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Autobytel Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2002 Financial Results

IRVINE, Calif., July 25, 2002 -- Autobytel Inc. (Nasdaq:ABTL), a leading Internet automotive marketing services company, today announced second quarter 2002 financial results.


Highlights include:

 --   Net Loss of $0.02 per Share -- Lowest in company's History
 --   Pro Forma EBITDA of $0.01 per Share
 --   Cash Balance of $23.4 Million
 --   Average Revenue per Purchase Request Increased 11%
 --   Average Monthly Dealer Fees Increased 6%

"We are pleased to report our third consecutive quarter of pro forma EBITDA profitability. Our net loss of $0.6 million, or $0.02 per share, is the lowest in the history of Autobytel. During the quarter, we made measurable improvements in many areas of our business. I believe that this progress continues to set the stage for improved revenue and profit growth in the future," said Jeffrey Schwartz, president and CEO of Autobytel Inc.

On a GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) basis, revenue for the second quarter ended June 30, 2002, totaled $20.8 million, compared with revenue of $15.7 million for the second quarter ended June 30, 2001, an increase of 32%, and revenue of $20.7 million in the first quarter ended March 31, 2002. Revenue excludes Autoweb results prior to the acquisition on Aug. 14, 2001.

Pro forma earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and one-time charges (EBITDA) for the second quarter of 2002 were $0.4 million or $0.01 per share. This compares with pro forma EBITDA of $(4.9) million, or $(0.24) per share, for the second quarter ended June 30, 2001 and pro forma EBITDA of $0.6 million, or $0.02 per share, for the first quarter ended March 31, 2002. Pro forma EBITDA excludes Autoweb results prior to the acquisition on Aug. 14, 2001.

The company reported a net loss for the second quarter ended June 30, 2002 of $0.6 million or $0.02 per share. This compares with a net loss for the second quarter ended June 30, 2001 of $36.6 million, or $1.80 per share, and a net loss for the first quarter ended March 31, 2002 of $18.5 million or $0.59 per share.

As of June 30, 2002, cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash were $23.4 million, a decrease of $3.9 million from the cash balance at March 31, 2002.

Highlights for the Second Quarter

Revenues: Autobytel reported second quarter revenues of $20.8 million, of which $15.4 million was related to Program Fees, $2.7 million was related to Enterprise Sales, $1.6 million was related to Advertising, and $1 million was related to Other Products and Services.

Pro Forma Operating Expenses: Total pro forma operating expenses in the second quarter were $20.4 million. Sales and marketing expenses totaled $13.2 million, including customer acquisition costs. Product development and technology costs totaled $4.9 million. General and administrative costs totaled $2.4 million.

Unique Visitor Count: Autobytel's four Web site properties, Autobytel.com, Autoweb.com, Carsmart.com and Autosite.com, received more than 3.9 million unique visitors in June of 2002, according to Nielsen Net Ratings, positioning the company as the number one online car-buying and research network.

Purchase Requests: The company delivered approximately 1 million Purchase Requests to its dealers during the second quarter of 2002, which was flat compared with the first quarter of 2002. Revenue per Purchase Request increased 11%, from $16.19 in the first quarter of 2002 to $17.92 in the second quarter of 2002.

Dealer Count: The company reported approximately 9,400 dealer relationships, 5,900 of which were program dealer relationships. Average monthly dealer fees increased 6% from $787 in the first quarter of 2002 to $836 in the second quarter of 2002. The remaining 3,500 dealer relationships were accounted for under the company's enterprise sales initiatives.

Headcount: As of June 30, 2002, the company had approximately 223 employees, down from 261 in the first quarter of 2002. The reduction reflects a continuation of the efforts begun last year to reduce costs and improve operating efficiency subsequent to Autobytel's acquisition of Autoweb.

Used Car Program: The company continues to focus on its used car program, unique in the industry for its real-time inventory and dealer-backed certified vehicles. Used car Purchase Requests increased 16% from approximately 110,000 in the first quarter to 128,000 in the second quarter of 2002. During the quarter, approximately 75% of the used car inventory was less than 30 days old, the highest level in the company's history. Inventory was flat at 130,000 vehicle listings.

New Product Launch: In April, the company launched RPM (Retention-Performance-Marketing), the dealership service reminder program, marking the company's entry into the $400 million service reminder category. Approximately 70 dealerships are on the program and the company expects to build out its sales force in the next quarter to accelerate sales of the product.

"We are very pleased not only with our initial success in rolling out RPM, but also with the results that dealers are having with this product. With consumer response at a rate of 24%, dealers are getting a return on investment of $17 for every $1 they spend," commented Schwartz.

Quality Initiatives: In line with the company's focus on improving the quality of its marketing relationships and customer relations, the company launched Dealer Call Center and enhanced its dealer training programs. The Dealer Call Center was developed to help dealers turn more online leads into showroom sales by promptly responding to Internet customers. To date, more than 100 dealers are using the program.

Pro Forma Results

The pro forma operating results for the second quarter of 2002 exclude the following items on the company's Consolidated Statements of Operations:


  --   Restructuring and other charges and benefits
  --   Depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation

A reconciliation of GAAP to pro forma is included in the attached Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Business Outlook

The company reaffirmed previously disclosed guidance for the full year 2002 of revenue between $85 and $90 million and pro forma EBITDA of $0.07 and $0.09 per share.

Conference Call

In conjunction with Autobytel Inc.'s second quarter 2002 earnings release, there will be a conference call broadcast live over the Internet today, July 25, 2002, at 4:30 p.m. EDT. Links to the webcast conference call follow: http://www.irconnect.com/abtl/pages/conference.mhtml

The webcast will be archived within 24 hours of the end of the call until the next quarter's earnings announcement. To listen to the archived webcast go to: http://www.autobytel.com/info/investor.

About Autobytel Inc.

Autobytel, a leading Internet automotive marketing services company, helps retailers sell cars and manufacturers build brands through marketing and CRM (customer relationship management) programs. Autobytel owns and operates the popular Web sites Autobytel.com, Autoweb.com, Carsmart.com and Autosite.com, as well as AIC (Automotive Information Center), a leading provider of automotive marketing data and technology.

Autobytel generated an estimated four percent of all domestic new vehicle sales -- $17 billion in car sales in 2001 -- for dealers through its Web sites. With approximately 9,400 dealer relationships and 30 international automotive manufacturer customers, Autobytel is the largest syndicated car-buying content network, reaching millions of unique visitors as they are making their vehicle buying decisions. Autobytel content and technology has potential exposure to more than 90 percent of total Web traffic.(a)

The statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements under the federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements. Autobytel undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements are changes in general economic conditions, the economic impact of recent or future terrorist attacks, increased dealer attrition, pressure on program fees, increased or unexpected competition, that actual costs and expenses exceed the charges taken by the company, the company's failure to realize anticipated synergies related to the merger with Autoweb and difficulties associated with successfully integrating the parties' businesses and technologies, changes in laws and regulations and other matters disclosed in Autobytel's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors are strongly encouraged to review our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2001, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a discussion of risks and uncertainties that could affect operating results and the market price of the company's stock. (a) Jupiter Media Metrix October 2001 Digital Media Audience Report (Autobytel sites is the unduplicated audience of the Autobytel and Autoweb properties and Carsmart.com. The car-buying and ownership category as defined by Autobytel. Autobytel Inc. provides content to Yahoo! Inc., AOL websites, MSN.com and Lycos.com. The unduplicated audience of these four sites accounts for more than 90 percent of total traffic.)


                            Autobytel Inc.
                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
        (Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

                              (unaudited)

                                Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2002 (a)

                                           Pro Forma
                                    GAAP   Adjustments   Pro Forma (b)

 Revenues
    Program fees                $ 15,441          $ --       $ 15,441
    Enterprise sales               2,743            --          2,743
    Advertising                    1,639            --          1,639
    Other products
     and services                  1,008            --          1,008
        Total
         revenues                 20,831            --         20,831

 Operating expenses:
    Sales and
     marketing                    13,236       (38) (c)        13,198
    Product and
     technology
     development                   5,723      (868) (c)         4,855
    General and
     administrative                2,404       (43) (c)         2,361

    Goodwill
     impairment                       --            --             --
    Autobytel.Europe
     restructuring
     and other international
     charges                          --            --             --
    Domestic
     restructuring
     and other
     (benefits)
     charges                         (58)       58  (f)            --
         Total
          operating
          expenses                21,305          (891)        20,414

    Loss from
     operations                     (474)
    Pro forma EBITDA
     (b)                                           891            417

 Interest income, net                113            --            113
 Foreign currency
  exchange gain
  (loss)                             (13)           --            (13)
 Equity loss in
  unconsolidated
  subsidiaries                      (232)           --           (232)

    Income (loss)
     before minority
     interest
      and income
       taxes                        (606)          891            285
 Minority interest                    --            --             --
    Income (loss)
     before income
     taxes                          (606)          891            285
 Provision for income
  taxes                                1            --              1

    Net income (loss)             $ (607)        $ 891          $ 284

Loss from
 operations/Pro forma
 EBITDA per share
    Basic                        $ (0.02)                      $ 0.01
    Diluted                      $ (0.02)                      $ 0.01

Net income (loss) per
 share
    Basic                        $ (0.02)                      $ 0.01
    Diluted                      $ (0.02)                      $ 0.01

Shares used in
 computing income
 (loss) per share
    Basic                     31,137,392                   31,137,392
    Diluted                   31,137,392                   35,767,825


                                    Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2001

                                            Pro Forma
                                    GAAP    Adjustments  Pro Forma (b)
 Revenues
    Program fees                $ 11,541          $ --       $ 11,541
    Enterprise sales               1,600            --          1,600
    Advertising                      525            --            525
    Other products
     and services                  2,062            --          2,062
        Total
         revenues                 15,728            --         15,728

 Operating expenses:
    Sales and
     marketing                    12,833       (51) (c)        12,782
    Product and
     technology
     development                   4,614      (259) (c)         4,355
    General and
     administrative                4,016      (529) (c)         3,487

    Goodwill
     impairment                   21,614   (21,614) (d)            --
    Autobytel.Europe
     restructuring
     and other international
     charges                      11,202   (11,202) (e)            --
    Domestic
     restructuring
     and other
     (benefits)
     charges                         869      (869) (g)            --
         Total
          operating
          expenses                55,148       (34,524)        20,624

    Loss from
     operations                  (39,420)
    Pro forma EBITDA
     (b)                                        34,524         (4,896)

 Interest income, net                 923           --            923
 Foreign currency
  exchange gain
  (loss)                            (259)           --           (259)
 Equity loss in
  unconsolidated
  subsidiaries                        --            --             --

    Income (loss)
     before minority
     interest
      and income
       taxes                     (38,756)       34,524         (4,232)
 Minority interest                 2,105            --          2,105
    Income (loss)
     before income
     taxes                       (36,651)       34,524         (2,127)
 Provision for income
  taxes                              (10)           --            (10)

    Net income (loss)          $ (36,641)     $ 34,524       $ (2,117)

Loss from
 operations/Pro forma
 EBITDA per share
    Basic                        $ (1.94)                     $ (0.24)
    Diluted                      $ (1.94)                     $ (0.24)

Net income (loss) per
 share
    Basic                        $ (1.80)                     $ (0.10)
    Diluted                      $ (1.80)                     $ (0.10)

Shares used in
 computing income
 (loss) per share
    Basic                     20,364,619                   20,364,619
    Diluted                   20,364,619                   20,364,619


Notes:

(a) Results in the second quarter of 2002 include Autoweb which
was acquired on Aug. 14, 2001.

(b) The Pro Forma Consolidated Statements of Operations are not
presentations in accordance with GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles) as they exclude the effects of notes (c) through (g).

(c) Adjustments for depreciation, amortization and stock
compensation expenses of $949 and $839 in the second quarter of 2002
and 2001, respectively.

(d) Adjustment for impairment of goodwill related to the company's
acquisition of A.I.N. Corp.

(e) Adjustments for the restructuring of Autobytel.Europe, the
write-off of obsolete international software and the write-off of
investments in European joint ventures.

(f) Adjustments for benefits related to arbitration recovery and
the reduction of legal fees and negotiated settlements net of charges
related to the company's reduction in workforce, excess facilites and
costs related to an abandoned transaction.

(g) Adjustments for contract termination costs related to online
advertising and the company's aftermarket program, as well as the
write-off of previously capitalized software related to the company's
aftermarket program.


                            Autobytel Inc.
                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
        (Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

                              (unaudited)

                                    Six Months Ended June 30, 2002 (a)

                                           Pro Forma
                                    GAAP   Adjustments   Pro Forma (b)

 Revenues
    Program fees                $ 30,853          $ --       $ 30,853
    Enterprise sales               4,727            --          4,727
    Advertising                    3,396            --          3,396
    Other products
     and services                  2,588            --          2,588

        Total
         revenues                 41,564            --         41,564

 Operating expenses:
    Sales and
     marketing                    25,496       (69) (c)        25,427
    Product and
     technology
     development                  11,476    (1,702) (c)         9,774
    General and
     administrative                5,461       (99) (c)         5,362

    Goodwill
     impairment                       --            --             --
    Autobytel.Europe
     restructuring,
     impairment and
     other international
     charges                      15,015   (15,015) (e)            --
    Domestic
     restructuring
     and other
     (benefits)
     charges                         (58)       58  (g)            --
         Total
          operating
          expenses                57,390       (16,827)        40,563

    Loss from
     operations                  (15,826)
    Pro forma EBITDA
     (b)                                        16,827          1,001

 Loss on
  recapitalization of
  Autobytel.Europe                (4,168)    4,168  (i)            --
 Interest income, net                504            --            504
 Foreign currency
  exchange gain
  (loss)                             (12)           --            (12)
 Equity loss in
  unconsolidated
  subsidiaries                      (432)           --           (432)

    Income (loss)
     before minority
     interest
      and income
       taxes                     (19,934)       20,995          1,061
 Minority interest                   866            --            866
    Income (loss)
     before income
     taxes                       (19,068)       20,995          1,927
 Provision for income
  taxes                                6            --              6

    Net income (loss)          $ (19,074)     $ 20,995        $ 1,921

Loss from
 operations/Pro Forma
 EBITDA per share
    Basic                        $ (0.51)                      $ 0.03
    Diluted                      $ (0.51)                      $ 0.03

Net income (loss) per
 share
    Basic                        $ (0.61)                      $ 0.06
    Diluted                      $ (0.61)                      $ 0.05

Shares used in
 computing income
 (loss) per share
    Basic                     31,103,469                   31,103,469
    Diluted                   31,103,469                   35,733,902


                                       Six Months Ended June 30, 2001

                                           Pro Forma
                                    GAAP   Adjustments   Pro Forma (b)
 Revenues
    Program fees                $ 24,375          $ --       $ 24,375
    Enterprise sales               3,000            --          3,000
    Advertising                      718            --            718
    Other products
     and services                  4,288            --          4,288

        Total
         revenues                 32,381            --         32,381

 Operating expenses:
    Sales and
     marketing                    26,179      (118) (c)        26,061
    Product and
     technology
     development                   8,602      (461) (c)         8,141
    General and
     administrative                7,620    (1,048) (c)         6,572

    Goodwill
     impairment                   21,614   (21,614) (d)            --
    Autobytel.Europe
     restructuring,
     impairment and
     other
        international
         charges                  11,202   (11,202) (f)            --
    Domestic
     restructuring
     and other
     (benefits)
     charges                       1,861    (1,861) (h)            --
         Total
          operating
          expenses                77,078       (36,304)        40,774

    Loss from
     operations                  (44,697)
    Pro forma EBITDA
     (b)                                        36,304         (8,393)

 Loss on
  recapitalization of
  Autobytel.Europe                    --            --             --
 Interest income, net              2,073            --          2,073
 Foreign currency
  exchange gain
  (loss)                             458            --            458
 Equity loss in
  unconsolidated
  subsidiaries                      (500)           --           (500)

    Income (loss)
     before minority
     interest
      and income
       taxes                     (42,666)       36,304         (6,362)
 Minority interest                 1,977            --          1,977
    Income (loss)
     before income
     taxes                       (40,689)       36,304         (4,385)
 Provision for income
  taxes                               28            --             28

    Net income (loss)          $ (40,717)     $ 36,304       $ (4,413)

Loss from
 operations/Pro Forma
 EBITDA per share
    Basic                        $ (2.20)                     $ (0.41)
    Diluted                      $ (2.20)                     $ (0.41)

Net income (loss) per
 share
    Basic                        $ (2.00)                     $ (0.22)
    Diluted                      $ (2.00)                     $ (0.22)

Shares used in
 computing income
 (loss) per share
    Basic                     20,359,553                   20,359,553
    Diluted                   20,359,553                   20,359,553


    Notes:

(a) Results in the six months ended June 30, 2002 include Autoweb
which was acquired on Aug. 14, 2001.

(b) The Pro Forma Consolidated Statements of Operations are not
presentations in accordance with GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles) as they exclude the effects of notes (c) through (i).

(c) Adjustments for depreciation, amortization and stock
compensation expenses of $1,870 and $1,627 in the six months
ended 2002 and 2001, respectively.

(d) Adjustment for impairment
of goodwill related to the company's acquistion of
 A.I.N. Corp.

(e) Adjustments for the change in Autobytel.Europe's
capital structure and impairment of the company's investment
in Autobytel.Europe.

(f) Adjustments for the restructuring of
Autobytel.Europe, the write-off of obsolete international software and
the write-off of investments in European joint ventures.

(g) Adjustments for benefits related to arbitration recovery and
the reduction of legal fees and negotiated settlements net of charges
related to the company's reduction in workforce, excess facilites and
costs related to an abandoned transaction.

(h) Adjustments for the restructuring of the company's automotive
operations group, contract termination costs related to online
advertising and the company's aftermarket program, as well as the
write-off of previously capitalized software related to the company's
aftermarket program.

(i) Adjustment for loss recognized on reduction of ownership in
Autobytel.Europe from 76.5% to 49%.


                             Autobytel Inc.
                      CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
        (Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

                                 ASSETS

                                        June 30,              Dec. 31,
                                           2002                  2001
                                       (unaudited)

Current assets:
     Domestic cash and cash
     equivalents                       $ 23,415              $ 30,006
     International cash and
     cash equivalents                        --                28,784
     Restricted cash                         29                 3,047
     Accounts receivable, net
     of allowance for doubtful
     accounts of $4,552 and
     $7,109, respectively                 9,905                 8,519
     Prepaid expenses and other
     current assets                       4,035                 4,419
       Total current assets              37,384                74,775
Property and equipment, net               2,599                 2,889
Capitalized software, net                 4,668                 4,319
Investment in unconsolidated
subsidiary                                4,747                    --
Goodwill, net                             8,644                 8,644
Other assets                                 96                   154
       Total assets                    $ 58,138              $ 90,781

                  LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities:
     Accounts payable                   $ 4,673               $ 9,108
     Accrued expenses                     4,283                 9,005
     Deferred revenues                    4,411                 4,708
     Customer deposits                       86                    92
     Other current liabilities              338                   300
       Total current liabilities         13,791                23,213
     Long-term liabilities                  366                    --
         Total liabilities               14,157                23,213

Minority interest                            --                 7,173

Commitments and contingencies

Stockholders' equity:
     Preferred stock, $0.001 par
     value; 11,445,187 shares
     authorized                              --                    --
     Common stock, $0.001 par
     value; 200,000,000 shares
     authorized; 31,138,198 and
     30,969,377 shares issued and
     outstanding, respectively               31                    31
     Additional paid-in capital         203,518               203,280
     Accumulated other comprehensive
     loss                                   (16)               (2,438)
     Accumulated deficit               (159,552)             (140,478)
       Total stockholders' equity        43,981                60,395
       Total liabilities and
       stockholders' equity            $ 58,138              $ 90,781


Note: Balances as of June 30, 2002 exclude consolidation of
Autobytel.Europe.

Contacts:
Autobytel Inc., Irvine
Geri Weinfeld
949/225-4553
Geriw@autobytel.com

Melanie Webber
949/862-3023
Melaniew@autobytel.com