A summary of activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 for the PSUs is as follows:
During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company recognized $334 stock-based compensation cost related to the PSUs. As of September 30, 2022, there was $2,480 additional unrecognized
compensation cost related to the Inducement PSUs.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company recorded no income tax benefits for the net operating losses incurred in the period due to its uncertainty of realizing a benefit
from those items. All of the Company’s operating losses since inception have been generated in the United States.
The Company has evaluated the positive and negative evidence bearing upon its ability to realize the deferred tax assets. Management has considered the Company’s history of cumulative net losses
incurred since inception through September 30, 2022 and has concluded that it is more likely than not that the Company will not realize the benefits of the deferred tax assets. Management reevaluates the positive and negative evidence at
each reporting period. As of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, no facts or circumstances arose that affected the Company’s determination as to the full valuation allowance established against the net deferred tax assets.
Accordingly, a full valuation allowance has been established against the net deferred tax assets as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
The following table summarizes the outstanding potentially dilutive securities that were excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders because
the impact of including them would have been antidilutive for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021:
Vendor A is a corporate vehicle sourcing partner. Typically, we purchase the vehicles from our corporate vehicle sourcing partners at the time of sale to a retail customer.
For the periods ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, no retail or wholesale customers accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s revenue.
On June 21, 2022, the Company announced the closure of 11 hub locations and made the decision to not commence retail sales operations at 3 other locations with executed leases. The closures
were part of a review of the business, with cash preservation and future profitable growth as key determining factors. Retail sales operations were ceased at these locations, with all hub closing activities completed by July 8, 2022. The
Company has or intends to assign or sub-lease the lease contracts associated with the 11 closed and three unopened hub locations and has classified the assets and liabilities associated with the hub locations that we believe are assignable
as of September 30, 2022 as held for sale. The assets and liabilities associated with certain hub locations that we believe we are likely to sublease as of September 30, 2022 are not classified as held for sale. In addition, the Company
evaluated the recoverability of amounts associated with lease assets and long lived assets at the held for sale locations. The fair values of the lease assets and property and equipment were determined based on estimated future discounted
cash flows for such assets using market participant assumptions, including data on the ability to sub-lease the properties. The charge for inventory reserves represents inventory that will be disposed of through the wholesale channel
following the hub closures and is the difference between the estimated wholesale value and inventory cost. In conjunction with the hub closures, the Company recorded the following charges in the three and nine months ended September 30,
2022:
The $1,010 charge for inventory reserves was recorded in cost of sales in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. The other $12,616 charges were recorded in Restructuring expenses
in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. The total costs recorded in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 represent the total amount that can be reasonably estimated to be incurred in connection with the
restructuring. We cannot conclude how long it will take to sublease or assign each lease, so we cannot reasonably estimate other future costs associated with the restructuring.
The carrying amount and major classes of assets and liabilities classified as held for sale are:
In August 2022, the Company announced the Shift Merger. Since the execution of the Shift Merger Agreement, the Company has sourced vehicles from Shift, a related party.
The amount of vehicles purchased by the Company from Shift was $1,753 for the three months ended September 30, 2022. The amount due to Shift was $0 as of September 30, 2022.
In preparing these condensed consolidated financial statements, the Company has evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through November 8, 2022, the date the
financial statements were available to be issued.
In October 2022, the Company assigned the lease of an unopened hub location to a third-party, assigned the lease of a closed hub location to a third-party, and subleased the lease of a closed
hub location to a third-party. The Company remains secondarily liable for the lease obligation pursuant to a guarantee for one of the assigned leases and remains primarily liable for the lease obligation for the subleased lease.
On November 1, 2022, the Company terminated the lease of a closed hub location.
Effective as of October 1, 2022, the maximum available credit line under the floor plan credit facility with Ally Financial was reduced from $40 million to $25 million.
On October 5, 2022, the Company entered into a Credit Balance Agreement (the “RBCA”) with Ally Financial, with respect to the floor plan credit facility. The RBCA replaces the prior financial
covenant under the floor plan credit facility that required the Company to maintain at least 10% of the maximum available credit line in cash and cash equivalents and at least 10% of the maximum available credit line on deposit with Ally
Bank with a minimum requirement of $4 million, so long as the amount borrowed under the floor plan credit facility remains under $20 million, with such minimum amount to be increased to $5 million if the amount borrowed under the floor plan
credit facility at any time exceeds $20 million.
In October 2022, 4,823,584 unvested RSUs previously issued to three executives from the Inducement Plan were converted to restricted stock awards and became common shares outstanding. No other
terms were modified upon conversion.
The following discussion and analysis provides information that management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of our consolidated results of operations and financial
condition. The discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained herein and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended
December 31, 2021 contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 15, 2022. Unless the context otherwise requires, references to “we”, “us”, “our” and the “Company” are intended to mean the business and operations of
CarLotz, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding, among other things, the plans, strategies and
prospects, both business and financial, of the Company, and the consummation of the proposed Shift Merger (defined below). These statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of our management team. Although we believe our plans,
intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or realize these plans, intentions or expectations. Forward-looking statements are
inherently subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Generally, statements that are not historical facts, including statements concerning possible or assumed future actions, business strategies, events or results of operations, are
forward-looking statements. These statements may be preceded by, followed by or include the words “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “plans,” “scheduled,” “anticipates,” “intends”
or similar expressions. Such statements, including statements regarding: our expectations regarding the Shift Merger, including our ability to satisfy the conditions to closing and complete the Shift Merger; the timing of the Shift Merger
and the occurrence of any event, change, or other circumstances that could delay or prevent completion of the proposed Shift Merger or give rise to the termination of the Shift Merger Agreement (defined below); the impact of the Shift
Merger on the business and future financial and operating results of the Company and Shift Technologies, Inc. (“Shift”); our ability to manage our business through and following the COVID-19 pandemic and the related semi-conductor chip and
labor shortages, including to achieve the anticipated benefits from the announced closure of 11 of our hub locations; our ability to achieve revenue growth and profitability in the future; our ability to innovate and expand our
technological capabilities; our ability to effectively optimize our reconditioning operations; our ability to grow existing vehicle sourcing accounts and key vehicle channels; our ability to add new corporate vehicle sourcing accounts and
increase consumer sourcing; our ability to have sufficient and suitable inventory for resale; our ability to increase our service offerings and price optimization; our ability to effectively promote our brand and increase brand awareness;
our ability to expand our product offerings and introduce additional products and services; our ability to improve future operating and financial results; our ability to obtain financing in the future; our ability to acquire and protect
intellectual property; our ability to attract, train and retain key personnel, including sales and customer service personnel; our ability to acquire and integrate other companies and technologies; our ability to remediate material
weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting; our ability to comply with laws and regulations applicable to our business; our ability to successfully defend litigation; and our ability to successfully deploy the proceeds from the
merger pursuant to that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 21, 2020 (as amended by Amendment No. 1, dated December 16, 2020), by and among CarLotz, Inc. (f/k/a Acamar Partners Acquisition Corp.), Acamar Partners Sub,
Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of CarLotz, Inc., and CarLotz Group, Inc. (f/k/a CarLotz, Inc.), pursuant to which Acamar Partners Sub, Inc. merged with and into Former CarLotz, with Former CarLotz surviving as the surviving company and as
a wholly owned subsidiary of CarLotz, Inc. (the “Merger”), are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or other outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or
implied by these forward-looking statements.
Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, those discussed in Item
1A “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, filed on March 15, 2022, in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2022, filed
on May 9, 2022, in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, filed on August 9, 2022, and those described from time to time in our future reports filed with
the SEC. Many of these risk factors are outside of our control, and as such, they involve risks which are not currently known that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed or implied herein. The forward-looking
statements in this document are made as of the date on which they are made and we do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements.
Website and Social Media Disclosure
We use our website (https://www.carlotz.com/) and various social media channels as a means of disclosing information about the Company and its products to its customers, investors and the public (e.g.,
@CarLotz411 on Twitter, CarLotz on YouTube, and CarLotz on LinkedIn). The information on our website (or any webpages referenced in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q) or posted on social media channels is not part of this or any other
report that the Company files with, or furnishes to, the SEC. The information we post through these channels may be deemed material. Accordingly, investors should monitor these channels, in addition to following our press releases, SEC
filings and public conference calls and webcasts.
Overview
CarLotz operates a consignment-to-retail used vehicle marketplace that provides our corporate vehicle sourcing partners and retail sellers of used vehicles with the ability to easily access the retail sales
channel. Our mission is to create the world’s greatest vehicle buying and selling experience. We operate a technology-enabled buying, sourcing and selling model that offers an omni-channel experience
and diverse selection of vehicles. Our proprietary technology provides our corporate vehicle sourcing partners with real-time performance metrics and data analytics along with custom business intelligence reporting that enables vehicle
triage optimization between the wholesale and retail channels.
Our consignment model facilitates the sale of a vehicle by individuals and businesses alike. For our consignment partners we offer a physical location to display the vehicle, detailing, photography, marketing,
a degree of separation between the seller and buyer, and the consumer confidence associated with a national dealership. Our asset-light model is designed to allow us to obtain vehicles through consignment, thereby limiting capital risk, as
those vehicles consigned to us for sale (as opposed to purchased vehicles) are still owned by our corporate vehicle sourcing partners and retail sellers.
We offer our products and services to (i) corporate vehicle sourcing partners, (ii) retail sellers of used vehicles and (iii) retail customers seeking to buy used vehicles. Our corporate vehicle sourcing
partners include fleet leasing companies, vehicle rental companies, banks, finance companies, third-party remarketers, wholesalers, corporations managing their own fleets and OEMs. We offer our corporate vehicle sourcing partners a
pioneering, Retail Remarketing™ service that is designed to fully integrate with their existing technology platforms. For individuals who are our retail sellers, our goal is to offer a hassle-free selling experience that allows them to stay
fully informed by tracking the sale process through our easy to navigate online portal. Buyers can browse our inventory online through our website or at our locations as well as select from our integrated financing and insurance products
with ease.
Founded in 2011, CarLotz currently operates 11 retail hub locations in the U.S., initially launched in the Mid-Atlantic region and since expanded to the Southeast,
Midwest and West regions of the United States. Our current facilities are located in Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, North Carolina, and Virginia. Generally, our hubs act as both physical showrooms with retail sales and as
consignment centers where we can source, process and recondition newly acquired vehicles. With the aim of improving our operating and financial results, we paused our real estate growth efforts in 2022, except for one hub which we may open
in 2023. Additionally, in June 2022, we ceased retail operations at 11 hub locations and decided not to commence retail operations at 3 unopened hub
locations with executed lease agreements.
Business Update
During the three months ended September 30, 2022, the continuing semi-conductor chip shortage, COVID-related supply chain issues constraining supply of new vehicles
and an elevated vehicle wholesale pricing environment relative to historic levels has continued to reduce the incremental value we may deliver to our corporate vehicle sourcing partners via Retail Remarketing™, at times making consignment
less attractive to partners than quickly selling vehicles through the wholesale channel. Supply of used vehicles from our corporate vehicle sourcing partners has been severely constrained by the lack of new vehicle supply due to the
semi-conductor chip shortage. Due to the continued uncertainty influencing the used vehicle market, we are unable to predict when there will be a return to a more normalized used vehicle market.
We performed a strategic review of the business during the second quarter of 2022, in order to re-prioritize our objectives. As a result, we outlined a phased approach to renew our focus on our primary
objectives including cash preservation and future profitable growth. The first phase commenced on June 21, 2022, as we closed retail sales operations at 11 hub locations and announced that three future planned hub locations with executed
leases would not open (see Note 21 — Restructuring Charges, Asset Impairment, and Assets Held For Sale in our interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
additional information) in order to focus our resources across a smaller footprint and support future profitability at our remaining hubs. Subsequent phases, which have commenced, include achieving improved discipline related to vehicle
sourcing efforts, better vehicle processing, optimization of our pricing strategy, improving conversion rates, and providing a scalable, differentiated customer value proposition.
As part of the Company’s revised strategic vision, we launched the Driver’s Seat Advantage program during the three months ended September 30, 2022. The program
provides CarLotz customers with a 12-month/12,000-mile limited warranty, low price match, and an enhanced 7-day/400-mile return policy.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, some of our inventory was less profitable than expected and was held for sale longer than desired. As a result, our
retail gross profit was negatively impacted in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 by lower front-end profits on owned vehicles as well as processing center inefficiencies, and we expect gross profit to be under pressure
until we are able to improve the productivity and efficiency at our hubs. At September 30, 2022, non-competitively sourced vehicles (i.e. vehicles sourced other than from auctions) represented
approximately 90% of our vehicle inventory, as compared to 46% at September 30, 2021. As part of our goal to increase non-competitively sourced vehicles, our strategy is to increase our
consignments and acquisitions from our sourcing partners and consumer acquired vehicles and reduce our reliance on sourcing via wholesale auction. After the announcement of the Shift Merger on August 9, 2022, acquisitions from our sourcing
partners include vehicles purchased from Shift. Additionally, at September 30, 2022, we have vehicles in our inventory held for sale longer than desired. We expect that the future sale of this aged inventory, whether through our retail
hubs or at wholesale auction, will negatively impact our desired gross profit.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, we experienced a decrease in retail unit sales and revenue compared to same period in 2021. We experienced a stronger
retail GPU performance for the three months ended September 30, 2022 compared to the same period in 2021, due to sourcing discipline and optimization of our pricing strategy. We did not experience
the expected level of sales, primarily due to market dynamics related to the continuing semi-conductor chip shortage, inventory constraints and COVID-related supply chain issues as well as a fall in consumer sentiment given rising interest
rates, inflation, and the economic impact of the war in Ukraine such as increased fuel prices.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, the corporate vehicle sourcing partner which accounted for 4%, 27%, and 31% of our sold vehicles in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and
the year ended December 31, 2021, respectively, accounted for 27% and 25% of our sold vehicles. We cannot currently predict the ultimate volume and profitability of any sourced vehicles from this partner.
We have decreased our purchasing of vehicles through wholesale auctions as we increased our sourcing of non-competitively sourced vehicles. At September 30, 2022,
consigned vehicles represented approximately 50% of our vehicle inventory, increased from 22% at September 30, 2021.
On June 7, 2022, we received a deficiency letter from the Listing Qualifications Department (the “Staff”) of the Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) notifying us that, for the last 30 consecutive business days, the
bid price for our common stock had closed below the $1.00 per share minimum bid price requirement for continued inclusion on the Nasdaq Global Market pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(a)(1). Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), we
have a 180 calendar day grace period, or until December 5, 2022 (the “Compliance Date”), to regain compliance by meeting the continued listing standard. To regain compliance, the closing bid price
of our common stock must meet or exceed $1.00 per share for a minimum of ten consecutive business days during this grace period (the “Bid Price Requirement”).
If we do not regain compliance with the Bid Price Requirement by the Compliance Date, we may be eligible for an additional 180 calendar day compliance period. To qualify, we would need to transfer the listing
of our common stock to the Nasdaq Capital Market, provided that it meets the continued listing requirement for the market value of publicly held shares and all other initial listing standards, with the exception of the Bid Price
Requirement. To effect such a transfer, we would also need to pay an application fee to Nasdaq and provide written notice to the Staff of our intention to cure the deficiency during the additional compliance period by effecting a reverse
stock split, if necessary. As part of its review process, the Staff will make a determination of whether it believes we will be able to cure this deficiency. Should the Staff conclude that we will not be able to cure the deficiency, or
should we determine not to submit an application for transfer to the Nasdaq Capital Market or notify the Staff of its intention to cure the deficiency, the Staff will provide written notification to us that our common stock will be subject
to delisting. At that time, we may appeal the Staff’s delisting determination to a Nasdaq Listing Qualifications Panel. If we are delisted from Nasdaq and we are not able to list our common stock on another exchange, our securities could be
quoted on the OTCQB, the OTC Bulletin Board or the pink sheets.
We are monitoring the bid price of our common stock and will consider options available to us to achieve compliance. There can be no assurances that we will be successful in restoring our compliance with the
Nasdaq listing requirements.
Proposed Shift Merger
On August 9, 2022, we entered into the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Shift Merger Agreement”) with Shift and Shift Remarketing Operations, Inc. (“Shift Merger Sub”), pursuant to which Shift Merger Sub will
be merged with and into the Company, with the Company continuing as the surviving corporation and as a wholly owned subsidiary of Shift (the “Shift Merger”). The Shift Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby (including
the Shift Merger, the “Contemplated Shift Transactions”) were unanimously approved by each of the board of directors of Shift (the “Shift Board”) and the board of directors of the Company (the “CarLotz Board”).
Under the terms of the Shift Merger Agreement, at the effective time of the Shift Merger (the “Effective Time”), each issued and outstanding share of our common stock (other than certain excluded shares
specified in the Shift Merger Agreement) will be converted into the right to receive a number of shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of Shift (“Shift Common Stock”) as determined by the Exchange Ratio (as defined in
the Shift Merger Agreement) (the “Merger Consideration”), rounded up to the nearest whole share for any fractional shares of Shift Common Stock that would be issued to any stockholder resulting from the calculation.
The consummation of the Shift Merger is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions, including: (i) a registration statement on Form S-4 (the “Form S-4”) to be filed in connection with
the Shift Merger shall be effective; (ii) the receipt of the required approvals from our stockholders and Shift’s stockholders, as applicable; (iii) to the extent applicable, the expiration or termination of any applicable waiting period
under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the “HSR Act”); (iv) the absence of any court order or regulatory injunction preventing the consummation of the Shift Merger; (v) subject to specified materiality
standards, the accuracy of the representations and warranties of each party; (vi) compliance by each party in all material respects with its covenants; (vii) since the date of the Shift Merger Agreement, there shall not have occurred a
material adverse effect with respect to either party, as such term is defined in the Shift Merger Agreement; (viii) the authorization for listing of shares of Shift Common Stock to be issued in connection with the Shift Merger; and (ix) the
receipt of a certificate from the other party certifying the satisfaction of certain closing conditions. In addition, the consummation of the Shift Merger is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain minimum cash conditions set forth
in the Shift Merger Agreement. We cannot predict with certainty whether or when any of the required closing conditions will be satisfied or whether another uncertainty may arise, and we cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully
consummate the Contemplated Shift Transactions including the proposed Shift Merger as currently contemplated under the Shift Merger Agreement or at all.
The Shift Merger Agreement contains customary representations and warranties of the Company, Shift and Shift Merger Sub. We are also required not to solicit an alternative acquisition proposal and, subject to
certain exceptions, not to engage in discussions or negotiations regarding an alternative acquisition proposal.
The Shift Merger Agreement contains customary termination rights for the Company and Shift, including if the consummation of the Shift Merger does not occur on or before February 9, 2023, subject to extension
for 90 days for the sole purpose of obtaining any required antitrust approvals (to the extent applicable). If either the Company or Shift terminate the Shift Merger Agreement under certain circumstances, such termination will be subject to
the payment of a termination fee. In such cases, Shift may be required to pay to the Company, or the Company may be required to pay to Shift, a termination fee of $4.25 million. In addition, if the Shift Merger Agreement is terminated in
certain cases, the Company or Shift or will be required to pay the other party, as applicable, all of the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses of the other party incurred by the other party in connection with the Shift Merger
Agreement and the Contemplated Shift Transactions in an amount not to exceed $1.21 million.
For a detailed summary of the Contemplated Shift Transactions, see our Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 12, 2022. The above description of the Shift Merger Agreement is only a summary, does not purport to
be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Shift Merger Agreement, a copy of which is incorporated by reference as Exhibit 2.1 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Revenue Generation
CarLotz generates a significant majority of its revenue from contracts with retail customers related to the sales of vehicles. We sell used vehicles to our retail customers from our hubs located throughout the
U.S. Customers also may trade-in their existing vehicle to apply toward the transaction price of a used vehicle, for which we generate revenue on the sale of a used vehicle to the customer trading-in their vehicle and on the traded-in
vehicle when it is sold to a new owner. CarLotz also generates revenue from providing retail vehicle buyers with third-party options for financing, insurance, extended warranties, and other vehicle protection products, which CarLotz either
marks up or earns commissions on based on our customers’ purchases. Since we do not control these products before they are transferred to the consumer, we recognize net commission revenue at the time of sale.
We also sell vehicles to wholesalers or other dealers, primarily at auctions. Generally, the vehicles sold through the wholesale channel are vehicles acquired via trade-in, acquired via consignment that do not
meet our quality standards for sale to retail customers, vehicles that remain unsold at the end of the consignment period, retail vehicles that did not sell through the retail channel within a reasonable period of time, or vehicles that the
Company determines offer greater financial benefit through the wholesale channel. Additionally, in the second and third quarters of 2022, the Company sold vehicles at the closed hub locations through the wholesale channel that may not have
been sold through the wholesale channel if the hubs had remained open. The liquidation of the vehicles from closed hubs through the wholesale channel was completed in the third quarter of 2022.
Our revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 was $190.3 million and $175.4 million, respectively.
Inventory Sourcing
We source vehicles from both corporate and consumer sellers, auctions and other wholesale channels. We source vehicles non-competitively (i.e. vehicles sourced other than from auctions) through our consignment
to retail sales model, through purchases directly from consumers and through arrangements with corporate vehicle sourcing partners. We also source vehicles competitively through purchase at auction, as necessary, to round out our inventory
and during periods of tight supply.
We expect to maintain long-term sourcing relationships with a number of national accounts and to pursue sales from new accounts. We support our corporate vehicle sourcing partners by offering a technology
platform designed to allow our supply partners to track the sale process of their vehicles in real-time, along with a custom system for managing customer leads and leads from third party providers. Our proprietary application includes a
suite of tailored features designed to create value for sellers with tools for documenting and transmitting vehicle information.
We generally charge our retail sellers and some corporate vehicle sourcing partners a flat fee for our consignment services. In addition to our flat fee model, we also enter into alternative fee arrangements,
such as profit sharing programs or programs with fees based on a return above a wholesale index. The profit sharing programs generally include arrangements where we share a percentage of vehicle sale profits and, in some cases, fees with
our corporate sourcing partners. The programs with fees based on a return above a wholesale index generally include a payment above the wholesale price. Under these alternative fee arrangements, our gross profit for a particular unit could
be higher or lower than the gross profit per unit we would realize under our flat fee pricing model depending on, among other things, the unit’s sale price, shipping and reconditioning costs, and fees we are able to charge in connection
with the sale. We do not have long-term contracts with any of our corporate vehicle sourcing partners and, under arrangements with them, they are not required to make vehicles available to us. For these and other reasons, our volume and mix
of vehicles from our corporate vehicle sourcing partners has fluctuated in the past and will continue to fluctuate over time. In addition, our gross profit per unit has fluctuated in the past and is likely to fluctuate from period to
period, perhaps significantly, due to, among other reasons, our mix of competitively sourced and non-competitively sourced inventory, and the sales prices and fees we are able to collect on the vehicles.
We also have dealer owned inventory, which includes inventory purchased at wholesale auctions or purchased from consumers and our corporate partners, that
operates in a similar manner to traditional used car dealers and which exposes us directly to the effects of changes in vehicle prices (generally price depreciation) more directly than inventory sourced through consignment.
Our gross profit per unit has fluctuated and will continue to fluctuate from period to period, perhaps significantly, due to, among other things, our mix of competitively sourced and non-competitively sourced
inventory, acquisition costs and the sales prices and fees we are able to collect on the vehicles. We expect to source a smaller volume of vehicles to align with our reduced footprint, while we focus on the profitability of each vehicle
sourced.
Regional Hub Network
Through our e-commerce website and 11 regional hubs, we aim to provide a shopping experience for today’s modern vehicle buyer, allowing our nationwide retail customers to transact online, in-person or a
combination of both. We aim to offer a full-spectrum of inventory, including high-value and commercial vehicles, available for delivery anywhere in the U.S. Our regional hubs allow for test drives and on-site purchase. Our current
facilities are located in Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, North Carolina, and Virginia.
Finance and Insurance (F&I)
CarLotz also generates revenue from providing retail vehicle buyers with options for financing, insurance and extended warranties; these services are provided by third parties that pay CarLotz a commission
based on our customers’ purchases. Since we do not control these products before they are transferred to the consumer, we recognize commission revenue at the time of sale.
Factors Affecting our Performance
Impact of COVID-19
Our ability to acquire and sell used vehicles can be negatively impacted by a number of factors that are outside of our control. Due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, global macroeconomic and
geopolitical conditions, and shortages of semi-conductor chips and other automotive supplies starting in 2020, certain automobile manufacturers have slowed production of new vehicles. The reduction in supply of new vehicles has limited the
supply of used vehicles available through our corporate sourcing partners and is likely to continue to do so until the market normalizes. To address the reduction from this supply source, we sourced a higher percentage of our vehicles
through wholesale auction channels during the first half of 2022 than we have on average historically. Because we are purchasing these vehicles in a competitive environment and paying auction fees, there is greater risk to the Company that
the margin between the cost of the vehicle and the selling price will be compressed, and, in turn, will result in reduced gross profit and retail GPU, which we expect to continue until the used vehicle market normalizes and we are able to
improve the productivity and efficiency at our hubs. This risk could be compounded by our inability to turn inventory quickly and the pace at which used vehicles depreciate.
Volatility caused by, among other events, the COVID-19 pandemic, global macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions, the global semi-conductor chip shortage, rising interest rates, and inflationary pressures has
resulted in, or may result in, reduced demand for our services, consigned and purchased vehicles and value-added products, reduced spending on vehicles, the inability of customers to obtain credit to finance purchases of vehicles, and
decreased consumer confidence to make discretionary purchases. In addition, global inflation has increased during 2022, related to the COVID-19 economic recovery and associated disruptions in global demand, supply, geopolitical events,
logistics and labor markets. Fears of recession, stock market volatility, rising interest rates, inflation and regulations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic may decrease consumer demand and reduce our revenue.
We cannot provide assurance of the ultimate significance and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and the variants’ disruption to our operations for several reasons, including, but not limited to, uncertainty
regarding the duration of the pandemic and related disruptions, the impact of governmental orders and regulations that have been, and may in the future be, imposed, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the variants on our customers
and corporate vehicle sourcing partners.
Ability to Source a Profitable Mix of Vehicles
In addition to leveraging our retail-remarketing sourcing channel, we believe that we can benefit from the significant volume of vehicles which consumers are selling to dealers and to car buying companies. We
intend to increase our efforts on sourcing vehicles from the consumer market. Our ability to successfully source vehicles from consumers is dependent on our marketing, brand, process and pricing.
Further Penetration of Existing Accounts and Key Vehicle Channels
We believe that we can benefit from volume with existing corporate vehicle sourcing partners. Many of our existing sourcing partners still sell only a small percentage of their volumes through the retail
channel. As Retail Remarketing™ continues to develop as a more established alternative and as CarLotz expands to serve buyers and sellers in its markets, we believe we can grow our existing commercial seller accounts, after the supply of
new vehicles returns to normal.
Seasonality
Used vehicle sales generally experience seasonality with sales typically peaking late in the first calendar quarter of each year and diminishing through the rest of the year, with the lowest relative level of
vehicle sales expected to occur in the fourth calendar quarter. Used vehicle prices also exhibit seasonality, with used vehicle prices declining at a faster rate in the last two quarters of each year and a slower rate in the first two
quarters of each year, all other factors being equal. Because of the market dynamics related to the continuing semi-conductor chip shortage and COVID-related supply chain issues constraining supply, we have not seen the typical seasonality
related to used vehicle volume and prices.
Operational Efficiency
As we scaled our business, we incurred various costs to identify new hub locations, obtain licensing, build out our hubs and hire and train our employees. The costs we incurred scaling our business are
non-recurring, and we further plan to focus on operational efficiency by reducing discretionary spending, optimizing our staffing level, and focusing on the efficiency of our processing centers. Following our strategic review of the
business during the second quarter of 2022, we outlined a phased approach to renew our focus on our primary objectives of achieving cash preservation and future profitable growth, which we began to implement in June 2022 (see Note 21
— Restructuring Charges, Asset Impairment, and Assets Held For Sale in our interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
additional information).
In addition to achieving cost savings and operational efficiencies, we aim to lower our days to recondition. Going forward, our strategy is to focus on efficiency and reduce our use of the third party
reconditioning services which are more costly and are not as timely as our internal reconditioning resources. All of these initiatives are designed to lower reconditioning costs per unit and thereby improve per unit economics.
Technological Capabilities
We are constantly reviewing our technology platform, and our goal is to enhance our online platform for seamless end-to-end transactions and to continually enhance both the car buying and selling experience.
Our B2B portal and integration framework are designed to support the assignment, reconditioning, sale and remittance of vehicles from corporate vehicle sourcing partners. We plan to invest in our core suite of technology to enhance the
buyer and seller experience, improve our B2B vehicle sourcing, and enhance our business intelligence capabilities
Key Operating Metrics
We regularly review a number of metrics, including the following key metrics, to evaluate our business, measure our progress and make strategic decisions. Our operating metrics (which may be changed or adjusted
over time as our business scales up or industry dynamics change) measure the key drivers of our growth, including opening new hubs, increasing our brand awareness through unique site visitors and continuing to offer a full spectrum of used
vehicles to service all types of customers.
|
|
Three Months Ended September 30,
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30,
|
|
|
|
2022
|
|
|
2021
|
|
|
2022
|
|
|
2021
|
|
Retail vehicles sold
|
|
|
1,375
|
|
|
|
2,490
|
|
|
|
6,066
|
|
|
|
7,053
|
|
Number of hubs(1)
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
|
18
|
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
|
18
|
|
Average monthly unique visitors
|
|
|
236,767
|
|
|
|
291,948
|
|
|
|
252,785
|
|
|
|
216,036
|
|
Vehicles available for sale
|
|
|
616
|
|
|
|
2,594
|
|
|
|
616
|
|
|
|
2,594
|
|
Retail gross profit per unit
|
|
$
|
1,524
|
|
|
$
|
939
|
|
|
$
|
1,134
|
|
|
$
|
1,379
|
|
Percentage of unit sales sourced non-competitively(2)
|
|
|
90
|
%
|
|
|
46
|
%
|
|
|
76
|
%
|
|
|
79
|
%
|
Wholesale vehicles sold
|
|
$
|
1,042
|
|
|
$
|
614
|
|
|
$
|
2,312
|
|
|
$
|
1,451
|
|
Wholesale gross (loss) per unit
|
|
$
|
(2,813
|
)
|
|
$
|
(723
|
)
|
|
$
|
(1,919
|
)
|
|
$
|
(1,274
|
)
|
(1) The Company closed retail operations at 11 hub locations on June 21, 2022.
(2) Vehicles are sourced non-competitively through our consignment to retail sales model, through purchases directly from consumers and through arrangements with corporate vehicle sourcing partners.
Retail Vehicles Sold
We define retail vehicles sold as the number of vehicles sold to customers in a given period, net of returns. We currently have a seven-day, 400 mile exchange/return policy. The number of retail vehicles sold
is the primary contributor to our revenues and gross profit, since retail vehicles enable multiple complementary revenue streams, including all finance and insurance products. We view retail vehicles sold as a key measure of our growth, as
growth in this metric is an indicator of our ability to successfully scale our operations while maintaining product integrity and customer satisfaction.
Number of Hubs
We define a hub as a physical location at which we may sell and purchase, recondition and store vehicles within a market.
Average Monthly Unique Visitors
We define a monthly unique visitor as an individual who has visited our website within a calendar month, based on data provided by Google Analytics. We calculate average monthly unique visitors as the sum of
monthly unique visitors in a given period, divided by the number of months in that period. We view average monthly unique visitors as a key indicator of the strength of our brand, the effectiveness of our advertising and merchandising
campaigns and consumer awareness.
Vehicles Available-for-Sale
We define vehicles available-for-sale as the number of vehicles listed for sale on our website on the last day of a given reporting period. We view vehicles available-for-sale as a key measure in determining
whether our inventory levels are appropriate to drive hub productivity.
Retail Gross Profit per Unit
We define retail gross profit per unit as the aggregate retail and F&I gross profit in a given period divided by retail vehicles sold during that period. Total retail gross profit per unit is driven by
sales of used vehicles and the profit margin and fees on sale of those vehicles, each of which may generate additional revenue from providing retail vehicle buyers with options for financing, insurance and extended warranties. We believe
gross profit per unit is a key measure of our growth and long-term profitability.
Percentage of unit sales non-competitively sourced
We define percentage of unit sales sourced non-competitively as the percentage derived by dividing the number of vehicles sold during the period that were sourced non-competitively (i.e., number of vehicles
sourced other than from auctions) divided by the total number of vehicles sold during the period. The percentage of unit sales sourced non-competitively increased in the three months ended September 30, 2022 compared to the same period in
the prior year due to our current focus on sourcing discipline and the need in the prior period to acquire inventory for newly opened hubs.
Wholesale vehicles sold
We define wholesale vehicles sold as the number of vehicles sold through channels other than to retail customers at our hub locations (at auction or directly to a wholesaler) in a given period, net of returns.
Wholesale vehicles gross profit per unit
We define wholesale vehicles sold as the wholesale gross profit in a given period divided by wholesale vehicles sold during that period.
Components of Results of Operations
Revenues
Retail Vehicle Sales
CarLotz sells used vehicles to retail customers through its hubs in various cities throughout the continental U.S. Revenue from retail vehicle sales is recognized when the title to the vehicle passes to the
customer, at which point the customer controls the vehicle. We recognize revenue based on the total purchase price stated in the contract, including any processing fees. Our exchange/return policy allows customers to initiate the exchange
or return of a vehicle until the earlier of the first seven days or 400 miles after delivery.
Wholesale Vehicle Sales
Vehicles that do not meet the Company’s standards for retail vehicle sales, retail vehicles that did not sell through the retail channel within a reasonable period of time and vehicles that the Company
determines offer greater financial benefit through the wholesale channel are sold through various wholesale methods. Revenue from wholesale vehicle sales is recognized when the vehicle is sold, either at auction or directly to a wholesaler,
and title to the vehicle passes to the buyer. Additionally, in the second and third quarters of 2022, the Company sold vehicles at the closed hub locations through the wholesale channel that may not have been sold through the wholesale
channel if the hubs had remained open.
Finance and Insurance, net
We provide customers with options for financing, insurance and extended warranties. Certain warranties sold beginning January 1, 2019 are serviced by a company owned by a major stockholder. All other such
services are provided by third-party vendors with whom we have agreements giving us the right to offer such services directly. When a customer selects a service from these third-party vendors, we earn a commission based on the actual price
paid or financed. We recognize finance and insurance revenue at the point in time when the customer enters into the contract.
Lease Income, net
Lease income, net represents revenue earned on the spread between the interest rate on leases we enter into with our B2B lease customers and the related leases we enter into with third party lessors, as well as
revenue (net of depreciation and other costs to maintain the vehicles) earned on our owned vehicles leased to B2B lease customers.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales includes the cost to acquire used vehicles and the related reconditioning costs to prepare the vehicles for resale. Vehicle reconditioning costs include parts, labor, inbound transportation costs
and other costs such as mechanical inspection, vehicle preparation supplies and repair costs. Cost of sales also includes any necessary adjustments to reflect vehicle inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses primarily include compensation and benefits, marketing, facilities cost, technology expenses, logistics and other administrative expenses. Advertising costs are
expensed as incurred.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation on property and equipment is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which is: the lesser of 15 years or the underlying lease terms for leasehold
improvements, one to five years for equipment, furniture and fixtures, and five years for corporate vehicles. Expenditures for maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are charged to expense as incurred. Major remodels and improvements are
capitalized. Depreciation on vehicles leased to B2B customers is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life and is included as a charge to Lease income, net. Amortization of capitalized website and internal-use
software costs is computed using the straight-line method over 3 years. Amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets is rent expense, included in selling, general, and administrative expenses.
Non-Operating Expenses
Non-operating expenses represent the change in fair value of the Merger warrants and the earnout shares. Additional non-operating income and expense include interest income on marketable securities, floor plan
interest incurred on borrowings to finance the acquisition of used vehicle inventory under the Company’s former $12 million revolving floor plan facility with Automotive Finance Corporation and floor plan interest incurred on borrowings to
finance the acquisition of used vehicle inventory under the Company’s current $25 million revolving floor plan facility with Ally.
Results of Operations
The following table presents our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the periods indicated:
|
|
Three Months Ended September 30,
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30,
|
|
|
|
2022
|
|
|
2021
|
|
|
2022
|
|
|
2021
|
|
|
|
($ in thousands)
|
|
Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retail vehicle sales
|
|
$
|
32,545
|
|
|
$
|
56,284
|
|
|
$
|
142,344
|
|
|
$
|
150,897
|
|
Wholesale vehicle sales
|
|
|
16,357
|
|
|
|
8,989
|
|
|
|
38,880
|
|
|
|
18,217
|
|
Finance and insurance, net
|
|
|
1,691
|
|
|
|
2,639
|
|
|
|
8,591
|
|
|
|
5,973
|
|
Lease income, net
|
|
|
245
|
|
|
|
129
|
|
|
|
528
|
|
|
|
334
|
|
Total Revenues
|
|
|
50,838
|
|
|
|
68,041
|
|
|
|
190,343
|
|
|
|
175,421
|
|
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation)
|
|
|
51,429
|
|
|
|
66,017
|
|
|
|
187,375
|
|
|
|
167,207
|
|
Gross Profit
|
|
|
(591
|
)
|
|
|
2,024
|
|
|
|
2,968
|
|
|
|
8,214
|
|
Operating Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
|
|
19,334
|
|
|
|
24,780
|
|
|
|
74,017
|
|
|
|
63,039
|
|
Stock based compensation expense
|
|
|
1,409
|
|
|
|
3,447
|
|
|
|
4,234
|
|
|
|
49,114
|
|
Depreciation and amortization expense
|
|
|
2,025
|
|
|
|
1,214
|
|
|
|
6,173
|
|
|
|
1,692
|
|
Management fee expense – related party
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
Impairment expense
|
|
|
420
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
1,143
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Restructuring expenses
|
|
|
1,885
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
12,616
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total Operating Expenses
|
|
|
25,073
|
|
|
|
29,441
|
|
|
|
98,183
|
|
|
|
113,847
|
|
Loss from Operations
|
|
|
(25,664
|
)
|
|
|
(27,417
|
)
|
|
|
(95,215
|
)
|
|
|
(105,633
|
)
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
302
|
|
|
|
650
|
|
|
|
1,512
|
|
|
|
1,009
|
|
Other Income (Expense), net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in fair value of Merger warrants liability
|
|
|
803
|
|
|
|
12,111
|
|
|
|
5,616
|
|
|
|
24,794
|
|
Change in fair value of earnout provision
|
|
|
341
|
|
|
|
12,565
|
|
|
|
6,957
|
|
|
|
56,621
|
|
Other (expense) income
|
|
|
523
|
|
|
|
(85
|
)
|
|
|
113
|
|
|
|
(476
|
)
|
Total Other Income, net
|
|
|
1,667
|
|
|
|
24,591
|
|
|
|
12,686
|
|
|
|
80,939
|
|
Loss Before Income Tax Expense
|
|
|
(24,299
|
)
|
|
|
(3,476
|
)
|
|
|
(84,041
|
)
|
|
|
(25,703
|
)
|
Income tax expense
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Net Loss
|
|
$
|
(24,299
|
)
|
|
$
|
(3,476
|
)
|
|
$
|
(84,041
|
)
|
|
$
|
(25,703
|
)
|
Presentation of Results of Operations
We present operating results down to gross profit for our three distinct revenue channels along with our net lease income:
Retail Vehicle Sales: Retail vehicle sales represent sales of vehicles to our retail customers through our hubs.
Wholesale Vehicle Sales: Wholesale vehicle sales represent sales of vehicles through wholesale channels, primarily through wholesale auctions.
Finance and Insurance: Finance and insurance represents commissions earned on financing, insurance and extended warranty products that we offer to our retail vehicle
buyers.
Lease Income, net: Lease income, net represents revenue earned on the spread between the interest rate on leases we enter into with our B2B lease customers and the
related leases we enter into with third party lessors, as well as revenue (net of depreciation and other costs to maintain the vehicles) earned on our owned vehicles leased to B2B lease customers.
Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
The following table presents certain information from our condensed consolidated statements of operations by channel:
|
|
Three Months Ended September 30,
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30,
|
|
|
|
2022
|
|
|
2021
|
|
|
Change
|
|
|
2022
|
|
|
2021
|
|
|
Change
|
|
|
|
($ in thousands, except per unit metrics)
|
|
|
($ in thousands, except per unit metrics)
|
|
Revenue:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retail vehicle sales
|
|
$
|
32,545
|
|
|
$
|
56,284
|
|
|
|
(42.2
|
)%
|
|
$
|
142,344
|
|
|
$
|
150,897
|
|
|
|
(5.7
|
)%
|
Wholesale vehicle sales
|
|
|
16,357
|
|
|
|
8,989
|
|
|
|
82.0
|
%
|
|
|
38,880
|
|
|
|
18,217
|
|
|
|
113.4
|
%
|
Finance and insurance, net
|
|
|
1,691
|
|
|
|
2,639
|
|
|
|
(35.9
|
)%
|
|
|
8,591
|
|
|
|
5,973
|
|
|
|
43.8
|
%
|
Lease income, net
|
|
|
245
|
|
|
|
129
|
|
|
|
89.9
|
%
|
|
|
528
|
|
|
|
334
|
|
|
|
58.1
|
%
|
Total revenues
|
|
|
50,838
|
|
|
|
68,041
|
|
|
|
(25.3
|
)%
|
|
|
190,343
|
|
|
|
175,421
|
|
|
|
8.5
|
%
|
Cost of sales: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retail vehicle cost of sales
|
|
|
32,141
|
|
|
|
56,584
|
|
|
|
(43.2
|
)%
|
|
|
144,058
|
|
|
|
147,142
|
|
|
|
(2.1
|
)%
|
Wholesale vehicle cost of sales
|
|
|
19,288
|
|
|
|
9,433
|
|
|
|
104.5
|
%
|
|
|
43,317
|
|
|
|
20,065
|
|
|
|
115.9
|
%
|
Total cost of sales
|
|
$
|
51,429
|
|
|
$
|
66,017
|
|
|
|
(22.1
|
)%
|
|
$
|
187,375
|
|
|
$
|
167,207
|
|
|
|
12.1
|
%
|
Gross profit:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retail vehicle gross profit (loss)
|
|
$
|
404
|
|
|
$
|
(300
|
)
|
|
|
234.7
|
%
|
|
$
|
(1,714
|
)
|
|
$
|
3,755
|
|
|
|
(145.6
|
)%
|
Wholesale vehicle gross profit (loss)
|
|
|
(2,931
|
)
|
|
|
(444
|
)
|
|
|
(560.1
|
)%
|
|
|
(4,437
|
)
|
|
|
(1,848
|
)
|
|
|
(140.1
|
)%
|
Finance and insurance gross profit
|
|
|
1,691
|
|
|
|
2,639
|
|
|
|
(35.9
|
)%
|
|
|
8,591
|
|
|
|
5,973
|
|
|
|
43.8
|
%
|
Lease income, net
|
|
|
245
|
|
|
|
129
|
|
|
|
89.9
|
%
|
|
|
528
|
|
|
|
334
|
|
|
|
58.1
|
%
|
Total gross profit
|
|
$
|
(591
|
)
|
|
$
|
2,024
|
|
|
|
(129.2
|
)%
|
|
$
|
2,968
|
|
|
$
|
8,214
|
|
|
|
(63.9
|
)%
|
Retail gross profit per unit(1):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retail vehicle gross profit (loss)
|
|
|
404
|
|
|
|
(300
|
)
|
|
|
234.7
|
%
|
|
|
(1,714
|
)
|
|
|
3,755
|
|
|
|
(145.6
|
)%
|
Finance and insurance gross profit
|
|
|
1,691
|
|
|
|
2,639
|
|
|
|
(35.9
|
)%
|
|
|
8,591
|
|
|
|
5,973
|
|
|
|
43.8
|
%
|
Total retail vehicle and finance and insurance gross profit
|
|
|
2,095
|
|
|
|
2,339
|
|
|
|
(10.4
|
)%
|
|
|
6,877
|
|
|
|
9,728
|
|
|
|
(29.3
|
)%
|
Retail vehicle unit sales
|
|
|
1,375
|
|
|
|
2,490
|
|
|
|
(44.8
|
)%
|
|
|
6,066
|
|
|
|
7,053
|
|
|
|
(14.0
|
)%
|
Retail vehicle gross profit per unit
|
|
$
|
1,524
|
|
|
$
|
939
|
|
|
|
62.3
|
%
|
|
$
|
1,134
|
|
|
$
|
1,379
|
|
|
|
(17.8
|
)%
|
Wholesale gross profit per unit(2):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wholesale vehicle gross profit (loss)
|
|
|
(2,931
|
)
|
|
|
(444
|
)
|
|
|
(560.1
|
)%
|
|
|
(4,437
|
)
|
|
|
(1,848
|
)
|
|
|
(140.1
|
)%
|
Wholesale vehicle unit sales
|
|
|
1,042
|
|
|
|
614
|
|
|
|
69.7
|
%
|
|
|
2,312
|
|
|
|
1,451
|
|
|
|
59.3
|
%
|
Wholesale vehicle gross profit per unit
|
|
$
|
(2,813
|
)
|
|
$
|
(723
|
)
|
|
|
(289.1
|
)%
|
|
$
|
(1,919
|
)
|
|
$
|
(1,274
|
)
|
|
|
(50.6
|
)%
|
(1) |
Retail gross profit per unit is calculated as gross profit for retail vehicles and finance and insurance, each of which is divided by the total number of retail vehicles sold in the period.
|
(2) |
Wholesale gross profit per unit is calculated as gross profit for wholesale vehicles, each of which is divided by the total number of wholesale vehicles sold in the period.
|
Retail Vehicle Sales
Retail vehicle sales revenue decreased by $(23.7) million, or (42.2)%, to $32.5
million during the three months ended September 30, 2022, from $56.3 million in the comparable period in 2021. The decrease was primarily driven by a
44.8% decrease in retail vehicle unit sales to 1,375 retail vehicles in the three months ended September 30, 2022, compared to 2,490 retail vehicles in the comparable period in 2021, slightly
offset by an increase in average sale price per unit of $839, to $22,999. The decrease in units is consistent with the reduced number of hub locations from the comparable period in 2021. The average sale price has increased consistent with
macroeconomic trends in the used car industry.
Retail vehicle sales revenue decreased by $(8.6) million, or (5.7)%, to $142.3
million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, from $150.9 million in the comparable period in 2021. The decrease was primarily driven by a 14%
decrease in retail vehicle unit sales to 6,066 retail vehicles in the nine months ended September 30, 2022, compared to 7,053 retail vehicles in the comparable period in 2021, slightly offset by an
increase in average sale price per unit of $1,889, to $22,889. The decrease in units is consistent with the reduced number of hub locations that operated in the third quarter. The average sale price has increased consistent with
macroeconomic trends in the used car industry.
Wholesale Vehicle Revenue
Wholesale vehicle revenue increased by $7.4 million, or 82.0%, to $16.4 million
during the three months ended September 30, 2022, from $9.0 million in the comparable period in 2021. The increase was primarily due to a 69.7% increase
in wholesale vehicle unit sales from the comparable period in 2021 as we liquidated vehicles from closed hubs through the wholesale channel, combined with an increased average selling price of the wholesale vehicles sold.
Wholesale vehicle revenue increased by $20.7 million, or 113.4%, to $38.9 million
during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, from $18.2 million in the comparable period in 2021. The increase was primarily due to a 59.3% increase
in wholesale vehicle unit sales from the comparable period in 2021, combined with an increased average selling price of the wholesale vehicles sold.
Finance and Insurance (F&I)
F&I revenue decreased by $(0.9) million, or (35.9)%, to $1.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2022, from $2.6 million in the comparable period in 2021. This
decrease in F&I revenue was driven by a decrease in retail unit sales, offset slightly by a higher penetration of contract sales per unit sold and higher profit per contract.
F&I revenue increased by $2.6 million, or 43.8%, to $8.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, from $6.0 million in the comparable period in 2021. This
increase in F&I revenue was driven by a higher penetration of contract sales per unit sold and higher profit per contract, slightly offset by a decrease in retail unit sales.
Lease Income, net
Lease income, net was $0.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2022 and $0.1 million in the comparable
period in 2021.
Lease income, net was $0.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and $0.3 million
in the comparable period in 2021.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales decreased by $(14.6) million, or (22.1)%, to $51.4 million during
the three months ended September 30, 2022, from $66.0 million in the comparable period in 2021. The decrease was due to the decrease in vehicles sold net
of an increased average acquisition price of the vehicles we sold in that period, as well as increased shipping and reconditioning costs.
Cost of sales increased by $20.2 million, or 12.1%, to $187.4 million during the
nine months ended September 30, 2022, from $167.2 million in the comparable period in 2021. The increase was due to an increased average acquisition price
of the vehicles we sold in that period, as well as increased shipping and reconditioning costs.
Retail Vehicle Gross Profit
Retail vehicle gross profit (loss) increased by $0.7 million, or 234.7%, to $0.4
million during the three months ended September 30, 2022, from $(0.3) million in the comparable period in 2021. The increase in retail gross profit for
the three months ended September 30, 2022 resulted from an increase in front-end margin per unit compared to the same period in 2021. The increase in front-end margin was driven by selling more
vehicles sourced non-competitively compared to the same period in 2021.
Retail vehicle gross profit (loss) decreased by $(5.5) million, or (145.6)%, to $(1.7)
million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, from $3.8 million in the comparable period in 2021. The decrease in retail gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 resulted from a decrease in front-end margin per unit compared to the same period in 2021, driven by decreased front-end margins due to a combination of elevated
acquisition prices of inventory primarily sourced through auction towards the end of prior year and the lowering of retail prices relative to the acquisition costs as the inventory aged, as well as increased shipping and reconditioning
costs.
Wholesale Vehicle Gross Loss
Wholesale vehicle gross (loss) increased by ($2.5) million, to $(2.9) million during the three
months ended September 30, 2022, from $(0.4) million in the comparable period in 2021. The increase was primarily due to increased wholesale vehicle cost of sales, as retail-ready vehicles
from closed hubs were sold through the wholesale channel at prices below cost.
Wholesale vehicle gross (loss) increased by $(2.6) million, to $(4.4) million during the nine
months ended September 30, 2022, from $(1.8) million in the comparable period in 2021. The increase was primarily due to increased wholesale vehicle cost of sales, as retail-ready vehicles
from closed hubs were sold through the wholesale channel at prices below cost.
F&I Gross Profit
F&I revenue consists of 100% gross margin products for which there are no costs associated with the products. Therefore, changes in F&I gross profit and the associated drivers are identical to changes
in F&I revenue and the associated drivers.
Components of SG&A
|
|
Three Months Ended September 30,
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2022
|
|
|
2021
|
|
|
2022
|
|
|
2021
|
|
|
Change
|
|
|
|
($ in thousands)
|
|
|
($ in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation and benefits(1)
|
|
$ |
5,054 |
|
|
$
|
6,700
|
|
|
$
|
25,158
|
|
|
$
|
19,463
|
|
|
|
(25
|
)%
|
Marketing
|
|
|
690
|
|
|
|
7,240
|
|
|
|
6,237
|
|
|
|
13,674
|
|
|
|
(90
|
)%
|
Technology
|
|
|
914
|
|
|
|
2,089
|
|
|
|
3,849
|
|
|
|
7,467
|
|
|
|
(56
|
)%
|
Accounting and legal
|
|
|
1,639
|
|
|
|
2,125
|
|
|
|
5,384
|
|
|
|
6,793
|
|
|
|
(23
|
)%
|
Insurance
|
|
|
2,211
|
|
|
|
1,964
|
|
|
|
6,718
|
|
|
|
5,185
|
|
|
|
13
|
% |
Occupancy
|
|
|
1,574
|
|
|
|
2,207
|
|
|
|
7,898
|
|
|
|
4,818
|
|
|
|
(29
|
)%
|
Shift Merger
|
|
|
4,044
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
4,044
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
Other costs(2)
|
|
|
3,208
|
|
|
|
2,456
|
|
|
|
14,729
|
|
|
|
5,640
|
|
|
|
31
|
%
|
Total selling, general and administrative expenses
|
|
$
|
19,334
|
|
|
$
|
24,780
|
|
|
$
|
74,017
|
|
|
$
|
63,039
|
|
|
|
(22
|
)%
|
(1) |
Compensation and benefits includes all payroll and related costs, including benefits, and payroll taxes, except those related to preparing vehicles for sale, which are included in cost of sales, and those related to the
development of software products for internal use, which are capitalized to software and depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the related assets.
|
(2) |
Other costs include all other selling, general and administrative expenses such as logistics and other administrative expenses.
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $5.5 million, to $19.3 million during the three months ended September
30, 2022, from $24.8 million in the comparable period in 2021. Costs related to the expansion of the Company such as insurance, occupancy, and vehicle listing costs, decreased $(0.1) million since the prior year period, primarily due to the hub closures announced on June 21, 2022. Compensation and benefits decreased $(1.6) million
due to the hub closures. Marketing expense decreased $(6.6) million as we have refocused on direct marketing as opposed to brand marketing compared to the same period in the prior year during our
national expansion, and technology expense decreased $(1.2) million due to elevated costs in the prior year quarter when the Company began website enhancements.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $11.0 million, to $74.0 million during the nine months ended September
30, 2022, from $63.0 million in the comparable period in 2021. Costs related to the expansion of the Company since the prior year period increased $12.3
million, primarily due to insurance, occupancy and vehicle listing costs. Compensation and benefits increased $5.7 million due to increased corporate headcount and new hub openings, prior
to the hub closures announced on June 21, 2022. Marketing expense decreased $(7.4) million as we have refocused on direct marketing as opposed to brand marketing compared to the same period in the
prior year during our national expansion, and technology expense decreased $(3.6) million due to elevated costs in the prior year quarter when the Company began website enhancements.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To supplement the interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), we also present the
following non-GAAP measures: EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA. We believe the presentation of both GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures provides investors with increased transparency into financial measures used by our management team, and it
also improves investors’ understanding of our underlying operating performance and their ability to analyze our ongoing operating trends. All historic non-GAAP financial measures have been reconciled with the most directly comparable GAAP
financial measures.
EBITDA is defined as net loss attributable to common stockholders adjusted to exclude interest expense, income tax expense and depreciation and amortization expense.
Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA adjusted to exclude certain expenses related to the Company’s capital structure and management fee expense prior to the Merger, stock compensation expense and other non-operating
income and expenses, including interest, investment gain/loss and nonrecurring income/expense.
Management believes the inclusion of supplementary adjustments to EBITDA applied in presenting Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors in comparing the Company’s performance prior to the Merger and the Company’s
performance following the Merger.
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA have limitations as analytical tools, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the results as reported under GAAP. These measures may not be
comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
The following tables reconcile EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to net loss attributable to common stockholders:
|
|
Three Months Ended September 30,
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30,
|
|
|
|
2022
|
|
|
2021
|
|
|
2022
|
|
|
2021
|
|
|
|
($ in thousands)
|
|
Net Loss
|
|
$
|
(24,299
|
)
|
|
$
|
(3,476
|
)
|
|
$
|
(84,041
|
)
|
|
$
|
(25,703
|
)
|
Adjusted to exclude the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
302
|
|
|
|
650
|
|
|
|
1,512
|
|
|
|
1,009
|
|
Income tax expense
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Depreciation and amortization expense
|
|
|
2,025
|
|
|
|
1,214
|
|
|
|
6,173
|
|
|
|
1,692
|
|
EBITDA
|
|
$
|
(21,972
|
)
|
|
$
|
(1,612
|
)
|
|
$
|
(76,356
|
)
|
|
$
|
(23,002
|
)
|
Other expense
|
|
|
(523
|
)
|
|
|
85
|
|
|
|
(113
|
)
|
|
|
476
|
|
Stock compensation expense
|
|
|
1,409
|
|
|
|
3,447
|
|
|
|
4,234
|
|
|
|
49,114
|
|
Management fee expense - related party
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
Change in fair value of warrants liability
|
|
|
(803
|
)
|
|
|
(12,111
|
)
|
|
|
(5,616
|
)
|
|
|
(24,794
|
)
|
Change in fair value of earnout provision
|
|
|
(341
|
)
|
|
|
(12,565
|
)
|
|
|
(6,957
|
)
|
|
|
(56,621
|
)
|
Restructuring expense
|
|
|
1,885
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
13,626
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Shift Merger
|
|
|
4,044
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
4,044
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
$
|
(16,301
|
)
|
|
$
|
(22,756
|
)
|
|
$
|
(67,138
|
)
|
|
$
|
(54,825
|
)
|
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Sources of liquidity
Our main source of liquidity is cash generated from financing activities, which primarily includes proceeds from the Merger (see Note 3 — Merger in our interim
unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information). In connection with the Merger, pursuant to subscription agreements dated October 21, 2020 by and
between Acamar Partners Acquisition Corp. (“Acamar Partners”) and certain strategic and accredited investors (the “PIPE Investors”), with respect to a private placement of shares of Acamar Partners Class A common stock, the Company issued
and sold 12.5 million shares of Acamar Partners Class A common stock to the PIPE Investors at a price per share of $10.00 and an aggregate purchase price of $125.0 million.
Since inception, we have generally operated at a loss for most periods. As of September 30, 2022, we had cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term
marketable securities of $117.0 million. We believe our available cash, restricted cash, short-term marketable securities and liquidity available under the Ally Facility are sufficient to fund our
operations for at least the next 12 months. In the event amounts are not available under the Ally Facility or otherwise, we expect to continue to operate at a loss until we improve productivity and efficiency at our hubs and are able to
leverage our operating costs. We may also seek additional funds as needed through alternative sources of liquidity, including equity or debt financings, additional floorplan financing or other arrangements. However, additional funds may not
be available when we need them on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all.
Debt obligations
On March 10, 2021, we entered into an Inventory Financing and Security Agreement (the “Ally Facility”) with Ally Bank, a Utah chartered state bank (“Ally Bank”), and Ally Financial, Inc., a Delaware corporation
(“Ally” and, together with Ally Bank, the “Lender”), pursuant to which the Lender may provide up to $30 million in financing, or such lesser sum which may be advanced to or on behalf of us from time to time, as part of our floorplan vehicle
financing program. In June 2021, the Company expanded the floor plan credit facility by $10 million to a total of $40 million. As of September 30, 2022, we had $5.4
million principal outstanding under the Ally Facility, primarily from increased sourcing through vehicle purchases. Effective as of October 1, 2022, the maximum available credit line under the Ally Facility was reduced from $40 million to
$25 million. On October 5, 2022, we entered into a Credit Balance Agreement (the “RBCA”) with the Lender, with respect to the Ally Facility.
Under the Ally Facility, as amended by the RBCA, the Company is subject to financial covenants that require the Company (i) to maintain at least $4 million of the credit line in cash and cash equivalents and
(ii) to maintain at least $4 million of the credit line on deposit with Ally Bank, so long as, in the case of each (i) and (ii), the amount borrowed under the Ally Facility remains under $20 million, with such minimum amount, in the case of
each (i) and (ii), to be increased to $5 million if the amount borrowed under the Ally Facility at any time exceeds $20 million. Should the Shift Merger not occur by December 31, 2022, the Lender asks that the Company provide a business
plan to the Lender, no later than January 10, 2023, or within 10 days of the announced dissolution of Shift Merger discussions, at which time the Lender will revisit the facility arrangement and communicate additional go forward plans at
that time.
Advances under the Ally Facility bear interest at a per annum rate designated from time to time by the Lender determined using a 365/360 simple interest method of calculation, unless expressly prohibited by
law. The interest rate is currently the prime rate plus 2.50% per annum, or 8.75%. Advances under the Ally Facility, if not demanded earlier, are due and payable for each vehicle financed under the Ally Facility as and when such vehicle is
sold, leased, consigned, gifted, exchanged, transferred, or otherwise disposed of. Interest under the Ally Facility is due and payable upon demand, but, in general, in no event later than 60 days from the date of request for payment. Upon
any event of default (including, without limitation, our obligation to pay upon demand any outstanding liabilities of the Ally Facility), the Lender may, at its option and without notice to us, exercise its right to demand immediate payment
of all liabilities and other indebtedness and amounts owed to the Lender and its affiliates by us and our affiliates. In addition, the Lender may, upon sixty (60) calendar days prior written notice to us, for any or no reason, with or
without cause, terminate our ability to request and obtain financing from the Lender. We have recently had discussions with the Lender about the terms of the Ally Facility, and liquidity availability thereunder. If the Lender were to
terminate the Ally Facility, no assurance can be given that we would be able to secure a replacement facility, or alternative financing, on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all.
The Ally Facility is secured by a grant of a security interest in certain vehicle inventory and other assets of the Company.
We are a party to an off-balance sheet arrangement, as the Company guaranteed the lease obligation of one of its closed hub locations assigned to a third-party. We are not a party to any other off-balance
sheet arrangements, including retained or contingent interests, certain derivative instruments and variable interest entities that either have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on our interim unaudited
condensed consolidated financial statements.
Cash Flows — Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
The following table summarizes our cash flows for the periods indicated:
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30,
|
|
|
|
2022
|
|
|
2021
|
|
|
|
($ in thousands)
|
|
Cash Flow Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash (used in) operating activities
|
|
$
|
(46,500
|
)
|
|
$
|
(110,175
|
)
|
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
|
|
|
78,667
|
|
|
|
(165,774
|
)
|
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
|
|
|
(22,674
|
)
|
|
|
330,854
|
|
Operating Activities
For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, net cash used in operating activities was $(46.5) million, primarily driven by
net loss of $(84.0) million adjusted for non-cash charges of $13.3 million and net changes in our operating assets and liabilities of $24.3 million. The non-cash adjustments primarily relate to a decrease in fair value of the warrants and earnout shares of $(12.6) million, offset by depreciation and amortization of $8.5 million, stock compensation
of $4.2 million, and restructuring charges of $10.4 million. The changes in operating assets and liabilities were primarily driven by a decrease in inventories of $27.9 million and a decrease in accounts receivable of $2.8 million, offset
partially by a decrease in accounts payable of $(4.1) million and a decrease in accrued expenses of $(2.2) million.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, net cash used in operating activities was $(110.2) million, primarily driven by net loss of $(25.7) million adjusted for
non-cash charges of $(28.6) million and net changes in our operating assets and liabilities of $(55.9) million. The non-cash adjustments primarily relate to a decrease in fair value of the warrants and earnout shares of $(81.4) million,
partially offset by stock compensation of $49.1 million. The changes in operating assets and liabilities are primarily driven by an increase in inventories $(46.8) million, an increase other current assets of $(8.4) million and an increase
in other long-term assets of $(4.3) million, partially offset by an increase in accrued expenses of $5.4 million and an increase in accounts payable of $3.5 million.
Investing Activities
For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, net cash provided by investing activities was $78.7 million, primarily driven by sales and maturities of marketable
securities of $152.8 million and partially offset by the purchase of property and equipment of $(5.6) million and purchases of marketable securities of $(63.9) million.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, net cash used in investing activities was $(165.8) million, primarily driven by purchases of marketable securities of
$(359.4) million, the purchase of property and equipment of $(6.8) million and capitalized software costs of $(11.5) million, partially offset by proceeds from sales and maturities of marketable securities of $212.8 million.
Financing Activities
For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, net cash used in financing activities was $(22.7) million, primarily driven by payments on floor plan notes payable of
$(102.6) million, partially offset by borrowings on the floor plan facility of $80.2 million.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, net cash provided by financing activities was $330.9 million, primarily driven by the issuance of common stock to the
PIPE investors and Former CarLotz stockholders of $435.0 million and borrowings on the floor plan facility of $127.3 million, partially offset by the payments made to existing stockholders of Former CarLotz as part of the Merger of $(62.7)
million, transaction costs and advisory fees of $(47.6) million, payments on floor plan notes payable of $(109.0) million, payments made on accrued dividends of $(4.9) million, repayment of debt of $(4.7) million and the payment of cash
consideration on options of $(2.5) million.
Material Contractual Obligations
The Company had contractual obligations as of September 30, 2022 that are material to an assessment of the Company’s short- and long-term cash requirements. As of September 30, 2022, the Company has total outstanding debt of $5.4 million under the floorplan facility, which represents the principal amount outstanding due to the uncertainty of forecasting the
timing of expected variable interest rate payments. Borrowings under the floorplan facility are payable when the underlying vehicle is sold, which is expected to be in 2022.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We are a party to an off-balance sheet arrangement, as the Company guaranteed the lease obligation of one of its closed hub locations assigned to a third-party. We are not a party to any other off-balance sheet
arrangements, including guarantee contracts, retained or contingent interests, certain derivative instruments and variable interest entities that either have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on our
interim unaudited consolidated financial statements.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
For information on critical accounting policies, see “Critical Accounting Policy and Estimates” in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in Form
10-K filed with the SEC on March 15, 2022 and in Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 9, 2022.
There have been no changes to our critical accounting policies during the three months ended September 30, 2022..
Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
See the section titled “Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements” in Note 2 in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” in our interim unaudited
condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information.
Item 3. |
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
|
Interest Rate Risk
Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments that are due on demand or have a remaining maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase. As of September
30, 2022, cash and cash equivalents consisted of bank deposits, money market placements and debt securities that have a remaining maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase.
The cash and cash equivalents are held primarily for working capital purposes. These interest-earning instruments are subject to interest rate risk. To date, fluctuations in interest income have not been
significant. Our surplus cash has been invested in money market fund accounts, interest-bearing savings accounts and U.S. government debt securities as well as corporate debt securities from time to time. We have not entered into
investments for trading or speculative purposes. Due to the conservative nature of our investment portfolio, which is predicated on capital preservation of investments with short-term maturities, we do not believe an immediate one
percentage point change in interest rates would have a material effect on the fair market value of our portfolio, and therefore, we do not expect our operating results or cash flows to be significantly affected by changes in market interest
rates.
We also have exposure to changing interest rates in connection with the floor plan facility. Interest rate risk is highly sensitive due to many factors, including U.S. monetary and tax policies, U.S. and
international economic factors and other factors beyond our control. Advances under the floor plan facility accrue interest at the most recent prime rate published in The Wall Street Journal plus 2.50% per annum and, as of September 30, 2022, the prime rate as published in The Wall Street Journal was 6.25%. We believe a change to our interest rate of 1% applicable to our outstanding indebtedness would have an immaterial
financial impact. As of September 30, 2022, we had total outstanding debt of $5.4 million under the floor plan facility.
Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentration of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. Substantially all of our cash and cash equivalents were deposited
in accounts at one financial institution, and account balances may at times exceed federally insured limits. Management believes that we are not exposed to significant credit risk due to the financial strength of the depository institution
in which the cash is held.
Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are limited due to the large diversity and number of customers comprising our retail customer base.
Item 4. |
Controls and Procedures
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Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded,
processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be
disclosed in Company reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required
disclosure.
As required by Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Exchange Act, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our
disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2021. Based upon their evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and
15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) were not effective as of September 30, 2022 due to the existence of material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting that were identified in connection with the audits of our consolidated
financial statements as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 and for the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2021, and which are still being remediated.
Material Weaknesses in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Control Environment
We did not maintain an effective control environment to enable the identification and mitigation of risks of material misstatement, either individually or in the aggregate, based on the criteria established in
the COSO Framework relating to the lack of sufficient accounting and financial reporting resources to address internal control over financial reporting.
Specifically, we did not attract, develop and retain accounting and financial resources commensurate with the size and complexity of our organization to support the oversight of processes and procedures in
applying internal control over financial reporting to adequately prevent or detect accounting errors.
Control Activities
We did not design and implement effective control activities to enable the identification and mitigation of risks of material misstatement, either individually or in the aggregate, based on the criteria
established by the COSO Framework. We have identified deficiencies in the principles associated with the control activities component of the COSO Framework relating to our: (i) inability to appropriately and timely reconcile account
balances to detect accounting errors and evaluate balances for completeness and accuracy, and (ii) selecting and developing control activities and information technology that contribute to the mitigation of risks and support achievement of
objectives.
The following deficiencies in control activities, among others, contributed to accounting errors or the potential for there to have been accounting errors that are material to the financial statements:
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Lack of sufficient resources within the accounting and financial reporting department to review for the completeness and accuracy of source data supporting account reconciliations.
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Inadequate segregation of duties.
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Inadequate general information technology controls in the areas of access security and program change-management over certain information technology systems that support the Company’s financial reporting processes.
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Remediation Efforts to Address Material Weaknesses
Remediation of the identified material weaknesses and strengthening of our internal control environment will require a substantial effort throughout 2022 and beyond as necessary. The material weaknesses cannot
be considered completely remediated until the applicable controls have operated for a sufficient period of time and management has concluded, through testing, that these controls are operating effectively.
While we have taken steps to address the material weaknesses, our current information technology systems have limited automated capabilities which create manual processes that require the time of our accounting
and financial reporting resources. We are creating more streamlined and efficient accounting processes to allow the accounting and financial reporting resources to effectively operate the controls that we have designed and implemented.
We are designing and implementing controls to establish and maintain appropriate segregation of duties, formalize accounting policies and controls around user access and change management and evaluating options
for a new ERP system.
We will also continue to attract, develop and retain competent management to ensure oversight of our processes and procedures in applying internal control over financial reporting.
The process of designing and implementing an effective financial reporting system is a continuous effort that requires us to anticipate and react to changes in our business and the economic and regulatory
environments and to expend significant resources to maintain a financial reporting system that is adequate to satisfy our reporting obligations.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Except as disclosed above, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2022 that
have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
In addition to the other information set forth in this report, readers should carefully consider the additional risk factor included below as well as the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in
our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2022, and in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022,
which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and our
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially
adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results. The impact of COVID-19 may implicate and exacerbate other risks discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2021, including but not limited to risks relating to general economic conditions. This situation continues to evolve and additional impacts may arise that we are not currently aware of. Due to the unprecedented nature of
the COVID-19 pandemic and responses thereto, we cannot identify all of the risks we face from the pandemic and its aftermath.
Risks Related to CarLotz’ Business
We depend on key personnel to operate our business, and if we are unable to retain, attract and integrate qualified personnel, our ability to develop and successfully grow our business could
be adversely affected.
We believe our success depends on the efforts and talents of our executives and employees. Our future success depends on our continuing ability to attract, develop, motivate and retain highly qualified and
skilled employees. Qualified individuals are in high demand, and we may incur significant costs to attract and retain them. Most of our staff are at-will employees, which means they may terminate their employment relationship with us at any
time, and their knowledge of our business and industry would be difficult to replace. Given the impending Shift Merger, we have not sought to recruit individuals to join the Company and have also had a number of departures. In the event the
impending Shift Merger does not occur for any reason, we may be unable to attract and/or retain qualified individuals for the future. In addition, the loss of any of our key employees or senior management could have a material adverse
effect on our ability to execute our business plan and strategy in the event the Shift Merger does not occur, and we may not be able to find adequate replacements on a timely basis, or at all. Moreover, our future performance will depend,
in part, on the successful transition of our new Chief Executive Officer. If we do not successfully manage the transition, it could be viewed negatively by our customers, employees, investors, suppliers and other third-party partners, and
could have an adverse impact on our business and results of operations. We do not, and do not currently expect to have in the future, “key person” insurance on the lives of any member of our senior management. If we do not succeed in
attracting well-qualified employees or retaining and motivating existing employees in the event the Shift Merger does not occur, our business could be materially and adversely affected.
We have from time to time experienced, and we expect to continue to experience, especially if the Shift Merger does not occur, difficulty in hiring and retaining
employees with appropriate qualifications. Many of the companies with which we compete for experienced personnel have greater resources than we have. If we hire employees from competitors or other companies, their former employers may
attempt to assert that these employees or we have breached legal obligations, resulting in a diversion of our time and resources. In addition, job candidates and existing employees often consider the value of the equity awards they
receive in connection with their employment. If our stock price performs poorly, which it has in the past and continues to do so, it may adversely affect our ability to retain or attract employees. The value to employees of equity awards
that vest over time may be significantly affected by movements in our stock price that are beyond our control and may at any time be insufficient to counteract more lucrative offers from other companies. In addition, we may have to take
additional steps, such as issuing additional equity, to make the equity component of our compensation packages more attractive to attract and retain employees. These steps could result in dilution to stockholders. Any changes in our
compensation practices or those of our competitors could affect our ability to retain and motivate existing personnel and recruit new personnel. The inability to hire and/or retain employees with appropriate qualifications could have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations in the future.
We may be required to replace or expand our existing floorplan credit facility, and/or to secure additional debt and equity capital to pursue our business objectives and respond to business
opportunities, challenges or unforeseen circumstances, and if such capital is not available, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In the event the Shift Merger does not occur by December 31, 2022, the Lender under the existing floor plan credit facility has requested that we provide the Lender with a business plan, no later than January
10, 2023, or within 10 days of the announced dissolution of Shift Merger, at which time the Lender will revisit the facility arrangement and communicate additional go forward plans. As a result, the availability of the existing floor plan
credit facility subsequent to December 31, 2022 remains uncertain. We may be required to replace or expand our existing floorplan credit facility, and/or to secure additional equity or debt capital to pursue our business objectives and
respond to business opportunities, challenges or unforeseen circumstances, including to finance our purchase of inventory, fund our marketing expenditures to improve our brand awareness, enhance our technology, develop new products or
services or further improve existing products and services, enhance our operating infrastructure and acquire complementary businesses and technologies. However, funds may not be available when we need them on terms that are acceptable to
us, or at all. Our ability to raise additional capital may be adversely impacted by potential worsening global economic conditions, the recent disruptions to and volatility in the credit and financial markets in the United States and
worldwide, including rising interest rates, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Any debt financing that we secure in the future could involve restrictive covenants, which may make it more difficult for us to obtain additional capital
and to pursue business opportunities. Continuing operating losses could lead to a violation of covenants related to our existing floorplan credit facility and could lead the Lender under such facility to call the debt. If we raise
additional funds through further issuances of equity or convertible debt securities, our stockholders could experience significant dilution, and any new equity securities we issue could have rights, preferences and privileges superior to
those of holders of our common stock. If we are unable to obtain adequate financing or financing on terms satisfactory to us, when we require it, our ability to continue to pursue our business objectives and to respond to business
opportunities, challenges or unforeseen circumstances could be significantly limited, and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Sourcing vehicles via competitive or direct purchases exposed us, and may continue to expose us, to additional risks and has increased, and may continue to increase, those risks to which we
have been exposed in the past.
When acquiring vehicles via competitive or direct purchase, we take on all of the risks of ownership of a vehicle. While purchasing a vehicle can provide an
opportunity for us to retain higher profits than when selling on behalf of a vehicle consignor, it also exposes us to all of the risks of vehicle ownership, which we experienced at times in 2021 and during 2022. For purchased vehicles, we
are not able to enter into any risk sharing arrangement with a vehicle consignor or to share any of the cost of preparing the vehicle for sale, whether directly or through fees deducted from the sale proceeds that we deliver to a vehicle
consignor. Purchasing vehicles increases the amount of our assets represented by inventory at a given time, which may constrain the amount of inventory we can hold. In general, competitively sourced vehicles are obtained at a higher
purchase price than non-competitively sourced vehicles, increasing the chance of selling at reduced profit or a loss, especially during periods when we may be forced to be less selective in our purchases to maintain a sufficient level and
variety of inventory, which we experienced at times in 2021 and during 2022 and may continue to experience. Also, as we experienced in 2021 and during 2022, and may continue to experience, the longer the vehicle ages, over time the fair
value may decrease below cost. Also, purchased vehicles, as compared to non-competitive consignments, result in increased interest expense due to higher borrowings under our floorplan facility. In addition, we may experience challenges in
sourcing vehicles non-competitively via consignment as a result of uncertainty due to the pending Shift Merger. If such conditions were to continue requiring the company to competitively source vehicles as opposed to non-competitively,
this could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, as we experienced in 2021 and during 2022. In particular, during the year ended December 31, 2021 and during the first half of 2022,
we were forced to source a greater percentage of our inventory through wholesale purchases, which has exposed, and may continue to expose, our business to these risks.
Our business model relies on the willingness of sellers to consign their vehicles with us.
Our business depends on our ability to attract consumers to consign with us and cost-effectively attract, retain and grow relationships with corporate vehicle sourcing partners and retail sellers, and in turn,
on the supply of used vehicles sold through our marketplace. For the year ended December 31, 2021 and the nine months ended September 30, 2022, one of our corporate vehicle sourcing partners, with
whom we do not have a consignment contract, accounted for 31% and 25%, respectively, of our sold vehicles. In prior periods such corporate vehicle sourcing partner accounted for a greater percentage of our sourced vehicles, and during 2021
paused its consignment of vehicles with us in May 2021 and resumed their consignment with us in the following September, which had an adverse effect on our business. To expand our consignment base, we must educate consumers on the benefits
of the consignment model and appeal to and contract with more local and regional corporate accounts, as well as national accounts, further penetrate existing corporate vehicle sourcing partners’ accounts and engage individuals who may be
unfamiliar with our consignment-to-retail marketplace. Our strategy also includes leveraging our existing relationships to further penetrate existing corporate customers and rely on a variety of methods to scale our business in new markets,
including traditional advertising, retail signage, targeted sales efforts and word-of-mouth. Our efforts to increase our consignment base may experience challenges due to uncertainty resulting from the pending Shift Merger. We have
experienced, and may continue to experience, inadequate supply of vehicles from our consignment relationships with consumers and corporate partners, which has required us, and may continue to require us, to acquire vehicles by other means,
including through wholesale market purchases, and hold them longer than expected.
Our ability to attract and retain effective sales and reconditioning professionals may adversely affect our business.
We rely on our reconditioning professionals to ensure that the retail vehicles that we sell meet our quality standards. We rely on our sales professionals to develop relationships, provide exceptional customer
experiences and sell vehicles and other products. The process of identifying and hiring sales and reconditioning professionals with the combination of skills and attributes required can be difficult and require significant commitment of
time. Competition for qualified employees and personnel in the retail vehicle industry is intense and turnover among our sales and reconditioning professionals within a few years is not uncommon. In addition, we may be unable to attract
and/or retain qualified reconditioning, customer service and sales professionals if the impending Shift Merger does not occur. Any shortage in sales and reconditioning professionals or delay in identifying and hiring quality sales and
customer service professionals could have a negative impact on our business. If we are not successful in attracting and retaining effective sales and reconditioning professionals, the quality of our vehicles and customer experience may be
negatively impacted, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Relating to the Shift Merger
The final Exchange Ratio will be determined in accordance with a formula and is not yet knowable. The number of shares of Shift Common Stock that our stockholders will receive as Merger
Consideration and the market value of the Merger Consideration payable to our stockholders are uncertain.
At the Effective Time (as defined in the Shift Merger Agreement), each share of our common stock that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than shares held in the Company’s treasury)
will be converted into the right to receive a number of shares of Shift Common Stock as determined by the Exchange Ratio (as defined in the Shift Merger Agreement) (subject to adjustment for fractional shares and applicable tax
withholding). The Exchange Ratio initially equals 0.692158 but is subject to adjustment, whereby at the Effective Time it will equal a ratio calculated as (i) the product of (A) the number of issued and outstanding shares of Shift Common
Stock immediately prior to the Effective Time and (B) 99.99%, divided by (ii) the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time expressed on a fully-diluted and as-converted to our common stock
basis (but excluding (1) any Company Earnout Shares, (as defined in the Shift Merger Agreement) (2) any Company Earnout Acquiror RSUs (as defined in the Shift Merger Agreement), (3) any of the Merger warrants, (4) any options to purchase
our common stock that have an exercise price equal to or higher than the implied price per share of our common stock, determined at the Effective Time based on the Exchange Ratio, and (5) any performance-based restricted stock unit awards
of the Company that are terminated as of the Effective Time.
Because the final Exchange Ratio depends on a formula calculated at the Effective Time, our stockholders will not know or be able to determine at the time of the special meeting of our stockholders to vote on
the proposals contained in the joint proxy statement/prospectus included in the Form S-4 (the “Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus”), the number of shares of Shift Common Stock that our stockholders will receive as Merger Consideration or the
market value of the Merger Consideration payable to our stockholders.
The market prices of our common stock and Shift Common Stock have fluctuated prior to and after the date of the announcement of the Shift Merger Agreement and will continue to fluctuate from the date of the
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, to the date of the special meeting of our stockholders and the special meeting of Shift stockholders to vote on the proposals contained in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, respectively, and through the
date the Shift Merger is completed. It is impossible to accurately predict the market price of Shift Common Stock at the completion of the Shift Merger and, therefore, impossible to accurately predict the value of the shares of Shift Common
Stock that our stockholders will receive in the Shift Merger. Stock price changes may result from a variety of factors, including, among others, general market and economic conditions, changes in the Company’s or Shift’s respective business
results of operations, financial condition and prospects, the effect of uncertainties related to the COVID-19 pandemic on U.S. and global markets, market assessments of the likelihood that the Shift Merger will be completed, interest rates
and other factors generally affecting the respective prices of Shift Common Stock and our common stock, and the timing of the Shift Merger.
Many of these factors are beyond the control of the Company, and we are not permitted to terminate the Shift Merger Agreement solely due to a decline in the market price of the Shift Common Stock.
The market price of Shift Common Stock will continue to fluctuate after the Shift Merger.
Upon completion of the Shift Merger, our stockholders will become holders of Shift Common Stock. The market price of the Shift Common Stock will continue to fluctuate, potentially significantly, following
completion of the Shift Merger, including for the reasons described above. As a result, former stockholders of the Company could lose some or all of the value of their investment in Shift Common Stock. In addition, any significant price or
volume fluctuations in the stock market generally could have a material adverse effect on the market for, or liquidity of, the Shift Common Stock received in the Shift Merger, regardless of the actual operating performance of Shift
following the completion of the Shift Merger (the “Combined Company”).
The Shift Merger may not be completed, and the Shift Merger Agreement may be terminated in accordance with its terms.
The Shift Merger is subject to a number of conditions that must be satisfied, including the receipt of certain regulatory approvals and the approval by Shift stockholders of the issuance of shares of Shift
Common Stock to our stockholders in connection with the Shift Merger for purposes of applicable Nasdaq rules (“the Shift Share Issuance Proposal”) and approval by our stockholders to adopt the Shift Merger Agreement (the “CarLotz Merger
Proposal”), or waived (to the extent permitted), in each case prior to the completion of the Shift Merger. These conditions to the completion of the Shift Merger, some of which are beyond the control of the Company and Shift, may not be
satisfied or waived in a timely manner or at all, and, accordingly, the Shift Merger may be delayed or not completed.
Additionally, either the Company or Shift may terminate the Shift Merger Agreement under certain circumstances, subject to the payment of a termination fee in certain cases. In such cases, Shift may be required
to pay to us, or we may be required to pay to Shift, a termination fee of $4.25 million. In addition, if the Shift Merger Agreement is terminated in certain cases, the Company or Shift or will be required to pay the other party, as
applicable, all of the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses of the other party incurred by the other party in connection with the Shift Merger Agreement and the Contemplated Shift Transactions in an amount not to exceed $1.21
million. If expenses are reimbursed pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence, such amount will be credited from any termination fee that may be payable by such party.
Failure to complete the Shift Merger could negatively impact the future business and financial results of the Company and the market price of our common stock.
If the Shift Merger is not completed for any reason, including because our stockholders fail to approve the CarLotz Merger Proposal or because Shift stockholders fail to approve the Shift Share Issuance
Proposal, the ongoing businesses of the Company may be adversely affected and, without realizing any of the expected benefits of having completed the Shift Merger, the Company would be subject to a number of risks, including the following:
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the Company may experience negative reactions from the financial markets, including negative impacts on its stock price;
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the Company may experience negative reactions from its customers, partners, suppliers and employees;
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the Company will be required to pay its costs relating to the Shift Merger, such as financial advisory, legal, accounting costs and associated fees and expenses, whether or not the Shift Merger is
completed (subject to certain circumstances where Shift is required to pay certain transaction expenses of the Company following the termination of the Shift Merger Agreement);
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the Company will be required to provide a business plan to the Lender, no later than January 10, 2023, or within 10 days of the announced dissolution of Shift Merger discussions, at which time we may
need to re-negotiate the Ally Facility with the Lender;
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there may be disruptions the Company’s business resulting from the announcement and pendency of the Shift Merger, and any adverse changes in our relationships with our customers, partners, suppliers,
other business partners and employees may continue or intensify; and
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the Company will have committed substantial time and resources to matters relating to the Shift Merger (including integration planning), which would otherwise have been devoted to day-to-day
operations and other opportunities that may have been beneficial to us as an independent company.
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The market price for shares of Shift Common Stock following the completion of the Contemplated Shift Transactions may be affected by factors different from, or in addition to, those that
historically have affected or currently affect the market price of shares of our common stock.
Upon completion of the Shift Merger, our stockholders will receive shares of Shift Common Stock and will accordingly become Shift stockholders. Shift’s business differs from that of ours, and Shift’s results of
operations and stock price may be adversely affected by factors different from those that historically have affected or currently affect our results of operations and stock price.
Until the completion of the Shift Merger or the termination of the Shift Merger Agreement pursuant to its terms, we are prohibited from entering into certain transactions and taking certain
actions that might otherwise be beneficial to the Company and our stockholders.
From and after the date of the Shift Merger Agreement and prior to the completion of the Shift Merger or the termination of the Shift Merger Agreement pursuant to its terms, the Shift Merger Agreement restricts
the Company from taking specified actions without the consent of Shift and generally requires that the businesses of the Company and its subsidiaries be conducted in the ordinary course. These restrictions may prevent us from taking actions
during the pendency of the Shift Merger that would have been beneficial. Adverse effects arising from these restrictions during the pendency of the Shift Merger could be exacerbated by any delays in the completion of the Shift Merger or
termination of the Shift Merger Agreement.
Obtaining required approvals and satisfying closing conditions may prevent or delay completion of the Contemplated Shift Transactions.
The Contemplated Shift Transactions are subject to a number of conditions to closing as specified in the Shift Merger Agreement. These closing conditions include, among others, the effectiveness of the
registration statement on Form S-4 and the absence of any stop order or proceedings by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) with respect thereto; the expiration or earlier termination of any applicable waiting period (and any
extension thereof) under the HSR Act; consent, waiver, authorization or approval of any applicable non-U.S. antitrust regulatory authority; authorization for listing on Nasdaq of the shares of Shift Common Stock to be issued in connection
with the Shift Merger; and the absence of governmental restraints or prohibitions preventing the consummation of the Shift Merger. The obligation of the Company to complete the Shift Merger is also conditioned on, among other things, the
accuracy of the representations and warranties made by Shift as of the date of the Shift Merger Agreement and as of the closing date of the Shift Merger or such other specified date (subject to certain materiality and material adverse
effect qualifiers), the performance by Shift in all material respects of its covenants and obligations under the Shift Merger Agreement and the satisfaction of certain minimum cash conditions.
No assurance can be given that the required stockholder approvals and governmental and regulatory consents and approvals will be obtained or that the required conditions to closing of the Contemplated Shift
Transactions will be satisfied, and, if all required consents and approvals are obtained and the required conditions are satisfied, no assurance can be given as to the terms, conditions and timing of such consents and approvals.
The Shift Merger, and uncertainty regarding the Shift Merger, may cause business partners or vendors to delay or defer decisions concerning the Company and adversely affect the company’s
ability to effectively manage its business, which could adversely affect the company’s business, operating results and financial position.
The Shift Merger will happen only if the stated conditions are met, including the approval of the Shift Share Issuance Proposal, the approval of the CarLotz Merger Proposal and the receipt of required
regulatory approvals, among other conditions. Many of the conditions are beyond the control of the Company, and both the Company and Shift also have certain rights to terminate the Shift Merger Agreement. Accordingly, there may be
uncertainty regarding the completion of the Shift Merger. This uncertainty may cause existing or business partners, advertisers and vendors to:
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delay or defer other decisions concerning the Company, including entering into contracts with the Company or making other decisions concerning the Company or seek to change or cancel existing business
relationships with the Company; or
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otherwise seek to change the terms on which they do business with the Company.
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Any such disruptions such as delays or deferrals of those decisions or changes in existing agreements could adversely affect the business, operating results and financial position of the Company, whether the Shift Merger is ultimately
completed. The risk, and adverse effect, of any such disruptions could be exacerbated by a delay in completion of the Shift Merger or termination of the Shift Merger Agreement
Whether or not the Shift Merger is completed, the announcement and pendency of the Shift Merger could cause disruptions in the businesses of the Company, which could have an adverse effect on our businesses and financial results.
Whether or not the Shift Merger is completed, the announcement and pendency of the Shift Merger could cause disruptions in the businesses of the Company, including by diverting the attention of the Company’s
management and employee teams, such as those involved in day-to-day operations and sales, toward the completion of the Shift Merger. In addition, the Company has diverted significant management resources in an effort to complete the Shift
Merger and is subject to restrictions contained in the Shift Merger Agreement on the conduct of its business. If the Shift Merger is not completed, the Company will have incurred significant costs, including the diversion of management
resources, for which it will have received little or no benefit.
The Shift Merger Agreement contains provisions that could discourage a potential competing acquirer that might be willing to pay more to acquire or merge with the Company.
The Shift Merger Agreement contains “no shop” provisions that restrict the ability of the Company to, among other things, subject to limited exceptions set forth in the Shift Merger Agreement:
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solicit, initiate, knowingly encourage, assist, induce or knowingly facilitate the making, submission or announcement of any acquisition proposal or acquisition inquiry (including by approving any
transaction or approving any person (other than the other party and its affiliates) becoming an “interested stockholder” for purposes of Delaware corporate law) or take any action that reasonably would be expected to lead to an
acquisition proposal or acquisition inquiry;
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furnish or otherwise provide access to any non-public information regarding such party or any of its subsidiaries to any person in connection with or in response to an acquisition proposal or
acquisition inquiry;
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enter into, continue or otherwise engage in discussions or negotiations with, or cooperate with, any person with respect to any acquisition proposal or acquisition inquiry (other than to state that
such party is subject to this non-solicitation provision);
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approve, endorse or recommend any acquisition proposal; or
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enter into any letter of intent, memorandum of understanding, agreement in principle or similar document or any contract constituting or relating directly or indirectly to, or that contemplates or is
intended or reasonably would be expected to result directly or indirectly in, an acquisition transaction.
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Furthermore, there are only limited exceptions to the requirement under the Shift Merger Agreement that the CarLotz Board not withdraw or modify the unanimous recommendation of the CarLotz Board for our
stockholders to approve the CarLotz Merger Proposal. Although the CarLotz Board is permitted to effect a change to its unanimous board recommendation in response to certain superior offers or to certain intervening events, after complying
with certain procedures set forth in the Shift Merger Agreement, such a change in recommendation would entitle Shift to terminate the Shift Merger Agreement and receive a termination fee and expense reimbursement from the Company. These
provisions could discourage a potential competing acquirer from considering or proposing an acquisition or merger, even if it were prepared to pay consideration with a higher value than that implied by the Merger Consideration, or might
result in a potential competing acquirer proposing to pay a lower per share price than it might otherwise have proposed to pay because of the added expense of the termination fee and expense reimbursement.
The Shift Merger will involve substantial costs.
The Company has incurred and expects to incur non-recurring costs associated with combining the operations of the two companies, as well as transaction fees and other costs related to the Shift Merger. Such
costs include, among others, filing and registration fees with the SEC, printing and mailing costs associated with the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and legal, accounting, investment banking, consulting, public relations and proxy
solicitation fees. Some of these costs are payable by the Company or Shift regardless of whether the Shift Merger is completed.
Because the Shift Merger Agreement provides for shares of Shift Common Stock to be issued by Shift to the Company in the Shift Merger, our stockholders are not entitled to appraisal rights in connection with
the Shift Merger.
Lawsuits have been, and may in the future be, filed against the Company and members of its board of directors challenging the Shift Merger, and an adverse ruling in any such lawsuit may
prevent the Shift Merger from becoming effective or from becoming effective within the expected time frame.
Transactions such as the Shift Merger are frequently subject to litigation or other legal proceedings, including actions alleging that the CarLotz Board breached its fiduciary duties to our stockholders by
entering into the Shift Merger Agreement, by failing to obtain a greater value in the transaction for our stockholders, material misstatements and/or omissions of the fact in the registration statement and proxy statement, or otherwise.
Such litigation has already been commenced and additional litigation or other legal proceedings may be filed in the future. There can be no assurance that the Company or the CarLotz Board will succeed in defending against such litigation
or other legal proceedings. An adverse outcome in such matters, as well as the costs and efforts of a defense even if successful, could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operation or financial position of the
Company, including through the possible diversion of the company’s resources or distraction of key personnel.
Furthermore, one of the conditions to the closing of the Contemplated Shift Transactions is that no injunction by any governmental body of competent jurisdiction will be in effect that prevents the consummation
of the Shift Merger. As such, if any of the plaintiffs are successful in obtaining an injunction preventing the consummation of the Shift Merger, that injunction may prevent the Shift Merger from becoming effective or from becoming
effective within the expected time frame.
If the Shift Merger does not qualify as a reorganization, there may be adverse tax consequences.
The parties intend that the Shift Merger will be treated as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as amended). If the Shift Merger were to fail to qualify
as a reorganization, U.S. holders of our common stock generally would recognize gain or loss, as applicable, equal to the difference between (i) the sum of the fair market value of the Shift Common Stock and cash consideration (including in
lieu of fractional shares) received by such holder in the Shift Merger and (ii) such holder’s adjusted tax basis in its shares of our common stock.