Biggest changeResults of Operations The following table sets forth our results of operations for the fiscal years presented, expressed as a percentage of net sales: Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 January 2, 2021 Net sales 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % Cost of sales 65.1 66.1 65.0 Gross profit 34.9 33.9 35.0 Operating expense 34.8 35.4 34.9 Income (loss) from operations 0.2 (1.5) 0.1 Other income (expense): Other income, net 0.1 0.0 0.0 Interest expense (0.2) (0.2) (0.3) Total other expense, net (0.1) (0.2) (0.3) Loss before income taxes (0.0) (1.7) (0.2) Income tax provision 0.1 0.1 0.1 Net loss (0.1) % (1.8) % (0.3) % Fifty-Two Weeks Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to the Fifty-Two Weeks Ended January 1, 2022 Net Sales and Gross Margin Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 $ Change % Change (in thousands) Net sales $ 661,604 $ 582,440 $ 79,164 13.6 % Cost of sales 430,714 385,157 45,557 11.8 % Gross profit $ 230,890 $ 197,283 $ 33,607 17.0 % Gross margin 34.9 % 33.9 % 1.0 % Net sales increased $79,164 for fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021 primarily driven by continued strong demand.
Biggest changeA similar discussion and analysis which compares fiscal year 2022 to fiscal year 2021 may be found in the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our annual report filed with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) under the Exchange Act on March 8, 2023. 34 Table of Contents Results of Operations The following table sets forth our results of operations for the fiscal years presented, expressed as a percentage of net sales: Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 Net sales 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % Cost of sales 66.1 65.1 66.1 Gross profit 33.9 34.9 33.9 Operating expense 35.4 34.8 35.4 (Loss) income from operations (1.5) 0.1 (1.5) Other income (expense): Other income, net 0.5 0.1 0.0 Interest expense (0.2) (0.2) (0.2) Total other income (expense), net 0.3 (0.1) (0.2) Loss before income taxes (1.2) (0.0) (1.7) Income tax provision 0.0 0.1 0.1 Net loss (1.2) % (0.1) % (1.8) % Fifty-Two Weeks Ended December 30, 2023 Compared to the Fifty-Two Weeks Ended December 31, 2022 Net Sales and Gross Margin Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 $ Change % Change (in thousands) Net sales $ 675,729 $ 661,604 $ 14,125 2.1 % Cost of sales 446,323 430,714 15,609 3.6 % Gross profit $ 229,406 $ 230,890 $ (1,484) (0.6) % Gross margin 33.9 % 34.9 % (1.0) % Net sales increased $14,125, or 2.1%, for fiscal year 2023 compared to fiscal year 2022 primarily driven by continued demand.
We provide EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, which are non-GAAP financial measures. EBITDA consists of net loss before (a) interest expense, net; (b) income tax provision; (c) depreciation and amortization expense; and (d) amortization of intangible assets; while Adjusted EBITDA consists of EBITDA before share-based compensation expense.
We provide EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, which are non-GAAP financial measures. EBITDA consists of net loss before (a) interest (income) expense, net; (b) income tax provision; (c) depreciation and amortization expense; and (d) amortization of intangible assets; while Adjusted EBITDA consists of EBITDA before share-based compensation expense.
We principally sell our products to individual consumers through our flagship website at www.carparts.com and online marketplaces. Our corporate website is located at www.carparts.com /investor . The inclusion of our website addresses in this report does not include or incorporate by reference into this report any information on our websites.
We principally sell our products to individual consumers through our flagship website at www.carparts.com , our app, and online marketplaces. Our corporate website is located at www.carparts.com /investor . The inclusion of our website addresses in this report does not include or incorporate by reference into this report any information on our websites.
Finally, our historic results should not be viewed as indicative of future performance. 29 Table of Contents Overview We are a leading online provider of aftermarket auto parts, including replacement parts, hard parts, and performance parts and accessories. Our proprietary product database maps our SKUs to product applications based on vehicle makes, models and years.
Finally, our historic results should not be viewed as indicative of future performance. 31 Table of Contents Overview We are a leading online provider of aftermarket auto parts, including replacement parts, hard parts, and performance parts and accessories. Our proprietary product database maps our SKUs to product applications based on vehicle makes, models and years.
We believe that of our significant accounting policies, which are described in Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Nature of Operations” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the following accounting policies and estimates set forth below involve a greater degree of judgment or complexity. Valuation of Inventory – Inventory Reserves. Inventory primarily consists of finished goods.
We believe that of our significant accounting policies, which are described in Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Nature of Operations” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the following accounting policies and estimates set forth below involve a greater degree of judgment or complexity. Valuation of Inventory – Inventory Reserve. Inventory primarily consists of finished goods.
Auto Care Association estimated that overall revenue from online sales of auto parts and accessories would reach over $21 billion by 2025. Improved product availability, lower prices and consumers’ growing comfort with digital platforms are driving the shift to online sales.
Auto Care Association estimated that overall revenue from online sales of auto parts and accessories would reach approximately $21 billion by 2025. Improved product availability, lower prices and consumers’ growing comfort with digital platforms are driving the shift to online sales.
The components of cost of sales and operating costs are described in further detail under “Components of Results of Operations ” below. Non-GAAP measures Regulation G, “Conditions for Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures ,” and other provisions of the Exchange Act, as amended, define and prescribe the conditions for use of certain non-GAAP financial information.
The components of cost of sales and operating costs are described in further detail under “Components of Results of Operations ” below. 32 Table of Contents Non-GAAP measures Regulation G, “Conditions for Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures ,” and other provisions of the Exchange Act, as amended, define and prescribe the conditions for use of certain non-GAAP financial information.
This non-GAAP financial measure is used in addition to and in conjunction with results presented in accordance with GAAP and should not be relied upon to the exclusion of GAAP financial measures. Management strongly 31 Table of Contents encourages investors to review the Company’s consolidated financial statements in their entirety and to not rely on any single financial measure.
This non-GAAP financial measure is used in addition to and in conjunction with results presented in accordance with GAAP and should not be relied upon to the exclusion of GAAP financial measures. Management strongly encourages investors to review the Company’s consolidated financial statements in their entirety and to not rely on any single financial measure.
Our offline sales channel also includes both stock ship distribution as well as drop ship programs for automotive warehouse distributors and other online resellers. The product mix includes the majority of our house brands stock ship parts, which include the replacement collision parts and our Kool-Vue ® mirror line. Cost of Sales.
Our offline sales channel 33 Table of Contents also includes both stock ship distribution as well as drop ship programs for automotive warehouse distributors and other online resellers. The product mix includes the majority of our house brands stock ship parts, which include the replacement collision parts and our Kool-Vue ® mirror line. Cost of Sales.
We believe our user-friendly flagship website provides customers with a favorable alternative to the brick-and-mortar shopping experience by offering a comprehensive selection of approximately 913,000 SKUs with detailed product descriptions, attributes and photographs combined with the flexibility of fulfilling orders using both drop-ship and stock-and-ship methods. 2. U.S. vehicle fleet expanding and aging.
We believe our user-friendly flagship website, and app, provides customers with a favorable alternative to the brick-and-mortar shopping experience by offering a comprehensive selection of approximately 1,047,000 SKUs with detailed product descriptions, attributes and photographs combined with the flexibility of fulfilling orders using both drop-ship and stock-and-ship methods. 2. U.S. vehicle fleet expanding and aging.
The average age of U.S. light vehicles, an indicator of auto parts demand, reached a new record-high of 12.2 years in 2022, according to the U.S. Auto Care Association. We believe an increasing vehicle base and rising average age of vehicles will have a positive impact on overall aftermarket parts demand because older vehicles generally require more repairs.
The average age of U.S. light vehicles, an indicator of auto parts demand, reached a new record-high of 12.5 years in 2023, according to the U.S. Auto Care Association. We believe an increasing vehicle base and rising average age of vehicles will have a positive impact on overall aftermarket parts demand because older vehicles generally require more repairs.
Under the terms of the Credit Agreement, cash receipts are deposited into a lock-box, which are at the Company’s discretion unless the “cash dominion period” is in effect, during which cash receipts will be used to reduce amounts owing under the Credit Agreement.
Under the terms of the 37 Table of Contents Credit Agreement, cash receipts are deposited into a lock-box, which are at the Company’s discretion unless the “cash dominion period” is in effect, during which cash receipts will be used to reduce amounts owing under the Credit Agreement.
Changes in our operating plans, lower than anticipated net sales or gross margin, increased expenses, continued or worsened economic conditions, worsening operating performance by us, or other events, including those 36 Table of Contents described in “ Risk Factors ” included in Part II, Item 1A may force us to sell assets or seek additional debt or equity financings in the future, including the issuance of additional common stock under a registration statement.
Changes in our operating plans, lower than anticipated net sales or gross margin, increased expenses, continued or worsened economic conditions, worsening operating performance by us, or other events, including those described in “ Risk Factors ” included in Part I, Item 1A may force us to sell assets or seek additional debt or equity financings in the future, including the issuance of additional common stock under a registration statement.
Based on our current operating plan, we believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents, 34 Table of Contents investments, cash flows from operations and available funds under our Credit Facility will be sufficient to finance our operations through at least the next twelve months (see “ Debt and Available Borrowing Resources ” and “ Funding Requirements ” below).
Based on our current operating plan, we believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents, investments, cash flows from operations and available funds under our Credit Facility will be sufficient to finance our operations through at least the next twelve months (see “ Debt and Available Borrowing Resources ” and “ Funding Requirements ” below).
Presentation of Results of Operations and Liquidity and Capital Resources The following discussion and analysis of our Results of Operations and Liquidity and Capital Resources includes a comparison of fiscal year 2022 to fiscal year 2021.
Presentation of Results of Operations and Liquidity and Capital Resources The following discussion and analysis of our Results of Operations and Liquidity and Capital Resources includes a comparison of fiscal year 2023 to fiscal year 2022.
Other income, net primarily consists of miscellaneous income or expense and interest income comprised primarily of interest income on investments. 32 Table of Contents Interest Expense. Interest expense consists primarily of interest expense on our outstanding revolving loan and letters of credit balances, deferred financing cost amortization and finance lease interest.
Other income, net primarily consists of miscellaneous income or expense and interest income comprised primarily of interest income on investments. Interest Expense. Interest expense consists primarily of interest expense on our outstanding revolving loan and letters of credit balances, deferred financing cost amortization and finance lease interest.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Agreement. See additional information in “Note 4 – Borrowings” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8, of this report.
As of December 30, 2023, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Agreement. See additional information in “Note 4 – Borrowings” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8, of this report.
Federal NOL carryforwards of $1,026 were acquired in the acquisition of WAG which are subject to Section 382 of the Code and limited to an annual usage limitation of $135. The Company’s federal NOL carryforwards begin to expire in 2029, while state NOL carryforwards begin to expire in 2023.
Federal NOL carryforwards of $891 were acquired in the acquisition of WAG which are subject to Section 382 of the Code and limited to an annual usage limitation of $135. The Company’s federal NOL carryforwards begin to expire in 2029, while state NOL carryforwards also begin to expire in 2029.
Investing Activities For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022, net cash used in investing activities was primarily the result of additions to property and equipment ($12,585 and $11,578, respectively), which are mainly related to capitalized website and software development costs.
Investing Activities For the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, net cash used in investing activities was primarily the result of additions to property and equipment ($11,879 and $12,585, respectively), which are mainly related to capitalized website and software development costs.
The Company’s net loss before interest expense, net, income tax provision, depreciation and amortization expense, amortization of intangible assets, share-based compensation expense ("Adjusted EBITDA"), was $26,113 in fiscal year 2022 compared to $16,791 in fiscal year 2021.
The Company’s net loss before interest (income) expense, net, income tax provision, depreciation and amortization expense, amortization of intangible assets, share-based compensation expense ("Adjusted EBITDA"), was $19,687 in fiscal year 2023 compared to $26,113 in fiscal year 2022.
As of December 31, 2022, our outstanding revolving loan balance was $0. The outstanding standby letters of credit balance as of December 31, 2022 was $620, and we had $0 of our trade letters of credit outstanding in accounts payable in our consolidated balance sheet.
As of December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, our outstanding revolving loan balance was $0, respectively. The outstanding standby letters of credit balance as of December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 was $680 and $620, respectively, and we had $0 of our trade letters of credit outstanding in accounts payable in our consolidated balance sheets.
Online and offline sales represent two different sales channels for our products. Online is our primary sales channel as we generate net sales primarily from e-commerce sales of auto parts to individual consumers through our flagship website www.carparts.com , and online marketplaces.
Online and offline sales represent two different sales channels for our products. Online is our primary sales channel as we generate net sales primarily from eCommerce sales of auto parts to individual consumers through our mobile-friendly website at www.carparts.com , our app, and online marketplaces.
Refer to the section below titled “ Non-GAAP measures ” for information regarding our use of Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation from net loss. Net sales increased in fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021 primarily driven by continued strong demand. Gross profit increased by 17.0% to $230,890.
Refer to the section below titled “ Non-GAAP measures ” for information regarding our use of Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation from net loss. Net sales increased in fiscal year 2023 compared to fiscal year 2022 primarily driven by continued demand. Gross profit decreased by 0.6% to $229,406.
As of December 31, 2022, due to cumulative losses in recent years, the Company maintained a valuation allowance in the amount of $37,565 against deferred tax assets that were not more likely than not to be realized.
As of December 30, 2023, due to cumulative losses in recent years, the Company maintained a valuation allowance in the amount of $38,458 against deferred tax assets that were not more likely than not to be realized.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company’s SOFR based interest rate was 5.96% and the Company’s prime based rate was 7.50%. A commitment fee, based upon undrawn availability under the Credit Facility bearing interest at a rate of either 0.20% or 0.25% per annum based on the amount of undrawn availability, is payable monthly.
As of December 30, 2023, the Company’s SOFR based interest rate was 7.45% and the Company’s prime based rate was 9.00%. A commitment fee, based upon undrawn availability under the Credit Facility bearing interest at a rate of either 0.20% or 0.25% per annum based on the amount of undrawn availability, is payable monthly.
Income Tax Provision Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 $ Change % Change (in thousands) Income tax provision $ 632 $ 351 $ 281 80.1 % Percent of net sales 0.1 % 0.1 % — % The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740 - Income Taxes (“ASC 740”).
Income Tax Provision Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 $ Change % Change (in thousands) Income tax provision $ 145 $ 632 $ (487) (77.1) % Percent of net sales 0.0 % 0.1 % (0.1) % The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740 - Income Taxes (“ASC 740”).
We used the trade letters of credit in the ordinary course of business to satisfy certain vendor obligations. 35 Table of Contents Loans drawn under the Credit Facility bear interest at a per annum rate equal to either (a) SOFR plus an applicable margin of 1.50% to 2.00% per annum based on the Company’s fixed charge coverage ratio, or (b) an “alternate prime base rate” subject to an increase from 0.00% to 0.50% per annum based on the Company’s fixed charge coverage ratio.
Loans drawn under the Credit Facility bear interest at a per annum rate equal to either (a) SOFR plus an applicable margin of 1.50% to 2.00% per annum based on the Company’s fixed charge coverage ratio, or (b) an “alternate prime base rate” subject to an increase from 0.00% to 0.50% per annum based on the Company’s fixed charge coverage ratio.
Debt and Available Borrowing Resources Total debt was $20,669 as of December 31, 2022 compared to $15,821 as of January 1, 2022 and primarily consists of right-of-use obligations-finance.
Debt and Available Borrowing Resources Total debt was $16,635 as of December 30, 2023 compared to $20,669 as of December 31, 2022 and primarily consists of right-of-use obligations-finance.
The number of automotive SKUs has grown dramatically over the last several years. In today’s market, unless the consumer is driving a high volume produced vehicle and needs a simple maintenance item, the part they need is not typically on the shelf at a brick-and-mortar store.
In today’s market, unless the consumer is driving a high volume produced vehicle and needs a simple maintenance item, the part they need is not typically on the shelf at a brick-and-mortar store.
The table below reconciles net loss to Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 January 2, 2021 Net loss $ (951) (10,339) (1,513) Depreciation & amortization 13,607 9,895 7,657 Amortization of intangible assets 108 110 102 Interest expense, net 1,421 1,089 1,694 Taxes 632 351 307 EBITDA $ 14,817 $ 1,106 $ 8,247 Stock compensation expense $ 11,296 $ 15,685 $ 7,778 Adjusted EBITDA $ 26,113 $ 16,791 $ 16,025 Components of Results of Operations Net Sales.
The table below reconciles net loss to Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 Net loss $ (8,223) $ (951) $ (10,339) Depreciation & amortization 16,690 13,607 9,895 Amortization of intangible assets 36 108 110 Interest (income) expense, net (636) 1,421 1,089 Income tax provision 145 632 351 EBITDA $ 8,012 $ 14,817 $ 1,106 Stock compensation expense $ 11,675 $ 11,296 $ 15,685 Adjusted EBITDA $ 19,687 $ 26,113 $ 16,791 Components of Results of Operations Net Sales.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company had no material unrecognized tax benefits, interest or penalties related to federal and state income tax matters. As of December 31, 2022, the Company’s federal and state NOL carryforwards were $103,323 and $80,280, respectively.
As of December 30, 2023, the Company had no material unrecognized tax benefits, interest or penalties related to federal and state income tax matters. As of December 30, 2023, the Company’s federal and state NOL carryforwards were $105,224 and $84,780, respectively.
Cash Flows Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 January 2, 2021 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 15,368 $ (6,988) $ (19,068) Net cash used in investing activities (12,517) (11,551) (9,758) Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (2,153) 902 62,361 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (75) (21) (6) Net change in cash and cash equivalents $ 623 $ (17,658) $ 33,529 Operating Activities Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022 was $15,368 and ($6,988), respectively.
As of December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, our working capital was $80,352 and $79,843, respectively. 36 Table of Contents Cash Flows Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 50,001 $ 15,368 $ (6,988) Net cash used in investing activities (11,901) (12,517) (11,551) Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (5,916) (2,153) 902 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — (75) (21) Net change in cash and cash equivalents $ 32,184 $ 623 $ (17,658) Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 was $50,001 and $15,368, respectively.
Liquidity and Capital Resources Sources of Liquidity During the fifty-two weeks ended December 31, 2022, we primarily funded our operations with cash and cash equivalents generated from operations and borrowings under our Credit Facility.
Liquidity and Capital Resources Sources of Liquidity During the fifty-two weeks ended December 30, 2023, we primarily funded our operations with cash and cash equivalents generated from operations. We had cash and cash equivalents of $50,951 as of December 30, 2023, representing a $32,184 increase from $18,767 of cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2022.
The increase in net cash provided by (used in) operating activities was primarily due to the decrease in net loss and a lower net cash outflow from the change in working capital.
The increase in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily driven by a higher net cash inflow from the change in working capital.
Financing Activities Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities was ($2,153) and $902 for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022, respectively. The decrease was primarily attributable to the decrease in proceeds from exercises of stock options and the increase in payments on finance leases in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
Financing Activities Net cash used in financing activities was $5,916 and $2,153 for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The increase was primarily attributable to the repurchase of treasury stock in the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023.
There can be no assurance that we would be able to raise such additional financing or engage in asset sales on acceptable terms, or at all. If we are not able to raise adequate additional financing or proceeds from asset sales, we will need to defer, reduce or eliminate significant planned expenditures, restructure or significantly curtail our operations.
There can be no assurance that we would be able to raise such additional financing or engage in asset sales on acceptable terms, or at all.
Gross margin increased 100 basis points to 34.9% in fiscal year 2022 compared to 33.9% in fiscal year 2021. The increase in gross margin was primarily driven by favorable freight costs in 2022. Total expenses, which primarily consisted of cost of sales and operating expense, increased in fiscal year 2022 compared to the same period in 2021.
Total expenses, which primarily consisted of cost of sales and operating expense, increased in fiscal year 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.
We believe that we are well positioned for the shift to online sales due to being a leading source for aftermarket automotive parts through our flagship website and online marketplaces.
We believe that we are well positioned for the shift to online sales due to being a leading source for aftermarket automotive parts through our flagship website, app, and online marketplaces. Executive Summary For fiscal year 2023, the Company’s operations generated net sales of $675,729, compared to $661,604 for fiscal year 2022, representing an increase of 2.1%.
Seasonality We believe our business is somewhat seasonal in nature. It includes many categories, geographies, and channels which may experience seasonality from time to time based on various external factors. Additionally, seasonality may affect our product mix.
It includes many categories, geographies, and channels which may experience seasonality from time to time based on various external factors. Additionally, seasonality may affect our product mix. These historical seasonality trends could continue, and such trends may have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations in subsequent periods.
These historical seasonality trends could continue, and such trends may have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations in subsequent periods. Recent Accounting Pronouncements See “ Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Nature of Operations” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part IV, Item 15 of this report.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements See “ Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Nature of Operations” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part IV, Item 15 of this report. Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”).
The increase in gross margin was primarily driven by favorable freight costs in 2022. 33 Table of Contents Operating Expense Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 $ Change % Change (in thousands) Operating expense $ 230,239 $ 206,394 $ 23,845 11.6 % Percent of net sales 34.8 % 35.4 % (0.6) % Operating expense increased $23,845, or 11.6%, for fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021 primarily due to an increase in fulfillment expense.
Operating Expense Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 $ Change % Change (in thousands) Operating expense $ 239,287 $ 230,239 $ 9,048 3.9 % Percent of net sales 35.4 % 34.8 % 0.6 % Operating expense increased $9,048, or 3.9%, for fiscal year 2023 compared to fiscal year 2022.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, net sales, costs and expenses, and related disclosures.
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, net sales, costs and expenses, and related disclosures. We evaluate our estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis. Actual results could differ from those estimates under different assumptions and conditions.
We believe by disintermediating the traditional auto parts supply chain and selling products directly to customers online allows us to efficiently deliver products to our customers.
We believe disintermediating the traditional auto parts supply chain and selling products directly to customers online allows us to efficiently deliver products to our customers. Industry-wide trends that support our strategy and future growth include: 1. Number of SKUs required to serve the market. The number of automotive SKUs has grown dramatically over the last several years.
Gross profit increased $33,607, or 17.0%, in fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021. Gross margin increased 100 basis points to 34.9% in fiscal year 2022 compared to 33.9% in fiscal year 2021.
Gross profit decreased $1,484, or 0.6%, in fiscal year 2023 compared to fiscal year 2022. Gross margin decreased 100 basis points to 33.9% in fiscal year 2023 compared to 34.9% in fiscal year 2022. The decrease in gross margin was primarily driven by unfavorable freight costs and a shift in product mix.
Total Other Expense, Net Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 $ Change % Change (in thousands) Other expense, net $ (970) $ (877) $ (93) 10.6 % Percent of net sales (0.1) % (0.2) % 0.1 % Total other expense, net increased $93, or 10.6%, for fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021 primarily due to an increase in interest expense attributable to an increase in our finance leases.
The increase in operating expense was primarily driven by investments in our business, combined with higher advertising expense, partially offset by a decrease in fulfillment expense primarily due to an improvement in distribution center fulfillment costs. 35 Table of Contents Total Other Income (Expense), Net Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 $ Change % Change (in thousands) Other income (expense), net $ 1,803 $ (970) $ 2,773 (285.9) % Percent of net sales 0.3 % (0.1) % 0.4 % Total other income (expense), net, increased $2,773, or 285.9%, for fiscal year 2023 compared to fiscal year 2022 primarily driven by an increase in interest income due to higher interest rates and a higher cash balance during 2023.
Executive Summary For fiscal year 2022, the Company’s operations generated net sales of $661,604, compared to $582,440 for fiscal year 2021, representing an increase of 13.6%. The Company incurred a net loss of $951 for fiscal year 2022 compared to a net loss of $10,339 for fiscal year 2021.
The Company incurred a net loss of $8,223 for fiscal year 2023 compared to a net loss of $951 for fiscal year 2022.