Q4 2024 Earnings Summary
- Significant uncertainty regarding the impact of tariffs on key products, as the company's top three OEMs—Polaris, BRP, and Harley-Davidson, which account for 60%-65% of sales—may either absorb the tariffs or pass them on to consumers, potentially affecting profitability. The CEO stated, "it's difficult at our time to really gauge the magnitude of the impact given the level of uncertainty and the fact that it changes just about every day."
- Ongoing promotional activity by competitors and OEMs is expected to continue, which may depress gross margins. The CEO acknowledged, "I think there will always be that factor sitting out there," referring to margin pressures due to promotional activities in the industry.
- Multiple consumer headwinds, such as higher interest rates, decreased consumer spending, and potential tariff impacts, are affecting demand. The CEO mentioned, "there's a multitude of factors that are impacting consumers," indicating challenges that could negatively affect sales.
Metric | YoY Change | Reason |
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Total Revenue | –13% (fell from $311.17M in Q4 2023 to $269.6M in Q4 2024) | Total Revenue decreased by around 13% YoY largely due to a lower contribution from the Powersports segment and shifts in consumer demand, despite the strong performance in the New Vehicles segment. |
New Vehicles Revenue | +132% (rose from $156.9M in Q4 2023 to $364.7M in Q4 2024) | New Vehicles revenue surged by 132% YoY driven by strong unit sales and favorable pricing adjustments, which significantly boosted revenue compared to the previous period. |
Powersports Revenue | –14% (declined from $298.3M in Q4 2023 to $256.2M in Q4 2024) | Powersports revenue fell by roughly 14% YoY due to softer demand and lower pre-owned vehicle sales, which negatively impacted the overall revenue mix compared to the prior period. |
Operating Income | Improved (loss narrowed from $(69.32)M to $(40.60)M) | Losses in operating income narrowed significantly as cost-saving measures and improved SG&A management contributed to a smaller loss despite lower revenue levels. |
Net Loss | Improved by 67% (reduced from $(168.53)M to $(56.40)M) | Net loss improved nearly 67% YoY due to effective cost reductions and operational improvements that mitigated the revenue decline, resulting in a far lower net loss compared to Q4 2023. |
Operating Cash Flow | Turned positive to $30.80M in Q4 2024 | Operating cash flow improved dramatically, turning positive at $30.80M, which was driven by better working capital management, including inventory reduction and strategic asset sales that improved liquidity compared to previous periods. |
Total Assets | Decreased from $926.3M in Q4 2023 to $755.2M in Q4 2024 | Total assets declined by approximately $171.1M YoY as the company significantly reduced inventory levels and experienced lower cash balances, reflecting a tighter balance sheet relative to Q4 2023. |
Stockholders’ Equity | Decreased from $105.6M in Q4 2023 to $36.7M in Q4 2024 | Stockholders’ equity dropped sharply, largely driven by cumulative net losses and adjustments such as changes in additional paid-in capital, resulting in a major reduction in equity from the previous period. |
Metric | Period | Guidance | Actual | Performance |
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Inventory Reduction | FY 2024 | Reduce new inventory by US$50 million by the end of FY 2024 | Reduced from US$347.5 million in Q4 2023To US$240.6 million in Q4 2024, a US$106.9 million drop | Beat |
Topic | Previous Mentions | Current Period | Trend |
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Inventory Management | Q1 2024: Emphasis on a $60M reduction target, addressing heavy new inventory and rationalizing preowned mix. Q3 2024: Focus on a $50M reduction target, managing overstock challenges with OEM support and a 53.8% overall inventory reduction. | Q4 2024: Achieved over $80M reduction against a $50M target; continued focus on managing overstock (especially parts) and active OEM collaboration. | Consistent effort with improved outcomes: The company has maintained focus on inventory reduction across periods—with Q4 showing stronger performance despite ongoing overstock challenges. |
Cost Optimization and Efficiency Improvements | Q1 2024: Highlighted over $50M in cost reductions and improvements in SG&A metrics. Q3 2024: Noted $30M of annualized cost savings, enhanced SG&A ratios, and discussions on refinancing. | Q4 2024: Continued initiatives to streamline the cost structure, rightsize the organization, and further reduce SG&A expenses. | Consistent improvement: Across all periods, RumbleOn has maintained and built upon efficiency and cost-cutting measures, with Q4 reinforcing their disciplined approach. |
Preowned Business Performance and Volume Trends | Q1 2024: Reported a 13.4% decline in preowned unit sales coupled with significant margin improvements via the Cash Offer tool. Q3 2024: Noted a 19% decline in volume with lower gross margins, though inventory management remained a focus. | Q4 2024: Preowned unit sales declined by 8.8% (a less severe drop) and gross margins improved significantly compared to prior negatives; future plans include a standalone retail center. | Mixed performance: While volume declines persist, margin improvements and new strategic initiatives point to efforts to rebalance quality versus quantity of preowned business. |
Promotional Activities and OEM Incentives Impacting Margins | Q1 2024: Discussed extremely high OEM promotional activity—with strong factory rebates and interest rate buydowns that pressured new unit margins. Q3 2024: This topic was not specifically mentioned. | Q4 2024: Reiterated that promotional activities, along with evolving OEM incentives and external factors like tariffs, continue to depress gross margins. | Increased focus: Originally raised in Q1, the impact of promotional activities is now being emphasized alongside emerging external pressures, signaling continued concern over margin pressure. |
Tariff Impacts on Key Products | Q1 & Q3 2024: No discussion on tariff impacts was noted. | Q4 2024: Management highlighted a dynamic global tariff landscape that could affect product affordability and customer demand. | New risk factor: Tariff impacts have emerged in Q4 as an additional risk factor, introducing greater uncertainty for margins and future sales. |
Financing, Liquidity, and High-Interest Debt Management | Q1 2024: Reported $63.4M in cash and about $203M non-vehicle net debt, with refinancing options and free cash flow positivity on the horizon. Q3 2024: Maintained a liquidity position with $66.7M cash, secured additional capital commitments, and explored credit facility adjustments. | Q4 2024: Strengthened liquidity with $96.7M cash on hand, effective convertible note repayments, and continued efforts on refinancing to improve capital structure. | Positive progress: The company's liquidity and debt management have improved steadily, with proactive refinancing and stronger cash positions enhancing financial flexibility. |
Consumer Headwinds and Macroeconomic Pressures | Q1 2024: Faced challenges from higher interest rates, inflation, industry overstocking, and lower ASP along with aggressive OEM promotions. Q3 2024: Acknowledged a difficult macroeconomic environment driving margin compression and slower growth. | Q4 2024: Continued acknowledgement of consumer challenges including interest rate impacts, tariff uncertainty, and policy changes in a difficult macroeconomic landscape. | Persistent challenges: Despite ongoing internal management efforts, macroeconomic pressures remain a consistent headwind—with Q4 adding new layers of complexity such as tariff and policy uncertainties. |
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Tariff Impact and Cost Handling
Q: Could you discuss your tariff exposure and cost increases?
A: The company acknowledges that tariffs are a significant concern. Their top three OEMs—Polaris, BRP, and Harley-Davidson—account for 60% to 65% of sales. Given the uncertainty and daily changes in tariff policies, it's too early to gauge the exact impact. The company anticipates being between OEMs absorbing costs and passing them to consumers, leading to a dynamic push and pull. -
Consumer Slowdown and Business Outlook
Q: Are you seeing a slowdown in business due to consumer issues?
A: While the company does not provide inter-quarter commentary or guidance, they note that consumers face challenges like interest rates, spending health, potential tariffs, and policy changes from the new administration. The company is focusing on controlling factors within its operations. -
Industry Inventory Levels and Margins
Q: How are industry inventory levels, and will margins be affected?
A: The company is comfortable with its current inventory levels after adjustments made a year ago. Parts inventory may still be slightly high but is not material to operations. Promotional activities affecting margins may continue, influenced by factors like tariffs and OEM efforts to move products.
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