Q: I noticed something in your answer to a question asked by Dan (not me) on Mar 10th about AutoCanada (ACQ). You said that ACQ has $1.9 billion of debt and that it was a major concern. Looking at their financial statements and the press release pertaining to the quarterly report, I think some clarification is in order. In the press release, ACQ states that their net indebtedness is $443.8 million at year end, and that, quote:
"our net indebtedness leverage ratio1 of 2.1x remained well below our target range at the end of Q4 2022".
Quite a substantial difference between their number and the $1.9 billion you mention. Looking at the financial statements, the difference comes from your number including the floorplan financing of approx $1 billion, which is something dealerships use to finance their inventory and is paid back as cars sell, and leases of approx $500 million.
Management seems to feel their debt levels are OK. Wondering if your comment that the debt is a "major concern" is somewhat overstating things.
"our net indebtedness leverage ratio1 of 2.1x remained well below our target range at the end of Q4 2022".
Quite a substantial difference between their number and the $1.9 billion you mention. Looking at the financial statements, the difference comes from your number including the floorplan financing of approx $1 billion, which is something dealerships use to finance their inventory and is paid back as cars sell, and leases of approx $500 million.
Management seems to feel their debt levels are OK. Wondering if your comment that the debt is a "major concern" is somewhat overstating things.