PowerBand Announces Significant Reduction to Cost Structure, Integration Plan for Enterprise Customers and Licenses for Direct-to-Consumer

Rhea-AI Summary

PowerBand Solutions has implemented a significant cost reduction strategy, lowering recurring expenses by CAD $2M per quarter, totaling CAD $8M annually. This includes a CAD $1.2M reduction in expenses and CAD $0.8M in capital cost avoidance. The company has suspended spending on DrivrzLane and will incur a one-time charge of CAD $0.5M for severance in Q2/22. Additionally, PowerBand aims to integrate with CDK Global's DMS system, crucial for enhancing originations. The company is also now licensed for direct-to-consumer lending in key states, offering growth opportunities in its marketplace.

Positive

• Cost reduction of CAD $2M per quarter improves financial sustainability.
• Direct-to-consumer lending licenses acquired in Texas, California, and Florida expand market opportunities.
• Integration with CDK Global's DMS is expected to drive future originations.

Negative

• Suspension of spending for DrivrzLane raises concerns about its operational viability.
• Incurring a CAD $0.5M one-time charge for severance impacts short-term financials.

TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / June 29, 2022 / PowerBand Solutions (TSXV:PBX)(OTCQB:PWWBF)(FRA:1ZVA) ("PowerBand" "PBX" or the "Company"), a comprehensive e-commerce solution transforming the online experience to sell, trade, lease, and finance vehicles, announces that the Company has already made significant progress in rationalizing its cost structure, thereby improving the long-term sustainability of the business model. PowerBand has reduced its recurring costs by CAD $2M per quarter ($8M annualized), which consists of $1.2M per quarter of expense reduction and $0.8M per quarter of capital cost avoidance. The Company has suspended spending for DrivrzLane as it conducts a comprehensive review of the business unit. PowerBand will incur an approximate charge of $0.5M for severance and other one-time costs with Q2/22 financial results. The reduction in cost structure will be partially offset by expansion of the sales team at DrivrzFinancial in the second half of 2022.

PowerBand also announces that it is working expeditiously to integrate with CDK Global's DMS, which is an integral desking tool for enterprise dealers. DrivrzFinancial has signed some of the largest dealer groups in the U.S., however it has been precluded from generating originations until the systems are fully integrated. This will be a critical milestone to driving originations systematically with large, sophisticated organizations. The anticipated integration period is anticipated to be 45-90 days.

Finally, PowerBand announces that it is now licensed for direct-to-consumer lending in Texas, California and Florida. This will provide an origination growth funnel as the Company builds out its marketplace presence in its core markets. The Company will provide further updates on its overarching growth strategy by the end of Q3/22.

About PowerBand Solutions, Inc.
PowerBand Solutions Inc., listed on the TSX Venture Exchange and the OTCQB markets, is a fintech provider disrupting the automotive industry. PowerBand's integrated, cloud-based transaction platform facilitates transactions amongst consumers, dealers, funders, and manufacturers (OEMs). It enables them to buy, sell, trade, finance, and lease new and used, electric and non-electric vehicles, on any phone, tablet or PC connected to the internet. PowerBand's transaction platform - being trademarked under DRIVRZ™ - is being made available across North American and global markets.

For further information, please contact:
Darrin Swenson
Chief Executive Officer
E: Darrin.swenson@powerbandsolutions.com
P: 1-866-768-7653

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the Company and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding future plans and objectives of the Company, the second tranche closing of the Financing, the use of proceeds of the Financing and matters relating to shareholder approval, are forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.

The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. As a result, we cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will materialize, and the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated.

Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as at the date of this news release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by Canadian securities law.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, unless an exemption from such registration is available.

SOURCE: PowerBand Solutions Inc.

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FAQ

What is PowerBand Solutions' recent cost reduction?

PowerBand Solutions has reduced its recurring costs by CAD $2M per quarter, totaling CAD $8M annually.

How will the integration with CDK Global affect PowerBand?

The integration with CDK Global's DMS is critical for PowerBand to generate originations systematically with large dealer groups.

In which states is PowerBand licensed for direct-to-consumer lending?

PowerBand is now licensed for direct-to-consumer lending in Texas, California, and Florida.

What are the financial implications of PowerBand's cost-cutting measures?

The cost-cutting measures should improve the company's long-term sustainability, though a one-time severance charge of CAD $0.5M will affect Q2/22 results.