ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Overview
We are one of the leading online sources for automotive aftermarket parts and repair information. Our vision is that vehicle owners never overpay for service and repair. Our mission is to be the service and repair advocate for vehicle owners, to increase their confidence in the repair process, and to provide the most affordable option for their service and repair needs.
We principally sell our products, identified as stock keeping units (“SKUs”), to individual consumers through our network of websites and online marketplaces. Our user-friendly websites provide customers with a comprehensive selection of approximately 1,800,000 SKUs with detailed product descriptions and photographs. We have developed a proprietary product database that maps our SKUs to product applications based on vehicle makes, models and years.
Our online sales channel and relationships with suppliers enable us to eliminate several intermediaries in the traditional auto parts supply chain and offer a broad selection of SKUs. Additionally, as an online retailer, we believe greater economies of scale can be achieved online than in brick and mortar stores.
We were incorporated in Delaware in 1995 as a distributor of aftermarket auto parts and launched our first website in 2000. Since then, we have continued to expand our online operations, increasing the number of SKUs sold through our e-commerce network, adding additional websites, improving our internet marketing proficiency, and commencing sales on online marketplaces. In October 2008, we acquired AutoMD.com for the purpose of developing content and a user community to educate consumers on maintenance and service of their vehicles.
In August 2010, we acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Automotive Specialty Accessories and Parts (“WAG”), the nation’s leading catalog and internet direct marketer of automotive aftermarket parts and accessories. This acquisition has expanded our product line into all terrain vehicles, recreational vehicles and motorcycles, as well as provided us deep product knowledge into niche segments like Jeep, Volkswagen and trucks. The expansion of our product line increases our ability to reach customers in the do-it-yourself, or DIY, automobile and off-road accessories market. Our flagship websites are located at www.autopartswarehouse.com, www.partstrain.com, www.jcwhitney.com, and www.stylintrucks.com and our corporate website is located at www.usautoparts.net.
Our Products
We offer a broad selection of aftermarket auto parts. We frequently refine our product offering by introducing new merchandise and updating the existing product selection to offer a more complete and relevant product line and to remove low-selling or obsolete SKUs. We broadly classify our products into three categories: body parts, engine parts, and performance parts and accessories.
Body Parts. The body parts category is primarily comprised of parts for the exterior of an automobile. Our parts in this category are typically replacement parts for original body parts that have been damaged as a result of a collision or through general wear and tear. The majority of these products are sold through our websites. In addition, we sell an extensive line of mirror products, including our own private-label brand called Kool-Vue™, which are marketed and sold as aftermarket replacement parts and as upgrades to existing parts.
Engine/Hard Parts. The engine parts category is comprised of engine components and other mechanical and electrical parts, which are often referred to as hard parts. These parts serve as replacement parts for existing engine parts and are generally used by professionals and do-it-yourselfers for engine and mechanical maintenance and repair.
Performance Parts and Accessories. We offer performance versions of many parts sold in each of the above categories. Performance parts and accessories generally consist of parts that enhance the performance of the automobile, upgrade existing functionality of a specific part or improve the physical appearance or comfort of the automobile.
Our Sales Channels
Our sales channels include the online channel and the offline channel.
Online Sales Channel. Our online sales channel consists of our e-commerce channel, online marketplaces and online advertising. Our e-commerce channel includes a network of e-commerce websites, supported by our call-center sales agents. We also sell our products through online marketplaces, including third-party auction sites and shopping portals, which provide us with access to additional consumer segments. The majority of our online sales are to individual consumers. Through online advertising, we sell advertising and sponsorship positions on our e-commerce websites to highlight vendor brands and offer complementary products and services that benefit our customers. Advertising is targeted to specific sections of the websites and can also be targeted to specific users based on the vehicles they drive. Advertising partners primarily include part vendors, national automotive aftermarket brands, and automobile manufacturers.
Offline Sales Channel. We sell and deliver to collision repair shops throughout Southern California via our offline sales channel. We also market our Kool-Vue™ products nationwide to auto parts wholesale distributors and serve consumers by operating retail outlet stores in Independence, Ohio and LaSalle, Illinois which were purchased through the acquisition of WAG.
Our Fulfillment Operations
We fulfill customer orders using two primary methods: (i) stock-and-ship, where we take physical delivery of merchandise and store it in one of our distribution centers until it is shipped to a customer, and (ii) drop-ship, where merchandise is shipped directly to customers from our suppliers. We believe that the flexibility of fulfilling orders using two different fulfillment methods allows us to offer a broader product selection, helps optimize product inventory and enhances our overall business profitability.
The selection of fulfillment methodology occurs at the time of order submission. When a customer submits an order, our fulfillment system performs a check on the ordered item to determine if it is in stock at any of our distribution centers. Fulfillment teams in our distribution centers then process orders for in-stock products. Orders for non-stocked products are sent to our suppliers and processed via drop-ship.
Stock-and-Ship Fulfillment. Our stock-and-ship products are sourced primarily from manufacturers and other suppliers located in Asia and in the U.S. and are stored in one of our distribution centers in Carson, California, , Chesapeake, Virginia, LaSalle, Illinois, and Independence, Ohio. The distribution centers in LaSalle, Illinois and Independence, Ohio were purchased through the acquisition of WAG. All products received into our distribution centers are entered into our inventory management systems, allowing us to closely monitor inventory availability. We consider a number of factors in determining which items to stock in our distribution centers, including which products can be purchased at a meaningful discount to domestic prices for similar items, which products have historically sold in high volumes, and which products may be out of stock when we attempt to fulfill via drop-ship.
Drop-Ship Fulfillment. We have developed relationships with several U.S.-based automobile parts distributors that operate their own distribution centers and will deliver products directly to our customers. We internally developed a proprietary distributor selection system, Auto-Vend™, which allows us to electronically select multiple vendors for a given order. Auto-Vend™ will attempt to first direct an order to one of our warehouses. If the product is not in stock, Auto-Vend™ will process the order to the next appropriate vendor based on customer location, contractual agreements, and service level history.
Suppliers
We source our products from foreign manufacturers and importers located in Taiwan and China, and from U.S. manufacturers and distributors. We drop-ship orders for low demand products manufactured in the U.S. directly from our manufacturers and distributors. We generally place large-volume orders with these suppliers and, as a result, may receive volume discounts on certain ordered products. Our domestic suppliers offer direct-to-customer shipping, allowing us to save on fulfillment costs and offer a broader selection of products. We have developed application programming interfaces with several of these suppliers that allow us to electronically transmit orders and check inventory availability. We are a significant customer for many of our drop-ship vendors and have long standing relationships and contracts with many of these suppliers. For the fiscal year ended January 1, 2011, one of our drop-ship vendors provided 17.3% of our total product purchases.
Marketing
Our online marketing efforts are designed to attract visitors to our websites, convert visitors into purchasing customers and encourage repeat purchases among our existing customer base. We use a variety of online marketing methods to attract visitors, including paid search advertising, search engine optimization, affiliate programs, e-mail marketing and inclusion in online shopping engines. To convert visitors into paying customers, we periodically run in-site promotions for discounted purchases. We seek to create cross-selling opportunities by displaying complementary and related products available for sale throughout the purchasing process. We utilize several marketing techniques, including targeted e-mails about specific vehicle promotions, to increase customer awareness of our products.
International Operations
In April 2007, we established offshore operations in the Philippines. Our offshore operations allow us to access a workforce with the necessary technical skills at a significantly lower cost than comparably experienced U.S.-based professionals. Our offshore operations are responsible for a majority of our website development, database management, catalog management, and search engine marketing technologies. Our offshore operations also house our call center. We have over 991 employees in the Philippines.
In addition to our operations in the Philippines, we have a Canadian subsidiary to facilitate sales of our products in Canada; the subsidiary has no distribution center or employees. We also ship parts directly to Canada and through a freight forwarding partner throughout the world. In 2010, we shipped auto parts to over 160 different countries.
Competition
The auto repair information and 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 original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) and aftermarket parts to either the do-it-yourself (“DIY”) or do-it-for-me (“DIFM”) customer segments. Current or potential competitors include the following:
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national auto parts retailers such as Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, Napa Auto Parts, CarQuest, O’Reilly Automotive and Pep Boys
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large online marketplaces such as Amazon.com and sellers on eBay;
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other online retailers and auto repair information websites;
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local independent retailers or niche auto parts retailers; and
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wholesale aftermarket auto parts distributors such as LKQ Corporation.
We believe the principal competitive factors in our market are helping customers easily find their parts, educating consumers on the service and maintenance of their vehicles, maintaining a proprietary product catalog that maps individual parts to relevant vehicle applications, broad product selection and availability, price, knowledgeable customer service, and rapid order fulfillment and delivery. We believe we compete favorably on the basis of these factors. However, some of our competitors may be larger, have stronger brand recognition or may have access to greater financial, technical and marketing resources or have been operating longer than we have.
Government Regulation
We are subject to federal and state consumer protection laws, including laws protecting the privacy of customer non-public information and the handling of customer complaints and regulations prohibiting unfair and deceptive trade practices. The growth and demand for online commerce has and may continue to result in more stringent consumer protection laws that impose additional compliance burdens on online companies. 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 and information security. In addition, most states have passed laws that prohibit or limit the use of aftermarket auto parts in collision repair work and/or require enhanced disclosure or vehicle owner consent before using aftermarket auto parts in such repair work and additional legislation of this kind may be introduced in the future.
There is also great uncertainty over whether or how existing laws governing issues such as property ownership, sales and other taxes, auctions, libel and personal privacy apply to the Internet and commercial online services. These issues may take years to resolve. For example, tax authorities in a number of states, as well as a Congressional advisory commission, are currently reviewing the appropriate tax treatment of companies engaged in online commerce, and new state tax regulations may subject us to additional state sales and income taxes. New legislation or regulation, the application of laws and regulations from jurisdictions whose laws do not currently apply to our business or the application of existing laws and regulations to the Internet and commercial online services could result in significant additional taxes or regulatory restrictions on our business. These taxes or restrictions could have an adverse effect on our cash flows and results of operations. Furthermore, there is a possibility that we may be subject to significant fines or other payments for any past failures to comply with these requirements.
Environmental
We are subject to environmental regulation as it affects certain of the products we sell. For instance, California currently only allows catalytic converters approved by the state to be sold within the state and, during 2010 and early 2011, the Company met with the California Air Resources Board (“CARB”) to discuss alleged sales of catalytic converters into California by the Company and third-party suppliers that are not compliant with California regulations. CARB informed the Company that penalties may be assessed with regard to any non-compliant sales; discussions are ongoing, and any penalties are not estimable at this time but are not expected to be significant in amount. There has been an indication that thirteen other states may be pursuing the enactment of similar regulations. In addition, if we expanded our product lines, we may be subject to additional environmental regulation.
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.
Employees
As of January 31, 2011, we had 621 employees in the United States and 991 employees in the Philippines for a total of 1,612 employees. None of our employees are represented by a labor union, and we have never experienced a work stoppage.
Available Information
Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports are available free of charge on the Investor Relations section of our corporate website located at www.usautoparts.net as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The inclusion of our website address in this report does not include or incorporate by reference into this report any information on our website.
ITEM 1A.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Our business is subject to a number of risks 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 subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K, and any amendments thereto, before deciding to buy, sell or hold our common stock. If any
of these known or unknown risks or uncertainties actually occurs with material adverse effects on us, our business, financial condition, results of operations and/or liquidity could be seriously harmed. In that event, the market price for our common stock will likely 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, and currently represents only a small part. Our success will depend in part on our ability to attract new customers and to convert 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:
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concerns about buying auto parts without face-to-face interaction with sales personnel;
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the inability to physically handle, examine and compare products;
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delivery time associated with Internet orders;
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concerns about the security of online transactions and the privacy of personal information;
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delayed shipments or shipments of incorrect or damaged products;
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increased shipping costs; and
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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, it could result in fewer consumers clicking through to our websites, and 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 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 acquired WAG on August 12, 2010 and we expect that we will selectively pursue additional acquisitions of businesses, technologies or services in order to expand our capabilities, enter new markets or increase our market share. In conjunction with the acquisition of WAG, we recorded a significant valuation allowance against our deferred tax asset, and have incurred greater than usual legal and accounting fees, as well as general and administrative expenses. Additionally, because the acquisition of WAG was a stock purchase, we may incur liability for acts taken prior to
our acquisition that may involve costly litigation. Integrating any newly acquired businesses’ websites, technologies or services is likely to be expensive and time consuming or other liabilities. For example, our acquisition of All OEM Parts, Inc., the Partsbin.com, Inc., and other affiliated companies (collectively “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. Our integration activities in connection with our acquisitions have also caused a substantial diversion of our management’s attention. If we are unable to successfully complete the integration of acquisitions, including WAG, we may not realize the anticipated synergies from such acquisitions, we may take impairment charges and write-downs associated with such acquisitions, and our business and results of operations could suffer. In connection with the acquisition of WAG, we incurred acquisition and integration related costs of $3.1 million. To finance any future acquisitions, it may also be necessary for us to raise additional capital through public or private financings or to obtain additional 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 assumption of debt and unforeseen liabilities (including our becoming involved in litigation relating to any business we acquire) and significant adverse accounting charges, any of which could substantially harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may not be able to successfully acquire new businesses or integrate acquisitions, which could cause our business to suffer.
We may not be able to successfully complete potential strategic acquisitions if we cannot reach agreement on acceptable terms or for other reasons. If we buy a company or a division of a company, we may experience difficulty integrating that company’s or division’s personnel and operations, which could negatively affect our operating results. In addition:
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the key personnel of the acquired company may decide not to work for us;
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customers of the acquired company may decide not to purchase products from us;
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we may experience business disruptions as a result of information technology systems conversions;
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we may experience additional financial and accounting challenges and complexities in areas such as tax planning, treasury management, and financial reporting;
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we may be held liable for environmental, tax or other risks and liabilities as a result of our acquisitions, some of which we may not have discovered during our due diligence;
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we may intentionally assume the liabilities of the companies we acquire, which could materially and adversely affect our business;
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our ongoing business may be disrupted or receive insufficient management attention;
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we may not be able to realize the cost savings or other financial benefits or synergies we anticipated, either in the amount or in the time frame that we expect; and
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we may incur debt or issue equity securities to pay for any future acquisition, the issuance of which could involve the imposition of restrictive covenants or be dilutive to our existing stockholders.
Our operations are restricted by our credit facility.
Our credit facility includes a number of restrictive covenants. These covenants could impair our financing and operational flexibility and make it difficult for us to react to market conditions and satisfy our ongoing capital needs and unanticipated cash requirements. Specifically, such covenants restrict our ability and, if applicable, the ability of our subsidiaries to, among other things:
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incur additional debt;
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make certain investments and acquisitions;
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enter into certain types of transactions with affiliates;
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use assets as security in other transactions;
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pay dividends on our capital stock or repurchase our equity interests;
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sell certain assets or merge with or into other companies;
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guarantee the debts of others;
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enter into new lines of business;
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pay or amend our subordinated debt;
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form any joint ventures or subsidiary investments.
In addition, our current credit facility requires us to satisfy certain financial covenants. These financial covenants and tests could limit our ability to react to market conditions or satisfy extraordinary capital needs and could otherwise restrict our financing and operations.
Our ability to comply with the covenants and other terms of our debt obligations will depend on our future operating performance. If we fail to comply with such covenants and terms, we would be required to obtain waivers from our lenders to maintain compliance with our debt obligations. As of January 1, 2011, in connection with the Company’s credit facility, the Company’s Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage ratio was lower than the ratio required by the covenants in the Loan and Security Agreement entered into by and between the Company and Silicon Valley Bank (“Bank”) on August 13, 2010 (“LSA”). On February 28, 2011, the Company and the Bank, entered into Amendment No. 1 to Loan and Security Agreement and Limited Waiver (“Amendment”). The Amendment waived the Company’s non compliance with the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Covenant in the LSA. The Amendment also amended the definitions of Baseline Liquidity and Consolidated EBITDA (earnings before income tax, depreciation and amortization) to more readily accommodate the Company’s integration of the WAG acquisition. If we are unable to obtain any necessary waivers and the debt is accelerated, a material adverse effect on our financial condition and future operating performance would result. Additionally, our indebtedness could have important consequences, including the following:
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We will have to dedicate a portion of our cash flow to making interest and principal payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other general corporate purposes.
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Certain levels of indebtedness may make us less attractive to potential acquirers or acquisition targets.
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Certain levels of indebtedness may limit our flexibility to adjust to changing business and market conditions, and make us more vulnerable to downturns in general economic conditions as compared to competitors that may be less leveraged.
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As described in more detail above, the documents providing for our indebtedness contain restrictive covenants that may limit our financing and operational flexibility.
Furthermore, our ability to satisfy our debt service obligations will depend, among other things, upon fluctuations in interest rates, our future operating performance and ability to refinance indebtedness when and if necessary. These factors depend partly on economic, financial, competitive and other factors beyond our control. We may not be able to generate sufficient cash from operations to meet our debt service obligations as well as fund necessary capital expenditures and general operating expenses. In addition, if we need to refinance our debt, or obtain additional financing or sell assets or equity to satisfy our debt service obligations, we may not be able to do so on commercially reasonable terms, if at all.
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:
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the amount and timing of operating costs and capital expenditures relating to the maintenance and expansion of our business, operations and infrastructure;
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difficulties and costs of staffing and managing foreign operations;
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restrictions imposed by local labor practices and laws on our business and operations;
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exposure to different business practices and legal standards;
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unexpected changes in regulatory requirements;
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the imposition of government controls and restrictions;
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political, social and economic instability and the risk of war, terrorist activities or other international incidents;
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the failure of telecommunications and connectivity infrastructure;
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natural disasters and public health emergencies;
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potentially adverse tax consequences;
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the failure of local laws to provide a sufficient degree of protection against infringement of our intellectual property; and
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fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and relative weakness in the U.S. Dollar.
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 58% of our total product purchases during the fifty-two weeks ended January 1, 2011 (“fiscal 2010”). 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 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:
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political, social and economic instability and the risk of war or other international incidents in Asia or abroad;
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fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates that may increase our cost of products;
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tariffs and protectionist laws and business practices that favor local businesses;
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difficulties in complying with import and export laws, regulatory requirements and restrictions; and
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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 fiscal 2010, our product purchases from a single supplier represented 17.3% of our total product purchases. If we do not maintain our existing relationships with this supplier and our other 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 harm our reputation and 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 due to 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.
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 such increases negatively impact 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, and 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.
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:
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national auto parts retailers such as Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, Napa Auto Parts, CarQuest, O’Reilly Automotive and Pep Boys;
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large online marketplaces such as Amazon.com and eBay;
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other online retailers;
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local independent retailers or niche auto parts online retailers; and
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wholesale aftermarket 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 sales, lower 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.
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.
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 the three 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 legal actions that were initiated by Ford against us.
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.
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 such as our proprietary back-end order processing and fulfillment code and process 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 members and several of its employees, alleging, among other things, misappropriation of trade secrets, breach of contract and unfair competition. We are requesting both monetary and injunctive relief. The outcome of such litigation is uncertain, and the cost of prosecuting the litigation may have an adverse impact on our earnings. We have common law trademarks, as well as pending federal trademark registrations for several marks and three registered marks. Even if we obtain approval of such pending registrations, the resulting registrations may not adequately cover our intellectual property 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, www.partstrain.com, www.jcwhitney.com, and www.stylintrucks.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, which 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 although we have created proprietary programs. 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.
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 management’s 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.
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:
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prevent customers from accessing our websites;
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reduce our ability to fulfill orders or bill customers;
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reduce the number of products that we sell;
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cause customer dissatisfaction; or
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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.
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, ranging 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 company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been initiated. Due to the inherent uncertainties of litigation, we cannot predict the ultimate outcome of any such litigation if it were initiated. The initiation of any such litigation or 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 January 1, 2011, our executive officers and directors and entities that are affiliated with them beneficially owned in the aggregate approximately 45.3% 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 significantly influence 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.
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:
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fluctuations in the demand for aftermarket auto parts;
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price competition on the Internet or among offline retailers for auto parts;
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our ability to attract visitors to our websites and convert those visitors into customers;
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our ability to maintain and expand our supplier and distribution relationships without significant price increases or reduced service levels;
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the effects of seasonality on the demand for our products;
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our ability to accurately forecast demand for our products, price our products at market rates and maintain appropriate inventory levels;
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our ability to build and maintain customer loyalty;
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our ability to successfully integrate our acquisitions;
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infringement actions that could impact the viability of the auto parts aftermarket or portions thereof;
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the success of our brand-building and marketing campaigns;
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our ability to accurately project our future revenues, earnings, and results of operations;
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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;
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technical difficulties, system downtime or Internet brownouts;
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the amount and timing of operating costs and capital expenditures relating to expansion of our business, operations and infrastructure; and
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the impact of adverse economic conditions on retail sales, in general.
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 January 1, 2011, 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.
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:
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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;
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advance notice is required for director nominations or for proposals that can be acted upon at stockholder meetings;
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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;
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stockholder action by written consent is prohibited except with regards to an action that has been approved by the Board;
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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;
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stockholders are not permitted to cumulate their votes for the election of directors; and
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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 vehicle’s 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 vehicle’s 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, vehicle accident rates and insurance companies’ willingness to accept a variety of types of replacement parts in the repair process have fluctuated and may decrease, which could result in a decline of our revenues and negatively affect our results of operations.
We and our industry depend on the number of vehicle miles driven, vehicle accident rates and insurance companies’ willingness to accept a variety of types of replacement parts in the repair process. 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, all of which may reduce our revenues and adversely impact our results of operations.
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 auction rate preferred securities (“ARPS”). As of January 1, 2011, our long-term marketable securities were comprised of $4.2 million (par value) of high-grade (AAA rated) ARPS issued primarily by closed 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, in February 2008, we instructed our investment advisor to liquidate all our investments in closed end funds and move these funds into money market investments but there was insufficient demand at auction for our
remaining four high-grade ARPS, representing approximately $7.8 million at that time. As a result, these affected securities currently are not liquid, and have been reclassified as long-term investments. For the period June 30, 2008 through January 1, 2011, an additional $3.5 million of our investments in ARPS were redeemed but 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. As of January 1, 2011, management concluded that these remaining investments were temporarily impaired and has recognized an unrealized loss in other comprehensive income totaling $0.1 million. 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.
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, Kansas, Tennessee and Virginia and, through our acquisition of WAG, in Illinois and Ohio. 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.
In addition, a number of states, as well as the U.S. Congress, have been considering various initiatives that could limit or supersede the Supreme Court’s apparent position regarding sales and use taxes on Internet sales. 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 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.
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. For example, 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 the California legislation. During 2010 and in early 2011, we met with the California Air Resources Board (“CARB”) to discuss alleged sales of catalytic converters into California by us and our third-party suppliers that are not compliant with California regulations. CARB informed us that penalties may be assessed with regard to any non-compliant sales; discussions are ongoing, and any penalties are not estimable at this time. 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 or our business in general, 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.
We may be affected by global climate change or by legal, regulatory, or market responses to such change.
The growing political and scientific sentiment is that global weather patterns are being influenced by increased levels of greenhouse gases in the earth’s atmosphere. This growing sentiment and the concern over climate change have led to legislative and regulatory initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For example, proposals that would impose mandatory requirements on greenhouse gas emissions continue to be considered by policy makers in the United States. Laws enacted that directly or indirectly affect our suppliers (through an increase in the cost of production or their ability to produce satisfactory products) or our business (through an impact on our inventory availability, cost of sales, operations or demand for the products we sell) could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Significant increases in fuel economy requirements or new federal or state restrictions on emissions of carbon dioxide that may be imposed on vehicles and automobile fuels could adversely affect demand for vehicles, annual miles driven or the products we sell or lead to changes in automotive technology. Compliance with any new or more stringent laws or regulations, or stricter interpretations of existing laws, could require additional expenditures by us or our suppliers. Our inability to respond to changes in automotive technology could adversely impact the demand for our products and our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
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 1B.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
As of January 1, 2011, the square footage of our leased and owned office and warehouse space was 402,000 and 347,000, respectively. Our corporate headquarters and primary distribution centers are located in Carson, California and LaSalle, Illinois in approximately 485,000 square feet of office and warehouse space. We have a 130,000 square foot distribution center in Chesapeake, Virginia. We currently lease approximately 43,000 square feet of office space in the Philippines for our employees located in that country. In August 2010, we assumed the leases of office and warehouse space originally entered by WAG. The leased properties are located in Independence, Ohio and Chicago, Illinois and are approximately 61,000 and 22,000 square feet, respectively. For additional information regarding our obligations under property leases, see “Note 13-Commitments and Contingencies” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part IV, Item 15 of this report.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The information set forth under the caption “Legal Matters” in Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part IV, Item 15 of this report, is incorporated herein by reference. For an additional discussion of certain risks associated with legal proceedings, see the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this report.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4. RESERVED
PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information
Our common stock is being trading on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “PRTS.” The table below sets forth the high and low sales prices of our common stock for the periods indicated:
On March 16, 2011, the last reported sale price of our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market was $6.75 per share.
Holders
As of March 11, 2011, there were approximately 720 non-objecting holders of record of our common stock.
Stock Performance Graph
The material in this section is not “soliciting material,” is not deemed “filed” with the SEC, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any of our filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
The following graph shows a comparison of the total cumulative returns of an investment of $100 in cash on February 9, 2007, the first trading day following our initial public offering in (i) our common stock, (ii) the Morgan Stanley Technology Index, (iii) the S&P 500 Retail Index and (iv) NASDAQ Composite Index, in each case through January 1, 2011. The comparisons in the graph are required by the SEC and are not intended to forecast or be indicative of the possible future performance of our common stock. The graph assumes that all dividends have been reinvested (to date, we have not declared dividends).
Dividend Policy
No dividends were paid during the fifty-two weeks ended January 2, 2010 and January 1, 2011. We currently intend to retain any future earnings to finance the growth and development of our business, and we do not anticipate that we will declare or pay any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. In August 2010, the Company and Silicon Valley Bank entered into a Loan and Security Agreement and other definitive documentation for a $35 million secured credit facility. The Loan and Security Agreement requires us to obtain a prior written consent from Silicon Valley Bank when we determine to pay any dividends on or make any distribution with respect to our common stock. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” in Item 7 of Part II included in this report for further information on the covenants under the secured credit facility. Any future determination to pay cash dividends will be subject to the above restriction as well as restrictions under any other existing indebtedness at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will be dependent upon our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, and other factors the Board of Directors deems relevant.
Sales of Unregistered Securities
None.
Use of Proceeds from Sales of Registered Securities
On February 14, 2007, we completed the initial public offering of our common stock, pursuant to which we sold 8,000,000 shares of our common stock and the selling stockholders sold an aggregate of 3,500,000 shares of our common stock (which included 1,500,000 shares sold by the selling stockholders pursuant to the exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option) at the initial public offering price of $10.00 per share. The shares of common stock sold in the offering were registered under the Securities Act on a registration statement on Form S-1 (File. No. 333-138379) that was declared effective by the SEC on February 8, 2007. RBC Capital Markets Corporation, Thomas Weisel Partners LLC, Piper Jaffray & Co., and JMP Securities LLC were the co-managing underwriters for the offering.
The aggregate purchase price of the shares sold by us in the offering was $80.0 million. The aggregate purchase price of the shares sold by the selling stockholders was $35.0 million. We and the selling stockholders paid to the underwriters underwriting discounts and commissions totaling $5.6 million and $2.5 million, respectively, in connection with the offering. In addition, we incurred additional expenses of approximately $2.9 million in connection with the offering. After deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses, we received net proceeds from the offering of approximately $71.5 million. We did not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling stockholders.
Approximately $28.0 million of the net proceeds from the offering was used to repay our outstanding indebtedness under two term loans for approximately $18.0 million and $10.0 million, payable to our commercial lender. In addition, $5.0 million of the net proceeds from the offering was paid on the notes payable to the former stockholders of Partsbin. Except for the payment of such debt, none of the net proceeds from the offering were paid directly or indirectly to any of our directors or officers (or their associates) or persons owning ten percent or more of any class of our equity securities or to any other affiliate, other than in the form of wages or salaries and bonuses paid out in the ordinary course of business. In March 2007, a class action lawsuit was filed alleging violations of federal securities law in connection with our initial public offering. The Company entered into a settlement agreement in this regard in May 2008. In July 2008, the Company funded the settlement consideration to an escrow account totaling $3.4 million which was court approved in October 2008 and subsequently disbursed. The remaining net proceeds from the offering have been invested in investment-grade securities, and acquisitions of assets and businesses.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchaser
We did not repurchase any of our outstanding equity securities during the most recent quarter covered by this report.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected financial information as of and for the dates and periods indicated have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements. The information set forth below is not necessarily indicative of results of future operations, and should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Part IV, Item 15 of this report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. As a result of many factors, such as those set forth under the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Item 1A and elsewhere in this report, our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements.
We are one of the largest online providers of aftermarket auto parts, including body parts, engine parts, and performance parts and accessories. Our user-friendly websites provide customers with a broad selection of Stock Keeping Units, or 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, www.partstrain.com, www.jcwhitney.com, www.stylintrucks.com and our corporate website is located at www.usautoparts.net. 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 Delaware 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, improving our Internet marketing proficiency and commencing sales in online marketplaces. Additionally, in August 2010, through our acquisition of WAG, we expanded our product-lines and increased our customer reach in the do-it-yourself automobile and off-road accessories market. As a result, our business has grown since 2000, generating net sales of $262 million for fiscal 2010.
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 991 employees in our Philippines operations as of January 31, 2011. 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. In the third quarter of fiscal 2009, we completed the acquisition of the assets of a small website and the related domain names which further expanded and enhanced our product offering and our ability to reach more customers. In the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we completed two additional website and domain name asset acquisitions, which we expect will increase our net
sales and internet traffic. In August 2010, Go Fido, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of ours, completed the purchase of all of the outstanding capital stock of Automotive Specialty Accessories and Parts, or WAG. WAG’s state-of-the-art Midwest facility expands our distribution network and the merchandise WAG offers extends our go to market product-lines into all terrain vehicles, recreational vehicles and motorcycles, as well as provides us with deep product knowledge into niche segments like Jeep, Volkswagen and trucks. This expansion of our product line increases our customer reach in the do-it-yourself automobile and off-road accessories market. For additional information, see “Note 5 - Business Combination” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part IV, Item 15 of this report. We may pursue additional acquisition opportunities in the future to increase our share of the aftermarket auto parts market or expand our product offering.
Executive Summary
Our net sales for fiscal 2010 were $262.3 million, compared with $176.3 million for fiscal 2009. Excluding $39.1 million of sales from WAG, net sales for fiscal 2010 were $223.2 million, an increase of 27% over fiscal 2009 net sales. Net loss for fiscal 2010 was $13.9 million, or $0.46 per share, which includes non-cash deferred income tax asset valuation reserve of $13.6 million or $0.45 per share, $3.1 million or $0.10 per share of restructuring charges related to WAG, and $2.3 million or $0.08 per share of legal expenses to protect intellectual property. This compares to a net income of $1.3 million, or $0.04 per diluted share for fiscal 2009, which includes $0.4 million or $0.01 per share of legal expenses to protect intellectual property. Earnings per share (“EPS”) for fiscal 2010 and 2009 included amortization expense related to intangibles of $2.8 million or $0.09 per share and $0.7 million or $0.02 per diluted share, respectively. We generated adjusted EBITDA (Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization plus current year’s stock compensation expense, legal costs to enforce intellectual property rights, restructuring expenses related to acquisition, and charge for change in revenue recognition) of $19.5 million in fiscal 2010 compared to $13.5 million in fiscal 2009. Adjusted EBITDA is presented because such measure is used by rating agencies, securities analysis, investors and other parties in evaluating the Company. It should not be considered, however, as an alternative to operating income as an indicator of the Company’s operating performance or as an alternative cash flows as measures of the Company’s overall liquidity as presented in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Further, Adjusted EBITDA measure shown for the Company may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.
To understand revenue generation through our network of e-commerce websites, we monitor several key business metrics, including the following:
Unique Visitors: A unique visitor to a particular website represents a user with a distinct IP address that visits that particular website. We define the total number of unique visitors in a given month as the sum of unique visitors to each of our websites during that month. We measure unique visitors to understand the volume of traffic to our websites and to track the effectiveness of our online marketing efforts. The number of unique visitors has historically varied based on a number of factors, including our marketing activities and seasonality. We believe an increase in unique visitors to our websites will result in an increase in the number of orders. We seek to increase the number of unique visitors to our websites by attracting repeat customers and improving search engine marketing and other internet marketing activities.
Total Number of Orders: We monitor the total number of orders as an indicator of future revenue trends. We recognize revenue associated with an order when the products have been delivered, consistent with our revenue recognition policy.
Average Order Value: Average order value represents our net sales on a placed orders basis for a given period of time divided by the total number of orders recorded during the same period of time. We seek to increase the average order value as a means of increasing net sales. Average order values vary depending upon a number of factors, including the components of our product offering, the order volume in certain online sales channels, macro-economic conditions, and the general level of competition online.
The tables below reconcile net income (loss) to consolidated adjusted EBITDA and US Auto Parts excluding the WAG acquisition for the periods presented (in thousands):
Basis of Presentation
Net Sales. Online and offline sales represent two different sales channels for our products. We generate online net sales primarily through the sale of auto parts to individual consumers through our network of e-commerce websites and online marketplaces, including online advertising. E-commerce sales are derived from our network of websites, which are company owned and operated. E-commerce and online marketplace sales also include inbound telephone sales through our call center that supports these sales channels. Online marketplaces consist primarily of sales of our products on online auction websites, where we sell through auctions as well as through storefronts that we maintain on these third-party owned websites. We sell advertising and sponsorship positions on our e-commerce websites to highlight vendor brands and offer complementary products and services that benefit our customers. Advertising is targeted to specific sections of the websites and can also be targeted to specific users based on the vehicles they drive. Advertising partners primarily include part vendors, national automotive aftermarket brands, and automobile manufacturers. Our offline sales channel represents our distribution of products directly to commercial customers by selling auto parts to collision repair shops located in Southern California. Our offline sales channel also includes the distribution of our Kool-Vue mirror line to auto parts distributors nationwide. We also serve consumers by operating retail outlet stores in Independence, Ohio and LaSalle, Illinois, which were purchased through the acquisition of WAG.
Cost of Sales. Cost of sales consists of the direct costs associated with procuring parts from suppliers and delivering products to customers. These costs include product costs offset by purchase discounts, freight and shipping costs and warehouse supplies. Depreciation and amortization directly related to sales are excluded from cost of sales and included in marketing, general and administrative and fulfillment costs as noted below.
General and Administrative Expense. General and administrative expense consists primarily of administrative payroll and related expenses, payment processing fees, legal and professional fees, amortization of software and other administrative costs. General and administrative expense also includes depreciation and amortization expense directly related to sales.
Marketing Expense. Marketing expense consists of online advertising spend, Internet commerce facilitator fees and other advertising costs, as well as payroll and related expenses associated with our marketing catalog, customer service, and sales personnel. These costs are generally variable and are typically a function of net sales. Marketing expense also includes depreciation and amortization expense directly related to sales.
Fulfillment Expense. Fulfillment expense consists primarily of payroll and related costs associated with our warehouse employees and our purchasing group, facility rent, building maintenance, depreciation and other costs associated with inventory management and our wholesale operations. Fulfillment expense also includes depreciation and amortization expense directly related to sales.
Technology Expense. Technology expense consists primarily of payroll and related expenses of our information technology personnel, the cost of hosting our servers, communications expenses and Internet connectivity costs, computer support and software development.
Amortization of Intangibles and impairment loss. Amortization of intangibles consists primarily of the amortization expense associated with certain intangibles recorded as a result of the Partsbin and WAG acquisitions. Impairment loss on intangibles consists primarily of the impairment loss associated with certain intangibles recorded as a result of the Partsbin acquisition.
Goodwill impairment loss. Goodwill impairment loss consists of the non-cash impairment loss recorded as a result of the Partsbin acquisition.
Interest Income (Expense). Interest income consists primarily of interest income on investments. Interest expense consists primarily of interest expense on our outstanding loan balances and capital leases.
Other Income. Other income consists of miscellaneous income such as gain from disposition of assets.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). The preparation of our financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, net sales, costs and expenses, as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and other related disclosures. 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 carrying values of our assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and we include any revisions to our estimates in our results for the period in which the actual amounts become known.
We believe the critical accounting policies described below affect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, these are the policies we believe are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our historical consolidated financial condition and results of operations:
Revenue Recognition. From the Company’s inception of business through the first quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company recognized revenue from product sales when the following four revenue recognition criteria were met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred (to the common carrier), the selling price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. These criteria followed the Company’s general policy to recognize revenue according to its shipping terms, which were F.O.B. shipping point. Under this policy, title and risk of loss were transferred to the customer upon delivery to the common carrier, at which time, revenue was recognized.
Although the Company had no legal obligation to compensate the customer, the Company generally replaces the product or reimburses the customer for goods that were lost or damaged in transit and filed a claim to the common carrier for reimbursement for such loss. The Company executed a new pricing agreement with its primary carrier which offered a lower price per delivery and eliminated the Company’s option to file reimbursement claims for product lost or damaged in transit. As a result of this agreement, the Company determined that the risk of loss or damage during transit would be retained by the Company. Therefore, the Company determined that revenue from product sales should be recognized at the delivery date, not the ship date.
This change in the second quarter of fiscal 2010 resulted in a deferral of $2.0 million of sales revenue and a decrease in cost of goods sold of $1.5 million, which reduced gross profit by $0.5 million. The Company has recognized revenue upon delivery to the customer starting the second quarter of fiscal 2010.
Revenue from sales of advertising is recorded when performance requirements of the related advertising program agreement are met. For fiscal 2010, the advertising revenue represented 1% of our total revenue.
We evaluated the criteria of ASC Topic 605-45 - Revenue Recognition - Principal Agent Considerations (“ASC 605-45”), in determining whether it is appropriate to record the gross amount of product sales and related costs or the net amount earned as commissions. When we are the primary party obligated in a transaction, are subject to inventory risk, have latitude in establishing prices and selecting suppliers or have several but not all of these indicators, revenue is recorded gross.
Product sales and shipping revenues, net of promotional discounts and return allowances, are recorded when the products are delivered and title passes to customers. Retail items sold to customers are made pursuant to terms and conditions that provide for transfer of both title and risk of loss upon our delivery to the customer. Return allowances, which reduce product revenue by our best estimate of expected product returns, are estimated using historical experience. We generally require payment by credit card at the point of sale. Amounts received prior to when we deliver goods to customers are recorded as deferred revenue.
We periodically provide incentive offers to our customers to encourage purchases. Such offers include current discount offers, such as percentage discounts off of current purchases and other similar offers. Current discount offers, when accepted by our customers, are treated as a reduction to the purchase price of the related transaction. Current discount offers and inducement offers are classified as an offsetting amount in net sales.
Fair Value Measurements. During the first quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company adopted ASC Topic 820- Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”), which defines fair value, provides a framework for measuring fair value, and expands the disclosures required for fair value measurements. Additionally, in January 2010, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2010-6 - Improving Disclosures About Fair Value Measurements (“ASU 2010-6”), which requires reporting entities to make new disclosures about recurring or nonrecurring fair-value measurements including significant transfers into and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair-value measurements and information on purchases, sales, issuances and settlements on a gross basis in the reconciliation of Level 3 fair-value measurements. We have adopted the provisions of ASC 820 as of January 1, 2008 for financial assets. ASC 820 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.
We have evaluated both Level 2 and Level 3 evidence to measure the fair value of our $4.2 million (par value) of auction rate preferred securities (“ARPS”) as of January 1, 2011. 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. During fiscal 2010, we received partial redemptions at par on our investments totaling $0.1 million. The fact that there is not an active market as of January 1, 2011 to liquidate 100% of these certain investments was the final determination in classifying them as Level 3. We used a discounted cash flow valuation model to estimate the fair value of the securities. As a result of the temporary declines in fair value of our ARPS, which we attribute to liquidity issues rather than credit issues, we have recorded an unrealized loss of $0.1 million to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). If our key assumptions used to determine estimated discounted cash flows change in the future, we may be required to record additional losses.
Inventory. Inventory consists of finished goods available-for-sale. We purchase inventory from suppliers both domestically and internationally, primarily in Taiwan and China. We believe that our products are generally available from more than one supplier, and we maintain multiple sources for many of our products, both internationally and domestically. We offer a broad line of auto parts for automobiles from model years 1965 to 2010. Because of the continued demand for our products, we primarily purchase products in bulk quantities to take advantage of quantity discounts and to ensure inventory availability.
Inventory is accounted for using the first-in first-out (“FIFO”) method and valued at the lower of cost or market value. During this valuation, we are required to make judgments about expected disposition of inventory, generally, through sales, returns to product vendors, or liquidations of obsolete or scrap products, and expected recoverable values of each disposition category based on currently-available information. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those anticipated by management, additional write-off of the value of our inventory may be required.
Website and Software Development Costs. We capitalize certain costs associated with software developed for internal use according to ASC Topic 350-40 - Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (“ASC 350-40”), and ASC Topic 350-50- Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Website Development Costs (“ASC 350-50”). Under these provisions, we capitalize costs associated with website development and software developed for internal use when both the preliminary project design and testing stage are completed and management has authorized further funding for the project, which it deems probable of completion and to be used for the function intended. Capitalized costs include amounts directly related to website development and software development such as payroll and payroll-related costs for employees who are directly associated with, and who devote time to, the internal-use software project. Capitalization of these costs ceases when the project is substantially complete and ready for its intended use.
Long-Lived Assets and Intangibles. We acquire tangible and intangible assets in the normal course of business. We evaluate the recoverability of the carrying amount of these long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable in accordance with ASC Topic 360- Property, Plant, and Equipment (“ASC 360”). An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying value exceeds the undiscounted cash flows estimated to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. Impairment losses are recognized in operating earnings. We continually use judgment when applying these impairment rules to determine the timing of the impairment tests, undiscounted cash flows used to assess impairments, and the fair value of a potentially impaired asset. The reasonableness of our judgments could significantly affect the carrying value of our long-lived assets. During 2008, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge on long-lived assets totaling $18.4 million as further described in “Note 6- Goodwill and Intangibles” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part IV, Item 15 of this report. We did not recognize any impairment losses for fiscal 2009 and 2010.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangibles. We account for goodwill under the guidance set forth in ASC Topic 350- Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”), which specifies that goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles should not be amortized. We evaluate goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if events or circumstances occur that would indicate a reduction in fair value. Our annual impairment testing date is October 31. In addition, we identified a single reporting unit in accordance with ASC 350. The goodwill impairment test is a two-step impairment test. The first step compares the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying amount including goodwill. We estimate the fair value of the reporting unit based on an equal weighting of two market approaches and an income approach, which utilizes discounted future cash flows. The market approaches utilized market multiples of invested capital from 1) comparable publicly traded companies and 2) comparable transactions. The market multiples from invested capital include revenues, total assets, book equity plus debt and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”). Assumptions critical to the fair value estimates under the discounted cash flow model include discount rates, cash flow projections, projected long-term growth rates and the determination of terminal values Management has performed a sensitivity analysis on its significant assumptions and has determined that a change in its assumptions within selected sensitivity testing levels would not impact its conclusion. The excess of fair value over carrying value for our reporting unit as of October 31, 2010, the annual testing date, was approximately $187 million, and there would have to be a 65% decrease in the fair value of the reporting unit to fail step1. If the carrying amount exceeds fair value, then the second step of the impairment test is performed to measure the amount of any impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value. We completed our annual testing and passed the first step of the impairment test. We did not recognize any impairment loss on goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles for fiscal 2009 and 2010. During 2008, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge on goodwill totaling $4.4 million, due to the significant decline in the Company’s stock price to a level indicating a market capitalization below book value during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2008. We also recorded a $0.7 million impairment loss on indefinite-lived intangible assets during calendar year 2008 as further described in “Note 6- Goodwill and Intangibles” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part IV, Item 15 of this report.
Income Taxes. The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic740- Income Taxes (“ASC 740”). Under ASC 740, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amount of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. When appropriate, a valuation reserve is established to reduce deferred tax assets, which include tax credits and loss carry forwards, to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. The ability to realize deferred tax assets depends on the ability to generate sufficient taxable income within the carryback or carryforward periods provided for in the tax law for each applicable tax jurisdiction. We consider the following possible sources of taxable income when assessing the realization of our deferred tax assets:
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Future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences;
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Future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carry-forwards;
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Taxable income in prior carry-back years; and
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Tax-planning strategies.
The assessment regarding whether a valuation allowance is required or should be adjusted also considers, among other matters, the nature, frequency and severity of recent losses of the combined USAP and WAG operations, forecasts of future profitability, the duration of statutory carryforward periods, our experience with tax attributes expiring unused and tax planning alternatives. In making such judgments, significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified.
Concluding that a valuation allowance is not required is difficult when there is significant negative evidence that is objective and verifiable, such as cumulative losses in recent years. Although we expect that the operations of the recently acquired WAG business and our ability to achieve future profitability of these operations was enhanced by the cost reductions that occurred as a result of the acquisition and subsequent integration efforts, WAG’s historic operating results remain relevant as they are reflective of the industry and the effect of economic conditions. The fundamental businesses and inherent risks in which the WAG business operates did not change from those which existed prior to the acquisition. We utilized a three-year analysis of actual results as the primary measure of cumulative losses in recent years. However, because a substantial portion of those cumulative losses relate to impairment of intangible assets and goodwill, those three-year cumulative results are adjusted for the effect of these items. In addition, the near- and medium-term financial outlook is considered when assessing the need for a valuation allowance.
The valuation of deferred tax assets requires judgment and assessment of the future tax consequences of events that have been recorded in the financial statements or in the tax returns, and our future profitability represents our best estimate of those future events. Changes in our current estimates, due to unanticipated events or otherwise, could have a material effect
on our financial condition and results of operations. Prior to the acquisition of WAG, the Company concluded that it was more likely than not that we would realize the deferred tax assets in all jurisdictions. However, with the acquisition of WAG, based largely on the weight of the combined cumulative three-year adjusted loss position, it was determined that it was not more likely than not that the Company would realize its net deferred tax assets as of January 2, 2011. Therefore, a valuation allowance of $18.3 million was recorded as of January 1, 2011, of which $4.7 million was recorded in relation to WAG upon our acquisition as of August 12, 2010
If, in the future, we generate taxable income on a sustained basis in jurisdictions where we have recorded full valuation allowances, our conclusion regarding the need for full valuation allowances in these tax jurisdictions could change, resulting in the reversal of some or all of the valuation allowances. If our operations generate taxable income prior to reaching profitability on a sustained basis, we would reverse a portion of the valuation allowance related to the corresponding realized tax benefit for that period, without changing our conclusions on the need for a full valuation allowance against the remaining net deferred tax assets.
At January 1, 2011, federal and state net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards were $6.8 million and $27.5 million, respectively. Federal NOL carryforwards of $2.7 million were acquired in the acquisition of WAG which are subject to Internal Revenue Code section 382 and limited to an annual usage limitation of $135,000. Additionally the tax benefit of $0.9 million of the federal and state NOL carryforwards which were created by the exercise of stock options will be credited to additional paid in capital once recognized. Federal NOL carryforwards expire in 2029 and 2030, while state NOL carryforwards begin to expire in 2016. The state NOL carryforwards expire in the respective tax years as follows (in thousands):
The Company utilizes a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount which is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We consider many factors when evaluating and estimating our tax positions and tax benefits, which may require periodic adjustments and which may not accurately forecast actual outcomes. As of January 1, 2011, the Company had no material unrecognized tax benefits, interest or penalties related to federal and state income tax matters. The Company’s policy is to record interest and penalties 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 calendar year 2008, the Company was audited by the Internal Revenue Service for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007. The audit was concluded with the payment of a non-material sum. During fiscal 2010, the Company was audited by the Internal Revenue Service for the year ended December 31, 2008. The audit was concluded with no change. The tax years 2006-2009 remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions to which the Company is subject.
Share-Based Compensation. The Company accounts for share-based compensation in accordance with ASC Topic 718- Compensation - Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). ASC 718 requires that all share-based compensation to employees, including grants of employee stock options, be recognized in our financial statements based on their respective grant date fair values. Under this standard, 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. We currently use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of our share-based payment awards, with the exception of options granted containing market conditions, for which we estimate the fair value using a Monte Carlo model. The Black-Scholes and Monte Carlo valuation models require extensive use of accounting judgment and financial estimates, including estimates of the expected term participants will retain their vested stock options before exercising them, the estimated volatility of our common stock price over the expected term and the number of options that will be forfeited prior to the completion of their vesting requirements. Application of alternative assumptions could produce significantly different estimates of the fair value of share-based compensation and, consequently, the related amount of share-based compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations could have been significantly different than the amounts recorded. We estimate volatility using historical volatilities of similar public entities. The expected life of the awards is based on a simplified method that defines the life as the average of the contractual term of the options and the weighted average vesting period for all open tranches. Prior to our initial public offering in February 2007, we did not have a history of market prices of our common stock. Due to the limited period time our equity shares have been publicly traded, we do not have sufficient historical exercise data to provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate expected term. The risk-free interest rate assumption is based on observed interest rates appropriate for the expected life of our awards. The dividend yield assumption is based on our history and 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. We consider many factors when estimating expected forfeitures, including employee class, economic environment, and historical experience. Share-based compensation expense recognized in our financial statements is based on awards that are ultimately expected to vest. If factors change and we employ different assumptions, share-based compensation expense may differ significantly from what we have recorded in the past. If there are any modifications or cancellations of the underlying unvested options, we may be required to accelerate, increase or cancel any remaining unrecognized share-based compensation expense.
Valuation at the Time of Grant. We have granted to our employees options to purchase common stock at exercise prices equal to the fair market value of the underlying common stock at the time of each grant, which is the closing market price of our common stock.
Under provisions of ASC 718, we recognized $2.9 million, $3.3 million and $2.7 million of share-based compensation expense for calendar year 2008, fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010, respectively. At January 1, 2011, the total compensation cost related to unvested stock-based awards granted to employees and non-employee directors under our equity incentive plans but not yet recognized was approximately $3.3 million, net of estimated forfeitures of approximately $2.0 million. This cost will be amortized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.11 years and will be adjusted for subsequent changes in estimated forfeitures.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Effective July 1, 2009, the Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 105- Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“ASC 105”), which establishes the FASB ASC as the single source of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) used by nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements, except for rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under authority of federal securities laws, which are sources of authoritative accounting guidance for SEC registrants.
In October 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2009-13, Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables, which amends Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 605, which modifies the accounting for multiple deliverable revenue arrangements to enable vendors to account for deliverables separately rather than as a combined unit. The adoption will not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-6, Improving Disclosures About Fair Value Measurements, which requires reporting entities to make new disclosures about recurring or nonrecurring fair-value measurements including significant transfers into and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair-value measurements and information on purchases, sales, issuances and settlements on a gross basis in the reconciliation of Level 3 fair-value measurements. ASU 2010-6 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for Level 3 reconciliation disclosures which are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2010. The adoption of ASU 2010-6 did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth selected statement of operations data for the periods indicated, expressed as a percentage of net sales:
The impact of foreign currency is related to our offshore operations in the Philippines and sales of our products in Canada and was not material to our operations.
Fifty-Two Weeks Ended January 2, 2010 Compared to the Fifty-Two Weeks Ended January 1, 2011
Net Sales and Gross Margin
Net sales increased $86.0 million, or 48.8%, for fiscal 2010 compared to fiscal 2009. Excluding $39.1 million of sales from WAG, the net sales for fiscal 2010 were $223.2 million, an increase of 26.6% over fiscal 2009 net sales due to increases of $42.5 million, or 25.9%, in online sales and $4.4 million, or 36%, in offline sales, which consist of our Kool-Vue™ and wholesale operations. Our online sales consist of our e-commerce, online marketplace sales channels and online advertising. Our e-commerce channel includes our e-commerce websites supported by our call-center sales agents who generate cross-sell and up-sell opportunities. Our online marketplaces consist primarily of auction and other third-party websites. Online advertising is sold on our e-commerce websites.
The increase in online sales resulted from an increase of 355,130, or 24.8%, in total placed orders, an increase of 8.0 million, or 7.6%, in unique visitors, partially offset by a decrease of $8.24, or 1.7%, in average order value from fiscal 2009 to fiscal 2010. The increases in total placed orders and the unique visitors resulted from increased marketing spend driving higher paid traffic and better content on our websites driving more organic traffic. The increases were also attributed to more effective pricing, better catalog data and a better customer experience. Our average order value declined due to increased pricing competition and increased sales of lower cost direct sourced products. We expect our sales to increase in the coming year in line with our continuous effort to improve our content on our websites and customer experience.
Gross profit increased 40.3% from fiscal 2009 to fiscal 2010. Excluding the acquisition of WAG, gross profit was $75.8 million, an increase of 18.6%. Gross margin declined 2.0% to 34.2% of net sales compared with fiscal 2009. Excluding the acquisition of WAG, gross margin was 34.0% for fiscal 2010. Gross margin was unfavorably impacted by increased freight expense and a discontinuation of high margin loyalty programs in fiscal 2010. We expect gross margin to increase in the coming year and eventually increase above 34% from new pricing initiatives.
General and Administrative Expense
General and administrative expense increased $9.0 million or 45.8% for fiscal 2010 compared to fiscal 2009. Excluding $5.9 million from WAG, the general and administrative expense increased primarily due to the acquisition and integration costs of $1.4 million related to our acquisition of WAG.
Marketing Expense
Marketing expense increased $15.3 million, or 65.8%, for fiscal 2010 compared to fiscal 2009. Excluding $8.6 million of marketing expense from WAG, the marketing expense increased $6.7 million or 2.9% from fiscal 2009, primarily due to higher amortization costs related to software deployments and an increase in marketing spend which resulted in higher listing and placement fees paid to commercial and search engine websites such as eBay, Google and MSN. We expect no significant fluctuation in our marketing expense in the coming year.
Fulfillment Expense
Fulfillment expense increased $3.5 million, or 31.1%, for fiscal 2010 compared to fiscal 2009. Excluding $1.7 million of fulfillment expense from WAG, the fulfillment expense increased $1.8 million due to an increase in external labor, partially offset by the fixed cost leverage from higher sales during fiscal 2010. The increase in external labor is due to higher need of workforce at our distribution centers in fiscal 2010 in line with the increase in our inventory. We expect our fulfillment expense to remain consistent in the coming year.
Technology Expense
Technology expense increased $1.4 million, or 32.3% for fiscal 2010 compared to fiscal 2009. Excluding $1.3 million of technology expense from WAG, the technology expense for fiscal 2010 remained consistent from fiscal 2009. We expect no significant fluctuation in technology expense in the coming year.
Amortization of Intangibles and Impairment Loss
Amortization of intangibles and impairment loss increased by $2.1 million, or 324.2%, in fiscal 2010, primarily due to the amortization expense of $2.3 million related to the intangible assets acquired in connection with our acquisition of WAG in August 2010.
Other Income (Expense), Net
Other income, net decreased $0.5 million, or 246.6% for fiscal 2010 compared to fiscal 2009, primarily due to the interest of $0.4 million paid in connection with the Company’s credit facility executed in August 2010.
Income Tax Provision (Benefit)
For fiscal 2010 and 2009, the effective tax rate for the Company was (715.3)% and 70.33%, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rate is significantly higher in fiscal 2010 than the U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due to the recognition of a valuation allowance of $13.6 million. Prior to the acquisition of WAG, the Company concluded that it was more likely than not that we would realize the deferred tax assets in all jurisdictions. However, with the acquisition of WAG, based largely on the weight of the combined cumulative three-year adjusted loss position, it was determined that it was not more likely than not that the Company would realize its net deferred tax assets. Therefore, a valuation allowance of $18.3 million was recorded as of January 1, 2011, of which $4.7 million was recorded against the acquired deferred tax assets of WAG as of August 12, 2010.
The components of income (loss) before income taxes consist of the following:
Income tax (benefit) expense differs from the amount that would result from applying the federal statutory rate as follows:
The Company’s effective tax rate was impacted by income taxes incurred in foreign and state jurisdictions. With respect to the income of its foreign subsidiaries, the Company takes the position that the earnings of the foreign subsidiaries are permanently invested in that jurisdiction. As a result, no additional income taxes have been provided on the possible repatriation of these earnings to the parent company. The Company has not calculated the amount of deferred tax liability that would result from such repatriation as such determination is not practicable.
The favorable impact of foreign taxes is due in large part to a tax holiday in the Philippines, which is effective through September 2011. The term of the tax holiday is four years, provided as an incentive for new business and no further requirements exist to maintain the tax holiday. The impact of this tax holiday decreased foreign taxes by $0, $136,000 and $182,000 for calendar year 2008, fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010, respectively. The benefit of the tax holiday on net income per share (diluted) was immaterial for the related years.
As of January 1, 2011, the Company had no material unrecognized tax benefits, interest or penalties related to federal and state income tax matters.
Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared to the Fifty-Two Weeks Ended January 2, 2010
Net Sales and Gross Margin
Net sales increased $22.9 million, or 14.9%, for fiscal 2009 compared to calendar year 2008. This increase was mainly attributable to an increase in our online sales of $23.6 million, or 16.8%, offset in part by a decrease of $0.8 million, or 5.9%, in our offline business, which consists of our Kool-Vue™ and wholesale operations. Our online business consists of our e-commerce and online marketplace sales channels and includes online advertising. Our e-commerce channel includes our e-commerce websites supported by our call-center sales agents who generate cross-sell and up-sell opportunities. Our online marketplaces consist primarily of auction and other third-party websites. Online advertising is sold on our e-commerce websites.
E-commerce sales increased $22.9 million, or 19.5%, to $140.1 million for fiscal 2009 compared to $117.2 million for calendar year 2008. The increase is primarily due to increased traffic of 9.5 million or 9.9% to 106.1 million unique visitors and a 10 basis point increase in conversion rate to 1.35% for fiscal 2009 compared to 96.6 million unique visitors and a conversion rate of 1.25% for calendar year 2008. The increase in unique visitors primarily resulted from increased marketing spend driving higher paid traffic and better content on our websites driving more organic traffic. The increase in conversion was largely due to more effective pricing, better catalog data and a better customer experience. Total e-commerce orders increased by 222,000 or 18.3% to 1.4 million orders for fiscal 2009. Our average order value declined to $119 for fiscal 2009 compared with $124 for calendar year 2008 which was primarily attributable to increased pricing competition and increased sales of lower cost direct sourced products.
Online marketplace sales decreased $0.5 million, or 2.2%, to $20.5 million for fiscal 2009 compared to $21.0 million for calendar year 2008 due in part to a decline in marketplace traffic.
Net sales from our offline business declined by $0.8 million, or 5.9%, to $12.3 million for fiscal 2009 from calendar year 2008. The decrease in net sales was the result of reduced purchases from a significant customer in fiscal 2009.
We have historically experienced seasonality in our business. 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 for the foreseeable future.
Gross profit was $63.9 million, or 36.2% of net sales, for fiscal 2009, compared to $52.6 million, or 34.3% of net sales, in the prior year. The 1.9% increase in gross margin for fiscal 2009 compared to the prior year was primarily due to lower outbound freight expense, lower product costs, purchase discounts, and increased revenue from sales of advertising on our websites.
General and Administrative Expense
General and administrative expense increased $1.4 million or 7.7% for fiscal 2009 compared to calendar year 2008 primarily due to an increase in bonuses and share-based compensation for our employees, increased merchant fees due to a higher sales volume, increased legal fees related to the litigation to protect our intellectual property, and increased depreciation and amortization expense for internally-developed software that was placed into production in fiscal 2009; partially offset by lower professional fees and labor expense.
During fiscal 2009, share-based compensation expense increased by $0.4 million primarily due to performance-based option awards.
Marketing Expense
Marketing expense increased $0.5 million, or 2.0%, for fiscal 2009 compared to calendar year 2008. As a percentage of net sales, marketing expense decreased 1.7% to 13.3% for fiscal 2009 compared to the prior-year primarily due to reduced personnel costs, partially offset by higher e-commerce advertising spending from increased unique visitors. Marketing spend as a percentage of sales was 7.1% for fiscal 2009 compared to 7.3% in the prior year. Reduced spend in our online marketplaces sales channel also contributed to this percentage decrease for fiscal 2009.
Fulfillment Expense
Fulfillment expense increased $2.3 million, or 25.5%, for fiscal 2009 compared to the prior year. As a percentage of net sales, fulfillment expense increased 0.6% to 6.5% for fiscal 2009 primarily due to expenses related to our new distribution center in Virginia that opened in 2009.
Technology Expense
Technology expense increased $0.8 million, or 22.7% for fiscal 2009 compared to the prior year. As a percentage of sales, technology expense increased 0.1% to 2.5% mainly due to higher personnel related expenses and increased communication bandwidth to support our growing infrastructure and investments in our overall technology platform.
Amortization of Intangibles and Impairment Loss
Amortization of intangibles and impairment loss declined by $23.2 million, or 97.2%, in fiscal 2009. Calendar year 2008 included non-cash impairment of $18.3 million on intangible assets. For further discussion refer to “Note -6 Goodwill and Intangibles” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part IV, Item 15 of this report. We estimate aggregate amortization expense related to these intangibles for the years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 to be approximately $323,000, $323,000, $323,000, $288,000 and $112,000, respectively.
Impairment Loss on Goodwill
There was no impairment on goodwill in fiscal 2009. Calendar year 2008 included non-cash impairment of $4.4 million on goodwill. For further discussion refer to “Note -6 Goodwill and Intangibles” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part IV, Item 15 of this report.
Other Income (Expense), Net
Other income, net decreased $0.8 million, or 80.9% for fiscal 2009 compared to the prior year, resulting from lower interest income from a decline in interest rates during fiscal 2009 compared to calendar year 2008.
Income Tax Provision (Benefit)
For fiscal 2009 and 2008, the effective tax rate for the Company was 70.33% and 41.36%, respectively. The Company’s 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 fiscal 2009 was primarily due to a $1.1 million tax effect of stock option forfeitures and other non-deductible permanent differences. The decrease in income tax provision (benefit) during calendar year 2008 was primarily due to the tax effect of the $4.5 million and $23.4 million impairment losses on our goodwill and intangible assets, respectively.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Sources of Liquidity
In fiscal 2010, we funded our operations with cash and cash equivalents generated from operations in prior years, sale of marketable securities, credit facilities and capital lease financings. We had no balance outstanding under our bank line of credit during fiscal 2010.
Cash Flows
The following table summarizes the key cash flow metrics from our consolidated statements of cash flow for calendar year 2008, fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010, respectively, ended:
We had cash and cash equivalents of $17.6 million as of January 1, 2011, representing a $8.7 million decrease from $26.3 million of liquid assets as of January 2, 2010. The decrease in our cash and cash equivalents as of January 1, 2011 was primarily due to our acquisition of WAG, purchase of inventory and investment in property and equipment, which was partially offset by cash generated from operations, sale of marketable securities and borrowings under our credit facility in fiscal 2010.
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities decreased by approximately $13.3 million for fiscal 2010, as compared to fiscal 2009. The decrease was primarily due to an increase in purchase of inventory, which was offset by an improvement in timing of payments on accounts payable and net earnings in fiscal 2010 after adjusting for non-cash items such as depreciation and amortization and deferred income taxes. Net cash provided by operating activities increased by approximately $8.6 million for fiscal 2009, as compared to calendar year 2008. The increase was primarily due to higher earnings after adjusting for non-cash items such as depreciation and amortization and deferred income taxes, which was partially offset by utilization of cash for purchase of inventory. The improvement in cash flows from operating activities in fiscal 2009 also reflected the timing of payments on accounts payable and collections on accounts receivables.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities increased by approximately $13.0 million for fiscal 2010, as compared to fiscal 2009. The increase was primarily due to our acquisition of WAG and purchase of property and equipment, which was partially offset by proceeds from sale of short-term marketable securities. Net cash used in investing activities increased by approximately $29.3 million for fiscal 2009, as compared to calendar year 2008, primarily due to higher purchase of short-term marketable securities and purchase of property and equipment.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities increased by approximately $23.8 million for fiscal 2010, as compared to fiscal 2009. The increase was primarily due to borrowings of $25 million under our credit facility in fiscal 2010. Net cash provided by financing activities increased by approximately $1.2 million for fiscal 2009, as compared to calendar year 2008, primarily due to a decrease in the payments made on borrowings.
Funding Requirements
As of January 1, 2011, our working capital was of $20.7 million. 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.
In August 2010, the Company and Silicon Valley Bank (“Bank”) entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) and other definitive documentation for a $35 million secured credit facility (the “Facility”). The Facility is comprised of a term loan in the original principal amount of $25 million and a revolving line of credit with availability up to $10 million. The Facility has a final maturity date of June 30, 2014, and borrowings under the Facility bear interest, at the election of the Company, at LIBOR (with a floor of 1.25%) plus a margin of from 2.00% to 3.00% per annum, or at the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate plus a margin of from 1.00% to 2.00% per annum, based upon the Company’s maximum funded debt ratio. An unused revolving line fee of 0.375% per annum is payable on the undrawn committed amount of the revolving line of credit. Interest on outstanding borrowings under the term loan and the revolving line of credit is payable no less than quarterly, and the outstanding principal of the term loan amortized over four years and payable quarterly, with any outstanding amount under the Facility to be paid in full on the final maturity date. Borrowings under the Facility are secured by liens over all assets of the Company, including shares of stock in each of the Company’s subsidiaries. Ten of the Company’s subsidiaries are acting as co-borrowers under the Facility. At January 1, 2011, the LIBOR rate and the margin were 1.25% and 3.00% per annum, respectively. The Company had no borrowings on the revolving line of credit during fiscal 2010.
The Loan Agreement requires the Company to comply with a number of covenants, including financial covenants related to Maximum Funded Debt to Consolidated EBITDA, Liquidity, and Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratios; negative pledge requirements; requirements to deliver quarterly and annual consolidated financial statements; requirements to maintain adequate insurances; prohibitions on changes in the business and disposition of the Company’s assets; and other customary covenants. The Loan Agreement also requires the Company to obtain a prior written consent from the Bank when the Company determines to pay any dividends on or make any distribution related to our common stock. The Loan Agreement includes usual and customary events of default and remedies for facilities of this nature. On February 28, 2011, the Company and the Bank entered into Amendment No. 1 to Loan and Security Agreement and Limited Waiver (“Amendment”). The Amendment waived the Company’s lack of compliance with the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Covenant in the Loan Agreement as of January 1, 2011. The Amendment also amended the definitions of Baseline Liquidity and Consolidated EBITDA to more readily accommodate the Company’s integration of the WAG acquisition.
We anticipate that funds generated from operations and cash on hand will be sufficient to meet our working capital needs, expected capital expenditures and the servicing of the debt 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, additional acquisitions, increased expenses, continued or worsened economic conditions, or other events, including those described in “Risk Factors,” may cause us to seek 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. As of January 1, 2011, our $4.1 million (fair value) of ARPS investments remain classified as long-term investments as a result of failed auctions and market liquidity issues. We may not have immediate access to those funds.
We also plan to continue our technology investments in an effort to improve our websites, operating systems, and backend platforms.
Debt and Available Borrowing Resources
Short-term debt and long-term debt increased by $6.3 million and $18.1 million, respectively, for fiscal 2010 as compared to fiscal 2009. The net increase is due to spending on the acquisition of WAG and executing capital leases in fiscal 2010. The Company had no borrowings in fiscal 2009, and the short-term debt of $47,000 for calendar year 2008 was related to capital lease obligation that was paid off in fiscal 2009. There was no long-term debt in calendar year 2008.
Our debt-equity ratio is calculated as the carrying value of debt divided by the carrying value of equity. As of January 1, 2011, our debt-equity ratio was 0.33 due to borrowings under our new credit facility in fiscal 2010.
As of January 1, 2011, an unused revolving line of credit with availability up to $10 million was available to the Company to obtain short-term and long-term financings if we need additional liquidity.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements.
Contractual Obligations
The following table sets forth our contractual cash obligations and commercial commitments as of January 1, 2011.
(1) Amounts represent the expected principal cash payments relating to our long-term debt and do not include any fair value adjustments or discounts and premiums.
(2) Amounts represent the expected interest cash payments relating to our long-term debt. The interest rate at January 1, 2011 was used to calculate the expected future interest payments.
(3) Commitments under operating leases relate primarily to our lease on our principal facility in Carson, California, our distribution center in Chesapeake, Virginia, and our call center in the Philippines. The lease on WAG’s office in Chicago and warehouse space in LaSalle, Illinois and Independence, Ohio are also included.
(4) Commitments under capital leases relate to equipment lease agreements.
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 7A.
ITEM 7A. 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 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 and mutual funds that hold debt securities.
Interest Rate Risk. Our investment securities generally consist of high-grade auction rate preferred securities. As of January 1, 2011, our long-term investments included $4.1 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 current 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 June 30, 2008 through January 1, 2011, we have received partial redemptions at par on all four ARPS totaling $3.5 million. The remaining principal balance on our ARPS is $4.2 million as of January 1, 2011.
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 other-than-temporarily 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 expect to have a need to access these funds for operational purposes for the foreseeable future. We plan to continue to monitor and evaluate these investments on an ongoing basis for impairment. 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 $0.1 million of unrealized losses on our investment portfolio as of January 1, 2011.
As of January 1, 2011, we had a balance of $24.0 million outstanding under a term loan under our credit facility with Silicon Valley Bank. The interest rate on this loan is computed at a LIBOR loan rate, adjusted by features specified in our loan agreements. At our current debt level as of January 1, 2011, a 100 basis point increase in interest rates would not materially affect our earnings and cash flows. If, however, we are unable to meet the covenants in our loan agreement, we would be required to renegotiate the terms of credit under the loan agreement, including the interest rate. There can be no assurance that any renegotiated terms of credit would not materially impact our earnings. As of January 1, 2011, the Company’s Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage ratio was lower than the ratio required by the covenants in the Loan and Security Agreement between the Company and Silicon Valley Bank. The bank has granted an amendment and limited waiver, which will not impact operating flexibility going forward.
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 $0.3 million impact on our operating expenses for fiscal 2011. 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 due to the relatively small number of sales generated in Canada. We believe it is important to evaluate our operating results and growth rates before and after the effect of currency changes.
ITEM 8.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The financial statements required by this Item 8 are set forth in Part IV, Item 15 of this report and are hereby incorporated into this Item 8 by reference.
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in reports filed with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the specified time periods, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of January 1, 2011 pursuant to Rule 13a-15 and 15d-15 of the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, the 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 and operated at the reasonable assurance level.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). We assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of January 1, 2011, based on the “Internal Control - Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the “COSO framework”). This assessment was conducted utilizing our documentation of policies and procedures, risk control matrices, gap analysis, key process walk-throughs and management’s knowledge of and interaction with its controls and testing of our key controls.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projection of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods is subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Based on such assessment and criteria, management has concluded that the internal controls over financial reporting were effective, and were operating at the reasonable assurance level as of January 1, 2011. Our independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP, has included an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting, which is included below.
For purposes of conducting its 2010 evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, management has excluded the acquisitions of WAG, completed on August 12, 2010, whose financial statements constitute - 6.4 percent and 12.1 percent of net and total assets, respectively, 14.9 percent of net sales, and 43.2 percent of net loss, of the consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended January 1, 2011. Refer to “Note 5 - Business Combination” in Part IV, Item 15 of this report for further discussion of the acquisitions and their impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The Company monitors and evaluates on an ongoing basis its internal control over financial reporting in order to improve its overall effectiveness. In the course of these evaluations, the Company modifies and refines its internal processes as conditions warrant. As required by Rule 13a-15(d), the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, also conducted an evaluation of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the quarter ended January 1, 2011 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Based on that evaluation, there has been no such change during the period covered by this report.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
U.S. Auto Parts Network, Inc.
Carson, California
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of U.S. Auto Parts Network, Inc and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as January 1, 2011 based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. As described in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, management excluded from its assessment the internal control over financial reporting at Automotive Specialty Accessories and Parts (“WAG”), which was acquired on August 12, 2010, and whose financial statements constitute - 6.4 percent and 12.1 percent of net and total assets, respectively, 14.9 percent of net sales, and 43.2 percent of net loss of the consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the period ended January 1, 2011. Accordingly, our audit did not include the internal control over financial reporting at WAG. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 1, 2011 based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the period ended January 1, 2011 of the Company and our report dated March 16, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Los Angeles, CA
March 16, 2011
ITEM 9B.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
(a) Identification of Directors. The information under the caption “Election of Directors,” appearing in the Proxy Statement (“Proxy Statement”), is hereby incorporated by reference. The Proxy Statement will be filed with the SEC within 120 days from the end of fiscal year 2010.
(b) Identification of Executive Officers and Certain Significant Employees. The information under the caption “Executive Compensation and Other Information-Executive Officers,” appearing in the Proxy Statement, is hereby incorporated by reference.
(c) Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act. The information under the caption “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” appearing in the Proxy Statement, is hereby incorporated by reference.
(d) Code of Ethics. The information under the caption “Corporate Governance - Code of Ethics and Business Conduct,” appearing in the Proxy Statement, is hereby incorporated by reference.
(e) Board Committees. The information under the caption “Corporate Governance - Board Committees and Meetings,” appearing in the Proxy Statement, is hereby incorporated by reference.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information under the caption “Executive Compensation and Other Information”, appearing in the Proxy Statement, is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information under the captions “Equity Compensation Plans” and “Ownership of Securities by Certain Beneficial Owners and Management,” appearing in the Proxy Statement, is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information under the captions “Corporate Governance - Director Independence” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions,” appearing in the Proxy Statement, is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The information under the caption “Fees Paid to Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm,” appearing in the Proxy Statement, is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV
ITEM 15.
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) Documents filed as part of this report:
(1) Financial Statements. The following financial statements of U.S. Auto Parts Network, Inc. are included in a separate section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K commencing on the pages referenced below:
(2) Financial Statement Schedules.
All schedules have been omitted because they are not required or the required information is included in our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.
(3) Exhibits.
The following exhibits are filed herewith or incorporated by reference to the location indicated below:
EXHIBIT INDEX
* Incorporated by reference to the exhibit of the same number from the registration statement on Form S-1 of U.S. Auto Parts Network, Inc. (File No. 333-138379) initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 2, 2006, as amended.
+ Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement
 U.S. Auto Parts Network, Inc. has been granted confidential treatment with respect to certain portions of this exhibit (indicated by asterisks), which have been separately filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
POWER OF ATTORNEY
We, the undersigned officers and directors of U.S. Auto Parts Network, Inc., do hereby constitute and appoint Shane Evangelist and Theodore Sanders, and each of them, our true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this report, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby, ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report on Form 10-K has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board of Directors and Stockholders
U.S. Auto Parts Network, Inc.
Carson, CA
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of U.S. Auto Parts Network, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of January 1, 2011 and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the period ended January 1, 2011. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of U.S. Auto Parts, Inc. and subsidiaries as of January 1, 2011 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the period ended January 1, 2011, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 1, 2011, based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 16, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Los Angeles, CA
March 16, 2011
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board of Directors and Stockholders
U.S. Auto Parts Network, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of U.S. Auto Parts Network, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of January 2, 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the two years in the period ended January 2, 2010. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of U.S. Auto Parts Network, Inc. and subsidiaries at January 2, 2010, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for the two years in the period ended January 2, 2010, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Los Angeles, California
March 12, 2010
U.S. AUTO PARTS NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share data and per share data)
See accompanying notes.
U.S. AUTO PARTS NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
(1) Includes share-based compensation expense related to option grants, as follows:
(2) Excludes depreciation and amortization expense related to sales. Such expense is included in marketing, general and administrative and fulfillment costs as described in “Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Nature of Operations” below.
See accompanying notes.
U.S AUTO PARTS NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands, except share data)
U.S. AUTO PARTS NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
See accompanying notes.
U.S. AUTO PARTS NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Nature of Operations
U.S. Auto Parts Network, Inc. (including its subsidiaries, the “Company”) is a distributor of aftermarket auto parts and accessories and was established in 1995. The Company entered the e-commerce sector by launching its first website in 2000 and currently derives the majority of its revenues from online sales channels. The Company sells its products to individual consumers through a network of websites and online marketplaces. Our flagship websites are located at www.autopartswarehouse.com, www.partstrain.com, www.jcwhitney.com, www.stylintrucks.com and our corporate website is located at www.usautoparts.net.
The Company’s products consist of body parts, engine parts, performance parts and accessories. The body parts category is primarily comprised of parts for the exterior of an automobile. Our parts in this category are typically replacement parts for original body parts that have been damaged as a result of a collision or through general wear and tear. The majority of these products are sold through our websites. In addition, we sell an extensive line of mirror products, including our own private-label brand called Kool-Vue™, which are marketed and sold as aftermarket replacement parts and as upgrades to existing parts. The engine parts category is comprised of engine components and other mechanical and electrical parts, which are often referred to as hard parts. These parts serve as replacement parts for existing engine parts and are generally used by professionals and do-it-yourselfers for engine and mechanical maintenance and repair. We offer performance versions of many parts sold in each of the above categories. Performance parts and accessories generally consist of parts that enhance the performance of the automobile, upgrade existing functionality of a specific part or improve the physical appearance or comfort of the automobile.
The Company is a Delaware C corporation and is headquartered in Carson, California. The Company also has employees located in Nashville, Tennessee, Lenexa, Kansas, Chesapeake, Virginia, LaSalle, Chicago, as well as in the Philippines.
Change in Fiscal Year
The Company’s fiscal year is based on a 52/53 week fiscal year ending on the first Saturday following December 31. The change in the Company’s reporting year from a calendar year to a 52/53 week fiscal year was disclosed and effective as of January 1, 2009; therefore, there was no transition period in connection with this change in the Company’s fiscal year end.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“US 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, valuation of inventory, valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, valuation of intangible assets, including goodwill, and recoverability of software development costs. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all money market funds and short-term marketable securities purchased with original maturities of ninety days or less to be cash equivalents. In connection with our acquisition of Automotive Specialty Accessories and Parts (“WAG”), restricted cash of $319,000 was included in other current assets as of January 1, 2011. The restricted cash was related to a collateral paid to the landlord for the sublease of WAG’s headquarter office in Chicago and a security deposit made to a payment processor for online market place transactions. The entire balance of $319,000 was released from the restriction and recorded as cash and cash equivalent in February 2011.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value at January 2, 2010 and January 1, 2011 due to their short-term maturities. Based on the borrowing rates currently available to the Company for bank loans with similar terms and average maturities, the fair value of our long-term debt under credit facility approximates its carrying amount.
U.S. AUTO PARTS NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Accounts Receivable and Concentration of Credit Risk
Accounts receivable are stated net of allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is determined primarily on the basis of past collection experience and general economic conditions. The Company determines terms and conditions for its customers primarily based on the volume purchased by the customer, customer creditworthiness and past transaction history. The allowance for doubtful accounts totaled $0.1 million and $0.4 million at January 2, 2010 and January 1, 2011, respectively.
Concentrations of credit risk are limited to the customer base to which the Company’s products are sold. The Company does not believe significant concentrations of credit risk exist.
Marketable Securities and Investments
Marketable securities and investments are comprised of closed-end funds primarily invested in Auction Rate Preferred Securities (“ARPS”), Mutual Funds, Certificates of Deposit, Municipal Bonds, and US Treasuries. The underlying investments in ARPS are tax-exempt municipal bonds with maturities of thirty or more years, for which the interest rates are reset through a “Dutch auction” every seven days. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 320, Investments - Debt and Equity Securities (“ASC 320”) and based on the Company’s ability to market and sell these instruments, the Company classifies ARPS as available-for-sale and carries them at fair value. US Treasuries are classified as short-term investments with maturities of less than 12 months and it is the intention of management to hold these securities to maturity.
During the twelve months ended December 31, 2008, the Company discounted the fair value of the investment in ARPS for illiquidity in the market as further described in Note 3, under the caption “Financial Assets Valued on a Recurring Basis”. In fiscal 2009, there was an increase in liquidity which was evidenced by redemptions of $2.2 million (33% of the carrying amount at December 31, 2008 balance). For the period from June 30, 2008 to January 1, 2011, we have received partial redemptions at par on ARPS totaling $3.5 million.
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment
All of the Company’s marketable securities and investments are subject to a periodic impairment review. The Company recognizes an impairment charge when a decline in the fair value of its investments below the cost basis is judged to be other-than-temporary. The Company considers various factors in determining whether to recognize an impairment charge, including the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than the Company’s cost basis, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the investee, and the Company’s intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in the market value. No other-than-temporary impairment charges were recorded on any investments during fiscal 2009 and 2010. In February 2008, certain ARPS held by the Company failed at auctions, as described more fully in Note 3, under the caption “Financial Assets Valued on a Recurring Basis”.
Inventory
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 routinely enters into supply agreements with U.S. based suppliers and its primary drop-ship vendors. The Company believes that its 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 assure inventory availability. Inventory is reported at the lower of cost or market, adjusted for slow moving, obsolete or scrap product. Inventory at January 2, 2010 and January 1, 2011 were $18.6 million and $48.1 million, respectively.
Website and Software Development Costs
The Company capitalizes certain costs associated with website and software developed for internal use according to ASC 350-50 Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Website Development Costs (“ASC 350-50”) and ASC 350-50 Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (“ASC 350-40”), when both the preliminary project design and testing stage are completed and management has authorized further funding for the project, which it deems probable of completion and to be used for the function intended. Capitalized costs include amounts directly related to website and software development such as payroll and payroll-related costs for employees who are directly associated with, and who devote time to, the internal-use
U.S. AUTO PARTS NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
software project. Capitalization of such costs ceases when the project is substantially complete and ready for its intended use. The Company capitalized $5.7 million and $2.0 million during fiscal 2009 and 2010, respectively. These amounts are amortized on a straight-line basis over two to five years once the software is placed into use.
Long-Lived Assets and Intangibles
The Company accounts for the impairment and disposition of long-lived assets, including intangibles subject to amortization, in accordance with ASC 360 Property, Plant and Equipment (“ASC 360”). Management assesses potential impairments whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Impairment losses will be recognized in operating results to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the discounted future cash flows estimated to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. During calendar year 2008, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge on long-lived assets totaling $18.4 million as further described in Note 6, under the caption “Goodwill and Intangibles”. The Company did not recognize any impairment losses for fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangibles
The Company accounts for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets in accordance with ASC 350. Under ASC 350, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized but are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or circumstances occur that would indicate a reduction in fair value. In addition, the Company identified a single reporting unit (the Company itself) in accordance with ASC 280. The goodwill impairment test is a two-step impairment test. The first step compares the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying amount including goodwill. The Company estimates the fair value of the reporting unit based on an equal weighting of two market approaches and an income approach, which utilizes discounted future cash flows. The market approaches utilized market multiples of invested capital from 1) comparable publicly traded companies and 2) comparable transactions. The market multiples from invested capital include revenues, total assets, book equity plus debt and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”). Assumptions critical to the fair value estimates under the discounted cash flow model include discount rates, cash flow projections, projected long-term growth rates and the determination of terminal values. Management has performed a sensitivity analysis on its significant assumptions and has determined that a change in its assumptions within selected sensitivity testing levels would not impact its conclusion. The excess of fair value over carrying value for our reporting unit as of October 31, 2010, the annual testing date, was approximately $187 million, and there would have to be a 65% decrease in the fair value of the reporting unit to fail step 1. If the carrying amount exceeds fair value, then the second step of the impairment test is performed to measure the amount of any impairment loss.
Impairment losses will be recognized in operating results. During calendar year 2008, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge on goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite life totaling $5.1 million, as further described in Note 6, under the caption “Goodwill and Intangibles.” The Company did not recognize any impairment losses for fiscal 2009 and 2010.
Deferred Catalog Expenses
Deferred catalog expenses consist of third-party direct costs including primarily creative design, paper, printing, postage and mailing costs for all Company direct response catalogs. Such costs are capitalized as deferred catalog expenses and are amortized over their expected future benefit. Each catalog is fully amortized within nine months. Deferred catalog expenses are included in other current assets and amount to $1.0 million at January 1, 2011. There were no deferred catalog expenses at January 2, 2010 as the catalog relates to the acquisition of WAG discussed in Note 5.
Deferred Financing Costs
On August 13, 2010, the Company entered into a credit facility with Silicon Valley Bank. The credit facility is comprised of a $25 million term loan and a $10 million revolving line of credit. In connection with the credit facility, the Company paid $0.5 million in fees. These fees were recorded as deferred financing costs in other current assets and other non-current assets. Deferred financing costs are being amortized over the life of the loan using the straight-line method as it is not significantly different from effective interest method. As of January 1, 2011, the remaining deferred financing costs were $0.4 million.
U.S. AUTO PARTS NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Revenue Recognition
From the Company’s inception of business through the first quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company recognized revenue from product sales when the following four revenue recognition criteria were met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred (to the common carrier), the selling price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. These criteria followed the Company’s general policy to recognize revenue according to its shipping terms, which were F.O.B. shipping point. Under this policy, title and risk of loss were transferred to the customer upon delivery to the common carrier, at which time, revenue was recognized.
Although the Company had no legal obligation to compensate the customer, the Company generally replaced the product or reimbursed the customer for goods that were lost or damaged in transit and filed a claim to the common carrier for reimbursement for such loss. The Company executed a new pricing agreement with its primary carrier which offered a lower price per delivery and eliminated the Company’s option to file reimbursement claims for product lost or damaged in transit. As a result of this agreement, the Company determined that the risk of loss or damage during transit would be retained by the Company. Therefore, the Company determined that revenue from product sales should be recognized at the delivery date, not the ship date.
This change in the second quarter of fiscal 2010 resulted in a deferral of $2.0 million of sales revenue and a decrease in cost of goods sold of $1.5 million, which reduced gross profit by $0.5 million. The Company has recognized revenue upon delivery to the customer starting the second quarter of fiscal 2010.
Revenue from sales of advertising is recorded when performance requirements of the related advertising program agreement are met. During fiscal 2010, fiscal 2009 and calendar year 2008, the advertising revenue represented approximately 1% of our total revenue.
The Company evaluates the criteria of ASC 605-45 - Revenue Recognition Principal Agent Considerations in determining whether it is appropriate to record the gross amount of product sales and related costs or the net amount earned as commissions. Generally, when the Company is the primary party obligated in a transaction, the Company is subject to inventory risk, has latitude in establishing prices and selecting suppliers, or has several but not all of these indicators, revenue is recorded gross.
Return allowances, which reduce product revenue by the Company’s best estimate of expected product returns, are estimated using historical experience. The Company generally requires payment by credit card at the point of sale. Amounts received prior to when the Company delivers goods to customers are recorded as deferred revenue.
The Company periodically provides incentive offers to its customers to encourage purchases. Such offers include current discount offers, such as percentage discounts off current purchases and other similar offers. Current discount offers, when accepted by the Company’s customers, are treated as a reduction to the purchase price of the related transaction. Current discount offers and inducement offers are classified as an offsetting amount in net sales.
Sales discounts are recorded in the period in which the related sale is recognized. Sales returns and allowances are estimated based on historical amounts. Credits are issued to customers for returned products. Credits amounted to $19.5 million, $19.0 million and $25.7 million for calendar year 2008, fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010, respectively No customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s net sales in the past three years.
The following table provides an analysis of the reserve for sales returns and the reserve for doubtful accounts:
U.S. AUTO PARTS NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Interest Income (Expense)
Interest income consists primarily of interest income on investments. Interest expense consists primarily of interest expense on our outstanding loan balances and capital leases.
Other Income
Other income consists of miscellaneous income such as gain from disposition of assets.
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of goods sold consists of the direct costs associated with procuring parts from suppliers and delivering products to customers. These costs include direct product costs, purchase discounts, outbound freight and, warehouse supplies. The Company includes freight and shipping costs in cost of goods sold. Total freight and shipping expense included in cost of goods sold for calendar year 2008, fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010 were $19.3 million, $19.2 million and $31.6 million, respectively. Depreciation and amortization directly related to sales are excluded from cost of goods sold and included in marketing, general and administrative and fulfillment costs as noted below.
Marketing
Marketing costs, including advertising, are expensed as incurred. The majority of marketing expense is paid to Internet search engine service providers and Internet commerce facilitators. For calendar year 2008, fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010, the Company recognized advertising costs of $10.1 million, $11.4 million and $16.5 million, respectively. Marketing costs also include depreciation and amortization expense directly related to sales.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expense consist primarily of administrative payroll and related expenses, merchant processing fees, legal and professional fees, and other administrative costs. General and administrative expense also includes depreciation and amortization expense directly related to sales.
Fulfillment
Fulfillment costs consist primarily of payroll and related costs associated with warehouse employees, facility rent, building maintenance, and other costs associated with inventory management and wholesale operations. Fulfillment costs also include depreciation and amortization expense directly related to sales.
Technology
Technology expenses consist primarily of payroll and related expenses, and costs associated with computer support, information technology, software development and connectivity.
Comprehensive Income
The Company reports comprehensive income in accordance with ASC 220 Comprehensive Income. Accumulated other comprehensive income includes net income or loss, foreign currency translation adjustments related to the Company’s foreign operations and unrealized gains and losses from investments in ARPS that hold tax-exempt municipal bonds and investments in mutual funds that hold debt securities.
Leases
The Company analyzes lease agreements for operating versus capital lease treatment in accordance with ASC 840 Leases. Rent expense for leases designated as operating is expensed on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
U.S. AUTO PARTS NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Foreign Currency Translation
For each of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries, the functional currency is its local currency. Assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated into U.S. Dollars using the current exchange rates, and revenues and expenses are translated into U.S. Dollars using average exchange rates. The effects of the foreign currency translation adjustments are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740 Income Taxes. Under ASC 740, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amount of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. When appropriate, a valuation reserve is established to reduce deferred tax assets, which include tax credits and loss carry forwards, to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. In making such determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations.
Prior to the acquisition of WAG, the Company concluded that it was more likely than not that we would realize the deferred tax assets in all jurisdictions. However, with the acquisition of WAG, based largely on the weight of the combined cumulative three-year adjusted loss position, it was determined that it was not more likely than not that the Company would realize its net deferred tax assets. Therefore, a valuation allowance of $18.3 million was recorded as of January 1, 2011, of which $4.7 million was recorded against the acquired deferred tax assets of WAG as of August 12, 2010.
The Company utilizes a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount which is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We consider many factors when evaluating and estimating our tax positions and tax benefits, which may require periodic adjustments and which may not accurately forecast actual outcomes. As of January 1, 2011, the Company had no material unrecognized tax benefits, interest or penalties related to federal and state income tax matters. The Company’s policy is to record interest and penalties as income tax expense.
Share-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for share-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718 Compensation - Stock Compensation, which was adopted on 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, based on employee departmental classifications.
Under this standard, 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 Company’s stock price and a number of assumptions, including expected volatility, expected life, risk-free interest rate and expected dividends.
The Company estimates volatility using historical volatilities of similar public entities. The expected life of the awards is based on a simplified method that defines the life as the average of the contractual term of the options and the weighted average vesting period for all open tranches. Prior to our initial public offering in February 2007, we did not have a history of market prices of our common stock. Due to the limited period time our equity shares have been publicly traded, we do not have sufficient historical exercise data to provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate expected term. The risk-free interest rate assumption is based on observed interest rates appropriate for the expected life of awards. The dividend yield assumption is based on the Company’s 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. The Company considers many factors when estimating expected forfeitures, including employee class, economic environment, and historical experience.
The Company accounts for equity instruments issued in exchange for the receipt of goods or services from non-employee directors in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718.
U.S. AUTO PARTS NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The Company accounts for equity instruments issued in exchange for the receipt of goods or services from other than employees in accordance with ASC 505-50 Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees Costs are measured at the estimated fair market value of the consideration received or the estimated fair value of the equity instruments issued, whichever is more reliably measurable. The value of equity instruments issued for consideration other than employee services is determined on the earlier of a performance commitment or completion of performance by the provider of goods or services. Equity instruments awarded to non-employees are periodically re-measured as the underlying awards vest unless the instruments are fully vested, immediately exercisable and non-forfeitable on the date of grant.
Segment Data
The Company manages its operations on a consolidated basis for purposes of assessing performance and making operating decisions. Accordingly, the Company operates in one reportable segment and reporting revenues by product line or geographic location is impracticable. In accordance with the provisions of ASC 280 Segment Reporting, our acquisition of WAG does not meet the criteria for separate reporting of WAG’s operations. Our single reportable segment remained consistent in fiscal 2010. See “Note 6- Goodwill and Intangibles” below for further discussion.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In October 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2009-13, Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables, which amends Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 605, which modifies the accounting for multiple deliverable revenue arrangements to enable vendors to account for deliverables separately rather than as a combined unit. The adoption will not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-6, Improving Disclosures About Fair Value Measurements, which requires reporting entities to make new disclosures about recurring or nonrecurring fair-value measurements including significant transfers into and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair-value measurements and information on purchases, sales, issuances and settlements on a gross basis in the reconciliation of Level 3 fair-value measurements. ASU 2010-6 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for Level 3 reconciliation disclosures which are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2010. The adoption of ASU 2010-6 did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
Note 2 - Investments
As of January 1, 2011, the Company held the following securities and investments, recorded at fair value (in thousands):
As of January 2, 2010, the Company held the following securities and investments, recorded at fair value (in thousands):
(1) Auction rate preferred securities in municipal and state agencies have a maturity of 15 to 30 years and are classified as long-term investments available-for- sale. As of January 1, 2011, all of these securities were held in four tax-exempt municipal bonds managed under close-end funds and had been in a continuous loss position for more than twelve months.
U.S. AUTO PARTS NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(2) Mutual funds are classified as short-term investments available-for-sale and recorded at fair market value, based on quoted prices of identical assets that are trading in active markets as of the end of the period for which the values are determined.
(3) US Treasury Bills are short-term investments with maturities of less than 12 months. These securities matured in fiscal 2010.
(4) Certificates of Deposit and Municipal Bonds represent short-term investments with maturities of less than 12 months which are classified as investments available-for-sale and recorded at fair market value, based on quoted prices of identical assets that are trading in active markets as of the end of the period for which the values are determined.
Proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale securities are disclosed separately in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flow. For fiscal 2010, the Company recognized gross realized gain and losses of $27 and $8, (in thousands) respectively. For fiscal 2009 and calendar year 2008, the Company recognized no gross realized gain and losses.
The accumulated unrealized net loss on the securities and investments at January 1, 2011 and January 2, 2010 was $0.1 million.
Note 3 - Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as an exit price representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.
Provisions of ASC 820 establish a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include:
Level 1 - Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;
Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore, requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.
Financial Assets Valued on a Recurring Basis
As of January 1, 2011 and January 2, 2010, the Company held certain assets that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. These included the Company’s 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 January 1, 2011 and January 2, 2010 (in thousands):
U.S. AUTO PARTS NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(1) Cash and cash equivalents consists primarily of money market funds with original maturity dates of three months or less at the date of purchase, for which the Company determines fair value through quoted market prices.
(2) Short-term investments consist of mutual funds. Short-term investments are classified as investments available-for-sale and recorded at fair market value, based on quoted prices of identical assets that are trading in active markets as of the end of the period for which the values are determined.
(3) As of January 1, 2011, the Company had invested $4.2 million (par value) in ARPS, which are classified as available-for-sale securities and reflected at $4.1 million (fair value), which includes an unrealized loss of $0.1 million. The Company has included its investments related to ARPS in the Level 3 category.
(4) As of January 2, 2010, short-term investments consist of municipal bonds and certificates of deposit. Short-term investments are recorded at fair market value, based on quoted prices of identical assets that are trading in active markets as of the end of the period for which the values are determined.
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 Company’s broker dealer received estimated market values from an independent pricing service as of the balance sheet date and the anticipated future market for such investments. 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 January 1, 2011 and January 2, 2010. This analysis considered the collateralization underlying the security investments, the creditworthiness of the counterparty, the timing of expected future cash flows, and the expectation the security will have a successful auction or market liquidity. 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 Company’s ARPS, which the Company generally attributes to liquidity issues rather than credit issues, the Company recorded an unrealized loss of $0.1 million to accumulated other comprehensive income as of January 1, 2011 and January 2, 2010. Due to the Company’s 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 consolidated balance sheets at January 1, 2011 and January 2, 2010. As of January 1, 2011, 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. If the Company determined that any decrease in the value of the instruments 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 Company’s 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 ARPS as long-term investments until the market stabilizes.
During fiscal 2009 and 2010, there were no transfers of level 1 and level 2 assets. The following tables present the Company’s ARPS measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) at January 1, 2011 and January 2, 2010 (in thousands):
U.S. AUTO PARTS NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Non-Financial Assets Valued on a Non-Recurring Basis
The Company’s long-lived or indefinite-lived intangible assets are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. These assets are measured at cost but are written down to fair value, if necessary, as a result of impairment.
As of January 1, 2011 and January 2, 2010, the Company’s long-lived and indefinite-lived intangible assets did not indicate a potential impairment under the provisions of ASC 350 and ASC 360 and, as such, they were not measured at fair value.
The Company’s long-lived assets and indefinite lived intangible assets were determined to be impaired as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2008. These assets were measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (level 3), as described in Note 6, under the caption “Goodwill and Intangible Assets”.
Note 4 - Property and Equipment, Net
In August 2010, in connection with the acquisition of WAG, the Company allocated $16.4 million of the purchase price to the following property and equipment:
The acquired property and equipment are being depreciated on a straight line basis in accordance with their estimated useful life. See Note 5 below for further details on the acquisition.
The Company’s fixed assets consisted of computer software (internally developed and purchased), machinery and equipment, furniture and fixtures, and vehicles, and are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are provided for in amounts sufficient to relate the cost of depreciable and amortizable assets to operations over their estimated service lives. Depreciation expense for calendar year 2008, fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010 was $2.0 million, $2.0 million and $3.4 million, respectively. Software amortization expense for the same periods was $1.7 million, $2.9 million and $6.1 million, respectively. The cost and related accumulated depreciation of assets retired or otherwise disposed of are removed from the accounts and the resultant gain or loss is reflected in earnings.
Property and equipment consisted of the following at January 2, 2010 and January 1, 2011:
U.S. AUTO PARTS NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
At January 2, 2010 and January 1, 2011, $0.9 million and $2.1 million , respectively, of the Company’s net property and equipment was located in the Philippines. Additionally, gross property and equipment includes $0.3 million of equipment under capital lease arrangements and the related accumulated depreciation of $0.2 million as of January 1, 2011. There were no capital leases as of January 2, 2010.
Depreciation of property and equipment is provided using the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes, at rates based on the following estimated useful lives:
* the estimated useful life is the lesser of 3-5 years or the lease term.
Note 5 - Business Combination
On August 12, 2010, the Company completed the purchase (the “Acquisition”) of all of the issued and outstanding shares of WAG, a leader in the automobile aftermarket performance parts and accessories market. Assets acquired include intangible assets consisting of customer relationships, technology, and trade names and furniture and fixtures, machinery and equipment, and a 350,000 square foot distribution center in LaSalle, Illinois with a headquarter office located in Chicago, Illinois. The purchase price of WAG was $27.5 million in cash, subject to certain adjustments as set forth in that certain Stock Purchase Agreement executed August 2, 2010 (the “Purchase Agreement”) among Go Fido, Inc., WAG, 2000 Riverside Capital Appreciation Fund, L.P. and the other stockholders of WAG. The Company expects that the Acquisition will provide it with product line expansion into all terrain vehicles, recreational vehicles and motorcycles, as well as deep product knowledge into niche segments like Jeep, Volkswagen and truck enthusiasts. The Company expects this expansion in the product line to increase its customer reach in the do-it-yourself automobile and off-road accessories market. In addition, WAG’s state-of-the-art Midwest facility located in Illinois, which was custom built for business-to-consumer distribution of auto parts, is expected to allow the Company to complete a three-distribution center network. With this three-distribution center network, 95% of customers in the U.S. are expected to receive parts within two days of purchase using ground or common carrier. The Company believes that the combination of WAG’s established brands and focus on the customer experience, coupled with the Company’s capacity to compete online, will create opportunity for growth. These expected synergies from the Acquisition contributed to the goodwill associated with the Acquisition of $7.4 million. See purchase price allocation table below for further details.
The Acquisition has been accounted for under the purchase method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations. Accordingly, the assets and liabilities of WAG have been recorded as of the acquisition date at their respective fair values, and combined with the Company’s assets and liabilities. The results of operations of WAG and the estimated fair market values of the acquired assets and liabilities have been included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of the Acquisition.
The purchase price was allocated based on an estimate of the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired as of the date of acquisition. The determination of estimated fair value requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions. The current allocation of the purchase price to property equipment and intangible assets acquired and goodwill is based on a preliminary valuation study. The Company has not completed its detailed analysis of prior year costs in order to assist in valuing the internet platform intellectual property. In addition, the Company has not completed its detailed analysis of prior year business development costs in order to assist in valuing the customer relationships. The Company expects to complete these evaluations by the second quarter of 2011. Any changes to the preliminary estimate used in the opening balance sheet could materially impact both the allocation of purchase price between the intangible assets and goodwill and the related amortization that has been previously recorded. The allocation of the purchase price will be adjusted to reflect the results of the final valuation study in the future. The determination of estimated fair value requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions.
U.S. AUTO PARTS NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The purchase price for the Acquisition was preliminarily allocated to assets purchased and liabilities assumed as follows (in thousands):
(i) Represents the purchase price paid in cash at the closing of the Acquisition of $27.5 million.
(ii) The estimated purchase price adjustment of $1.0 million represents the amount that USAP believes the shareholders of WAG are obligated to pay to USAP for the negative working capital amount of WAG on the acquisition date determined in accordance with the purchase agreement for the Acquisition. The Purchase Agreement sets forth the definitions of net working capital and includes procedures for WAG and USAP to determine the working capital amount of WAG on the acquisition date. The $1.0 million estimate is based on USAP’s calculation of the working capital of WAG on the acquisition date and, upon final determination of the working capital number in accordance with the Purchase Agreement, may materially change.
(iii) The goodwill resulting from this Acquisition is non-deductible for tax purposes.
Of the total purchase price, approximately $8.2 million has been preliminarily allocated to trade name assets with an indefinite life and $9.2 million has been preliminarily allocated to amortizable intangible assets acquired. The amortizable intangible assets are being amortized on a straight line basis over their respective useful lives except for internet platform intellectual property which is amortized on an accelerated basis over 10 months based on the Company’s estimated usage of the asset as follows:
U.S. AUTO PARTS NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
WAG’s financial results have been included in our consolidated statement of operations since the acquisition date of August 12, 2010. The following pro forma financial information presents the results as if the WAG acquisition had occurred at the beginning of each fiscal year presented (in thousands, except share and per share amounts):
During fiscal 2010, the net sales of $39.1 million and the net loss of $6.0 million of WAG were included in the consolidated statement of operations since the acquisition date of August 12, 2010.
Related to the Acquisition, the Company incurred acquisition and integration related costs of $3.1 million, which were recorded in the general and administrative expenses.
Note 6 - Goodwill and Intangibles
Goodwill is tested for impairment at a level below an operating segment (also known as a component). Since our acquisition in August 2010, WAG’s operations have been in the process of being integrated into the Company, and there will be no separation both operationally and financially. This integration is expected to be substantially completed during 2011. The Company determined no additional reporting unit is necessary as a result of our acquisition base on the following reasons:
•
Products of both companies use the same technology;
•
Both companies use the same catalogs;
•
Both companies sell the same parts to customers;
•
Both companies ship from the same warehouses and goes to the market in the same way; and
•
Both companies are being managed under the same management.
Accordingly, the Company’s single reporting segment remained consistent from the previous years. The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment testing and passed the first step of the impairment test. For the valuation under the income approach, the Company used a discount rate, which it believes reflects the risk and uncertainty related to the projected cash flows. Resulting from the Company’s operating results and the continuous increase in the Company’s stock price in 2010, the fair value of our reporting unit significantly exceeded its carrying value by approximately $187 million as of October 31, 2010, our annual impairment test date, and there would have to be a 65% decrease in the fair value of the reporting unit to fail step 1. Accordingly, the second step of the impairment test was not performed. Based on the results of its annual impairment tests, the Company determined that no impairment of goodwill existed as of January 1, 2011 and January 2, 2010. During calendar year 2008, the share prices of stocks were very volatile and under considerable pressure in sustained turbulent markets. Following the deterioration in economic conditions, the Company’s stock price declined to a level indicating a market capitalization below book value during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2008. The Company performed the first step of the impairment test and noted that the carrying value of the single reporting segment exceeded its fair value. As such, the Company performed the second step of the impairment test to measure the amount of any impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value and recorded an impairment loss of $4.4 million as of December 31, 2008. In estimating the implied fair value of the reporting unit, we utilized the discounted cash flow method under the income approach and the guideline company and guideline transactions methods under the market approach.
U.S. AUTO PARTS NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The following table summarizes the change in our goodwill during fiscal 2010 (in thousands):
The accumulated impairment loss on goodwill was $4.4 million as of January 2, 2010 and January 1, 2011.
During fiscal 2010, the Company acquired certain websites and domain names for a purchase price of $1.0 million, of which $843,000 was allocated to amortizable intangibles. During fiscal 2009, the Company acquired certain websites and domain names for a purchase price of $739,000, of which $625,000 was allocated to amortizable intangibles. The intangible assets were valued using a discounted cash flow model and the estimated useful life of the amortizable assets was determined to be five years. The Company did not note events or changes in circumstances indicating that the carrying value of the intangible assets may not be recoverable in fiscal 2010 and 2009. Therefore, no impairment loss was recognized for intangible assets as of January 1, 2011 and January 2, 2010.
During calendar year 2008, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge totaling $18.4 million related to the intangibles associated with the Partsbin business, which the Company acquired in May 2006. The impairment was comprised of $16.7 million for its websites; $0.1 million for software; $0.9 million for vendor agreements; and $0.7 million for domain names. The impairment charge was primarily the result of: (i) the deterioration in the economic environment and the Company’s stock price, (ii) lower sales and profitability which generated losses from certain Partsbin websites, (iii) deficiencies in the software platform also acquired from Partsbin, and (iv) the termination of volume discounts and marketing co-ops from certain vendor agreements. Given the indicators of impairment and the excess of carrying value over the undiscounted cash flows associated with these intangibles, the Company utilized a discounted cash flow approach in determining fair value for both the websites and vendor agreement intangible assets. The decrease in future cash flows from certain acquired websites and vendor agreements resulted in the long-lived assets being impaired, as the carrying value of the website assets and vendor agreement assets exceeded the fair value of those assets. Fair value is determined as the net present value of future projected cash flows. The software and domain name assets’ fair value was determined using a relief from royalty approach which also resulted in a lower fair value than the carrying value.
During calendar year 2008, the Company also recorded a non-cash impairment charge totaling $0.5 million related to the assembled workforce, which the Company acquired in April 2007. The impairment charge was primarily the result of a reduction during calendar year 2008 of the workforce originally acquired in the Philippines. The Company utilized a replacement cost approach in determining fair value which resulted in a lower fair value than the carrying value of the asset.
Intangibles subject to amortization are expensed on a straight-line basis except for the internet platform intellectual property which is amortized on an accelerated basis. Amortization expense relating to intangibles totaled $5.0 million, $0.7 million and $2.8 million for calendar year 2008, fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010, respectively.
U.S. AUTO PARTS NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Intangibles, excluding goodwill, consisted of the following at January 2, 2010 and January 1, 2011 (in thousands):
(1) Includes the intangible assets acquired in connection with the acquisition of WAG.
(2) Includes domain names of $8.2 million purchased in connection with the acquisition of WAG.
The following table summarizes the future estimated annual amortization expense for these assets over the next five years (in thousands):
Note 7 - Borrowings
At December 31, 2007, the Company had a $7.0 million committed line of credit agreement with a bank with interest at 0.25% above the lender’s reference rate maturing on October 31, 2009. There were no compensating balance requirements and substantially all the assets of the Company served as collateral on the line of credit. No amounts were outstanding on this line of credit at December 31, 2007 and 2008. The credit agreement contained customary covenants that, among other things, required compliance with certain financial ratios and targets and restricts the incurrence of additional indebtedness. The Company was compliant with all loan covenants as of December 31, 2007 and 2008. In connection with the transition of the Company’s commercial banking relationship to a new bank in the fourth quarter of 2008, the line of credit was cancelled effective December 31, 2008.
As a component of the purchase price for the acquisition of Partsbin, the Company entered into promissory notes (“Notes”) in the aggregate principal amount of $5.0 million with the stockholders of Partsbin. The Notes bore interest at LIBOR and were interest only until June 2007. Beginning in the quarter ending June 30, 2007, the Notes were payable in equal quarterly installments until March 31, 2008. The Notes became due and payable upon the completion of the Company’s initial public offering, as defined. The Notes were secured by substantially all the assets of the Company. During the year ended December 31, 2007 and 2008, $4.0 million and $1.0 million was paid on these Notes, respectively, with the proceeds from the initial public offering which occurred on February 9, 2007. There was no outstanding amount as of January 2, 2010.
U.S. AUTO PARTS NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
On August 13, 2010, the Company executed a Loan and Security Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) and other definitive documentation for a $35 million secured credit facility (the “Facility”). Silicon Valley Bank (“Bank”) is the lender under the Facility. The Facility is comprised of a term loan in the original principal amount of $25 million and a revolving line of credit with availability up to $10 million. The Facility has a final maturity date of June 30, 2014, and borrowings under the Facility bear interest, at the election of the Company, at LIBOR (with a floor of 1.25%) plus a margin of from 2.00% to 3.00% per annum, or at the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate plus a margin of from 1.00% to 2.00% per annum, based upon the Company’s maximum funded debt ratio. An unused revolving line fee of 0.375% per annum is payable on the undrawn committed amount of the revolving line of credit. Interest on outstanding borrowings under the term loan and the revolving line of credit is payable no less than quarterly, and the outstanding principal of the term loan amortized over four years and payable quarterly, with any outstanding amount under the Facility to be paid in full on the final maturity date. Borrowings under the Facility are secured by liens over all assets of the Company, including shares of stock in each of the Company’s subsidiaries. Ten of the Company’s subsidiaries are acting as co-borrowers under the Facility.
The Loan Agreement requires the Company to comply with a number of covenants, including financial covenants related to Maximum Funded Debt to Consolidated EBITDA, Liquidity, and Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratios; negative pledge requirements; requirements to deliver quarterly and annual consolidated financial statements; requirements to maintain adequate insurances; prohibitions on changes in the business and disposition of the Company’s assets; and other customary covenants. The Loan Agreement also requires the Company to obtain a prior written consent from the Bank when the Company determines to pay any dividends on or make any distribution related to our common stock. The Loan Agreement includes usual and customary events of default and remedies for facilities of this nature. On February 28, 2011, the Company and the Bank entered into Amendment No. 1 to Loan and Security Agreement and Limited Waiver (“Amendment”). The Amendment waived the Company’s lack of compliance with the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Covenant in the Loan Agreement as of January 1, 2011. The Amendment also amended the definitions of Baseline Liquidity and Consolidated EBITDA to more readily accommodate the Company’s integration of the WAG acquisition.
At January 1, 2011, the LIBOR rate and the margin were 1.25% and 3.00% per annum, respectively. The Company had no borrowings on the revolving line of credit at January 1, 2011. The remaining term loan balance was $24 million as of January 1, 2011 and is to be repaid according to the following schedule (in thousands):
As of January 1, 2011, the Company had a capital lease obligation of $317,000. See “Note 13 - Commitments and Contingencies” for further detail.
Note 8 - Share-Based Compensation and Stockholders’ Equity
The Company adopted the 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2007 Omnibus Plan”) in January 2007, which became effective on the effective date (February 8, 2007) of the registration statement filed in connection with the Company’s initial public offering. Under the 2007 Omnibus Plan, the Company is authorized to issue 2.4 million shares of common stock under various instruments plus an automatic annual increase on the first day of each of the Company’s fiscal years beginning on January 1, 2008 and ending on January 1, 2017 equal to (i) the lesser of (A) 1,500,000 shares of common stock or (B) five percent (5%) of the number of shares of common stock outstanding on the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal year or (ii) such lesser number of shares of common stock as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors. Options granted under the 2007 Omnibus Plan generally expire no later than ten years from the date of grant and generally vest over a period of four years. The exercise price of all option grants must be equal to 100% of the fair market value on the date of grant. The 2007 Omnibus Plan provides for automatic grant of options to purchase common stock to non-employee directors.
At January 1, 2011, 1,712,259 shares were available for future grants under the 2007 Omnibus Plan.
U.S. AUTO PARTS NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity under the 2007 Omnibus Plan:
The weighted-average fair value of options granted during calendar year 2008, fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010 was $1.20, $1.40 and $3.75, respectively.
The intrinsic value of stock options at the date of the exercise is the difference between the fair value of the stock at the date of exercise and the exercise price. During fiscal 2010, the total intrinsic value of the exercised options was $1.4 million. Aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of underlying awards and the fair value price of the Company’s common stock for options that were in-the-money as of January 1, 2011. The Company had $3.0 million of unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to stock options outstanding as of January 1, 2011, which expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.20 years.
Additional information with respect to outstanding options under the 2007 Omnibus Plan as of January 1, 2011 is as follows:
The Company adopted the 2007 New Employee Incentive Plan (the “2007 New Employee Plan”) in October 2007. Under the 2007 New Employee Plan, the Company is authorized to issue 2.0 million shares of common stock under various instruments solely to new employees. Options granted under the 2007 New Employee Plan generally expire no later than ten years from the date of grant and generally vest over a period of four years. The exercise price of all option grants must not be less than 100% of the fair market value on the date of grant.
At January 1, 2011, 750,000 shares were available for future grants under the 2007 New Employee Plan.
U.S. AUTO PARTS NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity under the 2007 New Employee Plan:
The weighted-average fair value of options granted during fiscal 2009 was $0.51. There were no new options granted in calendar year 2008 and fiscal 2010. Aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying awards and the fair value price of the Company’s common stock for options that were in-the-money as of January 1, 2011. The Company had $ 0.3 million of unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to stock options outstanding as of January 1, 2011, which expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.57 years.
Additional information with respect to outstanding options under the 2007 New Employee Plan as of January 1, 2011 is as follows:
The Company adopted the U.S. Auto Parts Network, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”) in March 2006. All stock options to purchase common stock granted to employees in 2006 were granted under the 2006 Plan and had exercise prices equal to the fair value of the underlying stock, as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors on the applicable option grant date. The Board of Directors determined the value of the underlying stock by considering a number of factors, including historical and projected financial results, the risks the Company faced at the time, the preferences of the Company’s Preferred Stock holders and the lack of liquidity of the Company’s common stock. No stock options were granted by the Company prior to the adoption of the 2006 Plan. At January 1, 2011, there were no shares available for future grants under the 2006 Plan.
The following table summarizes the Company’s stock options activity under the 2006 Plan:
There were no new options granted during calendar year 2008, fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010.
The intrinsic value of stock options at the date of exercise is the difference between the fair value of the stock at the date of exercise and the exercise price. During fiscal 2010, the total intrinsic value of the exercised options was $0.03 million.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
During calendar year 2008 and fiscal 2009, there were no options exercised under this plan. Aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of underlying awards and the fair value price of the Company’s common stock for options that were in-the-money as of January 1, 2011. The Company fully recognized share-based compensation expense related to stock options outstanding as of January 2, 2010 and January 1, 2011.
Additional information with respect to outstanding options under the 2006 Plan as of January 1, 2011 is as follows:
Warrants
The following table summarizes the outstanding warrants at January, 1, 2011:
On May 5, 2009, the Company issued warrants to purchase up to 30,000 shares of common stock, which warrants terminate seven years after their grant date. The warrants were issued in connection with the financial advisory services provided by a consultant to the Company. The warrants vest in thirty-six equal monthly increments of 833 shares each on the last calendar day of each calendar month commencing May 5, 2009. The grant date fair value of these warrants issued on May 5, 2009 was $1.09 per share. On April 27, 2010, the Company issued additional warrants to purchase up to 20,000 shares of common stock to the same holder in connection with the financial advisory services provided to the Company. The warrants vest in twenty-four equal monthly increments of 833 shares each on the last calendar day of each calendar month commencing April 27, 2010. The grant date fair value of the additional warrants issued on April 27, 2010 was $2.12 per share. The Company determined the fair value of the warrants at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based on the estimated fair value of the underlying common stock. No warrants were exercised in fiscal 2009 and 2010. Aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of underlying awards and the fair value price of the Company’s common stock for warrants that were in-the-money as of January 1, 2011.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Note 9 - Accounting for Share-Based Compensation
The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions for each of the periods ended:
In May 2008 and February 2009, respectively, the Board approved option grants, which contained market condition requirements. These options will vest based on the achievement of specified stock price appreciation milestones, which represents a market condition, over a five-year period commencing on May 15, 2008 and February 16, 2009. The May 2008 option grants were for 250,000 shares each. The February 2009 option grants were for 100,000 shares. The fair value of the options were estimated on the date of grant using the Monte Carlo option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions for each of the periods ended:
Share-Based Compensation Expense
The Company recognized share-based compensation expense of $2.9 million, $3.3 million and $2.7 million, net of $287,000, $245,000 and $186,000 of expense capitalized as internally-developed software, for each of calendar year 2008, fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010, respectively. The Company has recognized an income tax benefit of $1.1 million, $1.2 million for calendar year 2008 and fiscal 2009, respectively. No tax benefit was recognized for fiscal 2010 due to the valuation allowance position.
Under ASC 718, forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Our estimated forfeiture rate was calculated based on actual historical forfeitures experienced under our equity plans. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company performed its periodic review of the estimated forfeiture rate during the last fifty-two weeks and noted no significant forfeitures which would change the estimated forfeiture rate from the previous year. Therefore, the weighted-average forfeiture rate from 10% to 18% was used as consistent with the prior year.
There was $3.3 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options and warrants as of January 1, 2011, which expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.11 years. The table below sets forth the expected amortization of share-based compensation expense for the next three years for all options granted as of January 1, 2011, assuming all employees remain employed by the Company for their remaining vesting periods:
U.S. AUTO PARTS NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Note 10 - Net Income (Loss) Per Share
Net income (loss) per share has been computed in accordance with ASC 260 Earnings per Share. The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share:
Potentially dilutive securities were not included in the calculation of diluted net income per share because these securities would be anti-dilutive due to the Company’s stock price. The related securities are as follows (in common equivalent shares):
Additionally, due to the loss in calendar year 2008 and fiscal 2010, 115,211 and 1,700,550 shares, respectively, have been excluded from the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share.
Note 11 - Income Taxes
As discussed in “Note 1- Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Nature of Operations”, the Company adopted new accounting principles on accounting for uncertain tax positions in calendar year 2008. The new principles prescribe a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that has greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement.
During calendar year 2008, the Company was audited by the Internal Revenue Service for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007. The audit was concluded with the payment of a non-material sum. During fiscal 2010, the Company was audited by the Internal Revenue Service for the year ended December 31, 2008. The audit was concluded with no change. The tax years 2006-2009 remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions to which the Company is subject. The Company does not anticipate a significant change to the amount of unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The components of income (loss) before income taxes consist of the following:
Income tax (benefit) expense for calendar year 2008, fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010 consists of the following:
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Income tax (benefit) expense differs from the amount that would result from applying the federal statutory rate as follows:
The Company’s effective tax rate was impacted by income taxes incurred in foreign and state jurisdictions. With respect to the income of its foreign subsidiaries, the Company takes the position that the earnings of the foreign subsidiaries are permanently invested in that jurisdiction. Additionally, the foreign subsidiaries are currently in a cumulative deficit earnings and profits position for tax purposes. As a result, no additional income taxes have been provided on the possible repatriation of these earnings to the parent company. The favorable impact of foreign taxes is due in large part to a tax holiday in the Philippines, which is effective through September 2011. The term of the tax holiday is four years, provided as an incentive for new business and no further requirements exist to maintain the tax holiday. The impact of this tax holiday decreased foreign taxes by $0, $136,000 and $182,000 for calendar year 2008, fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010, respectively. The benefit of the tax holiday on net income per share (diluted) was immaterial for the related years.
For calendar year 2008, fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010, the effective tax rate for the Company was 41.36%, 70.33% and (715.28)%, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rate for calendar year 2008 differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate primarily as a result of state income taxes and other non-deductible permanent differences. The Company’s effective tax rate for fiscal 2009 differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate primarily as a result of state income taxes and other non-deductible permanent differences including stock option forfeitures with a tax effected value of $1.1 million as described below. The Company’s effective tax rate for fiscal 2010 differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate primarily as a result of the recording of a $13.6 million valuation allowance against the Company’s deferred tax assets.
During the review of the Company’s income tax provision for the thirteen weeks ended April 4, 2009, we noted that deferred tax assets for permanent differences created by vested non-qualified stock option forfeitures had not been properly reduced in accordance with ASC 740. We have evaluated the effects of this misstatement on prior period’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with the guidance provided by ASC 250-10 Accounting Changes and Error Corrections, and concluded that no prior period financial statements are materially misstated. We also evaluated the effect of correcting this misstatement on our interim and annual results of operations for the respective quarters ended September 30, 2007 through the thirteen weeks ended April 4, 2009.
The total impact of the quarterly adjustments related to the balance sheet is summarized as follows:
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The total impact of the quarterly adjustments to the income statement is summarized as follows:
Considering both quantitative and qualitative measures, we determined that the judgment of a reasonable person relying upon the financial statements would not have been changed or influenced by the inclusion or correction of these items in the respective quarters or in the thirteen weeks ended April 4, 2009. We determined that the misstatements are immaterial to the financial statements as of December 31, 2007 and 2008 and for each of the respective quarters of those years. However, we concluded that the impact of recording the cumulative effect of these periods may be material. As permitted by ASC 250-10, we used the iron curtain approach to quantify the misstatement. The iron curtain approach assumes that because the prior year financial statements were not materially misstated, correcting any immaterial errors that existed in those statements in the current year is the correct accounting. Therefore, we recorded the cumulative adjustment during the thirteen weeks ended April 4, 2009 by decreasing deferred tax assets and increasing current income tax expense.
Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2008, January 2, 2010 and January 1, 2011 consisted of the following:
U.S. AUTO PARTS NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
At January 1, 2011, federal and state net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards were $6.8 million and $27.5 million respectively. Federal NOL carryforwards of $2.7 million were acquired in the acquisition of WAG which are subject to Internal Revenue Code section 382 and limited to an annual usage limitation of $135,000. Additionally, a tax benefit of $0.9 million related to the federal and state NOL carryforwards that were created by the exercise of stock options will be credited to additional paid in capital once realized as a reduction of income taxes payable. Federal NOL carryforwards expire in 2029 and 2030, while state NOL carryforwards begin to expire in 2016. The state NOL carryforwards expire in the respective tax years as follows:
The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets recorded during fiscal 2010 is based on a more likely than not threshold. The ability to realize deferred tax assets depends on the ability to generate sufficient taxable income within the carryback or carryforward periods provided for in the tax law for each applicable tax jurisdiction. We considered the following possible sources of taxable income when assessing the realization of deferred tax assets:
•
Future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences;
•
Future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards;
•
Taxable income in prior carryback years; and
•
Tax-planning strategies.
The assessment regarding whether a valuation allowance is required or should be adjusted also considers, among other matters, the nature, frequency and severity of recent losses of the combined USAP and WAG operations, forecasts of future profitability, the duration of statutory carryforward periods, our experience with tax attributes expiring unused and tax planning alternatives. In making such judgments, significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified.
Concluding that a valuation allowance is not required is difficult when there is significant negative evidence that is objective and verifiable, such as cumulative losses in recent years. Although we expect that the operations of the recently acquired WAG business and our ability to achieve future profitability of these operations was enhanced by the cost reductions that occurred as a result of the acquisition and subsequent integration efforts, WAG’s historic operating results remain relevant as they are reflective of the industry and the effect of economic conditions. The fundamental businesses and inherent risks in which the WAG business operates did not change from those which existed prior to the acquisition. We utilized a three-year analysis of actual results as the primary measure of cumulative losses in recent years. However, because a substantial portion of those cumulative losses relate to impairment of intangible assets and goodwill, those three-year cumulative results are adjusted for the effect of these items. In addition, the near- and medium-term financial outlook is considered when assessing the need for a valuation allowance.
The valuation of deferred tax assets requires judgment and assessment of the future tax consequences of events that have been recorded in the financial statements or in the tax returns, and our future profitability represents our best estimate of those future events. Changes in our current estimates, due to unanticipated events or otherwise, could have a material effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Prior to the acquisition of WAG, the Company concluded that it was more likely than not that we would realize the deferred tax assets in all jurisdictions. However, with the acquisition of WAG, based largely on the weight of the combined cumulative three-year adjusted loss position, it was determined that it was not more likely than not that the Company would realize its net deferred tax assets as of January 2, 2011. Therefore, a valuation allowance of $18.3 million was recorded as of January 1, 2011, of which $4.7 million was recorded against the acquired deferred tax assets of WAG as of our acquisition date of August 12, 2010.
If, in the future, we generate taxable income on a sustained basis in jurisdictions where we have recorded full valuation allowances, our conclusion regarding the need for full valuation allowances in these tax jurisdictions could change, resulting in the reversal of some or all of the valuation allowances. If our operations generate taxable income prior to reaching profitability on a sustained basis, we would reverse a portion of the valuation allowance related to the corresponding realized tax benefit for that period, without changing our conclusions on the need for a full valuation allowance against the remaining net deferred tax assets.
Included in accrued expenses are income taxes payable of $24,000, $39,000 and $95,000 for calendar year 2008, fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010, respectively, consisting primarily of foreign taxes.
Note 12 - Related-Party Transactions
Beginning in November 2003, the Company leased its corporate headquarters and primary warehouse from Nia Chloe, LLC (“Nia Chloe”), a member of which, Sol Khazani, is one of our board members. Another Nia Chloe member, Mehran Nia, was also one of our board members until his resignation in December 2009. Lease payments and expenses associated with this related party arrangement totaled $548,000, $535,000, and $389,000, respectively, for the years ended
U.S. AUTO PARTS NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
December 31, 2008, January 2, 2010, and January 1, 2011. The Company has evaluated its relationship with Nia Chloe with regard to ASC 810 Consolidation (“ASC 810”) (formerly referenced as FIN 46R, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities”). The Company has determined that Nia Chloe does not meet the criteria for consolidation under ASC 810 and therefore this entity is not consolidated in the Company’s financial statements.
From time to time, the Company purchased inventory from an entity that was partially owned until 2009 by a member of the Company’s Board of Directors. During the years ended December 31, 2008 and January 2, 2010, the Company purchased inventory totaling $242,000 and $330,000 respectively, from the entity, which the Company believes to be at fair market value.
Since October 2006, the Company has purchased paid search engine marketing services from an entity of which a member of the Company’s Board of Directors served as CEO until 2008 and chairman until mid-2009. During the years ended December 31, 2008 and January 2, 2010, the Company purchased paid search engine marketing services totaling $281,000, and $225,000, respectively, from the entity, which the Company believes to be at fair market value.
In September 2008, the Company entered into a verbal agreement with a member of the Company’s Board of Directors, Mehran Nia, to provide consulting services. The arrangement could be terminated by either party at anytime, and the director was paid $10,000 per month. Mr. Nia resigned from the Board of Directors in December 2009. For the year ended January 2, 2010 and the year ended January 1, 2011, the total consulting fees paid were $120,000 and $10,000 respectively, to the individual. The arrangement was terminated as of January 2, 2010, and the final payment made to settle the account as of that date.
The Company has entered into indemnification agreements with the Company’s directors and executive officers. These agreements require the Company to indemnify these individuals to the fullest extent permitted under law against liabilities that may arise by reason of their service to the Company, and to advance expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified. The Company also intends to enter into indemnification agreements with the Company’s future directors and executive officers.
Note 13 - Commitments and Contingencies
The Company’s primary warehouse facilities are under a lease which commenced in November 2003, expired in December 2008, was month-to-month until February 1, 2010 when an extension of the lease incorporating a reduction in rent through January 31, 2011 was signed, and continues on a month-to-month basis.
In September 2004, the Company entered into a lease to house the Company’s corporate headquarters and for warehouse space adjacent to its primary facility in Carson, California from a related party under an agreement that expired August 31, 2006. This lease was renewed through February 28, 2009 and is currently month-to-month. On October 1, 2006, the Company entered into a third lease agreement for additional warehouse space adjacent to its primary facilities in Carson, CA. This lease expired May 31, 2009, was month-to-month until February 1, 2010 when an extension of the lease incorporating a reduction in rent through January 31, 2011 was signed, and continues on a month-to-month basis.
In January 2010, the Company’s Philippines subsidiary entered into a new lease agreement that will accommodate the Company’s Philippines workforce into one (1) office building from its previous offices in Pasig and Makati; the leases for the Pasig and Makati facilities were terminated in July and October 2010, respectively. Under the terms of the lease agreement, the Company added approximately 39,665 square feet of space for a period of 63 months, effective March 1, 2010. Monthly rental fee of approximately $25,000 is subject to 5% annual escalation beginning on the 3rd year of the lease term and renewable for a sixty (60)-month term upon mutual agreement of both parties. In December 2008, the Company entered into a five-year operating lease for warehouse space in Chesapeake, Virginia, which commenced in January 2009 and expires in December 2013. Under the terms of the lease, the Company added approximately 72,500 square feet of space for initial monthly rent of approximately $15,000 with annual rent escalations. Additionally, the Company has one option to extend the terms for an additional five years on or before June 30, 2013 and one option to terminate the lease effective December 31, 2011 with six months prior written notice.
Upon our acquisition of WAG, we assumed a lease related to their office and warehouse space (60,845 square feet) in Independence, Ohio which was originally executed on January 1, 2003 and amended on October 3, 2003 and February 1, 2008. The lease expires on January 31, 2013, with two five-year renewal options. Commencing on February 1, 2008, the rent is $0.2 million per year, payable in equal monthly installments of $0.02 million on the first day of each month during the initial term.
U.S. AUTO PARTS NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Also, upon our acquisition of WAG, we assumed a sublease related to their headquarter office (22,323 square feet) in Chicago, Illinois which was originally executed on December 4, 2007. The term of the lease commenced on May 14, 2008 and will expire on January 13, 2017. The annual base rent for the initial lease term through January 31, 2009 is $0.3 million with an annual escalation of $0.1 million commencing from February 1, 2009 through the remaining lease term.
Facility rent expense, inclusive of amounts paid to Nia Chloe, for the years ended December 31, 2008, January 2, 2010 and January 1, 2011, was $1.6 million, $1.9 million and $2.4 million, respectively.
Future minimum facility lease payments required under the above operating leases as of January 1, 2011 are $1,482,000, $1514,000, $1,369,000, $719,000, $541,000 and $379,000 for 2011 to 2015 and thereafter, respectively.
Capital lease commitments at January 1, 2011 were as follows:
There were no capital leases as of January 2, 2010.
Legal Matters
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, 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 Company’s assets from losses arising out of or involving activities associated with ongoing and normal business operations.
Parts Geek Litigation
On June 25, 2009, the Company filed suit in the United States District Court for the Central District of California against Parts Geek LLC, certain of its members and employees for misappropriation of trade secrets, breach of contract and unfair competition and requesting monetary damages and injunctive relief, and Parts Geek filed an answer on August 12, 2009. On January 27, 2010, the complaint was amended to include claims for copyright infringement and to add an additional party. Parts Geek filed an answer and counterclaims to the amended complaint on February 22, 2010. Each party filed a motion for summary judgment requesting that the Court rule on all claims made in this matter without sending the matter to a jury. On June 7, 2010, the Court ruled on all claims in the matter, denying the Company’s claims against Parts Geek and Lucas Thomason and denying Parts Geek’s claims against the Company. The judge additionally denied Parts Geek’s counterclaims against the Company. Parts Geek and Lucas Thomason petitioned the Court to order the Company to pay their legal fees and costs, the Court ordered the Company to do so and on August 11, 2010 all parties stipulated that approximately $1.1 million of legal fees and costs would be owed to Parts Geek and Lucas Thomason should the Company lose its appeal or win its appeal and lose in trial. A bond has been posted to guarantee payment of $1.1 million plus interest, at a cost of approximately $0.02 million to the Company. The Company is not required to pay the fees and costs at this time; they would be due if the Company loses its appeal and determines to not appeal beyond the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, or if the Company wins on appeal but loses at trial once the case is remanded to the trial court and, in accordance with ASC 450-20 Loss Contingencies (“ASC 450-20”), the Company has not accrued for these fees and costs. The Company filed an appeal and filed its initial brief on January 21, 2011. The reply brief is due March 21, 2011. The Company has analyzed this matter in accordance with ASC 450-20 and, in accordance with the definition of probable loss described therein, we have concluded that no accrual is necessary at this time.
California Air Resources Board Inquiry
The Company received an inquiry by the California Air Resources Board (“CARB”) into sales of non-California compliant catalytic converters in the state of California via our stock-ship and drop-ship network. On March 4, 2010, and again on June 16, 2010, the Company met with CARB to discuss alleged sales of catalytic converters into California by the Company and third-party suppliers that are not compliant with California regulations. CARB informed the Company that penalties shall be assessed with regard to any non-compliant sales; discussions are ongoing, and due to a number of variables, any penalties are not estimable at this time. This will impact sale of products for emissions systems to the state and may
U.S. AUTO PARTS NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
adversely impact our sales and operating results. The Company is unable to assess the amount of the final monetary cost in this regard, other than legal fees that have been and may continue to be incurred in preparing responses and defending the Company in the inquiry and that there will be an associated cost for penalties in this matter.
Asbestos
WAG is a named defendant in several lawsuits involving claims for damages caused by installation of brakes during the late 1960’s and early 1970’s that contained asbestos. WAG marketed certain brakes, but did not manufacture any brakes. WAG maintained liability insurance coverage to protect its and the Company’s assets from losses arising from the litigation and coverage is provided on an occurrence rather than a claims made basis, and the Company is not expected to incur significant out-of-pocket costs.
Note 14 - Employee Retirement Plan
Effective February 17, 2006, the Company adopted a 401(k) defined contribution retirement plan covering all full time employees who have completed one month of service. The Company may, at its sole discretion, match fifty cents per dollar up to 6% of each participating employee’s salary. The Company’s contributions vest in annual installments over three years. Discretionary contributions made by the Company totaled $147,000, $154,000 and $213,000 for calendar year 2008, fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010, respectively.
In January 2010, the Company adopted the U.S. Auto Parts Network, Inc. Management Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Deferred Compensation Plan”), for the purpose of providing highly compensated employees a program to meet their financial planning needs. The Deferred Compensation Plan provides participants with the opportunity to defer up to 90% of their base salary and up to 100% of their annual earned bonus, all of which, together with the associated investment returns, are 100% vested from the outset. The Deferred Compensation Plan, which is designed to be exempt from most provisions of the Employee Retirement Security Act of 1974, is informally funded by the Company through the purchase of Company-owned life insurance policies with the Company (employer) as the owner and beneficiary, in order to preserve the tax-deferred savings advantages of a non-qualified plan. The plan assets are the cash surrender value of the Company-owned life insurance policies and not associated with the deferred compensation liability. The deferred compensation liabilities (consisting of employer contributions, employee deferrals and associated earnings and losses) are general unsecured obligations of USAP. Liabilities under the Plan are recorded at amounts due to participants, based on the fair value of participants’ selected investments. The Company may at its discretion contribute certain amounts to eligible employee accounts. In January 2010, the Company began to contribute 50% of the first 2% of participants’ eligible contributions into their Deferred Compensation Plan accounts. In September 2010, the Company established and transferred its ownership to a rabbi trust to hold the Company-owned life insurance policies. As of January 1, 2011, the assets and associated liabilities of the Deferred Compensation Plan were $261,000 and $224,000, respectively, and are included in other non-current assets and non-current liabilities, respectively, in our consolidated balance sheets. The associated liabilities mainly include the employee contributions of $175,000 and the employer contributions of $34,000 made as of January 1, 2011. Included in other income, the Company recorded a gain of $11,000 for the change in the cash surrender value of the Company-owned life insurance policies during fiscal 2010.
U.S. AUTO PARTS NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Note 15 - Quarterly Information (Unaudited)
The following quarterly information includes all adjustments which management considers necessary for a fair presentation of such information. For interim quarterly financial statements, the provision for income taxes is estimated using the best available information for projected results for the entire year. The sum of the four quarters will not agree to the year total due to rounding within a quarter.
(1) Includes immaterial adjustments recorded for all quarters of calendar year 2008 during the thirteen-weeks ended April 4, 2009. See “Note 11 - Income Taxes” for further information.
Note 16 - Subsequent Events
February 28, 2011, the Company and its lender, Silicon Valley Bank (“Bank”), entered into Amendment No. 1 to Loan and Security Agreement and Limited Waiver (“Amendment”). The Amendment waived the Company’s lack of compliance with the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Covenant in the Loan and Security Agreement entered into by and between the Company and Bank on August 13, 2010 (“LSA”). The Amendment also amended the definitions of Baseline Liquidity and Consolidated EBITDA to more readily accommodate the Company’s integration of the WAG acquisition.
EXHIBIT INDEX
* Incorporated by reference to the exhibit of the same number from the registration statement on Form S-1 of U.S. Auto Parts Network, Inc. (File No. 333-138379) initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 2, 2006, as amended.
+ Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement
 U.S. Auto Parts Network, Inc. has been granted confidential treatment with respect to certain portions of this exhibit (indicated by asterisks), which have been separately filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.