XPEL(XPEL)2025-02-26 17:39Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported total revenue of 59.1 million [9] - Gross margin for the year was 42.2%, a 120 basis point improvement over 2023, while Q4 gross margin was 40.6% [29][30] - Net income for Q4 declined 25.7% to 0.32 per share [65] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The dealership services business had revenue growth of around 9%, but this was lower than previous quarters due to inventory normalization [9][10] - OEM revenue in Q4 declined slightly due to package changes in the Rivian program, but excluding this impact, OEM business grew approximately 16% [19][20] - The total window film product line grew 32.9% in Q4, driven primarily by automotive sales [59] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The China region reported revenue of 16.6 million in the same quarter last year, making for a tough comparison [21] - The US new vehicle supply was reported at about 1.5 million units in December, indicating a return to more normal inventory levels [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to expand its dealership sales organization and focus on driving business through various customer channels [15][18] - There is a strategic focus on developing services in the new car dealership space, with plans to refine and implement capital deployment strategies in 2025 [43][44] - The company completed distributor acquisitions in Japan, Thailand, and India, with expectations of accelerated revenue growth post-acquisition [25][26] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that 2024 was a challenging year due to macro headwinds, particularly in the aftermarket, but expressed cautious optimism for 2025 [7][38] - The sentiment in the aftermarket appears to have improved, with management feeling more clarity and focus on key operational areas [38][39] - Concerns were raised about inflation, interest rates, and potential tariffs impacting the business environment [40][41] Other Important Information - SG&A expenses grew 17.4% to 12.5 million [68] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on China sell-throughs and timing for direct business - Management indicated that the sell-in and sell-through dynamics in China have improved, with inventory days lower and products selling through more consistently [72][74] Question: Outlook on gross margin and operating expenses - Management expects gross margin to remain around 42%, with some pressure from the strong dollar but opportunities for growth [76][78] Question: Marketing spend and its future - The company plans to increase marketing spend to around 3.5% of revenue in 2025, focusing on dealership and aftermarket segments [94][95]