used Core and component raw materials, (ii) work-in-process, (iii) remanufactured finished goods and purchased finished goods.

Used Core, component raw materials, and purchased finished goods are stated at the lower of average cost or net realizable value.

Work-in-process is in various stages of production and is valued at the average cost of Used Cores and component raw materials issued to work orders still open, including allocations of labor and overhead costs. Historically, work-in-process inventory has not been material compared to the total inventory balance.

Remanufactured finished goods include: (i) the Used Core cost and (ii) the cost of component raw materials, and allocations of labor and variable and fixed overhead costs (the “Unit Cost”). The allocations of labor and variable and fixed overhead costs are based on the actual use of the production facilities over the prior 12 months which approximates normal capacity. This method prevents the distortion in allocated labor and overhead costs that would occur during short periods of abnormally low or high production. In addition, the Company excludes certain unallocated overhead such as severance costs, duplicative facility overhead costs, start-up costs, training, and spoilage from the calculation and expenses these unallocated overhead costs as period costs. Purchased finished goods also include an allocation of fixed overhead costs.

The estimate of net realizable value is subjective and based on management’s judgment and knowledge of current industry demand and management’s projections of industry demand. The estimates may, therefore, be revised if there are changes in the overall market for the Company’s products or market changes that in management’s judgment impact its ability to sell or liquidate potentially excess or obsolete inventory. Net realizable value is determined at least quarterly as follows:

Net realizable value for finished goods by customer, by product line are determined based on the agreed upon selling price with the customer for a product in the trailing 12 months. The Company compares the average selling price, including any discounts and allowances, to the finished goods cost of on-hand inventory, less any reserve for excess and obsolete inventory. Any reduction of value is recorded as cost of goods sold in the period in which the revaluation is identified.

Net realizable value for Used Cores are determined based on current core purchase prices from core brokers to the extent that core purchases in the trailing 12 months are significant. Remanufacturing consumes, on average, more than one Used Core for each remanufactured unit produced since not all Used Cores are reusable. The yield rates depend upon both the product and consumer specifications. The Company purchases Used Cores from core brokers to supplement its yield rates and Used Cores not returned under the core exchange programs. The Company also considers the net selling price its customers have agreed to pay for Used Cores that are not returned under its core exchange programs to assess whether Used Core cost exceeds Used Core net realizable value on a by customer, by product line basis. Any reduction of core cost is recorded as cost of goods sold in the period in which the revaluation is identified.

The Company records an allowance for potentially excess and obsolete inventory based upon recent sales history, the quantity of inventory on-hand, and a forecast of potential use of the inventory. The Company periodically reviews inventory to identify excess quantities and part numbers that are experiencing a reduction in demand. Any part numbers with quantities identified during this process are reserved for at rates based upon management’s judgment, historical rates, and consideration of possible scrap and liquidation values which may be as high as 100% of cost if no liquidation market exists for the part. As a result of this process, the Company recorded reserves for excess and obsolete inventory of $16,436,000 and $13,520,000 at March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. This increase in the reserve was primarily due to excess inventory of certain finished goods on hand at March 31, 2023 compared with March 31, 2022.

The Company records vendor discounts as a reduction of inventories and are recognized as a reduction to cost of sales as the inventories are sold.

Inventory Unreturned

Inventory unreturned represents the Company’s estimate, based on historical data and prospective information provided directly by the customer, of finished goods shipped to customers that the Company expects to be returned under its general right of return policy, after the balance sheet date. Inventory unreturned includes only the Unit Cost of a finished good. The return rate is calculated based on expected returns within the normal operating cycle, which is generally one year. As such, the related amounts are classified in current assets. Inventory unreturned is valued in the same manner as the Company’s finished goods inventory.

Contract Assets

Contract assets consists of: (i) the core portion of the finished goods shipped to customers, (ii) upfront payments to customers in connection with customer contracts, (iii) core premiums paid to customers, (iv) finished goods premiums paid to customers, and (v) long-term core inventory deposits.

Remanufactured Cores held at customers’ locations as a part of the finished goods sold to the customer are classified as long-term contract assets. These assets are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value of Used Cores on hand (See Inventory above). For these Remanufactured Cores, the Company expects the finished good containing the Remanufactured Core to be returned under the Company’s general right of return policy or a similar Used Core to be returned to the Company by the customer, under the Company’s core exchange programs, in each case for credit. The Remanufactured Cores and Used Cores returned by consumers to the Company’s customers but not yet returned to the Company are classified as “Cores expected to be returned by customers”, which are included in short-term contract assets until the Company physically receives them during its normal operating cycle, which is generally one year.

Upfront payments to customers represent marketing allowances, such as sign-on bonuses, slotting fees, and promotional allowances provided by the Company to its customers. These allowances are recognized as an asset and amortized over the appropriate period of time as a reduction of revenue if the Company expects to generate future revenues associated with the upfront payment. If the Company does not expect to generate additional revenue, then the upfront payment is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations when payment occurs as a reduction of revenue. Upfront payments expected to be amortized during the Company’s normal operating cycle, which is generally one year, are classified as short-term contract assets.

Core premiums paid to customers represent the difference between the Remanufactured Core acquisition price paid to customers, generally in connection with new business, and the related Used Core cost. The core premiums are treated as an asset and recognized as a reduction of revenue through the later of the date at which related revenue is recognized or the date at which the sales incentive is offered. The Company considers, among other things, the length of its largest ongoing customer relationships, duration of customer contracts, and the average life of vehicles on the road in determining the appropriate period of time over which to amortize these premiums. These core premiums are amortized over a period typically ranging from six to eight years, adjusted for specific circumstances associated with the arrangement. Core premiums are recorded as long-term contract assets. Core premiums expected to be amortized within the Company’s normal operating cycle, which is generally one year, are classified as short-term contract assets.

Finished goods premiums paid to customers represent the difference between the finished good acquisition price paid to customers, generally in connection with new business, and the related finished good cost, which is treated as an asset and recognized as a reduction of revenue through the later of the date at which related revenue is recognized or the date at which the sales incentive is offered. The Company considers, among other things, the length of its largest ongoing customer relationships, duration of customer contracts, and the average life of vehicles on the road in determining the appropriate period of time over which to amortize these premiums. Finished goods premiums are amortized over a period typically ranging from six to eight years, adjusted for specific circumstances associated with the arrangement. Finished goods premiums are recorded as long-term contract assets. Finished goods premiums expected to be amortized within our normal operating cycle, which is generally one year, are classified as short-term contract assets.

Long-term core inventory deposits represent the cost of Remanufactured Cores the Company has purchased from customers, which are held by the customers and remain on the customers’ premises. The costs of these Remanufactured Cores were established at the time of the transaction based on the then current cost. The selling value of these Remanufactured Cores was established based on agreed upon amounts with these customers. The Company expects to realize the selling value and the related cost of these Remanufactured Cores should its relationship with a customer end, a possibility that the Company considers remote based on existing long-term customer agreements and historical experience.

Customer Finished Goods Returns Accrual

The customer finished goods returns accrual represents the Company’s estimate of its exposure to customer returns, including warranty returns, under its general right of return policy to allow customers to return items that their end user customers have returned to them and from time to time, stock adjustment returns when the customers’ inventory of certain product lines exceeds the anticipated sales to end-user customers. The customer finished goods returns accrual represents the Unit Value of the estimated returns and is classified as a current liability due to the expectation that these returns will occur within the normal operating cycle of one year.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method, which measures deferred income taxes by applying enacted statutory rates in effect at the balance sheet date to the differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements. The resulting asset or liability is adjusted to reflect changes in the tax laws as they occur. A valuation allowance is provided to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.

The primary components of the Company’s income tax expense were (i) federal income taxes, (ii) state income taxes, (iii) foreign income taxed at rates that are different from the federal statutory rate, (iv) change in realizable deferred tax items, (v) impact of the non-deductible executive compensation under Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m), and (vi) income taxes associated with uncertain tax positions.

Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the Company’s ability to generate sufficient future taxable income. Significant judgment is required in determining the Company’s provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance recorded against the Company’s net deferred tax assets. The Company makes these estimates and judgments about its future taxable income that are based on assumptions that are consistent with the Company’s future plans. A valuation allowance is established when the Company believes it is not more likely than not all or some deferred tax assets will be realized. In evaluating the Company’s ability to recover deferred tax assets within the jurisdiction in which they arise, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence. Deferred tax assets arising primarily as a result of net operating loss carry-forwards and research and development credits in connection with the Company’s Canadian operations have been offset completely by a valuation allowance due to the uncertainty of their utilization in future periods. Should the actual amount differ from the Company’s estimates, the amount of the valuation allowance could be impacted.

The Company has made an accounting policy election to recognize the U.S. tax effects of global intangible low-taxed income as a component of income tax expense in the period the tax arises.

Plant and Equipment

Plant and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. The cost of additions and improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs are charged to expense when incurred. Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis in amounts sufficient to relate the cost of depreciable assets to operations over their estimated service lives. Machinery and equipment are depreciated over a range from five to ten years. Office equipment and fixtures are depreciated over a range from three to ten years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lives of the respective leases or the service lives of the leasehold improvements, whichever is shorter. Depreciation of assets recorded under finance leases is included in depreciation expense. The Company evaluates plant and equipment, including leasehold improvements, equipment, construction in progress, and right-of-use assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. There was no impairment recorded during the years ended March 31, 2023, 2022, or 2021.

Leases

The Company determines if an arrangement contains a lease at inception. Lease assets and lease liabilities are recorded based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term, which includes the minimum unconditional term of the lease. Certain of the Company’s leases include options to extend the leases for up to five years. When the Company has the option to extend the lease term, terminate the lease before the contractual expiration date, or purchase the leased asset, and it is reasonably certain that it will exercise the option, the option is considered in determining the classification and measurement of the lease. The lease assets are recorded net of any lease incentives received. The Company exempts leases with an initial term of 12 months or less from balance sheet recognition and, for all classes of assets, combines non-lease components with lease components. Lease assets are tested for impairment in the same manner as long-lived assets used in operations.

The Company uses its incremental borrowing rate for each of its leases in determining the present value of its expected lease payments based on the information available at the lease commencement date as the rate implicit for each of its leases is not readily detainable. The Company’s incremental borrowing rate is determined by analyzing and combining (i) an applicable risk-free rate, (ii) a financial spread adjustment, and (iii) any lease specific adjustment. Certain leases contain provisions for property-related costs that are variable in nature for which the Company is responsible, including common area maintenance and other property operating services, which are expensed as incurred and not included in the determination of lease assets and lease liabilities. These costs are calculated based on a variety of factors including property values, tax and utility rates, property services fees, and other factors. The Company records rent expense for operating leases, some of which have escalating rent payments, on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

The Company has material non-functional currency leases. As required for other monetary liabilities, lessees shall remeasure a foreign currency-denominated lease liability using the exchange rate at each reporting date, but the lease assets are nonmonetary assets measured at historical rates, which are not affected by subsequent changes in the exchange rates. The Company recorded gains of  $6,515,000, $1,989,000 and $9,893,000 during the years ended March 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, which are included in foreign exchange impact of lease liabilities and forward contracts in the consolidated statements of operations. See Note 10 for additional information regarding the Company’s leases.

Goodwill

The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment at least annually during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or more frequently when an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. The goodwill impairment test is performed at the reporting unit level, which represents the Company’s operating segments. In testing for goodwill impairment, the Company may elect to utilize a qualitative assessment to evaluate whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company’s qualitative assessment indicates that goodwill impairment is more likely than not, it will proceed with performing the quantitative assessment. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not considered impaired. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value an impairment loss will be recognized for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. The Company completes the required annual testing of goodwill impairment for each of the reporting units during the fourth quarter of the year. No impairment was recorded during the years ended March 31, 2023, 2022, or 2021.

Intangible Assets

The Company’s intangible assets other than goodwill are finite–lived and amortized on a straight-line basis over their respective useful lives. The Company analyzes its finite-lived intangible assets for impairment when and if indicators of impairment exist. No impairment was recorded during the years ended March 31, 2023, 2022, or 2021.

Debt Issuance Costs

Debt issuance costs include fees and costs incurred to obtain financing. Debt issuance costs related to the Company’s term loans and convertible notes are presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from carrying amounts of the respective debt. Debt issuance costs related to the Company’s revolving loan are presented in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, regardless of whether or not there are any outstanding borrowings under the revolving loan. These fees and costs are amortized using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest rate method, over the terms of the related loans and notes and are included in interest expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

Foreign Currency Translation

For financial reporting purposes, the functional currency of the foreign subsidiaries is the local currency. The assets and liabilities of foreign operations for which the local currency is the functional currency are translated into the U.S. dollar at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date, while revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates during the year. The accumulated foreign currency translation adjustment is presented as a component of comprehensive income or loss in the consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity. During the year ended March 31, 2023, aggregate foreign currency transaction losses of $1,401,000 and gains of $239,000 and $1,144,000 for the years ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, were recorded in general and administrative expenses.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized when performance obligations under the terms of a contract with the Company’s customers are satisfied; generally, this occurs with the transfer of control of its products. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring goods or providing services. Revenue is recognized net of all anticipated returns, marketing allowances, volume discounts, and other forms of variable consideration. Revenue is recognized either when products are shipped or when delivered, depending on the applicable contract terms.

The price of a finished remanufactured product sold to customers is generally comprised of separately invoiced amounts for the Remanufactured Core included in the product (“Remanufactured Core value”) and the unit portion included in the product (“Unit Value”), for which revenue is recorded based on our then current price list, net of applicable discounts and allowances. The Remanufactured Core value is recorded as a net revenue based upon the estimate of Used Cores that will not be returned by the customer for credit. These estimates are subjective and based on management’s judgment and knowledge of historical, current, and projected return rates. As reconciliations are completed with the customers the actual rates at which Used Cores are not being returned may differ from the current estimates. This may result in periodic adjustments of the estimated contract asset and liability amounts recorded and may impact the projected revenue recognition rates used to record the estimated future revenue. These estimates may also be revised if there are changes in contractual arrangements with customers, or changes in business practices. A significant portion of the remanufactured automotive parts sold to customers are replaced by similar Used Cores sent back for credit by customers under the core exchange programs (as described in further detail below). The number of Used Cores sent back under the core exchange programs is generally limited to the number of similar Remanufactured Cores previously shipped to each customer.

Revenue Recognition — Core Exchange Programs

Full price Remanufactured Cores: When remanufactured products are shipped, certain customers are invoiced for the Remanufactured Core value of the product at the full Remanufactured Core sales price. For these Remanufactured Cores, revenue is only recognized based upon an estimate of the rate at which these customers will pay cash for Remanufactured Cores in lieu of sending back similar Used Cores for credits under the core exchange programs. The remainder of the full price Remanufactured Core value invoiced to these customers is established as a long-term contract liability rather than being recognized as revenue in the period the products are shipped as the Company expects these Remanufactured Cores to be returned for credit under its core exchange programs.

Nominal price Remanufactured Cores: Certain other customers are invoiced for the Remanufactured Core value of the product shipped at a nominal (generally $0.01 or less) Remanufactured Core price. For these nominal Remanufactured Cores, revenue is only recognized based upon an estimate of the rate at which these customers will pay cash for Remanufactured Cores in lieu of sending back similar Used Cores for credits under the core exchange programs. Revenue amounts are calculated based on contractually agreed upon pricing for these Remanufactured Cores for which the customers are not returning similar Used Cores. The remainder of the nominal price Remanufactured Core value invoiced to these customers is established as a long-term contract liability rather than being recognized as revenue in the period the products are shipped as the Company expects these Remanufactured Cores to be returned for credit under its core exchange programs.

Revenue Recognition; General Right of Return

Customers are allowed to return goods that their end-user customers have returned to them, whether or not the returned item is defective (warranty returns). In addition, under the terms of certain agreements and industry practice, customers from time to time are allowed stock adjustments when their inventory of certain product lines exceeds the anticipated sales to end-user customers (stock adjustment returns). Customers have various contractual rights for stock adjustment returns, which are typically less than 5% of units sold. In some instances, a higher level of returns is allowed in connection with significant restocking orders. The aggregate returns are generally limited to less than 20% of unit sales.

The allowance for warranty returns is established based on a historical analysis of the level of this type of return as a percentage of total unit sales. The allowance for stock adjustment returns is based on specific customer inventory levels, inventory movements, and information on the estimated timing of stock adjustment returns provided by customers. Stock adjustment returns do not occur at any specific time during the year. The return rate for stock adjustments is calculated based on expected returns within the normal operating cycle, which is generally one year.

The Unit Value of the warranty and stock adjustment returns are treated as reductions of revenue based on the estimations made at the time of the sale. The Remanufactured Core value of warranty and stock adjustment returns are provided for as indicated in the paragraph “Revenue Recognition – Core Exchange Programs”.

As is standard in the industry, the Company only accepts returns from on-going customers. If a customer ceases doing business with the Company, it has no further obligation to accept additional product returns from that customer. Similarly, the Company accepts product returns and grants appropriate credits to new customers from the time the new customer relationship is established.

Shipping Costs

The Company includes shipping and handling charges in the gross invoice price to customers and classifies the total amount as revenue. All shipping and handling costs are expensed as cost of sales as inventory is sold.

Contract Liability

Contract liability consists of: (i) customer allowances earned, (ii) accrued core payments, (iii) customer core returns accruals, (iv) core bank liability, (v) finished goods liabilities, and (vi) customer deposits.

Customer allowances earned includes all marketing allowances provided to customers. Such allowances include sales incentives and concessions. Voluntary marketing allowances related to a single exchange of product are recorded as a reduction of revenues at the time the related revenues are recorded or when such incentives are offered. Other marketing allowances, which may only be applied against future purchases, are recorded as a reduction to revenues in accordance with a schedule set forth in the relevant contract. Sales incentive amounts are recorded based on the value of the incentive provided. See Note 14 for a description of all marketing allowances. Customer allowances to be provided to customers within the Company’s normal operating cycle, which is generally one year, are considered short-term contract liabilities and the remainder are recorded as long-term contract liabilities.

Accrued core payments represent the sales price of Remanufactured Cores purchased from customers, generally in connection with new business, which are held by these customers and remain on their premises. The sales price of these Remanufactured Cores will be realized when the Company’s relationship with a customer ends, a possibility that the Company considers remote based on existing long-term customer agreements and historical experience. The payments to be made to customers for purchases of Remanufactured Cores within the Company’s normal operating cycle, which is generally one year, are considered short-term contract liabilities and the remainder are recorded as long-term contract liabilities.

Customer core returns accruals represent the full and nominally priced Remanufactured Cores shipped to the Company’s customers. When the Company ships the product, it recognizes an obligation to accept a similar Used Core sent back under the core exchange programs based upon the Remanufactured Core price agreed upon by the Company and its customer. The Contract liability related to Used Cores returned by consumers to the Company’s customers but not yet returned to the Company are classified as short-term contract liabilities until the Company physically receives these Used Cores as they are expected to be returned during the Company’s normal operating cycle, which is generally one year and the remainder are recorded as long-term contract liabilities.

The core bank liability represents the full Remanufactured Core sales price paid for cores returned under the core exchange programs. The payment for these cores are made over a contractual repayment period pursuant to the Company’s agreement with this customer. Payments to be made within the Company’s normal operating cycle, which is generally one year, are considered short-term contract liabilities and the remainder are recorded as long-term contract liabilities.

Finished goods liabilities represents the agreed upon price of finished goods purchased from customers, generally in connection with new business. The payment for these finished goods are made over a contractual repayment period pursuant to the Company’s agreement with the customer. Payments to be made within the Company’s normal operating cycle, which is generally one year, are considered short-term contract liabilities and the remainder are recorded as long-term contract liabilities.

Customer deposits represent the receipt of prepayments from customers for the obligation to transfer goods or services in the future. The Company classifies these customer deposits as short-term contract liabilities as the Company expects to satisfy these obligations within its normal operating cycle, which is generally one year.

Advertising Costs

The Company expenses all advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expenses for the years ended March 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 were $606,000, $1,007,000, and $507,000, respectively.

Net (Loss) Income Per Share

Basic net (loss) income per share is computed by dividing net (loss) income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net (loss) income per share includes the effect, if any, from the potential exercise or conversion of securities, such as stock options, warrants, and Convertible Notes (as defined in Note 8), which would result in the issuance of incremental shares of common stock to the extent such impact is not anti-dilutive.

The following presents a reconciliation of basic and diluted net (loss) income per share.

 
Years Ended March 31,
 
   
2023
   
2022
   
2021
 
Net (loss) income
 
$
(4,207,000
)
 
$
7,361,000
   
$
21,476,000
 
Basic shares
   
19,340,246
     
19,119,727
     
19,023,145
 
Effect of dilutive stock options
   
-
     
439,919
     
364,410
 
Diluted shares
   
19,340,246
     
19,559,646
     
19,387,555
 
Net (loss) income per share:
                       
Basic net (loss) income per share
 
$
(0.22
)
 
$
0.38
   
$
1.13
 
Diluted net (loss) income per share
 
$
(0.22
)
 
$
0.38
   
$
1.11
 

Potential common shares that would have the effect of increasing diluted net income per share or decreasing diluted net loss per share are considered to be anti-dilutive and as such, these shares are not included in calculating diluted net (loss) income per share. For the years ended March 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, there were 1,854,795, 725,998, and 1,279,251, respectively, of potential common shares not included in the calculation of diluted net (loss) income per share because their effect was anti-dilutive. In addition, for the year ended March 31, 2023, there were 5,846 of potential common shares not included in the calculation of diluted net (loss) income per share in under the “if-converted” method for the Convertible Notes because their effect was anti-dilutive. The potential common shares related to the Warrants (as defined below) issued in connection with the Convertible Notes (see Note 8) are anti-dilutive until they become exercisable and as of March 31, 2023, the Warrants were not exercisable.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. On an on-going basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including allowances for credit losses, valuation of inventory, valuation of long-lived assets, goodwill and intangible assets, depreciation and amortization of long-lived assets, litigation matters, valuation of deferred tax assets, share-based compensation, sales returns and other customer marketing allowances, the incremental borrowing rate used in determining the present value of lease liabilities, and valuation of the embedded derivatives in connection with the convertible notes. Although the Company does not believe that there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the future estimate or in the assumptions used in calculating the estimate, unforeseen changes in the industry, or business could materially impact the estimate and may have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations.

Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts of cash, short-term investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The carrying amounts of the revolving loan, term loan and other long-term liabilities approximate their fair value based on current rates for instruments with similar characteristics. The carrying amount of the convertible notes approximated their fair value as they were issued and sold on March 31, 2023.

Share-Based Payments

The Company has share-based compensation plans and recognizes compensation expense over the requisite service period for its share-based plans based on the fair value of the awards on the date of the grant, award or issuance and accounts for forfeitures as they occur. Share-based plans include stock option awards, restricted stock units, restricted stock awards, and performance stock units issued under the Company’s incentive plans. The cost is measured at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award using the Black-Scholes option pricing model for stock options, based on the closing share price of the Company’s stock on the grant date for restricted stock units and restricted stock awards, based on the closing share price of the Company’s stock on the grant date for performance stock units subject to performance conditions, and based on the estimated fair value of the award using the Monte Carlo valuation model for performance stock units subject to market conditions. See Note 18 for further information concerning the Company’s share-based payments.

The Black-Scholes option-pricing model and Monte Carlo valuation model require the input of subjective assumptions including the expected volatility of the underlying stock and the expected holding period of the option. These subjective assumptions are based on both historical and other information. Changes in the values assumed and used in the model can materially affect the estimate of fair value.

Credit Risk

The Company regularly reviews its accounts receivable and allowance for credit losses by considering factors such as historical experience, credit quality and age of the accounts receivable, and the current economic conditions that may affect a customer’s ability to pay. The majority of the Company’s sales are to leading automotive aftermarket parts suppliers. The Company participates in trade accounts receivable discount programs with its major customers. If the creditworthiness of any of its customers was downgraded, the Company could be adversely affected, in that it may be subjected to higher interest rates on the use of these discount programs or it could be forced to wait longer for payment. Should the Company’s customers experience significant cash flow problems, its financial position and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected, and the maximum amount of loss that would be incurred would be the outstanding receivable balance, Used Cores expected to be returned by customers, and the value of the Remanufactured Cores held at customers’ locations. The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses that, in its opinion, provide for an adequate reserve to cover losses that may be incurred.

Deferred Compensation Plan

The Company has a deferred compensation plan for certain members of management. The plan allows participants to defer salary and bonuses. The assets of the plan, which are held in a trust and are subject to the claims of the Company’s general creditors under federal and state laws in the event of insolvency, are recorded as short-term investments in the consolidated balance sheets. Consequently, the trust qualifies as a Rabbi trust for income tax purposes. The plan’s assets consist primarily of mutual funds and are recorded at market value with any unrealized gain or loss recorded as general and administrative expense. The carrying value of plan assets were $2,011,000 and $2,202,000, and the deferred compensation liability, which is included in other current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, was $2,011,000 and $2,202,000 at March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. During the years ended March 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, the Company made contributions of $75,000, $119,000 and $96,000, respectively.

During the year ended March 31, 2023, the Company redeemed $297,000 of its short-term investments for the payment of deferred compensation liabilities. During the year ended March 31, 2022, the Company did not redeem any of its short-term investments for the payment of deferred compensation liabilities.

The following summarizes the gain (loss) on the Company’s equity investments:

 
Years Ended March 31,
 
   
2023
   
2022
   
2021
 
Net (loss) gain recognized on equity securities
 
$
(181,000
)
 
$
163,000
   
$
521,000
 
Less: net (loss) gain recognized on equity securities sold
   
(15,000
)
   
-
     
10,000
 
Unrealized (loss) gain recognized on equity securities still held
 
$
(166,000
)
 
$
163,000
   
$
511,000
 

Comprehensive Income or Loss

Comprehensive income or loss is defined as the change in equity during a period resulting from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. The Company’s total comprehensive income or loss consists of net unrealized income or loss from foreign currency translation adjustments.

3. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill

The Company had goodwill of $3,205,000 at March 31, 2023 and 2022, which was comprised of $2,551,000 for the Hard Parts segment and $654,000 for all others, respectively.

Intangible Assets

The following is a summary of acquired intangible assets subject to amortization:

 
       
March 31, 2023
   
March 31, 2022
 
   
Weighted
Average
Amortization
Period
   
Gross Carrying
Value
   
Accumulated
Amortization
   
Gross Carrying
Value
   
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Intangible assets subject to amortization
   
0
                         
Trademarks
 
9 years


$
705,000
   
$
577,000
   
$
705,000
   
$
513,000
 
Customer relationships
 
11 years



8,576,000
     
6,947,000
     
8,799,000
     
6,188,000
 
Developed technology
 
5 years

 
2,667,000
     
2,281,000
     
2,888,000
     
1,892,000
 
Total
 
9 years
   
$
11,948,000
   
$
9,805,000
   
$
12,392,000
   
$
8,593,000
 

During the year ended March 31, 2023, the Company did not retire any fully amortized intangible assets. During the year ended March 31, 2022 the Company retired $136,000 of fully amortized intangible assets.

Amortization expense for acquired intangible assets is as follows:

 
 
Years Ended March 31,
 
 
 
2023
   
2022
   
2021
 
 
                 
Amortization expense
 
$
1,460,000
   
$
1,548,000
   
$
1,571,000
 

The estimated future amortization expense for acquired intangible assets subject to amortization is as follows:

Year Ending March 31,
     
2024
 
$
1,073,000
 
2025
   
486,000
 
2026
   
342,000
 
2027
   
242,000
 
Total
 
$
2,143,000
 

4. Accounts Receivable Net

The Company has trade accounts receivable that result from the sale of goods and services. Accounts receivable — net includes offset accounts related to customer payment discrepancies, returned goods authorizations (“RGAs”) issued for in-transit unit returns, and allowances for credit losses.

Accounts receivable — net is comprised of the following:

 
 
March 31, 2023
   
March 31, 2022
 
 
           
Accounts receivable — trade
 
$
136,076,000
   
$
98,734,000
 
Allowance for credit losses
   
(339,000
)
   
(375,000
)
Customer payment discrepancies
   
(1,634,000
)
   
(1,375,000
)
Customer returns RGA issued
   
(14,235,000
)
   
(11,909,000
)
Less: total accounts receivable offset accounts
   
(16,208,000
)
   
(13,659,000
)
Total accounts receivable — net
 
$
119,868,000
   
$
85,075,000
 

5. Inventory

Inventory is comprised of the following:

 
 
March 31, 2023
   
March 31, 2022
 
Raw materials
 
$
147,880,000
   
$
150,414,000
 
Work in process
   
7,033,000
     
6,880,000
 
Finished goods
   
201,198,000
     
226,729,000
 
 
   
356,111,000
     
384,023,000
 
Less allowance for excess and obsolete inventory
   
(16,436,000
)
   
(13,520,000
)
 
               
Total
 
$
339,675,000
   
$
370,503,000
 
 
               
Inventory unreturned
 
$
16,579,000
   
$
15,001,000
 

6. Contract Assets

During the years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company reduced the carrying value of Remanufactured Cores held at customers’ locations by $3,736,000 and $4,671,000, respectively.

Contract assets are comprised of the following:

 
 
March 31, 2023
   
March 31, 2022
 
Short-term contract assets
           
Cores expected to be returned by customers
 
$
13,463,000
   
$
15,778,000
 
Core premiums paid to customers
   
9,812,000
     
10,621,000
 
Upfront payments to customers
   
1,593,000
     
517,000
 
Finished goods premiums paid to customers
   
575,000
     
584,000
 
Total short-term contract assets
 
$
25,443,000
   
$
27,500,000
 
 
               
Remanufactured cores held at customers’ locations
 
$
271,628,000
   
$
258,376,000
 
Core premiums paid to customers
   
38,310,000
     
43,294,000
 
Long-term core inventory deposits
   
5,569,000
     
5,569,000
 
Finished goods premiums paid to customers
   
2,530,000
     
2,806,000
 
Upfront payments to customers
   
344,000
     
210,000
 
Total long-term contract assets
 
$
318,381,000
   
$
310,255,000
 
 
7. Plant and Equipment

Plant and equipment is comprised of the following:

 
 
March 31, 2023
   
March 31, 2022
 
Machinery and equipment
 
$
62,556,000
   
$
63,094,000
 
Office equipment and fixtures
   
32,769,000
     
31,434,000
 
Leasehold improvements
   
14,301,000
     
13,473,000
 
     
109,626,000
     
108,001,000
 
Less accumulated depreciation
   
(63,574,000
)
   
(56,939,000
)
                 
Total
 
$
46,052,000
   
$
51,062,000
 

Plant and equipment located in the foreign countries where the Company has facilities, net of accumulated depreciation, totaled $40,609,000 and $44,348,000, of which $37,667,000 and $40,912,000 is located in Mexico, at March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

8. Debt

The Company is party to a $268,620,000 senior secured financing, (as amended from time to time, the “Credit Facility”) with a syndicate of lenders and PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, consisting of (i) a $238,620,000 revolving loan facility, subject to borrowing base restrictions, a $24,000,000 sublimit for borrowings by Canadian borrowers, and a $20,000,000 sublimit for letters of credit (the “Revolving Facility”) and (ii) a $30,000,000 term loan facility (the “Term Loans”). The loans under the Credit Facility mature on May 28, 2026. The Credit Facility currently permits the payment of up to $29,043,000 of dividends and share repurchases for fiscal year 2023, subject to pro forma compliance with financial covenants. In connection with the Credit Facility, the lenders have a security interest in substantially all of the assets of the Company.

The Term Loans require quarterly principal payments of $937,500. The Credit Facility bears interest at rates equal to either SOFR (as defined below) plus a margin of 2.75%, 3.00% or 3.25% or a reference rate plus a margin of 1.75%, 2.00% or 2.25%, in each case depending on the senior leverage ratio as of the applicable measurement date. There is also a facility fee of 0.375% to 0.50%, depending on the senior leverage ratio as of the applicable measurement date. The interest rate on the Company’s Term Loans and Revolving Facility was 8.02% and 8.13%, respectively, at March 31, 2023, and 2.99% and 3.13%, respectively, at March 31, 2022.

The Credit Facility, among other things, requires the Company to maintain certain financial covenants including a maximum senior leverage ratio and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. In addition, the Credit Facility places limits on the Company’s ability to incur liens, incur additional indebtedness, make loans and investments, engage in mergers and acquisitions, engage in asset sales, redeem, or repurchase capital stock, alter the business conducted by the Company and its subsidiaries, transact with affiliates, prepay, redeem, or purchase subordinated debt, and amend or otherwise alter debt agreements.

On November 3, 2022, the Company entered into a fourth amendment to the Credit Facility, which among other things, (i) modified the fixed charge coverage ratio financial covenant for the fiscal quarters ending September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2022, (ii) modified the total leverage ratio financial covenant for the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2022, (iii) modified the definition of “Consolidated EBITDA”, and (iv) replaces LIBOR as the benchmark rate with a replacement benchmark based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) effective beginning November 3, 2022. The modifications to the financial covenants were effective as of September 30, 2022.

As of December 31, 2022, the Company identified certain defaults with respect to the Credit Facility, which arose from non-compliance with certain financial covenants. On February 3, 2023, the Company entered into a fifth amendment to the Credit Facility, which among other things, (i) waived certain existing defaults and events of default arising from non-compliance with the fixed charge coverage ratio and senior leverage ratio financial covenants as of the end of the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2022, (ii) modified the fixed charge coverage ratio and senior leverage ratio financial covenants for the quarters ending March 31, 2023 and June 30, 2023, (iii) modified the definitions of “Applicable Margin” and “Consolidated EBITDA”, and (iv) added a new minimum undrawn availability financial covenant.

On March 31, 2023, the Company entered into a sixth amendment to the Credit Facility, which among other things, (i) permitted the issuance of the Convertible Notes (as defined below) and the performance of its respective obligations under the Note Purchase Agreement (as defined below) and the Convertible Notes, (ii) amended the definition of Consolidated EBITDA, and (iii) amended certain component definitions used in calculating the senior leverage ratio financial covenant to exclude the Convertible Notes.

The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants as of March 31, 2023.

The Company’s Term Loans are comprised of the following:

 
 
March 31, 2023
   
March 31, 2022
 
 
           
Principal amount of Term Loans
 
$
13,125,000
   
$
16,875,000
 
Unamortized financing fees
   
(182,000
)
   
(181,000
)
Net carrying amount of Term Loans
   
12,943,000
     
16,694,000
 
Less current portion of Term Loans
   
(3,664,000
)
   
(3,670,000
)
Long-term portion of Term Loans
 
$
9,279,000
   
$
13,024,000
 

Future repayments of the Company’s Term Loans are as follows:

Year Ending March 31,
     
2024
 
$
3,750,000
 
2025
   
3,750,000
 
2026
   
3,750,000
 
   2027     1,875,000  
Total payments
 
$
13,125,000
 

The Company had $145,200,000 and $155,000,000 outstanding under the Revolving Facility at March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. In addition, $6,370,000 was reserved for letters of credit at March 31, 2023. At March 31, 2023, after certain adjustments, $87,050,000 was available under the Revolving Facility.

Convertible Notes

On March 31, 2023, the Company entered into a note purchase agreement (the “Note Purchase Agreement”) with Bison Capital Partners VI, L.P. and Bison Capital Partners VI-A, L.P. (collectively, the “Purchasers”) and Bison Capital Partners VI, L.P., as the purchaser representative (the “Purchaser Representative”) for the issuance and sale of $32,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of convertible notes due in 2029 (the “Convertible Notes”) to be used for general corporate purposes.  The Convertible Notes will bear interest at a rate of 10.0% per annum, compounded annually, and payable (i) in kind or (ii) in cash, annually in arrears on April 1 of each year, commencing on April 1, 2024. On June 8, 2023, the Company entered into the first amendment to the Note Purchase Agreement, which among other things, removed a provision that specified the Purchasers would be entitled to receive a dividend or distribution payable in certain circumstances. This amendment was effective as of March 31, 2023.

The Company’s Convertible Notes are comprised of the following:

   
March 31, 2023
 
       
Principal amount of Convertible Notes
 
$
32,000,000
 
Less: unamortized debt discount attributed to Compound Net Derivative Liability
   
(8,430,000
)
Less: unamortized debt discount attributed to debt issuance costs
   
(1,006,000
)
Carrying amount of the Convertible Notes
   
22,564,000
 
Plus: Compound Net Derivative Liability
   
8,430,000
 
         
Net carrying amount of Convertible Notes, related party
 
$
30,994,000
 

The aggregate proceeds from the offering were approximately $31,280,000, net of initial purchasers’ fees and other related expenses. The initial conversion rate is 66.6667 shares of the Company’s common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $15.00 per share of common stock). At March 31, 2023, the Company had 28,650,590 shares of its common stock available to be issued if the Convertible Notes were converted.

In connection with the Note Purchase Agreement, the Company entered into common stock warrants (the “Warrants”) with the Purchasers, which mature on March 30, 2029. The Warrants do not become exercisable unless a Company Redemption (as defined below) occurs and the volume weighted average price of the Company’s common stock for 20 consecutive days prior to the redemption is less than $15.00. The fair value of the Warrants, using Level 3 inputs and the Monte Carlo simulation model, was zero at March 31, 2023. The Company estimates the fair value of the Warrants at each balance sheet date. Any subsequent changes from the initial recognition in the fair value of the Warrants will be recorded in current period earnings in the consolidated statements of operations.

The Convertible Notes may be converted, subject to certain conditions, at a conversion price of approximately $15.00 (the “Conversion Option”). The Convertible Notes also include a provision for a return of interest (“Return of Interest”), which requires the Purchasers to return 15.0% of the interest paid to the Company in certain circumstances. The Return of Interest provision is accounted for as part of the Conversion Option and if the Conversion Option is exercised in the future, the Return of Interest provision will remain outstanding until the Purchaser sells all of the underlying stock received upon conversion. Upon conversion, any value associated with the Return of Interest provision will be reflected as a derivative asset upon conversion, with changes in fair value being recorded in earnings in the consolidated statements of operations until settlement in connection with the sale of the underlying stock by the Purchaser.  Unless and until the Company delivers a redemption notice, the Purchasers of the Convertible Notes may convert their Convertible Notes at any time at their option. Upon conversion, the Convertible Notes will be settled in shares of the Company’s common stock. The conversion rate and conversion price are subject to customary adjustments upon the occurrence of certain events. The Convertible Notes have a stated maturity of March 30, 2029, subject to earlier conversion or redemption in accordance with their terms.

If there is a Fundamental Transaction, as defined in the Form of Convertible Promissory Note, the Company may redeem all or part of the Convertible Notes. Except in the case of the occurrence of a Fundamental Transaction, the Company may not redeem the Convertible Notes prior to March 31, 2026. After March 31, 2026, the Company may redeem all or part of the Convertible Notes for a cash purchase (the “Company Redemption”) price equal to the redemption price plus $4,000,000, but only if (i) it is listed on a national exchange, (ii) there is no “Event of Default” occurring and continuing, and (iii) Adjusted EBITDA for the prior four quarters is greater than $80,000,000.  The “Redemption Price” shall mean a cash amount equal to the principal amount of the Convertible Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest. However, if the volume weighted average price of the Company’s common stock for 20 consecutive days prior to the notice of the Company Redemption is less than $15.00, the Purchasers may exercise the warrants and the Company will pay the Redemption Price plus $2,000,000. However, if the volume weighted average price of the Company’s common stock is less than $8 for 20 days between March 31, 2023 and September 27, 2023, the Company will pay the redemption price plus $5,000,000.

The Conversion Option and the Company Redemption both met the criteria for bifurcation from the Convertible Notes as derivatives and using the Monte Carlo simulation model were fair valued as a liability of $10,400,000 and an asset of $1,970,000 at March 31, 2023, respectively. The Company Redemption has been combined with the Conversion Option as a compound net derivative liability (the “Compound Net Derivative Liability”). The Compound Net Derivative Liability has been recorded within  convertible note, related party in the consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2023. The Company estimates the fair value of the Compound Net Derivative Liability at each balance sheet date. Any subsequent changes from the initial recognition in the fair value of the Compound Net Derivative Liability will be recorded in current period earnings in the consolidated statements of operations.

The Convertible Notes also contain additional features, such as, default interest and options related to a Fundamental Transaction, requiring bifurcation which were not separately accounted for as the value of such features were not material at March 31, 2023. Any subsequent changes from the initial recognition in the fair value of those features will be recorded in current period earnings in the consolidated statements of operations.

The Convertible Notes include customary provisions relating to the occurrence of Events of Default, which include the following: (i) certain payment defaults on the Convertible Notes; (ii) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency and reorganization involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries; (iii) the entering of one or more final judgements or orders against the Company or any of its subsidiaries for an aggregate payment exceeding $25,000,000; (iv) the acceleration of senior debt; (v) certain failures of the Company to comply with certain provisions of the Note Purchase Agreement or material breaches of the Note Purchase Agreement by the Company or any of its subsidiaries; (vi) any material provision of the Note Purchase Agreement, the Convertible Notes, the guarantee, the subordination agreement, the warrants or the registration rights agreement, for any reason, ceases to be valid and binding on the Company or any subsidiary, or any subsidiary shall so claim in writing to challenge the validity of or the Company’s liability under the Note Purchase Agreement, the Convertible Notes, or the registration rights agreement; or (vii) the Company fails to maintain the listing of its capital stock on a national securities exchange. Events of Default will be subject to a 30-day cure period except for those related to clause (ii) and (iv) of the preceding sentence.

If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, then, the Company shall deliver written notice to the Purchasers within 5 business days of first learning of such Event of Default. If an Event of Default involving bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization events with respect to the Company (and not solely with respect to its significant subsidiary) occurs, then the principal amount of, and all accrued and unpaid interest on, all of the Convertible Notes then outstanding will immediately become due and payable without any further action.

Debt issuance costs of $1,006,000 are presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amounts of the Convertible Notes at March 31, 2023. Debt issuance costs are amortized using the effective interest method through the maturity of the Convertible Note and recorded in interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Debt issuance costs of $360,000 allocated to the Compound Net Derivative Liability were immediately expensed to interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended March 31, 2023.

Additionally, pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement, subject to certain conditions, the Purchaser Representative shall have the right to nominate one director to serve (the “Investor Director”) on the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). If an Investor Director is not currently serving on the Board, and subject to certain other conditions set forth in the Note Purchase Agreement, the Purchaser Representative shall have the right to designate one person to have observation rights with respect to all meetings of the Board. In connection with the Company’s entry into the Note Purchase Agreement, Douglas Trussler was appointed to serve on its Board.

Total contractual interest expense of $9,000 related to the Convertible Notes was recognized during the year ended March 31, 2023. 

There are no future payments required under the Convertible Notes prior to their maturity, therefore, the principal amount of the notes plus interest payable in kind, assuming no early redemption or conversion has occurred, of $56,704,000 would be paid on March 30, 2029.

 
9. Contract Liabilities

Contract liabilities are comprised of the following:

 
 
March 31, 2023
   
March 31, 2022
 
Short-term contract liabilities
           
Customer allowances earned
 
$
19,997,000
   
$
22,018,000
 
Customer core returns accruals
   
11,112,000
     
12,322,000
 
Customer deposits
   
3,232,000
     
3,306,000
 
Accrued core payment
   
3,056,000
     
1,679,000
 
Core bank liability
   
1,686,000
     
1,634,000
 
Finished goods liabilities
   
1,257,000
     
1,537,000
 
Total short-term contract liabilities
 
$
40,340,000
   
$
42,496,000
 
                 
Long-term contract liabilities
               
Customer core returns accruals
 
$
170,420,000
   
$
154,940,000
 
Core bank liability
   
13,582,000
     
15,267,000
 
Accrued core payment
   
9,171,000
     
928,000
 
Finished goods liabilities
   
433,000
     
1,588,000
 
Customer allowances earned
   
-
     
41,000
 
Total long-term contract liabilities
 
$
193,606,000
   
$
172,764,000
 

10. Leases

The Company leases various facilities in North America and Asia under operating leases expiring through August 2033. The Company also has finance leases for certain office and manufacturing equipment, which generally range from three to five years. The Company has material non-functional currency leases, which resulted in a remeasurement gains of $6,515,000, $1,989,000, and $9,893,000 during the years ended March 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. These remeasurement gains are included in foreign exchange impact of lease liabilities and forward contracts in the consolidated statements of operations.

Balance sheet information for leases is comprised of the following:

  
 
March 31, 2023
   
March 31, 2022
 
Leases
Classification
           
Assets:
 
           
Operating
Operating lease assets
 
$
87,619,000
   
$
81,997,000
 
Finance
Plant and equipment
   
5,549,000
     
7,470,000
 
Total leased assets
 
 
$
93,168,000
   
$
89,467,000
 
 
 
               
Liabilities:
 
               
Current
 
               
Operating
Operating lease liabilities
 
$
8,767,000
   
$
6,788,000
 
Finance
Other current liabilities
   
1,851,000
     
2,330,000
 
Long-term
 
               
Operating
Long-term operating lease liabilities
   
79,318,000
     
80,803,000
 
Finance
Other liabilities
   
2,742,000
     
3,425,000
 
Total lease liabilities
 
 
$
92,678,000
   
$
93,346,000
 

Lease cost recognized in the consolidated statement of operations is comprised of the following:

 
 
Years Ended March 31,
 
 
 
2023
   
2022
    2021  
Lease cost
                 
Operating lease cost
 
$
13,176,000
   
$
12,472,000
    $ 11,527,000  
Short-term lease cost
   
1,686,000
     
1,462,000
      1,383,000  
Variable lease cost
   
761,000
     
1,011,000
      825,000  
Finance lease cost:
                       
Amortization of finance lease assets
   
1,983,000
     
2,088,000
      1,762,000  
Interest on finance lease liabilities
   
262,000
     
345,000
      379,000  
Total lease cost
 
$
17,868,000
   
$
17,378,000
    $ 15,876,000  

Maturities of lease commitments at March 31, 2023 were as follows:

Maturity of lease liabilities by fiscal year
 
Operating Leases
   
Finance Leases
   
Total
 
2024
 
$
13,567,000
   
$
2,064,000
   
$
15,631,000
 
2025
   
12,535,000
     
1,569,000
     
14,104,000
 
2026
   
12,099,000
     
837,000
     
12,936,000
 
2027
   
10,816,000
     
346,000
     
11,162,000
 
2028
   
10,725,000
     
186,000
     
10,911,000
 
Thereafter
   
53,929,000
     
6,000
     
53,935,000
 
Total lease payments
   
113,671,000
     
5,008,000
     
118,679,000
 
Less amount representing interest
   
(25,586,000
)
   
(415,000
)
   
(26,001,000
)
Present value of lease liabilities
 
$
88,085,000
   
$
4,593,000
   
$
92,678,000
 

Other information about leases is as follows:

 
 
March 31, 2023
   
March 31, 2022
 
Lease term and discount rate
           
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years):
           
Finance leases
   
2.9
     
2.9
 
Operating leases
   
9.0
     
10.4
 
Weighted-average discount rate:
               
Finance leases
   
5.9
%
   
5.1
%
Operating leases
   
5.8
%
   
5.7
%

11. Accounts Receivable Discount Programs

The Company uses receivable discount programs with certain customers and their respective banks. Under these programs, the Company may sell those customers’ receivables to those banks at a discount to be agreed upon at the time the receivables are sold. These discount arrangements allow the Company to accelerate receipt of payment on customers’ receivables.

The following is a summary of the Company’s accounts receivable discount programs:

 
 
Fiscal Years Ended March 31,
 
 
 
2023
   
2022
 
Receivables discounted
 
$
548,376,000
   
$
525,441,000
 
Weighted average days
   
328
     
336
 
Weighted average discount rate
   
5.3
%
   
1.9
%
Amount of discount as interest expense
 
$
26,432,000
   
$
9,197,000
 

12. Financial Risk Management and Derivatives

Purchases and expenses denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, which are primarily related to the Company’s facilities overseas, expose the Company to market risk from material movements in foreign exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the foreign currencies. The Company’s primary risk exposure is from fluctuations in the value of the Mexican peso and to a lesser extent the Chinese yuan. To mitigate these risks, the Company enters into forward foreign currency exchange contracts to exchange U.S. dollars for these foreign currencies. The extent to which forward foreign currency exchange contracts are used is modified periodically in response to the Company’s estimate of market conditions and the terms and length of anticipated requirements.

The Company enters into forward foreign currency exchange contracts in order to reduce the impact of foreign currency fluctuations and not to engage in currency speculation. The use of derivative financial instruments allows the Company to reduce its exposure to the risk that the eventual cash outflow resulting from funding the expenses of the foreign operations will be materially affected by changes in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the foreign currencies. The Company does not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes. The forward foreign currency exchange contracts are designated for forecasted expenditure requirements to fund foreign operations.

The Company had forward foreign currency exchange contracts with a U.S. dollar equivalent notional value of $48,486,000 and $44,968,000 at March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. These contracts generally have a term of one year or less, at rates agreed at the inception of the contracts. The counterparty to this derivative transaction is a major financial institution with investment grade credit rating; however, the Company is exposed to credit risk with this institution. The credit risk is limited to the potential unrealized gains (which offset currency fluctuations adverse to the Company) in any such contract should this counterparty fail to perform as contracted. Any changes in the fair values of forward foreign currency exchange contracts are included in foreign exchange impact of lease liabilities and forward contracts in the consolidated statements of operations.

The following shows the effect of the Company’s derivative instruments on its consolidated statements of operations:

 
 
Gain (Loss) Recognized as Foreign Exchange Impact of Lease Liabilities and Forward Contracts
 
Derivatives Not Designated as
 
Years Ended March 31,
 
Hedging Instruments
 
2023
   
2022
   
2021
 
 
                 
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts
 
$
2,776,000
   
$
(316,000
)
 
$
7,713,000
 

The fair value of the forward foreign currency exchange contracts of $3,889,000 and $1,113,000 are included in prepaid and other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The changes in the fair values of forward foreign currency exchange contracts are included in foreign exchange impact of lease liabilities and forward contracts in the consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended March 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021.

13. Fair Value Measurements

The Company defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The Company uses a three-tier valuation hierarchy based upon observable and unobservable inputs:

Level 1 — Valuation is based upon quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 — Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, or other inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

Level 3 — Valuation is based upon unobservable inputs that are significant to the fair value measurement.

The fair value hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available. In instances in which the inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the fair value measurement has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular item to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, including the consideration of inputs specific to the asset or liability.

The following sets forth by level within the fair value hierarchy, the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis according to the valuation techniques the Company used to determine their fair values at:

 
March 31, 2023
   
March 31, 2022
 
         
Fair Value Measurements
         
Fair Value Measurements
 
         
Using Inputs Considered as
         
Using Inputs Considered as
 
   
Fair Value
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Fair Value
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Assets
                                               
Short-term investments
                                               
Mutual funds
 
$
2,011,000
   
$
2,011,000
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
2,202,000
   
$
2,202,000
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
                                                               
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts
   
3,889,000
     
-
     
3,889,000
     
-
     
1,113,000
     
-
     
1,113,000
     
-
 
                                                                 
Liabilities
                                                               
Other current liabilities
                                                               
Deferred compensation
   
2,011,000
     
2,011,000
     
-
     
-
     
2,202,000
     
2,202,000
     
-
     
-
 
Convertible notes, related party                                                                
Compound Net Derivative Liability
    8,430,000       -       -       8,430,000       -       -       -       -  

Short-term Investments and Deferred Compensation

The Company’s short-term investments, which fund its deferred compensation liabilities, consist of investments in mutual funds. These investments are classified as Level 1 as the shares of these mutual funds trade with sufficient frequency and volume to enable the Company to obtain pricing information on an ongoing basis.

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

The forward foreign currency exchange contracts are primarily measured based on the foreign currency spot and forward rates quoted by the banks or foreign currency dealers (See Note 12).

Compound Net Derivative Liability

In connection with the issuance of the Convertible Notes on March 31, 2023, the Company estimates the fair value of the Compound Net Derivative Liability (see Note 8) using Level 3 inputs and the Monte Carlo simulation model at the balance sheet date. The Monte Carlo simulation model requires the input of subjective assumptions including the expected volatility of the underlying stock. These subjective assumptions are based on both historical and other information. Changes in the values assumed and used in the model can materially affect the estimate of fair value. This amount is recorded within convertible notes, related party in the consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2023. The Company estimates the fair value of the Compound Net Derivative Liability using Level 3 inputs and the Monte Carlo simulation model at each balance sheet date. Any subsequent changes from the initial recognition in the fair value of the Compound Net Derivative Liability will be recorded in current period earnings in the consolidated statements of operations.


The following assumptions were used to determine the fair value of the Compound Net Derivative Liability:


   
March 31, 2023
 
Risk free interest rate
   
3.64
%
Cost of equity
   
21.80
%
Weighted average cost of capital
   
14.60
%
Expected volatility of MPA Common Stock
   
50.00
%
EBITDA volatility
   
35.00
%

The following summarizes the activity for Level 3 fair value measurements:

 
 
Years Ended March 31,
 
 
 
2023
 
Beginning balance
 
$
-
 
Newly issued
   
8,430,000
 
Changes in revaluation of Compound Net Derivative Liability included in earnings
   
-
 
Exercises/settlements
   
-
Ending balance
 
$
8,430,000
 

During the years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had no significant measurements of assets or liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis subsequent to their initial recognition.

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The carrying amounts of the revolving loan, term loan and other long-term liabilities approximate their fair value based on the variable nature of interest rates and current rates for instruments with similar characteristics. The carrying amount of the Convertible Notes approximated their fair value as they were issued on March 31, 2023.

14. Commitments and Contingencies

Warranty Returns

The Company allows its customers to return goods that their consumers have returned to them, whether or not the returned item is defective (“warranty returns”). The Company accrues an estimate of its exposure to warranty returns based on a historical analysis of the level of this type of return as a percentage of total unit sales. Amounts charged to expense for these warranty returns are considered in arriving at the Company’s net sales.

The following summarizes the changes in the warranty return accrual:

 
 
Years Ended March 31,
 
 
 
2023
   
2022
   
2021
 
 
                 
Balance at beginning of year
 
$
20,125,000
   
$
21,093,000
   
$
18,300,000
 
Charged to expense
   
132,719,000
     
118,675,000
     
111,025,000
 
Amounts processed
   
(133,014,000
)
   
(119,643,000
)
   
(108,232,000
)
Balance at end of year
 
$
19,830,000
   
$
20,125,000
   
$
21,093,000
 

Commitments to Provide Marketing Allowances under Long-Term Customer Contracts

The Company has or is renegotiating long-term agreements with many of its major customers. Under these agreements, which in most cases have initial terms of at least four years, the Company is designated as the exclusive or primary supplier for specified categories of the Company’s products. Because of the very competitive nature of the market and the limited number of customers for these products, the Company’s customers have sought and obtained price concessions, significant marketing allowances, and more favorable delivery and payment terms in consideration for the Company’s designation as a customer’s exclusive or primary supplier. These incentives differ from contract to contract and can include (i) the issuance of a specified amount of credits against receivables in accordance with a schedule set forth in the relevant contract, (ii) support for a particular customer’s research or marketing efforts provided on a scheduled basis, (iii) discounts granted in connection with each individual shipment of product, and (iv) other marketing, research, store expansion or product development support. These contracts typically require that the Company meet ongoing performance standards. While these longer-term agreements strengthen the Company’s customer relationships, the increased demand for the Company’s products often requires that the Company increase its inventories and personnel. Customer demands that the Company purchase their Remanufactured Core inventory also require the use of the Company’s working capital.

The marketing and other allowances the Company typically grants its customers in connection with its new or expanded customer relationships adversely impact the near-term revenues, profitability, and associated cash flows from these arrangements. Such allowances include sales incentives and concessions and typically consist of: (i) allowances which may only be applied against future purchases and are recorded as a reduction to revenues in accordance with a schedule set forth in the long-term contract, (ii) allowances related to a single exchange of product that are recorded as a reduction of revenues at the time the related revenues are recorded or when such incentives are offered, and (iii) amortization of core premiums paid to customers generally in connection with new business.

The following summarizes the breakout of allowances discussed above, recorded as a reduction to revenues:

 
 
Years Ended March 31,
 
 
 
2023
   
2022
   
2021
 
 
                 
Allowances incurred under long-term customer contracts
 
$
18,253,000
   
$
19,348,000
   
$
29,238,000
 
Allowances related to a single exchange of product
   
154,194,000
     
129,283,000
     
99,768,000
 
Amortization of core premiums paid to customers
   
11,113,000
     
11,242,000
     
6,590,000
 
Total customer allowances recorded as a reduction of revenues
 
$
183,560,000
   
$
159,873,000
   
$
135,596,000
 

The following presents the Company’s commitments to incur allowances, excluding allowances related to a single exchange of product, which will be recognized as a reduction to revenue when the related revenue is recognized:

Year Ending March 31,
     
2024
 
$
14,637,000
 
2025
   
11,621,000
 
2026
   
10,605,000
 
2027
   
9,939,000
 
2028
   
9,198,000
 
Thereafter
   
7,976,000
 
Total marketing allowances
 
$
63,976,000
 

Contingencies

The Company is subject to various lawsuits and claims. In addition, government agencies and self-regulatory organizations have the ability to conduct periodic examinations of and administrative proceedings regarding the Company’s business. Following an audit in fiscal 2019 (“Audit”), the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) stated that it believed that the Company owed additional duties relating to products that it imported from Mexico from 2011 through mid-2018. The CBP recently requested that the Company pay additional duties of approximately $3,900,000 from 2011 through mid-2018 related to the findings of the Audit. The Company does not believe that this amount is correct and believes that it has numerous defenses and is disputing this amount vigorously. The Company cannot assure that the CBP will agree or that it will not need to accrue or pay additional amounts in the future.

15. Significant Customer and Other Information

Significant Customer Concentrations

While the Company continually seeks to diversify its customer base, it currently derives, and has historically derived, a substantial portion of its sales from a small number of large customers. Any meaningful reduction in the level of sales to any of these customers, deterioration of the financial condition of any of these customers or the loss of any of these customers could have a materially adverse impact on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. The Company’s largest customers accounted for the following total percentage of net sales:

 
 
Years Ended March 31,
 
 
 
2023
   
2022
   
2021
 
                   
Customer A
   
37
%
   
38
%
   
42
%
Customer B
   
23
%
   
18
%
   
22
%
Customer C
   
24
%
   
29
%
   
23
%
Customer D
    4 %     2 %     2 %

Revenues for Customers A through C were derived from the Hard Parts segment and Test Solutions and Diagnostic Equipment segment. Revenues for Customer D were derived from the Hard Parts segment.

The Company’s largest customers accounted for the following total percentage of accounts receivable — trade:

 
 
March 31, 2023
   
March 31, 2022
 
             
Customer A
   
33
%
   
42
%
Customer B
   
18
%
   
21
%
Customer C
   
21
%
   
9
%
Customer D
    12 %     5 %

Geographic and Product Information

The Company’s products are predominantly sold in the U.S. and accounted for the following total percentage of net sales:

 
 
Years Ended March 31,
 

 
2023
   
2022
   
2021
 
                   
Rotating electrical products
   
67
%
   
69
%
   
73
%
Wheel hub products
   
11
%
   
13
%
   
15
%
Brake-related products
   
18
%
   
15
%
   
10
%
Other products
   
4
%
   
3
%
   
2
%
 
   
100
%
   
100
%
   
100
%

Significant Supplier Concentrations

No suppliers accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s inventory purchases for the years ended March 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021.

16. Income Taxes

Domestic and foreign components of income (loss) before income taxes are as follows:

 
 
Years Ended March 31,
 

 
2023
   
2022
   
2021
 
 
                 
United States
 
$
(14,470,000
)
 
$
6,021,000
   
$
13,920,000
 
Foreign
   
11,361,000
     
7,128,000
     
16,943,000
 
(Loss) income before income taxes
   
(3,109,000
)
   
13,149,000
     
30,863,000
 

The income tax expense is as follows:

 
 
Years Ended March 31,
 
 
 
2023
   
2022
   
2021
 
Current tax expense
                 
Federal
 
$
2,483,000
   
$
8,572,000
   
$
5,734,000
 
State
   
396,000
     
1,478,000
     
722,000
 
Foreign
   
3,426,000
     
3,180,000
     
3,364,000
 
Total current tax expense
   
6,305,000
     
13,230,000
     
9,820,000
 
Deferred tax (benefit) expense
                       
Federal
   
(5,037,000
)
   
(6,411,000
)
   
(1,909,000
)
State
   
(705,000
)
   
(659,000
)
   
118,000
 
Foreign
   
535,000
     
(372,000
)
   
1,358,000
 
Total deferred tax benefit
   
(5,207,000
)
   
(7,442,000
)
   
(433,000
)
Total income tax expense
 
$
1,098,000
   
$
5,788,000
   
$
9,387,000
 

Deferred income taxes consist of the following:

 
 
March 31, 2023
   
March 31, 2022
 
Assets
           
Allowance for bad debts
 
$
78,000
   
$
99,000
 
Customer allowances earned
   
4,760,000
     
5,321,000
 
Allowance for stock adjustment returns
   
2,391,000
     
1,651,000
 
Inventory adjustments
   
7,817,000
     
3,815,000
 
Intangibles, net
    809,000       785,000  
Stock options
   
2,770,000
     
2,984,000
 
Operating lease liabilities
   
23,408,000
     
23,894,000
 
Estimate for returns
   
26,670,000
     
25,445,000
 
Accrued compensation
   
2,718,000
     
3,515,000
 
Net operating losses
   
5,351,000
     
4,617,000
 
Tax credits
   
2,012,000
     
2,018,000
 
Other
   
5,046,000
     
3,833,000
 
Total deferred tax assets
 
$
83,830,000
   
$
77,977,000
 
Liabilities
               
Plant and equipment, net
   
(79,000
)
   
(1,051,000
)
Contract assets
   
(12,357,000
)
   
(13,873,000
)
Operating lease assets
   
(25,004,000
)
   
(23,421,000
)
Other
   
(6,864,000
)
   
(5,960,000
)
Total deferred tax liabilities
 
$
(44,304,000
)
 
$
(44,305,000
)
Less valuation allowance
 
$
(7,619,000
)
 
$
(6,816,000
)
Total
 
$
31,907,000
   
$
26,856,000
 

As of March 31, 2023, before tax effect, the Company had federal net operating loss carryforwards of $1,361,000 related to its January 2019 acquisition, state net operating loss carryforwards of $649,000 and foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $19,012,000. The federal net operating loss carryforwards expire beginning in fiscal year 2033, the state net operating loss carryforwards expire beginning in fiscal year 2033, and the foreign net operating loss carryforwards expire beginning in fiscal year 2038. As of March 31, 2023, the Company also had non-US tax credit carryforwards of $2,012,000, which will expire beginning in fiscal year 2034. A full valuation allowance was established on the federal and foreign net operating loss and tax credits carryforward as the Company believes it is more likely than not these tax attributes would not be realizable in the future. The net increase in the valuation allowance was $803,000 during the year ended March 31, 2023.

Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the Company’s ability to generate sufficient future taxable income. Significant judgment is required in determining the Company’s provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance recorded against the Company’s net deferred tax assets. The Company makes these estimates and judgments about its future taxable income that are based on assumptions that are consistent with the Company’s future plans. A valuation allowance is established when the Company believes it is not more likely than not all or some deferred tax assets will be realized. In evaluating the Company’s ability to recover deferred tax assets within the jurisdiction in which they arise, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence. Deferred tax assets arising primarily as a result of non-US net operating loss carry-forwards and non-US research and development credits in connection with the Company’s Canadian operations have been offset completely by a valuation allowance due to the uncertainty of their utilization in future periods. Should the actual amount differ from the Company’s estimates, the amount of the valuation allowance could be impacted.

For the years ended March 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, the primary components of the Company’s income tax expense were (i) federal income taxes, (ii) state income taxes, (iii) foreign income taxed at rates that are different from the federal statutory rate, (iv) change in realizable deferred tax items, (v) impact of the non-deductible executive compensation under Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m), and (vi) income taxes associated with uncertain tax positions

The difference between the income tax expense at the federal statutory rate and the Company’s effective tax rate is as follows:

 
 
Years Ended March 31,
 
 
 
2023
   
2022
   
2021
 
Statutory federal income tax rate
   
21.0
%
   
21.0
%
   
21.0
%
State income tax rate, net of federal benefit
   
3.5
%
   
4.1
%
   
2.2
%
Foreign income taxed at different rates
   
(28.7
)%
   
4.9
%
   
1.9
%
Non-deductible executive compensation
   
(9.0
)%
   
7.2
%
   
1.9
%
Change in valuation allowance
   
(25.8
)%
   
5.0
%
   
2.2
%
Uncertain tax positions
   
(1.0
)%
   
6.1
%
   
0.3
%
Research and development credit
   
2.7
%
   
(0.9
)%
   
(0.3
)%
Net operating loss carryback     - %
    (0.4 )%     - %
Other 
   
2.0
%
   
(3.0
)%
   
1.2
%
 
   
(35.3
)%
   
44.0
%
   
30.4
%

The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions with varying statutes of limitations. At March 31, 2023, the Company is not under examination in any jurisdiction and the years ended March 31, 2018 through 2023 remain subject to examination. The Company believes no significant changes in the unrecognized tax benefits will occur within the next 12 months.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

 
 
Years Ended March 31,
 
 
 
2023
   
2022
   
2021
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
1,975,000
   
$
1,104,000
   
$
1,011,000
 
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
   
53,000
     
352,000
     
249,000
 
Additions for tax positions of prior year
   
-
     
581,000
     
67,000
 
Reductions for tax positions of prior year
   
(64,000
)
   
(62,000
)
   
(223,000
)
Balance at end of period
 
$
1,964,000
   
$
1,975,000
   
$
1,104,000
 

At March 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, there are $1,616,000, $1,632,000, and $923,000, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits that if recognized would affect the annual effective tax rate.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as part of income tax expense. During the years ended March 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, the Company recognized interest and penalties of approximately $59,000, $112,000, and $(16,000), respectively. The Company had approximately $229,000 and $170,000 for the payment of interest and penalties accrued at March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

With the exception of its earnings from its Singapore subsidiary, the Company intends to indefinitely reinvest its undistributed earnings from foreign subsidiaries in foreign operations. No incremental U.S. Federal tax or withholding taxes have been provided for these earnings.

17. Defined Contribution Plans

The Company has a 401(k) plan covering all employees who are 21 years of age with at least six months of service. The plan permits eligible employees to make contributions up to certain limitations, with the Company matching 50% of each participating employee’s contribution up to the first 6% of employee compensation. Employees are immediately vested in their voluntary employee contributions and vest in the Company’s matching contributions ratably over five years. The Company’s matching contribution to the 401(k) plan was $549,000, $578,000, and $507,000 for the years ended March 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.

18. Share-based Payments

In September 2022, the Company’s shareholders approved the 2022 Incentive Award Plan (the “2022 Plan”), which replaced the 2010 Incentive Award Plan and the 2014 Non-Employee Director Incentive Award Plan. Under the 2022 Plan, a total of 924,200 shares of the Company’s common stock were reserved for grants to its employees, non-employee directors, and consultants. At March 31, 2023, there were 52,768 shares of restricted stock units outstanding and 871,432 shares of common stock were available for grant under this plan.

At March 31, 2023 and 2022, 10,417 and 82,324 of restricted stock units, respectively, were outstanding under the 2014 Non-Employee Director Incentive Award Plan. No shares of common stock remain available for grant under this plan.

At March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, there was (i) 266,169 and 216,739 shares of restricted stock units were outstanding, (ii) options to purchase 1,226,745 and 1,674,499 shares of common stock were outstanding, (iii) 100,000 and 100,000 restricted shares were outstanding, and (iv) 192,696 and 84,593 shares of performance stock units were outstanding under the 2010 Incentive Award Plan. No shares of common stock remain available for grant under this plan.

In addition, at March 31, 2023 and 2022, options to purchase 6,000 and 21,000 shares of common stock, respectively, were outstanding under the 2004 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan. No options remain available for grant under this plan.

Stock Options

The Company did not grant any stock options during the year ended March 31, 2023 and 2022. The following summarizes the Black-Scholes option-pricing model assumptions used to derive the weighted average fair value of the stock options granted during the year ended March 31, 2021.

   
Years Ended March 31,
   
2021
      
Weighted average risk free interest rate
   
0.44
%
Weighted average expected holding period (years)
   
5.96

Weighted average expected volatility
   
44.90
%
Weighted average expected dividend yield
   
-
 
Weighted average fair value of options granted
 
$
6.43
 

The following is a summary of stock option transactions:

   
Number of
   
Weighted Average
 
 
 
Shares
   
Exercise Price
 
 
           
Outstanding at March 31, 2022
   
1,695,499
   
$
17.53
 
Granted
   
-
   
$
-
 
Exercised
   
(326,469
)
 
$
6.75
 
Forfeited/Cancelled
   
(123,932
)
 
$
19.45
 
Expired
    (12,353 )   $
15.91  
Outstanding at March 31, 2023
   
1,232,745
   
$
20.20
 

At March 31, 2023, options to purchase 96,495 shares of common stock were unvested at the weighted average exercise price of $15.16.

Based on the market value of the Company’s common stock at March 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, the pre-tax intrinsic value of options exercised was $2,427,000, $245,000, and $546,000, respectively. The total fair value of stock options vested during the years ended March 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 was $1,140,000, $2,174,000, and $2,184,000, respectively.

The following summarizes information about the options outstanding at March 31, 2023:

     
Options Outstanding
 
Options Exercisable
                   Weighted                    Weighted    
             Weighted      Average              Weighted      Average    
             Average      Remaining    Aggregate          Average      Remaining    Aggregate
Range of
           Exercise      Life    Intrinsic          Exercise      Life    Intrinsic
Exercise price
   
Shares
   
Price
   
In Years
 
Value
 
Shares
   
Price
   
In Years
 
Value
$
6.48 to $18.20
     
405,418
   
$
13.33
     
4.83
 
 
   
308,923
   
$
12.76
     
4.08
 
 
$
18.21 to $22.83
     
438,637
     
19.58
     
5.78
 
 
   
438,637
     
19.58
     
5.78
 
 
$
22.84 to $28.04
     
178,566
     
26.27
     
3.50
 
 
   
178,566
     
26.27
     
3.50
 
 
$
28.05 to $31.13
     
210,124
     
29.60
     
2.95
 
 
   
210,124
     
29.60
     
2.95
 
 
         
1,232,745
   
$
20.20
     
4.66
$
-
   
1,136,250
   
$
20.63
     
4.44
$
-

The aggregate intrinsic values in the above table represent the pre-tax value of all in-the-money options if all such options had been exercised on March 31, 2023 based on the Company’s closing stock price of $7.44 as of that date.

At March 31, 2023, there was $132,000 of total unrecognized compensation expense from stock-based compensation granted under the plans, which is related to non-vested shares. The compensation expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average vesting period of three months.

Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock (collectively “RSUs”)

During the years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company granted (i) performance-based restricted stock awards which had a threshold performance level of 33,333 shares, a target performance level of 66,667 shares, and a maximum performance level of 100,000 shares at the grant date for both periods and (ii) 229,121 and 163,703 of time-based vesting restricted stock units, respectively. The estimated grant date fair value of the RSUs $4,430,000, $5,775,000, and $4,150,000, for the years ended March 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, which was based on the closing market price on the date of grant. The fair value related to these awards is recognized as compensation expense over the vesting period. These awards generally vest in three equal installments beginning each anniversary from the grant date, subject to continued employment. Upon vesting, these awards may be net share settled to cover the required withholding tax with the remaining amount converted into an equivalent number of shares of common stock. Total shares withheld during the years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 were 74,854 and 84,762, respectively, based on the value of these awards as determined by the Company’s closing stock price on the vesting date.

The following is a summary of non-vested RSUs:

 
 
Number of
Shares
   
Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value
 
 
           
Outstanding at March 31, 2022
   
399,063
   
$
19.98
 
Granted
   
329,121
   
$
13.46
 
Vested
   
(228,519
)
 
$
20.08
 
Forfeited/Cancelled
   
(70,311
)
 
$
19.15
 
Outstanding at March 31, 2023
   
429,354
   
$
15.07
 

As of March 31, 2023, there was $3,289,000 of unrecognized compensation expense related to these awards, which will be recognized over the remaining vesting period of approximately 1.5 years. The Company’s unrecognized compensation expense includes restricted stock awards at the target performance level as deemed probable at each quarter-end.

Performance Stock Units (“PSUs”)

During the years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company granted 126,028 and 84,593 of performance-based PSUs (at target performance levels), respectively, to its executives, which typically cliff vest after three-years subject to continued employment. These awards are contingent and granted separately for each of the following metrics: adjusted EBITDA, net sales, and relative total shareholder return (“TSR”). Compensation cost is determined at the grant date and recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period to the extent the conditions are deemed probable. The number of shares earned at the end of the three-year period will vary, based only on actual performance, from 0% to 150% of the target number of PSUs granted. PSUs are not considered issued or outstanding ordinary shares of the Company.

Adjusted EBITDA and net sales are considered performance conditions. The Company will reassess the probability of achieving each performance condition separately each reporting period. TSR is considered a market condition because it measures the Company’s return against the performance of the Russell 3000, excluding companies classified as financials and real estate, over a given period of time. Compensation cost related to the TSR award will not be adjusted even if the market condition is not met.

The Company calculated the fair value of the PSUs for each component individually. The fair value of PSUs subject to performance conditions is equal to the closing stock price on the grant date. The fair value of PSUs subject to the market condition is determined using the Monte Carlo valuation model.

The following table summarizes the assumptions used in determining the fair value of the TSR awards:

   
Year Ended March 31,
 
   
2023
    2022  
Risk free interest rate
   
3.35
%
   
0.47
%
Expected life in years
   
3
      3  
Expected volatility of MPA common stock
   
51.30
%
   
53.70
%
Expected average volatility of peer companies
   
62.70
%
    59.30 %
Average correlation coefficient of peer companies
   
27.50
%
    26.70
Expected dividend yield
   
-
      -  
Grant date fair value
 
$
16.02
    $ 26.89  

The following is a summary of non-vested PSUs:

   
Number of
Shares
   
Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value
 
Outstanding at March 31, 2022
   
84,593
   
$
23.19
 
Granted
   
126,028
   
$
14.00
 
Vested
   
-
   
$
-
 
Forfeited/Cancelled
   
(17,925
)
 
$
19.95
 
Outstanding at March 31, 2023
   
192,696
   
$
17.48
 

At March 31, 2023, there was $1,926,000 of unrecognized compensation expense related to these awards, which will be recognized over the weighted average remaining vesting period of approximately 1.9 years.

19. Segment Information

Pursuant to the guidance provided under the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification for segment reporting, the Company has identified its chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), reviewed the documents used by the CODM, and understands how such documents are used by the CODM to make financial and operating decisions. The Company has identified its Chief Executive Officer as the CODM. The criteria the Company used to identify the reportable segments are primarily the nature of the products the Company sells, the Company’s organizational and management reporting structure, and the operating results that are regularly reviewed by the Company’s CODM to make decisions about the resources to be allocated to the business units and to assess performance.

The Company’s three operating segments are:


Hard Parts, including (i) light duty rotating electric products such as alternators and starters, (ii) wheel hub products, (iii) brake-related products, including brake calipers, brake boosters, brake rotors, brake pads and brake master cylinders, and (iv) turbochargers,

Test Solutions and Diagnostic Equipment, including (i) applications for combustion engine vehicles, including bench top testers for alternators and starters, (ii) test solutions and diagnostic equipment for the pre- and post-production of electric vehicles, (iii) software emulation of power systems applications for the electrification of all forms of transportation (including automobiles, trucks and the emerging electrification of systems within the aerospace industry, such as electric vehicle charging stations), and

Heavy Duty, including non-discretionary automotive aftermarket replacement hard parts for heavy-duty truck, industrial, marine, and agricultural applications.

Prior to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, the Company’s operating segments met the aggregation criteria and were aggregated. Effective as of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, the Company revised its segment reporting as it determined that its three operating segments no longer met the criteria to be aggregated. The Company’s Hard Parts operating segment meets the criteria of a reportable segment while Test Solutions and Diagnostic Equipment and Heavy Duty are not material, are not separately reportable, and are included within the “all other” category.

Financial information relating to the Company’s segments is as follows:

   
March 31, 2023
 
   
Hard Parts
   
All Other
   
Total
 
Net sales to external customers
 
$
638,460,000
   
$
44,614,000
    $
683,074,000
 
Intersegment sales
   
600,000
     
192,000
     
792,000
 
Operating income (loss)
   
44,855,000
     
(8,303,000
)
   
36,552,000
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
10,955,000
     
1,489,000
     
12,444,000
 
Segment assets
   
1,032,739,000
     
49,778,000
     
1,082,517,000
 
Capital expenditures
   
3,459,000
     
742,000
     
4,201,000
 

   
March 31, 2022
 
   
Hard Parts
   
All Other
   
Total
 
Net sales to external customers
 
$
609,992,000
   
$
40,316,000
    $
650,308,000
 
Intersegment sales
   
831,000
     
2,502,000
     
3,333,000
 
Operating income (loss)
   
32,265,000
     
(3,544,000
)
   
28,721,000
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
11,345,000
     
1,541,000
     
12,886,000
 
Segment assets
   
1,017,475,000
     
47,488,000
     
1,064,963,000
 
Capital expenditures
   
6,630,000
     
920,000
     
7,550,000
 

   
March 31, 2021
 
   
Hard Parts
   
All Other
   
Total
 
Net sales to external customers
 
$
512,251,000
   
$
28,531,000
    $
540,782,000
 
Intersegment sales
   
560,000
     
1,898,000
     
2,458,000
 
Operating income (loss)
   
48,450,000
     
(1,830,000
)
   
46,620,000
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
9,744,000
     
1,400,000
     
11,144,000
 
Capital expenditures
   
13,424,000
     
518,000
     
13,942,000
 

Net sales
 
March 31, 2023
   
March 31, 2022
   
March 31, 2021
 
Total net sales for reportable segment
  $
639,060,000
    $
610,823,000
    $
512,811,000
 
Other net sales
   
44,806,000
     
42,818,000
     
30,429,000
 
Elimination of intersegment net sales
   
(792,000
)
   
(3,333,000
)
   
(2,458,000
)
Total consolidated net sales
  $
683,074,000
    $
650,308,000
    $
540,782,000
 

Profit or loss
 
March 31, 2023
   
March 31, 2022
   
March 31, 2021
 
Total operating income for reportable segment
  $
44,855,000
    $
32,265,000
    $
48,450,000
 
Other operating loss
   
(8,303,000
)
   
(3,544,000
)
   
(1,830,000
)
Elimination of intersegment operating (loss) income
   
(106,000
)
   
(17,000
)
   
13,000
 
Interest expense, net
   
(39,555,000
)
   
(15,555,000
)
   
(15,770,000
)
Total consolidated (loss) income before income tax expense
  $
(3,109,000
)
  $
13,149,000
    $
30,863,000
 

Assets
 
March 31, 2023
   
March 31, 2022
       
Total assets for reportable segment
  $
1,032,739,000
    $
1,017,475,000
     
 
Other assets
   
49,778,000
     
47,488,000
         
Elimination of intersegment assets
   
(53,952,000
)
   
(49,265,000
)
       
Total consolidated assets
  $
1,028,565,000
    $
1,015,698,000
         

20. Share Repurchase Program

In August 2018, the Company’s board of directors approved an increase in its share repurchase program from $20,000,000 to $37,000,000 of its common stock.  During the year ended March 31, 2023 the Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock. During the years ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company repurchased 106,486 and 54,960 shares of its common stock, respectively, for $1,914,000 and $1,139,000, respectively. As of March 31, 2023, $18,745,000 was utilized and $18,255,000 remains available to repurchase shares under the authorized share repurchase program, subject to the limit in the Company’s Credit Facility. The Company retired the 837,007 shares repurchased under this program through March 31, 2023. The Company’s share repurchase program does not obligate it to acquire any specific number of shares and shares may be repurchased in privately negotiated and/or open market transactions.


21. Related Party Transactions



Lease



In December 2022, the Company entered into an operating lease for its 35,000 square foot manufacturing, warehouse, and office facility in Ontario, Canada, with a company co-owned by a member of management. The lease, which commenced January 1, 2023, has an initial term of one year with a base rent of approximately $27,000 per month and includes options to renew for up to four years. The rent expense recorded by the Company for the related party lease was $82,000 for the year ended March 31, 2023.



Convertible Note and Election of New Director


On March 31, 2023, the Company entered into the Note Purchase Agreement with Bison Capital Partners VI, L.P. and Bison Capital Partners VI-A, L.P., and Bison Capital Partners VI, L.P. as the Purchaser Representative, for the issuance and sale of the Convertible Notes. In connection with the issuance of the Convertible Notes and at the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board and in connection with the bylaws of the Company, the Board appointed Douglas Trussler, a co-founder of Bison Capital in 2001, to the Board, effective immediately, to serve until the Company’s 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until his successor is duly elected and qualified. Mr. Trussler’s compensation will be consistent with the Company’s previously disclosed standard compensation practices for non-employee directors, which are described in the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement, filed with the SEC on July 29, 2022. There are no other transactions between Mr. Trussler and the Company that would be reportable under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.


22. Employee Retention Credit



The CARES Act provides an employee retention credit (“ERC”) that is a refundable tax credit against certain employer taxes. On December 27, 2020, Congress enacted the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020, which amended and extended ERC availability under Section 2301 of the CARES Act. As a result, the Company was eligible to claim a refundable tax credit against the employer share of Social Security taxes equal to seventy percent (70%) of the qualified wages that it paid to its employees between December 31, 2020 and June 30, 2021. Qualified wages are limited to $10,000 per employee per calendar quarter in 2021 for a maximum ERC per employee of $7,000 per calendar quarter in 2021.



In the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022, the Company amended certain payroll tax filings and applied for a refund of $5,104,000. As of March 31, 2023, the Company determined that all contingencies related to the ERC were resolved and recorded a $5,104,000 receivable which is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The $5,104,000 of ERCs were recognized as a reduction in employer payroll taxes and allocated to the financial statement captions from which the employee’s taxes were originally incurred. As a result, the Company recorded a reduction in expenses of $2,034,000 in cost of goods sold, $1,377,000 in general and administrative, $968,000 in selling and marketing, and $725,000 in research and development, which is reflected in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended March 31, 2023. In April 2023, the Company received full payment for the ERC receivable.



The refund of employer taxes results in a decrease in deductions included in the Company’s US federal and certain state income tax returns for the years that it received the payroll tax credits. The Company is required to amend its US federal and state income tax returns for the years ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 and pay additional income tax for those years. The Company has estimated that this will result in approximately $1,250,000 of taxes payable, which is included in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2023 and income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended March 31, 2023.

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Accounts Receivable Allowance for credit losses

         
Charge to
         
         Balance at     (recovery of)           Balance at  
 Years Ended       beginning of     bad debts     Amounts     end of  
 March 31,    Description   year     expense     written off     year  
2023
 
Allowance for credit losses
 
$
375,000
   
$
108,000
   
$
144,000
   
$
339,000
 
2022
 
Allowance for credit losses
 
$
348,000
   
$
95,000
   
$
68,000
   
$
375,000
 
2021
 
Allowance for credit losses
 
$
4,252,000
   
$
(1,000
)
 
$
3,903,000
   
$
348,000
 

Accounts Receivable Allowance for customer-payment discrepancies

   
Balance at
   
Charge to
   

   
Balance at
 
 Years Ended        beginning of      discrepancies      Amounts      end of  
 March 31,    Description    year      expense      Processed      year  
2023
 
Allowance for customer-payment discrepancies
 
$
1,375,000
   
$
2,112,000
   
$
1,853,000
   
$
1,634,000
 
2022
 
Allowance for customer-payment discrepancies
 
$
752,000
   
$
2,142,000
   
$
1,519,000
   
$
1,375,000
 
2021
 
Allowance for customer-payment discrepancies
 
$
1,040,000
   
$
694,000
   
$
982,000
   
$
752,000
 

Inventory Allowance for excess and obsolete inventory

               Provision for              
         Balance at      excess and            Balance at  
 Years Ended        beginning of      obsolete      Amounts    
end of
 
 March 31,    Description    year      inventory      written off      year  
2023
 
Allowance for excess and obsolete inventory
 
$
13,520,000
   
$
18,851,000
   
$
15,935,000
   
$
16,436,000
 
2022
 
Allowance for excess and obsolete inventory
 
$
13,246,000
   
$
13,504,000
   
$
13,230,000
   
$
13,520,000
 
2021
 
Allowance for excess and obsolete inventory
 
$
13,208,000
   
$
12,803,000
   
$
12,765,000
   
$
13,246,000
 


S-1