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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM 10-Q
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[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM ____________ TO ____________ .
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 22239
autobytel.com inc.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
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DELAWARE 33-0711569
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
18872 MACARTHUR BOULEVARD 92612
IRVINE, CALIFORNIA (ZIP CODE)
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
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(949) 225-4500
(REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE)
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Check whether the registrant: (1) filed all reports required to be filed by
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months (or for such
shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2)
has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No []
As of October 31, 2000, there were 20,336,083 shares of the Registrant's Common
Stock outstanding.
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INDEX
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Page
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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
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ITEM 1. Consolidated Financial Statements:
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2000 (unaudited) and December 31, 1999........... 3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months and nine months
ended September 30, 2000 and 1999 (unaudited)................................................ 4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months
ended September 30, 2000 and 1999 (unaudited)................................................ 5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements....................................................... 6
ITEM 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations............ 8
ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk....................................... 25
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings................................................................................ 25
ITEM 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds........................................................ 26
ITEM 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K................................................................. 26
Signature ................................................................................................. 27
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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
autobytel.com inc.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
ASSETS
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SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31,
2000 1999
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(UNAUDITED)
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Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents, includes restricted amounts of
$29 and $206, respectively .......................................... $ 90,565 $ 85,457
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts
of $842 and $439, respectively ...................................... 6,459 4,593
Prepaid expenses and other current assets ............................... 2,583 2,819
--------- ---------
Total current assets ............................................ 99,607 92,869
Property and equipment, net ................................................. 2,047 1,630
Investments ................................................................. 478 --
Goodwill, net ............................................................... 24,175 10
Notes receivable ............................................................ 887 --
Other assets ................................................................ 86 363
--------- ---------
Total assets .................................................... $ 127,280 $ 94,872
========= =========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable ........................................................ $ 10,459 $ 4,277
Accrued expenses ........................................................ 4,937 6,772
Deferred revenues ....................................................... 6,853 6,147
Customer deposits ....................................................... 308 716
Other current liabilities ............................................... 1,470 201
--------- ---------
Total current liabilities ....................................... 24,027 18,113
Other liabilities ....................................................... 67 53
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Total liabilities .............................................. 24,094 18,166
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Commitments and Contingencies
Minority interest ........................................................... 8,193 --
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized;
20,336,083 and 18,234,613 shares issued and outstanding,
respectively ........................................................ 20 18
Warrants ................................................................ 1,332 1,332
Additional paid-in capital .............................................. 186,034 141,957
Cumulative translation adjustment ....................................... (19) (8)
Accumulated deficit ..................................................... (92,374) (66,593)
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Total stockholders' equity ...................................... 94,993 76,706
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Total liabilities and stockholders' equity ..................... $ 127,280 $ 94,872
========= =========
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
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autobytel.com inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
(UNAUDITED)
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THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
-------------------------------- -------------------------------
2000 1999 2000 1999
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Revenues ................................. $ 17,539 $ 10,625 $ 49,723 $ 27,860
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Operating expenses:
Sales and marketing .................. 15,504 11,049 50,371 32,033
Product and technology development ... 6,197 4,216 18,059 9,798
General and administrative ........... 3,578 2,672 9,971 6,541
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total operating expenses .......... 25,279 17,937 78,401 48,372
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Loss from operations ................. (7,740) (7,312) (28,678) (20,512)
Interest income, net ..................... 1,580 1,097 4,698 2,544
Foreign currency exchange loss ........... (1,758) -- (1,759) --
Other expense, net ....................... -- (66) -- (394)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Loss before provision for income taxes (7,918) (6,281) (25,739) (18,362)
Provision for income taxes ............... 1 10 42 54
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net loss ............................. $ (7,919) $ (6,291) $ (25,781) $ (18,416)
============ ============ ============ ============
Basic and diluted net loss per share ..... $ (0.39) $ (0.35) $ (1.41) $ (1.23)
============ ============ ============ ============
Shares used in computing basic and diluted
net loss per share ........ 20,331,455 17,878,188 18,296,639 14,959,928
============ ============ ============ ============
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
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autobytel.com inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
(UNAUDITED)
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NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
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2000 1999
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CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss ...................................................... $(25,781) $(18,416)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization ......................... 2,009 1,013
Provision for bad debt ................................ 824 189
Loss on disposal of property and equipment ............ 51
Compensation expense recorded for fair market value
of stock options in excess of exercise price ...... 330 791
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable ............................... (2,373) (1,029)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets ......... 306 (857)
Other assets ...................................... (1,272) (65)
Accounts payable .................................. 5,149 4,854
Accrued expenses .................................. (2,006) 1,928
Deferred revenues ................................. 706 1,562
Customer deposits ................................. (408) 226
Other current liabilities ......................... 618 161
Other liabilities ................................. (49) (53)
-------- --------
Net cash used in operating activities .......... (21,947) (9,645)
-------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired ................. (2,813)
Investment in foreign entity .................................. (478)
Investment in debt security of foreign entities ............... (680) --
Notes receivable from foreign entity .......................... (207)
Purchases of property and equipment ............................... (1,006) (610)
-------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities .......... (5,184) (610)
-------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net proceeds from sale of common stock to minority stockholders 780 72,353
Net proceeds from sale of subsidiary company stock ............ 31,470
-------- --------
Net cash provided by financing activities ..... 32,250 72,353
-------- --------
Effect of exchange rates on cash .................................. (11) 11
-------- --------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents ......................... 5,108 62,109
Cash and cash equivalents, at beginning of period ................. 85,457 27,984
-------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents, at end of period ....................... $ 90,565 $ 90,093
======== ========
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for income taxes .................. $ 1 $ 54
======== ========
Cash paid during the period for interest ...................... $ 21 $ 2
======== ========
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Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities (See
Note 3):
* In February 2000, in conjunction with the acquisition of a business, assets of
$950 were acquired, liabilities of $1,966 were assumed and 1,800,000 shares of
common stock were issued.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
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autobytel.com inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
1. ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF AUTOBYTEL.COM
autobytel.com inc. (Autobytel.com) is an internationally branded online
automotive commerce company that connects buyers and sellers together in an
information-rich environment throughout the vehicle ownership lifecycle. Through
its Web sites (www.autobytel.com and www.carsmart.com), consumers can research
pricing, specifications and other information related to new and pre-owned
vehicles and can purchase, finance, lease, insure, sell and maintain their
vehicles. When consumers are ready to purchase a vehicle, they can be connected
to Autobytel.com's or CarSmart.com's network of participating dealers in North
America, other sellers through classified ads and Autobytel.com's auction
services.
Autobytel.com has also established international joint ventures and/or
licensing agreements to market new and used vehicles in the United Kingdom,
Scandinavia, Japan, Australia and Spain.
Since its inception in January 1995, Autobytel.com has invested the majority
of its efforts in marketing its brand name and developing infrastructure to
support anticipated future operating growth. As a result, Autobytel.com has
experienced operating losses and had an accumulated deficit of $92.4 million as
of September 30, 2000. Management believes cash and cash equivalents of $90.6
million as of September 30, 2000 are sufficient to meet anticipated cash needs
for working capital and capital expenditures for at least the next 12 months.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Unaudited Interim Financial Statements
The accompanying interim consolidated financial statements as of September
30, 2000, and for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2000 and
1999, are unaudited. The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements
have been prepared on the same basis as the annual consolidated financial
statements and, in the opinion of Autobytel.com's management, reflect all
adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature, necessary to present fairly
Autobytel.com's consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations and cash
flows for the periods presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles. Autobytel.com's results for an interim period are not necessarily
indicative of the results that may be expected for the year.
Although Autobytel.com believes that all adjustments necessary for a fair
presentation of the interim periods presented are included and that the
disclosures are adequate, these consolidated financial statements and notes
thereto are unaudited and should be read in conjunction with the audited
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December
31, 1999 included in Autobytel.com's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 23, 2000 and the separate
audited financial statements and notes thereto of A.I.N. Corporation for the
year ended December 31, 1999, included in Autobytel.com's Current Report on Form
8-K/A, filed with the SEC on May 1, 2000.
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share
Net loss per share has been calculated under Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 128, "Earnings per Share." SFAS No. 128 requires
companies to compute earnings per share under two different methods (basic and
diluted). Basic net loss per share is calculated by dividing the net loss by the
weighted average shares of
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common stock outstanding during the period. For the three months and nine months
ended September 30, 2000 and 1999, diluted net loss per share is equal to basic
net loss per share since potential common shares from the conversion of
preferred stock, stock options and warrants are antidilutive. Autobytel.com
evaluated the requirements of the SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 98,
and concluded that there are no nominal issuances of common stock or potential
common stock which would be required to be shown as outstanding for all periods
as outlined in SAB No. 98.
3. ACQUISITION OF A.I.N. CORPORATION
On February 15, 2000, Autobytel.com acquired all of the outstanding stock of
A.I.N. Corporation, the owner of CarSmart.com, an online buying site for new and
used vehicles, for $3.0 million in cash and 1.8 million shares of its common
stock. The acquisition has been accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting. The purchase price has been allocated to the assets acquired and
liabilities assumed on the basis of their respective fair values on the
acquisition date.
The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the assets acquired
and liabilities assumed has been recorded as goodwill in the amount of $25.1
million and will be amortized over a 15 year period. Goodwill amortization
expense from the date of acquisition through September 30, 2000 was $1.1
million.
A.I.N. Corporation's results of operations from the date of acquisition
through September 30, 2000 have been included in the accompanying consolidated
statements of operations.
4. FORMATION OF AUTOBYTEL.EUROPE LLC
In January 2000, Autobytel.com and strategic partners funded
Autobytel.Europe LLC (Autobytel.Europe) to expand its operations and business in
Europe. Autobytel.com licensed its technology, business processes and trade name
to Autobytel.Europe on a royalty free perpetual basis and assigned to
Autobytel.Europe its existing license agreements for the United Kingdom and
Scandinavia. Total funding for investment in Autobytel.Europe was $36.7 million,
including $5.0 million contributed by Autobytel.com. As of September 30, 2000,
cash reserved for the operations of Autobytel.Europe was approximately $35.4
million. As of such date, Autobytel.com owned 78% of Autobytel.Europe.
5. 2000 STOCK OPTION PLAN
Autobytel.com's 2000 Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") was approved by the
Board of Directors in April 2000 and the stockholders at the Annual Meeting held
on June 15, 2000. The Plan provides for the granting of stock options to
eligible employees, consultants and outside directors of Autobytel.com.
Autobytel.com has reserved 3 million shares under the Plan.
6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Autobytel.com may become subject to legal proceedings from time to time in
the normal course of business. Autobytel.com is not currently involved in any
litigation that management believes will have a material adverse effect on its
financial position or results of operations.
A.I.N. Corporation was sued on September 1, 1999 in a lawsuit entitled
Robert Martins v. Michael J. Gorun, A.I.N., Inc., et al., in Los Angeles
Superior Court. The complaint contains causes of action for breach of written
and oral contracts, promissory estoppel, breach of fiduciary duty and fraud, and
seeks damages and equitable relief. The plaintiff contends he is entitled to a
49.9% ownership interest in A.I.N. Corporation's CarSmart online business based
on a purported agreement for the formation of a company called CarSmart On-Line
Services. On December 14, 1999, A.I.N. Corporation filed a complaint for
declaratory relief on the subject of Mr. Martins' lawsuit in Contra Costa County
Superior Court. The Los Angeles action has been transferred to Contra Costa
County and the two cases will be consolidated. Autobytel.com was added as a
cross defendant in such action. The lawsuit is and will be vigorously contested
on behalf of Autobytel.com, A.I.N. Corporation and individual co-defendant
Michael Gorun, President of A.I.N. Corporation.
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The selling shareholders of A.I.N. Corporation are obligated to fully
indemnify Autobytel.com for all losses, including attorney's fees, expenses,
settlements and judgements, arising out of the lawsuit. The indemnification
obligation was initially secured by 450,000 shares of Autobytel.com common stock
transferred to the selling shareholders as part of the acquisition of A.I.N.
Corporation, as well as $250,000 in cash. As of September 30, 2000, the
obligation was secured by the 450,000 shares of common stock and $122,000 in
cash after expenses.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
You should read the following discussion of our results of operations and
financial condition in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements
and related notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. This
discussion contains forward-looking statements based on current expectations
that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results and the timing of certain
events may differ significantly from those projected in such forward-looking
statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in the section
entitled "Risk Factors" below.
OVERVIEW
We are an internationally branded online automotive commerce company that
connects buyers and sellers together in an information-rich environment
throughout the vehicle ownership lifecycle, capturing revenue at multiple
stages. Through our Web sites, www.autobytel.com, and www.carsmart.com,
consumers can research pricing, specifications and other information regarding
new and pre-owned vehicles and can purchase, finance, lease, insure, sell and
maintain their vehicles. We believe that our services provide benefit for
consumers by supplying them with information to make informed and intelligent
vehicle decisions throughout the lifecycle of vehicle ownership. Consumers can
purchase new vehicles through our dealer referral networks, our AutobytelDIRECT
service and our auction services. In addition, consumers can purchase pre-owned
vehicles through our Certified Pre-Owned CyberStore, our classified ads and our
auction services.
We derive the majority of our revenues from program fees paid by subscribing
dealers, and we expect to be primarily dependent on our dealer networks for
revenues in the foreseeable future. Dealers using our services pay initial
subscription fees, as well as ongoing monthly fees based, among other things, on
the size of the territory, demographics and the transmittal of purchase requests
to them. Dealers using our AutobytelDIRECT service pay a fee per vehicle sold.
Our dealer contract terms range from one to five years. The majority of our
contracts are for a one year term. We are converting our remaining dealers
primarily to new contracts with one year terms. The initial subscription fee
from the dealer is recognized as revenue ratably over the term of the dealer's
contract. The majority of our program fees consist of monthly fees which are
recognized in the period the service is provided. In the third quarter of 2000
and 1999, program fees were $14.2 million and $9.4 million, respectively.
We also derive a portion of our revenues from related products and services
on a monthly fee and per transaction basis and from international licensing
agreements. For the three months ended September 30, 2000 and 1999, revenues
from related products and services, including international licensing
agreements, were $3.4 million, or 19% of total revenues, and $1.3 million, or
12% of total revenues, respectively.
We believe our ability to increase our revenues is directly related to the
number of subscribing dealers in our networks and the average monthly fees paid
by those dealers, and indirectly related to the volume of purchase requests
routed through our Web sites. Vehicle purchase requests routed through our
online systems increased from approximately 590,000 in the third quarter of 1999
to approximately 778,000 in the third quarter of 2000, an increase of 32%. Since
inception Autobytel.com, excluding CarSmart, has directed approximately 6.3
million purchase requests to dealers.
Our revenue growth has been primarily dependent on our ability to:
- increase the number of dealers,
- increase the average monthly fees paid by each dealer,
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- deliver quality purchase requests to our dealer network and
- improve the sales conversion rate of dealer leads.
We believe our revenue growth in the foreseeable future will be dependent on
the above factors as well as our ability to generate revenues from related
products and services, including international licensing agreements.
Since inception, our dealer network has generally expanded in each quarter
and as of September 30, 2000 there were 5,214 dealers. Of these dealers, 5,164
dealers, or 99%, pay for our service. Our non-paying dealers are generally
associated with lower volume vehicle manufacturers such as Jaguar or Suzuki or
are located in remote, low volume territories and receive purchase request
referrals without paying fees to us. We enter into agreements with non-paying
dealers to ensure the broadest geographic coverage for every make of vehicle and
to increase consumer satisfaction by offering a complete selection of vehicles.
In the third quarter of 2000, 580 dealers were added to our Autobytel.com
and CarSmart.com dealer networks and 501 dealers either terminated their
affiliation with us or were terminated by us. As of September 30, 2000, our net
number of dealers increased by 69% over the same quarter in 1999. The
acquisition of CarSmart.com in February 2000 added an additional dealer network
of over 1,500 dealers. As of September 30, 2000, approximately 400 dealers
subscribed to both the Autobytel.com and CarSmart.com services. Our inability or
failure to reduce dealer turnover could have a material adverse effect on our
business, results of operations and financial condition. Dealer participation in
our programs may terminate for various reasons including:
- extinction of the manufacturer brand (i.e. Plymouth),
- selling of the dealer franchise,
- termination of the franchise by the owner and
- termination by us.
Because our primary revenue source is from program fees, our business model
is significantly different from many other Internet automotive commerce sites.
The automobiles requested through our site are sold by dealers; therefore, we
derive no direct revenues from the sale of a vehicle (other than through our
AutobytelDIRECT service introduced in the first quarter of the year) and have no
significant cost of goods sold, no procurement, carrying or shipping costs and
no inventory risk.
Sales and marketing costs consist primarily of:
- Internet marketing and advertising expenses,
- fees paid to our Internet affiliate network of purchase request
providers,
- promotion and advertising expenses to build our brand awareness and
encourage potential customers to visit our Web sites and
- personnel and other costs associated with sales, marketing, training
and support of our dealer network.
We use Internet advertising, as well as traditional media, such as
television, radio and print. The majority of our Internet advertising is
comprised of:
- bounty fees paid to our affiliate network,
- sponsorship and partnership agreements with Internet portals and
- advertising and marketing affiliations with online automotive
information providers.
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The Internet portals and online automotive information providers charge a
combination of set-up, initial, annual, monthly and variable fees.
- Set-up fees are incurred for the development of the link between
Autobytel.com and the Internet portal or online information provider
and are expensed in the period the link is established.
- Initial and annual fees are amortized over the period they relate to.
- Monthly fees are expensed in the month they relate to.
- Variable fees are fees paid for purchase requests and are expensed in
the period the purchase requests are received.
Our Internet marketing and advertising costs, including annual, monthly and
variable fees, were $5.9 million and $3.7 million in the third quarter of 2000
and 1999, respectively. There were no set-up or initial fees incurred in the
third quarter of 2000. Also included in sales and marketing expenses are the
costs associated with signing up new dealers and their ongoing training and
support. Sales and marketing costs are recorded as an expense in the period the
service is provided. Sales and marketing expenses have historically fluctuated
quarter-to-quarter due to varied levels of marketing and advertising and we
believe this will continue in the future.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth our results of operations as a percentage of
revenues:
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THREE MONTHS ENDED NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, SEPTEMBER 30,
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2000 1999 2000 1999
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STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenues
Program fees 81% 88% 81% 90%
Related products and services 19 12 19 10
---- ---- ---- ----
Total revenues 100 100 100 100
Operating expenses:
Sales and marketing 88 104 101 115
Product and technology
development 35 40 36 35
General and administrative 20 25 20 23
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Total operating expenses 144 169 158 174
---- ---- ---- ----
Loss from operations (44) (69) (58) (74)
Other income (expense), net (1) 10 6 8
---- ---- ---- ----
Loss before provision for (45) (59) (52) (66)
income taxes
Provision for income taxes -- -- -- --
---- ---- ---- ----
Net loss (45)% (59)% (52)% (66)%
==== ==== ==== ====
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THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000 AND 1999
Revenues. Our revenues increased $6.9 million, or 65%, to $17.5 million in
the third quarter of 2000, compared to $10.6 million in the same period in 1999.
The growth in revenues was primarily attributable to an increase of $4.8
million, or 51%, in program fees from paying dealers, including program fees of
$2.0 million from CarSmart.com dealers. Our number of paying dealers increased
by 2,101, or 69%, to 5,164 as of September 30, 2000, compared to 3,063 as of
September 30, 1999. The increase in paying dealers includes over 1,500
CarSmart.com dealers added with the acquisition of A.I.N. Corporation in
February 2000. In the third quarter of 2000, 79 paying dealers were added to our
dealer networks. Our revenues from related products and services accounted for
approximately 19% of
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revenues in the third quarter of 2000 and 12% of revenues in the third quarter
of 1999. The increase of $2.1 million, or 166%, was primarily due to additional
fees from our international license agreements, Website advertising, and
aftermarket and finance products.
Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses primarily include
advertising and marketing expenses paid to our purchase request providers and
for developing our brand equity, as well as personnel and other costs associated
with sales, training and support. Sales and marketing expense increased by $4.5
million, or 40%, to $15.5 million in the third quarter of 2000 compared to $11.0
million in the third quarter of 1999. The increase was primarily due to a $2.2
million, or 60%, increase in online advertising for increased purchase requests
and agreements with additional Internet affiliates, a $0.6 million, or 93%,
increase in other advertising and marketing expenses and a $0.1 million, or 3%,
increase in print, television and radio advertising to increase brand awareness.
The increase in sales and marketing was further attributable to a $1.6 million,
or 55%, increase in sales, dealer support and call center personnel to support
the growth of our business. We expect to continue to increase our sales,
advertising and marketing expenses in the foreseeable future.
Product and Technology Development. Product and technology development
expense primarily includes personnel costs relating to enhancing the features,
content and functionality of our Web sites and Dealer Real Time system,
customizing our software for our international licensees, as well as expenses
associated with telecommunications and computer infrastructure. Product and
technology development expense increased by $2.0 million, or 47%, to $6.2
million in the third quarter of 2000, compared to $4.2 million in the same
period in 1999. The increase was primarily due to a $2.0 million increase in
international software development costs.
General and Administrative. General and administrative expense was $3.6
million and $2.7 million in the third quarter of 2000 and 1999, respectively.
General and administrative expense increased by $0.9 million, or 34%. The
increase was primarily due to $0.4 million for goodwill amortization related to
our acquisition of CarSmart.com, a $0.3 million, or 27%, increase in recruiting
and personnel costs, and a $0.2 million, or 45%, increase in financial
consulting, accounting and other public company infrastructure costs.
Interest Income, Net. Interest income consists of interest income earned on
our cash and cash equivalent balances. Interest income in the third quarter of
2000 increased by $0.5 million, or 44%, compared to the third quarter of 1999.
Interest income increased due to higher cash balances resulting primarily from
the funding of Autobytel.Europe early in the first quarter of 2000.
Foreign Currency Exchange Loss. Autobytel.Europe, a majority-owned
subsidiary of autobytel.com, operates its business in Europe. As such, it incurs
general operating expenses and enters into transactions, including investments
in joint ventures and licensees, which require the use of local currencies.
Accordingly, Autobytel.Europe has engaged in foreign currency exchange
transactions. Due to foreign exchange rate fluctuations in Europe, a $0.7
million loss on cash held in foreign currency was recognized in the third
quarter of 2000. Also, based on the nine month forward exchange rate at
September 30, 2000, an unrealized loss of $1.1 million was recognized on foreign
exchange forward contracts expiring in June 2001. Foreign exchange transaction
gains and losses in Canada were minimal. In the future, we may experience gains
or losses attributable to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000 AND 1999
Revenues. Our revenues increased $21.8 million, or 78%, to $49.7 million for
the nine months ended September 30, 2000, compared to $27.9 million in the same
period in 1999. The growth in revenues was primarily attributable to a $15.0
million, or 60%, increase in program fees from paying dealers, including program
fees of $4.2 million from CarSmart.com dealers. Our revenues from related
products and services accounted for approximately 19% of revenues in the nine
months ended September 30, 2000 and 10% of revenues in the nine months ended
September 30, 1999. The increase was primarily due to additional fees from our
international license agreements, Website advertising, database marketing and
finance and insurance products.
Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expense increased by $18.4 million,
or 57%, to $50.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2000 compared to
$32.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 1999. The increase was
primarily due to a $10.2 million, or 91%, increase in print, television and
radio advertising to build brand awareness, $3.6 million, or 33%, increase in
online advertising for increased purchase requests and
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agreements with additional Internet affiliates, and a $1.1 million, or 71%,
increase in other advertising and marketing expenses. The increase in sales and
marketing was further attributable to a $3.5 million, or 42%, increase in sales,
dealer support and call center personnel to support the growth of our business.
We expect to continue to increase our sales, advertising and marketing expenses
in the foreseeable future.
Product and Technology Development. Product and technology development
expense increased by $8.3 million, or 84%, to $18.1 million in the nine months
ended September 30, 2000 compared to $9.8 million in the same period in 1999.
The increase was primarily due to $6.2 million for international software
development costs, and a $2.1 million, or 22%, increase for additional personnel
and retention costs, both domestic and international.
General and Administrative. General and administrative expense was $10.0
million and $6.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2000 and 1999,
respectively. General and administrative expense increased by $3.5 million, or
52%. The increase was primarily due to a $1.5 million, or 51%, increase in
recruiting and personnel costs, $1.0 million for goodwill amortization related
to our acquisition of CarSmart.com, a $0.3 million, or 33%, increase in
financial consulting, accounting and other pubic company infrastructure costs
and a $0.7 million, or 25%, increase in other general corporate expenses.
Interest Income, Net. In the nine months ended September 30, 2000, interest
income increased by $2.2 million, or 85%, compared to the same period in 1999.
Interest income increased due to higher cash balances resulting from the initial
public offering late in the first quarter of 1999 and the funding of
Autobytel.Europe early in the first quarter of 2000.
Foreign Currency Exchange Loss. Autobytel.Europe, a majority-owned
subsidiary of Autobytel.com, operates its business in Europe. As such, it incurs
general operating expenses and enters into transactions, including investments
in joint ventures and licensees, which require the use of local currencies.
Accordingly, Autobytel.Europe has engaged in foreign currency exchange
transactions. Due to foreign exchange rate fluctuations in Europe, a $0.7
million loss on cash held in foreign currency was recognized in the third
quarter of 2000. Also, based on the nine month forward exchange rate at
September 30, 2000, an unrealized loss of $1.1 million was recognized on a
foreign exchange forward contract expiring in June 2001. Foreign exchange
transaction gains and losses in Canada were minimal. In the future, we may
experience gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in foreign currency
exchange rates.
STOCK-OPTIONS GRANTED IN 2000
From January through September 2000, we granted stock options to purchase
4,255,744 shares of common stock under the 1996 Stock Incentive Plan, 1998 Stock
Option Plan, 1999 Stock Option Plan, 1999 Employee and Acquisition Related Stock
Option Plan and 2000 Stock Option Plan. The stock options were granted at the
fair market value on the date of grant.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Net cash used in operating activities was $21.9 million for the nine months
ended September 30, 2000 and $9.6 million for the nine months ended September
30, 1999. Net cash used in operating activities in the nine months of 2000
resulted primarily from the net loss for the year, increased accounts
receivable, acquisition costs for A.I.N. Corporation and decreased accrued
expenses partially offset by increased deferred revenues related to growth in
the number of our paying dealers and international licensing fees, accounts
payable for sales and marketing, product and technology development and general
and administrative expenditures, provision for bad debt, depreciation and
goodwill amortization related to the acquisition of CarSmart.com.
Net cash used in operating activities for the nine months ended September
30, 1999 resulted primarily from the net loss for the year and increased
accounts receivable, partially offset by increased accounts payable and accrued
expenses related to Internet, print and television advertising, deferred
revenues and depreciation and amortization.
Net cash used in investing activities was $5.2 million and $0.6 million for
the nine months ended September 30, 2000 and 1999, respectively. Cash used for
investing activities in 2000 was primarily related to the acquisition of A.I.N.
Corporation, the owner of CarSmart.com, the purchase of property and equipment,
including computer
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hardware, telecommunications equipment and furniture, and investments in
international joint ventures. Cash used for investing activities in 1999 was
used for the purchase of property and equipment.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $32.3 million for the nine
months ended September 30, 2000 and $72.4 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 1999. Cash provided by financing activities in 2000 was primarily
due to funding received from strategic partners for investment in
Autobytel.Europe. In January 2000, we also invested $5 million in
Autobytel.Europe which has been eliminated in consolidation. Cash provided by
financing activities in 1999 was primarily due to the consummation of our
initial public offering in March 1999. We intend to continue to use the balance
of the net proceeds from our initial public offering for potential acquisitions,
investments in businesses and for general operating expenses.
As of October 31, 2000, we had approximately $92.6 million in cash and cash
equivalents, including approximately $34.2 million which is reserved for the
operations of Autobytel.Europe. We believe our current cash and cash equivalents
are sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for working capital and
capital expenditures for at least the next 12 months.
With respect to periods beyond September 30, 2001, we may be required to
raise additional capital to meet our long term operating requirements. Although
our revenues have grown consistently since inception, our expenses have
continued to exceed our revenues. We do not expect to be able to fund our
operations from internally generated funds until the second half of 2001, when
we expect our revenues to exceed our expenses. However, we can not assure that
our revenues will exceed our expenses during such period or thereafter.
Our cash requirements depend on several factors, including:
- the level of expenditures on marketing and advertising,
- the level of expenditures on product and technology development,
- the ability to increase the volume of purchase requests and
transactions related to our Web sites,
- the cost of contractual arrangements with Internet portals, online
information providers, and other referral sources,
- the level of investments in joint ventures and licensees, and
- the cash portion of acquisition transactions.
We cannot predict the timing and amount of our cash requirements. If capital
requirements vary materially from those currently planned, we may require
additional financing sooner than anticipated. We have no commitments for any
additional financing, and there can be no assurance that any such commitments
can be obtained on favorable terms, if at all.
Any additional equity financing may be dilutive to our stockholders, and
debt financing, if available, may involve restrictive covenants with respect to
dividends, raising capital and other financial and operational matters which
could restrict our operations or finances. If we are unable to obtain additional
financing as needed, we may be required to reduce the scope of our operations or
our anticipated expansion, which could have a material adverse effect on our
business, results of operations and financial condition.
YEAR 2000 ISSUE
As of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we are not aware of
any material problems resulting from Year 2000 issues, either with our Web
sites, the Dealer Real Time system or with our vendors, consumers or dealers. We
will continue to monitor our computer applications and those of our vendors,
consumers and dealers throughout the year 2000.
RISK FACTORS
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In addition to the factors discussed in the "Overview" and "Liquidity and
Capital Resources" sections of Item 2 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in this Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q, the following additional factors may affect our future results.
WE HAVE A HISTORY OF NET LOSSES AND CAN NOT ASSURE THAT WE WILL BE PROFITABLE.
IF WE CONTINUE TO LOSE MONEY, OUR OPERATIONS WILL NOT BE FINANCIALLY VIABLE.
We were formed in January 1995 as Auto-By-Tel LLC, and first received
revenues from operations in March 1995. We, therefore, have a limited operating
history upon which an investor may evaluate our operations and future prospects.
Because of the recent emergence of the Internet-based vehicle information and
purchasing industry, none of our senior executives has significant experience in
the industry. This limited operating history and management experience means it
is difficult for us to predict future operating results.
We have incurred losses every quarter since inception and expect to continue
to incur losses until the second half of 2001. However, we can not assure that
we will be profitable during such period or thereafter. Autobytel.com, including
CarSmart.com from the date of acquisition, had an accumulated deficit of $92.4
million and $66.6 million as of September 30, 2000 and December 31, 1999,
respectively. CarSmart.com had an accumulated deficit of $3.2 million as of
December 31, 1999.
Our potential for future profitability must be considered in light of the
risks, uncertainties, expenses and difficulties frequently encountered by
companies in the early stages of development, particularly companies in new and
rapidly evolving markets, such as the market for Internet commerce. To achieve
profitability, we must, among other things:
- generate increased vehicle buyer traffic to our Web sites,
- continue to send new and pre-owned vehicle purchase requests to dealers
that result in sufficient dealer transactions to justify our fees,
- continue to expand the number of dealers in our network and enhance the
quality of dealers,
- respond to competitive developments,
- maintain a high degree of customer satisfaction,
- provide secure and easy to use Web sites for customers,
- increase our brand name visibility,
- successfully introduce new products and services,
- continue to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel, and
- continue to upgrade and enhance our technologies to accommodate
expanded service offerings and increased consumer traffic.
We cannot be certain that we will be successful in achieving these goals.
IF OUR DEALER TURNOVER INCREASES, OUR DEALER NETWORKS AND REVENUES DERIVED FROM
THESE NETWORKS MAY DECREASE.
The majority of our revenues are derived from fees paid by our networks of
subscribing dealers. If dealer turnover increases and we are unable to add new
dealers to mitigate any turnover, our revenues will decrease as our networks of
dealers decreases. If the number of dealers in our networks declines our
revenues may decrease and our business, results of operations and financial
condition will be materially and adversely affected. A material factor affecting
dealer turnover is our ability to provide dealers with high quality purchase
requests. High quality purchase requests are those that result in high closing
ratios. Closing ratio is the ratio of the number of vehicles purchased at a
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dealer generated from purchase requests to the total number of purchase requests
sent to that dealer. All of our subscribing dealers have entered into written
marketing agreements with us having a stated term of one year, three years or
five years, but the Autobytel.com dealer agreements are cancelable by the dealer
upon 30 days notice. A significant number of the agreements are for a one year
term. We cannot assure that dealers will not terminate their agreements with us.
Subscribing dealers may terminate their relationship with Autobytel.com for any
reason, including an unwillingness to accept our subscription terms or as a
result of joining alternative marketing programs. Our business is dependent upon
our ability to attract and retain qualified new and pre-owned vehicle dealers.
In the third quarter of 2000, we added 580 subscribing dealers to our North
American dealer network and 501 subscribing dealers terminated their affiliation
with us or were terminated by us. In order for us to grow or maintain our dealer
networks, we need to reduce dealer turnover.
WE MAY LOSE SUBSCRIBING DEALERS IF WE RECONFIGURE DEALER TERRITORIES. IF WE LOSE
DEALERS, WE WILL LOSE THE REVENUES ASSOCIATED WITH THOSE DEALERS.
If the volume of purchase requests increases, we may reduce or reconfigure
the exclusive territories currently assigned to dealers in order to serve
consumers more effectively. If a dealer is unwilling to accept a reduction or
reconfiguration of its territory, it may terminate its relationship with us. The
loss of dealers will cause a subsequent reduction in revenues unless we are able
to mitigate this loss by adding new dealers or increasing the fees we receive
from other dealers. A dealer also could sue us to prevent such reduction or
reconfiguration, or collect damages from us. We have experienced one such
lawsuit. A material decrease in the number of dealers subscribing to our network
or litigation with dealers could have a material adverse effect on our business,
results of operations and financial condition.
WE RELY HEAVILY ON OUR PARTICIPATING DEALERS TO PROMOTE OUR BRAND VALUE BY
PROVIDING HIGH QUALITY SERVICES TO OUR CONSUMERS. IF DEALERS DO NOT PROVIDE OUR
CONSUMERS HIGH QUALITY SERVICES, OUR BRAND VALUE WILL DIMINISH AND THE NUMBER OF
CONSUMERS WHO USE OUR SERVICES MAY DECLINE CAUSING A DECREASE IN OUR REVENUES.
Promotion of our brand value depends on our ability to provide consumers a
high quality experience for purchasing vehicles throughout the purchasing
process. If our dealers do not provide consumers with high quality service, the
value of our brand could be damaged and the number of consumers using our
services may decrease. We devote significant efforts to train participating
dealers in practices that are intended to increase consumer satisfaction. Our
inability to train dealers effectively, or the failure by participating dealers
to adopt recommended practices, respond rapidly and professionally to vehicle
inquiries, or sell and lease vehicles in accordance with our marketing
strategies, could result in low consumer satisfaction, damage our brand name and
could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and
financial condition.
INTENSE COMPETITION COULD REDUCE OUR MARKET SHARE AND HARM OUR FINANCIAL
PERFORMANCE. OUR MARKET IS COMPETITIVE NOT ONLY BECAUSE THE INTERNET HAS MINIMAL
BARRIERS TO ENTRY, BUT ALSO BECAUSE WE COMPETE DIRECTLY WITH OTHER COMPANIES IN
THE OFFLINE ENVIRONMENT.
Our vehicle purchasing services compete against a variety of Internet and
traditional vehicle purchasing services, automotive brokers and classifieds.
Therefore, we are affected by the competitive factors faced by both Internet
commerce companies as well as traditional, offline companies within the
automotive and automotive-related industries. The market for Internet-based
commercial services is new, and competition among commercial Web sites is
expected to increase significantly in the future. With numerous recent entrants
into our market, our competition has substantially increased. Many of such
recent entrants are substantially better financed than we are. Our business is
characterized by minimal barriers to entry, and new competitors can launch a
competitive service at relatively low cost. To compete successfully as an
Internet-based commercial entity, we must significantly increase awareness of
our services and brand name. Failure to achieve these objectives will cause our
revenues to decline and would have a material adverse effect on our business,
results of operations and financial condition.
We compete with other entities which maintain similar commercial Web sites
including Autoweb.com, AutoVantage, Microsoft Corporation's Carpoint,
CarsDirect.com, Driveoff.com, Greenlight.com and AutoTrader.com. AutoNation, a
large consolidator of dealers, has a Web site for marketing vehicles. We also
compete indirectly against vehicle brokerage firms and affinity programs offered
by several companies, including Costco Wholesale Corporation and Wal-Mart
Stores, Inc. In addition, all major vehicle manufacturers have their own Web
sites and many have launched online buying services, such as General Motors
Corporation's BuyPower
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and Ford Motor Company's FordDirect.com. We also compete with vehicle insurers,
lenders and lessors as well as other dealers that are not part of our network.
Such companies may already maintain or may introduce Web sites which compete
with ours.
We believe that the principal competitive factors in the online market are:
- brand recognition,
- speed and quality of fulfillment,
- variety of related products and services,
- ease of use,
- customer satisfaction,
- quality of service, and
- technical expertise.
We cannot assure that we can compete successfully against current or future
competitors, many of which have substantially more capital, existing brand
recognition, resources and access to additional financing. In addition,
competitive pressures may result in increased marketing costs, decreased Web
site traffic or loss of market share or otherwise may materially and adversely
affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
OUR QUARTERLY FINANCIAL RESULTS ARE SUBJECT TO SIGNIFICANT FLUCTUATIONS WHICH
MAY MAKE IT DIFFICULT FOR INVESTORS TO PREDICT OUR FUTURE PERFORMANCE.
Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate due to many factors. Our
expense levels are based in part on our expectations of future revenues which
may vary significantly. We plan our business operations based on increased
revenues and if our revenues do not increase faster than our expenses, our
business, results of operations and financial condition will be materially and
adversely affected. Other factors that may adversely affect our quarterly
operating results include:
- our ability to retain existing dealers, attract new dealers and
maintain dealer and customer satisfaction,
- the announcement or introduction of new or enhanced sites, services and
products by us or our competitors,
- our ability to joint venture with business partners in the development
of Autobytel branded companies internationally,
- general economic conditions and economic conditions specific to the
Internet, online commerce or the automobile industry,
- a decline in the usage levels of online services and consumer
acceptance of the Internet and commercial online services for the
purchase of consumer products and services such as those offered by us,
- our ability to upgrade and develop our systems and infrastructure and
to attract new personnel in a timely and effective manner,
- the level of traffic on our Web sites and other sites that refer
traffic to our Web sites,
- technical difficulties, system downtime or Internet brownouts,
- the amount and timing of operating costs and capital expenditures
relating to expansion of our business, operations and infrastructure,
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- governmental regulation, and
- unforeseen events affecting the industry.
SEASONALITY IS LIKELY TO CAUSE FLUCTUATIONS IN OUR OPERATING RESULTS. INVESTORS
MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PREDICT OUR ANNUAL OPERATING RESULTS BASED ON A QUARTER TO
QUARTER COMPARISON OF OUR OPERATING RESULTS.
To date, our quarter to quarter growth in revenues have offset any effects
due to seasonality. However, we expect our business to experience seasonality as
it matures. If this occurs, investors may not be able to predict our annual
operating results based on a quarter to quarter comparison of our operating
results. Seasonality in the automotive industry, Internet and commercial online
service usage and advertising expenditures is likely to cause fluctuations in
our operating results and could have a material adverse effect on our business,
operating results and financial condition. We anticipate that purchase requests
will typically increase during the first and third quarters when new vehicle
models are introduced and will typically decline during the second and fourth
quarters. Internet and commercial online service usage and the growth rate of
such usage typically declines during the summer.
IF ANY OF OUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH INTERNET SEARCH ENGINES OR ONLINE AUTOMOTIVE
INFORMATION PROVIDERS TERMINATES, OUR PURCHASE REQUEST VOLUME COULD DECLINE. IF
OUR PURCHASE REQUEST VOLUME DECLINES, OUR PARTICIPATING DEALERS MAY NOT BE
SATISFIED WITH OUR SERVICES AND MAY TERMINATE THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH US OR
FORCE US TO DECREASE THE FEES WE CHARGE FOR OUR SERVICE. IF THIS OCCURS, OUR
REVENUES WOULD DECREASE.
We depend on a number of strategic relationships to direct a substantial
amount of purchase requests and traffic to our Web sites. The termination of any
of these relationships or any significant reduction in traffic to Web sites on
which our services are advertised or offered, or the failure to develop
additional referral sources, would cause our purchase request volume to decline.
Since our dealers would be receiving fewer purchase requests, they may no longer
be satisfied with our service and may terminate their relationships with us or
force us to decrease the fees we charge for our services. If our dealers
terminate their relationship with us or force us to decrease the fees we charge
for our services, our revenues will decline which will have a material adverse
effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. We
receive a significant number of purchase requests through a limited number of
Internet search engines, online automotive information providers, and other auto
related Internet sites. We periodically negotiate revisions to existing
agreements and these revisions could increase our costs in future periods.
During the three months ended September 30, 2000, approximately 27% of
Autobytel.com's purchase requests came through StoneAge.com. The agreement with
StoneAge Corporation expires on March 1, 2000 and unless terminated by either
party, automatically renews for a term of up to 14 months. We may not be able to
maintain our relationship with our online service providers or find alternative,
comparable marketing partners capable of originating significant numbers of
purchase requests on terms satisfactory to us. A number of our agreements with
online service providers may be terminated without cause.
IF WE CANNOT BUILD STRONG BRAND LOYALTY OUR BUSINESS MAY SUFFER.
We believe that the importance of brand recognition will increase as more
companies engage in commerce over the Internet. Development and awareness of the
Autobytel.com and CarSmart.com brands will depend largely on our ability to
obtain a leadership position in Internet commerce. If dealers do not perceive us
as an effective channel for increasing vehicle sales, or consumers do not
perceive us as offering reliable information concerning new and pre-owned
vehicles, as well as referrals to high quality dealers, in a user-friendly
manner that reduces the time spent for vehicle purchases, we will be
unsuccessful in promoting and maintaining our brands. Our brands may not be able
to gain widespread acceptance among consumers or dealers. Our failure to develop
our brands sufficiently would have a material adverse effect on our business,
results of operations and financial condition.
IF WE LOSE OUR KEY PERSONNEL OR ARE UNABLE TO ATTRACT, TRAIN AND RETAIN
ADDITIONAL HIGHLY QUALIFIED SALES, MARKETING, MANAGERIAL AND TECHNICAL
PERSONNEL, OUR BUSINESS MAY SUFFER.
Our future success depends on our ability to identify, hire, train and
retain highly qualified sales, marketing, managerial and technical personnel. In
addition, as we introduce new services we will need to hire a significant number
of personnel. Competition for such personnel is intense, and we may not be able
to attract, assimilate or retain such personnel in the future. The inability to
attract and retain the necessary managerial, technical, sales and
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marketing personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business,
results of operations and financial condition.
Our business and operations are substantially dependent on the performance
of our executive officers and key employees, some of whom are employed on an
at-will basis and all of whom have worked together for only a short period of
time. We maintain "key person" life insurance in the amount of $3.0 million on
the life of Mark W. Lorimer, our Chief Executive Officer and President. The loss
of the services of Mr. Lorimer or one or more of our other executive officers or
key employees could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of
operations and financial condition.
WE ARE A NEW BUSINESS IN A NEW INDUSTRY AND NEED TO MANAGE OUR GROWTH AND OUR
ENTRY INTO NEW BUSINESS AREAS IN ORDER TO AVOID INCREASED EXPENSES WITHOUT
CORRESPONDING REVENUES.
We are constantly expanding our operations and introducing new services to
consumers and dealers in order to establish ourselves as a leader in the
evolving market for Internet-based vehicle purchasing and related services. We
also intend to enter into new markets overseas. The growth of our operations
requires us to increase expenditures before we generate revenues. For example,
we need to hire personnel to oversee the introduction of new services before we
generate revenues from these services. Our inability to generate satisfactory
revenues from such expanded services to offset costs could have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
As of October 31, 2000, we had 291 employees.
We believe establishing industry leadership also requires us to:
- test, introduce and develop new services and products, including
enhancing our Web sites,
- expand the breadth of products and services offered,
- expand our market presence through relationships with third parties,
and
- acquire new or complementary businesses, products or technologies.
We cannot assure that we can successfully manage these tasks.
IF FEDERAL OR STATE FRANCHISE LAWS APPLY TO US WE MAY BE REQUIRED TO MODIFY OR
ELIMINATE OUR MARKETING PROGRAMS. IF WE ARE UNABLE TO MARKET OUR SERVICES IN THE
MANNER WE CURRENTLY DO, OUR REVENUES MAY DECREASE AND OUR BUSINESS MAY SUFFER.
We believe that neither our relationship with our dealers nor our dealer
subscription agreements constitute "franchises" under federal or state franchise
laws and that, other than our AutobytelDIRECT service, we are not subject to the
coverage of state and motor vehicle dealer licensing laws. Through a subsidiary,
we are licensed as a motor vehicle dealer and broker. However, if any state's
regulatory requirements relating to franchises or our method of business impose
additional requirements on us or include us within an industry-specific
regulatory scheme, we may be required to modify our marketing programs in such
states in a manner which undermines the program's attractiveness to consumers or
dealers. If we become subject to fines or other penalties or if we determine
that the licensing and related requirements are overly burdensome, we may elect
to terminate operations in such state. In each case, our revenues may decline
and our business, results of operations and financial condition could be
materially and adversely affected.
A Federal court of appeals in Michigan has ruled that our dealer
subscription agreement is not a "franchise" under Michigan law. However, if our
relationship or written agreement with our dealers were found to be a
"franchise" under federal or state franchise laws, then we could be subject to
other regulations, such as franchise disclosure and registration requirements
and limitations on our ability to effect changes in our relationships without
our dealers. We also believe that, other than our AutobytelDIRECT service, our
dealer marketing service does not qualify as an automobile brokerage activity
and, therefore, state broker licensing requirements do not apply to us. Through
a subsidiary, we are licensed as a motor vehicle dealer and broker. In response
to Texas Department of Transportation concerns, we modified our marketing
program in that state to include a pricing model under which
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all subscribing dealers in Texas are charged uniform fees based on the
population density of their particular geographic area and to make our program
open to all dealers who wish to apply.
IF FINANCIAL BROKER AND INSURANCE LICENSING REQUIREMENTS APPLY TO US IN STATES
WHERE WE ARE NOT CURRENTLY LICENSED, WE WILL BE REQUIRED TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL
LICENSES AND OUR BUSINESS MAY SUFFER.
If we are required to be licensed as a financial broker, it may result in an
expensive and time-consuming process that could divert the effort of management
away from day-to-day operations. In the event states require us to be licensed
and we are unable to do so, or are otherwise unable to comply with regulations
required by changes in current operations or the introduction of new services,
we could be subject to fines or other penalties, and our business, results of
operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.
We provide a link on the Autobytel.com Web site so consumers can receive
real time quotes for insurance coverage from Channelpoint Corporation and submit
quote applications online. Participants in the program include MetLife(R) Auto &
Home Insurance, The Hartford (Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.), The GE
Auto Insurance Program, eCoverage, Esurance, Ekemper, Electric Insurance,
Instant Auto Insurance, Tri-State Insurance, and Avonmark Insurance Company. We
receive fees from such participants in connection with this advertising
activity.
We do not believe that the above activities require us to be licensed under
state insurance laws. The use of the Internet in the marketing of insurance
products, however, is a relatively new practice. It is not clear whether or to
what extent state insurance licensing laws apply to activities similar to ours.
Given these uncertainties, we currently hold, through a wholly-owned subsidiary,
insurance agent licenses or are otherwise authorized to transact insurance in 47
states and the District of Columbia.
We have applied for insurance agent licenses in remaining states that issue
corporate licensing and are awaiting approval. In the event other states require
us to be licensed and we are unable to do so, or are otherwise unable to comply
with regulations required by changes in current operations or the introduction
of new services, we could be subject to fines or other penalties, and our
business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and
adversely affected.
THERE ARE MANY RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH CONSUMMATED AND POTENTIAL ACQUISITIONS.
We acquired A.I.N. Corporation in February 2000. Acquisitions involve
numerous risks. For example:
- It may be difficult to assimilate the operations and personnel of an
acquired business into our own business;
- Management information and accounting systems of an acquired business
must be integrated into our current systems;
- We may lose dealers participating in both our network as well as that
of the acquired business, if any;
- Our management must devote its attention to assimilating the acquired
business which diverts attention from other business concerns;
- We may enter markets in which we have limited prior experience; and
- We may lose key employees of an acquired business.
We intend to continue to evaluate potential acquisitions which we believe
will complement or enhance our existing business. If we acquire other companies
in the future, it may result in the issuance of equity securities that could
dilute existing stockholders' ownership. We may also incur debt and amortize
expenses related to goodwill and other intangible assets if we acquire another
company, and this could negatively impact our results of operations. We
currently do not have any agreements to acquire any company or business, and we
cannot guarantee that we will be able to identify or complete any acquisition in
the future.
INTERNET COMMERCE HAS YET TO ATTRACT SIGNIFICANT REGULATION. GOVERNMENT
REGULATIONS MAY RESULT IN ADMINISTRATIVE MONETARY FINES, PENALTIES OR TAXES THAT
MAY REDUCE OUR FUTURE EARNINGS.
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There are currently few laws or regulations that apply directly to the
Internet. Because our business is dependent on the Internet, the adoption of new
local, state, national or international laws or regulations may decrease the
growth of Internet usage or the acceptance of Internet commerce which could, in
turn, decrease the demand for our services and increase our costs or otherwise
have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and
financial condition.
Tax authorities in a number of states are currently reviewing the
appropriate tax treatment of companies engaged in Internet commerce. New state
tax regulations may subject us to additional state sales, use and income taxes.
EVOLVING GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS MAY REQUIRE FUTURE LICENSING WHICH COULD
INCREASE ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS OR ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR REVENUES.
In a regulatory climate that is uncertain, our operations may be subject to
direct and indirect adoption, expansion or reinterpretation of various domestic
and foreign laws and regulations. Compliance with these future laws and
regulations may require us to obtain appropriate licenses at an undeterminable
and possibly significant initial monetary and annual expense. These additional
monetary expenditures may increase future overhead, thereby potentially reducing
our future results of operations.
We have identified what we believe are the areas of domestic government
regulation, which if changed, would be costly to us. These laws and regulations
include franchise laws, motor vehicle brokerage licensing laws, insurance
licensing laws, and motor vehicle dealership licensing laws, which are or may be
applicable to aspects of our business as applicable. There could be laws and
regulations applicable to our business which we have not identified or which, if
changed, may be costly to us.
The introduction of new services and expansion of our operations to foreign
countries may require us to comply with additional, yet undetermined, laws and
regulations. Compliance may require obtaining appropriate business licenses,
filing of bonds, appointment of foreign agents and periodic business reporting
activity. The failure to adequately comply with these future laws and
regulations may delay or possibly prevent some of our products or services from
being offered in a particular foreign country, thereby having an adverse affect
on our results of operations.
OUR SUCCESS IS DEPENDENT ON KEEPING PACE WITH ADVANCES IN TECHNOLOGY. IF WE ARE
UNABLE TO KEEP PACE WITH ADVANCES IN TECHNOLOGY, CONSUMERS MAY STOP USING OUR
SERVICES AND OUR REVENUES WILL DECREASE.
The Internet and electronic commerce markets are characterized by rapid
technological change, changes in user and customer requirements, frequent new
service and product introductions embodying new technologies and the emergence
of new industry standards and practices that could render our existing Web sites
and technology obsolete. If we are unable to adapt to changing technologies, our
business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and
adversely affected. Our performance will depend, in part, on our ability to
continue to enhance our existing services, develop new technology that addresses
the increasingly sophisticated and varied needs of our prospective customers,
license leading technologies and respond to technological advances and emerging
industry standards and practices on a timely and cost-effective basis. The
development of our Web sites, Dealer Real Time system and other proprietary
technology entails significant technical and business risks. We may not be
successful in using new technologies effectively or adapting our Web sites,
Dealer Real Time system, or other proprietary technology to customer
requirements or to emerging industry standards.
WE ARE VULNERABLE TO COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM INTERRUPTIONS BECAUSE THE MAJORITY OF
OUR PRIMARY SERVERS ARE LOCATED IN A SINGLE LOCATION. IF COMMUNICATIONS TO THAT
LOCATION WERE INTERRUPTED, OUR OPERATIONS COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED.
We host all of Autobytel.com production Web sites including Autobytel.com
and Dealer Real Time systems at our corporate headquarters in Irvine,
California. Although offsite backup servers are available from outside sources,
all of Autobytel.com's primary servers are located at our corporate headquarters
and are vulnerable to interruption by damage from fire, earthquake, flood, power
loss, telecommunications failure, break-ins and other events beyond our control.
In the event that we experience significant system disruptions, our business,
results of operations and financial condition would be materially and adversely
affected. We have, from time to time, experienced periodic
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systems interruptions and anticipate that such interruptions will occur in the
future. We maintain business interruption insurance which pays up to $6 million
for the actual loss of business income sustained due to the suspension of
operations as a result of direct physical loss of or damage to property at our
offices. However, in the event of a prolonged interruption, this business
interruption insurance may not be sufficient to fully compensate us for the
resulting losses. The CarSmart.com Web site is hosted by a third party service
provider.
INTERNET COMMERCE IS NEW AND EVOLVING WITH FEW PROFITABLE BUSINESS MODELS. WE
CANNOT ASSURE THAT OUR BUSINESS MODEL WILL BE PROFITABLE.
The market for Internet-based purchasing services has only recently begun to
develop and is rapidly evolving. While many Internet commerce companies have
grown in terms of revenues, few are profitable. We can not assure that we will
be profitable. As is typical for a new and rapidly evolving industry, demand and
market acceptance for recently introduced services and products over the
Internet are subject to a high level of uncertainty and there are few proven
services and products. Moreover, since the market for our services is new and
evolving, it is difficult to predict the future growth rate, if any, and size of
this market.
IF CONSUMERS DO NOT ADOPT INTERNET COMMERCE AS A MAINSTREAM MEDIUM OF COMMERCE,
OUR REVENUES MAY NOT GROW AND OUR EARNINGS MAY SUFFER.
The success of our services will depend upon the adoption of the Internet by
consumers and dealers as a mainstream medium for commerce. While we believe that
our services offer significant advantages to consumers and dealers, there can be
no assurance that widespread acceptance of Internet commerce in general, or of
our services in particular, will occur. Our success assumes that consumers and
dealers who have historically relied upon traditional means of commerce to
purchase or lease vehicles, and to procure vehicle financing and insurance, will
accept new methods of conducting business and exchanging information. In
addition, dealers must be persuaded to adopt new selling models and be trained
to use and invest in developing technologies. Moreover, critical issues
concerning the commercial use of the Internet, such as, ease of access,
security, reliability, cost, and quality of service, remain unresolved and may
impact the growth of Internet use. If the market for Internet-based vehicle
marketing services fails to develop, develops slower than expected or becomes
saturated with competitors, or if our services do not achieve market acceptance,
our business, results of operations and financial condition will be materially
and adversely affected.
THE PUBLIC MARKET FOR OUR COMMON STOCK MAY CONTINUE TO BE VOLATILE, ESPECIALLY
SINCE MARKET PRICES FOR INTERNET-RELATED AND TECHNOLOGY STOCKS HAVE OFTEN BEEN
UNRELATED TO OPERATING PERFORMANCE.
Prior to the initial public offering of our common stock in March 1999,
there was no public market for our common stock. We cannot assure that an active
trading market will be sustained or that the market price of the common stock
will not decline. Even if an active trading market does develop, the market
price of the common stock is likely to continue to be highly volatile and could
be subject to wide fluctuations in response to factors such as:
- actual or anticipated variations in our quarterly operating results,
- announcements of new product or service offerings,
- technological innovations,
- competitive developments, including actions by automotive
manufacturers,
- changes in financial estimates by securities analysts,
- conditions and trends in the Internet and electronic commerce
industries,
- adoption of new accounting standards affecting the technology or
automotive industry, and
- general market conditions and other factors.
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Further, the stock markets, and in particular the NASDAQ National Market,
have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have particularly
affected the market prices of equity securities of many technology companies and
have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of
such companies. These broad market factors have and may continue to adversely
affect the market price of our common stock. In addition, general economic,
political and market conditions such as recessions, interest rates or
international currency fluctuations, may adversely affect the market price of
the common stock. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market
price of a company's securities, securities class action litigation has often
been instituted against companies with publicly traded securities. Such
litigation, if instituted, could result in substantial costs and a diversion of
management's attention and resources, which would have a material adverse effect
on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
WE FACE UNCERTAINTIES WITH CHANGING LEGISLATION IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY WHICH
COULD REQUIRE INCREASED REGULATORY AND LOBBYING COSTS AND MAY HARM OUR BUSINESS.
Our purchasing services may result in changing the way vehicles are sold
which may be viewed as threatening by new and used vehicle dealers who do not
subscribe to our programs. Such businesses are often represented by influential
lobbying organizations, and such organizations or other persons may propose
legislation which could impact the evolving marketing and distribution model
which our services promote. Should current laws be changed or new laws passed,
our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially
and adversely affected. As we introduce new services, we may need to comply with
additional licensing regulations and regulatory requirements.
To date, we have not spent significant resources on lobbying or related
government affairs issues but we may need to do so in the future. A significant
increase in the amount we spend on lobbying or related activities would have a
material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
OUR INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION MAY REQUIRE US TO COMPLY WITH BURDENSOME REGULATORY,
TARIFF AND LICENSING REQUIREMENTS. OUR NEED TO COMPLY WITH BURDENSOME
GOVERNMENTAL REQUIREMENTS MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR ABILITY TO GROW OUR BUSINESS.
Our licensees have launched Web sites in the United Kingdom, Sweden,
Australia and Japan. We intend to expand our brand into other foreign markets
through licensing our technology, business processes and trade names and by
establishing relationships with vehicle dealers and strategic partners located
in foreign markets.
By expanding our operations to various other countries, we may become
subject to laws or treaties that regulate the marketing, distribution and sale
of motor vehicles. We will need to spend our resources to determine whether the
laws of the countries in which we seek to operate require us to modify, or
prohibit the use of, our Autobytel.com system. In addition, the laws of other
countries may impose licensing, bonding or similar requirements on us as a
condition to doing business in these countries.
WE MAY NOT BE SUCCESSFUL IN EXPANDING OUR BUSINESS ABROAD WHICH MAY LIMIT OUR
FUTURE GROWTH.
We have had limited experience in providing our service abroad and we cannot
be certain that we will be successful in introducing or marketing our services
abroad. In addition, there are risks inherent in conducting business in
international markets, such as:
- changes in political conditions,
- regulatory requirements,
- potentially weaker intellectual property protections,
- tariffs and other trade barriers, fluctuations in currency exchange
rates, or potentially adverse tax consequences,
- difficulties in managing or overseeing foreign operations, and
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- educating consumers and dealers who may be unfamiliar with the benefits
of online marketing and commerce.
One or more of such factors may have a material adverse effect on our
current or future international operations and, consequently, on our business,
results of operations and financial condition.
OUR COMPUTER INFRASTRUCTURE MAY BE VULNERABLE TO SECURITY BREACHES. ANY SUCH
PROBLEMS COULD JEOPARDIZE CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION TRANSMITTED OVER THE
INTERNET, CAUSE INTERRUPTIONS IN OUR OPERATIONS OR CAUSE US TO HAVE LIABILITY TO
THIRD PERSONS.
Our computer infrastructure is potentially vulnerable to physical or
electronic computer break-ins, viruses and similar disruptive problems and
security breaches. Any such problems or security breach could cause us to have
liability to one or more third parties and disrupt all or part of our
operations. Any of these events would have a material adverse effect on our
business, results of operations and financial condition. A party who is able to
circumvent our security measures could misappropriate proprietary information,
jeopardize the confidential nature of information transmitted over the Internet
or cause interruptions in our operations. Concerns over the security of Internet
transactions and the privacy of users could also inhibit the growth of the
Internet in general, particularly as a means of conducting commercial
transactions. To the extent that our activities or those of third party
contractors involve the storage and transmission of proprietary information such
as personal financial information, security breaches could expose us to a risk
of financial loss, litigation and other liabilities. Our insurance does not
currently protect against such losses.
WE DEPEND ON CONTINUED TECHNOLOGICAL IMPROVEMENTS IN OUR SYSTEMS AND IN THE
INTERNET OVERALL. IF WE ARE UNABLE TO HANDLE AN UNEXPECTEDLY LARGE INCREASE IN
VOLUME OF CONSUMERS USING OUR WEB SITES, WE CANNOT ASSURE OUR CONSUMERS OR
DEALERS THAT PURCHASE REQUESTS WILL BE EFFICIENTLY PROCESSED AND OUR BUSINESS
MAY SUFFER.
If the Internet continues to experience significant growth in the number of
users and the level of use, then the Internet infrastructure may not be able to
continue to support the demands placed on it by such potential growth. The
Internet may not prove to be a viable commercial medium because of inadequate
development of the necessary infrastructure, timely development of complementary
products such as high speed modems, delays in the development or adoption of new
standards and protocols required to handle increased levels of Internet activity
or increased government regulation.
An unexpectedly large increase in the volume or pace of traffic on our Web
sites or the number of orders placed by customers may require us to expand and
further upgrade our technology, transaction-processing systems and network
infrastructure. We may not be able to accurately project the rate or timing of
increases, if any, in the use of our Web sites or expand and upgrade our systems
and infrastructure to accommodate such increases. In addition, we cannot assure
that our dealers will efficiently process purchase requests.
MISAPPROPRIATION OF OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND PROPRIETARY RIGHTS COULD
IMPAIR OUR COMPETITIVE POSITION.
Our ability to compete depends upon our proprietary systems and technology.
While we rely on trademark, trade secret and copyright law, confidentiality
agreements and technical measures to protect our proprietary rights, we believe
that the technical and creative skills of our personnel, continued development
of our proprietary systems and technology, brand name recognition and reliable
Web site maintenance are more essential in establishing and maintaining a
leadership position and strengthening our brand. Despite our efforts to protect
our proprietary rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to copy aspects of our
services or to obtain and use information that we regard as proprietary.
Policing unauthorized use of our proprietary rights is difficult. We cannot
assure that the steps taken by us will prevent misappropriation of technology or
that the agreements entered into for that purpose will be enforceable.
Misappropriation of our intellectual property or potential litigation would have
a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial
condition. Effective trademark, service mark, copyright and trade secret
protection may not be available in every country in which our products and
services are made available online. In addition, litigation may be necessary in
the future to enforce or protect our intellectual property rights or to defend
against claims or infringement or invalidity. As part of our confidentiality
procedures, we generally enter into agreements with our employees and
consultants and limit access to our trade secrets and technology.
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OUR FOUNDERS, OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS AND THEIR AFFILIATES HAVE SUBSTANTIAL
CONTROL OF OUR VOTING STOCK AND HAVE THE ABILITY TO SIGNIFICANTLY INFLUENCE AND
IN ALL LIKELIHOOD MAKE DECISIONS THAT COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT STOCKHOLDERS. SUCH
DECISIONS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR STOCK PRICE.
The control of a large amount of our stock by insiders could have an adverse
effect on the market price of our common stock. As of October 31, 2000, our
executive officers and directors beneficially own or control approximately 5.2
million shares or 23% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. In
addition, as of such date, based on information available to us, our founders,
Peter Ellis and John Bedrosian beneficially own or control approximately 8.2%
and 12.3%, respectively, of the outstanding shares of our common stock. Our
officers, directors, founders and their affiliates, assuming they vote together,
have the ability to significantly influence and substantially control the
election of our board of directors and the outcome of corporate actions
requiring stockholder approval, including mergers and other changes of corporate
control, going private transactions and other extraordinary transactions.
SALES OR THE PERCEPTION OF FUTURE SALES OF OUR COMMON STOCK MAY DEPRESS OUR
STOCK PRICE. SINCE THE MARKET PRICES FOR INTERNET-RELATED STOCKS ARE LIKELY TO
REMAIN VOLATILE, OUR STOCK PRICE MAY BE MORE ADVERSELY AFFECTED THAN OTHER
COMPANIES BY SUCH FUTURE SALES.
Sale of substantial numbers of shares of common stock in the public market
could adversely affect the market price of our common stock and make it more
difficult for us to raise funds through equity offerings in the future. A
substantial number of outstanding shares of common stock and shares of common
stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options will become available
for resale in the public market at prescribed times. Of the 20,336,083 shares
that were outstanding as of October 31, 2000, approximately 15.0 million shares
are eligible for sale in the public market without restriction and approximately
5.3 million shares are subject to restrictions on sale in the public market in
accordance with the provisions of Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, of
which approximately 1.4 million shares are subject to the volume limitations of
Rule 144 by virtue of Rule 145. In addition, holders of approximately 8.6
million shares of common stock are entitled to certain registration rights with
respect to such shares until such time as the holders of such common stock may
sell such shares under Rule 144 of the Securities Act.
WE ARE UNCERTAIN OF OUR ABILITY TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL FINANCING FOR OUR FUTURE
CAPITAL NEEDS. IF WE ARE UNABLE TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL FINANCING WE MAY NOT BE
ABLE TO CONTINUE TO OPERATE OUR BUSINESS.
We currently anticipate that our cash, cash equivalents and short-term
investments will be sufficient to meet our anticipated needs for working capital
and other cash requirements at least for the next 12 months. We may need to
raise additional funds sooner, however, in order to fund more rapid expansion,
to develop new or enhance existing services or products, to respond to
competitive pressures or to acquire complementary products, businesses or
technologies. There can be no assurance that additional financing will be
available on terms favorable to us, or at all. If adequate funds are not
available or are not available on acceptable terms, our ability to fund our
expansion, take advantage of potential acquisition opportunities, develop or
enhance services or products or respond to competitive pressures would be
significantly limited. Such limitation could have a material adverse effect on
our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.
OUR CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS AND DELAWARE LAW CONTAIN PROVISIONS
THAT COULD DISCOURAGE A THIRD PARTY FROM ACQUIRING US OR LIMIT THE PRICE THIRD
PARTIES ARE WILLING TO PAY FOR OUR STOCK.
Provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and
bylaws relating to our corporate governance could make it difficult for a third
party to acquire us, and could discourage a third party from attempting to
acquire control of us. These provisions allow us to issue preferred stock with
rights senior to those of the common stock without any further vote or action by
the stockholders. These provisions provide that the board of directors is
divided into three classes, which may have the effect of delaying or preventing
changes in control or change in our management because less than a majority of
the board of directors are up for election at each annual meeting. In addition,
these provisions impose various procedural and other requirements which could
make it more difficult for stockholders to effect corporate actions such as a
merger, asset sale or other change of control of us. Such charter provisions
could limit the price that certain investors might be willing to pay in the
future for shares of our common stock and may have the effect of delaying or
preventing a change in control. The issuance of preferred stock also
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could decrease the amount of earnings and assets available for distribution to
the holders of common stock or could adversely affect the rights and powers,
including voting rights, of the holders of the common stock.
We are also subject to the anti-takeover provisions of Section 203 of the
Delaware General Corporation Law. In general, the statute prohibits a publicly
held Delaware corporation from engaging in a "business combination" with an
"interested stockholder" for a period of three years after the date of the
transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder, unless the
business combination is approved in a prescribed manner. For purposes of Section
203, a "business combination" includes a merger, asset sale or other transaction
resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder, and an
"interested stockholder" is a person who, together with affiliates and
associates, owns or did own 15% or more of the corporation's voting stock.
OUR ACTUAL RESULTS COULD DIFFER FROM FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS IN THIS REPORT.
This report contains forward-looking statements based on current
expectations which involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could
differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as
a result of many factors, including the risk factors set forth above and
elsewhere in this report. The cautionary statements made in this report should
be read as being applicable to all forward-looking statements wherever they
appear in this report.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Autobytel.Europe, which operates in Europe, is a majority-owned subsidiary
of Autobytel.com. Autobytel.Europe incurs general operating expenses and enters
into transactions, including investments in joint ventures and licensees, which
require the use of local foreign currencies. As a result of these transactions,
Autobytel.com is exposed to gains and losses resulting from changes in foreign
currency exchange rates. These fluctuations may adversely affect Autobytel.com's
consolidated results of operations and financial position. In certain
circumstances, Autobytel.Europe enters into foreign currency forward contracts
in an effort to minimize the risks and costs associated with these fluctuations.
Neither Autobytel.com nor Autobytel.Europe enters into foreign currency forward
contracts or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
In July 2000, Autobytel.Europe entered into foreign currency forward
exchange contracts with maturity dates of September 26, 2000 and June 26, 2001.
These contracts obligate Autobytel.Europe to exchange U. S. dollars for
predetermined amounts of Netherlands guilders at specified exchange rates on
specified dates. Included in Autobytel.com's consolidated statements of
operations are realized and unrealized losses of $0.7 million and $1.1 million,
respectively, resulting from changes in the spot exchange rate, including those
from open matured and terminated contracts.
A sensitivity analysis indicates that for each 5% increase in exchange rates
on foreign currencies utilized by Autobytel.Europe, Autobytel.com would incur
additional losses of $0.7 million on foreign currency forward contracts
outstanding and $0.6 million on foreign currency cash balances at September 30,
2000.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We may become subject to legal proceedings from time to time in the normal
course of business. We are not currently involved in any litigation that
management believes will have a material adverse effect on our financial
position or results of operations.
A.I.N. Corporation was sued on September 1, 1999 in a lawsuit entitled
Robert Martins v. Michael J. Gorun, A.I.N., Inc., et al., in Los Angeles
Superior Court. The complaint contains causes of action for breach of written
and oral contracts, promissory estoppel, breach of fiduciary duty and fraud, and
seeks damages and equitable relief. The plaintiff contends he is entitled to a
49.9% ownership interest in A.I.N. Corporation's CarSmart online business based
on a purported agreement for the formation of a company called CarSmart On-Line
Services. On December 14, 1999, A.I.N. Corporation filed a complaint for
declaratory relief on the subject of Mr. Martins' lawsuit in Contra Costa County
Superior Court. The Los Angeles action has been transferred to Contra Costa
County and the two cases will be consolidated. Autobytel.com was added as a
cross defendant in such action. The lawsuit is and will be
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vigorously contested on behalf of Autobytel.com, A.I.N. Corporation and
individual co-defendant Michael Gorun, President of A.I.N. Corporation.
The selling shareholders of A.I.N. Corporation are obligated to fully
indemnify Autobytel.com for all losses, including attorney's fees, expenses,
settlements and judgements, arising out of the lawsuit. The indemnification
obligation was initially secured by 450,000 shares of Autobytel.com common stock
transferred to the selling shareholders as part of the acquisition of A.I.N.
Corporation, as well as $250,000 in cash. As of September 30, 2000, the
obligation was secured by the 450,000 shares of common stock and $122,000 in
cash after expenses.
ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
We have no specific plans at this time for the use of the balance of the
proceeds received from the initial public offering and expect to use such
proceeds for working capital and general corporate purposes.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) EXHIBITS
3.1 Amended and Restated Bylaws of autobytel.com inc.
10.1 Letter agreement, dated July 14, 2000, between ABN AMRO Bank N.V.
and Autobytel.Europe Holdings B.V. regarding foreign currency
forward transaction.
10.2 Letter agreement, dated July 19, 2000, between ABN AMRO Bank N.V.
and Autobytel.Europe Holdings B.V. regarding foreign currency
forward transaction.
10.3 Letter agreement, dated July 24, 2000, between ABN AMRO Bank N.V.
and Autobytel.Europe Holdings B.V. regarding foreign currency
forward transaction.
10.4 Contract of Employment, dated September 1, 2000, between Max Rens
and Autobytel.Europe Holdings B.V. and addendum thereto.
10.5 Employment Agreement, dated as of May 3, 2000, between Dennis Benner
and autobytel.com inc.
27.1 Financial Data Schedule
(b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
1. On July 28, 2000, we filed a Report on Form 8-K, dated July 27, 2000,
announcing our financial results for the second quarter of 2000.
2. On September 18, 2000, we filed a Report on Form 8-K, dated September
15, 2000, announcing our expectations regarding year over year revenue
growth for the third quarter 2000 and fiscal year 2000 and earnings
per share for such periods.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
autobytel.com inc.
Date: November 13, 2000 By: /s/ AMIT KOTHARI
----------------------------------------------------
Amit Kothari
Vice President, Controller and
Interim Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer and
Duly Authorized Officer)
</TABLE>
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EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEQUENTIALLY
NUMBERED
NUMBER DESCRIPTION PAGE
------ ----------- ----
<S> <C> <C>
3.1 Amended and Restated Bylaws of autobytel.com inc.
10.1 Letter agreement, dated July 14, 2000, between ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and
Autobytel.Europe Holdings B.V. regarding foreign currency forward transaction.
10.2 Letter agreement, dated July 19, 2000, between ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and
Autobytel.Europe Holdings B.V. regarding foreign currency forward transaction.
10.3 Letter agreement, dated July 24, 2000, between ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and
Autobytel.Europe Holdings B.V. regarding foreign currency forward transaction.
10.4 Contract of Employment, dated September 1, 2000, between Max Rens and
Autobytel.Europe Holdings B.V. and addendum thereto.
10.5 Employment Agreement, dated as of May 3, 2000, between Dennis Benner and
autobytel.com inc.
27.1 Financial Data Schedule (EDGAR version only)
</TABLE>
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