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PROSPECTUS
Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
Registration No. 333-197903
$100,000,000
Common Stock
Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “PRTS.” On August 19, 2014, the last reported sale price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market was $2.97 per share.
This prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement will allow us to sell shares of our common stock over time in one or more offerings, with an aggregate offering price of up to $100,000,000. Each time we offer shares of our common stock, we will provide you with a supplement to this prospectus. We may also authorize one or more free writing prospectuses to be provided to you in connection with an offering. You should read this prospectus, the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus carefully before you invest.
As of August 19, 2014, the aggregate market value of our outstanding common stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $53.2 million, based on 33,531,019 shares of outstanding common stock, of which approximately 17.9 million shares were held by non-affiliates, and a price of $2.97 per share, which was the last reported sale price of our common stock on The NASDAQ Global Market on August 19, 2014. As of the date of this prospectus, we have not offered any securities pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6. of Form S-3 during the prior 12 calendar month period that ends on, and includes, the date of this prospectus.
Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. See “Risk Factors” on page 3 of this prospectus and as updated in our future filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus.
This prospectus may not be used to offer or sell any common stock unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement.
The common stock may be sold directly to investors, to or through underwriters or dealers or through agents designated from time to time. For additional information on the methods of sale, you should refer to the section entitled “Plan of Distribution” in this prospectus and in the applicable prospectus supplement. If any underwriters are involved in the sale of any common stock offered by this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, their names, and any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement between or among them, and any applicable over-allotment options, will be set forth, or will be calculable from the information set forth, in the applicable prospectus supplement. The price to the public of such common stock and the net proceeds we expect to receive from such sale will also be set forth in a prospectus supplement.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is August 20, 2014.
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| Disclosure of Commission Position on Indemnification for Securities Act Liability |
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You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. Unless otherwise specified, references to any free writing prospectus refer to a free writing prospectus that we have authorized to be provided to you in connection with an offering. We are not making an offer to sell or seeking an offer to buy shares of our common stock under this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front cover of this prospectus, the prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus, as applicable, or that the information contained in any document incorporated by reference is accurate as of any date other than the date of the document incorporated by reference, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus, or any sale of a security.
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may sell shares of our common stock in one or more offerings up to a total dollar amount of $100,000,000. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the common stock we may offer. Each time we sell any of our common stock under this prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. We may also authorize one or more free writing prospectuses to be provided to you that may contain material information relating to these offerings. We may also add, update or change in the prospectus supplement (and in any related free writing prospectus) any of the information contained in this prospectus or in the documents that we have incorporated by reference into this prospectus. To the extent that any statement that we make in a prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus is inconsistent with statements made in this prospectus, the statements made in this prospectus will be deemed modified or superseded by those made in a prospectus supplement or such free writing prospectus. We urge you to carefully read this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus, together with the information incorporated herein by reference as described under the headings “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference” before buying any of the common stock being offered.
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To understand this offering fully and for a more complete description of the legal terms of this offering as well as our company and the common stock being sold in this offering, you should read carefully the entire prospectus, the prospectus supplement and the other documents to which we may refer you, including the documents incorporated by reference in the prospectus, “Risk Factors” and our consolidated financial statements and notes to those statements incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Reference to “we,” “us,” “our,” “our company,” “the company,” and “U.S. Auto Parts Network” refers to U.S. Auto Parts Network, Inc. and our subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise.
U.S. AUTO PARTS NETWORK, INC.
Company Overview
We are one of the leading online sources for automotive aftermarket parts and repair information. Our vision is that vehicle owners never overpay for service and repair. Our mission is to be the service and repair advocate for vehicle owners, to increase their confidence in the repair process, and to provide the most affordable option for their service and repair needs.
We principally sell our products, identified as stock keeping units, or SKUs, to individual consumers through our network of websites and online marketplaces. Our user-friendly websites provide customers with a comprehensive selection of approximately 1.5 million SKUs with detailed product descriptions and photographs. We have developed a proprietary product database that maps our SKUs to product applications based on vehicle makes, models and years.
Our online sales channel and relationships with suppliers enable us to eliminate several intermediaries in the traditional auto parts supply chain and offer a broad selection of SKUs. Additionally, as an online retailer, we believe greater economies of scale can be achieved online than in brick and mortar stores.
We were incorporated in Delaware in 1995 as a distributor of aftermarket auto parts and launched our first website in 2000. We then expanded our online operations, increasing the number of SKUs sold through our e-commerce network, adding additional websites, improving our internet marketing proficiency, and commencing sales on online marketplaces. Like most e-commerce retailers, our success depends on our ability to attract online consumers to our websites and convert them into customers in a cost-effective manner. Historically, marketing through search engines provided the most efficient opportunity to reach online auto part buyers. In order to improve our business, we worked towards enhancing the process of consolidation and implementing improvements to our multiple websites in order to improve our ranking on online search results and pursued opportunities in third-party online marketplaces. Our efforts to improve the website purchase experience for our online customers have included our efforts to (1) help our customers find the parts they want to buy through reducing failed searches and increasing user purchase confidence; (2) sell more highly customized accessories by partnering with manufacturers to build custom shopping experiences; (3) increase order size across our sites through improved recommendation engines; and (4) roll out of high quality images and videos with emphasis on accessory product lines. In October 2008, we acquired AutoMD.com for the purpose of developing content and a user community to educate consumers on maintenance and service of their vehicles. The site provides auto information, with tools for diagnosing car troubles, locating repair shops, estimating the cost of repairs, accessing recalls and technical service bulletins, reading do-it-yourself, or DIY,
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repair guides, and getting questions answered in the automotive enthusiast community forum. Currently, AutoMD estimates auto repair costs to help consumers understand the costs and time involved in selected repairs and to improve the consumer’s experience when getting their vehicle serviced. We launched our AutoMd Insta-Quotes! Program in 2013. In locations where service shops were selected to participate in the AutoMD Insta-Quotes! program, AutoMD provides real-time price estimates specific to each participating shop. In locations without the AutoMD Insta-Quotes! program, AutoMD provides general estimates based on industry standard parts and labor data as available for the consumer’s location.
In August 2010, we acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Automotive Specialty Accessories and Parts, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary Whitney Automotive Group, Inc., at the time, the nation’s leading catalog and internet direct marketer of automotive aftermarket performance parts and accessories. This acquisition has expanded our product line into all terrain vehicles, recreational vehicles and motorcycles, as well as provided us deep product knowledge into niche segments like Jeep, Volkswagen and trucks. The expansion of our product line increases our ability to reach customers in the DIY automobile and off-road accessories market.
Our flagship websites are located at www.autopartswarehouse.com, www.jcwhitney.com and www.AutoMD.com.
Corporate Information
We were incorporated in Delaware in 1995. Our principal executive offices are located at 16941 Keegan Avenue, Carson, California 90746. Our telephone number is (310) 735-0085. Our corporate website is www.usautoparts.net. We make available free of charge through our website our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. The information contained in, or that can be accessed through, our websites is not part of, and is not incorporated into, this prospectus and should not be considered part of this prospectus.
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An investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. Prior to making a decision about investing in our common stock, you should carefully consider the risks described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2013, as filed with the SEC on March 12, 2014, and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended March 29, 2014 and June 28, 2014, as filed with the SEC on May 7, 2014 and August 5, 2014, respectively, each of which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus, as well as any updates thereto contained in subsequent filings with the SEC or any applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus. If any of these risks were to occur, our business, financial condition or results of operation would likely suffer. In that event, the value of our common stock could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment.
This prospectus, including the information incorporated by reference herein, and any applicable prospectus supplement including the documents we incorporate by reference therein, contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Although our forward-looking statements reflect the good faith judgment of our management, these statements can only be based on facts and factors currently known by us. Consequently, these forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results and outcomes may differ materially from results and outcomes discussed in the forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “believes,” “expects,” “hopes,” “may,” “will,” “plan,” “intends,” “estimates,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “continue,” “seeks,” “pro forma,” or “anticipates,” or other similar words (including their use in the negative). These statements include but are not limited to statements under the captions “Business,” “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and in other sections incorporated by reference from our Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as applicable, as well as our other filings with the SEC. You should be aware that the occurrence of any of the events discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” above and in any applicable prospectus supplement and any documents incorporated by reference herein or therein could substantially harm our business, results of operations and financial condition and that if any of these events occurs, the trading price of our common stock could decline and you could lose all or a part of the value of your common stock.
The cautionary statements made in this prospectus are intended to be applicable to all related forward-looking statements wherever they may appear in this prospectus or in any prospectus supplement or any documents incorporated by reference herein or therein. We urge you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update our forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.
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We will retain broad discretion over the use of the net proceeds from the sale of the securities offered hereby. Unless otherwise indicated in any prospectus supplement or in any related free writing prospectus that we may authorize to be provided to you, we currently intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of our common stock under this prospectus for general corporate purposes, which may include working capital requirements and potential repayment of indebtedness that may be outstanding at the time of any offering under this prospectus. In addition, from time to time, we have evaluated and we expect to continue to evaluate and potentially pursue possible strategic alliances, acquisitions, joint ventures, or other business combinations or other transactions that are complementary to our business. Pending the application of the net proceeds, we expect to invest the proceeds in short-term, interest-bearing instruments or other investment-grade securities.
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As of the date of this prospectus, our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes us to issue 100,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share. As of August 19, 2014, 33,531,019 shares of common stock were outstanding and 4,149,997 shares of preferred stock were outstanding.
The following summary describes the material terms of our capital stock. The description of capital stock is qualified by reference to our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our amended and restated bylaws and our certificate of designation, preferences and rights of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, which are incorporated by reference as exhibits into the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
Common Stock
Voting. Common stockholders are entitled to one vote per share for the election of directors and on all other matters that require stockholder approval, and do not have cumulative voting rights.
Dividends and Other Distributions. Subject to any preferential rights of outstanding preferred stock, including the company’s Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, or Series A Preferred, discussed below, holders of our common stock are entitled to share ratably in any dividends declared by our board of directors on the common stock and paid out of funds legally available for such dividends.
Distribution on Dissolution. Subject to any preferential rights of outstanding preferred stock, including the Series A Preferred discussed below, in the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of our common stock are entitled to share ratably in any assets remaining after payment of liabilities and the liquidation preferences of any outstanding preferred stock.
Other Rights. Our common stock does not carry any preemptive rights enabling a holder to subscribe for, or receive shares of, our common stock or any other securities convertible into shares of our common stock. There are no redemption rights or sinking fund provisions applicable to our common stock.
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
Conversion. Each share of Series A Preferred is convertible into shares of our common stock at the initial conversion rate of one share of common stock for each share of Series A Preferred. The conversion will be adjusted for certain non-price based events, such as dividends and distributions on the common stock, stock splits, combinations, recapitalizations, reclassifications, mergers, or consolidations. If not previously converted by the holder, the Series A Preferred will automatically convert to common stock if the volume weighted average price for the common stock for any 30 consecutive trading days is equal to or exceeds $4.35 per share.
Liquidation or Change of Control. In the event of any liquidation event, which includes changes of control of the company and sales or other dispositions by the company of more than 50% of its assets, the Series A Preferred is entitled to receive, prior and in preference to any distribution to the common stock, an amount per share equal to $1.45 per share of Series A Preferred, plus all then accrued but unpaid dividends on such Series A Preferred. Following this distribution, if assets or surplus funds remain, the holders of the common stock shall share ratably in all remaining assets of the company, based on the number of shares of common stock then outstanding. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if, in connection with any liquidation event, a holder of
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Series A Preferred would receive an amount greater than $1.45 per share of Series A Preferred by converting such shares held by such holder into shares of common stock, then such holder shall be treated as though such holder had converted such shares of Series A Preferred into shares of common stock immediately prior to such liquidation event, whether or not such holder had elected to so convert.
Dividends. Dividends on the Series A Preferred are payable quarterly at a rate of $0.058 per share per annum in cash, in shares of common stock or in any combination of cash and common stock as determined by our board of directors. Certain conditions are required to be satisfied in order for the company to pay dividends on the Series A Preferred in shares of common stock, including (i) the common stock being registered pursuant to Section 12(b) or (g) of the Exchange Act, (ii) the common stock being issued having been approved for listing on a trading market and (iii) the common stock being issued either being covered by an effective registration statement or being freely tradable without restriction under Rule 144 of the Securities Act (subject to certain exceptions).
Voting. The Series A Preferred are entitled to one vote per share for each share of common stock issuable upon conversion thereof (excluding from any such calculation any dividends accrued on such shares) and vote together with the holders of common stock as a single class on any matter on which the holders of common stock are entitled to vote. In addition, the company must obtain the consent of holders of at least a majority of the then outstanding Series A Preferred in connection with (i) any amendment, alteration or repeal of any provision of our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation or our amended and restated bylaws as to adversely affect the preferences, rights or voting power of the Series A Preferred, or (ii) the creation, authorization or issuance of any additional Series A Preferred or any other class or series of capital stock of the company ranking senior to or on parity with the Series A Preferred or any security convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for Series A Preferred or any other class or series of capital stock of the company ranking senior to or on parity with the Series A Preferred.
Other Preferred Stock
Under our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation our board of directors is authorized to issue shares of our preferred stock from time to time, in one or more classes or series, without stockholder approval (subject to the rights of our Series A Preferred). Prior to the issuance of shares of each series, the board of directors is required by the Delaware General Corporation Law, or DGCL, and our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation to adopt resolutions and file a certificate of designation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. The certificate of designation would fix for each class or series the designations, powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions, including the following:
| • | the distinctive serial designation of such series and the number of shares constituting such series; |
| • | the annual dividend rate on shares of such series, if any, whether dividends shall be cumulative and, if so, from which date or dates; |
| • | whether the shares of such series shall be redeemable and, if so, the terms and conditions of such redemption, including the date or dates upon and after which such shares shall be redeemable, and the amount per share payable in case of redemption, which amount may vary under different conditions and at different redemption dates; |
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| • | the obligation, if any, to retire shares of such series pursuant to a sinking fund; |
| • | whether shares of such series shall be convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of stock of any other class or classes and, if so, the terms and conditions of such conversion or exchange, including the price or prices or the rate or rates of conversion or exchange and the terms of adjustment, if any; |
| • | whether the shares of such series shall have voting rights, in addition to any voting rights provided by law, and, if so, the terms of such voting rights; |
| • | the rights of the shares of such series in the event of voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the company; and |
| • | any other relative rights, powers, preferences, qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof relating to such series. |
Any future issuance of additional preferred stock could adversely affect the voting power of holders of common stock and further reduce the likelihood that common stockholders will receive dividend payments and payments upon liquidation. Such an issuance could have the effect of decreasing the market price of the common stock. Such an issuance also could have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change in control of us.
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Anti-Takeover Provisions
Delaware Law. We are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL. In general, Section 203 prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a “business combination” with an “interested stockholder” for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder. Generally, a “business combination” includes a merger, asset sale or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the stockholder. An “interested stockholder” is a person who either owns 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock or, together with affiliates and associates, owns or, within three prior years, did own, 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock. These restrictions do not apply if:
| • | before the date that the person became an “interested stockholder,” our board of directors approved either the “business combination” or the transaction which makes the person an “interested stockholder”; |
| • | the “interested stockholder” owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the number of shares outstanding (i) shares owned by persons who are directors and also officers and (ii) shares owned by employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or |
| • | on or after the date that the person became an “interested stockholder,” the business combination is approved by (i) our board of directors and (ii) authorized at annual or special meeting of our stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of our outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the “interested stockholder.” |
The statute could have the effect of delaying, deferring, or preventing a change in control.
Bylaw and Certificate of Incorporation Provisions. Our amended and restated bylaws provide that special meetings of our stockholders may be called exclusively by a majority of our board of directors or the chairman of our board of directors. Our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation (i) provides for a board comprised of three classes of directors with each class serving a staggered three-year term, (ii) authorizes our board of directors to issue preferred stock from time to time, in one or more classes or series, without stockholder approval (subject to the rights of our Series A Preferred), (iii) requires the approval of at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock to amend certain provisions of our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws and (iv) does not include a provision for cumulative voting for directors. Under cumulative voting, a minority stockholder holding a sufficient percentage of a class of shares may be able to ensure the election of one or more directors. These and other provisions contained in our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws could delay or discourage transactions involving an actual or potential change in control of us or our management, including transactions in which stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares over then current prices. Such provisions could also limit the ability of stockholders to remove current management or approve transactions that stockholders may deem to be in their best interests and could adversely affect the price of our common stock.
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Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Computershare Limited. The transfer agent and registrar’s address is 250 Royall Street, Canton, MA 02021.
Listing on the Nasdaq Global Market
Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “PRTS.”
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We may sell our common stock covered by this prospectus in any of three ways (or in any combination):
| • | to or through underwriters or dealers; |
| • | directly to a limited number of purchasers or to a single purchaser; or |
| • | through agents. |
We may distribute the common stock:
| • | from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed from time to time; |
| • | at market prices prevailing at the time of sale; |
| • | at prices related to the prevailing market prices; or |
| • | at negotiated prices. |
Each time we offer and sell common stock covered by this prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement or supplements that will describe the method of distribution and set forth the terms of the offering of our common stock covered by this prospectus, including:
| • | the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents; |
| • | the amounts of common stock underwritten or purchased by each of them; |
| • | the purchase price of the common stock and the proceeds we will receive from the sale; |
| • | any over-allotment options under which underwriters may purchase additional common stock from us; |
| • | any underwriting discounts or commissions or agency fees and other items constituting underwriters’ or agents’ compensation; |
| • | the public offering price of the common stock; |
| • | any discounts, commissions or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers; and |
| • | any securities exchange or market on which the common stock may be listed. |
Any public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time. We may determine the price or other terms of the common stock offered under this prospectus by use of an electronic auction. We will describe how any auction will determine the price or any other terms, how potential investors may participate in the auction and the nature of the obligations of the underwriter, dealer or agent in the applicable prospectus supplement.
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Underwriters or dealers may offer and sell the offered common stock from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. The obligations of the underwriters or dealers to purchase the common stock will be subject to the conditions set forth in the applicable underwriting agreement. If underwriters or dealers are used in the sale of any common stock, the common stock will be acquired by the underwriters or dealers for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions described above. The common stock may be either offered to the public through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters, or directly by underwriters or dealers. Generally, the underwriters’ or dealers’ obligations to purchase the common stock will be subject to certain conditions precedent. The underwriters or dealers will be obligated to purchase all of the common stock if they purchase any of the common stock, unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement. We may use underwriters with whom we have a material relationship. We will describe the nature of any such relationship in the prospectus supplement or a free writing prospectus, naming the underwriter.
We may sell the common stock through agents from time to time. The prospectus supplement or a free writing prospectus will name any agent involved in the offer or sale of the common stock and any commissions we pay to them. Generally, any agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment. We may authorize underwriters, dealers or agents to solicit offers by certain purchasers to purchase the common stock from us at the public offering price set forth in the prospectus supplement or a free writing prospectus pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. The contracts will be subject only to those conditions set forth in the prospectus supplement or a free writing prospectus, and the prospectus supplement or a free writing prospectus will set forth any commissions we pay for solicitation of these contracts.
Agents, dealers and underwriters may be entitled to indemnification by us against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution with respect to payments which the agents, dealers or underwriters may be required to make in respect thereof. Agents, dealers and underwriters may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services for us in the ordinary course of business.
Any underwriter may engage in over-allotment, stabilizing transactions, short covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act. Over-allotment involves sales in excess of the offering size, which create a short position. This short sales position may involve either “covered” short sales or “naked” short sales. Covered short sales are short sales made in an amount not greater than the underwriters’ over-allotment option to purchase additional shares in this offering described above. The underwriters may close out any covered short position either by exercising their over-allotment option or by purchasing shares in the open market, if possible. To determine how they will close the covered short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market, as compared to the price at which they may purchase shares through the over-allotment option. Naked short sales are short sales in excess of the over-allotment option. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that, in the open market after pricing, there may be downward pressure on the price of the shares that could adversely affect investors who purchase shares in this offering. Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying security for the purpose of fixing the price of the security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a dealer when the securities originally sold by the dealer are purchased in a covering transaction to cover short positions.
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Similar to other purchase transactions, an underwriter’s purchase to cover the syndicate short sales or to stabilize the market price of our common stock may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of our common stock or preventing or mitigating a decline in the market price of our common stock. As a result, the price of the shares of our common stock may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. The imposition of a penalty bid might also have an effect on the price of the shares if it discourages resales of the shares.
Neither we nor the underwriters makes any representation or prediction as to the effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of the common stock. If such transactions are commenced, they may be discontinued without notice at any time.
The validity of the common stock being offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Cooley LLP, San Diego, California.
The consolidated financial statements incorporated in this Prospectus by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements have been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
This prospectus is part of a registration statement we filed with the SEC. This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement and the exhibits to the registration statement. For further information with respect to us and the securities we are offering under this prospectus, we refer you to the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules filed as a part of the registration statement. Neither we nor any agent, underwriter or dealer has authorized any person to provide you with different information. We are not making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front page of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or any sale of the securities offered by this prospectus.
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy the registration statement, as well as any other document filed by us with the SEC, at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. You can also request copies of these documents by writing to the SEC and paying a fee for the copying cost. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at (800) SEC-0330. The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including U.S. Auto Parts Network. The address of the SEC website is www.sec.gov.
We maintain a corporate website at www.usautoparts.net. Information contained in or accessible through our corporate website does not constitute a part of this prospectus.
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INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” information that we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents instead of having to repeat the information in this prospectus. We are incorporating by reference some information about us that we file with the SEC. We are disclosing important information to you by referencing those filed documents. Any information that we reference this way is considered part of this prospectus. The information in this prospectus supersedes information incorporated by reference that we have filed with the SEC prior to the date of this prospectus, while information that we file with the SEC after the date of this prospectus that is incorporated by reference will automatically update and supersede the information in this prospectus.
We incorporate by reference the following documents we have filed, or may file, with the SEC (other than portions of current reports furnished under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form 8-K or other portions of documents filed with the SEC which are furnished, but not filed, pursuant to applicable rules promulgated by the SEC):
| • | our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2013 filed with the SEC on March 12, 2014; |
| • | our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 29, 2014 and June 28, 2014 filed with the SEC on May 7, 2014 and August 5, 2014, respectively; |
| • | the information specifically incorporated by reference into our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2013 from our definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A (other than information furnished rather than filed) filed with the SEC on April 8, 2014; |
| • | our Current Reports on Form 8-K (other than information furnished rather than filed) filed with the SEC on February 18, 2014, March 6, 2014, March 24, 2014, April 7, 2014, May 21, 2014, June 18, 2014, June 30, 2014 and August 5, 2014; and |
| • | the description of our common stock contained in our registration statement on Form 8-A filed with the SEC on January 23, 2007, including any amendments or reports filed for the purposes of updating this description. |
We also incorporate by reference into this prospectus all documents (other than current reports furnished under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form 8-K and exhibits filed on such form that are related to such items) that are filed by us with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (i) after the date of the initial filing of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part and prior to effectiveness of the registration statement, or (ii) after the date of this prospectus but prior to the termination of the offering. These documents include periodic reports, such as Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, as well as proxy statements.
We will provide to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a prospectus is delivered, without charge upon written or oral request, a copy of any or all of the documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus but not delivered with the prospectus, including exhibits which are specifically incorporated by reference into such documents. You should direct any requests for documents by writing us at:
U.S. Auto Parts Network, Inc.
16941 Keegan Avenue
Carson, California 90746
(310) 735-0553
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Any statement contained herein or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference into this document will be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of the document to the extent that a statement contained in this document or any other subsequently filed document that is deemed to be incorporated by reference into this document modifies or supersedes the statement.
DISCLOSURE OF COMMISSION POSITION ON INDEMNIFICATION FOR
SECURITIES ACT LIABILITY
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the registrant pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law, the registrant has been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.
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$100,000,000
COMMON STOCK
PROSPECTUS
August 20, 2014