2021 ANNUAL REPORT
300 South Riverside Plaza
Suite 1000
Chicago, Illinois 60606
©2022 Cars.com, LLC™. All rights reserved.
2021 AT A GLANCE
Digital Solutions Strategy Driving Growth
Double-Digit Growth in Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA
Revenue momentum continued throughout the year, as we increased value to our
customers.
Continued Dealer Growth Driven by Record Value Delivery
We reached 19,179 dealer customers by the end of 2021, coupled with a historically-low
cancellation rate.
Acquisitions of CreditIQ and Accu-Trade Group
Value-accretive acquisitions further accelerated our platform strategy.
ESG Program Focused on ACTION
Powered by CARS Action, we continued to drive Environmental, Social and Governance
priorities throughout the Company.
Our Fellow Shareholders,
2021 was a year of incredible achievement for CARS. We delivered robust growth across our operating
and financial metrics and we are positioned for continued strong, sustainable growth. Our continued
innovation of industry-leading solutions, empowers our dealer and OEM partners to engage with high-
quality connections to in-market shoppers providing a better experience for both buyers and sellers.
Our robust product innovation is best demonstrated through FUEL, our targeted video advertising
solution that continues to be one of our fastest-growing products, more than doubling adoption and
revenue growth for the year. At year-end, Dealer Inspire website customers reached nearly 5,300, and
we launched the first websites under our FordDirect program. The rapid product schedule was facilitated
by the launch of our new cloud-based platform that shortens the period from innovation to roll-out. This
coupled with our automotive expertise prepares us for the road ahead.
We also made investments to advance our platform strategy with the acquisitions of CreditIQ and, more
recently, Accu-Trade. These acquisitions add a critical set of capabilities to our suite of digital solutions
and a seamless end-to-end experience for buyers and sellers. All this remarkable work resulted in
profitable growth and strong cash generation for the year, enabling us to invest in the business to drive
future growth and innovation, while continuing to deliver additional value to all our stakeholders.
Strengthening Our Platform For Sustainable Growth
We have consistently delivered value to our dealer and OEM customers thanks to our high-intent organic
audience, number-one brand, and industry-leading solutions. In a supply constrained environment
attributable to chip shortages, our solutions helped dealers efficiently market their specific on-the-lot
inventory to consumers looking for an exact match. Combined with our ability to consistently generate
quality organic traffic through our original editorial content and category expertise, we support
consumers and enable our customers to efficiently connect, facilitating the car buying process.
The additions of CreditIQ and Accu-Trade are decisive steps toward strengthening our platform’s end
to-end transactional capabilities, while expanding CARS’ addressable market into the multi-billion-dollar
auto finance and digital vehicle acquisition segments. With our audience generating nearly 600 million
annual visits to Cars.com and an incremental 952 million visits across our Dealer Inspire websites in
2021, our wide consumer and dealer network will drive substantial cross-selling opportunities and create
substantial value as we deploy additional solutions that will delight dealers and consumers alike.
Executing CARS Action to Drive Environmental, Social and Governance Priorities
Under our CARS Action initiative, the overarching program for all our ESG work, we have continued
to execute on driving progress across our ESG priorities. We launched our CARS Carbon Cashback
Campaign, which creates an environmentally friendly monetary incentive for our employees to purchase
electric vehicles from our local dealer customers. As the EV future takes hold, we are also doubling down
on our leadership in this area with plans to increase our EV-focused editorial content by over 20% in
2022.
We are also proud of our efforts to develop a workforce that is reflective of our addressable market
resulting in diversity across our company. Our workforce includes 45% identifying as having gender
diversity and 25% as having a diverse racial and ethnic background. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I)
is a key aspect of our business strategy and culture. As with our other critical goals, we hold our senior
leaders accountable by formally tying executive compensation to our DE&I goals.
Within our industry, we continue to support education, technology and financial investments to critical
partners such as the National Association of Minority Auto Dealers, Women in Automotive, Chicago
Scholars and Girls Who Code, aligning our charitable giving program with our overall ESG mission. We
are committed to increasing representation and mentorship through these types of partnerships, which in
turn have helped us develop a diverse pipeline of talent across the CARS organization.
We continue to have a stellar and diversified board. During 2021, we appointed independent director
Jenell Ross, an accomplished industry veteran and the country’s only second-generation African
American female dealer owner and operator.
2021 Financial Performance
Our focused execution enabled us to deliver impressive financial results for the year. We delivered total
revenue of $623.7 million, representing double-digit growth over the prior year, along with Adjusted
EBITDA of $189.2 million, or 30% of revenue. ARPD grew 16% for the year as dealers continue to adopt
our innovative technologies, and retention rates remain at record highs as we ended the year with 19,179
dealer customers.
This robust performance led to solid cash generation, with free cash flow totaling $118.8 million. During
the year, we utilized our financial flexibility to invest in both organic and inorganic strategic growth
opportunities while paying down $120.0 million of debt. Looking ahead into 2022, we will continue to
invest in the business as we integrate our recent acquisitions, build new revenue streams, and position
CARS for accelerated, sustainable growth.
In closing, we are incredibly pleased with the progress we achieved in 2021 in building innovative
solutions to advance both our CARS platform and the larger automotive industry. We would like to thank
all our employees for their commitment to driving our business forward every day, as well as you – our
shareholders – for supporting us along our journey. We look forward to driving further growth and
creating sustainable long-term value for all our stakeholders in 2022 and beyond.
T. Alex Vetter
Chief Executive Officer
Scott E. Forbes
Chairman of the Board
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021
OR
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO
Commission File Number 001-37869
Cars.com Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
300 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 1000
Chicago, IL
(Address of principal executive offices)
81-3693660
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
60606
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (312) 601-5000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Common Stock, Par Value $0.01 Per Share
Trading
Symbol
CARS
Name of each exchange on which registered
The New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405
of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit such
files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an
emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth
company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Non-accelerated filer
Large accelerated filer
☒
☐
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any
new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal
control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that
prepared or issued its audit report. ☒
Smaller reporting company
Accelerated filer
☐
☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
At June 30, 2021, the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of common stock
held by non-affiliates was $988,254,120 based on the closing sale price of common stock on such date of $14.33 per share on the New York Stock
Exchange.
The number of shares of Registrant’s Common Stock outstanding as of February 18, 2022 was 69,170,349.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement relating to the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, scheduled to be held on or about June 8, 2022,
are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report.
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Table of Contents
PART I
Item 1. Business
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
Properties
Item 2.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities
Selected Financial Data
Item 6.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 8.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Item 9B. Other Information
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary
i
PART I
Note About Forward-Looking Statements. This report contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal
securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements
include information concerning the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our industry, our customers and our results of operations, our
business strategies, strategic alternatives, plans and objectives, market potential, outlook, trends, future financial performance, planned
operational and product improvements, potential strategic transactions, liquidity, including draws from our Revolving Credit Facility,
expense management and other matters and involve known and unknown risks that are difficult to predict. As a result, our actual financial
results, performance, achievements, strategic actions or prospects may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these
forward-looking statements. These statements often include words such as “believe,” “expect,” “project,” “anticipate,” “outlook,”
“intend,” “strategy,” “plan,” “estimate,” “target,” “seek,” “will,” “may,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “forecasts,” “mission,” “strive,”
“more,” “goal” or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, beliefs, strategies, estimates,
projections and assumptions, based on our experience in the industry as well as our perceptions of historical trends, current conditions,
expected future developments, current developments regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors we think are appropriate.
Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the
Company and its management based on their knowledge and understanding of the business and industry, are inherently uncertain. These
statements are expressed in good faith and we believe these judgments are reasonable. However, you should understand that these
statements are not guarantees of strategic action, performance or results. Our actual results and strategic actions could differ materially
from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Given these uncertainties, forward-looking statements should not be relied on
in making investment decisions. Comparisons of results between current and prior periods are not intended to express any future trends,
or indications of future performance, unless expressed as such, and should only be viewed as historical data. Whether or not any such
forward-looking statement is in fact achieved will depend on future events, some of which are beyond our control.
Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors, many of which are beyond our
control, that could cause our actual results and strategic actions to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking
statements contained in this report. For a detailed discussion of many of these and other risks and uncertainties, see “Part I, Item 1A.,
Risk Factors” and “Part II, Item 7., Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this
report. All forward-looking statements contained in this report are qualified by these cautionary statements. You should evaluate all
forward-looking statements made in this report in the context of these risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements contained
in this report are based only on information currently available to us and speak only as of the date of this report. We undertake no
obligation, other than as may be required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking or cautionary statements to reflect changes in
assumptions, the occurrence of events, unanticipated or otherwise, or changes in future operating results over time for otherwise. The
forward-looking statements in this report are intended to be subject to the safe harbor protection provided by the federal securities laws.
Item 1. Business. Cars.com Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries are referred to here as “CARS,” the
“Company,” “our,” “us” or “we,” unless the context indicates otherwise. CARS conducts all of its operations through its wholly owned
subsidiaries.
Overview. We are a leading automotive marketplace platform that provides a robust set of digital solutions that connect car shoppers
with sellers. Our vision is to become the largest digital automotive marketplace platform, powering innovative solutions and frictionless
omni-channel experiences supporting local buyers and sellers. We believe our vision will be realized through investing in three strategic
priorities: investing in our people experience, our product experience and our customer experience. We will continue to build industry-
leading shopping experiences to drive our audience, bring market-leading solutions to our customers and enable end-to-end transaction
capabilities to support local automotive retailers across the country.
Through our marketplace, dealer websites and other digital products, we showcase dealer inventory, elevate and amplify the brands of
both dealers and automotive original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”), connect sellers with our ready-to-buy audience and empower
shoppers with the resources and information needed to make confident car buying decisions. Our platform strategy builds on the rich
data and audience of our digital marketplace to offer media and solutions that drive growth and efficiency for the automotive industry.
We launched in 1998 with the flagship marketplace Cars.com and on June 1, 2017, became a publicly traded company with our shares
traded on The New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”). Our portfolio of brands now includes Cars.com™, Dealer Inspire®,
DealerRater®, FUEL™, Auto.com™, PickupTrucks.com™, CreditIQ™ and NewCars.com®.
Our Business
Attracting ready-to-buy car shoppers to our marketplace is crucial to meeting the needs of our customers. Driven by the strength of the
Cars.com brand name and our extensive trusted editorial content, we attract over 20 million unique visitors each month, the majority
coming to us organically. Approximately 85% of consumers who visit Cars.com intend to purchase a vehicle within the next six months,
and we believe Cars.com has some of our category’s strongest site engagement.
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Our marketplace is core to our business, and we have built on this strength to increase our value to customers by providing additional
digital solutions and technology. Through the acquisitions of DealerRater in 2016, Dealer Inspire in 2018 and CreditIQ in 2021, the
2020 launch of our FUEL in-market video product and our intent to purchase Accu-Trade in 2022, we have materially expanded our
digital solutions and media offerings to improve the sales, operational efficiency and profitability of our automotive customers.
For Customers. Our primary customers are car dealers, OEMs and other national advertisers. For the year ended December 31, 2021,
88.2% of our revenue was generated from car dealerships, 10.4% related to OEMs and other national advertisers and 1.4% was generated
from other customers.
Dealer Customers. As of December 31, 2021, we served 19,179 dealer customers across all 50 states, including franchise dealers
and independent dealers, with both digital and brick-and-mortar stores. The vast majority of our dealer customers utilize our
marketplace subscription products.
Manufacturers. As of December 31, 2021, we served nearly all OEMs selling vehicles in the United States.
For Shoppers. Our marketplace functions as a definitive resource for car buyers. We are known for our scale and depth with over 11
million consumer and expert editorial reviews and a significant news and research section that helps shoppers along their purchase
journey. Our consumer experience is focused on reducing friction, improving speed and delivering powerful results through several
pricing, comparison, research and communication tools that empower buyers.
As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, both buyers and sellers have accelerated their adoption of digital tools, products and
solutions. Our Home Delivery and Virtual Appointment badges allow shoppers to easily identify which dealerships offer digital and
contactless buying options, and our Virtual Test Drives enable shoppers to remotely experience the features and functionality of a
vehicle. These new products complement our Conversations chat tool and our Online Shopper digital retailing tool to allow shoppers to
communicate directly with dealers and confidently make purchase decisions, creating a frictionless shopping and selling experience.
For Sellers. We offer local dealers, OEMs, dealer groups and auto-adjacent companies a variety of digital advertising products and
solutions. We generate revenue primarily through the sale of our marketplace subscription products to car dealer customers which
provide access to our audience of 25 million high-quality, in-market car shoppers. We complement our marketplace products with digital
solutions offerings, which have become a key area of growth and are critical to our platform strategy.
Through our November 2021 acquisition of the automotive fintech platform CreditIQ, we are now able to make advanced digital
financing technology available to our dealer customers. This technology facilitates the completion of the finance process online across
the CARS platform via Dealer Inspire's 5,300 websites, its digital retailing platform "Online Shopper" and the Cars.com marketplace.
We believe dealers will benefit from improved efficiency, increased profits, greater lead conversion and deeper attribution data and
insights as a result of using CreditIQ. We also believe consumers will benefit from a new interactive online loan screening and approval
marketplace, which enables a complete buying transaction from the comfort of home. CreditIQ was rolled out to select dealer customers
on the CARS platform in the first quarter of 2022.
History. Cars.com was established in 1998 as part of a joint venture formed by a number of leading newspaper and broadcast companies
that realized their historic classified advertising businesses were being eroded as advertising began to move to the Internet. In 2014, one
of the joint venturers, Gannett Co., Inc. (“Gannett”) acquired the interests of the other joint venturers, and we became a wholly owned
subsidiary of Gannett. On May 31, 2017, Gannett, which had changed its name to TEGNA Inc. (“TEGNA”), effected a spin-off of
Cars.com along with the DealerRater business that it had acquired in 2016 (the “Spin”), creating Cars.com Inc. and distributed 100% of
our common stock to TEGNA’s shareholders. On June 1, 2017, our common stock began trading on the NYSE under the ticker symbol
“CARS”. In February 2018, we acquired the stock of privately held Dealer Inspire Inc. which provides website and other technology
solutions, and substantially all the assets of Launch Digital Marketing LLC, which provided the digital marketing services now offered
by Dealer Inspire. In November 2021, we acquired the stock of CreditIQ, Inc., a privately held, cutting edge automotive fintech platform
that provides instant online loan screening and approvals to facilitate online car buying. By investing in technology, organically and
through acquisitions like CreditIQ, we strive to provide the best end-to-end car shopping experience for both buyers and sellers.
Industry Dynamics. CARS operates in the large and growing automotive advertising and technology solutions market. According to
recent Automotive Outlook Reports from Borrell Associates, approximately 75% of the $9.4 billion U.S. auto dealership advertising
spend is projected to be spent on digital marketing in 2022. By 2023, advertising spend by U.S. auto dealerships is expected to grow
3.3% to $9.8 billion, with digital advertising expected to reach approximately 78% of the overall market spend. Furthermore, an average
dealership is estimated to spend almost three times more on digital solutions than advertising, according to Borrell Associates.
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Automotive dealers operate in a competitive market. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, dealers were experiencing margin compression,
decreased OEM support and growing consumer expectations around service and support. As a result, dealers are investing more in
technology solutions and their first-party platforms (their own websites), a trend which has accelerated in the current COVID-19
environment. Dealers are embracing technology solutions that help drive operational efficiency and allow them to support consumers
through their preferred channels (online, offline or both). In part by leveraging technology solutions, many dealers are achieving record
profitability. As the first truly integrated marketplace and solutions provider in the market today, we are well-positioned to support
dealers with our comprehensive, multi-faceted sales-oriented suite of tools and solutions.
For shoppers, buying a car is one of life’s most significant and researched decisions. According to Mintel’s 2020 car purchasing study,
approximately 69% of car shoppers believe buying a vehicle is stressful. Numerous product options with opaque, negotiable prices and
gaps in the online-to-offline shopping experience add complexity to an already overwhelming decision-making process. Shoppers want
a streamlined, simplified automotive retail experience. Marketplaces like Cars.com help car shoppers cut through the clutter and support
shoppers with tools designed to alleviate friction from search to signature. Dealers and OEMs value our marketplace for the chance to
connect with our unique, extensive and valuable in-market audience, and to improve their marketing efficiency with our suite of solutions
and tools.
Products. Our core products for sellers include:
Marketplace products.
Marketplace subscription advertising. We sell marketplace subscription advertising packages to dealer customers, which allow
them to showcase their available new and used vehicle inventory to our extensive audience of in-market car shoppers. We also offer
our customers several add-on products, which include premium on-platform advertising products that can be uniquely tailored to
an individual dealer customer. Our marketplace subscription packages are our largest product by revenue and number of subscribing
dealers.
Social selling. In 2018, we pioneered the use of social media platforms to sell cars by launching multiple solutions for both dealers
and OEMs to target and connect with in-market car shoppers on social media platforms, expanding their opportunity to sell more
cars. We offer Cars Social, for both dealers and OEMs, which targets and serves native advertisements displaying real-time
inventory to in-market car shoppers on Facebook and Instagram by leveraging our valuable audience data.
Digital Solutions.
Website creation and platform hosting. Our advanced Dealer Inspire website, platform hosting and related solutions make
automotive retail faster, easier and smarter from search to signature. Built on a customizable platform and designed with user
behavior data, our websites are set apart by the advanced technologies that drive modern consumers toward purchase decisions.
Website hosting is a product with high retention rates, supporting the reliability and stability of our revenue, and also diversifies
our revenue streams.
AI chat tool. Our Conversations product turns chats into customers by leveraging AI technology, live video chat capabilities and
24/7 managed chat support to instantly respond to all incoming messages. Conversations is built to connect today’s car buyers with
sellers — wherever, whenever and however they want to shop.
Digital retailing. Our Online Shopper solution enables e-commerce transactions for dealers. The “Garage” feature allows shoppers
to save vehicles, customize and compare their payments side-by-side. This feature also allows shoppers to add finance and insurance
products and aftermarket accessories, and to checkout, for delivery or pick-up in just three easy steps.
Instant loan screening and approvals. Our CreditIQ solution enables shoppers to digitally secure instant vehicle financing.
Dealers are empowered with the ability to utilize the lenders of their choice at no cost to the dealer. Participating lenders on the
CreditIQ platform pay a fixed fee per transaction completed.
Review and reputation management. Through our DealerRater brand, we are one of the leading dealer review platforms in the
industry, with more than 11 million consumer reviews integrated on the CARS platform. Our reputation management solutions
enable dealers to build, measure, monitor and manage their review programs to drive more leads that close faster. DealerRater
reviews are syndicated across a variety of platforms (including Cars.com), reaching more than 20 million consumers, digitally, each
month.
Advertising.
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Display advertising. Our display advertising products help dealers and OEMs extend their reach and efficiently access our large
audience of in-market car shoppers. The geographically targeted advertising served on our Cars.com website and mobile app enables
our customers to increase brand awareness and promote inventory. According to Borrell’s 2021 Local Automotive Advertising
Outlook, of 17 different types of media, targeted banners, which includes paid social media ads, will remain dealers’ largest single
spending category, with OTT and other forms of streaming video advertising rising to the second largest spending category within
two years.
Digital advertising services. To maximize a dealer’s ROI, their marketing and advertising campaigns need to seamlessly connect
with the website experience to convert traffic into paying customers. We offer programs that manage dealer search engine
optimization, as well as paid media spend beyond the Cars.com platform. Our data analytics and insights ensure dealers’ search
investments are deployed in the most efficient manner possible.
In-market video. Launched in 2020, FUEL is a digital video solution that provides OEMs and dealers with the opportunity to
reach Cars.com’s in-market car shopping audience of over 20 million monthly shoppers on their screen of choice via social media
platforms and streaming apps. FUEL leverages Cars.com’s high-quality, in-market audience data to pinpoint serious ready-to-buy
shoppers. This targeted approach drives high advertising efficiency for FUEL, which compares favorably to the high-cost broadcast
television solutions that dealers and OEMs have historically relied on.
Our strengths and competitive advantages. Our strategy is to drive growth and efficiency in the automotive industry by uniting media,
solutions and data into a connected platform solution that car buyers and sellers cannot afford to be without. We believe our business
has many competitive advantages, including:
A powerful family of brands with industry-leading fundamentals at scale. Cars.com is synonymous with car shopping. Among our
core competitors selling new and used vehicles, we rank No. 1 in brand awareness according to Qualtrics, a customer insights platform.
We are trusted as a reliable partner for car buyers and sellers. Among marketplaces, we are a first mover in extending our focus to
automotive solutions. Additionally, Dealer Inspire is widely recognized as an industry innovator that has helped to shape the future of
automotive retail for sellers. DealerRater is one of the leading dealer review platforms in the industry. Our FUEL product further
differentiates our business, as we leverage our powerful audience data to efficiently target in-market shoppers through digital video.
CreditIQ is a cutting edge automotive fintech platform that provides instant online loan screening and approvals to facilitate online car
buying. Together, we believe Cars.com, Dealer Inspire, DealerRater, FUEL and CreditIQ are a strong force delivering the first truly
integrated platform and solutions provider in the market today.
A high-quality audience, at scale, drives our leading marketplace. We have made strategic investments in technology and marketing
to deliver what we believe is the industry’s most qualified car shopping audience.
In 2021, we had nearly 600 million site visits and 25 million average monthly unique visitors. As the owner of a category website with
a trusted consumer brand, we generate the majority of our traffic organically. Over the past 20 years, we have made more than half a
billion connections between car shoppers and sellers.
Further, approximately 85% of our audience is in-market to buy a car, compared to a fraction of the general population. The average
time to purchase a car is less than 50 days, while approximately 51% of our audience plans to buy within 30 days. According to J.D.
Power’s 2021 New Autoshopper study, as interest in environmentally-friendly transportation grows, our audience outpaces the industry
with higher than average electric vehicle consideration and purchase rates. Thus, we offer unique reach for advertisers seeking digital
platforms for impactful campaigns that lead to transactions with consumers.
The quality of our in-market audience is validated by our increasingly strong customer retention rates. Internal research suggests that
approximately 70% of consumers want to execute at least some portion of the automotive purchase online. Since the COVID-19
pandemic began, consumers’ interest in completing price negotiations online reached 50% at the height of the pandemic while those
interested in conducting financing and credit applications online rose to 41%. Our marketplace plays an integral role in digitally
connecting consumers and dealers to help facilitate these online transactions.
Our platform strategy is fueled by our growing suite of end-to-end digital solutions for the automotive industry. Our robust solutions
portfolio is an important component of our strategy and a key differentiator from our competitors. Our solutions and technology help
sellers expand their influence and engagement with consumers across the entire purchasing journey, increasing sales, creating
operational efficiency and improving profitability. Examples of these solutions include:
Dealer Inspire. Dealer Inspire has been endorsed by nearly all OEMs in the United States. As of December 31, 2021, Dealer
Inspire powered the digital storefront of thousands of dealers, hosting approximately 5,300 websites. Our digital retailing and
4
selling solutions, such as Conversations and Online Shopper, further enhance our value proposition to dealers. These fully
integrated, value-add solutions allow consumers to explore pricing and financing options and enable consumers and dealers to
engage directly via chat, video and text.
DealerRater. DealerRater’s platform for collecting and publishing ratings and reviews, including reviews of dealership
salespeople, is an important point of connection for many shoppers, who would like to connect with and select a salesperson
to work with prior to stepping on the lot. According to a 2020 J.D. Power New Autoshopper Study, approximately 64% of car
shoppers use consumer reviews to help narrow down their choices.
FUEL. Our FUEL solution allows car dealers and OEMs the opportunity to leverage our unique, first-party audience data to
harness the power and efficiency of digital video. Car dealers and OEMs today rely on broadcast television and general
audiences for advertising. Our in-market video strategy allows dealers to become hyper-efficient with marketing spend and
target only those shoppers who are looking to purchase a vehicle by serving them custom, interactive video content on video
to grow by 47% by 2025.
platforms such as YouTube, Hulu and Facebook, a market
is predicted
that
CreditIQ. Our newly acquired automotive fintech platform facilitates CARS entry into the rapidly growing multi-billion dollar
Auto Finance market. It provides instant online loan screening and approvals to facilitate online car buying. Dealers gain
access to CreditIQ's advanced digital financing technology via Dealer Inspire's websites and digital retailing platform "Online
Shopper," and the Cars.com marketplace, which can improve efficiency, increase profits Per Vehicle Retail (PVR) and lead
conversion and provide access to deeper attribution data and insights. The tens of millions of high-intent, in-market car shoppers
who visit the CARS platform each quarter may take advantage of the new interactive online loan screening and approval
marketplace, which provides instant finance offers and enables a complete buying transaction from the comfort of home.
Business Strategy. Our vision is to become the largest digital automotive marketplace and platform powering innovative solutions and
frictionless omnichannel experiences for buyers and sellers. We are pursuing a product-first growth strategy, which includes targeted
M&A to cement our position as the destination for car shoppers and sellers. We believe this strategy will ultimately deliver above market
results including sustainable high growth revenue, earnings, and cash flow.
Competition. We face competition to attract consumers and paying dealers to our marketplace and to attract advertisers to purchase our
advertising products and services, including our website creation and hosting services. Our competitors offer various marketplaces,
products, and services that compete with us. Some of these competitors include:
Internet search engines and online automotive sites, such as Google, Facebook, Craigslist, AutoTrader.com, eBay Motors,
CARFAX, Edmunds.com, KBB.com, CarGurus.com and TrueCar.com
Sites operated by automobile sellers (traditional and digital) and by OEMs
Providers of offline, membership-based car-buying services, such as the Costco Auto Program
Website platform and solution providers, such as Dealer.com, Sincro (formerly CDK Global) and DealerOn
Automotive fintech, such as AutoFi
Digital advertising providers
Competition for Consumers and Dealers. We compete for consumer visits with other online automotive marketplaces, OEM websites,
free listing services, general search engines and dealer websites. We compete for shopper traffic primarily on the basis of the quality of
our user experience. We believe our user experience compares favorably due to the scale of our vehicle listings, the unbiased
transparency of the information we provide on vehicles, pricing and dealerships, as well as the intuitive nature of our user interface,
sophisticated search tools and algorithms and our mobile user experience, among other factors.
We compete for dealers’ marketing spend with offline customer acquisition channels, other online automotive marketplaces, dealers’
own customer acquisition efforts on search engines and other internet sites that attract consumers searching for vehicles. We compete
primarily on the basis of the return on investment (“ROI”) to the customer that our marketplace provides. We believe we are in a
favorable market position due to our highly-engaged, large, in-market consumer audience and the resulting volume and quality of
connections we provide to dealers, resulting in an attractive ROI.
Competition for Advertisers. We compete for a share of advertisers’ total marketing budgets against media sites, websites dedicated to
helping consumers shop for cars, search engines and social media sites, among others. We also compete for a share of advertisers’
overall marketing budgets with traditional media, such as television, radio, magazines, newspapers, automotive guide publications,
billboards and other offline advertising channels. We compete for advertising spend based on the marketing ROI that our products
provide. We believe we are in a favorable market position due to our large in-market consumer audience, high consumer engagement
and the effectiveness and relevance of our advertising products.
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Intellectual Property. We protect our intellectual property and our brand using various intellectual property laws and through a
combination of trademarks, trade dress, domain names, copyrights, trade secrets and patents, as well as contractual provisions and
confidentiality procedures. We have registered and unregistered U.S. and international trademarks, service marks, domain names and
copyrights. We have filed patent applications and acquired patents in the U.S. and foreign countries covering certain of our proprietary
technology and intend to pursue additional patent protection to the extent we believe it will be beneficial and cost-effective.
In addition to the protection provided by our intellectual property rights, we enter into confidentiality and proprietary rights agreements
with our employees, consultants, contractors and business partners. Our employees and contractors are also subject to invention
assignment provisions. In addition, we control the use of our proprietary technology and intellectual property through provisions in both
our general and product-specific terms of use on our mobile applications and websites.
Regulatory Matters. Various aspects of our business and the solutions we offer are or may be subject to a continually expanding and
evolving range of local, state, federal and international regulation.
In particular, the advertising and sale of new or used vehicles is highly regulated by the states in which we do business. Although we do
not sell automobiles, the dealers from which we derive a significant portion of our revenue do sell them and are consequently subject to
significant regulation. Moreover, state regulatory authorities or other third parties could take and, on some occasions, have taken the
position that some of the regulations applicable to dealers or to the manner in which automobiles are advertised and sold generally are
directly applicable to our business model.
By providing a medium through which users can post content and communicate with one another using text messages and other mobile
phone communications, our business is subject to laws, regulations, and standards covering marketing and advertising activities
conducted by telephone, email, mobile devices, and the internet, such as the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, the CAN-SPAM Act,
and similar state consumer protection laws.
Our digital solutions products may be subject to laws governing accessibility, intellectual property ownership, obscenity, libel, and
privacy, among other issues.
In addition, we are subject to numerous federal, national, state, and local laws and regulations in the United States and internationally
regarding privacy and the collection, processing, storage, sharing, disclosure, use, and protection of personal information and other data,
such as the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act or the California Consumer Privacy Act or the upcoming California Privacy Rights Act. While
the scope of these laws and regulations is changing and remains subject to differing interpretations, we seek to comply with industry
standards and all applicable laws, policies, legal obligations, and industry codes of conduct relating to privacy and data protection. We
are also subject to the terms of our privacy policies and privacy-related obligations to third parties.
To operate in this highly regulated environment, we have developed our products and services with a view toward appropriately
managing the risk that our regulatory compliance or the regulatory compliance of our customers could be challenged. If, and to the
extent that, our products and services fail to satisfy relevant regulatory requirements, we could be subject to significant civil and criminal
penalties, including fines, or the award of significant damages in class action or other civil litigation, as well as orders interfering with
our ability to continue providing our products and services in certain states.
Human Capital. CARS is committed to the highest standards of integrity, inclusion and responsible business practices. Our commitment
to build a culture and business that cares about our employees, customers, industry and communities is a part of who we are – it’s in our
DNA.
We believe our highly innovative and effective teams are one of the biggest differentiators and the most important investment we can
make at CARS. We promote and foster an environment that encourages constant learning and curiosity, including offering all of our
employees additional learning and development opportunities. We provide individual training and certifications, across thousands of
topics and interests, to ensure our teams continue developing the needed skills to grow in their careers at CARS and deliver their very
best every day. Leadership development programs are also available to provide in-depth training courses to help managers build
successful teams focused on innovating in our business and the ever-changing automotive and technology industries. The courses
develop skills of influence, time management, coaching, feedback, conflict management, empathy and overall leadership.
At CARS, we believe we offer competitive and equitable compensation and benefits that include:
A leading Employee Stock Purchase Plan, under which all team members – including part-time and temporary employees
– are eligible to participate;
Alternative work arrangements for eligible employees such as our flexible work program, including adoption of a hybrid
work philosophy, which we believe improves work-life balance, productivity and overall employee satisfaction; and
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Family-friendly benefits such as paid parental leave, paid family medical leave, paid compassionate time, adoption
assistance, subsidized back-up daycare, fitness programs and subsidies, legal support, tuition reimbursements, electric
vehicle subsidies and volunteer opportunities.
We also closely monitor employee satisfaction and engagement, conducting semi-annual, anonymous, company-wide surveys that are
studied by our executive management team and shared with our Board of Directors. These surveys are an important way for us to identify
areas where we can improve. We encourage employee participation in the surveys, with participation rates typically greater than 80%,
which allows us to gather valuable insight into employee satisfaction.
We believe that a diverse workforce enhances the value of the Company for all stakeholders. We undertake many initiatives to ensure
that CARS is an inclusive place to work for people of all backgrounds, genders, nationalities, ethnicities, sexual orientations and beliefs.
We incorporate diversity considerations into all aspects of our employment journey, from targeted recruitment to fostering diversity
affinity groups through our Employee Resource Groups. We also offer regular Unconscious Bias training to encourage and uncover
opportunities to create a more inclusive and open workplace. Our diversity initiatives are managed directly by our executive management
team, underscoring our commitment to this important principle across all levels of the organization. At CARS we have solidified our
commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by monitoring and measuring diversity in talent acquisition and retention. Beginning in
2021, each executive team member’s incentive compensation is impacted by their performance in this area.
We have a variety of active Employee Resource Groups at CARS, focused on serving as enterprise-wide champions for diversity, equity,
and inclusion, helping us to identify areas in which we can become even more inclusive. These groups also allow for the open sharing
of ideas and cultural awareness among our teams while providing civic engagement within our communities, leadership development,
and improving overall cultural competence.
As of December 31, 2021, CARS had approximately 1,600 full-time employees. In total, 45% of the employees identify as female and
25% identify as having a racial and ethnic background other than white. The CARS executive management team consists of 10 members,
of which 30% identify as female, 30% identify as having a racial and ethnic background other than white and 30% self-identify as
LGBTQIA. In addition, our Board of Directors consists of 11 members, 27% who identify as female and 27% as having a racial and
ethnic background other than white. We also engage contractors to support our diversity goals and our culture. None of our employees
are represented by a labor union or are subject to a collective bargaining agreement.
Available Information. We file periodic reports (Forms 10-Q and 10-K) and current reports (Form 8-K) and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Our filings with the SEC are available to the public on the SEC’s website at
www.sec.gov. Our filings are also available to the public on, or accessible through, our corporate website for free via the “Investor
Relations” section at http://investor.cars.comas soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed electronically with the SEC. The
information we file with the SEC or contained on, or accessible through, our corporate website or any other website that we may maintain
is not incorporated by reference herein and is not part of this report. We may from time to time provide important disclosures to investors
by posting them in the investor relations section of our website, as allowed by SEC rules.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
The following risk factors should be considered carefully, together with all of the other information contained in this report, including
“Selected Financial Data,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our
financial statements and related notes, when evaluating our business and any forward-looking statements or other statements we or our
representatives make from time to time. Any of the following risks could materially and adversely affect our business, results of
operations, financial condition and the actual outcome of matters as to which statements are made. The risks and uncertainties described
in this report are not the only ones we face. Other risks or uncertainties, which are not currently known to us or that we believe are
immaterial, also may adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Risks Related to Our Business
The COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions have materially and adversely affected, and could continue to materially and
adversely affect, our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.
Since March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic and the numerous measures implemented by governmental authorities around the country
to contain the virus, such as quarantines, shelter-in-place orders and business shutdowns (“related restrictions”) have resulted in a
widespread health crisis that has adversely affected businesses, economies and financial markets worldwide, and have caused significant
volatility in U.S. and international debt and equity markets.
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To varying degrees and at different points over the past two years, our business, financial condition, liquidity and operating results have
been, and may continue to be, adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, additional resurgences and related restrictions. For
example, in the second quarter of 2020, the pandemic and related restrictions caused a widespread increase in unemployment and resulted
in reduced consumer spending and an economic recession. Substantially all of our revenue is generated from subscription services
offered to automotive dealers and our national advertising offerings to OEMs and other advertisers in or adjacent to the automotive
industry and our business may be negatively affected during times of low automobile sales, low dealer inventory due to production
shortages or delays and high unemployment. To the extent a weakened economy impacts our customers’ ability or willingness to pay
for our services or our vendors’ ability to provide services to us, our operations, liquidity and financial condition could be negatively
impacted. As a result, in order to respond to changes in our revenue, we may be required to implement expense-reduction measures or
amend our debt instruments in the future, which could further adversely impact our operations, liquidity and financial condition.
The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic and responses to it impact our results will depend on future developments, which are
highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including the duration and scope of the pandemic, any additional resurgence or COVID-19
variants, actions that have been and continue to be taken in response to the pandemic, the availability and cost to access the capital
markets, the effect on our customers’ demand for and ability to pay for our services, the effect on consumer demand for our services,
disruptions or restrictions on our employees’ ability to work and travel and impacts on employee health and responses to it.
We are subject to certain financial and other covenants contained in the Credit Agreement, as amended, and the indenture governing the
Notes (as defined below). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions may affect our ability to comply with such
covenants. For information related to debt, see Note 7 (Debt) to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8.
“Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
While the duration of any adverse effects of the pandemic is uncertain, we believe our marketplace, advertising and digital solutions
have been critical in helping our customers navigate the challenges of the pandemic and related restrictions through December 31, 2021.
We believe our solutions will continue to be important tools to our customers in the future and, in particular, any potential future impacts
of the pandemic and related restrictions. The impact of the pandemic and related restrictions may also heighten other risks discussed in
this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.
Market acceptance of and influence over certain of our products and services is concentrated with a limited number of automobile
OEMs and dealership associations, and we may not be able to maintain or grow these relationships.
Although the automotive retail industry is fragmented, a relatively small number of OEMs, dealership associations, and their program
administrators exert significant influence over the market acceptance of certain automotive products and services due to their
concentrated purchasing activity, the visibility of their endorsement or recommendation of specific products and services, their provision
of co-operative advertising money to dealers, and their ability to define technical standards and certifications and marketing guidelines.
For example, many of our website solutions are provided pursuant to OEM-designated endorsements or preferred vendor programs.
While automotive dealers are generally free to purchase the solutions of their choosing, if an OEM has endorsed or certified a provider
of products or services to its associated franchised dealers and if our solutions lack such certification or endorsement, adoption or
retention of our products and services could be materially impaired.
Dealer closures or consolidation among dealers or OEMs could reduce demand for, and negatively affect the pricing of, our
marketing and solutions offerings, thereby leading to decreased earnings.
When dealers consolidate, the services they previously purchased separately are often purchased by the combined entity in a lesser
quantity than before, leading to volume compression and loss of revenue across the automotive marketplace sector. In the past, dealers
were more likely to close or consolidate when conditions in the automotive industry and/or general economic conditions were poor.
Despite our market position, consolidation or closures of automobile dealers could reduce the aggregate demand for our services in the
future and limit the amounts we earn from our solutions. In addition, advertising purchased by OEMs accounts for a meaningful portion
of our revenue. There are a limited number of OEMs, and financial difficulties or consolidation among OEMs could similarly lead to
volume compression and loss of revenue.
Our business is subject to risks related to the larger automotive ecosystem, including consumer demand and other macroeconomic
issues.
Decreases in consumer demand could adversely affect the market for automobile purchases and, as a result, reduce the number of
consumers using our platform. Consumer purchases of new and used automobiles generally decline during recessionary periods and
other periods in which disposable income is adversely affected. Purchases of new and used automobiles are typically discretionary for
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consumers and have been, and may continue to be, affected by negative trends in the economy, including increases in the cost of energy
and gasoline, the availability and cost of credit, reductions in business and consumer confidence, stock market volatility, inflation, tariffs,
health or similar issues, such as pandemic or epidemic, and increased unemployment. In addition, the use of ride sharing and the
development of autonomous vehicles could erode the demand for new and used automobiles. A reduction in the number of automobiles
purchased by consumers could adversely affect automobile dealers and car manufacturers and lead to a reduction in other spending by
these constituents. Further, production shortages, supply chain disruptions and inventory shortfalls could adversely impact automobile
dealers. Though our current customer bases, revenue sources and operations are substantially limited to the United States, our business
may be negatively affected by challenges in the global automotive ecosystem and other macroeconomic issues.
Our business depends on our strong brand recognition, and any failure to maintain, protect and enhance our brands could hurt our
ability to retain or expand our base of consumers, dealers and advertisers, and our ability to increase the frequency with which
consumers, dealers and advertisers use our services.
We believe that maintaining and increasing the strong recognition of the CARS brand is critical to our future success. Our brand drives
traffic to our websites and applications. Our brand is known for attracting a large base of in-market car shoppers by offering credible
and easy-to-understand information from consumers and experts and an unrivaled set of new and used vehicle listings. In addition,
OEMs, dealers and other advertisers rely on our innovative digital marketing services and solution offerings to drive results in their
businesses. To grow our business, we must maintain, protect and enhance our brands. Otherwise, we may be unable to expand our base
of consumers, customers and advertisers, or increase the frequency with which such constituents use or purchase our solutions.
Expanding the business will depend, in part, on our ability to maintain the trust that consumers, customers and advertisers place in our
solutions and services and the quality and integrity of the listings and other content found on the CARS sites and mobile applications.
In addition, any negative publicity about us, including our solutions, technologies, sales practices, personnel or customer service, could
diminish confidence in and the use of our services. If we experience persistent negative publicity, or if consumers otherwise perceive
that content on the CARS sites or mobile applications is not reliable, our reputation, the value of our brands and traffic to our sites and
mobile applications could decline.
We rely in part on Internet search engines and mobile application stores to drive traffic to the CARS sites and increase downloads
of our mobile applications. If the CARS sites and mobile applications fail to appear prominently in these search results, traffic to the
CARS sites and mobile applications would decline and our business, results of operations or financial condition may be materially
and adversely affected.
We depend, in part, on Internet search engines such as Google to drive traffic to the CARS sites. For example, when a user searches for
the make and model of a specific automobile or a generic phrase, such as “automobile prices,” using an Internet search engine, we rely
on a high organic search ranking of the CARS sites in these search results to drive consumer traffic. However, our ability to maintain
these high search result rankings is not fully within our control. For example, our competitors’ search engine optimization efforts may
result in their websites receiving a higher search result page ranking than us, or Internet search engines could revise their methodologies
in a way that would adversely affect our search result rankings. In addition, Internet search engines could provide automobile dealer and
pricing information directly in search results or choose to align with our competitors or develop competing services. The CARS sites
have experienced both positive and negative fluctuations in search result rankings in the past, and it is anticipated that similar fluctuations
will occur in the future.
Additionally, we depend in part on mobile application download stores such as the Apple App Store and Google Play to direct consumers
to download CARS’ mobile applications. When a mobile device user searches in a mobile application store for “car buying app” or a
similar phrase, we rely on both a high search ranking and consumer brand awareness to drive consumers to select and download CARS’
mobile applications instead of those of our competitors. However, our ability to maintain high, non-paid search result rankings in mobile
application stores is not fully within our control. Our competitors’ mobile application store search optimization efforts may result in
their mobile applications receiving a higher result ranking than that of Cars.com, or mobile application download stores could revise
their methodologies in a way that would adversely affect our search result rankings.
If Internet search engines or mobile application download stores modify their search algorithms in ways that negatively impact traffic
to the CARS sites or CARS mobile apps, or if the search engine or mobile application store optimization efforts of our competitors are
more successful than our own efforts, overall growth in our user base could slow or the user base could decline.
We rely on in-house content creation and development to drive organic traffic to the CARS sites and mobile applications.
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We rely on our in-house editorial content team to continually develop content that is useful and of interest to consumers in order to drive
organic traffic to the CARS sites and mobile applications. Our editorial content team tests, reviews and photographs a large number of
different car makes and models every year to facilitate our creation of independent and unbiased coverage of the automotive landscape.
Our internally developed content focuses primarily on consumer purchasing and ownership advice and analysis of consumer automotive
purchasing and ownership trends. If we are unable to continue to develop our in-house content, we may be required to rely more heavily
on third-party content providers, which could lead to less distinctive content on our sites and increased operating costs, including
increased traffic acquisition costs. Additionally, if we are unable to continue providing the same level of high-quality, unique consumer
content, organic traffic across the CARS sites and mobile applications could decrease. Such a decrease may lead to dealers receiving
fewer indications of consumer interest through leads generated by the CARS sites and mobile applications, and recognizing less value
for their digital advertising spend. As a result, dealers may not continue to list their vehicles on the CARS sites and mobile applications.
Similarly, decreased organic traffic due to a reduction in unique content may cause national advertisers such as OEMs to shift their
digital advertising spend to sites with higher traffic. Further, decreased traffic from in-house content could result in increased spend in
paid channels, which would result in higher sales and marketing expense. Any of the foregoing could materially and adversely affect
our business, results of operations or financial condition.
Strategic and Competitive Risks
We participate in a highly competitive market, and pressure from existing and new competitors may materially and adversely affect
our business, results of operations or financial condition.
We face significant competition from companies that provide listings, information, lead generation, websites, marketing and car-buying
services designed to reach consumers and enable dealers to reach consumers. Our competitors offer various products and services that
compete with us including:
Internet search engines and online automotive sites, such as Google, Facebook, Craigslist, AutoTrader.com, eBay Motors,
CARFAX, Edmunds.com, KBB.com, CarGurus.com and TrueCar.com
Sites operated by automobile sellers (traditional and digital) and by OEMs
Providers of offline, membership-based car-buying services, such as the Costco Auto Program
Website platform and solution providers, such as Dealer.com, Sincro (formerly CDK Global) and DealerOn
Automotive fintech, such as AutoFi
Digital advertising providers
We compete with many of the above-mentioned companies and other companies for a share of a car dealer’s overall marketing budget.
To the extent that car dealers view alternative marketing and media strategies to be superior, we may not be able to maintain or grow
the number of dealers in our network. In addition, new competitors may enter the online automotive retail industry with competing
products and services.
Our competitors could significantly impede our ability to expand our network of dealers and consumer reach. Our competitors may also
develop and market new technologies that render our existing or future products and services less competitive, unmarketable or obsolete.
In addition, if competitors develop products or services with similar or superior functionality to our solutions, we may need to decrease
prices for our solutions to remain competitive. If we are unable to maintain our current pricing structure due to competitive pressures,
our revenue may be reduced and our operating results may be negatively affected.
Some of our larger competitors may be better able to respond more quickly with new technologies and to undertake more extensive
marketing or promotional campaigns. In addition, to the extent that any of our competitors have existing relationships with dealers or
OEMs for marketing or data analytics solutions, those dealers and automobile manufacturers may be unwilling to partner or continue to
partner with us.
In addition, if any of our competitors were to merge or partner with another of our competitors, the change in the competitive landscape
could materially and adversely affect our ability to compete effectively. Our competitors may also establish or strengthen cooperative
relationships with our current or future third-party data providers, technology partners, or other parties with whom we have relationships,
thereby limiting our ability to develop, improve and promote our solutions. We may not be able to compete successfully against current
or future competitors, and competitive pressures may materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial
condition.
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We compete with other consumer automotive websites and mobile applications and other digital content providers for share of
automotive-related digital display advertising spending and may be unable to maintain or grow our base of advertising customers or
increase our revenue from existing advertisers.
Although the shift in advertising spending away from traditional advertising methods to digital advertising methods provides greater
opportunity for us, competition to capture share of the total digital automotive advertising spend has increased and may continue to
increase due to the attractive projected growth of digital automotive advertising spend, low barriers to entry in the online automotive
classifieds and related digital automotive advertising markets.
We may face significant challenges in convincing our advertising customers, including national advertisers and OEMs, to expand their
advertising on our sites and mobile applications in the face of growing competition, which could hurt our ability to grow our third-party
advertising revenue. For example, there are a limited number of OEMs, most of which already advertise on our sites. To grow our
advertising revenue from these OEMs, we may need to capture a greater portion of such OEMs’ digital advertising budgets. In addition,
if we experience a significant decrease in advertising spending by OEMs or other national advertisers for any reason, our revenue will
decrease and our business, results of operations or financial condition may be materially and adversely affected.
If we do not adapt to automated buying strategies quickly, our display advertising revenue could be adversely affected.
The majority of the display advertising purchased by our national, regional and related advertisers (e.g., insurance advertisers and finance
advertisers) is still done manually via insertion orders. Recently however, advertisers have been shifting away from buying media
directly from premium publishers like us and increasingly buying their target audiences via the ad exchanges across the broader Internet.
While we have grown our programmatic revenue, are developing new programmatic ad products and are redesigning our ad delivery
technology stack, we may not adapt quickly enough and may lose display advertising revenue as a result. Due to the concentrated number
of national advertisers, our National advertising business can be materially impacted by shifts in media strategy, marketing strategies,
agency changes, and financial results of our clients. These changes may occur independent of the products and value we are providing
to those advertisers. In addition, the increasing use of ad blockers may reduce the quantity or types of display ads and cookies collected
to serve ads.
We may face difficulties in developing and launching new solution offerings or growing our complementary offerings that help
automotive brands and dealers create enduring customer relationships.
We continue to expand, enhance and improve the nature and scope of our solution offerings and have expanded to incorporate digital
solutions that use social, mobile and web-based technologies, and to enter into complementary markets. Our ability to effectively offer
a wide breadth of business solutions depends on our ability to attract existing or new clients to our new service offerings. The market
for solutions is highly competitive. We cannot be certain that our new service offerings will effectively meet client needs or that we will
be able to attract clients to these service offerings. The inherent difficulty of developing or implementing new service offerings and
significant competition in the markets for these services may affect our ability to market these services successfully.
Our growth strategy will also increase demands on our management, operational and financial information systems and other resources.
To accommodate our growth, we will need to continue to implement operational and financial information systems and controls, and
expand, train, manage and motivate our employees. Our personnel, information systems, procedures or controls may not adequately
support our growth strategy or our operations in the future. Failure to retain strong management, implement operational and financial
information systems and controls, or expand, train, manage or motivate our workforce, could lead to delays in developing and achieving
expected operating results for these new offerings.
Strategic acquisitions, investments and partnerships could pose various risks, including integration risks, increase our leverage,
dilute existing stockholders and significantly impact our ability to expand our overall profitability.
One of our key operating strategies is to pursue targeted acquisitions that enhance our platform strategy. Acquisitions involve inherent
risks, such as potentially increasing leverage and debt service requirements and combining company cultures and facilities, which could
have a material and adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition and could strain our human resources.
We may not be able to successfully integrate acquired businesses, which may result in an inability to realize the anticipated benefits of
our acquisitions. We may be unable to successfully implement effective cost controls or achieve expected synergies as a result of an
acquisition. Acquisitions may result in our assumption of unexpected liabilities, the integration of separate organizations, the
unanticipated incompatibility of systems and operating methods, negative impacts on employee morale and performance as a result of
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job changes and reassignments, unforeseen difficulties in operating businesses we have not operated before and the diversion of
management’s attention from the operation of our core business. Acquisitions may also result in our having greater exposure to the
industry risks of the businesses underlying the acquisition and possible tax costs and inefficiencies. Strategic investments and
partnerships with other companies expose us to the risk that we may not be able to control the operations of our investee or partnership,
which could decrease the amount of benefits we realize from a particular relationship. We are also exposed to the risk that our partners
in strategic investments and infrastructure may encounter financial difficulties that could lead to disruption of investee or partnership
activities, or impairment of assets acquired, which could adversely affect future reported results of operations and stockholders’ equity.
Acquisitions may subject us to new or different regulations or tax consequences which could have an adverse effect on our operations.
In addition, we may be unable to obtain the financing necessary to complete acquisitions on attractive terms or at all. If we raise
additional funds through future issuances of equity or convertible debt securities, our existing stockholders could suffer significant
dilution, and any new equity securities we issue could have rights, preferences and privileges superior to those of holders of our common
stock. Future equity financings could also decrease our earnings per share and the benefits derived from such new ventures or
acquisitions might not outweigh or exceed their dilutive effect. Any additional debt financing we secure could involve restrictive
covenants relating to our capital raising activities and other financial and operational matters, which may make it more difficult for us
to obtain additional capital or to pursue business opportunities.
Risks Related to Technology
The value of our assets or operations may be diminished if our information technology systems fail to perform adequately.
Our information technology systems are critically important to operating our business efficiently and effectively. Our brand, reputation
and ability to attract consumers and advertisers depend on the reliability of our technology platforms and the ability to continuously
deliver content. Interruptions in our information technology systems, whether due to system failures, computer viruses, physical or
digital break-ins, capacity constraints, power outages, local or widespread Internet outages, telecommunication breakdowns or other
uncontrollable events, could affect the security or availability of products on our sites or our mobile applications or prevent or inhibit
the ability of consumers to access our marketplace, websites or other products. The failure of our information technology systems to
perform as anticipated could disrupt our business and result in transaction errors, processing inefficiencies, decreased use of our sites or
mobile applications and loss of traffic, customers and revenue. Moreover, we continually upgrade and enhance our technology. The
failure to complete an upgrade or enhancement as planned, or an unexpected result of a technology upgrade, could affect the security or
availability of our products and services and could lead to loss of traffic, customers and revenue.
Our business is dependent on keeping pace with advances in technology. If we are unable to keep pace with advances in technology,
consumers may stop using our services and our revenue may decrease.
The Internet and electronic commerce are characterized by rapid technological change, changes in user and customer requirements and
expectations, frequent new service and product introductions embodying new technologies, including mobile applications, and the
emergence of new industry standards and practices that could render our existing sites, mobile applications and technology obsolete.
These market characteristics are intensified by the emerging nature of the market and the fact that many companies are expected to
introduce new Internet products and services in the near future. If we are unable to adapt to changing technologies, our business, results
of operations or financial condition may be materially and adversely affected.
We rely on third-party service providers for many aspects of our business, including inventory information and sales of our product
through social media, and interruptions in the services or data they provide or any failure to maintain these relationships could harm
our business.
Our business relies on the collection, use and analysis of third-party data, including large amounts of inventory, vehicle and consumer
information, and integrations with third-party systems, such as inventory management systems, customer relationship management
systems and dealer management systems, for the benefit of our car buying consumers, customers and advertisers. We use information
about automobiles, inventory, ownership history and pricing from third parties, including OEMs, dealers and others, in various aspects
of our business. We also partner with social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, to leverage our valuable audience data
to serve native advertisements and display real-time inventory for both dealers and OEMs to in-market car shoppers. If the third parties
on which we depend are unable or unwilling to provide data or services, restrict our use of data, experience difficulty meeting our
requirements or standards, or revoke or fail to renew our licenses or partnerships, we could have difficulty operating key aspects of our
business. In addition, if these third-party service providers were to cease operations, temporarily or permanently, face financial distress
12
or other business disruption or increase their fees, or if our relationship with these providers were to deteriorate, we could suffer increased
costs and delays in our ability to provide our products to consumers and customers until an equivalent provider could be found or until
we develop replacement technology or operations.
We rely on third-party services to track and calculate certain of our key metrics, including unique visitors and traffic and any errors
or interruptions in the services or data they provide or any failure to maintain these relationships could harm our business.
Certain of our key metrics, such as the number of our unique visitors and our traffic — are measured with third-party tools. While these
numbers are based on what we believe to be reasonable calculations for the applicable periods of measurement, measurement
methodologies exhibit a level of accuracy risk because of a variety of factors. For example, we have discovered in the past, and expect
to discover in the future, that portions of our traffic, have been attributable to non-human traffic. Because this non-human traffic
generally exhibits detectable anomalous patterns, our reported traffic metrics for impacted periods reflects an adjustment to remove non-
human traffic. We expect to continue to make similar adjustments in the future if we determine that our traffic metrics are materially
impacted by invalid traffic.
There are also inherent challenges in measuring usage across our large user base. For example, because these metrics are based on users
with unique cookies, an individual who accesses our website from multiple devices with different cookies may be counted as multiple
unique visitors, and multiple individuals who access our website from a shared device with a single cookie may be counted as a single
unique visitor. In addition, although we use technology designed to block low quality traffic, we may not be able to prevent all such
traffic, and such technology may have the effect of blocking some valid traffic. For these and other reasons, our traffic and unique visitor
metrics may not accurately reflect the number of people actually using our platform.
Our measures of traffic and other key metrics may differ from estimates published by third parties (other than those whose data we use
to calculate our key metrics) or from similar metrics of our competitors. We continually seek to improve our ability to measure these
key metrics, and regularly review our processes to assess potential improvements to their accuracy. However, the improvement of our
tools and methodologies could cause inconsistency between current data and previously reported data.
Additionally, as both the industry in which we operate and our business continue to evolve, so too might the metrics by which we
evaluate our business. We may revise or cease reporting metrics if we determine such metrics are no longer accurate or appropriate
measures of our performance. If our audience, customers and stockholders do not perceive our metrics to be accurate representations,
or if we discover material inaccuracies in our metrics, our reputation may be harmed.
Risks Related to Data Privacy and Security
We rely on technology systems’ availability and ability to prevent unauthorized access. If our security and resiliency measures fail
to prevent incidents, it could result in damage to our reputation, incur costs and create liabilities.
Like other technology-based businesses, our solutions may be subject to attacks from computer viruses, break-ins, phishing attacks,
ransomware attacks, unauthorized use, attempts to overload services with denial-of-service and other attacks. Any attack or disruption
could negatively impact our ability to attract new consumers, dealers or advertisers and could deter current consumers, dealers or
advertisers from using our solutions, or subject us to lawsuits, regulatory fines or other action or liability.
Availability: We rely on technology systems’ availability to deliver services to consumers, dealers, OEMs, employees and
partners. If we experience a disruption that results in performance or availability degradation, up to and including the
complete shutdown of our sites or mobile applications, revenue could be impacted and consumers, dealers or advertisers
may lose trust and confidence in us, decrease their use of our solutions or stop using our solutions entirely.
Data Protection (Consumers/Dealers/OEMs): We collect, process, store, share, disclose and use limited personal
information and other data provided by consumers, dealers and OEMs, and sometimes that data includes names, addresses
and certain location information used in geo-fencing. Failure to protect customer data or to provide customers with
appropriate notice of our privacy practices, could subject us to liabilities imposed by U.S. federal and state regulatory
agencies or courts. In addition, we could be subject to evolving laws and regulatory standards that impose data use
obligations, data breach notification requirements, specific data security obligations, restrictions on solicitation or other
consumer privacy-related requirements.
Data Protection (Internal): We develop, create and acquire internal information that may be considered sensitive or
valuable intellectual property in the normal operations of human resources, finance, legal, marketing, software development,
product management, mergers and acquisitions and other business functions. Failure to protect sensitive internal information
13
or intellectual property may result in loss of competitive advantage, reputation damage, direct and indirect costs and other
liabilities. Failure to protect material financial information including financial performance and merger and acquisition data
could also subject us to liabilities imposed by U.S. federal and state regulatory agencies or courts.
We rely on, among other security measures, firewalls, anti-malware, intrusion prevention systems, distributed denial-of-service
mitigation services, web content filtering, encryption and authentication technology licensed from third parties. We also depend on the
security of our networks and partially on the security of our third-party service providers.
Although we believe that our resiliency planning and security controls are appropriate to our exposures to system outages, service
interruptions, security incidents and breaches, there is no guarantee that these plans and controls will prevent all such incidents.
Techniques used to disable or degrade service or gain unauthorized access to systems or data change frequently and may not be
recognized until damage is detected. We maintain cyber risk insurance but this insurance may not be sufficient to cover all losses from
any future disruption, security incident or breach.
Our ability to attract and retain customers depends on our ability to collect and use data and develop tools to enable us to effectively
deliver and accurately measure advertisements on our platform.
Most customers rely on tools that measure the effectiveness of their ad campaigns in order to allocate their advertising spend among
various formats and platforms. If we are unable to measure the effectiveness of advertising on our platform or we are unable to convince
customers that our platform should be part of a larger advertising budget, our ability to increase the demand and pricing of our advertising
products and maintain or scale our revenue may be limited. Our tools may be less developed than those of other platforms with which
we compete for advertising spend. Therefore, our ability to develop and offer tools that accurately measure the effectiveness of a
campaign on our platform is critical to our ability to attract new customers and retain, and increase spend from our existing customers.
We are continually developing and improving these tools and such efforts have required and are likely to continue to require significant
time and resources and additional investment, and in some cases we have relied on and may in the future rely on third parties to provide
data and technology needed to provide certain measurement data to our customers. If we cannot continue to develop and improve our
advertising tools in a timely fashion, those tools are not reliable, or the measurement results are inconsistent with advertiser goals, our
advertising revenue could be adversely affected.
In addition, web and mobile browser developers, such as Apple, Microsoft or Google, have implemented and may continue to implement
changes that include requiring additional user permissions, in their browser or device operating system that impair our ability to measure
and improve the effectiveness of advertising on our platform. Such changes include, limiting the use of first-party and third-party cookies
and related tracking technologies, such as mobile advertising identifiers, and other changes that limit our ability to collect information
which allows us to attribute user actions on customers’ websites to the effectiveness of advertising campaigns that are run on our platform
or may limit our ability to communicate with or understand the identity of our consumers. For example, Apple launched its Intelligent
Tracking Prevention (“ITP”) feature in its Safari browser. ITP blocks some or all third-party cookies by default on mobile and desktop
and ITP has become increasingly restrictive over time. Apple's related Privacy-Preserving Ad Click attribution (PPAC), intended to
preserve some of the functionality lost with ITP, would limit cross-site and cross-device attribution, prevent measurement outside a
narrowly-defined attribution window, and prevent ad re-targeting and optimization. Similarly, Google recently announced that it plans
to stop supporting third-party cookies in its Google Chrome browser. Further, Apple announced certain changes, including introducing
an App Tracking Transparency framework that will limit the ability of mobile applications to request an iOS device’s advertising
identifier and may also affect our ability to track user actions off our platform and connect their interactions with on-platform advertising.
In addition, third parties, such as Apple, Microsoft or Google, have implemented and may continue to implement changes and restrictions
in browser or device functionality that limit the use of cookies, or that limit our ability to communicate with or understand the identity
of our consumers.
These restrictions make it more difficult for us to provide the most relevant ads to our consumers, measure the effectiveness of and re-
target and optimize advertising on our platform. Developers may release additional technology that further inhibits our ability to collect
data that allows us to measure the effectiveness of advertising on our platform. Any other restriction, whether by law, regulation, policy
(including third-party policies) or otherwise, on our ability to collect and share data which our customers find useful, our ability to use
or benefit from tracking and measurement technologies, including cookies, or that further reduce our ability to measure the effectiveness
of advertising on our platform would impede our ability to attract, grow and retain customers. Customers and other third parties who
provide data that helps us deliver personalized, relevant advertising may restrict or stop sharing this data. If they stop sharing this data
with us, it may not be possible for us to collect this data within the product or from another source.
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We rely heavily on our ability to collect and share data and metrics for our customers to help new and existing customers understand
the performance of advertising campaigns. If customers do not perceive our metrics to be accurate representations of our user base and
user engagement or if we discover inaccuracies in our metrics, they may be less willing to allocate their budgets or resources to our
platform, which could harm our business, revenue and financial results.
Uncertainty exists in the application and interpretation of various laws and regulations related to our business, including privacy
laws such as the California Consumer Privacy Act and the upcoming California Privacy Rights Act. New privacy concerns or laws
or regulations applicable to our business, or the expansion or interpretation of existing laws and regulations that apply to our
business, could reduce the effectiveness of our offerings or subject us to use restrictions, licensing requirements, claims, judgments
and remedies including sales and use taxes, other monetary liabilities and limitations on our business practices, and could increase
administrative costs.
We operate in a regulatory climate in which there is uncertainty as to the applicability of various laws and regulations related to our
business. Our business could be significantly affected by different interpretations or applications of existing laws or regulations, future
laws or regulations, including changes to the corporate tax rate or actions or rulings by judicial or regulatory authorities. Our operations
may be subject to adoption, expansion or interpretation of various laws and regulations, and compliance with these laws and regulations
may require us to obtain licenses at an undeterminable and possibly significant initial and annual expense. Similarly, state tax authorities
could take aggressive positions as to whether certain of our products are subject to sales and use taxes, leading to increased tax exposure.
These additional expenditures may materially and adversely affect our future results of operations, whether directly through increasing
future overhead or indirectly by forcing us to pass on these additional costs to our customers, making our solutions less competitive.
There can be no assurances that future laws or regulations or interpretations or expansions of existing laws or regulations will not impose
requirements on Internet commerce that could substantially impair the growth of e-commerce and adversely affect our business, results
of operations or financial condition. The adoption of additional laws or regulations may decrease the efficacy of our offerings, restrict
our present business practices, require us to implement costly compliance procedures or expose us and/or our customers to potential
liability.
We may be considered to “operate” or “do business” in states where our customers conduct their businesses, resulting in possible
regulatory action. If any state licensing laws were determined to be applicable to us and if we are required to be licensed and are unable
to do so, or are otherwise unable to comply with laws or regulations, we could be subject to fines or other penalties or be compelled to
discontinue operations in those states. If any state’s regulatory requirements impose state-specific requirements on us or include us
within an industry-specific regulatory scheme, we may be required to modify our marketing programs in that state in a manner that may
undermine such program’s attractiveness to consumers, customers or advertisers. Alternatively, if we determine that the licensing and
related requirements are overly burdensome, we may elect to terminate operations in that state.
All states comprehensively regulate vehicle sales and lease transactions and include, strict licensure requirements for dealers (and, in
some states, brokers) and vehicle advertising. We believe that most of these laws and regulations specifically apply only to traditional
vehicle purchase and lease transactions, not Internet-based lead referral programs like ours. If we determine that the licensing or other
regulatory requirements in a given state are applicable to us or to a particular marketing services program, we may elect to obtain the
required licenses and comply with applicable regulatory requirements. However, if licensing or other regulatory requirements are overly
burdensome, we may elect to terminate operations or particular marketing services programs in that state or elect to not introduce
particular marketing services programs in that state. As we introduce new services, we may need to incur additional costs associated
with additional licensing regulations and regulatory requirements.
Misappropriation or infringement of our intellectual property and proprietary rights, enforcement actions to protect our intellectual
property and claims from third parties relating to intellectual property could materially and adversely affect our business, results of
operations or financial condition.
Litigation regarding intellectual property rights is common in the Internet and technology industries. We expect that Internet
technologies and software products and services may be increasingly subject to third-party infringement claims as the number of
competitors in our industry segment grows and the functionality of products in different industry segments overlaps. Our ability to
compete depends upon our proprietary systems and technology. While we rely on intellectual property laws, confidentiality agreements
and technical measures to protect our proprietary rights, we believe that the technical and creative skills of our personnel, continued
development of our proprietary systems and technology, brand name recognition and reliable website maintenance are essential in
establishing and maintaining a leadership position and strengthening our brands. Despite our efforts to protect our proprietary rights,
15
unauthorized parties may attempt to copy aspects of our services or obtain and use information that we regard as proprietary. Policing
unauthorized use of our proprietary rights is difficult and may be expensive. We can provide no assurance that the steps we take will
prevent misappropriation of technology or that the agreements entered into for that purpose will be enforceable. Effective trademark,
service mark, patent, copyright and trade secret protection may not be available when our products and services are made available
online. In addition, if litigation becomes necessary to enforce or protect our intellectual property rights or to defend against claims of
infringement or invalidity, such litigation, even if successful, could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management
attention. We also cannot provide any assurance that our products and services do not infringe on the intellectual property rights of third
parties. Claims of infringement, even if unsuccessful, could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management
attention. If unsuccessful, we may be subject to preliminary and permanent injunctive relief and monetary damages, which may be
trebled in the case of willful infringements.
General Risks
Our ability to operate effectively could be impaired if we fail to attract and retain our key employees.
Our success depends, in part, upon the continuing contributions of our executive officers, particularly our Chief Executive Officer, and
other key employees and our continuing ability to attract, develop, motivate and retain highly qualified and skilled personnel, such as
individuals with technical skills in a rapidly changing technological environment. Additionally, as the workforce landscape changes due
to the COVID-19 pandemic, we must compete to attract and retain employees. We do not have employment agreements with any of our
executive officers or other operational personnel, and, therefore, they could terminate their employment with us at any time. We do not
maintain key person life insurance policies on any of our employees. The loss of the services of any of our key employees or the failure
to attract or replace qualified personnel may have a material and adverse effect on our business.
Adverse results from litigation or governmental investigations could impact our business practices and operating results.
We face potential liability and expense for legal claims relating to the information that we publish on our sites and mobile applications,
including claims for defamation, libel, negligence and copyright or trademark infringement, among others. We may be subject to claims
based on the advertising of our business. Although we have not historically been the subject of any such claims that were material, any
such claims that we face in the future could divert management time and attention away from our business and result in significant costs
to investigate and defend, regardless of the merits of the claims. In some instances, we may elect or be compelled to remove content or
may be forced to pay substantial damages if we are unsuccessful in our efforts to defend against these claims. If we elect or are compelled
to remove valuable content from our sites or mobile applications, our platforms may become less useful to consumers and our traffic
may decline.
The value of our existing intangible assets may become impaired depending upon future operating results.
Our intangible assets were approximately $769.4 million as of December 31, 2021, representing approximately 76% of our total assets.
We evaluate our intangible assets to determine whether all or a portion of their carrying value may no longer be recoverable, in which
case a charge to earnings may be necessary. Any future evaluations requiring an asset impairment charge for intangible assets would
adversely affect future reported results of operations and stockholders’ equity, although such charges would not affect our cash flow.
Risks Relating to our Common Stock
We do not expect to pay any cash dividends for the foreseeable future.
We intend to retain future earnings to finance and grow our business. As a result, we do not expect to pay any cash dividends for the
foreseeable future. All decisions regarding the payment of dividends will be made by our Board of Directors from time to time in
accordance with applicable law. There can be no assurance that we will have sufficient surplus under Delaware law to be able to pay
any dividends at any time in the future.
Your percentage of ownership in the Company may be diluted in the future.
In the future, your percentage ownership in the Company may be diluted because of equity awards that we will be granting to our
directors, officers and employees or otherwise as a result of equity issuances for acquisitions or capital market transactions. Such awards
will have a dilutive effect on our earnings per share, which could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
16
In addition, our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation authorizes us to issue, without the approval of our stockholders, one
or more classes or series of preferred stock that have such designation, powers, preferences and other relative, participating, optional
and special rights, including preferences over our common stock with respect to dividends and distributions, as our Board of Directors
generally may determine. The terms of one or more classes or series of preferred stock could dilute the voting power or reduce the value
of our common stock. Similarly, the repurchase or redemption rights or liquidation preferences we could assign to holders of preferred
stock could affect the residual value of the common stock.
Certain provisions of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, By-laws, and Delaware law may discourage takeovers
and limit our ability to use, acquire, or develop certain competing businesses.
Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated By-laws contain certain provisions that may
discourage, delay or prevent a change in our management or control over us. For example, our Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation and Amended and Restated By-laws, collectively:
authorize the issuance of preferred stock that could be used by our Board of Directors to thwart a takeover attempt;
provide that vacancies on our Board of Directors, including vacancies resulting from an enlargement of our Board of
Directors, may be filled only by a majority vote of directors then in office;
place limits on which stockholders may call special meetings of stockholders, and limit the actions that may be taken at
such a meeting;
prohibit stockholder action by written consent; and
establish advance notice requirements for nominations of candidates for elections as directors or to bring other business
before an annual meeting of our stockholders.
These provisions could discourage potential acquisition proposals and could delay or prevent a change in control, even though a majority
of stockholders may consider such proposal, if effected, desirable. Such provisions could also make it more difficult for third parties to
remove and replace the members of our Board of Directors. Moreover, these provisions may inhibit increases in the trading price of our
common stock that may result from takeover attempts or speculation.
Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation designates the state courts of the State of Delaware, or, if no state court
located in the State of Delaware has jurisdiction, the federal court for the District of Delaware, as the sole and exclusive forum for
certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our stockholders, which could discourage lawsuits against us and
our directors and officers.
Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that, unless our Board of Directors otherwise determines, the state
courts of the State of Delaware, or, if no state court located in the State of Delaware has jurisdiction, the federal court for the District of
Delaware, will be the sole and exclusive forum for any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf; any action asserting a
claim for or based on a breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our current or former directors or officers to us or to our stockholders,
including a claim alleging the aiding and abetting of such a breach of fiduciary duty; any action asserting a claim against us or any of
our current or former directors or officers arising pursuant to any provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) or
our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws; any action asserting a claim relating to or involving us that is
governed by the internal affairs doctrine; or any action asserting an “internal corporate claim” as such term is defined in the DGCL. This
exclusive forum provision may limit the ability of our stockholders to bring a claim in a judicial forum that such stockholders find
favorable for disputes with us or our current or former directors or officers, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our
current or former directors and officers. Alternatively, if a court outside of Delaware were to find this exclusive forum provision
inapplicable to, or unenforceable in respect of, one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings described above, we may
incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions.
Our business could be negatively affected as a result of actions of activist stockholders, and such activism could impact the trading
value of our common stock.
Stockholders may from time to time attempt to affect changes, engage in proxy solicitations or advance stockholder proposals. Activist
stockholders may make strategic proposals related to our business, strategy, management or operations or may request changes to the
composition of our Board of Directors. We cannot predict, and no assurances can be given as to, the outcome or timing of any such
matters. In the event of a proxy contest, our business could be adversely affected. Responding to a proxy contest can be costly, time-
consuming and disruptive, and can divert the attention of our management and employees from the operation of our business and
17
execution of our strategic plan. Additionally, if individuals are elected to our Board of Directors with a specific agenda, it may adversely
affect our ability to effectively implement our strategic plan and create additional value for our stockholders. Further, perceived
uncertainties as to our future direction, including uncertainties related to the composition of our Board of Directors, may lead to the
perception of instability or a change in the direction of our business, which may be exploited by our competitors, cause concern to
current or potential customers, result in the loss of potential business opportunities, make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified
personnel and/or affect our relationships with vendors, customers and other third parties. Moreover, a proxy contest could cause
significant fluctuations in the price of our common stock based on temporary or speculative market perceptions or other factors that do
not necessarily reflect the underlying fundamentals and prospects of our business.
Risks Relating to our Debt Agreements
Our debt agreements contain restrictions that may limit our flexibility in operating our business.
Our debt agreements contain various covenants that limit our flexibility in operating our businesses, including restrictions on certain
types of transactions and a requirement that a portion of our cash flow from operations be used to service this debt, which reduces cash
flow available for other corporate purposes, including capital expenditures and acquisitions. Subject to certain exceptions, these
covenants restrict our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to, among other things:
permit liens on current or future assets,
enter into certain corporate transactions,
incur additional indebtedness,
make certain payments or distributions,
dispose of certain property,
prepay or amend the terms of other indebtedness, and
enter into transactions with affiliates.
Increases in interest rates could increase interest payable under our variable rate indebtedness.
Approximately 16.2% of our outstanding indebtedness as of December 31, 2021 includes variable rate indebtedness under our financing
arrangements. As a result of this indebtedness, we are subject to interest rate risk. Our interest rates are based on a floating rate index,
and changes in interest rates could increase the amount of our interest payments and thus negatively impact our future earnings and cash
flows. Although we have entered into interest rate swap agreements on our Term Loan to reduce interest rate volatility for a portion of
the extended term, we cannot assure you we will be able to enter into interest rate swap agreements in the future on acceptable terms or
that such swaps or the swaps we have in place now will be effective. If we do not have sufficient cash flow to make interest payments,
we may be required to refinance all or part of our outstanding debt, sell assets, borrow additional money or sell securities, none of which
we can guarantee we would be able to complete on acceptable terms or at all.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments. None.
Item 2. Properties. We maintain administrative offices and other facilities to support our operations. We have leases for our principal
executive office in Chicago, Illinois and our other office in Naperville, Illinois. We believe that our facilities are adequate to meet our
needs for the immediate future and that should it be needed, we will be able to secure additional space to accommodate any such
expansion of our operations.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings. From time to time, we may be party to various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of
our business. We do not believe that we have any pending litigation that, separately or in the aggregate, would have a material adverse
effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. We hereby incorporate by reference Note 10 (Commitments and
Contingencies) to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of
this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures. None.
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PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities. Our
common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “CARS.” Based on reports by our transfer agent for our common stock, as of
February 18, 2022, there were 4,747 holders of record of our common stock.
Cumulative Stockholder Return Graph. The following graph shows the cumulative total stockholder return for our common stock
during the period from May 18, 2017 to December 31, 2021. The graph also shows the cumulative returns of Standard and Poor’s
(“S&P”) SmallCap 600 Index, of which we are a member, and Research Data Group’s (“RDG”) Internet Composite Index. The
comparison assumes $100 was invested on May 18, 2017 in CARS common stock and each index.
Purchases of Equity Securities by Issuer. None.
Dividends. We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our capital stock, and we do not currently intend to pay any cash
dividends for the foreseeable future. Any future determination to pay dividends on our common stock will be made by the Board of
Directors and will depend upon, among other factors, our financial condition, operating results, current and anticipated cash needs, plans
for expansion and other factors that the Board of Directors may deem relevant. In addition, the terms of our credit facilities contain
restrictions on our ability to declare and pay cash dividends on our capital stock.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities. None.
Use of Proceeds from Registered Securities. None.
Item 6. [Reserved]
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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. The following discussion and
analysis of our business, financial condition, results of operations and quantitative and qualitative disclosures should be read in
conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This
discussion and analysis also contains forward-looking statements and should also be read in conjunction with the disclosures and
information contained in “Note About Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
References in this discussion and analysis to “CARS”, “we,” “us,” “our” and similar terms refer to Cars.com Inc. and its subsidiaries,
collectively, unless the context indicates otherwise.
Business Overview. We are a leading digital marketplace and solutions provider for the automotive industry, connecting car shoppers
with sellers. Through our marketplace, dealer websites and other digital products, we showcase dealer inventory, elevate and amplify
dealers’ and automotive manufacturers (“OEMs”) brands, connect sellers with our ready-to-buy audience and empower shoppers with
the resources and information needed to make confident car buying decisions. Our digital solutions strategy builds on the rich data and
audience of our digital marketplace to offer media and solutions that drive growth and efficiency for the automotive industry. Our
portfolio of brands now includes Cars.com™, Dealer Inspire®, DealerRater®, FUEL™, Auto.com™, PickupTrucks.com™, CreditIQ™
and NewCars.com®.
Overview of Results.
(In thousands, except percentages)
Revenue
Net income (loss) (1)
2021
$
Year Ended December 31,
2020
623,683
7,719
$
547,503
$
(817,120)
2019
606,682
(445,324)
(1) The net loss for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 is primarily attributed to goodwill and intangible asset impairments of $905.9 million
and $461.5 million, respectively.
2021 Highlights and Recent Trends.
Dealer Customers. In the fourth quarter of 2021, Dealer Customers increased by 150, or 1%, to 19,179 as of December 31, 2021, as
compared with 19,029 as of September 30, 2021, continuing six consecutive quarters of growth in Dealer Customers.
Total Dealer Customers increased by 807, or 4%, as compared with December 31, 2020. This increase was a result of sustained high
retention rates and new sales to Dealer Customers. Dealer Customers as of December 31, 2020 were lower due to higher cancellations
of marketplace customers in 2020, principally due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
CreditIQ. In November 2021, we acquired all the outstanding stock of CreditIQ, Inc. (the "CIQ Acquisition"), a cutting edge automotive
fintech platform that provides instant online loan screening and approvals to facilitate online car buying. Through the CIQ Acquisition,
we are now able to make advanced digital financing technology available to dealers across the CARS platform. Using cash on hand, we
paid $30.0 million at the closing excluding transaction fees and expenses. As part of the transaction, we may be required to pay additional
cash consideration of up to $50.0 million based on future performance over a three-year period with a mutually agreed upon option for
a fourth year.
Technology Transformation. In June 2021, we announced the completion of a transformed online platform and mobile app for our
users. Our new Cars.com site offers load times up to 80% faster and real-time inventory updates of over 50,000 cars added to the site
daily, an especially important feature in today's inventory-starved environment. The upgraded Cars.com site, built on cloud-based
technology, now delivers a more streamlined and dynamic experience for both car shoppers and sellers. Our updated site experience
builds on a wealth of content and offers even more advanced tools, interactive features and personalized content combined with a vibrant,
intuitive and accelerated path to purchase.
FordDirect Agreement. In April 2021, we announced that we were selected by FordDirect as a preferred website and technology
platform provider for its approximately 3,000 U.S. dealerships.
Debt Repayments. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we generated substantial cash flow enabling us to make $120.0 million
of debt repayments, of which $110.0 million were voluntary prepayments.
FUEL. Launched in early 2020, FUEL is a unique, high-ROI, targeted video advertising solution that generates superior returns
compared to high-cost broadcast television advertising, on which the auto industry spends approximately $10 billion per year, in addition
to what is spent on other expensive advertising mediums. FUEL continues to be one of our fastest growing products. FUEL enables
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dealerships and OEMs to target and reach in-market car shoppers by leveraging the power of Cars.com's exclusive first-party audience
data.
Impact of COVID-19 on our business. Beginning in March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic spread throughout the United States and
the rest of the world and resulted in governmental authorities around the country implementing numerous measures to contain the virus,
such as quarantines, shelter-in-place orders and business shutdowns (the “related restrictions”). As cases of COVID-19 persist in various
regions around the globe and new COVID-19 variants emerge, these related restrictions may still be enforced or be renewed in certain
markets. During the year ended December 31, 2020, and to a lesser extent during the year ended December 31, 2021, our business,
financial condition, liquidity and operating results were adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, as a widespread increase in
unemployment, reduced consumer spending and supply chain disruptions impacted the greater macroeconomic automotive industry.
Key Operating Metrics. We regularly review a number of key metrics to evaluate our business, measure our performance, identify
trends affecting our business, formulate financial projections and make operating and strategic decisions. Information regarding Traffic,
Average Monthly Unique Visitors and Monthly Average Revenue Per Dealer is as follows (in thousands, except for Monthly Average
Revenue Per Dealer):
Traffic
Average Monthly Unique Visitors
Monthly Average Revenue Per Dealer - Annual
Information regarding our Dealer Customers is as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
2021
2020
% Change
591,499
25,064
2,309
$
599,807
23,822
1,995
(1)%
5%
16%
$
Dealer Customers
Monthly Average Revenue Per Dealer -
Quarterly
December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 % Change
19,179
18,372
4%
September 30, 2021 % Change
19,029
1%
$
2,333 $
2,264
3% $
2,332
0%
Traffic ("Visits"). Traffic is fundamental to our business. Traffic to the CARS network of websites and mobile apps provides value to
our advertisers in terms of audience, awareness, consideration and conversion. In addition to tracking traffic volume and sources, we
monitor activity on our properties, allowing us to innovate and refine our consumer-facing offerings. Traffic is defined as the number
of visits to CARS desktop and mobile properties (responsive sites and mobile apps), measured using Adobe Analytics. Traffic does not
include traffic to Dealer Inspire websites. Traffic provides an indication of our consumer reach. Although our consumer reach does not
directly result in revenue, we believe our ability to reach in-market car shoppers is attractive to our dealer customers and national
advertisers.
Traffic for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 was essentially flat compared to the prior year.
Average Monthly Unique Visitors (“UVs”). Growth in unique visitors to our network of websites and mobile apps increases the number
of impressions, clicks, leads and other events we can monetize to generate revenue. We define UVs in a given month as the number of
distinct visitors that engage with our platform during that month. Visitors are identified when a user first visits an individual CARS
property on an individual device/browser combination or installs one of our mobile apps on an individual device. If a visitor accesses
more than one of our web properties or apps or uses more than one device or browser, each of those unique property/browser/app/device
combinations count toward the number of UVs. UVs do not include Dealer Inspire UVs. We measure UVs using Adobe Analytics.
UVs increased 5% from December 31, 2020. We believe the growth in UVs was primarily related to heightened consumer demand
resulting from an increase in consumer confidence due to the economic stimulus during the first half of 2021. This was partially offset
by certain short-term negative impacts in connection with the completion of the Technology Transformation.
Average Revenue Per Dealer (“ARPD”). We believe that our ability to grow ARPD is an indicator of the value proposition of our
platform. We define ARPD as Dealer revenue, excluding digital advertising services, during the period divided by the monthly average
number of Dealer Customers during the same period.
ARPD for the quarter remained essentially flat from September 30, 2021 and increased 3% from December 31, 2020, primarily driven
by growth in FUEL revenue, as well as growth in digital solutions.
21
ARPD for the year increased 16% from December 31, 2020, primarily driven by the second quarter 2020 invoice credits provided to
our customers as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions, as well as our dealer customers' further adoption of FUEL
and digital solutions.
Dealer Customers. Dealer Customers represent dealerships using our products as of the end of each reporting period. Each physical or
virtual dealership location is counted separately, whether it is a single-location proprietorship or part of a large, consolidated dealer
group. Multi-franchise dealerships at a single location are counted as one dealer.
Total Dealer Customers increased 1% from September 30, 2021. Dealer Customers increased, as a result of growth in marketplace and
solutions only dealer customers, reflecting improved retention rates.
Total Dealer Customers increased by 4%, from December 31, 2020. This increase was a result of sustained high retention rates and new
sales to Dealer Customers. Dealer Customers as of December 31, 2020 were lower due to higher cancellations of marketplace customers
in 2020, principally due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Factors Affecting Our Performance. Our business is impacted by the changes in the larger automotive ecosystem, including inventory
supply and supply chain disruptions, semiconductor shortages, employee retention and changes related to automotive advertising, among
other macroeconomic factors. Changes in vehicle sales volumes in the United States also influence OEMs’ and dealerships’ willingness
to increase investments in technology solutions and automotive marketplaces like Cars.com and could impact our pricing strategies
and/or revenue mix.
Our long-term success will depend in part on our ability to continue to transform our business toward a multi-faceted suite of digital
solutions that complement our online marketplace offerings. We believe our core strategic strengths, including our powerful family of
brands, growing high-quality audience and suite of digital solutions for advertisers, will assist us as we navigate a rapidly changing
automotive environment. Additionally, we are focused on equipping our customers with digital solutions to enable them to compete in
an environment in which an increasing number of car-buying customers are shopping online. These solutions include virtual showrooms,
home delivery, online chat, vehicle financing and our FUEL product that allows dealers to target in-market buyers on streaming
platforms. The foundation of our continued success is the value we deliver to customers, and we believe that our large audience of in-
market, car shoppers and innovative solutions deliver significant value to our customers.
Although the future effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are unknown and depend on numerous factors outside of our control, we believe
our marketplace, advertising and digital solutions remain critical in helping our customers navigate certain challenges of the pandemic
and related restrictions. We also believe our solutions will continue to be important tools for our customers in the future and, in particular,
may help mitigate potential future impacts of the pandemic and related restrictions.
22
Results of Operations.
Year Ended December 31, 2021 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except percentages)
Revenue:
Dealer
OEM and National
Other
Total revenue
Operating expenses:
Cost of revenue and operations
Product and technology
Marketing and sales
General and administrative
Affiliate revenue share
Depreciation and amortization
Goodwill and intangible asset impairment
Total operating expenses
Operating income (loss)
Nonoperating expense:
Interest expense, net
Other expense, net
Total nonoperating expense, net
Income (loss) before income taxes
Income tax expense (benefit)
Net income (loss)
*** Not meaningful
$
$
549,923
65,085
8,675
623,683
114,200
77,316
208,335
73,562
—
101,932
—
575,345
48,338
(38,729)
(126)
(38,855)
9,483
1,764
7,719
$
2021
2020
$ Change
% Change
$
$
463,018
73,176
11,309
547,503
86,905
(8,091)
(2,634)
76,180
19%
(11)%
(23)%
14%
12%
27%
14%
25%
(100)%
(10)%
(100)%
(60)%
***
2%
(99)%
(21)%
***
***
***
101,536
60,664
183,448
59,051
10,970
113,276
905,885
1,434,830
(887,327)
12,664
16,652
24,887
14,511
(10,970)
(11,344)
(905,885)
(859,485)
935,665
(37,856)
(11,226)
(49,082)
(936,409)
(119,289)
(817,120)
(873)
11,100
10,227
945,892
121,053
$ 824,839
Dealer revenue. Dealer revenue consists of marketplace and digital solutions sold to dealer customers. Dealer revenue is our largest
revenue stream, representing 88.2% and 84.6% of total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and
increased by $86.9 million, or 19%, compared to the prior year.
We experienced continued growth in our FUEL and digital solutions products, as well as a 4% increase in Dealer Customers. Dealer
revenue in 2020 was also impacted significantly by our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to assist our dealer customers
impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions, we provided, among other measures, approximately $38.2 million of
financial relief in the form of certain invoice credits of 50% for April 2020 and 30% for May and June 2020.
OEM and National revenue. OEM and National revenue consists of display advertising and other solutions sold to OEMs, certain
advertising agencies, automotive dealer associations and auto adjacent businesses. OEM and National revenue represents 10.4% and
13.4% of total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. OEM and National revenue declined 11%,
primarily due to pullbacks in OEM spending associated with fewer new model releases and continued production shortages, both driven
by supply-chain disruptions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Operating expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2020, several of the financial statement line items described below were
significantly lower as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, due to our management of expenses in 2020 in response to the
COVID-19 pandemic. For example, beginning in the second quarter of 2020, we implemented multiple initiatives to align our expenses
with the lower revenue resulting from our invoice credits. The impact of lower spending in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic
primarily impacted the second quarter of 2020 and to a lesser extent, the latter half of 2020.
Cost of revenue and operations. Cost of revenue and operations expense primarily consists of costs related to our pay per lead products,
third-party costs for processing dealer vehicle inventory, product fulfillment and compensation costs for the product fulfillment and
customer service teams. Cost of revenue and operations expense represents 18.3% and 18.5% of total revenue for the years ended
December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Cost of revenue and operations expense increased, primarily due to lower spending in the
prior year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic expense adjustments, as well as revenue growth from FUEL and digital solutions
products, which have an inherently higher cost of revenue.
23
Product and technology. The product team creates and manages consumer and dealer-facing innovation and user experience. The
technology team develops and supports our products and websites. Product and technology expense includes compensation costs,
hardware and software maintenance, software licenses, data center and other infrastructure costs. Product and technology expense
represents 12.4% and 11.1% of total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Product and technology
expense increased, primarily due to lower spending in the prior year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as continued
investment in the business.
Marketing and sales. Marketing and sales expense primarily consists of traffic and lead acquisition costs (including search engine and
other online marketing), TV and digital display/video advertising and creative production, market research, trade events and
compensation costs for the marketing, sales and sales support teams, as well as bad debt expense related to the allowance for doubtful
accounts. Marketing and sales expense represents 33.4% and 33.5% of total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020,
respectively. Marketing and sales expense increased, primarily due to lower spending in the prior year as a result of the COVID-19
pandemic that reduced our advertising and trade events spend.
General and administrative. General and administrative expense primarily consists of compensation costs for certain of the executive,
finance, legal, human resources, facilities and other administrative employees. In addition, general and administrative expense includes
office space rent, legal, accounting and other professional services, transaction-related costs, severance, transformation and other exit
costs and costs related to the write-off and loss on assets, excluding the goodwill and intangible asset impairment discussed below.
General and administrative expense represents 11.8% and 10.8% of total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020,
respectively. General and administrative expense increased, primarily due to $11.9 million in transaction related costs, including $9.6
million of compensation expense recognized as part of the $30.0 million upfront purchase consideration of CreditIQ recorded in the
fourth quarter. In addition, the increase includes the impact of lower spending in the prior year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,
as well as increased compensation costs, including stock-based compensation.
Affiliate revenue share. Affiliate revenue share expense ended in June 2020. For information related to the affiliate market conversions,
see Note 6 (Unfavorable Contracts Liability) to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8.,
“Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense decreased 10%, primarily due to certain assets being fully
depreciated and amortized as compared to the prior year period, partially offset by depreciation and amortization on additional assets
acquired.
Goodwill and intangible asset impairment. As of March 31, 2020, we determined there was a triggering event, caused by the economic
impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. We performed interim quantitative impairment tests as of March 31, 2020. The results of the
goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment tests indicated that the carrying values exceeded the estimated fair values and
thus, we recorded an impairment of $505.9 million and $400.0 million, respectively.
Interest expense, net. Interest expense, net increased by $0.9 million compared to the prior year period, due to a higher overall interest
rate on our outstanding debt, partially offset by lower debt outstanding. For information related to our Term and Revolving Loans and
interest rate swap, see Note 7 (Debt) and Note 8 (Interest Rate Swap) to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements included
in Part II, Item 8., “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Other expense, net. Other expense, net changed, primarily due to the $9.4 million impairment of a non-marketable investment, triggered
by the COVID-19 pandemic during the first quarter of 2020. For information related to the impairment, see Note 2 (Significant
Accounting Policies) to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8., “Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Income tax expense (benefit). The effective income tax rate, expressed by calculating the income tax expense (benefit) as a percentage
of Income (loss) before income tax, was 19% for the year ended December 31, 2021 and differed from the U.S. federal statutory rate of
21%, primarily due to the tax benefit realized from a partial release of the valuation allowance, stock-based compensation and tax credits,
partially offset by an increase in our uncertain tax positions and the impact of nondeductible transaction expenses. The effective income
tax rate was 13% for the year ended December 31, 2020 and differed from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21%, primarily due to the
goodwill and intangible asset impairments and the establishment of a valuation allowance recorded against the deferred tax assets. For
information related to income taxes, see Note 14 (Income Taxes) to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8.,
“Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
24
Year Ended December 31, 2020 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2019
The comparison of the 2020 results with 2019 can be found under the heading “Year Ended December 31, 2020 Compared to Year
Ended December 31, 2019” in “Part II, Item 7., Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations” section of our 2020 Form 10-K, which comparison is incorporated by reference herein.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview. Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations, available cash reserves and debt capacity available under
our credit facilities. Our positive operating cash flow, along with our Revolving Loan described below, provide adequate liquidity to
meet our short and long-term business needs, including those for investments and strategic acquisitions. However, our ability to maintain
adequate liquidity for our operations in the future is dependent upon a number of factors, including our revenue, macroeconomic
conditions, the duration and severity of the economic and operational impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, our ability to manage
costs, including capital expenditures, and to collect accounts receivable, and various other factors, many of which are beyond our direct
control.
As discussed below, we are subject to certain financial and other covenants contained in our debt agreements, as amended, including by
the third amendment to the Credit Agreement (the "Third Amendment"). For information related to the Credit Amendment, as amended,
see Note 7 (Debt) in Part II, Item 8., “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
We may also seek to raise funds through debt or equity financing in the future to fund acquisitions, investments, or operations, consistent
with our strategy. If we need to access the capital markets, there can be no assurance that financing may be available on attractive terms,
if at all. As of December 31, 2021, Cash and cash equivalents were $39.1 million and including our undrawn Revolving Loan our total
liquidity was $269.1 million.
Indebtedness. As of December 31, 2021, the outstanding aggregate principal amount of our indebtedness was $477.5 million, at an
effective interest rate of 5.7%, including $77.5 million of outstanding principal under the Term Loan, which carries an interest rate of
2.5% and outstanding principal under the bonds of $400.0 million, at an interest rate of 6.375%. During the year ended December 31,
2021, we made $120.0 million in Term Loan payments, of which $10.0 million were mandatory. As of December 31, 2021, $230.0
million was available to borrow under the Revolving Loan. Our borrowings are limited by our Senior Secured Leverage Ratio and
Interest Coverage Ratio, calculated in accordance with our Credit Agreement, which were 0.41x and 5.72x as of December 31, 2021,
respectively. For further information, see Note 7 (Debt) to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II,
Item 8., “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
On October 30, 2020, we issued $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.375% senior unsecured notes due 2028 (the "Notes”).
We used the net proceeds from the offering, together with cash on hand, to repay $235.0 million of borrowings under our Revolving
Credit Facility, repay $162.8 million of borrowings under our Term Loan and pay fees associated with the offering.
On October 30, 2020, we entered into the Third Amendment to our Credit Agreement in connection with a broader refinancing, in which
we reduced the size of our outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement to an aggregate principal amount of $430.0 million,
comprised of a $230.0 million Revolving Credit Facility and a $200.0 million Term Loan, and extended the maturity date to May 31,
2025. The Third Amendment also included the following:
A maximum Senior Secured Leverage Ratio of 3.50x (as defined within the Credit Agreement, as amended), with a
temporary step up for material permitted acquisitions;
A minimum Interest Coverage Ratio of 2.75x and 3.00x beginning June 30, 2023;
A revised interest rate grid updated to reflect a maximum ABR margin of 1.75% and a maximum Eurodollar margin of
2.75%;
Reduction of the LIBOR floor to 0.50%;
Certain modifications to negative covenants restricting additional indebtedness, investments, acquisitions, debt repayments
and certain dividends and distribution;
Provisions to accommodate the replacement of the existing LIBOR Rate with a successor benchmark interest rate; and
Ended the Covenant Adjustment Period and removed the related minimum liquidity requirement and anti-cash hoarding
covenant that were implemented pursuant to the second amendment of our Credit Agreement (the "Second Amendment").
Interest Rate Swap. The interest rate on borrowings under our Term Loan is floating and, therefore, subject to fluctuations. In order to
manage the risk associated with changes in interest rates on its borrowing under the Term Loan, we entered into an interest rate swap
(the “Swap”) effective December 31, 2018. Under the terms of the Swap, we are locked into a fixed rate of interest of 2.96% on a
notional amount of $300 million. The Swap was initially designated as a cash flow hedge of interest rate risk.
25
The Second Amendment triggered a quantitative hedge effectiveness test, which resulted in the loss of hedge accounting. As a result, as
of the date of the Second Amendment, the unrealized loss included within Accumulated other comprehensive loss was frozen and is
now being ratably reclassified into Net income (loss) over the remaining life of the Swap through Interest expense, net and Income tax
expense (benefit) on the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). Subsequent to the Second Amendment, any changes in the fair
value of the Swap are recorded within Other (expense) income, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).
The Third Amendment triggered a partial extinguishment of the underlying Term Loan. Due to the extinguishment, we wrote-off a
proportional amount of the frozen Accumulated other comprehensive loss balance as of the date of the partial extinguishment
proportional to the reduction in the underlying Term Loan. As a result, we included $4.5 million in Interest expense, net on the
Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss) during the year ended December 31, 2020.
As of December 31, 2021, the fair value of the Swap was an unrealized loss of $3.5 million, which is recorded in Other accrued liabilities
on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2020, the fair value of the Swap was an unrealized loss of $12.1 million, of
which $8.5 million and $3.6 million was recorded in Other accrued liabilities and Other noncurrent liabilities, respectively, on the
Consolidated Balance Sheets. During the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, $5.7 million and $11.1 million was
reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss and recorded in Interest expense, net, respectively. During the year ended
December 31, 2021, we made payments of $8.6 million related to the Swap. During the year ended December 31, 2021, $0.9 million
was reclassified as a tax benefit from Accumulated other comprehensive loss into Income tax expense (benefit) on the Consolidated
Statements of Income (Loss).
Affiliate Agreements. As of October 2019, we successfully converted all affiliates to our direct control, as our last affiliate agreement
terminated in October 2019. Therefore, we have a direct relationship with all dealer customers and recognize the revenue associated
with converted dealers as Dealer revenue, rather than Wholesale revenue, in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). During
2021 and, to a lesser extent in 2020, we realized incremental cash flow, as we are no longer required to make any further payments to
the affiliates under these agreements.
Share Repurchase Program. In March 2018, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program to acquire up to $200
million of our common stock over a two-year period. Under this program, we were able to repurchase shares from time to time in open
market transactions or through privately negotiated transactions in accordance with applicable federal securities laws. The timing and
amounts of any purchases under the share repurchase program was based on market conditions and other factors including price. The
repurchase program did not require the purchase of any minimum number of shares and could have been suspended, modified or
discontinued at any time without prior notice. In March 2020, the repurchase program expired and there were no share repurchases
during the year ended December 31, 2020. We repurchased and subsequently retired 1.7 million shares for $40.0 million during the year
ended December 31, 2019.
Cash Flows. Details of our cash flows are as follows (in thousands):
Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities
Investing activities
Financing activities
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
Year Ended December 31,
2021
2020
Change
$
$
138,003
$
(39,450)
(127,203)
(28,650) $
138,616
(16,712)
(67,734)
54,170
$
$
(613)
(22,738)
(59,469)
(82,820)
Operating Activities. Cash provided by operating activities was essentially flat compared to the prior period.
Investing Activities. The change in cash used in investing activities is primarily due to payments related to the CIQ Acquisition in 2021,
net of cash acquired.
Financing Activities. During the year ended December 31, 2021, cash used in financing activities was primarily related to $120.0 million
of debt repayments, of which $110.0 million were voluntary prepayments. During the year ended December 31, 2020, cash used in
financing activities is primarily related to $50.6 million of net debt repayments, inclusive of $615.6 million in debt repayments, partially
offset by $565.0 million in proceeds related to the issuance of the bond and our draw on our Revolving Credit Facility during the first
quarter of 2020. Additionally, there was $17.3 million of debt issuance costs associated with the bond offering and the second and third
amendments. For information related to our debt, see Note 7 (Debt) to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements included
in Part II, Item 8., “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
26
Contractual Obligations. As of December 31, 2021, we had the following obligations and commitments to make future payments under
contracts, contractual obligations and commercial commitments (in thousands):
Contractual Obligations
Long-term debt (1)
Interest on debt and
swap (2)
Operating leases
Other obligations (3)
Total
Total
$ 477,500
189,234
43,662
10,711
$ 721,107
2022
2023
Payments due by Period
2025
2024
2026
Thereafter
$
11,250
$
16,250 $
20,000 $
30,000
$
-
$
400,000
31,631
4,470
8,341
55,692
$
27,730
4,042
1,770
49,792 $
27,290
4,154
600
52,044 $
26,083
4,570
—
60,653
$
25,500
4,684
—
30,184
$
51,000
21,742
—
472,742
$
(1) Long-term debt includes future principal payments on long-term borrowings through scheduled maturity dates. Excluded from these amounts are
the non-cash amortization of debt issuance and other costs related to indebtedness.
(2) Interest payments for variable rate debt were calculated using interest rates as of December 31, 2021 and factor in scheduled amortization payments
primarily on the Term Loan and Swap.
(3) Other obligations represent commitments under certain vendor and other contracts. Excluded from the above table is the contingent consideration
related to the CIQ Acquisition as the amounts and timing are uncertain. As part of the CIQ Acquisition, we may be required to pay up to an
additional $50.0 million in cash consideration to the former owners based on two earn-out achievement objectives, including an earnings related
metric and lender market share. The actual amount to be paid will be based on the acquired business’s future performance to be attained over a
three-year performance period with a mutually agreed upon option for a fourth year.
Commitments and Contingencies. For further information, see Note 10 (Commitments and Contingencies) to the accompanying
Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8., “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report
on Form 10-K.
Subsequent Events.
Accu-Trade Acquisition. In February 2022, we signed a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of the assets of Accu-Trade, Galves
Market Data and MADE Logistics ("Accu-Trade"), which includes real-time, VIN-specific appraisal and valuation data, instant
guaranteed offer capabilities and logistics technology. Consideration for the transaction will be $65 million in cash at closing. There is
also the potential for additional cash and stock consideration based on achievement of certain financial thresholds. The transaction is
expected to close in March 2022.
Share Repurchase Program. In February 2022, our Board of Directors authorized a three-year share repurchase program to acquire up
to $200 million of our common stock.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the
amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. We
believe the following discussion addresses our most critical accounting policies, which are those that are important to the presentation
of our financial condition and results of operations and require management’s most subjective and complex judgments.
Revenue Recognition. We account for a customer arrangement when we and the customer have an approved contract that specifies the
rights and obligations of each party and the payment terms, and we believe it is probable we will collect substantially all of the
consideration to which we will be entitled in exchange for the services that will be provided to the customer. We periodically enter into
arrangements that include multiple promises that we evaluate to determine whether the promises are separate performance obligations.
We identify performance obligations based on services to be transferred to a customer that are distinct within the context of the
contractual terms. We allocate the contractual transaction price to each distinct performance obligation and recognize revenue when it
satisfies a performance obligation by providing a service to a customer. Revenue is generated through our direct sales force and prior to
October 2019, through affiliate sales channels (Wholesale revenue).
Marketplace Subscription Advertising Revenue. Our primary source of revenue is through the sale of marketplace subscription
advertising packages to dealer customers. Our subscription packages allow dealer customers to showcase their new and used vehicle
inventory to in-market shoppers on the Cars.com website. The subscription packages are generally a fixed price arrangement with
varying contract terms, typically ranging from three to six months, that are automatically renewed, typically on a month-to-month basis.
We recognize subscription package revenue ratably as the service is provided over the contract term. Marketplace subscription
advertising revenue is recorded in Dealer revenue and, prior to October 2019, Wholesale revenue in the Consolidated Statements of
Income (Loss).
27
We also offer our customers several add-on products to the subscription packages, as well as FUEL. Add-on products include premium
advertising products that can be uniquely tailored to an individual dealer customer’s current needs. Substantially all of our add-on
products, as well as FUEL, are sold from the subscription packages as the customer cannot benefit from add-on products on their own.
Therefore, the subscription packages and add-on products, as well as FUEL, are combined as a single performance obligation, and we
recognize the related revenue ratably as the services are provided over the contract term.
We also provide services, including hosting flexible, custom designed website platforms supporting highly personalized digital
marketing campaigns, digital retailing and messaging platform products. We recognize revenue related to these services ratably as the
service is provided over the contract term. The related revenue is recorded in Dealer revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Income
(Loss).
Prior to October 2019, our affiliates also sold marketplace subscription advertising to dealer customers, and we earned Wholesale
revenue through our affiliate agreements. Affiliates were assigned certain sales territories in which they sold our products. Under these
agreements, we charged the affiliates 60% of the corresponding Cars.com retail rate for products sold to affiliate dealer customers. We
recognized Wholesale revenue ratably as the service was provided over the contract term. In situations where our direct sales force sold
our products within an affiliate’s assigned territory, we paid the affiliate a revenue share which was classified as Affiliate revenue share
in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). Wholesale revenue also included the amortization of the Unfavorable contracts
liability. For information related to the Unfavorable contracts liability, see Note 6 (Unfavorable Contracts Liability) to the accompanying
Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8., “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report
on Form 10-K.
Display Advertising Products and Services Revenue. We also earn revenue through the sale of display advertising on our website to
national advertisers, pursuant to transaction-based contracts, which are billed for impressions delivered or click-throughs on their
advertisements. An impression is the display of an advertisement to an end-user on the website and is a measure of volume. A click-
through occurs when an end-user clicks on an impression. We recognize revenue as the impressions or click-throughs are delivered. If
the impressions or click-throughs delivered are less than the amount invoiced to the customer, the difference is recorded as deferred
revenue and recognized as revenue when earned. We recognize revenue related to these services at the point in time the service is
provided. Display advertising products revenue sold to OEMs is recorded in OEM and National revenue in the Consolidated Statements
of Income (Loss). We also provide services related to customized digital marketing and customer acquisition services, including paid,
organic, social and creative services to dealer customers. We recognize revenue related to these services at the point in time the service
is provided. Display advertising products revenue sold to dealers is recorded in Dealer revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Income
(Loss).
Pay Per Lead Revenue. We also sell leads, which are connections from consumers to dealer customers in the form of phone calls, emails
and text messages, to dealer customers, OEMs and third-party resellers. We recognize pay per lead revenue primarily on a per-lead basis
at the point in time in which the lead has been delivered. Revenue related to pay per lead is recorded in Dealer revenue, OEM and
National revenue, Other revenue or, prior to October 2019, Wholesale revenue, depending on the customer who is purchasing this
product, in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).
Other Revenue. Other revenue primarily includes revenue related to vehicle listing data sold to third parties and peer-to-peer vehicle
advertising. We recognize other revenue either ratably as the services are provided or at the point in time the services have been
performed. Other revenue is recorded in Other revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).
Goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of assets acquired, including identifiable intangible
assets, net of liabilities assumed. Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis or between annual tests if events occur or
circumstances changed that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Our goodwill
is tested for impairment at a level referred to as the reporting unit. The level at which we test goodwill for impairment requires us to
determine whether the operations below the business segment level constitute a business for which discrete financial information is
available and segment management regularly reviews the operating results. We determined that we operated as a single reporting unit.
The process of estimating the fair value of goodwill is subjective and requires us to make estimates that may significantly impact the
outcome of the analysis. A qualitative assessment considers events and circumstances such as macroeconomic conditions, industry and
market conditions, cost factors and overall financial performance, as well as company specifications. If after performing this assessment,
we concluded it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then we would perform
the quantitative test.
Under the quantitative test, a goodwill impairment is identified by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit to the carrying amount,
including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, goodwill is considered
28
impaired and an impairment charge is recognized in an amount equal to the excess, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.
We estimate the fair value of the reporting unit with an income approach using the discounted cash flow (“DCF”) analysis and we also
considered a market-based valuation methodology using comparable public company trading values and our market capitalization.
Determining fair value requires the exercise of significant judgments, including the amount and timing of expected future cash flows,
long-term growth rates, the discount rate and relevant comparable public company earnings multiples. The cash flows employed in the
DCF analysis are based on our best estimate of future sales, earnings and cash flows after considering factors such as general market
conditions and recent operating performance. The discount rate utilized in the DCF analysis is based on the reporting unit’s weighted-
average cost of capital, which takes into account the relative weights of each component of capital structure (equity and debt) and
represents the expected cost of new capital, adjusted as appropriate to consider the risk inherent in future cash flows of our reporting
unit.
Impairment assessment inherently involves management judgments regarding a number of assumptions described above. The reporting
unit fair value also depends on the future strength of the U.S. economy. New and developing competition as well as technological change
could also adversely affect future fair value estimates. Due to the many variables inherent in the estimation of a reporting unit’s fair
value and the relative size of our recorded goodwill, differences in assumptions could have a material effect on the estimated fair values.
For information related to the goodwill impairment recorded during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, see Note 5 (Goodwill
and Other Intangible Assets, net) to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8., “Financial
Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Indefinite-Lived Intangibles. In connection with TEGNA's acquisition of Cars.com, we recorded an intangible asset with an indefinite
life associated with the Cars.com trade name. The indefinite-lived intangible asset is tested annually, or more often if circumstances
dictate, for impairment and is written down to fair value as required. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we performed a
qualitative test for impairment and noted no quantitative test or impairment was required.
For information related to the intangible asset impairment recorded during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, see Note 5
(Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net) to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8.,
“Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Business Combinations.
Intangible Assets. Intangible assets are recorded at their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. The fair values assigned to the
intangible assets acquired were determined based on management’s estimates and assumptions, as well as other information compiled
by management, including third-party valuations that utilize customary valuation procedures and techniques, such as the multi-period
excess earnings and the relief of royalty methods. These preliminary fair values are subject to change within the one-year measurement
period. We amortize intangible assets over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis. Amortization is recorded over the relevant
estimated useful lives ranging from five to ten years.
We evaluate the useful lives of these assets on at least an annual basis and test for impairment whenever events or changes in
circumstances occur that could impact the recoverability of these assets. If the estimate of an intangible asset’s remaining useful life is
changed, we amortize the remaining carrying value of the intangible asset prospectively over the revised remaining useful life. If an
impairment is identified, the asset is written down to fair value as required.
For the CIQ Acquisition, we did not identify any impairments or changes to the useful lives of the intangible assets during the year
ended December 31, 2021.
Contingent Consideration. As part of the CIQ Acquisition, we may be required to pay up to an additional $50.0 million in cash
consideration to the former owners based on two different earn-out achievement objectives, including an earnings related metric and
lender market share. The actual amount to be paid will be based on the acquired business’s future performance to be attained over a
three-year performance period with a mutual option for a fourth year. The contingent consideration is classified as Level 3 in the fair
value hierarchy and the fair value is measured based on a Monte Carlo simulation or a scenario-based method, depending on the earn-
out achievement objective, utilizing projections about future performance. Significant inputs include volatility, discount rate and
projected financial information.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements. There are no recent accounting pronouncements that materially impact our financial statements
as of December 31, 2021.
29
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. Market risk represents the risk of loss that may affect our
financial position due to adverse changes in financial market prices and rates. We are exposed to market risks related to changes in
interest rates and foreign currency exchange risk.
Interest Rate Risk. The interest rate on borrowings under our Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility is floating and, therefore, subject
to fluctuations. In order to manage the risk associated with changes in interest rates on our borrowing under the Term Loan, we entered
into an interest rate swap (the “Swap”) effective December 31, 2018. Under the terms of the Swap, we are locked into a fixed rate of
interest of 2.96% on a notional amount of $300 million. The Swap was initially designated as a cash flow hedge of interest rate risk.
The Second Amendment triggered a quantitative hedge effectiveness test, which resulted in the loss of hedge accounting. As a result, as
of the date of the Second Amendment, the unrealized loss included within Accumulated other comprehensive loss was frozen and is
now being ratably reclassified into Net income (loss) over the remaining life of the Swap through Interest expense, net and Income tax
expense (benefit) within the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). Subsequent to the Second Amendment, any changes in the fair
value of the Swap are recorded within Other (expense) income, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).
As of December 31, 2021, the fair value of the Swap was an unrealized loss of $3.5 million, which is recorded in Other accrued liabilities
on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2020, the fair value of the Swap was an unrealized loss of $12.1 million, of
which $8.5 million and $3.6 million is recorded in Other accrued liabilities and Other noncurrent liabilities, respectively, on the
Consolidated Balance Sheets. During the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, $5.7 million and $11.1 million was
reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss and recorded in Interest expense, net, respectively. During the year ended
December 31, 2021, we made payments of $8.6 million related to the Swap. During the year ended December 31, 2021, $0.9 million
was reclassified as a tax benefit from Accumulated other comprehensive loss into Income tax expense (benefit) on the Consolidated
Statements of Income (Loss).
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk. Historically, as our operations and sales have been primarily in the United States, we have not faced
any significant foreign currency risk. With the acquisitions of DealerRater in August 2016 and Dealer Inspire in February 2018, we
acquired a limited number of Canadian dealer customers, some of which are billed in Canadian dollars. Any foreign currency exchange
rate fluctuations have been and are anticipated to be immaterial. If we plan for additional international expansion, our risks associated
with fluctuation in currency rates will become greater, and we will continue to reassess our approach to managing this risk.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
30
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Cars.com Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets of Cars.com Inc. (the Company) as of December 31, 2021 and 2020,
the related Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss), Comprehensive Income (Loss), Stockholders’ Equity and Cash Flows for each
of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at
Item 15(a)(2) (collectively referred to as the “Consolidated Financial Statements”). In our opinion, the Consolidated Financial
Statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results
of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, in conformity with U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB),
the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control –
Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our
report dated February 25, 2022 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the
Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to
be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations
of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error
or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that
our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements
that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are
material to the Consolidated Financial Statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The
communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements, taken as a
whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or
on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Revenue Recognition
Description of the
matter
As described in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company recognizes revenue in accordance
with Accounting Standard Codification Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, upon transfer of
control of promised services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to
receive in exchange for those services. The Company enters into contracts with customers that may include
multiple service offerings. The assessment of terms and conditions for the identification of performance
obligations may involve judgment.
Auditing the Company’s accounting for revenue recognition was challenging given the significant audit effort
to identify and determine the distinct performance obligations in customer contracts through the inspection of
terms and conditions in the customer contracts.
31
How we addressed
the matter in our
audit
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of controls over the
Company’s revenue recognition process, including management’s review of terms and conditions and the
identification of distinct performance obligations in customer contracts.
To test the Company’s accounting for revenue recognition, we performed audit procedures that included, among
others, an evaluation of management’s assessment of the distinct performance obligations within the arrangement
based on its terms and conditions for a sample of customer contracts. We tested the application of the revenue
recognition accounting requirements for each of the significant service offerings to determine whether the
performance obligations identified by the Company were distinct. We also assessed the appropriateness of the
related disclosures in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Acquisition of CreditIQ, Inc.
Description of the
matter
During 2021, the Company completed its acquisition of CreditIQ, Inc. (“CreditIQ”) for total purchase
consideration of $44.1 million, as disclosed in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The transaction
was accounted for as a business combination.
Auditing the Company's accounting for its acquisition of CreditIQ was complex due to the significant estimation
required by management to determine the fair value of contingent consideration and acquired software intangible
assets of $23.8 million and $19.0 million, respectively. The significant estimation was primarily due to the
complexity of the valuation models used by management to measure the fair value of the contingent
consideration and acquired software intangible assets and the sensitivity of the respective fair values to the
significant underlying assumptions. The Company used a Monte Carlo simulation to measure the contingent
consideration. The significant assumptions used in the Monte Carlo simulation included volatility, discount rate
and projected financial information. The Company used a multi-period excess earnings method to measure the
acquired software intangible assets. The significant assumptions used to estimate the value of the acquired
software included the discount rate and certain assumptions that form the basis of the forecasted results (e.g.,
revenue growth rates, technology replacement rate and EBITDA margin). These significant assumptions are
forward looking and could be affected by future economic and market conditions.
How we addressed
the matter in our
audit
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of controls over the
Company’s accounting for its acquisition. For example, we tested controls over the recognition and measurement
of consideration transferred (including contingent consideration) and acquired software intangible assets,
including the valuation models and underlying assumptions used to develop such estimates.
To test the fair value of the contingent consideration, we performed audit procedures that included, among others,
assessing the terms of the arrangement, including the conditions that must be met for the contingent consideration
to become payable. We also involved our valuation specialists to assist in evaluating the Company's use of a
Monte Carlo simulation and testing the significant assumptions used in the model, including the completeness
and accuracy of the underlying data. For example, we compared the significant assumptions to current industry,
market and economic trends and to the Company's budgets and forecasts. To test the estimated fair value of the
acquired software intangible assets, we performed audit procedures that included, among others, evaluating the
Company's use of the income approach (the multi-period excess earnings method) and testing the significant
assumptions used in the model, including the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data. For example,
we compared the significant assumptions to current industry, market and economic trends, to the assumptions
used to value similar assets in other acquisitions, to the historical results of the acquired business and to other
guidelines used by companies within the same industry. We involved our valuation specialists to assist in our
evaluation of certain significant assumptions.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2016.
Chicago, Illinois
February 25, 2022
32
Cars.com Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except per share data)
Assets:
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable, net
Prepaid expenses
Other current assets
Total current assets
Property and equipment, net
Goodwill
Intangible assets, net
Investments and other assets, net
Total assets
Liabilities and stockholders' equity:
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
Accrued compensation
Current portion of long-term debt, net
Other accrued liabilities
Total current liabilities
Noncurrent liabilities:
Long-term debt, net
Deferred tax liability
Other noncurrent liabilities
Total noncurrent liabilities
Total liabilities
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred Stock at par, $0.01 par value; 5,000 shares authorized; no shares
issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020,
respectively
Common Stock at par, $0.01 par value; 300,000 shares authorized; 69,170 and
67,387 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2021 and
December 31, 2020, respectively
Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated deficit
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Total stockholders' equity
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
December 31,
2021
2020
$
$
$
39,069
98,893
7,810
1,665
147,437
43,005
26,227
769,424
21,112
1,007,205
15,420
23,612
8,941
46,317
94,290
457,383
31,086
57,512
545,981
640,271
67,719
93,649
6,491
10,222
178,081
41,323
—
835,166
21,142
1,075,712
16,512
18,319
7,756
47,781
90,368
576,143
30,800
38,225
645,168
735,536
—
—
692
1,544,712
(1,176,468 )
(2,002 )
366,934
1,007,205
$
674
1,530,493
(1,184,187)
(6,804)
340,176
1,075,712
$
$
$
$
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
33
Cars.com Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)
(In thousands, except per share data)
2021
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2019
Revenue:
Dealer
OEM and National
Other
Wholesale
Total revenue
Operating expenses:
Cost of revenue and operations
Product and technology
Marketing and sales
General and administrative
Affiliate revenue share
Depreciation and amortization
Goodwill and intangible asset impairment
Total operating expenses
Operating income (loss)
Nonoperating expense:
Interest expense, net
Other (expense) income, net
Total nonoperating expense, net
Income (loss) before income taxes
Income tax expense (benefit)
Net income (loss)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic
Diluted
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic
Diluted
$
549,923 $
463,018 $
65,085
8,675
—
623,683
114,200
77,316
208,335
73,562
—
101,932
—
575,345
48,338
(38,729)
(126)
(38,855)
9,483
1,764
7,719
$
68,727
71,337
73,176
11,309
—
547,503
101,536
60,664
183,448
59,051
10,970
113,276
905,885
1,434,830
(887,327)
(37,856)
(11,226)
(49,082)
(936,409)
(119,289)
(817,120) $
67,241
67,241
$
0.11
0.11
(12.15) $
(12.15)
$
$
477,095
80,774
14,442
34,371
606,682
99,549
62,859
217,432
73,772
20,790
116,877
461,463
1,052,742
(446,060)
(30,774)
1,555
(29,219)
(475,279)
(29,955)
(445,324)
66,995
66,995
(6.65)
(6.65)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
34
Cars.com Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(In thousands)
Net income (loss)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Interest rate swap
Reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss on
interest rate swap into Net income (loss)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
Comprehensive income (loss)
$
2021
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2019
$
7,719
$
(817,120)
$
(445,324 )
—
4,802
4,802
12,521
(8,910)
9,748
838
$
(816,282)
$
(9,174 )
1,532
(7,642 )
(452,966 )
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
35
Cars.com Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
(In thousands)
Retained
Earnings
(Accumulated
Deficit)
118,239
(445,324)
—
(39,982)
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
—
$
—
(7,642)
—
Balance at December 31, 2018
Net loss
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
Repurchases of common stock
Shares issued in connection with stock-based
compensation plans, net
Stock-based compensation
Other
Balance at December 31, 2019
Net loss
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
Shares issued in connection with
stock-based compensation plans, net
Stock-based compensation
Balance at December 31, 2020
Net income
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
Shares issued in connection with
stock-based compensation plans, net
Stock-based compensation
Balance at December 31, 2021
Preferred Stock
Common Stock
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
$
$
$
$
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
68,262
—
—
(1,750)
238
—
14
66,764
—
—
623
—
67,387
—
—
1,783
—
69,170
$
$
$
$
683
—
—
(18)
2
—
1
668
—
—
6
—
674
—
—
18
—
692
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
$ 1,508,001
—
—
—
(288)
7,588
(192)
$ 1,515,109
—
—
229
15,155
$ 1,530,493
—
—
(7,212)
21,431
$ 1,544,712
$
$
$
—
—
—
(367,067) $
(817,120)
—
—
—
(1,184,187) $
7,719
—
—
—
$
(1,176,468) $
Stockholders'
Equity
$
$
$
$
1,626,923
(445,324)
(7,642)
(40,000)
(286)
7,588
(191)
1,141,068
(817,120)
838
235
15,155
340,176
7,719
4,802
(7,194)
21,431
366,934
—
—
—
(7,642)
—
838
—
—
(6,804)
—
4,802
—
—
(2,002)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
36
Cars.com Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)
Adjustments to reconcile Net income (loss) to Net cash provided by
operating activities:
Depreciation
Amortization of intangible assets
Amortization of unfavorable contracts liability
Goodwill and intangible asset impairment
Impairment of non-marketable security
Amortization of accumulated other comprehensive loss on interest rate
swap
Stock-based compensation
Deferred income taxes
Provision for doubtful accounts
Amortization of debt issuance costs
Other, net
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of CIQ Acquisition:
Accounts receivable
Prepaid expenses and other assets
Accounts payable
Accrued compensation
Other liabilities
Net cash provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for CIQ Acquisition, net of cash acquired
Purchase of property and equipment
Other
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from revolving loan borrowings and issuance of long-term debt
Payments of debt issuance costs and other fees
Payments of long-term debt
Stock-based compensations plans, net
Repurchases of common stock
Other
Net cash used in financing activities
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash (received) paid for income taxes
Cash paid for interest and swap
2021
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2019
$
7,719
$
(817,120) $
(445,324)
16,290
85,642
—
—
—
5,670
21,431
(2,641)
164
3,360
1,416
(5,352)
6,141
(1,099)
5,293
(6,031)
18,943
94,333
—
905,885
9,447
8,623
15,155
(103,582)
4,380
5,108
181
3,733
(9,514)
3,993
1,581
(2,530)
138,003
138,616
(20,258)
(19,192)
—
(39,450)
—
(9)
(120,000)
(7,194)
—
—
(127,203)
(28,650)
67,719
39,069
$
—
(16,712)
—
(16,712)
565,000
(17,344)
(615,625)
235
—
—
(67,734)
54,170
13,549
67,719
$
18,266
98,611
(18,885)
461,463
—
—
7,588
(44,920)
4,897
1,573
496
2,262
(3,628)
874
(83)
18,294
101,484
—
(21,257)
(599)
(21,856)
10,000
(2,940)
(58,125)
(286)
(40,000)
(191)
(91,542)
(11,914)
25,463
13,549
(7,992) $
38,342
805
26,433
$
1,740
29,654
$
$
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
37
Note 1. Description of Business
Cars.com Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Description of Business. Cars.com Inc. (the “Company” or “CARS”) is a leading automotive marketplace platform that provides a
robust set of digital solutions that connect car shoppers with sellers. Through the Company's marketplace, dealer websites and other
digital products, it showcases dealer inventory, elevate and amplify dealers’ and automotive original equipment manufacturers’
(“OEMs”) brands, connect sellers with our ready-to-buy audience and empower shoppers with the resources and information needed to
make confident car buying decisions. Our platform strategy builds on the rich data and audience of our digital marketplace to offer
media and solutions that drive growth and efficiency for the automotive industry. The Company's portfolio of brands now includes
Cars.com™, Dealer Inspire®, DealerRater®, FUEL™, Auto.com™, PickupTrucks.com™, CreditIQ™ and NewCars.com®.
Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation. These accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and the rules and regulations of the SEC. The Consolidated
Financial Statements include the accounts of CARS and its 100% owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and accounts have
been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates. The preparation of the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and
accompanying disclosures. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions that the
Company may undertake in the future, actual results may differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications. Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. In addition, effective
January 1, 2021, the Company renamed its revenue categories as follows: "Direct" revenue is now "Dealer" revenue and "National
advertising" revenue is now "OEM and National" revenue. This naming convention change has no impact on the components or the
historical amounts of the respective revenue categories. Dealer revenue consists of marketplace and digital solutions sold to dealer
customers. OEM and National revenue consists of display advertising and other solutions sold to OEMs, advertising agencies,
automotive dealer associations and auto adjacent businesses.
Revenue. The Company accounts for a customer arrangement when the Company and the customer have an approved contract that
specifies the rights and obligations of each party and the payment terms, and the Company believes it is probable that the Company will
collect substantially all of the consideration to which the Company will be entitled in exchange for the services that will be provided to
the customer. The Company periodically enters into arrangements that include multiple promises that the Company evaluates to
determine whether the promises are separate performance obligations. The Company identifies performance obligations based on
services to be transferred to a customer that are distinct within the context of the contractual terms. The Company allocates the
contractual transaction price to each distinct performance obligation based on the relative standalone selling price and recognizes revenue
when it satisfies a performance obligation by providing a service to a customer. Revenue is generated through the Company’s direct
sales force and prior to October 2019, through affiliate sales channels (Wholesale revenue).
Marketplace Subscription Advertising Revenue. The Company’s primary source of revenue is through the sale of marketplace
subscription advertising packages to dealer customers. Our subscription packages allow dealer customers to showcase their new and
used vehicle inventory to in-market shoppers on the Cars.com website. The subscription packages are generally a fixed price
arrangement with varying contract terms, typically ranging from three to six months, that are automatically renewed, typically on a
month-to-month basis. The Company recognizes subscription package revenue ratably as the service is provided over the contract term.
Marketplace subscription advertising revenue is recorded in Dealer revenue and, prior to October 2019, Wholesale revenue in the
Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).
The Company also offers its customers several add-on products to the subscription packages, as well as FUEL. Add-on products include
premium advertising products that can be uniquely tailored to an individual dealer customer’s current needs. Substantially all of the
Company’s add-on products, as well as FUEL, are not sold separately from the subscription packages as the customer cannot benefit
from add-on products on their own. Therefore, the subscription packages and add-on products, as well as FUEL, are combined as a
single performance obligation, and the Company recognizes the related revenue ratably as the services are provided over the contract
term.
The Company also provides services, including hosting flexible, custom designed website platforms supporting highly personalized
digital marketing campaigns, digital retailing and messaging platform products. The Company recognizes revenue related to these
services ratably as the service is provided over the contract term. The related revenue is recorded in Dealer revenue in the Consolidated
Statements of Income (Loss).
38
Cars.com Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Prior to October 2019, the Company’s affiliates also sold marketplace subscription advertising to dealer customers, and the Company
earned Wholesale revenue through its affiliate agreements. Affiliates were assigned certain sales territories in which they sold the
Company’s products. Under these agreements, the Company charged the affiliates 60% of the corresponding Cars.com retail rate for
products sold to affiliate dealer customers. The Company recognized Wholesale revenue ratably as the service was provided over the
contract term. In situations where the Company’s direct sales force sold the Company’s products within an affiliate’s assigned territory,
the Company paid the affiliate a revenue share which was classified as Affiliate revenue share in the Consolidated Statements of Income
(Loss). Wholesale revenue also included the amortization of the Unfavorable contracts liability. For further information, see Note 6
(Unfavorable Contracts Liability).
Display Advertising Products and Services Revenue. The Company also earns revenue through the sale of display advertising on the
Company’s website to national advertisers, pursuant to transaction-based contracts, which are billed for impressions delivered or click-
throughs on their advertisements. An impression is the display of an advertisement to an end-user on the website and is a measure of
volume. A click-through occurs when an end-user clicks on an impression. The Company recognizes revenue as the impressions or
click-throughs are delivered. If the impressions or click-throughs delivered are less than the amount invoiced to the customer, the
difference is recorded as deferred revenue and recognized as revenue when earned. The Company recognizes revenue related to these
services at the point in time the service is provided. Display advertising products revenue sold to OEMs is recorded in OEM and National
revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). The Company also provides services related to customized digital marketing
and customer acquisition services, including paid, organic, social and creative services to dealer customers. The Company recognizes
revenue related to these services at the point in time the service is provided. Display advertising products revenue sold to dealers is
recorded in Dealer revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).
Pay Per Lead Revenue. The Company also sells leads, which are connections from consumers to dealer customers in the form of phone
calls, emails and text messages, to dealer customers, OEMs and third-party resellers. The Company recognizes pay per lead revenue
primarily on a per-lead basis at the point in time in which the lead has been delivered. Revenue related to pay per lead is recorded in
Dealer revenue, OEM and National revenue, Other revenue or, prior to October 2019, Wholesale revenue, depending on the customer
who is purchasing this product, in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).
Other Revenue. Other revenue primarily includes revenue related to vehicle listing data sold to third parties and peer-to-peer vehicle
advertising. The Company recognizes other revenue either ratably as the services are provided or at the point in time the services have
been performed. Other revenue is recorded in Other revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).
Cash and Cash Equivalents. All cash balances and liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less on their acquisition
date are classified as cash and cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. Accounts receivable are primarily derived from sales to customers and
recorded at invoiced amounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects the Company’s estimate of credit exposure, determined
principally on the basis of its collection experience, aging of its receivables, expected losses and any specific reserves needed for certain
customers based on their credit risk. Bad debt expense is included in Marketing and sales in the Consolidated Statements of Income
(Loss). The allowance for doubtful accounts was $1.7 million and $4.4 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Concentrations of Credit Risk. The Company’s financial instruments, consisting primarily of cash and cash equivalents and customer
receivables, are exposed to concentrations of credit risk. The Company invests its cash and cash equivalents with highly-rated financial
institutions.
Investments. Investments in non-marketable equity securities are measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in Net
income (loss). The Company utilizes the measurement alternative for equity investments without readily determinable fair values and
revalues these investments upon the occurrence of an observable price change for similar investments. On at least an annual basis, the
Company assesses its investments to determine whether any events have occurred, or circumstances have changed, which might have a
significant adverse effect on their fair value and which may be indicative of impairment. In the first quarter of 2020, the Company
recorded a full impairment of $9.4 million, triggered by the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) pandemic and the related
restrictions, for the year ended December 31, 2020. The impairment was included in the Other (expense) income, net in the Consolidated
Statements of Income (Loss). The non-marketable investments recorded within Investments and other assets, net on the Consolidated
Balance Sheets were zero as of December 31, 2021 and 2020. For further information on the triggering event, see Note 5 (Goodwill and
Other Intangible Assets, net).
39
Cars.com Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Property and Equipment. Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful
lives as follows (in thousands):
Asset
2021
2020
December 31,
Computer software
Computer hardware
Leasehold improvements
Furniture and fixtures
Property and equipment, gross
Less: Accumulated depreciation
Property and equipment, net
$
$
65,461 $
11,998
18,656
4,293
100,408
(57,403)
$
43,005
60,707
20,197
18,887
4,634
104,425
(63,102)
41,323
Estimated Useful Life
18 months - 5 years
3 - 5 years
Lesser of useful life or lease term
10 years
Normal repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Any resulting gain or loss from the disposition of those assets is included in
General and administrative expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).
Internally Developed Technology. The Company capitalizes costs associated with customized internal-use software systems and
website development that have reached the application development stage. Such capitalized costs include external direct costs utilized
in developing or obtaining the applications and payroll and payroll-related expenses for employees who are directly associated with the
applications. Capitalization of such costs begins when the preliminary project stage is complete and ceases at the point in which the
project is substantially complete and ready for its intended purpose. The Company reviews the carrying amount of internally developed
technology for impairment and useful lives whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be
recoverable. Capitalized software costs, excluding cloud computing arrangements, for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and
2019 were $17.9 million, $16.3 million and $19.8 million, respectively. Capitalized costs, excluding those for cloud computing
arrangements, are included in Property and equipment, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Research and development costs are
expensed as incurred.
Cloud Computing Arrangements. The Company capitalizes costs associated with the development of cloud computing arrangements
in a manner consistent with internally developed technology. Any amortization is recorded in the same manner on the Consolidated
Statements of Income (Loss) as the expense associated with the underlying host arrangement. These capitalized costs as of December
31, 2021 were $0.6 million and $2.6 million and were included in Prepaid expenses and Investments and other assets, net on the
Consolidated Balance Sheets, respectively. These capitalized costs were immaterial as of December 31, 2020.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of assets acquired, including
identifiable intangible assets, net of liabilities assumed. Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis or between annual tests if
events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount.
The Company’s goodwill is tested for impairment at a level referred to as the reporting unit. The level at which the Company tested
goodwill for impairment requires the Company to determine whether the operations below the business segment level constitute a
business for which discrete financial information is available and segment management regularly reviews the operating results. The
Company determined that it operated as a single reporting unit.
The process of estimating the fair value of goodwill is subjective and required the Company to make estimates that may significantly
impact the outcome of the analysis. A qualitative assessment considers events and circumstances such as macroeconomic conditions,
industry and market conditions, cost factors and overall financial performance, as well as company specifications. If after performing
this assessment, the Company concluded it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount,
then the Company performed the quantitative test.
Under the quantitative test, a goodwill impairment is identified by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit to the carrying amount,
including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, goodwill is considered
impaired and an impairment charge is recognized in an amount equal to the excess, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.
The Company estimated the fair value of the reporting unit with an income approach using the discounted cash flow (“DCF”) analysis
and the Company also considered a market-based valuation methodology using comparable public company trading values and the
Company’s market capitalization. Determining fair value requires the exercise of significant judgments, including the amount and timing
of expected future cash flows, long-term growth rates, the discount rate and relevant comparable public company earnings multiples.
The cash flows employed in the DCF analysis are based on the Company’s best estimate of future sales, earnings and cash flows after
40
Cars.com Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
considering factors such as general market conditions and recent operating performance. The discount rate utilized in the DCF analysis
is based on the reporting unit’s weighted-average cost of capital, which takes into account the relative weights of each component of
capital structure (equity and debt) and represents the expected cost of new capital, adjusted as appropriate to consider the risk inherent
in future cash flows of the Company’s reporting unit.
Impairment assessment inherently involves management judgments regarding a number of assumptions described above. The reporting
unit fair value also depends on the future strength of the U.S. economy. New and developing competition as well as technological change
could also adversely affect future fair value estimates. Due to the many variables inherent in the estimation of a reporting unit’s fair
value and the relative size of the Company’s recorded goodwill, differences in assumptions could have a material effect on the estimated
fair values. For further information, see Note 5 (Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net).
The Company’s indefinite-lived intangible asset relates to the Cars.com trade name. Intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested for
impairment annually, or more often if circumstances dictate, and written down to fair value as required. The estimates of fair value are
determined using the “relief from royalty” methodology, which is a variation of the income approach. The discount rate assumption is
based on an assessment of the risk inherent in the projected future cash flows generated by the trade name intangible asset.
Amortizable intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives as follows:
Intangible Asset
Acquired software
Customer relationships
Other trade names
Estimated Useful Life
2 - 7 years
3 - 14 years
10 - 12 years
Valuation of Long-Lived Assets. The Company reviews the carrying amount of long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Once an indicator of potential impairment has
occurred, the impairment test is based on whether the intent is to hold the asset for continued use or to hold the asset for sale. If the
intent is to hold the asset for continued use, the impairment test first requires a comparison of projected undiscounted future cash flows
against the carrying amount of the asset group. If the carrying value of the asset group exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash
flows, the asset group would be deemed to be potentially impaired. The impairment, if any, would be measured based on the amount by
which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value. Fair value is determined primarily using the projected future undiscounted cash flows.
Losses on long-lived assets to be disposed of are determined in a similar manner, except that fair values are reduced for the cost to
dispose. No impairment losses were recognized for the periods presented in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).
Fair Value of Financial Instruments. Fair value is the price that would be received upon sale of an asset or paid upon transfer of a
liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date and in the principal or most advantageous market
for that asset or liability. The fair value should be calculated based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the
asset or liability, not on assumptions specific to the entity. The three-level hierarchy of fair value measurements is based on whether the
inputs to those measurements are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources,
while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions. The fair-value hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when
available and consists of the following levels:
Level 1—Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets;
Level 2—Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in
markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets;
and
Level 3—Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable
The Company’s financial instruments include the interest rate swap (the “Swap”) and the contingent consideration related to the CreditIQ
acquisition, both recorded at fair value. Financial instruments also include accounts receivable, accounts payable and other liabilities.
The carrying values of these instruments approximate their fair values.
The Company’s debt is classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy and the fair value is measured based on comparable trading
prices, ratings, sectors, coupons and maturities of similar instruments. Level 2 assets and liabilities are based on observable inputs other
than quoted prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets
and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data. As of
December 31, 2021, the fair value of the outstanding indebtedness was approximately $502.7 million, compared to the carrying value
of $477.5 million. As of December 31, 2020, the fair value approximated the carrying value.
41
Cars.com Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
The contingent consideration is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy and the fair value is measured based on a Monte Carlo
simulation or a scenario-based method, depending on the earn-out achievement objective, utilizing projections about future performance.
Significant inputs include volatility, discount rate and projected financial information.
Derivative Financial Instrument. The interest rate on borrowings under the Company’s Term Loan is floating and, therefore, subject
to fluctuations. In order to manage the risk associated with changes in interest rates on its borrowing under the Term Loan, the Company
entered into the Swap effective December 31, 2018. Under the terms of the Swap, the Company is locked into a fixed rate of interest of
2.96%, as defined in the Credit Agreement, on a notional amount of $300 million.
The amendment entered into in June 2020 (the “Second Amendment”) resulted in the loss of hedge accounting. For further information,
see Note 8 (Interest Rate Swap). As a result, as of the date of the Second Amendment, the unrealized loss included within Accumulated
other comprehensive loss is ratably reclassified into Net income (loss) over the remaining life of the Swap. Each period, a portion of the
unrealized loss is recorded to Interest expense, net and Income tax expense (benefit) within the Consolidated Statements of Income
(Loss). Subsequent to the Second Amendment, any changes in the fair value of the Swap is recorded within Other (expense) income,
net on the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).
As a result of the amendment entered into in October 2020 (the “Third Amendment”), the existing debt at the time of the amendment
resulted in a partial debt extinguishment. Due to the reduction in value of the underlying Term Loan upon the Third Amendment as
compared to the notional amount of the Swap, a proportional amount of the frozen Accumulated other comprehensive loss balance was
immediately reclassified into Interest expense, net. The Swap is recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value and
classified based on the instrument’s maturity date.
Income Taxes. Income taxes are presented on the Consolidated Financial Statements using the asset and liability method, under which
deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences that exist
between the financial statement carrying amount of assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis, as well as from operating loss
and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred income taxes reflect expected future tax benefits (i.e. assets) and future tax costs (i.e. liabilities).
The Company measures deferred tax assets and liabilities using the enacted tax rate expected to apply to taxable income in the years in
which those temporary differences are expected to be recoverable or settled. The Company recognizes the effect on deferred taxes of a
change in tax rates in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established if, based upon the
weight of available evidence, management determines it is “more likely than not” that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will
not be realized.
The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be
sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the
financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being
realized upon ultimate resolution. The Company’s uncertain tax position reserves are reviewed periodically and are adjusted as events
occur that affect its estimates, such as the availability of new information, the lapsing of applicable statutes of limitation, the conclusion
of tax audits, the measurement of additional estimated liability, the identification of new tax matters, the release of administrative tax
guidance affecting its estimates of tax liabilities or the rendering of relevant court decisions. The Company records penalties and interest
relating to uncertain tax positions in Income tax expense (benefit) in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). For further
information, see Note 14 (Income Taxes).
Stock-Based Compensation. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.
Forfeitures are recorded at the time the forfeiture event occurs. For further information, see Note 12 (Stock-Based Compensation).
Advertising Costs. The Company expenses all advertising costs as they are incurred and are included in Marketing and sales in the
Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). Advertising expense for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $104.4
million, $80.4 million and $115.8 million, respectively.
Cost of Revenue and Operations. Cost of revenue and operations consist of expenses related to the pay per lead products, third-party
costs, such as processing of dealer vehicle inventory, product fulfillment, customer service, hosting for our digital solutions and related
compensation costs.
Defined Contribution Plans. The Company’s employees are eligible to participate in a defined contribution plan. Participants are
eligible on their date of hire and are allowed to make tax-deferred contributions up to 90% of annual compensation, subject to limitations
specified by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Employer contributions consist of matching contributions and/or non-
elective employer contributions. The Company provides a maximum match for 4% of the employee’s salary and contributions are
42
Cars.com Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
immediately fully vested. As part of the cost reduction efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions, beginning
in the second quarter of 2020, the Company temporarily suspended the employer match of employees’ defined contribution plans for a
portion of the year ended December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, the Company’s match was fully reinstated. The Company’s
contributions to its defined contribution plans for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 were $5.0 million, $2.4 million
and $4.3 million, respectively.
Note 3. Business Combination
On November 5, 2021, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of CreditIQ, (the “CIQ Acquisition”) a cutting edge automotive
fintech platform that provides instant online loan screening and approvals to facilitate online car buying. Through the CIQ Acquisition,
the Company now provides dealers with access to advanced digital financing technology across the CARS platform.
The Company expensed as incurred total acquisition costs of $1.2 million, all of which were recorded during the twelve months ended
December 31, 2021. These costs were recorded in General and administrative in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). In
connection with the CIQ Acquisition, CreditIQ’s unvested equity awards were cash settled for a total of $9.6 million. The fair value of
these awards was based on the price paid per common share to the owners of the acquired business and recognized immediately after
the CIQ Acquisition as compensation expense in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).
Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation. The fair values assigned to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed
were determined based on management’s estimates and assumptions, as well as other information compiled by management, including
third-party valuations that utilize customary valuation procedures and techniques, such as the multi-period excess earnings and the relief
of royalty methods. The preliminary fair values of all assets acquired and liabilities assumed are subject to change within the one-year
measurement period. The Acquisition purchase price allocation is as follows (in thousands):
Cash consideration (1)
Contingent consideration (2)
Cash settlement of CIQ Acquisition's unvested equity awards (3)
Total purchase consideration
Assets acquired (4)
Identified intangible assets (5)
Total assets acquired
Total liabilities assumed (6)
Net identifiable assets
Goodwill
Total purchase consideration
Acquisition-date
Fair Value
29,965
23,805
(9,626)
44,144
193
19,900
20,093
(2,176)
17,917
26,227
44,144
$
$
$
$
(1) A reconciliation of cash consideration to Payments for the CIQ Acquisition, net of cash acquired in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows is
as follows (in thousands):
Cash consideration
Less: Cash settlement of CIQ Acquisition's unvested equity awards (3)
Less: Cash acquired
Payments for CIQ Acquisition, net of cash acquired
$
$
29,965
(9,626)
(81)
20,258
(2) As part of the CIQ Acquisition, the Company may be required to pay up to an additional $50.0 million in cash consideration to the former owners
based on two earn-out achievement objectives, including an earnings related metric and lender market share. The actual amount to be paid will be
based on the acquired business’s future performance to be attained over a three-year performance period with a mutually agreed upon option for
a fourth year. The fair value was estimated utilizing a Monte Carlo simulation or a scenario-based method, depending on the achievement objective.
(3) In connection with the Acquisition, CreditIQ’s unvested equity awards were cash settled. The fair value of these awards was $9.6 million and was
based on the price paid per common share to the owners of the acquired business and recognized immediately after the Acquisition as compensation
expense in General and administrative expense on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).
(4) Assets acquired includes cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and other identifiable assets acquired.
43
Cars.com Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(5) Information regarding the identifiable intangible assets acquired is as follows:
Trade name
Acquired software
Total
Acquisition-Date
Fair Value
(in thousands)
$
$
900
19,000
19,900
Weighted-Average
Amortization Period
(in years)
10
5
(6) Total liabilities assumed includes accounts payable, deferred income tax liabilities, net and other liabilities assumed.
Goodwill. In connection with the CIQ Acquisition, the Company recorded goodwill in the amount of $26.2 million, which is primarily
attributable to sales growth from existing and future technology, product offerings, customers and the value of the acquired assembled
workforce. All of the goodwill is considered non-deductible for income tax purposes.
Prior to the CIQ Acquisition for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, the CIQ Acquisition would have had an immaterial
impact on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).
Note 4. Revenue
Revenue Summary. In the table below (in thousands), revenue is disaggregated by major products and services. The Company only has
one reportable segment; therefore, further disaggregation is not applicable at this time.
Prior to October 2019, the Company’s affiliates also sold marketplace subscription advertising to dealer customers, and the Company
earned Wholesale revenue through its affiliate agreements. For further information, see Note 6 (Unfavorable Contracts Liability).
Major products and services
Subscription advertising and digital solutions
Display advertising
Pay per lead
Other
Total revenue
$
$
2021
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2019
518,270 $
85,169
12,346
7,898
623,683 $
436,441 $
84,630
18,557
7,875
547,503 $
475,960
91,935
26,907
11,880
606,682
Note 5. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Summary. The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill and indefinite-lived
intangible asset are as follows (in thousands):
Goodwill
Cars.com
Trade name
December 31, 2019
Impairment
December 31, 2020
Additions (1)
December 31, 2021
$
$
$
$
505,885
(505,885)
$
—
26,227
26,227
$
790,020
(400,000 )
390,020
—
390,020
(1) In connection with the CreditIQ Acquisition, the Company recorded goodwill in the amount of $26.2 million. No impairment was noted for the
year ended December 31, 2021. For more information on the Acquisition, see Note 3 (Business Combination).
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Asset Prior Year Impairments. In September 2019, the Company determined there was a
triggering event, primarily caused by a sustained decrease in the Company's stock price after the completion of the strategic alternatives
review process and performed interim quantitative impairment tests. The results of the goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset
impairment tests indicated that the carrying values exceeded the estimated fair values. Thus, during the third quarter of 2019, the
Company recorded an impairment of $379.2 million and $82.3 million related to its goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset,
respectively. In the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company performed an updated quantitative impairment analysis of its goodwill and
indefinite-lived intangible asset and the results of those tests indicated that the estimated fair value exceeded the carrying value as of
December 31, 2019. For further information, see Note 2 (Significant Accounting Polices).
44
Cars.com Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
In March 2020, the Company determined there was a triggering event, caused by the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and
related restrictions. In March 2020, the World Health Organization categorized COVID-19 as a pandemic, and it has since spread
throughout the United States and the rest of the world with different geographical locations impacted more than others. The pandemic
resulted in governmental authorities around the country implementing numerous measures to contain the virus, such as quarantines,
shelter-in-place orders and business shutdowns (the “related restrictions”). The related restrictions have had, and the Company expects
they will continue to have, a negative impact on regional and national economies and the automotive industry for an uncertain duration.
While certain jurisdictions have relaxed or reversed some of these related restrictions, many have been subsequently reinstated.
The COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions have caused a widespread increase in unemployment and have resulted in reduced
consumer spending and an economic recession. As a result of overall uncertainty related to the automotive industry, in the second half
of March 2020, the Company’s customers began to adjust, reduce or suspend their operating and marketing activities. This resulted and
may continue to result in decreased subscription revenue and reduced demand for the Company’s services. Moreover, depending upon
the progress of the pandemic and the government and societal responses thereto, the Company’s customers may implement further cost-
savings measures, including additional reductions of their advertising spend.
In an effort to assist its dealer customers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions, the Company provided, among
other measures, financial relief in the form of certain invoice credits of 50% for April 2020 and 30% for May and June 2020. With
respect to managing its expenses, the Company implemented several initiatives, including both permanent and temporary measures, to
adjust expenses with changes in revenue.
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions, particularly reduced consumer spending and the discounts that the
Company provided its dealer customers in the second quarter of 2020, have negatively impacted its results of operations, cash flows and
financial position. In addition, the extent of the impact will vary depending on the duration and severity of the economic and operational
impacts of the pandemic and related restrictions. Thus, the amount and timing of future cash flows, used in the valuation models to
estimate the fair value of the Company’s assets, were significantly and negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and related
restrictions.
The Company performed interim quantitative impairment tests as of March 31, 2020. The results of the goodwill and indefinite-lived
intangible asset impairment tests indicated that the carrying values exceeded the estimated fair values and thus, the Company recorded
an impairment of $505.9 million and $400.0 million related to its goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset, respectively. This
impairment charge reduced the goodwill balance to zero at March 31, 2020.
Definite Lived Intangible Assets. The Company’s definite-lived intangible assets by major asset class are as follows (in thousands):
Gross
Carrying
Amount
December 31, 2021
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Carrying
Amount
Gross
Carrying
Amount
December 31, 2020
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Carrying
Amount
Customer relationships
Acquired software
Other trade names
Content library
Total
$
$
832,540 $
60,700
24,800
2,100
920,140 $
(487,782) $
(40,362)
(10,492)
(2,100)
(540,736) $
344,758
20,338
14,308
—
379,404
$
$
832,540 $
111,200
23,900
2,100
969,740 $
(416,452) $
(98,411)
(7,631)
(2,100)
(524,594) $
416,088
12,789
16,269
—
445,146
As of December 31, 2021, projected annual amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets is as follows (in thousands):
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Thereafter
Total
$
$
45
75,584
73,718
71,112
56,369
34,960
67,661
379,404
Cars.com Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Note 6. Unfavorable Contracts Liability
In connection with the October 2014 acquisition of CARS by the Company’s former parent, the Company entered into affiliate
agreements with the former owners of CARS. Under the affiliate agreements, affiliates had the exclusive right to sell and price the
Company’s products and services in their local territories, paying the Company a wholesale rate for the Company’s products. The
Company charged the affiliates 60% of the corresponding Cars.com’s retail rate for products sold to affiliate dealer customers and prior
to October 2019, recognized revenue generated from these agreements as Wholesale revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Income
(Loss). The Unfavorable contracts liability was established as a result of these below market-rate unfavorable affiliate agreements that
the Company entered into as part of TEGNA’s acquisition of the Company in 2014.
Prior to the affiliate conversions discussed below, over the contract period, the Company recognized $25.2 million of Wholesale revenue
per year with a corresponding reduction of the Unfavorable contracts liability. The Unfavorable contracts liability was fully amortized
as of September 30, 2019.
The Company amended five of its affiliate agreements (Gannett, McClatchy, TEGNA, tronc, and the Washington Post) and as a result,
had a direct relationship with these dealer customers before the original contractual conversion date specified. As a result, the Company
recognized the revenue associated with converted dealer customers as Dealer revenue, rather than Wholesale revenue, in the
Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). On October 2019, the Belo affiliate agreement expired.
As part of the amendments to the affiliate agreements, Gannett, McClatchy, TEGNA, tronc, and the Washington Post agreed to perform
certain marketing support and transition services through varying dates, the latest of which was June 29, 2020. The fees the Company
incurred associated with the amended affiliate agreements were recorded as Affiliate revenue share expense within Operating expenses
in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).
The Company no longer records the amortization of the Unfavorable contracts liability associated with the converted markets to revenue
as the Company is recognizing this Dealer revenue at retail rates. The amortization of the Unfavorable contracts liability related to these
converted markets was recorded as a reduction of Affiliate revenue share within Operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of
Income (Loss). As of December 31, 2019, the Unfavorable contracts liability has been fully amortized.
During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company recorded zero and $17.5 million, respectively, as a reduction to
Affiliate revenue share, rather than Wholesale revenue, in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).
As of October 2019, the Company has direct relationships with all of its dealer customers. In addition, as of June 30, 2020, the Company
no longer incurs affiliate revenue share expense.
Note 7. Debt
Credit Agreement. On May 31, 2017, the Company and certain of its domestic wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the
“Guarantors”) entered into what was originally a $900 million Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with the lenders named
therein. Subsequent to the initial Credit Agreement, the Company has entered into three amendments.
The Credit Agreement’s initial maturity was May 31, 2022 and originally included (a) revolving loan commitments in an aggregate
principal amount of up to $450 million (of which up to $25 million may be in the form of letters of credit at its request) and (b) term
loans in an aggregate principal amount of $450 million. Interest on the borrowings under the Credit Agreement is payable based on
either (i) the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or (ii) the Alternate Base Rate (“ABR”), as defined in the Credit Agreement,
in either case plus an applicable margin and fees which, after the second full fiscal quarter following the closing date, was based upon
its Total Net Leverage Ratio. The ABR is the greater of (a) the prime rate, (b) the New York Fed Bank Rate plus 50 basis points or (c)
adjusted LIBOR, which is computed as the LIBOR Screen Rate at 11:00 AM on such day. The applicable margin varied between 1.25%
to 2.0% for LIBOR borrowings and 0.25% to 1.0% for ABR borrowings, depending on the Company’s Total Net Leverage Ratio. The
Credit Agreement required a maximum Total Net Leverage Ratio of 4.25x with an incremental step down to 3.75x on or after May 31,
2019 and a minimum Interest Coverage Ratio of 3.0x (each as defined in the Credit Agreement). The Credit Agreement allowed for
with a temporary step up to the maximum Total Net Leverage Ratio for material permitted acquisitions.
First Amendment. In October 2019, the Company entered into an amendment to its Credit Agreement to increase the maximum Total
Net Leverage Ratio to 4.50x for periods ending on or after December 31, 2019, with step downs through maturity, while preserving the
favorable pricing structure from the original agreement.
46
Cars.com Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Second Amendment. In June 2020, the Company entered into an amendment to provide flexibility during the uncertain COVID-19
period which provided for a waiver with respect to the Total Net Leverage Ratio and Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio financial
covenants for the covenant testing periods through December 31, 2020 (the “Covenant Adjustment Period”). The Second Amendment
also included the following:
A revised maximum permitted Total Net Leverage Ratio beginning March 31, 2021 (after the Covenant Adjustment Period)
of 6.50x, with step downs thereafter;
A revised minimum permitted Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio beginning March 31, 2021 (after the Covenant
Adjustment Period) of 2.75x and 3.00x beginning June 30, 2020;
A LIBOR floor of 0.75%;
A minimum liquidity requirement of $75.0 million and the addition of an anti-cash hoarding covenant, which requires,
during the Covenant Adjustment Period, mandatory prepayments of the Revolving Credit Facility with the amount of any
unrestricted cash in excess of $75.0 million; and
A revised interest rate grid updated to reflect a maximum ABR margin of 1.50% and a maximum Eurodollar margin of
2.50%; during the Covenant Adjustment Period the applicable margins were increased by 0.50%.
Third Amendment. On October 30, 2020, the Company entered into the Third Amendment to its Credit Agreement in connection with
a broader refinancing, in which the Company reduced the size of the outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement to an aggregate
principal amount of $430.0 million, comprised of a $230.0 million Revolving Credit Facility and a $200.0 million Term Loan, and
extended the maturity date to May 31, 2025. The Third Amendment also included the following:
A maximum Senior Secured Leverage Ratio of 3.50x (as defined within the Credit Agreement, as amended), with a
temporary step up for material permitted acquisitions;
A minimum Interest Coverage Ratio of 2.75x and 3.00x beginning June 30, 2023;
A revised interest rate grid updated to reflect a maximum ABR margin of 1.75% and a maximum Eurodollar margin of
2.75%;
Reduction of the LIBOR floor to 0.50%;
Certain modifications to negative covenants restricting additional indebtedness, investments, acquisitions, debt repayments
and certain dividends and distribution;
Provisions to accommodate the replacement of the existing LIBOR Rate with a successor benchmark interest rate; and
Ended the Covenant Adjustment Period and removed the related minimum liquidity requirement and anti-cash hoarding
covenant that were implemented pursuant to the Second Amendment.
Term Loan. As of December 31, 2021, the outstanding principal amount under the Term Loan was $77.5 million and the interest rate
in effect was 2.5%, not including the impact of the interest rate swap. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company made
$120.0 million in Term Loan payments, of which $110.0 million were voluntary prepayments.
Revolving Loan. As of December 31, 2021, $230.0 million was available to borrow under the Revolving Loan. The Company had zero
drawdowns on the Revolving Loan during the year ended December 31, 2021.
Senior Unsecured Notes. In October 2020, the Company issued $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.375% senior unsecured
notes due 2028. Interest on the notes is due semi-annually on May 1 and November 1.
Debt Issuance Costs. Debt issuance costs related to the various amendments and issuances were $14.3 million and $17.7 million at
December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Depending on the nature of the debt issuance costs and the underlying debt
to which it relates, they are recorded as either a reduction of debt and accreted using the effective interest method or as a deferred asset
and accreted using the straight-line method with the amortization recorded in Interest expense, net on the Consolidated Statements of
Income (Loss).
Debt Extinguishment. The Third Amendment resulted in a partial debt extinguishment of $1.8 million of the previously capitalized debt
issuance costs and included in Other (expense) income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) for the year ended
December 31, 2020.
Debt Guarantors, Collateral, Covenants and Restrictions. The obligations under the debt agreements are guaranteed by the Guarantors
and the Company. The Guarantors secured their respective obligations under the debt agreements by granting liens in favor of the agent
on substantially all of their assets. The terms of the debt agreement include representations and warranties, affirmative and negative
covenants (including certain financial covenants) and events of default that are customary for credit facilities of this nature. The negative
covenants place restrictions and limitations on the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, make distributions or other
47
Cars.com Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
restricted payments, create liens, make certain equity or debt investments, engage in mergers or consolidations and engage in certain
transactions with affiliates. As of December 31, 2021, the Company is in compliance with the covenants under its debt agreements.
Long-term Debt Maturities. Long-term debt includes future principal payments on long-term borrowings through scheduled maturity
dates. Excluded from these amounts are the amortization of debt issuance and other costs related to indebtedness. As of December 31,
2021, the Company’s contractual payments under then-outstanding long-term debt agreements in each of the next five calendar years
and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Thereafter
Total
Note 8. Interest Rate Swap
$
$
11,250
16,250
20,000
30,000
—
400,000
477,500
The interest rate on borrowings under the Company’s Term Loan is floating and, therefore, subject to fluctuations. In order to manage
the risk associated with changes in interest rates on its borrowing under the initial Term Loan, the Company entered into an interest rate
swap (the “Swap”) effective December 31, 2018. Under the terms of the Swap, the Company is locked into a fixed rate of interest of
2.96%, as defined in the Company’s Credit Agreement, on a notional amount of $300 million until May 31, 2022. The Swap was initially
designated as a cash flow hedge of interest rate risk.
During the second quarter of 2020, the Company entered into the second amendment to the Credit Agreement, which triggered a
quantitative hedge effectiveness test that resulted in the loss of hedge accounting. As a result, as of the date of the second amendment,
the unrealized loss included within Accumulated other comprehensive loss was frozen and is now being ratably reclassified into Net
income (loss) over the remaining life of the Swap through Interest expense, net and Income tax expense (benefit) within the Consolidated
Statements of Income (Loss). Subsequent to the second amendment, any changes in the fair value of the Swap are recorded within Other
(expense) income, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).
During the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company entered into the third amendment to the Credit Agreement, which triggered a partial
debt extinguishment, including a partial extinguishment of the underlying Term Loan. Due to the reduction in the Term Loan as
compared to the notional amount of the Swap, the Company wrote-off a proportional amount of the frozen Accumulated other
comprehensive loss balance as of the date of the partial extinguishment proportional to the reduction in the underlying notional amount
of Term Loan. The Company will continue to amortize the remaining Accumulated other comprehensive loss to Interest expense, net
and Income tax expense (benefit) within the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) through the remainder of the term of the Swap.
Any changes in the fair value of the Swap will continue to be recorded within Other (expense) income, net on the Consolidated
Statements of Income (Loss).
As of December 31, 2021, the fair value of the Swap was an unrealized loss of $3.5 million, which is recorded in Other accrued liabilities
on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2020, the fair value of the Swap was an unrealized loss of $12.1 million, of
which $8.5 million and $3.6 million was recorded in Other accrued liabilities and Other noncurrent liabilities, respectively, on the
Consolidated Balance Sheets. During the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, $5.7 million and $11.1 million was
reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss and recorded in Interest expense, net, respectively. During the year ended
December 31, 2021, the Company made payments of $8.6 million related to the Swap. During the year ended December 31, 2021, $0.9
million was reclassified as a tax benefit from Accumulated other comprehensive loss into Income tax expense (benefit) on the
Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).
48
Cars.com Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Note 9. Leases
Leases. The Company is obligated as a lessee under certain non-cancelable operating leases for office space, and is also obligated to
pay insurance, maintenance and other executory costs associated with the leases. In May 2016, the Company entered into a lease of
office space in Chicago, Illinois. The lease extends through June 2031 and monthly rental payments under the lease escalate by 2.5%
each year throughout the lease. As of December 31, 2021, the Company’s scheduled future minimum lease payments under operating
leases having initial noncancelable lease terms of more than one year, is as follows (in thousands):
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Thereafter
Total minimum lease payments
Less: Imputed interest (1)
Present value of the minimum lease payments
Less: Current maturities of lease obligations
Long-term lease obligations
$
$
4,470
4,042
4,154
4,570
4,684
21,742
43,662
(12,852)
30,810
(2,253)
28,557
(1) The Company’s lease agreements do not provide a readily determinable implicit rate nor is it available from the Company’s lessors. Therefore,
in order to discount lease payments to present value, the Company has estimated its incremental borrowing rate based on information available
at either the lease transition date (for those leases that commenced prior to January 1, 2019) or the lease commencement date (for those leases
that commenced after January 1, 2019).
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company’s operating lease assets, included in Investments and other assets, net, were $14.6
million and $16.0 million, respectively, and operating lease liabilities were $30.8 million and $33.3 million, respectively, the current
maturities of which is included in Other accrued liabilities and the long-term portion of which is included in Other noncurrent liabilities.
The difference between the operating lease assets and the operating lease liabilities is primarily due to a lease incentive received in 2017
related to the 300 South Riverside Lease in Chicago, Illinois.
Other information related to the Company’s operating leases for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 is as follows (in
thousands, except months and percentage):
Income statement information:
Operating lease cost
Short-term lease cost
Variable lease cost
Total lease cost
Other information:
Cash paid for operating leases
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in months)
Weighted-average discount rate as of December 31,
Note 10. Commitments and Contingences
Year Ended December 31,
2021
2020
2019
$
$
$
3,541
600
3,034
7,175
$
$
$
4,856
112
7.4%
3,848
856
2,834
7,538
$
$
$
3,320
122
7.4%
3,877
1,202
2,565
7,644
3,627
132
7.4%
The Company and its subsidiaries are parties from time to time in legal and administrative proceedings involving matters incidental to
its business. These matters, whether pending, threatened or unasserted, if decided adversely to the Company or settled, may result in
liabilities material to its financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The Company records a liability when it believes that it
is both probable that a loss will be incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company evaluates, at least
quarterly, developments in its legal matters that could affect the amount of liability that has been previously accrued and makes
adjustments as appropriate. Significant judgment is required to determine both the probability and the estimated amount.
Note 11. Stockholders' Equity
49
Cars.com Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
In March 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a two-year share repurchase program to acquire up to $200 million of the
Company’s common stock. The Company repurchased shares from time to time in open market transactions or through privately
negotiated transactions in accordance with applicable federal securities laws. The timing and amounts of any purchases under the share
repurchase program were based on market conditions and other factors including price. The repurchase program did not require the
purchase of any minimum number of shares and the Company funded the share repurchase program principally with cash from
operations. In March 2020, the repurchase program expired and there were no share repurchases during the year ended December 31,
2020. The Company repurchased and subsequently retired 1.7 million shares for $40.0 million during the year ended December 31,
2019.
Note 12. Stock-Based Compensation
Omnibus Plan. In May 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the Cars.com Inc. Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan
(the “Omnibus Plan”), which provides for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units,
performance shares and other stock-based and cash-based awards. A maximum of 18.0 million common stock shares may be issued
under the Omnibus Plan. As of December 31, 2021, there were 8.9 million common stock shares available for future grants. The
Company issues new shares of CARS common stock for shares delivered under the Omnibus Plan.
Information related to stock-based compensation expense is as follows (in thousands):
Stock-based compensation expense
Income tax benefit related to stock-based
compensation expense
2021
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2019
$
21,431 $
15,155 $
7,588
—
—
2,840
The following table shows stock-based compensation expense by financial statement line item on the Company’s Consolidated
Statements of Income (Loss) (in thousands).
Cost of revenue and operations
Product and technology
Marketing and sales
General and administrative
Total
$
$
Year Ended December 31,
2021
2020
2019
876 $
5,455
5,202
9,898
21,431 $
593 $
3,314
3,612
7,636
15,155 $
91
1,134
1,518
4,845
7,588
Information related to outstanding stock-based compensation awards as of December 31, 2021 for restricted share units (“RSUs”),
restricted stock, performance share units (“PSUs”) and the Cars.com Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) is as follows (in
thousands, except for weighted-average remaining period):
RSUs and Restricted Stock
PSUs
Stock Options
ESPP
Total
Unearned
Compensation
Weighted-Average
Remaining Period
(in years)
$
$
23,356
20
2,619
139
26,134
1.8
0.2
2.0
0.3
Restricted Share Units and Restricted Stock. RSUs represent the right to receive unrestricted shares of the Company’s common stock
at the time of vesting, subject to any restrictions as specified in the individual holder’s award agreement. RSUs are subject to graded
vesting, generally ranging between one and four years and the fair value of the RSUs is equal to the Company's common stock price on
the date of grant. Restricted Stock represents RSUs that have been delivered to certain non-employee directors who have elected to
receive shares underlying RSUs before they vest. Restricted Stock is subject to graded vesting over one year and the fair value of the
50
Cars.com Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Restricted Stock is equal to the Company’s common stock price on the date of grant. RSU and Restricted Stock activity for the year
ended December 31, 2021 is as follows (in thousands, except for weighted-average grant date fair value):
Outstanding as of December 31, 2020
Granted
Vested and delivered
Forfeited
Outstanding as of December 31, 2021 (1)
Number of RSUs
and Restricted Stock
Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
$
4,061
1,664
(1,680)
(362)
3,683
8.31
14.94
8.75
9.82
10.95
(1) The outstanding balance as of December 31, 2021 includes 63 RSUs that were vested, but not yet delivered.
The weighted-average grant-date fair value of RSUs granted during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $5.87 and $23.51,
respectively. The total grant-date fair value of RSUs that vested during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $14.7
million, $8.9 million and $7.1 million, respectively.
Performance Share Units. PSUs represent the right to receive unrestricted shares of the Company’s common stock at the time of vesting.
The fair value of the PSUs is equal to the Company’s common stock price on the date of grant. Expense related to PSUs is recognized
when the performance conditions are probable of being achieved. The percentage of PSUs that shall vest will range from 0% to 200%
of the number of PSUs granted based on the Company’s future performance related to certain revenue and adjusted earnings before
interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization targets over a three-year performance period. These PSUs are subject to cliff
vesting at the end of the respective performance period. PSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2021 is as follows (in thousands,
except for weighted-average grant date fair value):
Outstanding as of December 31, 2020
Granted
Vested and delivered
Forfeited or cancelled
Outstanding as of December 31, 2021
Number
of PSUs
Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
$
730
—
(588)
—
142
9.28
—
5.74
—
23.98
Stock Options. Stock options represent the right to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at the time of vesting, subject to
any restrictions as specified in the individual holder’s award agreement. Stock options are subject to three-year cliff vesting and expire
10 years from the grant date. The Company began issuing stock options during the year ended December 31, 2020. Stock option
activity for the year ended December 31, 2021 is as follows (in thousands, except for weighted-average grant date fair value and
weighted-average remaining contractual term):
Outstanding as of December 31, 2020
Granted
Vested and delivered
Forfeited
Outstanding as of December 31, 2021
Exercisable as of December 31, 2021
Number
of Options
Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Weighted-Average
Remaining Contractual
Term (in years)
$
513
291
—
—
804
—
2.80
9.63
—
—
5.27
—
9.22
—
—
—
8.58
—
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
$ 3,028
—
—
—
5,754
—
The fair value of the stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 are estimated on the grant date using
the Black-Scholes option pricing model, using the following assumptions:
Risk-free interest rate
Weighted-average volatility
Dividend yield
Expected years until exercise
2021
2020
1.15%
69.00%
0%
6.5
1.01 %
53.08 %
0 %
6.5
51
Cars.com Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Employee Stock Purchase Plan. In September 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the Cars.com Employee Stock
Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”). Eligible employees may authorize payroll deductions of up to 10% of the employee’s base earnings with a
maximum of $10,000 per every six-month offering period to purchase CARS common stock at a purchase price per share equal to 85%
of the lower of (i) the closing market price per share of CARS at the beginning of the offering period or (ii) the closing market price per
share at the end of the offering period. A maximum of three million shares are available for issuance under the ESPP. As of December
31, 2021, 2.3 million shares were available for issuance under the ESPP. The Company issued 0.2 million and 0.3 million shares related
to the ESPP and recorded $0.7 million of stock-based compensation expense related to the ESPP for the years ended December 31, 2021
and 2020, respectively.
Note 13. Earnings (Loss) Per Share
Basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing Net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock
outstanding. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is similarly calculated, except that the calculation includes the dilutive effect of the
assumed issuance of shares under stock-based compensation plans, unless the inclusion of such shares would have an anti-dilutive
impact. The computations of the Company’s basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share is as follows (in thousands, except per share
amounts):
Net income (loss)
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding
Effect of dilutive stock-based compensation awards (1)
Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding
Earnings (loss) per share, basic
Earnings (loss) per share, diluted
$
$
Year Ended December 31,
2021
2020
2019
7,719
68,727
2,610
71,337
0.11
0.11
$
$
(817,120) $
67,241
—
67,241
(12.15) $
(12.15)
(445,324 )
66,995
—
66,995
(6.65 )
(6.65 )
(1) There were 1,304, 2,727 and 809 potential common shares excluded from diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding for the years
ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 respectively, as their inclusion would have had an anti-dilutive effect.
Note 14. Income Taxes
Selected Information Related to Income Taxes. Significant components of Income (Loss) before income taxes are as follows (in
thousands):
2021
Year Ended December 31,
2020
(938,248) $
1,839
(936,409) $
9,444 $
39
9,483 $
2019
(476,925)
1,646
(475,279)
2021
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2019
2,587 $
1,981
(163)
4,405
(2,599)
(46)
4
(2,641)
1,764 $
(15,871) $
—
164
(15,707)
(83,830)
(19,761)
9
(103,582)
(119,289) $
9,319
2,651
448
12,418
(36,294)
(6,076)
(3)
(42,373)
(29,955)
U.S.
Non-U.S.
Income (loss) before income taxes
Current:
U.S. federal
U.S. state and local
Non-U.S.
Total current income tax expense (benefit)
Deferred:
U.S. federal
U.S. state and local
Non-U.S.
Total deferred income tax benefit
Income tax expense (benefit)
$
$
$
$
52
Cars.com Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
The income tax provision differed from amounts computed at the statutory federal income tax rate, as follows (in thousands, except
percentage):
2021
$
%
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2019
$
(196,646)
%
%
$
(99,808)
Income tax provision (benefit) at statutory rate $
State income taxes, net of federal income tax
expense (benefit)
Nondeductible executive compensation
Nondeductible transaction expenses
Tax credits
Goodwill impairment
Effect of change in apportionment factors
NOL carrybacks rate differential
Stock-based compensation
Uncertain tax positions
Valuation allowance
Other, net
Income tax expense (benefit)
$
1,994
21.0 % $
378
1,365
2,638
(2,379)
—
—
—
(3,010)
4,337
(3,657)
98
1,764
4.0
14.4
27.8
(25.1)
—
—
—
(31.7)
45.7
(38.6)
1.1
18.6 % $
21.0 % $
4.0
(0.1)
—
0.3
1.4
0.2
0.3
(0.1)
0.2
(14.6)
0.1
12.7 % $
(37,566)
625
—
(2,375)
(13,683)
(2,228)
(3,270)
1,062
(1,470)
136,842
(580)
(119,289)
21.0 %
1.1
(0.1)
—
0.4
(15.1)
(0.2)
—
(0.1)
(0.3)
—
(0.4)
6.3 %
(5,374)
97
—
(1,797)
71,650
928
—
265
1,327
—
2,757
(29,955)
Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities. The Company has recorded deferred tax assets related to federal and state income tax net operating
loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of approximately $10.6 million and $2.1 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The
federal NOL, and a small portion of the state NOLs, can be carried forward indefinitely, although certain jurisdictions, including federal
and numerous states, limit NOL carryforwards to a percentage of current year taxable income.
The Company also has recorded deferred tax assets related to federal and state research and development (“R&D”) tax credit
carryforwards of $4.2 million and $1.8 million, net of uncertain tax positions, as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The
federal and state R&D tax credits generally may be carried forward 20 years and 5 years, respectively.
Significant components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in thousands):
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Depreciation
Indefinite lived intangible
Right of use assets
Other
Total deferred tax liabilities
Deferred income tax assets:
Accrued compensation
Definite lived intangibles
Goodwill
Lease obligations
NOL and tax credit carryforwards
Other
Total deferred tax assets
Less: Valuation allowance
Net deferred tax liability
December 31,
2021
2020
(8,428) $
(98,316)
(3,687)
(1,708)
(112,139) $
10,613 $
87,077
91,756
7,762
14,804
2,286
214,298 $
(133,185)
(31,026) $
(4,887 )
(97,505 )
(4,031 )
(2,019 )
(108,442 )
7,600
88,136
99,697
8,374
3,906
6,839
214,552
(136,842 )
(30,732 )
$
$
$
$
$
The deferred tax assets and liabilities recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020
were as follows (in thousands):
Investments and other assets, net
Deferred tax liability
Net deferred tax liabilities
December 31,
2021
2020
$
$
60 $
(31,086)
(31,026) $
68
(30,800)
(30,732)
53
Cars.com Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
On March 27, 2020, the CARES Act was enacted into law. The CARES Act is a tax and spending package intended to provide economic
relief to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act includes several significant business tax provisions that,
among other things, would allow businesses to carry back NOLs arising in 2018, 2019, and 2020 to the five prior tax years. As a result
of the CARES Act, during the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company received a $9.1 million refund from the carryback of NOLs
to 2017 and 2018. The Company's receivable was included in Other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December
31, 2020.
Uncertain Tax Positions. A summary of the Company’s uncertain tax positions is as follows (in thousands):
Balance as of January 1
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
Additions for tax positions of prior years
Reductions for tax positions of prior years
Balance as of December 31
Year Ended December 31,
2021
2020
$
$
8,788
550
862
(349)
9,851
$
$
7,684
606
498
—
8,788
The Company believes it is reasonably possible that within the next twelve months the amount of the Company's uncertain tax positions
may be decreased by approximately $6.2 million. The Company has recorded its best estimate of the potential exposure for these issues.
As of December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, the Company had $2.6 million, $1.6 million, and $1.6 million, respectively, of uncertain tax
positions that if recognized, would affect the annual tax rate.
The Company files a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return as well as income tax returns in various state and local jurisdictions.
The Company's tax returns are routinely audited by federal and state tax authorities and these tax audits are at various stages of
completion at any given time. Generally, the Company’s tax returns open to examination by a federal or state taxing authority are for
years beginning on or after January 1, 2017.
Note 15. Segment Information
Operating segments are components of an enterprise where separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the
chief operating decision maker (the “CODM”), or decision-making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing
performance. The Company’s CODM is the CARS Chief Executive Officer. The CODM makes resource allocation decisions to
maximize the Company’s consolidated financial results.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company had one operating and reportable segment. For the years ended December 31,
2021, 2020 and 2019, the Company did not have any one customer that generated greater than 10% of total revenue. Substantially all
revenue and long-lived assets were generated and located within the U.S.
Note 16. Subsequent Events
Accu-Trade Acquisition. In February 2022, the Company signed an agreement to acquire 100% of the assets of Accu-Trade, Galves
Market Data and MADE Logistics ("Accu-Trade"), which includes real-time, VIN-specific appraisal and valuation data, instant
guaranteed offer capabilities, and logistics technology. Consideration for the transaction will be $65 million in cash at closing. There is
also the potential for additional cash and stock consideration based on achievement of certain financial thresholds. The transaction is
expected to close in March 2022.
Share Repurchase Program. In February 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a three-year share repurchase program to
acquire up to $200 million of the Company’s common stock.
54
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
Management’s Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our
disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period
covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of such
date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in
the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods
specified by the rules and forms of the Exchange Act, 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.
Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable
assurance of achieving their objectives, and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls
and procedures relative to their costs.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over our financial reporting (as defined in Rules
13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Our internal control system is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.
In evaluating the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, management used the framework
set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control - Integrated Framework
(2013). Based on such evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December
31, 2021. Management reviewed the results of its assessment with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections
of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are 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. Ernst & Young LLP, our independent
registered public accounting firm, issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2021 included herein.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
During the period covered by this report, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that materially affected,
or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)
under the Exchange Act).
55
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Cars.com Inc.
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited Cars.com Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in
Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013
framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Cars.com Inc. (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB),
the Consolidated Balance Sheets of Cars.com Inc. as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the related Consolidated Statements of Income
(Loss), Comprehensive Income (Loss), Stockholders’ Equity and Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 2021, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the index at Item 15(a)(2) and our report dated February 25,
2022 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
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 are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company
in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission
and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. 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 consider necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed 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 its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections
of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are 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.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Chicago, Illinois
February 25, 2022
56
Item 9B. Other Information.
None.
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections.
Not applicable.
57
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance. The information required by this item will be included in the
Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 11. Executive Compensation. The information required by this item will be included in the Company’s definitive proxy statement
for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters. The information
required by this item will be included in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is
incorporated herein by reference.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence. The information required by this item will
be included in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by
reference.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services. Information about aggregate fees billed to us by our principal accountant, Ernst &
Young LLP (PCAOB ID No. 42) will be included under the caption “Independent Auditor Fees” in the 2022 Proxy Statement, and that
information is incorporated by reference herein.
58
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.
(a) (1) Financial Statements. The financial statements required by this item are listed in Part II, Item 8., “Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data” herein.
(2) Financial Statement Schedules. The financial statement schedule required by this item is listed below and included in this report
after the signature page hereto.
Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.
All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, not required or the required information is shown in the
Consolidated Financial Statements or notes thereto.
(b)
Exhibits. The exhibits required by this item are listed in the Exhibit Index which immediately precedes the exhibits filed with
this Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by this reference.
59
Exhibit
Number
3.1**
3.2**
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Description
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Cars.com Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to
Cars.com Inc.’s Form 8-K filed on June 5, 2017, File No. 001-37869).
Amended and Restated By-Laws of Cars.com Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of Form 8-K filed on
October 23, 2018, File No. 001-37869).
4.1**
Description of Securities
4.2**
4.3*
4.4**
10.1**
10.2**
10.3**
10.4**
10.5**^
10.6**^
10.7**^
10.8**^
Indenture, dated October 30, 2020, among Cars.com Inc., the subsidiary guarantors party thereto and Wilmington
Trust, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Form 8-K filed by Cars.com Inc.
on October 30, 2020)
First Supplemental Indenture, dated November 17, 2021 among CreditIQ, Inc., Cars.com Inc. and Wilmington Trust,
National Association, as trustee
Form of 6.375% Senior Note due 2028 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Form 8-K filed by Cars.com
Inc. on October 30, 2020)
Credit Agreement dated as of May 31, 2017 among Cars.com Inc., as Borrower, each lender from time to time party
thereto, the other parties party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.7 to Cars.com Inc.’s Form 8-K filed on June 5, 2017, File No. 001-37869).
First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of October 4, 2019 among Cars.com Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors
party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to
Cars.com Inc.’s Form 8-K filed on October 7, 2019, File No. 001-37869)
Second Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of June 15, 2020, by and among Cars.com Inc., each lender from
time to time party thereto, the other parties party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Cars.com Inc.’s Form 8-K filed on June 16, 2020, File No. 001-37869)
Third Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated October 30, 2020, among Cars.com Inc., each lender from time to time
party thereto, the other parties party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Cars.com Inc.’s Form 8-K filed on October 30, 2020)
Cars.com Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of Cars.com Inc.’s Form 8-
K filed on June 5, 2017, File No. 001-37869).
Cars.com Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Cars.com Inc.’s Form 8-K
filed on June 5, 2017, File No. 001-37869).
Cars.com, LLC Long Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 of Amendment No. 4 to
Cars.com Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form 10 filed on April 27, 2017, File No. 001-37869).
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Cars.com Inc.’s Form 8-K filed on June 5,
2017, File No. 001-37869).
10.9**^
Cars.com Inc. Change in Control Severance Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Cars.com Inc.’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed May 10, 2019, File No. 001-37869).
10.10**^
Cars.com Inc. Executive Severance Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Cars.com Inc.’s Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q filed May 10, 2019, File No. 001-37869).
60
10.11**^
Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, effective as of January 1, 2017, between TEGNA Inc. and Alex Vetter
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of Amendment No. 4 to Cars.com Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form 10
filed on April 27, 2017, File No. 001-37869).
10.12**^
Form of 2017 Director Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to
Cars.com Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on June 20, 2017, File No. 001-37869).
10.13**^
Form of 2017 Employee Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to
Cars.com Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed June 20, 2017, File No. 001-37869).
10.14**^
Form of Director Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to
Cars.com Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 28, 2019, File No. 001-37869).
10.15**^
Form of Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
10.18 to Cars.com Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 28, 2019, File No. 001-37869)
10.16**^
Form of 2020 Employee Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (2020) issued under the Cars.com Inc. Omnibus
Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Cars.com Inc.’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q filed May 6, 2020, File No. 001-37869)
10.17**^
Form of Employee Option Award Agreement issued under the Cars.com Inc. Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Cars.com Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed May 6, 2020,
File No. 001-37869)
10.18**^
Form of 2020 Director Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to
Cars.com Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on July 30, 2020, File No. 001-37869)
10.19**^
10.20**^
Letter Agreement, dated as of November 2, 2016, between Cars.com, LLC and Alex Vetter (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.14 of Amendment No. 4 to Cars.com Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form 10 filed on April 27, 2017,
File No. 001-37869).
Letter Agreement, dated as of September 23, 2016, between Cars.com, LLC and Jim Rogers (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.17 of Amendment No. 4 to Cars.com Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form 10 filed on April 27, 2017,
File No. 001-37869).
10.21**^
Letter Agreement, dated as of July 9, 2018, between Cars.com, LLC and Doug Miller (incorporated herein by reference
to Exhibit 10.27 to Cars.com Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 28, 2019, File No. 001-37869).
10.22**^
Employment Offer Letter, dated May 15, 2020, between Cars.com, LLC and Sonia Jain (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to Cars.com Inc.’s Form 8-K filed on June 18, 2020, File No. 001-37869)
21.1*
Subsidiaries of Cars.com Inc.
23.1*
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
31.1*
31.2*
32.1*
32.2*
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
61
101.INS
101.SCH
101.CAL
101.DEF
101.LAB
101.PRE
104
Inline XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because XBRL
tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
* Filed herewith.
** Previously filed.
^ Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
62
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary. None.
63
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused
this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
SIGNATURES
Date: February 25, 2022
Date: February 25, 2022
Cars.com Inc.
By:
By:
/s/ T. Alex Vetter
T. Alex Vetter
Chief Executive Officer
/s/ Sonia Jain
Sonia Jain
Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this Report has been signed below by the following
persons on behalf of the Registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Director, Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date
February 25, 2022
/s/ T. Alex Vetter
T. Alex Vetter
/s/ Sonia Jain
Sonia Jain
/s/ Scott Forbes
Scott Forbes
/s/ Jerri DeVard
Jerri DeVard
/s/ Jill Greenthal
Jill Greenthal
/s/ Thomas Hale
Thomas Hale
/s/ Michael Kelly
Michael Kelly
/s/ Donald A. McGovern, Jr.
Donald A. McGovern, Jr.
/s/ Greg Revelle
Greg Revelle
/s/ Jenell Ross
Jenell Ross
/s/ Bala Subramanian
Bala Subramanian
/s/ Bryan Wiener
Bryan Wiener
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
February 25, 2022
Chairman of the Board
February 25, 2022
February 25, 2022
February 25, 2022
February 25, 2022
February 25, 2022
February 25, 2022
February 25, 2022
February 25, 2022
February 25, 2022
February 25, 2022
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
64
Schedule II
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
For the Years Ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019
(In thousands)
Allowance for doubtful accounts:
Description
2021
2020
2019
Balance at
Beginning
of Period
Additions
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses
Write-offs
Recoveries
Balance at
End of
Period
$
$
4,364
5,045
4,441
$
164
4,380
4,897
$
(3,268)
(5,330)
(4,638)
$
405
269
345
1,665
4,364
5,045
65
[This page intentionally left blank]
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Scott Forbes
Chairman
Alex Vetter
Director & Chief
Executive Officer
Jerri DeVard
Director
Jill Greenthal
Director
Thomas Hale
Director
Michael Kelly
Director
Donald A.
McGovern, Jr.
Director
Greg Revelle
Director
Jenell R. Ross
Director
Bala Subramanian
Director
Bryan Wiener
Director
EXECUTIVE TEAM
Alex Vetter
Director & Chief
Executive Officer
Jandy Tomy
Interim Chief
Financial Officer
Doug Miller
President & Chief
Commercial
Officer
Matthew Crawford
Chief Product
Officer
Dean Evans
Executive Vice
President, FUEL
Greg Heidorn
Chief Technology
Officer
Julien Schneider
Senior Vice
President, Strategy
& Business
Transformation
Angelique
Strong Marks
Chief Legal
Officer
D.V. Williams
Chief People
Officer
Joe Chura
Chief Innovation
Officer
Marita
Hudson Thomas
Chief
Communications
Officer
STOCK EXCHANGE
Cars.com’s stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol CARS.
Transfer Agent
Corporate Headquarters
Investor Relations
Annual Meeting
EQ Shareowner Services
1110 Centre Pointe Curve
Suite 101
Mendota Heights, MN 55120
Cars.com
300 S. Riverside Plaza
Suite 1000
Chicago, Illinois 60606
www.shareowneronline.com
Shareholder Services:
800-468-9716
Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm
Ernst & Young LLP
Cars.com Inc.’s Form 10-K,
Form 10-Q, proxy statement
and other filings with the Securities
and Exchange Commission, as
well as press releases and other
investor information, are available
free of charge on the Company’s
website at Investor.cars.com.
Requests for information may also
be made to the head of Investor
Relations at the Company’s
headquarters or at ir@cars.com.
The 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
of Cars.com Inc. will be held as a virtual-
only meeting. Any stockholder can join the
meeting, while only stockholders of record
as of April 12, 2022, will be able to vote
and submit questions during the meeting.
Date: Wednesday, June 8, 2022
Time: 9:00 a.m., Central Time
Virtual Stockholder Meeting:
www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/
CARS2022
300 South Riverside Plaza
Suite 1000
Chicago, Illinois 60606
©2022 Cars.com, LLC™. All rights reserved.