UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
x | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended July 4, 2009
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: 001-33264
U.S. AUTO PARTS NETWORK, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 68-0623433 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
17150 South Margay Avenue
Carson, CA 90746
(Address of Principal Executive Office) (Zip Code)
(310) 735-0085
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 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 ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ¨ No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large Accelerated Filer | ¨ | Accelerated Filer | ¨ | |||
Non-Accelerated Filer | ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | Smaller reporting company | x |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x
As of August 5, 2009, the registrant had 29,846,757 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value, outstanding.
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
FOR THE THIRTEEN AND TWENTY-SIX WEEK PERIOD ENDED JULY 4, 2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||||
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION | ||||
ITEM 1. |
||||
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at July 4, 2009 (unaudited) and December 31, 2008 |
4 | |||
5 | ||||
6 | ||||
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements |
7 | |||
ITEM 2. |
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
15 | ||
ITEM 3. |
21 | |||
ITEM 3T. |
23 | |||
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION | ||||
ITEM 1. |
24 | |||
ITEM 1A. |
24 | |||
ITEM 2. |
36 | |||
ITEM 3. |
36 | |||
ITEM 4. |
36 | |||
ITEM 5. |
37 | |||
ITEM 6. |
37 |
Unless the context requires otherwise, as used in this report, the terms U.S. Auto Parts, the Company, we, us and our refer to U.S. Auto Parts Network, Inc. and its subsidiaries, and the term Partsbin refers to All OEM Parts, Inc., ThePartsBin.com, Inc. and their affiliated companies, which we acquired in May 2006.
U.S. Auto Parts®, and PartsTrain® are our United States registered marks. U.S. Auto Parts Network, Partsbin, Kool-Vue and Auto-Vend are our United States common law trademarks. All other trademarks and trade names appearing in this report are the property of their respective owners.
2
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This report contains statements that do not relate strictly to historical or current facts, and anticipate results based on managements beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to management. These statements are forward looking statements for the purposes of the safe harbor provided by Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 (the Securities Act). In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as anticipates, believes, could, estimates, expects, intends, may, plans, potential, predicts, projects, should, will, would, will likely continue, will likely result and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include but are not limited to statements regarding our anticipated sales, revenue, expenses, profits and losses, capital needs, capital deployment, liquidity, contracts, litigation, product offerings, customers, acquisitions, competition and the status of our facilities. Forward-looking statements, no matter where they occur in this document or in other statements attributable to the Company involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. We discuss many of these risks in greater detail under the heading Risk Factors in Part II, Item 1A of this report. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. You should read this report and the documents that we reference in this report and have filed as exhibits to the report completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. Also, forward-looking statements represent our managements beliefs and assumptions only as of the date of this report. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements publicly, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.
3
ITEM 1. | Financial Statements |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share amounts and par value)
July 4, 2009 |
December 31, 2008 |
|||||||
(unaudited) | ||||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||
Current assets: |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 32,597 | $ | 32,473 | ||||
Short-term investments |
4,096 | | ||||||
Accounts receivable, net |
1,864 | 1,353 | ||||||
Inventory, net |
12,185 | 10,910 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes |
2,095 | 2,095 | ||||||
Other current assets |
3,133 | 2,090 | ||||||
Total current assets |
55,970 | 48,921 | ||||||
Property and equipment, net |
9,927 | 8,203 | ||||||
Intangible assets, net |
2,508 | 3,028 | ||||||
Goodwill |
9,772 | 9,772 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes |
12,329 | 14,061 | ||||||
Investments |
5,876 | 6,351 | ||||||
Other non-current assets |
93 | 94 | ||||||
Total assets |
$ | 96,475 | $ | 90,430 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
||||||||
Current liabilities: |
||||||||
Accounts payable |
$ | 6,090 | $ | 5,702 | ||||
Accrued expenses |
8,466 | 5,663 | ||||||
Capital leases payable, current portion |
8 | 47 | ||||||
Other current liabilities |
2,421 | 1,496 | ||||||
Total current liabilities |
16,985 | 12,908 | ||||||
Commitments and contingencies |
||||||||
Stockholders equity: |
||||||||
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized at July 4, 2009 and December 31, 2008; 29,846,757 shares issued and outstanding at July 4, 2009 and December 31, 2008 |
30 | 30 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
148,366 | 146,408 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
(28 | ) | (88 | ) | ||||
Accumulated deficit |
(68,878 | ) | (68,828 | ) | ||||
Total stockholders equity |
79,490 | 77,522 | ||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
$ | 96,475 | $ | 90,430 | ||||
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Thirteen Weeks Ended |
Three Months Ended |
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended |
Six Months Ended |
|||||||||||||
July 4, 2009 | June 30, 2008 | July 4, 2009 | June 30, 2008 | |||||||||||||
Net sales |
$ | 43,805 | $ | 43,105 | $ | 83,469 | $ | 83,114 | ||||||||
Cost of sales |
27,937 | 28,518 | 52,961 | 54,777 | ||||||||||||
Gross profit |
15,868 | 14,587 | 30,508 | 28,337 | ||||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||||||||||
Marketing (1) |
5,680 | 6,635 | 11,015 | 12,602 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative (1) |
4,811 | 4,588 | 9,576 | 9,211 | ||||||||||||
Fulfillment (1) |
2,809 | 2,377 | 5,461 | 4,465 | ||||||||||||
Technology (1) |
1,343 | 787 | 2,271 | 1,471 | ||||||||||||
Amortization of intangibles and impairment loss |
153 | 20,541 | 520 | 22,640 | ||||||||||||
Total operating expenses |
14,796 | 34,928 | 28,843 | 50,389 | ||||||||||||
Income (loss) from operations |
1,072 | (20,341 | ) | 1,665 | (22,052 | ) | ||||||||||
Other income (expense): |
||||||||||||||||
Other income (expense) |
(23 | ) | 2 | (23 | ) | 6 | ||||||||||
Interest income, net |
49 | 234 | 140 | 502 | ||||||||||||
Total other income (expense), net |
26 | 236 | 117 | 508 | ||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes |
1,098 | (20,105 | ) | 1,782 | (21,544 | ) | ||||||||||
Income tax provision (benefit) |
469 | (8,042 | ) | 1,832 | (8,606 | ) | ||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | 629 | $ | (12,063 | ) | $ | (50 | ) | $ | (12,938 | ) | |||||
Basic net income (loss) per share |
$ | 0.02 | $ | (0.40 | ) | $ | (0.00 | ) | $ | (0.43 | ) | |||||
Diluted net income (loss) per share |
$ | 0.02 | $ | (0.40 | ) | $ | (0.00 | ) | $ | (0.43 | ) | |||||
Shares used in computation of basic net income (loss) per share |
29,846,757 | 29,846,757 | 29,846,757 | 29,846,757 | ||||||||||||
Shares used in computation of diluted net income (loss) per share |
30,395,189 | 29,846,757 | 29,846,757 | 29,846,757 |
(1) | Includes share-based compensation expense as follows: |
Thirteen Weeks Ended |
Three Months Ended |
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended |
Six Months Ended | |||||||||
July 4, 2009 | June 30, 2008 | July 4, 2009 | June 30, 2008 | |||||||||
Marketing |
$ | 110 | $ | 112 | $ | 216 | $ | 196 | ||||
General and administrative |
495 | 500 | 1,317 | 1,003 | ||||||||
Fulfillment |
57 | 30 | 104 | 63 | ||||||||
Technology |
158 | 44 | 210 | 56 | ||||||||
Total share-based compensation expense |
$ | 820 | $ | 686 | $ | 1,847 | $ | 1,318 | ||||
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended |
Six Months Ended |
|||||||
July 4, 2009 | June 30, 2008 | |||||||
Operating activities |
||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (50 | ) | $ | (12,938 | ) | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: |
||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
2,153 | 1,758 | ||||||
Amortization of intangibles |
520 | 4,195 | ||||||
Impairment loss on intangibles |
| 18,445 | ||||||
Share-based compensation expense |
1,847 | 1,318 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes |
1,731 | (8,452 | ) | |||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
||||||||
Accounts receivable, net |
(511 | ) | 472 | |||||
Inventory, net |
(1,274 | ) | (2,651 | ) | ||||
Prepaid expense and other current assets |
(1,044 | ) | (1,532 | ) | ||||
Other non-current assets |
| (8 | ) | |||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses |
3,267 | 1,321 | ||||||
Other current liabilities |
925 | 19 | ||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
7,564 | 1,947 | ||||||
Investing activities |
||||||||
Additions to property and equipment |
(3,862 | ) | (1,975 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities |
475 | 21,275 | ||||||
Purchases of marketable securities |
(4,096 | ) | (5,500 | ) | ||||
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities |
(7,483 | ) | 13,800 | |||||
Financing activities |
||||||||
Payments on notes payable |
| (1,000 | ) | |||||
Payments of short-term financing |
(39 | ) | (31 | ) | ||||
Net cash used in financing activities |
(39 | ) | (1,031 | ) | ||||
Effect cash of changes in foreign currencies |
82 | 5 | ||||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents |
124 | 14,721 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
32,473 | 19,399 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
$ | 32,597 | $ | 34,120 | ||||
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing activities: |
||||||||
Accrued asset purchases |
$ | 75 | |
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
6
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The condensed consolidated financial statements of U.S. Auto Parts Network, Inc. (collectively with its subsidiaries, the Company) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Form 10-Q and Article 10 of SEC Regulation S-X. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position of the Company as of July 4, 2009 and December 31, 2008, and the consolidated results of operations for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 4, 2009 and three and six months ended June 30, 2008, and cash flows for the twenty-six weeks and six months ended July 4, 2009 and June 30, 2008. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. The Companys results of operations for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 4, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of those to be expected for the entire year. The accompanying consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, which was filed with the SEC on March 26, 2009.
Change in Fiscal Year
The Company changed its fiscal year from a calendar year ending on December 31 to a 52/53 week fiscal year ending on the first Saturday following December 31. The change in the Companys fiscal year took effect on January 1, 2009; therefore, there was no transition period in connection with this change in the Companys fiscal year end. As a result, the first and second quarters of 2009 consisted of the thirteen weeks ended April 4, 2009 and July 4, 2009, respectively. The first and second quarters of 2008 consisted of the three months ended March 31, 2008 and June 30, 2008.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP 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. Significant estimates made by management include, but are not limited to, the valuation of investments, the valuation of inventory, valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, estimated useful lives of property, equipment and software, valuation of intangible assets, including goodwill, recoverability of software development costs, estimation of sales returns and allowances, and the provision for doubtful accounts. These estimates are based on current facts, historical experience and various other factors that the Company believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations (SFAS 141R), which replaces SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations and establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer of a business recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree. SFAS 141R also provides guidance for recognizing and measuring the goodwill acquired in the business combination and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS 141R applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The Company adopted SFAS 141R as of January 1, 2009. The adoption of SFAS 141R did not have a material impact on its financial position and results of operation.
In April 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) No. 142-3, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets (FSP 142-3). FSP 142-3 amends the factors an entity should consider in developing renewal or extension assumptions used in determining the useful life of recognized intangible assets under SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Asset (SFAS 142). This new guidance applies prospectively to intangible assets that are acquired individually or with a group of other assets in business combinations and asset acquisitions. FSP 142-3 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2008. Early adoption is prohibited. The Company adopted FSP 142-3 as of January 1, 2009. The adoption did not have a material effect on its financial position and results of operations.
7
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 (SFAS 161). SFAS 161 requires entities that utilize derivative instruments to provide qualitative disclosures about their objectives and strategies for using such instruments, as well as any details of credit-risk-related contingent features contained within derivatives. SFAS 161 also requires entities to disclose additional information about the amounts and location of derivatives located within the financial statements, how the provisions of SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, have been applied, and the impact that hedges have on an entitys financial position, financial performance and cash flows. SFAS 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged. The Company adopted SFAS 161 on January 1, 2009. The adoption did not have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.
In April 2009, the FASB released FSP Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) 107-1 and Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments (FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1). This FSP amends FASB Statement No. 107, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, to require disclosures about fair value of financial instruments in interim financial statements as well as in annual financial statements. The proposal also amends APB Opinion No. 28, Interim Financial Reporting, to require those disclosures in all interim financial statements. This FSP is effective for interim periods ending after June 15, 2009. The Company adopted FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 in the second quarter of 2009, and has provided the disclosures required for the period ended July 4, 2009.
In April 2009, the FASB released FSP FAS 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly (FAS 157-4). This FSP provides additional guidance in determining whether a market for a financial asset is not active and a transaction is not distressed for fair value measurement purposes as defined in FASB Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. FSP FAS 157-4 is effective for interim periods ending after June 15, 2009. The Company adopted the provisions of FSP FAS 157-4 for the period ended July 4, 2009, which did not have any effect on the Companys consolidated statement of operations and financial condition for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 4, 2009.
In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-than-Temporary Impairments. This FSP provides guidance in determining whether impairments in debt securities are other-than-temporary, and modifies the presentation and disclosures surrounding such instruments. This FSP is effective for interim periods ending after June 15, 2009. The Company adopted the provisions of this FSP for the period ended July 4, 2009, which did not have any effect on the consolidated statement of operations and financial condition for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 4, 2009.
In May 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 165, Subsequent Events (SFAS 165), which establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. SFAS 165 is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. The Company adopted SFAS 165 for the period ended July 4, 2009, and have provided the disclosures required for such period.
In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 168, The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162 (SFAS 168). SFAS 168 establishes the FASB Standards Accounting Codification (Codification) as the source of authoritative U.S GAAP recognized by the FASB to be applied to nongovernmental entities and rules and interpretive releases of the SEC as authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. The Codification will supersede all the existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards upon its effective date and subsequently, the FASB will not issue new standards in the form of Statements, FASB Staff Positions or Emerging Issues Task Force Abstracts. SFAS 168 also replaces FASB Statement No. 162, The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, given that once in effect, the Codification will carry the same level of authority. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of this Statement will have a material impact on the consolidated statement of operations or financial condition.
Subsequent Events
On July 9, 2009, the Company received $1,675,000 in redemptions of its investments in auction rate preferred securities (ARPS). These investments are discussed more fully in Note 2, under the caption Fair Value.
The Company has been advised that Mehran Nia, Director of the Company, intends to enter into a written sales plan intended to comply with the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Plan) to sell shares of the Companys common stock. The Plan shall be established during an open window consistent with the Companys insider trading policy, and while Mr. Nia is not in possession of material inside information, consistent with Rule 10b5-1.
Shares may be sold under the Plan at any time that the Companys stock attains certain pre-arranged minimum prices as set forth in the Plan. Sales may take place beginning as early as August 24, 2009 and shall end with the sale of all the shares or December 31, 2010, or as otherwise may be provided under the plan. Mr. Nia shall have no control over the timing of any sales under the Plan, and there is no guarantee that the shares covered by the Plan will actually be sold. Mr. Nia entered into the Plan, which shall cover up to 1.2 million shares (or approximately 19%) of Mr. Nias holdings, which currently total 6.4 million shares, including vested options.
Actual sales made pursuant to the Plan will be disclosed publicly through Form 4 and Form 144 filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Company has evaluated all subsequent events through August 10, 2009, the date the financial statements were issued.
8
Note 2Fair Value
At July 4, 2009, the Company held the following securities and investments, recorded at either fair value or cost (in thousands).
Unamortized / Unrealized |
|||||||||||||
Amortized Cost |
Gains | Losses | Fair Value / Carrying Value | ||||||||||
US Treasury Bills |
$ | 4,094 | $ | 2 | $ | | $ | 4,096 | |||||
Auction Rate Preferred Securities in Municipal and State Agencies |
6,025 | | (149 | ) | 5,876 | ||||||||
Total |
$ | 10,119 | $ | 2 | $ | (149 | ) | $ | 9,972 | ||||
Fair Value Measurements
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years.
In February 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157, which delayed the effective date of SFAS 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except for those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. As of January 1, 2009, the Company has adopted the provisions of SFAS 157 for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities.
SFAS 157 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include:
Level 1- defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;
Level 2- defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and
Level 3- defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.
9
Financial Assets Valued on a Recurring Basis
As of July 4, 2009, the Company held certain assets that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. These included the Companys financial instruments, including investments associated with the auction rate preferred securities (ARPS). The Company measures the following financial assets at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair value of these financial assets was determined using the following inputs at July 4, 2009 and December 31, 2008 (in thousands):
As of July 4, 2009 | ||||||||||||
Total | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents (1) |
$ | 32,597 | $ | 32,597 | $ | | $ | | ||||
Non-current investments available-for-sale (2) |
5,876 | | | 5,876 | ||||||||
Total |
$ | 38,473 | $ | 32,597 | $ | | $ | 5,876 | ||||
As of December 31, 2008 | ||||||||||||
Total | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents (1) |
$ | 32,473 | $ | 32,473 | $ | | $ | | ||||
Non-current investments available-for-sale (2) |
6,351 | | | 6,351 | ||||||||
Total |
$ | 38,824 | $ | 32,473 | $ | | $ | 6,351 | ||||
( 1) | Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of money market funds with original maturity dates of three months or less, for which we determine fair value through quoted market prices. |
(2) | As of July 4, 2009, the Company had invested $6.1 million (par value) in ARPS, which are classified as available-for-sale securities and reflected at $5.9 million (fair value), which includes an unrealized loss of $149,000. For the period February 13, 2008 through July 4, 2009, $1.7 million of investments in ARPS had been redeemed. The Company has included its investments related to ARPS in the Level 3 category. |
Before utilizing Level 3 inputs in our fair value measurement, the Company considered significant Level 2 observable inputs of similar assets in active and inactive markets. The Companys broker dealer received estimated market values from an independent pricing service as of the balance sheet date which carry these investments at par value due to the overall quality of the underlying investments and the anticipated future market for such investments. Further evidence includes the fact that these investments consist solely of collateralized debt obligations supported by municipal and state agencies; do not include mortgage-backed securities or student loans; have redemption features that call for redemption at 100% of par value; and have a current credit rating of A or AAA. However, the fact that there is not an active market to liquidate these investments was considered in classifying them as Level 3. Due to the uncertainty with regard to the short-term liquidity of these securities, the Company determined that it could not rely on par value to represent fair value. Therefore, the Company estimated the fair values of these securities utilizing a discounted cash flow valuation model as of July 4, 2009. This analysis considered the collateralization underlying the security investments, the creditworthiness of the counterparty, the timing of expected future cash flows, and the expectation of the next time the security is expected to have a successful auction. These securities were also compared, when possible, to other observable market data with similar characteristics to the securities held by the Company.
As a result of the temporary declines in fair value for the Companys ARPS, which the Company attributes to liquidity issues rather than credit issues, the Company recorded an unrealized loss of $149,000 to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in 2008. Due to the Companys belief that the market for these collateralized instruments may take in excess of twelve months to fully recover, the Company has classified these investments as noncurrent and has included them in investments on the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at July 4, 2009. As of July 4, 2009, the Company continues to earn interest on all of its ARPS instruments. Any future fluctuation in fair value related to these instruments that the Company deems to be temporary, including any recoveries of previous write-downs, would be recorded to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). If the Company determines that any future valuation adjustment was temporary, including any recoveries of previous write-downs, the adjustment would be recorded to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). If the Company determines that any future valuation adjustment was other-than-temporary, it would record a charge to earnings as appropriate. The Company is not certain how long it may be required to hold each security. However, given the Companys current cash position, liquid cash equivalents and expected cash provided by operations, it believes it has the ability to hold, and intends to continue to hold the failed ARPS as long-term investments until the market stabilizes.
10
The following tables present the Companys assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as defined in SFAS 157 at July 4, 2009 and December 31, 2008:
Long-Term Investments |
||||
(in thousands) | ||||
Balance as of January 1, 2009 |
$ | 6,351 | ||
Transfers in/out of Level 3 |
| |||
Redemption |
(475 | ) | ||
Balance as of July 4, 2009 |
$ | 5,876 | ||
Long-Term Investments |
||||
(in thousands) | ||||
Balance as of January 1, 2008 |
$ | | ||
Transfers to Level 3 |
7,750 | |||
Redemption |
(1,250 | ) | ||
Unrealized losses recorded to accumulated other comprehensive loss |
(149 | ) | ||
Balance at December 31, 2008 |
$ | 6,351 | ||
Note 3Inventory
Inventories consist of finished goods available-for-sale and are stated at the lower of cost or market value, determined using the first in, first out (FIFO) method. The Company purchases inventory from suppliers both domestically and internationally, and have recently entered into supply agreements with U.S. based suppliers and its primary drop-ship vendors. The Company believes that its inventoried products are generally available from more than one supplier and seeks to maintain multiple sources for its products, both internationally and domestically.
The Company primarily purchases products in bulk quantities to take advantage of quantity discounts and to improve inventory availability. Inventory is reported net of inventory reserves for excess or obsolete products, which are established based on specific identification of slow moving items and the evaluation of overstock considering anticipated sales levels. Gross inventory, inventory reserves and net inventory at July 4, 2009 and December 31, 2008 are as follows (in thousands):
July 4, 2009 |
December 31, 2008 |
|||||||
(unaudited) | ||||||||
Gross inventory |
$ | 13,870 | $ | 12,205 | ||||
Inventory reserves |
(1,685 | ) | (1,295 | ) | ||||
Total net inventory |
$ | 12,185 | $ | 10,910 | ||||
11
Note 4Intangibles
Intangibles subject to amortization are expensed on a straight-line basis. Amortization expense relating to intangibles totaled $0.2 million and $20.5 million for the quarter ended July 4, 2009 and June 30, 2008, respectively. Assembled workforce, which is included in intangible assets, decreased by $6,000 as of July 4, 2009 due to foreign currency fluctuations.
Intangibles, excluding goodwill, consisted of the following at July 4, 2009 and December 31, 2008 (in thousands):
July 4, 2009 (unaudited) |
December 31, 2008 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Useful Life | Gross Carrying Amount |
Accum. Amort. |
Net Carrying Amount |
Gross Carrying Amount |
Accum. Amort. |
Net Carrying Amount | ||||||||||||||||
Intangible assets subject to amortization: |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Websites |
5 years | $ | 566 | $ | (91 | ) | $ | 475 | $ | 566 | $ | (35 | ) | $ | 531 | |||||||
Software |
2 - 5 years | 1,040 | (1,040 | ) | 0 | 1,040 | (624 | ) | 416 | |||||||||||||
Assembled workforce |
7 years | 439 | (43 | ) | 396 | 445 | 445 | |||||||||||||||
Purchased domain names |
3 years | 175 | (175 | ) | 0 | 175 | (170 | ) | 5 | |||||||||||||
2,220 | (1,349 | ) | 871 | 2,226 | (829 | ) | 1,397 | |||||||||||||||
Intangible assets not subject to amortization: |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Domain names |
indefinite life | 1,637 | | 1,637 | 1,638 | | 1,631 | |||||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 3,857 | $ | (1,349 | ) | $ | 2,508 | $ | 3,857 | $ | (829 | ) | $ | 3,028 | ||||||||
Note 5Contingencies
The Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims which arise in the ordinary course of its business. Although occasional adverse decisions or settlements may occur, the potential loss, if any, of such matters cannot be reasonably estimated. However, the Company believes that the final disposition of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flow of the Company with the exception of the items noted below. The Company maintains liability insurance coverage to protect the Companys assets from losses arising out of or involving activities associated with ongoing and normal business operations.
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
On April 16, 2009, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with Ford Motor Company and Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford) that ended the two pending legal actions that were initiated by Ford with the United States International Trade Commission. The first action was filed in December 2005 against the Company and five other named respondents alleging that certain aftermarket parts imported into the United States infringed on 14 design patents that Ford claimed cover eight parts on the 2004-2005 Ford F-150 trucks. The second action was filed in May 2008 alleging design patent infringement on certain automotive parts relating to the 2005 Ford Mustang automobile. As part of the settlement against the Company and seven other entities, the Company agreed to not challenge the validity of the patents on Ford parts.
12
Note 6Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The Company reports comprehensive income (loss) in accordance with SFAS No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income, which defines comprehensive income (loss) as net income (loss) affected by non-stockholder changes in equity. Comprehensive income (loss) for each of the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 4, 2009 and the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively, includes the following:
Thirteen Weeks Ended July 4, 2009 |
Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 |
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended July 4, 2009 |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 |
||||||||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | 629 | $ | (12,063 | ) | $ | (50 | ) | $ | (12,938 | ) | ||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
61 | (114 | ) | 60 | (154 | ) | |||||||||
Unrealized loss in investments |
| | | (149 | ) | ||||||||||
Comprehensive income (loss) |
$ | 690 | $ | (12,177 | ) | $ | 10 | $ | (13,241 | ) | |||||
Note 7Reserve for Sales Returns
Sales discounts are recorded in the period in which the related sale is recognized. Credits are issued to customers for returned products which totaled $9.3 million for the twenty-six weeks ended July 4, 2009. The Companys sales returns and allowances reserve totaled $835,000 and $662,000 at July 4, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.
The following table provides an analysis of the reserve for the Companys sales returns:
Balance at Beginning of Period |
Charged to Revenue |
Deductions | Balance at End of Period | ||||||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||||||
Reserve for sales returns: |
|||||||||||||
Twenty-six weeks ended, July 4, 2009 |
$ | 662 | $ | 9,469 | $ | (9,296 | ) | $ | 835 |
Note 8Income Taxes
For the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 4, 2009, the effective tax rate for the Company was 42.7% and 102.8%, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, the effective tax rate for the Company was 40.0% and 39.9%, respectively. The Companys effective tax rate is higher than the U.S. federal statutory rate primarily as a result of state income taxes and other non-deductible permanent differences. The increase in income tax provision during the first quarter of 2009 was primarily due to a $1.1 million tax effect of stock option forfeitures and other non-deductible permanent differences.
As of July 4, 2009, the Company had no material unrecognized tax benefits, interest or penalties related to various federal and state income tax matters. The Companys policy is to recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense.
The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of foreign and state tax jurisdictions. During 2008, the Company was under audit by the Internal Revenue Service for the year ended December 31, 2006; however, the audit was resolved through payment of a an immaterial sum of money for one calculation error. The tax years 2004, 2005 and 2007 remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions to which the Company is subject. The Companys foreign and state income tax returns are open to audit under the statute of limitations for the tax years 2003 through 2007. The Company does not anticipate a significant change to the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months.
13
Note 9Net Income (Loss) Per Share
Net income (loss) per share has been computed in accordance with FASB Statement No. 128, Earnings Per Share. The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share:
Thirteen Weeks Ended July 4, 2009 |
Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 |
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended July 4, 2009 |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 |
||||||||||||
(in thousands, except share and per share data) | |||||||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) Per Share |
|||||||||||||||
Numerator: |
|||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | 629 | $ | (12,063 | ) | $ | (50 | ) | $ | (12,938 | ) | ||||
Denominator: |
|||||||||||||||
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (basic) |
29,846,757 | 29,846,757 | 29,846,757 | 29,846,757 | |||||||||||
Common equivalent shares |
| | | | |||||||||||
Common equivalent shares from common stock options and warrants |
548,432 | | | | |||||||||||
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (diluted) |
30,395,189 | 29,846,757 | 29,846,757 | 29,846,757 | |||||||||||
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share |
$ | 0.02 | $ | (0.40 | ) | $ | (0.00 | ) | $ | (0.43 | ) |
Common equivalent shares from common stock options and warrants exclude 4,379,754 stock options and 12,629 warrants, as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.
Note 10Share-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for share-based compensation in accordance with SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (SFAS 123(R)), which was adopted on January 1, 2006. No stock options were granted prior to January 1, 2006. All stock options issued to employees are recognized as share-based compensation expense in the financial statements based on their respective grant date fair values, and are recognized within the statement of operations as general and administrative, marketing, fulfillment or technology expense, based on employee departmental classifications.
Under SFAS 123(R), the fair value of each share-based payment award is estimated on the date of grant using an option pricing model that meets certain requirements. The Company currently uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards, with the exception of options granted containing market conditions, which the Company estimates the fair value using a Monte Carlo model. The determination of the fair value of share-based payment awards utilizing the Black-Scholes and Monte Carlo models is affected by the Companys stock price and a number of assumptions, including expected volatility, expected life, risk-free interest rate and expected dividends. As of July 4, 2009, the Company did not have an adequate history of market prices of its common stock as the Company only recently became a public company in February 2007, and as such, the Company estimates volatility in accordance with SAB No. 107 (SAB 107) using historical volatilities of similar public entities. The expected life of the awards is based on a simplified method which defines the life as the average of the contractual term of the options and the weighted average vesting period for all open tranches. The risk-free interest rate assumption is based on observed interest rates appropriate for the terms of awards. The dividend yield assumption is based on the Companys expectation of paying no dividends. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.
For non-employees, the Company accounts for share-based compensation in accordance with EITF No. 96-18, Accounting for Equity Instruments That Are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling, Goods or Services. Equity instruments awarded to non-employees are periodically remeasured as the underlying awards vest unless the instruments are fully vested, immediately exercisable and non-forfeitable on the date of grant.
The Company granted an aggregate of 1,625,000 stock options to purchase shares of the Companys common stock under the Companys 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan and 2007 New Employee Incentive Plan (collectively, the Plans) during the twenty-six weeks ended July 4, 2009 at a weighted-average exercise price of $1.53 per share. The Company had $5.4 million of unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to stock options outstanding as of July 4, 2009, which expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.85 years. During the quarter ended July 4, 2009, no options were exercised.
14
ITEM 2. | Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
Cautionary Statement
You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto contained in Part I, Item 1 of this report. The information contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is not a complete description of our business or the risks associated with an investment in our common stock. We urge you to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by us in this report and in our other reports filed with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K, which discuss our business in greater detail. The section entitled Risk Factors set forth below, and similar discussions in our other SEC filings, describe some of the important risk factors that may affect our business, results of operations and financial condition in the future. You should carefully consider those risks, in addition to the other information in this report and in our other filings with the SEC, before deciding to purchase, hold or sell our common stock.
Overview
We are one of the largest online providers of aftermarket auto parts, including body parts, engine parts, performance parts and accessories. Our user-friendly websites provide customers with a broad selection of SKUs, with detailed product descriptions and photographs. Our proprietary product database maps our SKUs to product applications based on vehicle makes, models and years. We principally sell our products to individual consumers through our network of websites and online marketplaces. Our flagship websites are located at www.autopartswarehouse.com and www.partstrain.com. We believe our strategy of disintermediating the traditional auto parts supply chain and selling products directly to customers over the Internet allows us to more efficiently deliver products to our customers while generating higher margins.
Our History. We were formed in 1995 as a distributor of aftermarket auto parts and launched our first website in 2000. We rapidly expanded our online operations, increasing the number of SKUs sold through our e-commerce network, adding additional websites, acquiring the Partsbin business, improving our Internet marketing proficiency and commencing sales in online marketplaces. As a result, our business has grown since 2000, generating net sales of $153.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2008.
International Operations. In April 2007, we entered into a purchase agreement to bring in-house certain sales and customer service employees based in the Philippines who were providing support to us through our outsourced call center provider, Access Worldwide. As of the closing of this transaction, approximately 171 of the Access Worldwide employees had agreed to transition over to direct employment by our Philippines subsidiary. The purchase price for the right to acquire this assembled workforce was approximately $1.7 million. We had 626 employees in our Philippines operations as of July 4, 2009. In addition to our Philippines operations, we own a Canadian subsidiary to facilitate sales of our products in Canada which currently has no employees. We believe that the cost advantages of our offshore operations provide us with the ability to grow our business in a cost-effective manner, and we expect to continue to add headcount and infrastructure to our offshore operations.
Acquisitions. From time to time, we may acquire certain businesses, websites, domain names or other assets. During 2008, we acquired several websites and domain name assets. In May 2006, we completed the acquisition of Partsbin, which expanded our product offering, and enhanced our ability to reach more customers. The Partsbin acquisition significantly increased our net sales and added a complementary, drop-ship order fulfillment method, and operations in Canada. We may pursue additional acquisition opportunities in the future to increase our share of the aftermarket auto parts market or expand our product offerings.
Change in Fiscal Year
We changed our fiscal year from a calendar year ending on December 31 to a 52/53 week fiscal year ending on the first Saturday following December 31st. The change in the fiscal year took effect on January 1, 2009. Therefore, there was no transition period in connection with this change in our fiscal year end. As a result, the first and second quarters of 2009 consisted of the thirteen weeks ended April 4, 2009 and July 4, 2009, respectively. The first and second quarters of 2008 consisted of the three months ended March 31, 2008 and June 30, 2008, respectively.
15
Stock Option Exchange Program
Our Annual Meeting of the Stockholders was held on May 5, 2009. At the meeting, the stockholders approved a stock option exchange program, pursuant to which up to 1,486,464 options would be exchanged for up to 743,232 new options. The option exchange has not yet commenced. The Compensation Committee of the Companys Board of Directors may elect to commence this program at any time within six months of the stockholder approval but has not yet elected to do so. Should the Compensation Committee determine to proceed with and commence the program, the Company will file a Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO with SEC with further information regarding this program.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to revenue recognition, uncollectible receivables, intangible and other long-lived assets and contingencies. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. There were no significant changes to our critical accounting policies during the quarter ended July 4, 2009, as compared to those policies disclosed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth certain unaudited statements of operations data for the periods indicated:
Thirteen Weeks Ended July 4, 2009 |
Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 |
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended July 4, 2009 |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 |
|||||||||
Net sales |
100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | ||||
Cost of sales |
63.8 | 66.2 | 63.4 | 65.9 | ||||||||
Gross profit |
36.2 | 33.8 | 36.6 | 34.1 | ||||||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||||||
Marketing |
13.0 | 15.4 | 13.2 | 15.2 | ||||||||
General and administrative |
11.0 | 10.6 | 11.5 | 11.0 | ||||||||
Fulfillment |
6.4 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 5.4 | ||||||||
Technology |
3.1 | 1.8 | 2.7 | 1.8 | ||||||||
Amortization of intangibles and impairment loss |
0.3 | 47.7 | 0.6 | 27.2 | ||||||||
Total operating expenses |
33.8 | 81.0 | 34.5 | 60.6 | ||||||||
Income (loss) from operations |
2.4 | (47.2 | ) | 2.1 | (26.5 | ) | ||||||
Other income (expense): |
||||||||||||
Other income |
(0.1 | ) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |||||||
Interest income (expense), net |
0.1 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.6 | ||||||||
Total other income (expense), net |
0.0 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.6 | ||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes |
2.4 | (46.7 | ) | 2.1 | (25.9 | ) | ||||||
Income tax provision (benefit) |
1.0 | (18.7 | ) | 2.2 | (10.3 | ) | ||||||
Net income (loss) |
1.4 | % | (28.0 | )% | (0.1 | )% | (15.6 | )% | ||||
16
Estimated Impact of the Change in Fiscal Year to a 52/53 Week During the First Six Months of 2009
| Net sales increased by $0.4 million for the twenty-six weeks ended July 4, 2009 due to three additional business days during the first quarter of 2009 and one less business day in the second quarter of 2009. Excluding these additional days, net sales would have been $82.3 million compared to $83.5 million as reported. |
| Net loss would remain $0.1 million or $0.00 per diluted share. |
| We do not anticipate that the change to the 52/53 week fiscal year will have a material effect on future quarters. |
Thirteen and Twenty-Six Weeks Ended July 4, 2009 Compared to Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2008
Net Sales and Gross Margin
Thirteen Weeks Ended July 4, 2009 |
Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 |
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended July 4, 2009 |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 |
|||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Net sales |
$ | 43,805 | $ | 43,105 | $ | 83,469 | $ | 83,114 | ||||||||
Cost of sales |
27,937 | 28,518 | 52,961 | 54,777 | ||||||||||||
Gross profit |
$ | 15,868 | $ | 14,587 | $ | 30,508 | $ | 28,337 | ||||||||
Gross margin |
36.2 | % | 33.8 | % | 36.6 | % | 34.1 | % |
Net sales increased $700,000 or 1.6% to $43.8 million and increased 50 basis points to $83.5 million for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 4, 2009, respectively, compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2008. The quarter over quarter increase was primarily due to a 3.1% increase in our Internet business, which consists of our e-commerce and online marketplaces channels. Our e-commerce channel includes a network of e-commerce websites, supported by our call-center sales agents who generate cross-sell and up-sell opportunities. We also sell our products through our online marketplaces, which primarily consist of auction and other third-party websites. The year over year increase was primarily due to a 2.4% increase in our Internet business and a 22.8% decrease in our offline business, which consists of our wholesale operations. Excluding the two additional business days, net sales on a calendar basis would have been $82.3 million for the current six month period or a 1.0% decrease over the prior year.
E-commerce sales increased $2.5 million or 8.0% from $32.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 to $35.3 million for the thirteen weeks ended July 4, 2009. The total number of placed orders in our e-commerce channel increased from 334,000 orders in the second quarter of 2008 to 363,000 orders in the second quarter of 2009 primarily due to a higher number of unique visitors. For the six months ended June 30, 2008 and twenty-six weeks ended July 4, 2009, e-commerce sales were $63.3 million and $66.1 million, respectively. The 4.4% increase for the twenty-six weeks ended July 4, 2009 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2008 was primarily due to less traffic and better revenue capture associated with a lower return rate in the 2009 period. Excluding the two additional business days, net sales on a calendar basis would have been $65.1 million for the current six month period or a 2.8% increase over the prior year.
Online marketplaces net sales decreased $1.4 million or 22.6% from $6.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 to $4.8 million for the thirteen weeks ended July 4, 2009. This decrease was primarily due to lower unique visitors in 2009. For the six months ended June 30, 2008 and twenty-six weeks ended July 4, 2009, online marketplaces sales were $10.9 million and $9.8 million, respectively. The 10.1% decrease for the twenty-six weeks ended July 4, 2009 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2008 was due in part, to more aggressive pricing on our e-commerce platform, which may have caused cannibalization of online marketplace sales and less traffic on our eBay auctions in 2009. Excluding the two additional business days, net sales on a calendar basis would have been $9.8 million for the current six month period or a 10.1% decrease over the prior year.
Net sales from our wholesale operations decreased 19.4% to $3.0 million and 22.8% to $6.1 million for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 4, 2009, respectively, which primarily reflected the loss of sales to a large customer in the third quarter of 2008. Excluding the two additional business days, net sales on a calendar basis would have been $6.1 million for the six month period or a 22.8% decrease over the prior year. We anticipate that sales from our wholesale operations will continue to decline as a percentage of net sales in the future primarily due to a focus on our online business.
17
We have historically experienced seasonality in our business which generally has resulted in higher sales in winter and summer months. We expect seasonality to continue in future years as automobile collisions during inclement weather create increased demand for body parts in winter months, and consumers often undertake projects to maintain and enhance the performance of their automobiles in the summer months. We anticipate that seasonality will continue to have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations during any given year.
Gross profit increased during the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 4, 2009 primarily due to an increase in sales from our e-commerce channel that was largely related to higher unique visitors and better revenue capture associated with a lower return rate in 2009. In addition, lower outbound freight expense contributed significantly to higher gross profit. Gross margins increased 240 basis points to 36.2% and 250 basis points to 36.6% for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 4, 2009, respectively, compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2008. The increase in gross margins for both periods was primarily due to lower outbound freight expense.
Marketing Expense
Thirteen Weeks Ended July 4, 2009 |
Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 |
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended July 4, 2009 |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 |
|||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Marketing expense |
$ | 5,680 | $ | 6,635 | $ | 11,015 | $ | 12,602 | ||||||||
Percent of net sales |
13.0 | % | 15.4 | % | 13.2 | % | 15.2 | % |
Marketing expense decreased $955,000 or 14.4% and $1,587,000 or 12.6% for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 4, 2009, respectively, from the three and six months ended June 30, 2008. As a percentage of net sales, marketing expense decreased 2.4% and 2.0% for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks July 4, 2009, respectively from the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 primarily due to lower personnel-related costs, lower depreciation expense, and a decrease in eBay advertising spending and less vendor related marketing co-op in 2009. Excluding the three additional business days, online advertising spend, excluding marketing co-op on a calendar basis would have been $5.2 million compared to $5.3 million as reported or an 8.8% decrease over the prior year period.
General and Administrative Expense
Thirteen Weeks Ended July 4, 2009 |
Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 |
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended July 4, 2009 |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 |
|||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
General and administrative expense |
$ | 4,811 | $ | 4,588 | $ | 9,576 | $ | 9,211 | ||||||||
Percent of net sales |
11.0 | % | 10.6 | % | 11.5 | % | 11.0 | % |
General and administrative expenses increased $223,000 or 4.9% and $365,000 or 4.0%, respectively, for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 4, 2009 from the three and six months ended June 30, 2008. The increase the in the current quarter was primarily due to a $300,000 increase in personnel-related expenses related to higher incentives due to better company performance, $200,000 increase in depreciation and amortization related to increased capital investment, partially offset by a $300,000 reduction in professional fees. The increase for the twenty-six weeks ended July 4, 2009 was primarily due to a $700,000 increase in personnel-related expenses, which included a charge of $300,000 in share-based compensation expense related to the voluntary forfeiture of certain stock options by our CEO, $300,000 increase in depreciation and amortization, partially offset by an $800,000 reduction in professional fees. We expect professional fees to increase in the second half of 2009, however, as we incur litigation expenses and external audit fees to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
During the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 4, 2009, we recognized $820,000 and $1.8 million, respectively, of share-based compensation, net of capitalized internally developed software, determined in accordance with SFAS 123(R). Based on options outstanding as of July 4, 2009, we expect to recognize $5.4 million in additional share based compensation expense over a weighted average period of 2.9 years.
18
Fulfillment Expense
Thirteen Weeks Ended July 4, 2009 |
Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 |
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended July 4, 2009 |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 |
|||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Fulfillment expense |
$ | 2,809 | $ | 2,377 | $ | 5,461 | $ | 4,465 | ||||||||
Percent of net sales |
6.4 | % | 5.5 | % | 6.5 | % | 5.4 | % |
Fulfillment expense increased $432,000 or 18.2% and $996,000 or 22.3%, for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 4, 2009, respectively, from the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 primarily due to an increase in personnel-related costs and facility expenses to support the opening of our new distribution center on the East Coast in the first quarter of 2009.
Technology Expense
Thirteen Weeks Ended July 4, 2009 |
Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 |
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended July 4, 2009 |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 |
|||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Technology expense |
$ | 1,343 | $ | 787 | $ | 2,271 | $ | 1,471 | ||||||||
Percent of net sales |
3.1 | % | 1.8 | % | 2.7 | % | 1.8 | % |
Technology expense increased $556,000 or 70.6% and $800,000 or 54.4% for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 4, 2009, respectively, from the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 primarily due to higher personnel-related expenses to support our expanded infrastructure and investment in our overall technology platform.
Amortization of Intangibles and Impairment Loss
Thirteen Weeks Ended July 4, 2009 |
Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 |
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended July 4, 2009 |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 |
|||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Amortization of intangibles and impairment loss |
$ | 153 | $ | 20,541 | $ | 520 | $ | 22,640 | ||||||||
Percent of net sales |
0.3 | % | 47.7 | % | 0.6 | % | 27.2 | % |
Amortization of intangibles and impairment loss decreased by $20.4 million to $0.2 million and $22.1 million to $0.5 million for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 4, 2009, respectively, due to a non-cash impairment charge recorded in the second quarter of 2008, totaling $18.4 million on intangible assets associated with the Partsbin business, which we acquired in May 2006. We estimate aggregate amortization expense for the remaining six months ending January 2, 2010, and the years ending the first Saturday after December 31, 2010, 2011, 2012 and thereafter to be approximately $99,000, $197,000, $197,000, $197,000 and $184,000, respectively.
Other Income, Net
Thirteen Weeks Ended July 4, 2009 |
Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 |
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended July 4, 2009 |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 |
|||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Other income, net |
$ | 26 | $ | 236 | $ | 117 | $ | 508 | ||||||||
Percent of net sales |
0.0 | % | 0.5 | % | 0.0 | % | 0.6 | % |
The decrease in other income, net during the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 4, 2009 was primarily due to less interest income received related to lower interest rates in the three and six months ended July 4, 2009, compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2008.
19
Income Tax Provision (Benefit)
Thirteen Weeks Ended July 4, 2009 |
Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 |
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended July 4, 2009 |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 |
|||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Income tax provision (benefit) |
$ | 469 | $ | (8,042 | ) | $ | 1,832 | $ | (8,606 | ) | ||||||
Percent of net sales |
1.0 | % | (18.7 | )% | 2.2 | % | (10.3 | )% |
The effective tax rate for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 4, 2009 was 42.7% and 102.8%, respectively, compared to 40.0% and 39.9% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively. The increase in income tax provision during the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 4, 2009 was primarily due to the tax effect of the $18.4 million impairment loss on our intangible assets recorded in the second quarter of 2008 and due to a $1.0 million tax effect of stock option forfeitures and other non-deductible permanent differences recorded in the first quarter of 2009.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Sources of Liquidity
We have historically funded our operations from cash generated from operations, credit facilities, bank and stockholder loans, an equity financing and capital lease financings.
Cash Flows
We had cash and cash equivalents of $32.6 million as of July 4, 2009, representing a $0.1 million increase from $32.5 million of liquid assets as of December 31, 2008. The increase in our cash and cash equivalents as of July 4, 2009 was primarily due to cash generated from operations less our investment in property and equipment.
Operating Activities
We generated $7.6 million of net cash from operating activities for the first half of 2009. The significant components of cash flows from operating activities were a net loss of $50,000; $2.7 million in non-cash depreciation and amortization expense; $1.8 million of non-cash share-based compensation expense; and a decrease of $1.3 million in deferred tax assets primarily related to the tax effect of stock option forfeitures and other non-deductible permanent differences;.
Investing Activities
Cash used in investing activities during the first half of 2009 totaled $7.5 million, of which was $3.9 million related to purchases of property and equipment related to technology investments to improve our websites, operating systems and back-end platforms, as well as the opening of our East Coast distribution center and $4.1 million purchases of short-term investments, offset by $475,000 of redemptions of our ARPS.
Financing Activities
Cash used in financing activities during the first half of 2009 totaled $39,000 and was primarily due to repayments made on short-term financing.
Funding Requirements
We had working capital of $39.0 million as of July 4, 2009, which was primarily due to the cash generated from our initial public offering. The historical seasonality in our business during the fourth and first calendar quarters of each year cause cash and cash equivalents, inventory and accounts payable to be generally higher in these quarters, resulting in fluctuations in our working capital. We anticipate that funds generated from operations and cash on hand will be sufficient to meet our working capital needs and
20
expected capital expenditures for at least the next twelve months. Our future capital requirements may, however, vary materially from those now planned or anticipated. Changes in our operating plans, lower than anticipated net sales, increased expenses, continued or worsened economic conditions, or other events, including those described in Risk Factors, may cause us to seek additional debt or equity financings in the future. Financings may not be available on acceptable terms, on a timely basis, or at all, and our failure to raise adequate capital when needed could negatively impact our growth plans and our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, our $5.9 million (fair value) of ARPS investments as of July 4, 2009 remain classified as long-term investments as a result of failed auctions and liquidity issues, and we may not have immediate access to those funds.
We opened a new distribution center on the East Coast in the first quarter of 2009. We are also accelerating our technology investments in an effort to improve our websites, operating systems and back-end platforms. We anticipate these decisions will increase our technology costs as a percentage of sales, as well as increase our capitalized software and website development costs over the next several quarters.
Seasonality
We believe our business is subject to seasonal fluctuations. We have historically experienced higher sales of body parts in winter months when inclement weather and hazardous road conditions typically result in more automobile collisions. Engine parts and performance parts and accessories have historically experienced higher sales in the summer months when consumers have more time to undertake elective projects to maintain and enhance the performance of their automobiles and the warmer weather during that time is conducive for such projects. We expect the historical seasonality trends to continue to have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations in subsequent periods.
Inflation
Inflation has not had a material impact upon our operating results, and we do not expect it to have such an impact in the near future. We cannot assure you that our business will not be affected by inflation in the future.
ITEM 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk |
Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows due to adverse changes in financial commodity market prices and rates. We are exposed to market risk primarily in the area of changes in United States interest rates and conditions in the credit markets. We also have some exposure related to foreign currency fluctuations. We do not have other derivative financial instruments. Under our current policies, we do not use interest rate derivative instruments to manage exposure to interest rate changes. We attempt to increase the safety and preservation of our invested principal funds by limiting default risk, market risk and reinvestment risk. We mitigate default risk by investing in investment grade securities.
Interest Rate Risk. All of our investments are classified as available-for-sale and therefore reported on the balance sheet at market value. Our investment securities consist of high-grade auction rate preferred securities. As of July 4, 2009, our long-term investments included $5.9 million (fair value) of investments in ARPS, which consist of high-grade (A or AAA rated) collateralized debt obligations issued by municipalities and state agencies. Our ARPS have an interest rate that is reset in short intervals through auctions. The recent conditions in the global credit markets have prevented some investors from liquidating their holdings of ARPS because the amount of securities submitted for sale has exceeded the amount of purchase orders for these securities. If there is insufficient demand for the securities at the time of an auction, the auction may not be completed and the interest rates may be reset to predetermined higher rates. When auctions for these securities fail, the investments may not be readily convertible to cash until a future auction of these investments is successful or they are redeemed or mature. If the credit ratings of the security issuers deteriorate and any decline in market value is determined to be other-than-temporary, we would be required to adjust the carrying value of the investment through an impairment charge.
On February 13, 2008, we were informed that there was insufficient demand at auctions for four of our high-grade ARPS, representing approximately $7.8 million. As a result, these affected securities are currently not liquid and the interest rates have been reset to the predetermined higher rates. For the period February 13, 2008 through July 4, 2009, we have received partial redemptions at par on all four ARPS totaling $1.7 million with a remaining principal balance on our ARPS of $6.1 million.
In the event we need to access the funds that are in an illiquid state, we will not be able to do so without the possible loss of principal, until a future auction for these investments is successful or they are redeemed by the issuer. At this time, management has not obtained sufficient evidence to conclude that these investments are impaired or that they will not be settled in the short term, although the market for these investments is presently uncertain. If we are unable to sell these securities in the market or they are not redeemed, then we may be required to hold them indefinitely. We do not have a need to access these funds for operational purposes
21
for the foreseeable future. We will continue to monitor and evaluate these investments on an ongoing basis for impairment or for a short-term to long-term reclassification. Based on our ability to access our cash and other short-term investments, our expected cash flows, and our other sources of cash, we do not anticipate that the potential illiquidity of these investments will affect our ability to execute our current business plan. However, due to the illiquidity in the market, we have recorded $149,000 of unrealized losses on our investment portfolio as of July 4, 2009.
Foreign Currency Risk. Our purchases of auto parts from our Asian suppliers are denominated in U.S. Dollars; however a change in the foreign currency exchange rates could impact our product costs over time. Our financial reporting currency is the U.S. Dollar and changes in exchange rates significantly affect our reported results and consolidated trends. For example, if the U.S. Dollar weakens year-over-year relative to currencies in our international locations, our consolidated net sales, gross profit, and operating expenses will be higher than if currencies had remained constant. Likewise, if the U.S. Dollar strengthens year-over-year relative to currencies in our international locations, our consolidated net sales, gross profit and operating expenses will be lower than if currencies had remained constant. Our operating expenses in the Philippines are generally paid in Philippine Pesos and as the exchange rate fluctuates, it adversely or favorably impacts our operating results. In light of the above, we believe that a fluctuation of 10% in the Peso/U.S. Dollar exchange rate would have approximately a $0.1 million impact on our operating expenses for the twenty-six week period ended July 4, 2009. Our Canadian website sales are denominated in Canadian Dollars; however, fluctuations in exchange rates from these operations are only expected to have a nominal impact on our operating results. We also believe it is important to evaluate our operating results and growth rates before and after the effect of currency changes.
22
ITEM T. | Controls and Procedures |
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We carried out an evaluation required by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the 1934 Act), under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the 1934 Act, as of the end of the period covered by this report.
Disclosure controls and procedures provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the 1934 Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SECs rules and forms and to provide reasonable assurance that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Based on this evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to meet the objectives for which they were designed.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
During the most recent fiscal quarter, there has not occurred any change in our internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
Inherent Limitations on Internal Controls
Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives as specified above. Management does not expect, however, that our disclosure controls and procedures will prevent or detect all error and fraud. Any control system, no matter how well designed and operated, is based upon certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that its objectives will be met. Further, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected.
23
ITEM 1. | Legal Proceedings |
The information set forth under Note 5 of Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part I, Item I of this Report, is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 1A. | Risk Factors |
Our business is subject to a number of risks, some of which are discussed below. Other risks are presented elsewhere in this report and in the information incorporated by reference into this report. You should consider carefully the following risks in addition to the other information contained in this report and our other filings with the SEC, including our report on Form 10-K and our subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K, and amendments thereto, before deciding to buy, sell or hold our common stock. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones facing our company. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe are not important may also impair our business operations. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected, the value of our common stock could decline and you may lose all or part of your investment.
Risks Related To Our Business
Purchasers of aftermarket auto parts may not choose to shop online, which would prevent us from acquiring new customers who are necessary to the growth of our business.
The online market for aftermarket auto parts is less developed than the online market for many other business and consumer products. Our success will depend in part on our ability to attract new customers and customers who have historically purchased auto parts through traditional retail and wholesale operations. Furthermore, we may have to incur significantly higher and more sustained advertising and marketing expenditures or may need to price our products more competitively than we currently anticipate in order to attract additional online consumers and convert them into purchasing customers. Specific factors that could prevent prospective customers from purchasing from us include:
| concerns about buying auto parts without face-to-face interaction with sales personnel; |
| the inability to physically handle, examine and compare products; |
| delivery time associated with Internet orders; |
| concerns about the security of online transactions and the privacy of personal information; |
| delayed shipments or shipments of incorrect or damaged products; |
| increased shipping costs; and |
| the inconvenience associated with returning or exchanging items purchased online. |
If the online market for auto parts does not gain widespread acceptance, our sales may decline and our business and financial results may suffer.
We depend on search engines and other online sources to attract visitors to our websites, and if we are unable to attract these visitors and convert them into customers in a cost-effective manner, our business and results of operations will be harmed.
Our success depends on our ability to attract online consumers to our websites and convert them into customers in a cost-effective manner. We are significantly dependent upon search engines, shopping comparison sites and other online sources for our website traffic. We are included in search results as a result of both paid search listings, where we purchase specific search terms that will result in the inclusion of our listing, and algorithmic searches that depend upon the searchable content on our sites. Algorithmic listings cannot be purchased and instead are determined and displayed solely by a set of formulas utilized by the search engine. Search engines, shopping comparison sites and other online sources revise their algorithms from time to time in an attempt to optimize their search results. If one or more of the search engines, shopping comparison sites or other online sources on which we rely for website traffic were to modify its general methodology for how it displays or selects our websites, resulting in fewer consumers clicking through to our websites, our financial results could be adversely affected. We operate a multiple website platform that generally allows us to provide multiple search results for a particular algorithmic search. If the search engines were to limit our
24
display results to a single result or entirely eliminate our results from the algorithmic search, our website traffic would significantly decrease and our business would be materially harmed. If any free search engine or shopping comparison site on which we rely begins charging fees for listing or placement, or if one or more of the search engines, shopping comparison sites and other online sources on which we rely for purchased listings, modifies or terminates its relationship with us, our expenses could rise, we could lose customers and traffic to our websites could decrease. In addition, our success in attracting visitors who convert to customers will depend in part upon our ability to identify and purchase relevant search terms, provide relevant content on our sites, and effectively target our other marketing programs such as e-mail campaigns and affiliate programs. If we are unable to attract visitors to our websites and convert them to customers in a cost-effective manner, then our sales may decline and our business and financial results may be harmed.
Future acquisitions could disrupt our business and harm our financial condition.
As part of our growth strategy, we expect that we will selectively pursue acquisitions of businesses, technologies or services in order to expand our capabilities, enter new markets or increase our market share. Integrating any newly acquired businesses websites, technologies or services is likely to be expensive and time consuming. For example, our acquisition of Partsbin resulted in significant costs, including a material impairment charge, a write-down of goodwill associated with the acquisition, and a number of challenges, including retaining employees of the acquired company, integrating our order processing and credit processing, integrating our product pricing strategy, and integrating the diverse technologies and differing e-commerce platforms and accounting systems used by each company. If we are unable to successfully complete the integration of acquisitions, we may not realize the synergies from such acquisition, and our business and results of operations could suffer. To finance any future acquisitions, it may also be necessary for us to raise additional capital through public or private financings or to obtain bank financing. Additional funds may not be available on terms that are favorable to us, and, in the case of equity financings, would result in dilution to our stockholders. Future acquisitions by us could also result in large and immediate write-offs, assumption of debt and unforeseen liabilities and significant adverse accounting charges, any of which could substantially harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If we are unable to manage the challenges associated with our international operations, the growth of our business could be limited and our business could suffer.
We maintain business operations in the United States and the Philippines. These international operations include development and maintenance of our websites, Internet marketing personnel, and sales and customer support services. We also operate a Canadian subsidiary to facilitate sales in Canada. We are subject to a number of risks and challenges that specifically relate to our international operations. Our international operations may not be successful if we are unable to meet and overcome these challenges, which could limit the growth of our business and may have an adverse effect on our business and operating results. These risks and challenges include:
| difficulties and costs of staffing and managing foreign operations; |
| restrictions imposed by local labor practices and laws on our business and operations; |
| exposure to different business practices and legal standards; |
| unexpected changes in regulatory requirements; |
| the imposition of government controls and restrictions; |
| political, social and economic instability and the risk of war, terrorist activities or other international incidents; |
| the failure of telecommunications and connectivity infrastructure; |
| natural disasters and public health emergencies; |
| potentially adverse tax consequences; |
| the failure of local laws to provide a sufficient degree of protection against infringement of our intellectual property; and |
| fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and relative weakness in the U.S. Dollar. |
25
We are dependent upon relationships with suppliers in Taiwan, China and the United States for the vast majority of our products.
We acquire substantially all of our products from manufacturers and distributors located in Taiwan, China and the United States. Our top ten suppliers represented approximately 69% of our total product purchases during the twenty-six weeks ended July 4, 2009. We do not have any long-term contracts or exclusive agreements with our foreign suppliers that would ensure our ability to acquire the types and quantities of products we desire at acceptable prices and in a timely manner. In addition, our ability to acquire products from our suppliers in amounts and on terms acceptable to us is dependent upon a number of factors that could affect our suppliers and which are beyond our control. For example, financial or operational difficulties that some of our suppliers may face could result in an increase in the cost of the products we purchase from them. In addition, the increasing consolidation among auto parts suppliers may disrupt or end our relationship with some suppliers, result in product shortages and/or could lead to less competition and, consequently, higher prices.
In addition, because many of our suppliers are outside of the United States, additional factors could interrupt our relationships or affect our ability to acquire the necessary products on acceptable terms, including:
| political, social and economic instability and the risk of war or other international incidents in Asia or abroad; |
| fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates that may increase our cost of products; |
| tariffs and protectionist laws and business practices that favor local businesses; |
| difficulties in complying with import and export laws, regulatory requirements and restrictions; and |
| natural disasters and public health emergencies. |
If we do not maintain our relationships with our existing suppliers or develop relationships with new suppliers on acceptable commercial terms, we may not be able to continue to offer a broad selection of merchandise at competitive prices and, as a result, we could lose customers and our sales could decline.
We are dependent upon third parties for distribution and fulfillment operations with respect to many of our products.
For a number of the products that we sell, we outsource the distribution and fulfillment operation and are dependent on our distributors to manage inventory, process orders and distribute those products to our customers in a timely manner. For the twenty-six weeks ended July 4, 2009, our product purchases from a single supplier represented 19.7% or more of our total product purchases. If we do not maintain our existing relationships with our distributors on acceptable commercial terms, we will need to obtain other suppliers and may not be able to continue to offer a broad selection of merchandise at competitive prices, and our sales may decrease.
In addition, because we outsource to distributors a number of these traditional retail functions relating to those products, we have limited control over how and when orders are fulfilled. We also have limited control over the products that our distributors purchase or keep in stock. Our distributors may not accurately forecast the products that will be in high demand or they may allocate popular products to other resellers, resulting in the unavailability of certain products for delivery to our customers. Any inability to offer a broad array of products at competitive prices and any failure to deliver those products to our customers in a timely and accurate manner may damage our reputation and brand and could cause us to lose customers.
We depend on third-party delivery services to deliver our products to our customers on a timely and consistent basis, and any deterioration in our relationship with any one of these third parties or increases in the fees that they charge could adversely affect our business and financial condition.
We rely on third parties for the shipment of our products and we cannot be sure that these relationships will continue on terms favorable to us, or at all. Shipping costs have increased from time to time, and may continue to increase, which could harm our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations by increasing our costs of doing business and resulting in reduced gross margins. In addition, if our relationships with these third parties are terminated or impaired, or if these third parties are unable to deliver products for us, whether through labor shortage, slow down or stoppage, deteriorating financial or business condition, responses to terrorist attacks or for any other reason, we would be required to use alternative carriers for the shipment of products to our customers. Changing carriers could have a negative effect on our business and operating results due to reduced visibility of order status and package tracking and delays in order processing and product delivery, and we may be unable to engage alternative carriers on a timely basis, upon terms favorable to us, or at all.
26
If commodity prices such as fuel, plastic and steel continue to increase, our margins may shrink.
Our third party delivery services have increased fuel surcharges from time to time, and that occurrence negatively impacts our margins, as we are generally unable to pass all of these costs directly to consumers. Increasing prices in the component materials for the parts we sell may impact the availability, the quality and the price of our products, as suppliers search for alternatives to existing materials and as they increase the prices they charge. We cannot ensure that we can recover all the increased costs through price increases, our suppliers may not continue to provide the consistent quality of product as they may substitute lower cost materials to maintain pricing levels, all of which may have a negative impact on our business and results of operations.
If our fulfillment operations are interrupted for any significant period of time or are not sufficient to accommodate increased demand, our sales would decline and our reputation could be harmed.
Our success depends on our ability to successfully receive and fulfill orders and to promptly deliver our products to our customers. The majority of orders for our auto body parts products are filled from our inventory in our distribution centers, where all our inventory management, packaging, labeling and product return processes are performed. Increased demand and other considerations may require us to expand our distribution centers or transfer our fulfillment operations to larger facilities in the future.
Our distribution centers are susceptible to damage or interruption from human error, fire, flood, power loss, telecommunications failures, terrorist attacks, acts of war, break-ins, earthquakes and similar events. We do not currently maintain back-up power systems at our fulfillment centers. We do not presently have a formal disaster recovery plan and our business interruption insurance may be insufficient to compensate us for losses that may occur in the event operations at our fulfillment center are interrupted. Any interruptions in our fulfillment operations for any significant period of time, including interruptions resulting from the expansion of our existing facilities or the transfer of operations to a new facility, could damage our reputation and brand and substantially harm our business and results of operations and alternate arrangements may increase the cost of fulfillment. In addition, if we do not successfully expand our fulfillment capabilities in response to increases in demand, we may not be able to substantially increase our net sales.
We rely on bandwidth and data center providers and other third parties to provide products to our customers, and any failure or interruption in the services provided by these third parties could disrupt our business and cause us to lose customers.
We rely on third-party vendors, including data center and bandwidth providers. Any disruption in the network access or co-location services, which are the services that house and provide Internet access to our servers, provided by these third-party providers or any failure of these third-party providers to handle current or higher volumes of use could significantly harm our business. Any financial or other difficulties our providers face may have negative effects on our business, the nature and extent of which we cannot predict. We exercise little control over these third-party vendors, which increases our vulnerability to problems with the services they provide. We also license technology and related databases from third parties to facilitate elements of our e-commerce platform. We have experienced and expect to continue to experience interruptions and delays in service and availability for these elements. Any errors, failures, interruptions or delays experienced in connection with these third-party technologies could negatively impact our relationship with our customers and adversely affect our business.
Our systems also heavily depend on the availability of electricity, which also comes from third-party providers. If we were to experience a major power outage, we would have to rely on back-up generators. These back-up generators may not operate properly through a major power outage, and their fuel supply could also be inadequate during a major power outage. Information systems such as ours may be disrupted by even brief power outages, or by the fluctuations in power resulting from switches to and from backup generators. This could disrupt our business and cause us to lose customers.
27
We face intense competition and operate in an industry with limited barriers to entry, and some of our competitors may have greater resources than us and may be better positioned to capitalize on the growing e-commerce auto parts market.
The auto parts industry is competitive and highly fragmented, with products distributed through multi-tiered and overlapping channels. We compete with both online and offline retailers who offer OEM and aftermarket auto parts to either the do-it-yourself or do-it-for-me customer segments. Current or potential competitors include the following:
| national auto parts retailers such as Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, CSK Auto, Napa Auto Parts, CarQuest, OReilly Automotive and Pep Boys; |
| large online marketplaces such as Amazon.com and eBay; |
| online competitors; |
| local independent retailers or niche auto parts online retailers; and |
| wholesale auto parts distributors such as LKQ Corporation. |
Barriers to entry are low, and current and new competitors can launch websites at a relatively low cost. Many of our current and potential offline competitors have longer operating histories, larger customer bases, greater brand recognition and significantly greater financial, marketing, technical, management and other resources than we do. In addition, some of our competitors have used and may continue to use aggressive pricing tactics and devote substantially more financial resources to website and system development than we do. We expect that competition will further intensify in the future as Internet use and online commerce continue to grow worldwide. Increased competition may result in reduced operating margins, reduced profitability, loss of market share and diminished brand recognition.
We would also experience significant competitive pressure if any of our suppliers were to sell their products directly to customers. Since our suppliers have access to merchandise at very low costs, they could sell products at lower prices and maintain higher gross margins on their product sales than we can. In this event, our current and potential customers may decide to purchase directly from these suppliers. Increased competition from any supplier capable of maintaining high sales volumes and acquiring products at lower prices than us could significantly reduce our market share and adversely impact our financial results.
Challenges by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to the validity of the aftermarket auto parts industry and claims of intellectual property infringement could adversely affect our business and the viability of the aftermarket auto parts industry.
Original equipment manufacturers have attempted to use claims of intellectual property infringement against manufacturers and distributors of aftermarket products to restrict or eliminate the sale of aftermarket products that are the subject of the claims. The OEMs have brought such claims in federal court and with the United States International Trade Commission. We have received in the past, and we anticipate we may in the future receive, communications alleging that certain products we sell infringe the patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade names or other intellectual property rights of OEMs or other third parties. For instance, after 3 and a half years of litigation and related costs and expenses, on April 16, 2009, we entered into a settlement agreement with Ford Motor Company and Ford Global Technologies, LLC that ended the two pending legal actions that were initiated by Ford with the United States International Trade Commission. For further information, see Note 5 of Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part I, Item I of this report.
The United States Patent and Trademark Office records indicate that OEMs are seeking and obtaining more design patents then they have in the past. To the extent that the OEMs are successful with intellectual property infringement claims, we could be restricted or prohibited from selling certain aftermarket products which could have an adverse effect on our business. Infringement claims could also result in increased costs of doing business arising from increased legal expenses, adverse judgments or settlements or changes to our business practices required to settle such claims or satisfy any judgments. Litigation could result in interpretations of the law that require us to change our business practices or otherwise increase our costs and harm our business. We do not maintain insurance coverage to cover the types of claims that could be asserted. If a successful claim were brought against us, it could expose us to significant liability.
28
If we are unable to protect our intellectual property rights, our reputation and brand could be impaired and we could lose customers.
We regard our trademarks, trade secrets and similar intellectual property as important to our success. We rely on trademark and copyright law, and trade secret protection, and confidentiality and/or license agreements with employees, customers, partners and others to protect our proprietary rights. We cannot be certain that we have taken adequate steps to protect our proprietary rights, especially in countries where the laws may not protect our rights as fully as in the United States. In addition, our proprietary rights may be infringed or misappropriated, and we could be required to incur significant expenses to preserve them. For instance, on June 25, 2009, we filed a lawsuit in United States District Court, Central District of California against PartsGeek LLC, its shareholders and several of its employees (Defendant), alleging that they have misappropriated trade secrets, breach of contract and unfair competition. We requested both monetary and injunctive relief from the Defendant, but the cost of prosecuting the litigation may have an impact on our earnings. We have common law trademarks, as well as pending federal trademark registrations for several marks and two registered marks. Even if we obtain approval of such pending registrations, the resulting registrations may not adequately cover our inventions or protect us against infringement by others. Effective trademark, service mark, copyright, patent and trade secret protection may not be available in every country in which our products and services may be made available online. We also currently own or control a number of Internet domain names, including www.usautoparts.net, www.autopartswarehouse.com, and www.partstrain.com and have invested time and money in the purchase of domain names and other intellectual property, which may be impaired if we cannot protect such intellectual property. We may be unable to protect these domain names or acquire or maintain relevant domain names in the United States and in other countries. If we are not able to protect our trademarks, domain names or other intellectual property, we may experience difficulties in achieving and maintaining brand recognition and customer loyalty.
If our product catalog database is stolen, misappropriated or damaged, or if a competitor is able to create a substantially similar catalog without infringing our rights, then we may lose an important competitive advantage.
We have invested significant resources and time to build and maintain our product catalog, which is maintained in the form of an electronic database, and maps SKUs to relevant product applications based on vehicle makes, models and years. We believe that our product catalog provides us with an important competitive advantage in both driving traffic to our websites and converting that traffic to revenue by enabling customers to quickly locate the products they require. We cannot assure you that we will be able to protect our product catalog from unauthorized copying or theft or that our product catalog will continue to operate adequately, without any technological challenges. In addition, it is possible that a competitor could develop a catalog or database that is similar to or more comprehensive than ours, without infringing our rights. In the event our product catalog is damaged or is stolen, copied or otherwise replicated to compete with us, whether lawfully or not, we may lose an important competitive advantage and our business could be harmed.
Our e-commerce system is dependent on open-source software, which exposes us to uncertainty and potential liability.
We utilize open-source software such as Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP, Fedora and Perl throughout our web properties and supporting infrastructure. Open-source software is maintained and upgraded by a general community of software developers under various open-source licenses, including the GNU General Public License (GPL). These developers are under no obligation to maintain, enhance or provide any fixes or updates to this software in the future. Additionally, under the terms of the GPL and other open-source licenses, we may be forced to release to the public source-code internally developed by us pursuant to such licenses. Furthermore, if any of these developers contribute any code of others to any of the software that we use, we may be exposed to claims and liability for intellectual property infringement. A number of lawsuits are currently pending against third parties over the ownership rights to the various components within some open-source software that we use. If the outcome of these lawsuits is unfavorable, we may be held liable for intellectual property infringement based on our use of these open-source software components. We may also be forced to implement changes to the code-base for this software or replace this software with internally developed or commercially licensed software.
29
We face exposure to product liability lawsuits.
The automotive industry in general has been subject to a large number of product liability claims due to the nature of personal injuries that result from car accidents or malfunctions. As a distributor of auto parts, including parts obtained overseas, we could be held liable for the injury or damage caused if the products we sell are defective or malfunction. While we carry insurance against product liability claims, if the damages in any given action were high or we were subject to multiple lawsuits, the damages and costs could exceed the limits of our insurance coverage. If we were required to pay substantial damages as a result of these lawsuits, it may seriously harm our business and financial condition. Even defending against unsuccessful claims could cause us to incur significant expenses and result in a diversion of managements attention. In addition, even if the money damages themselves did not cause substantial harm to our business, the damage to our reputation and the brands offered on our websites could adversely affect our future reputation and our brand, and could result in a decline in our net sales and profitability.
We rely on key personnel and may need additional personnel for the success and growth of our business.
Our business is largely dependent on the personal efforts and abilities of highly skilled executive, technical, managerial, merchandising, marketing and call center personnel. Competition for such personnel is intense, and we cannot assure you that we will be successful in attracting and retaining such personnel. The loss of any key employee or our inability to attract or retain other qualified employees could harm our business and results of operations.
Risks Related To Our Common Stock
Our stock price has been and may continue to be volatile, which may result in losses to our stockholders.
The market prices of technology and e-commerce companies generally have been extremely volatile and have recently experienced sharp share price and trading volume changes. The trading price of our common stock is likely to be volatile and could fluctuate widely in response to, among other things, the risk factors described in this report and other factors beyond our control such as fluctuations in the operations or valuations of companies perceived by investors to be comparable to us, our ability to meet analysts expectations, or conditions or trends in the Internet or auto parts industries.
Since the completion of our initial public offering in February 2007, the trading price of our common stock has been volatile, declining from a high of $12.61 per share to a low per share of $1.00. We have also experienced significant fluctuations in the trading volume of our common stock. General economic and political conditions unrelated to our performance may also adversely affect the price of our common stock. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a public companys securities, securities class action litigation has often been initiated. Due to the inherent uncertainties of litigation, we cannot predict the ultimate outcome of the litigation if it were to continue. An unfavorable result could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operation.
Our executive officers and directors own a significant percentage of our stock.
As of July 4, 2009, our executive officers and directors and entities that are affiliated with them beneficially owned approximately 67% of our outstanding shares of common stock. This significant concentration of share ownership may adversely affect the trading price for our common stock because investors often perceive disadvantages in owning stock in companies with controlling stockholders. Also, these stockholders, acting together, will be able to control our management and affairs and matters requiring stockholder approval including the election of our entire Board of Directors and certain significant corporate actions such as mergers, consolidations or the sale of substantially all of our assets. As a result, this concentration of ownership could delay, defer or prevent others from initiating a potential merger, takeover or other change in our control, even if these actions would benefit our other stockholders and us.
30
Our future operating results may fluctuate and may fail to meet market expectations.
We expect that our revenue and operating results will continue to fluctuate from quarter to quarter due to various factors, many of which are beyond our control. If our quarterly revenue or operating results fall below the expectations of investors or securities analysts, the price of our common stock could significantly decline. The factors that could cause our operating results to continue to fluctuate include, but are not limited to:
| fluctuations in the demand for aftermarket auto parts; |
| price competition on the Internet or among offline retailers for auto parts; |
| our ability to attract visitors to our websites and convert those visitors into customers; |
| our ability to maintain and expand our supplier and distribution relationships; |
| the effects of seasonality on the demand for our products; |
| our ability to accurately forecast demand for our products, price our products at market rates and maintain appropriate inventory levels; |
| our ability to build and maintain customer loyalty; |
| infringement actions that could impact the viability of the auto parts aftermarket, or portions thereof; |
| the success of our brand-building and marketing campaigns; |
| our ability to accurately project our future revenues, earnings, and results of operations; |
| government regulations related to use of the Internet for commerce, including the application of existing tax regulations to Internet commerce and changes in tax regulations; |
| technical difficulties, system downtime or Internet brownouts; and |
| the amount and timing of operating costs and capital expenditures relating to expansion of our business, operations and infrastructure. |
If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting or comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud, and our stock price could decline.
While management has concluded that our internal controls over financial reporting were effective as of December 31, 2008, we have in the past, and could in the future, have a material weakness or significant deficiency in our control over financial reporting or fail to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. If we fail to properly maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, it could impact our ability to prevent fraud or to issue our financial statements in a timely manner that presents fairly our financial condition and results of operations. The existence of any such deficiencies or weaknesses, even if cured, may also lead to the loss of investor confidence in the reliability of our financial statements, could harm our business and negatively impact the trading price of our common stock. Such deficiencies or material weaknesses may also subject us to lawsuits, investigations and other penalties.
31
Our charter documents could deter a takeover effort, which could inhibit your ability to receive an acquisition premium for your shares.
Provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if doing so would be beneficial to our stockholders. Such provisions include the following:
| our Board of Directors are authorized, without prior stockholder approval, to create and issue preferred stock which could be used to implement anti-takeover devices; |
| advance notice is required for director nominations or for proposals that can be acted upon at stockholder meetings; |
| our Board of Directors is classified such that not all members of our board are elected at one time, which may make it more difficult for a person who acquires control of a majority of our outstanding voting stock to replace all or a majority of our directors; |
| stockholder action by written consent is prohibited except with regards to an action that has been approved by the board; |
| special meetings of the stockholders are permitted to be called only by the chairman of our Board of Directors, our chief executive officer or by a majority of our Board of Directors; |
| stockholders are not be permitted to cumulate their votes for the election of directors; and |
| stockholders are permitted to amend certain provisions of our bylaws only upon receiving at least 66 2/3% of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of all outstanding shares then entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class. |
We do not intend to pay dividends on our common stock.
We currently intend to retain any future earnings and do not expect to pay any cash dividends on our capital stock for the foreseeable future.
General Market and Industry Risk
Economic conditions have had, and may continue to have an adverse effect on the demand for aftermarket auto parts and could adversely affect our sales and operating results.
We sell aftermarket auto parts consisting of body and engine parts used for repair and maintenance, performance parts used to enhance performance or improve aesthetics and accessories that increase functionality or enhance a vehicles features. Demand for our products has been and may continue to be adversely affected by general economic conditions. In declining economies, consumers often defer regular vehicle maintenance and may forego purchases of nonessential performance and accessories products, which can result in a decrease in demand for auto parts in general. Consumers also defer purchases of new vehicles, which immediately impacts performance parts and accessories, which are generally purchased in the first six months of a vehicles lifespan. In addition, during economic downturns some competitors may become more aggressive in their pricing practices, which would adversely impact our gross margin and could cause large fluctuations in our stock price. Certain suppliers may exit the industry which may impact our ability to procure parts and may adversely impact gross margin as the remaining suppliers increase prices to take advantage of limited competition.
Vehicle miles driven have and may continue to decrease, resulting in a decline of our revenues and negatively affecting our results of operations.
We and our industry depend on the number of vehicle miles driven. Decreased miles driven reduce the number of accidents and corresponding demand for crash parts, and reduce the wear and tear on vehicles with a corresponding reduction in demand for vehicle repairs and replacement or hard parts.
32
The success of our business depends on the continued growth of the Internet as a retail marketplace and the related expansion of the Internet infrastructure.
Our future success depends upon the continued and widespread acceptance and adoption of the Internet as a vehicle to purchase products. If customers or manufacturers are unwilling to use the Internet to conduct business and exchange information, our business will fail. The commercial acceptance and use of the Internet may not continue to develop at historical rates, or may not develop as quickly as we expect. The growth of the Internet, and in turn the growth of our business, may be inhibited by concerns over privacy and security, including concerns regarding viruses and worms, reliability issues arising from outages or damage to Internet infrastructure, delays in development or adoption of new standards and protocols to handle the demands of increased Internet activity, decreased accessibility, increased government regulation, and taxation of Internet activity. In addition, our business growth may be adversely affected if the Internet infrastructure does not keep pace with the growing Internet activity and is unable to support the demands placed upon it, or if there is any delay in the development of enabling technologies and performance improvements.
Negative conditions in the global credit markets may impair the liquidity of a portion of our investments portfolio, and adversely affect our results of operations and access to financing.
Our investment securities consist of high-grade ARPS. As of July 4, 2009, our long-term marketable securities were comprised of $6.0 million (par value) of high-grade (AAA rated) ARPS issued primarily by close end funds that primarily hold debt obligations from municipalities. The recent negative conditions in the global credit markets have prevented some investors from liquidating their holdings, including their holdings of ARPS. In response to the credit situation, on February 8, 2008, we instructed our investment advisor to liquidate all our investments in close end funds and move these funds into money market investments. On February 13, 2008, we were informed that there was insufficient demand at auction for our remaining four high-grade ARPS, representing approximately $7.8 million. As a result, these affected securities currently are not liquid, and have been reclassified as long-term investments. As of July 4, 2009, $1.5 million of our investments in ARPS were redeemed. We do not know when we will have access to the capital in these remaining investments. In the event we need to access the funds that are in an illiquid state, we will not be able to do so without a loss of principal or until a future auction on these investments is successful, the securities are redeemed by the issuer or a secondary market emerges. If we cannot readily access these funds, we may be required to borrow funds or issue additional debt or equity securities to meet our capital requirements. At this time, management has concluded that these remaining investments are impaired and has recorded an impairment charge to other comprehensive income totaling $149,000. Management is not sure that these investments will not be settled in the short term, although the market for these investments is presently uncertain. If the credit ratings of the security issuers deteriorate and any decline in market value is determined to be other-than-temporary, we would be required to adjust the carrying value of the investment through an additional impairment charge.
If we fail to offer a broad selection of products at competitive prices to meet our customers demands, our revenue could decline.
In order to expand our business, we must successfully offer, on a continuous basis, a broad selection of auto parts that meet the needs of our customers. Our auto parts are used by consumers for a variety of purposes, including repair, performance, improved aesthetics and functionality. In addition, to be successful, our product offerings must be broad and deep in scope, competitively priced, well-made, innovative and attractive to a wide range of consumers. We cannot predict with certainty that we will be successful in offering products that meet all of these requirements. If our product offerings fail to satisfy our customers requirements or respond to changes in customer preferences, our revenue could decline.
33
System failures, including failures due to natural disasters or other catastrophic events, could prevent access to our websites, which could reduce our net sales and harm our reputation.
Our sales would decline and we could lose existing or potential customers if they are not able to access our websites or if our websites, transactions processing systems or network infrastructure do not perform to our customers satisfaction. Any Internet network interruptions or problems with our websites could:
| prevent customers from accessing our websites; |
| reduce our ability to fulfill orders or bill customers; |
| reduce the number of products that we sell; |
| cause customer dissatisfaction; or |
| damage our brand and reputation. |
We have experienced brief computer system interruptions in the past, and we believe they will continue to occur from time to time in the future. Our systems and operations are also vulnerable to damage or interruption from a number of sources, including a natural disaster or other catastrophic event such as an earthquake, typhoon, volcanic eruption, fire, flood, terrorist attack, computer viruses, power loss, telecommunications failure, physical and electronic break-ins and other similar events. For example, our headquarters and the majority of our infrastructure, including some of our servers, are located in Southern California, a seismically active region. We also maintain offshore and outsourced operations in the Philippines, an area that has been subjected to a typhoon and a volcanic eruption in the past. In addition, California has in the past experienced power outages as a result of limited electrical power supplies and due to recent fires in the southern part of the state. Such outages, natural disasters and similar events may recur in the future and could disrupt the operation of our business. Our technology infrastructure is also vulnerable to computer viruses, physical or electronic break-ins and similar disruptions. Although the critical portions of our systems are redundant and backup copies are maintained offsite, not all of our systems and data are fully redundant. We do not presently have a formal disaster recovery plan in effect and may not have sufficient insurance for losses that may occur from natural disasters or catastrophic events. Any substantial disruption of our technology infrastructure could cause interruptions or delays in our business and loss of data or render us unable to accept and fulfill customer orders or operate our websites in a timely manner, or at all.
We may be subject to liability for sales and other taxes and penalties, which could have an adverse effect on our business.
We currently collect sales or other similar taxes only on the shipment of goods to the states of California, New Jersey, Kansas and Tennessee. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that vendors whose only connection with customers in a state is by common carrier or the U.S. mail are free from state-imposed duties to collect sales and use taxes in that state. However, states could seek to impose additional income tax obligations or sales tax collection obligations on out-of-state companies such as ours, which engage in or facilitate online commerce, based on their interpretation of existing laws, including the Supreme Court ruling, or specific facts relating to us. If sales tax obligations are successfully imposed upon us by a state or other jurisdiction, we could be exposed to substantial tax liabilities for past sales and penalties and fines for failure to collect sales taxes. We could also suffer decreased sales in that state or jurisdiction as the effective cost of purchasing goods from us increases for those residing in that state or jurisdiction.
A number of states, as well as the U.S. Congress, have been considering various initiatives that could limit or supersede the Supreme Courts apparent position regarding sales and use taxes on Internet sales. Also in 2008, New York enacted a measure that requires many online retailers to begin collecting sales taxes on purchases shipped to the state, even if they have no operations or employees working there, and New York and Rhode Island have both enacted legislation making it more difficult for e-commerce retailers to avoid paying sales taxes, through extending the nexus of any affiliates a company uses within that state to the company, unless certain guidelines are followed. We expect other states to enact similar legislations. If any of these initiatives are enacted, we could be required to collect sales and use taxes in additional states and our revenue could be adversely affected. Furthermore, the U.S. Congress has not yet extended a moratorium, which was first imposed in 1998 but has since expired, on state and local governments ability to impose new taxes on Internet access and Internet transactions. The imposition by state and local governments of various taxes upon Internet commerce could create administrative burdens for us as well as substantially impair the growth of e-commerce and adversely affect our revenue and profitability. Since our service is available over the Internet in multiple states, these jurisdictions may also require us to qualify to do business in these states. If we fail to qualify in a jurisdiction that requires us to do so, we could face liabilities for taxes and penalties.
34
We could be liable for breaches of security on our websites.
A fundamental requirement for e-commerce is the secure transmission of confidential information over public networks. Anyone who is able to circumvent our security measures could misappropriate proprietary information or cause interruptions in our operations. Although we have developed systems and processes that are designed to protect consumer information and prevent fraudulent credit card transactions and other security breaches, failure to mitigate such fraud or breaches may adversely affect our operating results. We may be required to expend significant capital and other resources to protect against potential security breaches or to alleviate problems caused by any breach. We rely on licensed encryption and authentication technology to provide the security and authentication necessary for secure transmission of confidential information, including credit card numbers. Advances in computer capabilities, new discoveries in the field of cryptography, or other events or developments may result in a compromise or breach of the algorithms that we use to protect customer transaction data. In the event someone circumvents our security measures, it could seriously harm our business and reputation and we could lose customers. Security breaches could also expose us to a risk of loss or litigation and possible liability for failing to secure confidential customer information.
If we do not respond to technological change, our websites could become obsolete and our financial results and conditions could be adversely affected.
We maintain a network of websites which requires substantial development and maintenance efforts, and entails significant technical and business risks. To remain competitive, we must continue to enhance and improve the responsiveness, functionality and features of our websites. The Internet and the e-commerce industry are characterized by rapid technological change, the emergence of new industry standards and practices and changes in customer requirements and preferences. Therefore, we may be required to license emerging technologies, enhance our existing websites, develop new services and technology that address the increasingly sophisticated and varied needs of our current and prospective customers, and adapt to technological advances and emerging industry and regulatory standards and practices in a cost-effective and timely manner. Our ability to remain technologically competitive may require substantial expenditures and lead time and our failure to do so may harm our business and results of operations.
Existing or future government regulation could expose us to liabilities and costly changes in our business operations and could reduce customer demand for our products and services.
We are subject to federal and state consumer protection laws and regulations, including laws protecting the privacy of customer non-public information and regulations prohibiting unfair and deceptive trade practices, as well as laws and regulations governing businesses in general and the Internet and e-commerce and certain environmental laws. Additional laws and regulations may be adopted with respect to the Internet, the effect of which on e-commerce is uncertain. These laws may cover issues such as user privacy, spyware and the tracking of consumer activities, marketing e-mails and communications, other advertising and promotional practices, money transfers, pricing, content and quality of products and services, taxation, electronic contracts and other communications, intellectual property rights, and information security. Furthermore, it is not clear how existing laws such as those governing issues such as property ownership, sales and other taxes, trespass, data mining and collection, and personal privacy apply to the Internet and e-commerce. California has enacted legislation banning the sale of catalytic converters that do not meet California emissions regulations, and the current federal administration has indicated that 13 additional states will be allowed to enact their own legislation that mirrors California. This will impact sale of products for emissions systems to those states and may adversely impact our sales and operating results. To the extent we expand into international markets, we will be faced with complying with local laws and regulations, some of which may be materially different than U.S. laws and regulations. Any such foreign law or regulation, any new U.S. law or regulation, or the interpretation or application of existing laws and regulations to the Internet or other online services, may have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations by, among other things, impeding the growth of the Internet, subjecting us to fines, penalties, damages or other liabilities, requiring costly changes in our business operations and practices, and reducing customer demand for our products and services. We do not maintain insurance coverage to cover the types of claims or liabilities that could arise as a result of such regulation.
35
The United States government may substantially increase border controls and impose restrictions on cross-border commerce that may substantially harm our business.
We purchase a substantial portion of our products from foreign manufacturers and other suppliers who source products internationally. Restrictions on shipping goods into the United States from other countries pose a substantial risk to our business. Particularly since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the United States government has substantially increased border surveillance and controls. If the United States were to impose further border controls and restrictions, impose quotas, tariffs or import duties, increase the documentation requirements applicable to cross border shipments or take other actions that have the effect of restricting the flow of goods from other countries to the United States, we may have greater difficulty acquiring our inventory in a timely manner, experience shipping delays, or incur increased costs and expenses, all of which would substantially harm our business and results of operations.
ITEM 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities |
Sales of Unregistered Securities
None.
ITEM 3. | Defaults Upon Senior Securities. |
None.
ITEM 4. | Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders |
Our Annual Meeting of the Stockholders was held on May 5, 2009. The following items were voted on and approved at the Annual Meeting:
(i) | Election of three Class III directors to hold office for a term of three years or until their respective successor is elected and qualified. The nominees for election were: |
Nominee |
Votes For | Votes Withheld | ||
Fredric W. Harman |
25,990,265 | 123,855 | ||
Warren B. Phelps III |
25,990,265 | 123,855 | ||
Jeffrey Schwartz |
25,963,968 | 150,152 |
The Companys directors whose terms continued after the Annual Meeting are:
| Joshua Berman |
| Mehran Nia |
| Sol Khazani |
| Ellen F. Siminoff |
| Robert J. Majteles |
| Shane Evangelist |
(ii) | Approval of the stock option exchange program, pursuant to which up to 1,486,464 options would be exchanged for up to 743,232 new options. |
Shares Voted | ||
For |
20,970,902 | |
Against |
180,445 | |
Abstain |
1,883 | |
Broker Non-Votes |
4,960,890 |
36
(iii) | Ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending January 2, 2010. |
Shares Voted | ||
For |
25,999,925 | |
Against |
112,395 | |
Abstain |
1,800 |
ITEM 5. | Other Information |
None.
ITEM 6. | Exhibits |
(a) | Exhibits |
The following exhibits are filed herewith.
Exhibit No. |
Description | |
31.1 |
Certification of the principal executive officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended | |
31.2 |
Certification of the principal financial officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended | |
32.1 |
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer required by 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
32.2 |
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer required by 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
37
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.
Dated: August 10, 2009 | U.S. AUTO PARTS NETWORK, INC. | |||
(Registrant) | ||||
By | /s/ SHANE EVANGELIST | |||
Shane Evangelist | ||||
Chief Executive Officer | ||||
(Principal Executive Officer) | ||||
By | /s/ THEODORE R. SANDERS | |||
Theodore R. Sanders | ||||
Chief Financial Officer | ||||
(Principal Accounting Officer) |
38
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. |
Description | |
31.1 |
Certification of the principal executive officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended | |
31.2 |
Certification of the principal financial officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended | |
32.1 |
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer required by 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
32.2 |
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer required by 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
39