Axis Provides Business Update and Announces Closing of $2.67 Million Private Placement of Unsecured Subordinated Debentures
September 11 2023 - 4:01PM
Axis Auto Finance Inc. ("
Axis" or the
"
Company") [TSX: AXIS], a financial technology
company changing the way Canadians purchase and finance used
vehicles, is pleased to provide a business update and announce the
closing of a private placement (the "
Private
Placement") of unsecured subordinated debentures (the
"
Debentures").
Business Update
Over the last 12 months, elevated inflation
levels, supply chain disruption and rapidly rising interest rates
have created challenges in the non-prime auto finance market.
Inflation resulted in more borrower defaults leading to higher
credit loss rates, supply chain issues affected vehicle
availability as well as affordability and rising interest rates
increased borrowing costs.
Axis has responded to these challenges
implementing certain initiatives, including, but not limited
to:
- Increased pricing on new
originations to compensate for the increase in the cost of
borrowing
- Adjust underwriting criteria to
reflect elevated credit risks due to inflation
- Streamline operations by exiting
certain markets and discontinuing non-performing product lines
- Cut costs through workforce
reductions and decreases to executive pay
- Continue to improve operational
efficiencies through process automation
Management of Axis is continuously monitoring
portfolio and company performance and is committed to additional
changes, if required. This process ensures that Axis is well
positioned to withstand current macroeconomic challenges and thrive
in the future.
Closing of $2.67 Million Private
Placement of Unsecured Subordinated Debentures
The Company also announced today that it has
completed a private placement financing of $2.67 million principal
amount of Debentures. The Debentures mature on September 30, 2025
(the "Maturity Date") and carry an annual interest
rate of 12%, accrued and payable quarterly in arrears on each March
31, June 30, September 30 and December 31, in cash. Subject to
certain conditions, the Company will have the right to prepay any
or part of the Debentures at any time prior to the Maturity Date by
paying the principal amount and accrued and unpaid interest. The
principal amount of the Debentures is not convertible into common
shares or any other securities of the Company.
In addition to the Debentures, the Company has
issued to subscribers an aggregate of 12,015,000 common share
purchase warrants (the "Warrants"), each of which
entitles the holder thereof to purchase one common share of the
Company (collectively, the "Warrant Shares") at an
exercise price of $0.16 per share for a period of three years from
the date of issuance.
The Debentures, Warrants and Warrant Shares are
subject to a four-month statutory hold period commencing on the
date of their issuance. An aggregate of $600,000 principal amount
of the Debentures and 2,700,000 Warrants were purchased by officers
and directors of the Company and are exempt from the formal
valuation and minority approval provisions of National Instrument
61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holder in Special
Transactions.
The Company intends to use the net proceeds from
the Private Placement to refinance existing indebtedness.
About Axis Auto Finance
Axis is a financial technology company changing
the way Canadians buy and finance used vehicles. Through our
direct-to-consumer portal, DriveAxis.ca, customers can choose their
next used vehicle, arrange financing, and get the car delivered to
their home. In addition, the company continues to grow B2B
non-prime auto loan originations by delivering innovative
technology solutions and superior service to its Dealer Partner
Network. All Axis auto loans report to Equifax, resulting in over
70% of customers seeing a significant improvement of their credit
scores. Further information on the Company can be found at
https://www.axisfinancegroup.com/investors-press-releases/.
The TSX Exchange has neither approved nor
disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither the
Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is
defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for
the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Axis Auto Finance Inc.Todd Hudson CEO (416)
633-5626ir@axisautofinance.com
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