Vroom Inc

Previous wording

On January 22, 2024, we announced the Value Maximization Plan, pursuant to which we are discontinuing our ecommerce operations and winding down our used vehicle dealership business in order to preserve cash and maximize stakeholder value through our remaining businesses. As a result, we will incur costs including severance costs, inventory liquidation costs, contract and lease termination costs and non-cash asset impairments, and such costs are expected to exceed any cash we generate on the liquidation of assets. The Company estimates it will incur approximately $31.5 million in one-time expenses in connection with the Plan. Included in this amount are approximately $15.0 million in costs attributable to contract and lease terminations and approximately $16.5 million of expenses the Company expects to incur relating to employee severance and benefits costs. The actual amount of wind down, transition and impairment charges may materially exceed our estimates, due to various factors, many of which are outside of our control, including the outcomes of discussions and negotiations (a number of which are currently ongoing) with the counterparties to the contracts and leases we intend to terminate or modify. In addition, because of uncertainties with respect to our wind-down plan (including those described above), we may not be able to realize the anticipated benefits of or complete the wind-down in the expected timeframe, on the terms or in the manner we expect, and the costs incurred in connection with such wind-down activities may exceed our estimates. If the time to complete the wind-down takes longer than expected, or the actual costs or impairment charges exceed our estimates, the Company’s business, operational results, financial position and cash flows could be adversely affected.

Current wording

On January 22, 2024, we announced the Value Maximization Plan, pursuant to which we discontinued our ecommerce operations and wound down our used vehicle dealership business in order to preserve cash and maximize stakeholder value through our remaining businesses (the "Ecommerce Wind-Down"). As a result, we have incurred costs including severance costs, inventory liquidation costs, contract and lease termination costs and non-cash asset impairments. We incurred total cash charges of approximately $15.8 million for severance and other personnel-related costs, and approximately $13.9 million in contract and lease termination costs in relation to the Value Maximization Plan. We may incur additional charges in connection with the Vroom Ecommerce Wind-Down.

Previous wording

The purpose of the Value Maximization Plan is to wind-down our ecommerce operations, which were not profitable and had significant cash burn, in order to preserve cash and enable us to maximize stakeholder value through our remaining businesses, UACC and CarStory. As of February 29, 2024, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $94.0 million. Given our wind-down expenses, including employee severance costs, our ongoing operating expenses and recent losses at UACC, there can be no assurance that we will succeed in growing and enhancing the profitability of UACC and CarStory and create meaningful stakeholder value.

Current wording

The purpose of the Value Maximization Plan was to wind-down our ecommerce operations, which were not profitable and had significant cash burn, in order to preserve cash and enable us to maximize stakeholder value through our remaining businesses, UACC and CarStory. As of December 31, 2024, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $29.3 million. Given our Ecommerce Wind-Down expenses, including employee severance costs, our ongoing operating expenses and recent losses at UACC, there can be no assurance that we will succeed in achieving profitability and creating meaningful stakeholder value.

Previous wording

Additionally, the announced wind-down involves further risks, including:

Current wording

Additionally, the Ecommerce Wind-Down involves further risks, including:

Previous wording

exposure to unknown, contingent or other liabilities, including litigation arising in connection with the wind-down;

Current wording

exposure to unknown, contingent or other liabilities, including litigation arising in connection with the Ecommerce Wind-Down;

Previous wording

If any of these or other factors impair our ability to successfully implement the wind-down, we may not be able to realize other business opportunities as we may be required to spend additional time and incur additional expense relating to the wind-down that otherwise would be used on the development, expansion and profitability of our other businesses, which could adversely impact our business, operational results, financial position and cash flows.

Current wording

If any of these or other factors impair our ability to successfully implement the Value Maximization Plan, we may not realize its intended benefits and we may not be able to realize other business opportunities as we may be required to spend additional time and incur additional expense relating to the Value Maximization Plan that otherwise would be used on the development, expansion and profitability of our other businesses, any of which could adversely impact our business, operational results, financial position and cash flows.

Previous wording

As of February 29, 2024, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $94.0 million. We expect to use our cash and cash equivalents to finance our future capital requirements and UACC’s four senior secured warehouse facility agreements (the “Warehouse Credit Facilities”) to fund our finance receivables. Certain advance rates available to UACC on borrowings from the Warehouse Credit Facilities have decreased as a result of the increasing credit losses in UACC's portfolio and overall higher interest rates. Any future decreases on available advance rates may have an adverse impact on our liquidity.

Current wording

We expect to use our cash and cash equivalents to finance our future capital requirements and UACC’s senior secured warehouse facility agreements (the “Warehouse Credit Facilities”) to fund our finance receivables. Certain advance rates available to UACC on borrowings from the Warehouse Credit Facilities have decreased as a result of the increasing credit losses in UACC's portfolio and overall higher interest rates. Any future decreases on available advance rates may have an adverse impact on our liquidity. The Warehouse Credit Facilities were not impacted by the Prepackaged Chapter 11 Case and remain outstanding. If we are unable to maintain the Warehouse Credit Facilities that expire on varying dates in 2025 absent renewal, on favorable terms or at all, or if they are terminated or expire and are not renewed or we are unable to find a satisfactory replacement, we may be unable to fund our finance receivables, and our business, operational results, financial position and cash flows would be materially adversely affected.

Previous wording

We cannot assure you that we will generate sufficient revenue to offset the cost of maintaining our remaining operations, including significant accounting, legal, administrative and other costs associated with being a public company, and to service the interest and repay the outstanding Convertible Senior Notes due 2026 (the "Notes") when due. Our revenue growth may be adversely affected by our inability to grow and develop the UACC and CarStory businesses; weakness in the automotive retail industry generally; general economic conditions, including high interest rates and inflation; global pandemics and other public health emergencies; and increasing competition. Our historical revenue growth is not indicative of our future performance, particularly given the wind-down of our ecommerce business. If we are unable to grow and develop the UACC and CarStory businesses and generate sufficient revenue, our business, financial condition and results of operations will be materially and adversely affected. Additionally, our cash needs may increase in the future as we focus on growing and developing the UACC and CarStory businesses.

Current wording

Our revenue growth may be adversely affected by factors including our inability to maintain, grow and develop the UACC and CarStory businesses; weakness in the automotive retail industry generally; general economic conditions, including as a result of tariffs, high interest rates and inflation; global pandemics and other public health emergencies; and increasing competition. Our historical revenue growth is not indicative of our future performance, particularly given the Ecommerce Wind-Down. We have not invested in growing CarStory's customer base since Vroom acquired CarStory, resulting in CarStory's revenue being concentrated in a small number of customers. If we are unable to maintain, grow and develop the UACC and CarStory businesses and generate sufficient revenue and achieve profitability, our business, financial condition and results of operations will be materially and adversely affected. Additionally, our cash needs may increase in the future as we focus on growing and developing the UACC and CarStory businesses.

Previous wording

We have not been profitable since our inception in 2012 and had an accumulated deficit of approximately $1,966.2 million as of December 31, 2023. We incurred net losses of $365.5 million and $451.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. While the majority of our historic losses related to our ecommerce business, UACC had a loss before provision for income taxes of approximately $41.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. We may continue to incur significant losses in the future for a number of reasons, including increased losses on UACC's portfolio, our inability to grow and maximize the value of the UACC and CarStory businesses; weakness in the automotive retail industry generally; general economic conditions, including high interest rates, inflation and unemployment; global pandemics and other public health emergencies; and increasing competition, as well as other risks described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and we may encounter unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications and delays in achieving the goals of our Value Maximization Plan.

Current wording

Vroom has not been profitable since its inception in 2012 and had an accumulated deficit of approximately $2,125.8 million as of December 31, 2024. We incurred net losses of $165.1 million and $364.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, which includes $26.9 million and $279.5 million, respectively, related to net loss from discontinued operations. We may continue to incur significant losses in the future for a number of reasons, including increased losses on UACC's portfolio, our inability to maintain, grow and maximize the value of the

Previous wording

While we have significantly reduced our operating expenses as part of our Value Maximization Plan, we expect to continue incurring operating expenses as we invest in the UACC and CarStory businesses, including investments in technology development for those businesses. In addition, we anticipate continued legal, accounting, administrative and other expenses as a public company. As a result of these expenditures, we will have to generate and sustain revenue sufficient to offset our operating expenses in order to achieve and maintain profitability.

Current wording

While we have significantly reduced our operating expenses as part of our Value Maximization Plan, we expect to continue incurring operating expenses as we invest in the UACC and CarStory businesses, including investments in technology development for those businesses. In addition, we incurred significant expenses in connection with the Prepackaged Chapter 11 Case and our emergence from bankruptcy, and anticipate continued legal, accounting, administrative and other expenses as a public company. As a result of these expenditures, we will have to generate and sustain revenue sufficient to offset our operating expenses in order to achieve and maintain profitability.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, we, including our subsidiaries, had approximately $1,199.0 million principal amount of consolidated indebtedness. Of that amount, $151.2 million aggregate principal amount of borrowings under our 2022 Vehicle Floorplan Facility has been paid in full, and $314.1 million of securitization debt is funded by cashflows on receivables within the securitization trusts. Our indebtedness could have significant negative consequences for our security holders and our business, results of operations and financial condition by, among other things:

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, UACC had $353.4 million of securitization debt funded by cashflows on receivables within the securitization trusts and $359.9 million in outstanding borrowings related to the Warehouse Credit Facilities. Following emergence from the Prepackaged Chapter 11 Case on January 14, 2025, we do not hold any long-term debt at the Vroom, Inc. level. Our UACC indebtedness could have significant negative consequences for our security holders and our business, results of operations and financial condition by, among other things:

Previous wording

We recognized an impairment charge related to goodwill and long-lived assets. If our amortizable intangible assets or remaining long-lived assets become impaired in the future, we would incur additional impairment charges, which would negatively affect our operating results.

Current wording

We recognized an impairment charge related to long-lived assets. If our amortizable intangible assets or remaining long-lived assets become impaired in the future, we would incur additional impairment charges, which would negatively affect our operating results.

Previous wording

Our goodwill was fully impaired as of December 31, 2022. We also recognized impairment charges of $48.7 million related to long-lived assets during the year ended December 31, 2023. If our amortizable intangible assets or remaining long-lived assets become impaired in the future, we would incur additional impairment charges, which would negatively affect our results of operations. There is significant judgment required in the analysis of a potential impairment of identified intangible assets and other long-lived assets. Impairment may result from, among other things, significant changes in the manner of use of the acquired assets, negative industry or economic trends and/or significant underperformance relative to historic or projected operating results. See Notes 7 and 12 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

Current wording

We recognized impairment charges of $5.2 million related to long-lived assets during the year ended December 31, 2024. If our amortizable intangible assets or remaining long-lived assets become impaired in the future, we would incur additional impairment charges, which would negatively affect our results of operations. There is significant judgment required in the analysis of a potential impairment of identified intangible assets and other long-lived assets. Impairment may result from, among other things, significant changes in the manner of use of the acquired assets, negative industry or economic trends and/or significant underperformance relative to historic or projected operating results. See Notes 7 and 12 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

Previous wording

We expect our quarterly results of operations, including our yield, net spreads, risk-adjusted margins, credit losses and cash flow to vary significantly in the future based in part on vehicle-buying patterns. Vehicle sales historically have exhibited seasonality, with an increase in sales early in the year that reaches its highest point late in the first quarter and early in the second quarter, which then levels off through the rest of the year with the lowest level of sales in the fourth quarter. This seasonality historically corresponds with the timing of income tax refunds, which can provide a primary source of funds for customers’ payments on used vehicle purchases. Used vehicle prices also exhibit seasonality, with used vehicles depreciating at a faster rate in the last two quarters of each year and a slower rate in the first two quarters of each year. Consistent with market trends, UACC generally experiences increased funding activity during the first quarter through tax season. Delinquencies also tend to be lower during the first quarter through tax season and higher during the latter half of the year.

Current wording

We expect our quarterly results of operations, including our yield, net spreads, risk-adjusted margins, credit losses and cash flow to vary significantly in the future based in part on vehicle-buying patterns and macroeconomic conditions. Vehicle sales historically have exhibited seasonality, with an increase in sales early in the year that reaches its highest point late in the first quarter and early in the second quarter, which then levels off through the rest of the year with the lowest level of sales in the fourth quarter. This seasonality historically corresponds with the timing of income tax refunds, which can provide a primary source of funds for customers’ payments on used vehicle purchases. Consistent with market trends, UACC generally experiences increased funding activity during the first quarter through tax season. Delinquencies also tend to be lower during the first quarter through tax season and higher during the latter half of the year.

Previous wording

the progress of our Value Maximization Plan;

Current wording

the progress of our Long-Term Strategic Plan;

Previous wording

macroeconomic conditions, including interest rates, inflation, unemployment and underemployment rates, vehicle supply and demand and labor costs;

Current wording

macroeconomic conditions, including as a result of tariffs, interest rates, inflation, unemployment and underemployment rates, vehicle supply and demand and labor costs;

Previous wording

Changes in demographics and population, local and regional downturns or severe weather conditions and other catastrophic occurrences in any of the states where UACC has a high concentration of borrowers or dealership partners could result in payment delays and increased risk of losses and could materially and adversely affect our revenues and results of operations. During the year ended December 31, 2023,36.9% of UACC's originations were located in UACC's three largest states (measured by aggregate financed amount). While we believe that we have a diverse geographic presence, we expect that these three states will continue to generate significant amounts of our loans due to economic, demographic, regulatory, competitive and other conditions in these states. Adverse developments in these states could lead to reduced demand for automotive financing, and could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Changes in demographics and population, local and regional downturns or severe weather conditions and other catastrophic occurrences in any of the states where UACC has a high concentration of borrowers or dealership partners could result in payment delays and increased risk of losses and could materially and adversely affect our revenues and results of operations. During the year ended December 31, 2024, 41.03% of UACC's originations were located in UACC's three largest states (measured by aggregate financed amount). While we believe that we have a diverse geographic presence, we expect that these three states will continue to generate significant amounts of our loans due to economic, demographic, regulatory, competitive and other conditions in these states. Adverse developments in these states could lead to reduced demand for automotive financing, and could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

We depend on key personnel to operate our business, and if we are unable to retain, integrate and attract qualified personnel, our ability to develop and successfully grow our business could be harmed.

Current wording

We depend on key personnel to operate our business, and if we are unable to retain, integrate, adequately compensate, and attract qualified personnel, our ability to develop and successfully grow our business could be harmed.

Previous wording

We believe our success has depended, and continues to depend, on the efforts and talents of our executives and employees. Our future success depends on our continuing ability to retain, develop, motivate and attract highly qualified and skilled employees. Qualified individuals are in high demand, and we may incur significant costs to retain and attract them. In particular, we are highly dependent on the services of our leadership team to the development of our business, future vision, and strategic direction, including as we realign our business in accordance with the Value Maximization Plan. On February 29, 2024, James G. Vagim, III, UACC's Co-President and Chief Executive Officer, and Ravi Gandhi, UACC's Co-President and Chief Financial Officer stepped down. The Company's Chief Executive Officer, Tom Shortt succeeded Mr. Vagim as President and Chief Executive Officer, and the Company's Vice President of Investor Relations and Financial Planning & Analysis, Jon Sandison, succeeded Mr. Gandhi as UACC's Chief Financial Officer. Our future performance will depend, in part, on the successful transition of these positions. We heavily rely on the continued service and performance of our senior management team, which provides leadership, contributes to the core areas of our business and helps us to efficiently execute our business, including with respect to strategic initiatives such as our Value Maximization Plan. If members of our senior management team, including our executive leadership, become ill, or if we are otherwise unable to retain them, we may not be able to manage our business effectively and, as a result, our business and operating results could be harmed. If the senior management team, including any new hires that we make, fails to work together effectively and to execute our plans and strategies on a timely basis then our business and future growth prospects could be harmed.

Current wording

We believe our success has depended, and continues to depend, on the efforts and talents of our executives and employees. Our future success depends on our continuing ability to retain, develop, motivate and attract highly qualified and skilled employees. Qualified individuals are in high demand, and we may incur significant costs to retain and attract them. In particular, we are highly dependent on the services of our leadership team to the development of our business, future vision, and strategic direction, including as we realign our business in accordance with the Long-Term Strategic Plan. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we had a number of transitions occur on our senior leadership team, including with respect to our Chief Financial Officer and Chief Legal Officer roles. Additionally, as a result of the Value Maximization Plan, our business relies more heavily on the performance of UACC and CarStory, and therefore on the key personnel from those subsidiaries. Our future performance will depend, in part, on the successful transition of these positions and any other key management positions that may experience turnover in the future. We heavily rely on the continued service and performance of our senior management team, which provides leadership, contributes to the core areas of our business and helps us to efficiently execute our business, including with respect to strategic initiatives such as our Long-Term Strategic Plan and our emergence from bankruptcy. If members of our senior management team, including our executive leadership, become unavailable, including due to personal circumstances or if they become ill, or if we are otherwise unable to retain them, we may not be able to manage our business effectively and, as a result, our business and operating results could be harmed. If the senior management team, including any new hires that we make, fails to work together effectively and to execute our plans and strategies on a timely basis, or if we are unable to retain key employees in a cost-effective manner or at all, then our business and future growth prospects could be harmed.

Previous wording

In addition, we issue equity awards to certain of our employees as part of our hiring and retention efforts, and job candidates and existing employees often consider the value of the equity awards they receive in connection with their employment. Our employees’ ability to sell their shares in the public market at times and/or at prices desired may lead to a larger than normal turnover rate. The market value of our common stock has declined significantly. If the actual or perceived value of our common stock does not recover, or if our common stock is delisted from the Nasdaq Global Select Market, it may adversely affect our ability to hire or retain employees. See “We may be unable to satisfy a continued listing rule from the Nasdaq”. In addition, we may periodically change our equity compensation practices, which may include reducing the number of employees eligible for equity awards or reducing the size or value of equity awards granted per employee or undertaking other efforts that may prove to be an unsuccessful retention mechanism. If we are unable to attract, integrate, or retain the qualified and highly skilled personnel required to fulfill our current or future needs, our business and future growth prospects could be harmed.

Current wording

In addition, we issue equity awards to certain of our employees as part of our hiring and retention efforts, and job candidates and existing employees often consider the value of the equity awards they receive in connection with their employment. Our employees’ inability to sell their shares in the public market at times and/or at prices desired may lead to a larger than normal turnover rate. Historically, the market value of our common stock has declined significantly. Additionally, our common stock was suspended from trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market as a result of our Prepackaged Chapter 11 Case. On February 20, 2025, our newly issued common stock was relisted for trading on the Nasdaq Global Market. If the actual or perceived value of our common stock does not recover, or if we are not able to list or remain listed on a national securities exchange, it may adversely affect our ability to hire or retain employees. See “—We may be unable to satisfy a Nasdaq listing rule or that of another national securities exchange.”

Previous wording

Furthermore, in light of the reduction in headcount as part of our Value Maximization Plan, we may find it difficult to maintain valuable aspects of our culture, to prevent a negative effect on employee morale or attrition beyond our planned reduction in headcount, and to attract competent personnel who are willing to embrace our culture in the future. Our executive officers and other employees are at-will employees, which means they may terminate their employment relationship with us at any time, and their knowledge of our business and industry would be extremely difficult to replace. We may not be able to retain the services of any members of our senior management or other key employees, particularly in light of the discontinuance of our ecommerce business and wind-down of our used vehicle dealership business. If we do not succeed in retaining and motivating existing employees or attracting well-qualified employees in the future, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Current wording

Furthermore, in light of the reduction in headcount as part of our Value Maximization Plan and the impact of the Prepackaged Chapter 11 Case and our emergence from bankruptcy, we may find it difficult to maintain valuable aspects of our culture, to prevent a negative effect on employee morale or attrition beyond our planned reduction in headcount, and to attract competent personnel who are willing to embrace our culture in the future. Our executive officers and other employees are at-will employees, which means they may terminate their employment relationship with us at any time, and their knowledge of our business and industry would be extremely difficult to replace. We may not be able to retain the services of any members of our senior management or other key employees, particularly in light of the Ecommerce Wind-Down. If we do not succeed in retaining and motivating existing employees or attracting well-qualified employees in the future, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Previous wording

We are subject to various litigation matters from time to time, the outcome of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Claims arising out of actual or alleged violations of law could be asserted against us by individuals, either individually or through class actions, by governmental entities in civil or criminal investigations and proceedings or by other entities. These claims could be asserted under a variety of laws, including but not limited to consumer finance laws, consumer protection laws, intellectual property laws, privacy laws, labor and employment laws, securities laws and employee benefit laws. These actions could expose us to adverse publicity and to substantial monetary damages and legal defense costs, injunctive relief and criminal and civil fines and penalties, including but not limited to suspension or revocation of licenses to conduct business. For example, a consolidated class action is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York asserting claims on behalf of a putative class of Company stockholders against us, certain of our officers, and certain of our directors, among others, alleging violations of the federal securities laws. We also are a party to certain stockholder derivative suits in which the Company is named as a nominal defendant in suits that various individual stockholders seek to bring on behalf of the Company against certain of our current and former directors and officers. These suits are pending in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York and the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware and are based on the same general course of conduct alleged in the consolidated securities class action. We believe these lawsuits are without merit and intend to vigorously contest these claims.

Current wording

We are subject to various litigation matters from time to time, the outcome of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Claims arising out of actual or alleged violations of law could be asserted against us by individuals, either individually or through class actions, by governmental entities in civil or criminal investigations and proceedings or by other entities. These claims could be asserted under a variety of laws, including but not limited to consumer finance laws, consumer protection laws, intellectual property laws, privacy laws, labor and employment laws, securities laws and employee benefit laws. These actions could expose us to adverse publicity and to substantial monetary damages and legal defense costs, injunctive relief and criminal and civil fines and penalties, including but not limited to suspension or revocation of licenses to conduct business. For example, a consolidated class action is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York asserting claims on behalf of a putative class of Company stockholders against us, certain of our officers, and certain of our directors, among others, alleging violations of the federal securities laws. We also are a party to certain stockholder derivative suits in which the Company is named as a nominal defendant in suits that various individual stockholders seek to bring on behalf of the Company against certain of our current and former directors and officers. These suits are pending in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York and the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware and are based on the same general course of conduct alleged in the consolidated securities class action. We believe these lawsuits are without merit and intend to vigorously contest these claims. Further, the Company expects that the claims asserted in all six of the above derivative suits will be dismissed because the claims were released by the January 8, 2025 order of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas confirming the Company's plan of reorganization.

Previous wording

In January 2022, the Company received a non-public civil investigative demand from the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”), seeking the production of information related to certain of the Company's business practices and the Company responded to those information requests. On February 23, 2024, the FTC notified the Company that it has reason to believe that the Company violated Section 5(a) of the Federal Trade Commission Act, 15 U.S.C. § 45(a); the FTC's Mail, Internet, or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule, 16 C.F.R. Part 435; the FTC’s Used Motor Vehicle Trade Regulation Rule,16 C.F.R. Part 455; and the FTC’s Pre-Sale Availability Rule, 16 C.F.R. Part 702. The FTC advised the Company that it is authorized to negotiate a stipulated order and the Company intends to work cooperatively with the FTC towards a resolution. Because the matter is at an early stage and the outcome of any complex legal proceeding is inherently unpredictable and subject to significant uncertainties, the Company cannot determine at present whether any potential liability would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, cash flows, or results of operations.

Current wording

In January 2022, the Company received a non-public civil investigative demand from the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”), seeking the production of information related to certain of the Company's business practices and the Company responded to those information requests. On February 23, 2024, the FTC notified the Company that it has reason to believe that the Company violated Section 5(a) of the Federal Trade Commission Act, 15 U.S.C. § 45(a); the FTC's Mail, Internet, or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule, 16 C.F.R. Part 435; the FTC’s Used Motor Vehicle Trade Regulation Rule,16 C.F.R. Part 455; and the FTC’s Pre-Sale Availability Rule, 16 C.F.R. Part 702. On May 6, 2024, Vroom, Inc., Vroom Automotive, LLC and the FTC reached an agreement to resolve the FTC’s allegations without any admission of wrongdoing by either Vroom entity, subject to final approval by the FTC and the court. Under the agreement, the Company agreed to pay a total of $1 million in customer redress and abide permanently by an injunction. The FTC issued its final approval of the agreement on July 2, 2024, and a mutually agreed upon order reflecting the agreement was entered by the Court on July 10, 2024. The case is captioned Federal Trade Commission v. Vroom, Inc. et al., Case No. 4:24-cv-02496.

Previous wording

In addition, in April 2022, the Attorney General of Texas filed a lawsuit on behalf of the State of Texas in the District Court of Travis County, Texas against the Company, alleging violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices − Consumer Protection Act and Texas Business and Commerce Code § 17.41 et seq. In December 2023, Vroom, Inc., Vroom Automotive, LLC and the Attorney General of the State of Texas reached a final agreement to resolve all claims in the petition, without any admission of wrongdoing by either Vroom entity. Under the agreement, the Company will pay a total of $2 million in civil penalties and $1 million in attorneys' fees, with the first half due in September 2024 and the remaining half due in September 2025, and abide permanently by an injunction of certain operational practices that were previously implemented. The agreement was approved by the District Court of Travis County on December 13, 2023. See Part I, Item 3. “Legal Proceedings” for more information about these matters and the other legal proceedings to which we are subject.

Current wording

In addition, in April 2022, the Attorney General of Texas filed a lawsuit on behalf of the State of Texas in the District Court of Travis County, Texas against the Company, alleging violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices − Consumer Protection Act and Texas Business and Commerce Code § 17.41 et seq. In December 2023, Vroom, Inc., Vroom Automotive, LLC and the Attorney General of the State of Texas reached a final agreement to resolve all claims in the petition, without any admission of wrongdoing by either Vroom entity. Under the agreement, the Company agreed to pay a total of $2 million in civil penalties and $1 million in attorneys' fees, with the first half due in September 2024 and the remaining half due in September 2025, and abide permanently by an injunction of certain operational practices that were previously implemented. The agreement was approved by the District Court of Travis County on December 13, 2023.

Previous wording

UACC provides indirect financing by drawing on its Warehouse Credit Facilities to purchase retail installment sales contracts and pledging eligible finance receivables as collateral, then typically selling the receivables related to the retail installment sales contracts. Certain advance rates available to UACC on borrowings from the Warehouse Credit Facilities have decreased as a result of the increasing credit losses in UACC's portfolio and overall rising interest rates. Any future decreases on available advance rates may have an adverse impact on our liquidity. In addition, UACC has entered into arrangements to sell automotive finance receivables that it purchases, through securitizations, and we expect UACC to enter into additional securitizations in the future, subject to market conditions. If UACC is not able to sell receivables under these current or future arrangements for a variety of reasons, including increased credit losses or because it has reached its capacity under the arrangements, its financing partners exercise termination rights before it reaches capacity, general economic or credit market conditions, market disruption or it reaches the scheduled expiration date of the commitment, and it is not able to enter into new arrangements on similar terms, it may not have adequate liquidity and our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected. For example, as a result of market conditions at the time, which led to unfavorable pricing, we retained the non-investment grade securities and residual interests in UACC's 2023-1 securitization, requiring that the transaction remain on balance sheet pending the sale of the additional retained interests. Although we subsequently sold the non-investment grade securities, we continue to hold the residual interests. There can be no assurance that these residual interests will be sold and off-balance sheet treatment will be achieved in the future for this transaction. Furthermore, if we are unable to sell the residual interests, we could be subject to credit risk and be forced to incur unexpected asset write-offs and bad-debt expense. In addition, as a result of high interest rates, the current inflationary environment and vehicle depreciation in the used automotive industry, UACC has been experiencing higher loss severity. Due to the increased loss severity, UACC elected to waive monthly servicing fees related to the 2022-2 securitization transaction in the first quarter of 2023. The waiver of monthly servicing fees related to the 2022-2 securitization transaction resulted in consolidation of the related finance receivables and securitization debt on our financial statements. Waiver of monthly servicing fees also results in reduced servicing income. Any future waivers of monthly servicing fees on other prior off-balance sheet securitization transactions could result in consolidation of such transactions. Such future consolidations could increase our indebtedness …

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Current wording

UACC provides indirect financing by drawing on its Warehouse Credit Facilities to purchase retail installment sales contracts from automotive dealers and pledging eligible finance receivables as collateral, then typically selling the receivables related to the retail installment sales contracts. Certain advance rates available to UACC on borrowings from the Warehouse Credit Facilities have decreased as a result of the increasing credit losses in UACC's portfolio and overall rising interest rates. Any future decreases on available advance rates may have an adverse impact on our liquidity. In addition, UACC has entered into arrangements to sell automotive finance receivables that it purchases, through securitizations, and we expect UACC to enter into additional securitizations in the future, subject to market conditions. If UACC is not able to sell receivables under these current or future arrangements for a variety of reasons, including increased credit losses or because it has reached its capacity under the arrangements, its financing partners exercise termination rights before it reaches capacity, general economic or credit market conditions, market disruption or it reaches the scheduled expiration date of the commitment, and it is not able to enter into new arrangements on similar terms, it may not have adequate liquidity and our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected. For example, as a result of market conditions at the time, which led to unfavorable pricing, we retained the non-investment grade securities and residual interests in UACC's 2023-1 securitization, requiring that the transaction remain on balance sheet pending the sale of the additional retained interests. Although we subsequently sold the non-investment grade securities, we continue to hold the residual interests. There can be no assurance that these residual interests will be sold and off-balance sheet treatment will be achieved in the future for this transaction. Furthermore, if we are unable to sell the residual interests, we could be subject to credit risk and be forced to incur unexpected asset write-offs and bad-debt expense. In addition, as a result of high interest rates, the current inflationary environment and vehicle depreciation in the used automotive industry, UACC has been experiencing higher loss severity. Waiver of monthly servicing fees also results in reduced servicing income. Any future waivers of monthly servicing fees on other prior off-balance sheet securitization transactions could result in consolidation of such transactions. Such future consolidations could increase our indebtedness and may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

Previous wording

There can be no assurance that UACC will be able to complete additional securitizations in the future, particularly if the securitization markets become constrained. In addition, the value of any securities that UACC may retain in its securitizations, including securities retained to comply with applicable risk retention rules, might be reduced or, in some cases, eliminated as a result of an adverse change in economic conditions, the financial markets or credit performance. For example, on March 1, 2024, 2023, UACC's BB-rated securities from the 2022-2 securitization transaction were downgraded by one ratings agency to a CCC rating. UACC's other rated securities may also be downgraded or put on negative credit watch. Furthermore, although our intent is to sell receivables originated by UACC using off-balance sheet securitization transactions, even if UACC is able to complete its securitizations, those securitizations may not qualify for sales accounting if market conditions do not allow for the sale of lower-rated securities or residual certificates. In addition, as a result of higher interest rates, the current inflationary environment and vehicle depreciation in the used automotive industry, UACC is experiencing higher portfolio losses. The increased losses could lead to reduced servicing income if UACC elects to waive monthly servicing fees going forward as it did in the first quarter of 2023 on the 2022-2 securitization transaction. The waiver of monthly servicing fees on the 2022-2 securitization transaction resulted in consolidation of the related finance receivables and securitization debt on Vroom’s financial statements. If it is not possible or economical for UACC to securitize its automotive finance receivables in the future, it would need to seek alternative financing to support its operations and to meet its existing debt obligations, which may be less efficient and more expensive than raising capital via securitizations and may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.

Current wording

There can be no assurance that UACC will be able to complete additional securitizations in the future, particularly if the securitization markets become constrained. In addition, the value of any securities that UACC may retain in its securitizations, including securities retained to comply with applicable risk retention rules, might be reduced or, in some cases, eliminated as a result of an adverse change in economic conditions, the financial markets or credit performance. For example, on March 1, 2024, UACC's BB-rated securities from the 2022-2 securitization transaction were downgraded by one ratings agency to a CCC rating. On September 19, 2024, these same securities were subsequently downgraded to a CC rating. UACC's other rated securities may also be downgraded or put on negative credit watch. In addition, as a result of higher interest rates, the current inflationary environment and vehicle depreciation in the used automotive industry, UACC is experiencing higher portfolio losses. The increased losses could lead to reduced servicing income if UACC elects to waive monthly servicing fees going forward as it did in the first quarter of 2023 on the 2022-2 securitization transaction. The waiver of monthly servicing fees on the 2022-2 securitization transaction resulted in consolidation of the related finance receivables and securitization debt on Vroom’s financial statements. If it is not possible or economical for UACC to securitize its automotive finance receivables in the future, it would need to seek alternative financing to support its operations and to meet its existing debt obligations, which may be less efficient and more expensive than raising capital via securitizations and may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.

Previous wording

UACC specializes in the purchase and servicing of contracts to finance vehicle purchases primarily by non-prime customers, including those who have limited credit history, past credit problems, or low income. Such contracts generally have a higher risk of non-performance, and may result in higher delinquencies and higher losses than contracts with customers who have higher credit ratings. UACC is currently experiencing increasing credit losses on its finance receivables, which has negatively impacted the fair value of our financial receivables and increased the losses recognized during 2022 and 2023. Increasing credit losses negatively impacted our business during 2023 and we expect these credit losses to continue to negatively impact our business during 2024. Due to the wind-down of our ecommerce business, UACC has become our largest business and our results of operations and financial condition are increasingly vulnerable to adverse developments in UACC's business.

Current wording

UACC specializes in the purchase and servicing of contracts to finance vehicle purchases primarily by non-prime customers, including those who have limited credit history, past credit problems, or low income. Such contracts generally have a higher risk of non-performance, and may result in higher delinquencies and higher losses than contracts with customers who have higher credit ratings. UACC is currently experiencing increasing credit losses on its finance receivables, which has negatively impacted the fair value of our financial receivables and increased the losses recognized during 2023 and 2024. Increasing credit losses negatively impacted our business during 2023 and 2024 and we expect these credit losses to continue to negatively impact our business during 2025. Due to the Ecommerce Wind-Down, UACC has become our largest business and our results of operations and financial condition are increasingly vulnerable to adverse developments in UACC's business.

Previous wording

Until UACC sells automotive finance receivables, and to the extent it retains interests in those receivables after it sells them, whether pursuant to securitization transactions or otherwise, UACC is exposed to the risk that certain customers will be unable or unwilling to repay their retail installment sales contracts according to their terms and that the vehicle collateral securing the payment of those retail installment sales contracts may not be sufficient to ensure full repayment. Additionally, higher energy prices (including the price of gasoline) and other consumer prices, unstable real estate values, reset of adjustable-rate mortgages to higher interest rates, geopolitical tensions (including outbreaks of military hostilities such as the ongoing geopolitical conflicts and war in Europe and the Middle East), interest rate increases, regional bank failures, inflation and other factors can affect consumer confidence and disposable income. While credit losses are inherent in the automotive finance receivables market, these conditions can increase loss frequency and severity, decrease consumer demand for motor vehicles and weaken collateral values on certain types of motor vehicles in any period of extended economic slowdown or recession and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Because UACC focuses predominately on non-prime borrowers, the actual rates of delinquencies, defaults, repossessions and losses on its receivables are higher and more volatile than those experienced in the general motor vehicle finance industry and may be adversely affected to a greater extent during an economic downturn. In addition, caps on interest rates by individual states may limit UACC's ability to offset rising interest rates against automotive financing rates it offers to dealers.

Current wording

Until UACC sells automotive finance receivables, and to the extent it retains interests in those receivables after it sells them, whether pursuant to securitization transactions or otherwise, UACC is exposed to the risk that certain customers will be unable or unwilling to repay their retail installment sales contracts according to their terms and that the vehicle collateral securing the payment of those retail installment sales contracts may not be sufficient to ensure full repayment. Additionally, higher energy prices (including the price of gasoline) and other consumer prices, unstable real estate values, reset of adjustable-rate mortgages to higher interest rates, geopolitical tensions around the world, interest rate increases, regional bank failures, inflation the impact of tariffs, and other factors can affect consumer confidence and disposable income. While credit losses are inherent in the automotive finance receivables market, these conditions can increase loss frequency and severity, decrease consumer demand for motor vehicles and weaken collateral values on certain types of motor vehicles in any period of extended economic slowdown or recession and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. UACC's origination mix is mostly comprised of non-prime borrowers, and the actual rates of delinquencies, defaults, repossessions and losses on its receivables are higher and more volatile than those experienced in the general motor vehicle finance industry and may be adversely affected to a greater extent during an economic downturn. In addition, caps on interest rates by individual states may limit UACC's ability to offset rising interest rates against automotive financing rates it offers to dealers.

Previous wording

UACC makes various assumptions and judgments about the automotive finance receivables it originates or purchases and may establish a valuation allowance and value beneficial ownership interests based on a number of factors. Although management may establish a valuation allowance and value beneficial ownership interests based on analysis it believes is appropriate, this may not be adequate, particularly in periods of increased industry-wide vehicle depreciation rates, which we are currently experiencing. For example, if economic conditions were to deteriorate unexpectedly, additional credit losses not incorporated in the existing valuation may occur. Several variables have affected UACC’s recent loss and delinquency rates, including general economic conditions and market interest rates, and such variables are likely to differ in the future. In particular, given the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on the economy and individuals, including the associated stimulus programs, historical loss and delinquency expectations may not accurately predict the performance of UACC's receivables and impact its ability to effectively forecast loss rates. Losses in excess of expectations could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Further, the rate of prepayments cannot be predicted and may be influenced by a variety of factors, including changes in the economic and social conditions of our borrowers.

Current wording

UACC makes various assumptions and judgments about the automotive finance receivables it originates or purchases and may establish a valuation allowance and value beneficial ownership interests based on a number of factors. Although management may establish a valuation allowance and value beneficial ownership interests based on analysis it believes is appropriate, this may not be adequate, particularly in periods of increased industry-wide vehicle depreciation rates. For example, if economic conditions were to deteriorate unexpectedly, additional credit losses not incorporated in the existing valuation may occur. Several variables have affected UACC’s recent loss and delinquency rates, including general economic conditions and market interest rates, and such variables are likely to differ in the future. In particular, given the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on the economy and individuals, including the associated stimulus programs, historical loss and delinquency expectations may not accurately predict the performance of UACC's receivables and impact its ability to effectively forecast loss rates. Losses in excess of expectations could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Further, the rate of prepayments cannot be predicted and may be influenced by a variety of factors, including changes in the economic and social conditions of our borrowers.

Previous wording

UACC's automobile contracts in 2023. The agreements UACC has with dealers to purchase automobile contracts do not require dealers to submit a minimum number of automobile contracts for purchase. The failure of dealers to submit automobile contracts that meet UACC’s underwriting criteria could result in reductions in its revenues or the cash flows available to it, and, therefore, could have an adverse effect on UACC's and our results of operations.

Current wording

UACC is dependent upon establishing and maintaining relationships with a large number of manufacturer-franchised and independent motor vehicle dealers to supply it with automobile contracts. During the years ended December 31, 2020 through 2024, no single dealer accounted for 1% or more of the automobile contracts UACC purchased, other than Vroom, through our former ecommerce business. The agreements UACC has with dealers to purchase automobile contracts do not require dealers to submit a minimum number of automobile contracts for purchase. The failure of dealers to submit automobile contracts that meet UACC’s underwriting criteria could result in reductions in its revenues or the cash flows available to it, and, therefore, could have an adverse effect on UACC's and our results of operations.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, automobile contracts originated from Vroom customers or purchased from Vroom represented approximately 30% of UACC's total serviced loan portfolio. If UACC is unable to replace the volume of automobile contracts it previously received from Vroom's ecommerce business, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

Current wording

As of January 2024, when we commenced the Ecommerce Wind-Down, automobile contracts originated from Vroom customers or purchased from Vroom represented approximately 29.7% of UACC's total serviced loan portfolio. If UACC is unable to replace the volume of automobile contracts it previously originated through Vroom's ecommerce business, our business, financial condition, and operating results could be materially adversely affected.

Previous wording

UACC uses debt financing to maintain and grow its business. It currently utilizes its Warehouse Credit Facilities and securitizations to fund its liquidity needs. We cannot guarantee that the Warehouse Credit Facilities will continue to be available beyond their current maturity dates, on acceptable terms, or at all, or that UACC will be able to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms or at all. The availability of additional financing will depend on a variety of factors such as market conditions, the general availability of credit, the losses incurred in UACC's loan portfolio, UACC’s financial position, its results of operations, and the capacity for additional borrowing under its existing financing arrangements. If UACC’s various financing alternatives were to become limited or unavailable, it may be unable to maintain or grow loan volume at the level that we anticipate and our financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

Current wording

UACC uses debt financing to maintain and grow its business. UACC relies on borrowings under senior secured warehouse credit facilities to finance the origination of finance receivables as well as to provide funding for general operating activities. The terms of those facilities generally mature within two years and we typically renew those facilities in the ordinary course. UACC currently has four Warehouse Credit Facilities, all of which have terms expiring between July 2025 and June 2026. See Note 10, Warehouse Credit Facilities and Consolidated VIEs, to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and "UACC may be unable to continue to access or renew funding sources and obtain capital needed to maintain and grow its business." We have commenced discussions with our lenders under the Warehouse Credit Facilities regarding amended facilities that would extend the terms beyond the current expiration dates and have finalized a renewal agreement with one such lender. Failure to secure sufficient warehouse borrowing capacity beyond the expiration of the remaining facilities in 2025 would have a material adverse effect on our ability to finance UACC’s lending operations and our results of operations and liquidity. We cannot guarantee that the Warehouse Credit Facilities will continue to be available beyond their current maturity dates, on acceptable terms, or at all, or that UACC will be able to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms or at all. The availability of additional financing will depend on a variety of factors such as market conditions, the general availability of credit, the losses incurred in UACC's loan portfolio, UACC’s financial position, its results of operations, and the capacity for additional borrowing under its existing financing arrangements. If UACC’s various financing alternatives were to become limited or unavailable, it may be unable to maintain or grow origination volume at the level that we anticipate and our financial condition and results of operations would be materially adversely affected.

Previous wording

IT Systems can materially impact our operation and financial results. Due to the volume and sensitivity of the personal information and data we and these third parties manage and expect to manage in the future, as well as the nature of our customer base, the security features of our information systems are critical. Any failure or perceived failure by us or by third parties who access our IT Systems and/or Confidential Information to maintain the security of personal and other data that is provided to us by customers, employees and vendors could harm our reputation and brand and expose us to a risk of loss or litigation and possible liability, any of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. While we employ a number of security measures designed to protect the security of our IT Systems and Confidential Information, there can be no assurance that our cybersecurity risk management program and processes, including our policies, controls or procedures, and of third parties we rely on will be fully implemented, complied with our effective in protecting our IT Systems and Confidential Information.

Current wording

We and certain of our third-party providers collect, maintain and process data about current and prospective customers, employees, business partners and others, including personally identifiable information, as well as proprietary information belonging to our business such as trade secrets (collectively, "Confidential Information"). We rely on computer systems, hardware, software, technology infrastructure and online sites and networks for both internal and external operations that are critical to our business (collectively, "IT Systems"). We own and manage some of these IT Systems but also rely on third parties that are not directly under our control to manage certain areas of these operations. For example, we rely on encryption, storage, and processing technology developed by third parties to securely transmit, operate on and store such information. Successful cyberattacks that disrupt or result in unauthorized access to third party IT Systems can materially impact our operation and financial results. Due to the volume and sensitivity of the personal information and data we and these third parties manage and expect to manage in the future, as well as the nature of our customer base, the security features of our information systems are critical. Any failure or perceived failure by us or by third parties who access our IT Systems and/or Confidential Information to maintain the security of personal and other data that is provided to us by customers, employees and vendors could harm our reputation and brand and expose us to a risk of loss or litigation and possible liability, any of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. While we employ a number of security measures designed to protect the security of our IT Systems and Confidential Information, there can be no assurance that our cybersecurity risk management program and processes, including our policies, controls or procedures, and of third parties we rely on will be fully implemented, complied with or effective in protecting our IT Systems and Confidential Information.

Previous wording

Additionally, concerns about our practices with regard to the collection, use or disclosure of personal information or other privacy-related matters, even if unfounded, could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. We are subject to numerous federal, state and local laws, regulations and industry standards regarding privacy, cybersecurity and the collection, use, disclosure and other processing of personal information and other data. The scope and interpretation of these laws continue to evolve and may be inconsistent across jurisdictions. New laws also may be enacted. See "Failure to comply with federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to privacy, data protection and consumer protection, or the expansion of current or the enactment of new laws or regulations relating to privacy, data protection and consumer protection, as well as our actual or perceived failure to protect such information could harm our reputation and could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations." Further, we are subject to contractual requirements and others’ privacy policies that govern how we use and protect personal information and other data. These obligations may be interpreted and applied inconsistently and may conflict with other rules or our practices. Any failure or perceived failure by us to comply with our privacy policies or obligations may result in governmental enforcement actions, litigation or negative publicity that could have an adverse effect on our business. If our third-party service providers violate applicable laws, contractual obligations or our policies, then such violations also may put consumer, employee and vendor information at risk and could, in turn, harm our reputation, business and operating results.

Current wording

Additionally, concerns about our practices with regard to the collection, use or disclosure of personal information or other privacy-related matters, even if unfounded, could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. We are subject to numerous federal, state and local laws, regulations and industry standards regarding privacy, cybersecurity and the collection, use, disclosure and other processing of personal information and other data. The scope and interpretation of these laws continue to evolve and may be inconsistent across jurisdictions. New laws also may be enacted. See "—Failure to comply with federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to privacy, data protection and consumer protection, or the expansion of current or the enactment of new laws or regulations relating to privacy, data protection and consumer protection, as well as our actual or perceived failure to protect such information could harm our reputation and could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations." Further, we are subject to contractual requirements and others’ privacy policies that govern how we use and protect personal information and other data. These obligations may be interpreted and applied inconsistently and may conflict with other rules or our practices. Any failure or perceived failure by us to comply with our privacy policies or obligations may result in regulatory investigations, governmental enforcement actions, litigation (such as class actions), fines or penalties or negative publicity that could have an adverse effect on our business. If our third-party service providers violate applicable laws, contractual obligations or our policies, then such violations also may put consumer, employee and vendor information at risk and could, in turn, harm our reputation, business and operating results.

Previous wording

Threat actors are increasingly sophisticated and can operate large-scale complex automated attacks. Similar to most IT systems and companies, we face a consistent threat from cyber-attacks, viruses, malicious software, physical break-ins, theft, ransomware, phishing, social engineering, unintentional employee error or malfeasance, system availability, and other security breaches. Further, third-party hosts or service providers are also a source of security concerns as it relates to failures of their own security systems and infrastructure. Our technology infrastructure may be subject to increased risk of slowdown or interruption as a result of integration with third-party services, including cloud services, and/or failures by such third parties, which are beyond our control. The costs to eliminate or address evolving security threats and vulnerabilities before or after a cyber-incident could be significant. Our remediation efforts may not be successful and could result in interruptions, delays or cessation of service and loss of existing or potential suppliers or players, any of which could lead to negative reputational impacts.

Current wording

Threat actors are increasingly sophisticated and can operate large-scale complex automated attacks using tools – including artificial intelligence – that circumvent security controls, evade detection and remove forensic evidence. Similar to most IT systems and companies, we face a consistent threat from cyber-attacks, viruses, malicious software, physical break-ins, theft, ransomware, phishing, social engineering, unintentional employee error or malfeasance, system availability, and other security breaches including malicious code embedded in open-source software, misconfigurations, “bugs” or other vulnerabilities in commercial software that is integrated into our (or our suppliers’ or service providers’) IT Systems, products or services that could compromise the confidentiality, integrity and availability of our IT Systems and Confidential Information. Further, third-party hosts or service providers are also a source of security concerns as it relates to failures of their own security systems and infrastructure. Our technology infrastructure may be subject to increased risk of slowdown or interruption as a result of integration with third-party services, including cloud services, and/or failures by such third parties, which are beyond our control. Remote and hybrid working arrangements at our company (and at many third-party providers) also increase cybersecurity risks due to the challenges associated with managing remote computing assets and security vulnerabilities that are present in many non-corporate and home networks. Additionally, any integration of artificial intelligence in our or any service providers’ operations, products or services is expected to pose new or unknown cybersecurity risks and challenges. The costs to eliminate or address evolving security threats and vulnerabilities before or after a cyber-incident could be significant. Our remediation efforts may not be successful and could result in interruptions, delays or cessation of service and loss of existing or potential suppliers or players, any of which could lead to negative reputational impacts. Although we have insurance coverage for losses associated with cyber-attacks, as with all insurance policies, there are coverage exclusions and limitations, and our coverage may not be sufficient to cover all possible claims, and we may still suffer losses that could have a material adverse effect on our business, including reputational damage. Further, we cannot guarantee that applicable insurance will be available to us in the future on economically reasonable terms or at all.

Previous wording

Although we have insurance coverage for losses associated with cyber-attacks, as with all insurance policies, there are coverage exclusions and limitations, and our coverage may not be sufficient to cover all possible claims, and we may still suffer losses that could have a material adverse effect on our business, including reputational damage. We also could be negatively impacted by existing and proposed U.S. laws and regulations, and government policies and practices related to cybersecurity, data privacy, and data localization. In the event that we or our service providers are unable to prevent, detect, and remediate the foregoing security threats and risks, our operations could be disrupted or we could incur financial, legal or reputational losses arising from misappropriation, misuse, leakage, falsification or intentional or accidental release or loss of information maintained in our information systems and networks, including personal information of our employees and our customers.

Current wording

We also could be negatively impacted by existing and proposed U.S. laws and regulations, and government policies and practices related to cybersecurity, data privacy, and data localization. In the event that we or our service providers are unable to prevent, detect, and remediate the foregoing security threats and risks, our operations could be disrupted or we could incur financial, legal or reputational losses arising from misappropriation, misuse, leakage, falsification or intentional or accidental release or loss of information maintained in our IT Systems and Confidential Information.

Previous wording

There are numerous federal, state and local laws regarding privacy and the collection, processing, storing, sharing, disclosing, using and protecting of personal information and other data, the scope of which are changing, subject to differing interpretations, and which may be costly to comply with, inconsistent between jurisdictions or conflicting with other rules. We are also subject to specific contractual requirements contained in third-party agreements governing our use and protection of personal information and other data. We generally comply with industry standards and are subject to the terms of our privacy policies and the privacy- and security-related obligations to third parties. We strive to comply with applicable laws, policies, legal obligations and industry codes of conduct relating to privacy and data protection, to the extent possible. However, it is possible that these obligations may be interpreted and applied in new ways or in a manner that is inconsistent from one jurisdiction to another and may conflict with other rules or our practices. Additionally, new regulations could be enacted with which we are not familiar. Any failure or perceived failure by us to comply with our privacy policies, our privacy-related obligations to customers or other third parties, or our privacy-related legal obligations or any compromise of security that results in the unauthorized release or transfer of sensitive information, which may include personally identifiable information or other customer data, may result in governmental enforcement actions, litigation or public statements against us by consumer advocacy groups or others and could cause customers, vendors and third-party business partners to lose trust in us, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, if vendors, developers or other third parties that we work with violate applicable laws or our policies, such violations may also put customers’, vendors’ or receivables-purchasers’ information at risk and could in turn harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

There are numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding privacy and the collection, processing, storing, sharing, disclosing, using and protecting of personal information and other data, the scope of which are constantly changing, subject to differing interpretations, and which may be costly to comply with, inconsistent between jurisdictions or conflicting with other rules. We are also subject to specific contractual requirements contained in third-party agreements governing our use and protection of personal information and other data. We are subject to the terms of our privacy policies and the privacy- and security-related obligations to third parties. We strive to comply with applicable laws, policies, legal obligations and industry codes of conduct relating to privacy and data protection, to the extent possible. However, it is possible that these obligations may be interpreted and applied in new ways or in a manner that is inconsistent from one jurisdiction to another and may conflict with other rules or our practices. Additionally, new regulations could be enacted with which we are not familiar. Any failure or perceived failure by us to comply with our privacy policies, our privacy-related obligations to customers or other third parties, our privacy-related legal obligations or any compromise of security that results in the unauthorized release or transfer of sensitive information, which may include personally identifiable information or other customer data, may result in governmental enforcement actions, litigation or public statements against us by consumer advocacy groups or others and could cause customers, vendors and third-party business partners to lose trust in us, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, if vendors, developers or other third parties that we work with violate applicable laws or our policies, such violations may also put customers’, vendors’ or receivables-purchasers’ information at risk and could in turn harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

We expect that industry standards, laws and regulations will continue to develop regarding privacy, data protection, information security and artificial intelligence in many jurisdictions. Complying with these evolving obligations is costly. For instance, expanding definitions and interpretations of what constitutes “personal data” (or the equivalent) within the United States may increase our compliance costs and legal liability. Additionally, California has created a new data protection agency, and other states may do the same, specifically tasked to enforce California privacy laws, which would likely result in increased regulatory scrutiny in the areas of data protection and security.

Current wording

We expect that industry standards, laws and regulations will continue to develop regarding privacy, data protection, information security and artificial intelligence in many jurisdictions. In recent years, certain states have adopted or modified data privacy and security laws and regulations that may apply to our business. For example, the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”) requires businesses that process personal information of California residents to, among other things: provide certain disclosures to California residents regarding the business’s collection, use, and disclosure of their personal information; receive and respond to requests from California residents to access, delete, and correct their personal information, or to opt-out of certain disclosures of their personal information; and enter into specific contractual provisions with service providers that process California resident personal information on the business’s behalf. The enactment of the CCPA is prompting a wave of similar legislative developments in other states in the United States, which creates a patchwork of overlapping but different state laws. Similar laws have been proposed in many other states and at the federal level as well. Complying with these evolving obligations is costly. For instance, expanding definitions and interpretations of what constitutes “personal data” (or the equivalent) within the United States may increase our compliance costs and legal liability.

Previous wording

A significant data breach or any failure, or perceived failure, by us to comply with any federal, state or local privacy or consumer protection-related laws, regulations or other principles or orders to which we may be subject or other legal obligations relating to privacy or consumer protection could adversely affect our reputation, brand and business, and may result in claims, investigations, proceedings or actions against us by governmental entities or others or other penalties or liabilities or require us to change our operations and/or cease using certain data sets. Depending on the nature of the information compromised, we may also have obligations to notify users, law enforcement or payment companies about the incident and may need to provide some form of remedy, such as refunds, for the individuals affected by the incident.

Current wording

Even though we believe we and our vendors are generally in compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations relating to privacy and data security, these laws are in some cases relatively new and the interpretation and application of these laws are uncertain. A significant data breach or any failure, or perceived failure, by us to comply with any federal, state or local privacy or consumer protection-related laws, regulations or other principles or orders to which we may be subject or other legal obligations relating to privacy or consumer protection could adversely affect our reputation, brand and business, and may result in claims, investigations, proceedings or actions against us by governmental entities or others or other penalties or liabilities or require us to change our operations and/or cease using certain data sets. Depending on the nature of the information compromised, we may also have obligations to notify users, law enforcement or payment companies about the incident and may need to provide some form of remedy, such as refunds, for the individuals affected by the incident. If any of these events were to occur, our business, results of operations, and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

Previous wording

The automotive data and service business is large and very competitive. CarStory competes with a number of companies in the automotive industry, including valuation services, VIN data providers, website marketplaces, inventory aggregators, and retail e-commerce platforms. Some of these companies are significantly larger with well-established sales and marketing teams. We compete with other companies to attract customers to our marketplace and dealers to our digital solutions. If we are unable to grow CarStory's marketplace and customer base, our results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition may be adversely affected.

Current wording

In addition, the automotive data and service business is large and very competitive. CarStory competes with a number of companies in the automotive industry, including valuation services, VIN data providers, website marketplaces, inventory aggregators, and retail e-commerce platforms. Some of these companies are significantly larger with well-established sales and marketing teams. We compete with other companies to attract customers to our marketplace and dealers to our digital solutions. If we are unable to grow CarStory's marketplace and customer base, our results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition may be adversely affected.

Previous wording

Purchases of new and used vehicles are typically discretionary for consumers and have been, and may continue to be, affected by negative trends in the economy and other factors, including inflation and rising interest rates, the cost of energy and gasoline, the availability and cost of consumer credit, reductions in consumer confidence and fears of recession, stock market volatility, increased regulation and increased unemployment. The current inflationary environment has led to both overall price increases and pronounced price increases in certain sectors, including gasoline prices. Moreover, the Federal Reserve’s efforts to tame inflation have led to, and may continue to lead to, increased interest rates, which affects automotive finance rates, making vehicle financing more costly and less accessible to many consumers. Additionally, increased environmental regulation has made, and may in the future make, used vehicles more expensive and less desirable for consumers.

Current wording

Purchases of new and used vehicles are typically discretionary for consumers and have been, and may continue to be, affected by negative trends in the economy and other factors, including inflation and fluctuating interest rates, the impact of tariffs (as described further below), the cost of energy and gasoline, the availability and cost of consumer credit, reductions in consumer confidence and fears of recession, stock market volatility, increases or changes in regulation and unemployment levels. The current inflationary environment has led to both overall price increases and pronounced price increases in certain sectors, including gasoline prices. Moreover, the Federal Reserve’s efforts to tame inflation have led to, and may continue to lead to, increased interest rates, which affects automotive finance rates, making vehicle financing more costly and less accessible to many consumers. Additionally, increased environmental regulation has made, and may in the future make, used vehicles more expensive and less desirable for consumers.