Case Studies

Financial Advisor to Diesel Particulate Filter Retrofitter

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Home·Financial Advisor to Diesel Particulate Filter Retrofitter

The Situation

The company, a retrofitter of diesel particulate filters to comply with California Air Resources Board (CARB) requirements, was severely impacted by CARB’s recall and suspension of future sales of the company’s most popular products.  Concurrently, CARB was not enforcing its requirements, reducing demand for the company’s services.

When the company’s performance declined due to the CARB recall and it failed to meet its financial covenants, its bank referred it to three financial advisory firms.  The company retained our experts to assess and improve its short and long-term finances and cash flow, and to liaise with the bank.

How We Advised

After a retrofitter of diesel particulate filters defaulted on its loan covenants, its lender sought to exit the credit. We developed a realistic rolling 13-week cash flow and effectively managed the company’s accounting team to reduce costs, resulting in improved cash flow and a successful refinancing.

Obstacles & Our Solutions

  • The company was suffering from deteriorated cash flow, and projections were grim due to the recall.
    • Our experts worked closely with the owner to manage cash flow by reducing overhead and payroll and focusing on A/R collections.
    • We reviewed inventory and A/R and prepared a liquidation analysis in the event it would be needed.
  • The company’s bank wanted out of the credit.
    • Our team successfully negotiated a refinancing after improving the cash flow.
    • We reviewed unencumbered collateral available for a new lender, including the owner’s primary residence, satellite service stations, and 401 (k) plan.
  • The outcome of CARB’s recall of the company’s primary product was unknown.
    • Our experts researched the recall, projecting its impact on the company’s sales and future growth.
    • We educated the bank, providing the company more time to refinance its loan.
    • Our team assisted the company in replacing its primary vendor, whose product was the cause of the recall, with products from alternative vendors.

Key Contact

David Stapleton, CPA, CLPF 
Senior Managing Director 
Strategic Advisory Practice 
+1 213 235 0601 
[email protected] 

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