[DEF 14A] Vroom, Inc. Definitive Proxy Statement
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Vroom, Inc. is asking stockholders to vote at its virtual 2026 annual meeting on electing seven directors for one-year terms, ratifying RSM US LLP as auditor for 2026, and approving on an advisory basis 2025 compensation for named executive officers.
The proxy describes Vroom’s post-restructuring focus on its UACC auto finance and CarStory analytics businesses, a majority-independent board with an Independent Executive Chair, and fully independent key committees. It highlights anti‑hedging and clawback policies, an insider trading policy, and board oversight of risk, succession, and ESG matters.
Compensation for senior leaders in 2025 combined base salary with at‑risk equity incentives. CEO Thomas Shortt had a $775,000 base salary, a 150% bonus target but no 2025 bonus, and received large RSU and option grants that vest over several years and can accelerate on certain terminations or a qualifying change in control.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- None.
Key Figures
Key Terms
Prepackaged Chapter 11 Case regulatory
Compensation Recovery Policy financial
say-on-pay financial
Independent Executive Chair financial
Ecommerce Wind-Down financial
Compensation Summary
| Name | Title | Total Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Thomas H. Shortt | ||
| Jonathan R. Sandison | ||
| Anna-Lisa C. Corrales |
- Election of seven directors for one-year terms ending at the 2027 annual meeting
- Ratification of RSM US LLP as independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2026
- Advisory approval of compensation of named executive officers for 2025
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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NOTICE OF 2026 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held on June 11, 2026
Dear Stockholders:
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Vroom, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time for the following purposes:
Proposals |
|
1 |
The election of Robert J. Mylod, Jr., Robert R. Krakowiak, Timothy M. Crow, Michael J. Farello, Matthew J. Pietroforte, Nikul Patel, and Thomas H. Shortt to our Board of Directors, each for a one-year term ending at the 2027 Annual Meeting; |
2 |
The ratification of the appointment of RSM US LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026; |
3 |
The approval, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, of the compensation of our named executive officers; and |
The Annual Meeting will be a completely virtual meeting, which will be conducted via live webcast. You will be able to attend the Annual Meeting online and submit your questions during the meeting by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/VRM2026 and entering the 16-digit control number included on the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or any proxy card that you received, or on the materials provided by your bank or broker.
While all of the Company’s stockholders are invited to attend the virtual Annual Meeting, only holders of record of our outstanding shares of common stock at the close of business on April 16, 2026, are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting, or any continuation, postponement or adjournment of the Annual Meeting. A complete list of these stockholders will be available for examination by any stockholder during the ten days prior to the Annual Meeting for a purpose germane to the meeting by sending an email to investors@vroom.com, stating the purpose of the request and providing proof of ownership of the Company’s common stock. The Annual Meeting may be continued or adjourned from time to time without notice other than by announcement at the Annual Meeting. In addition to the purposes listed above, we may transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any continuation, postponement or adjournment of the Annual Meeting.
Important Information for our Stockholders
It is important that your shares be represented regardless of the number of shares you may hold as of the record date. Whether or not you plan to attend the virtual Annual Meeting, we urge you to vote your shares via the toll-free telephone number or over the Internet, as described in the enclosed materials. If you received a copy of the proxy card by mail, you may sign, date and mail the proxy card in the enclosed return envelope, which is addressed for your convenience and needs no postage if mailed in the United States. We encourage stockholders to submit their proxy via telephone or over the Internet. Promptly voting your shares will ensure the presence of a quorum at the Annual Meeting and will save us the expense of further solicitation. Submitting your proxy now will not prevent you from voting your shares at the Annual Meeting if you desire to do so, as your proxy is revocable at your option. The Company asks your cooperation in promptly submitting your proxy.
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YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
If you would like to attend the virtual Annual Meeting, please refer to the logistical information in the section titled “Questions and Answers About the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.”
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/s/ Anna-Lisa Corrales
Anna-Lisa Corrales
Chief Legal Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary
April 28, 2026
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY |
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5 |
Meeting Agenda Items |
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6 |
Director Nominees |
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6 |
Corporate Governance Highlights |
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7 |
PROPOSAL ONE—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS |
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8 |
Board Recommendation |
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8 |
Our Board of Directors |
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8 |
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE |
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12 |
Governance Overview |
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12 |
Board Composition |
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13 |
Director Independence |
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13 |
Director Candidates |
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13 |
Pre-IPO Voting Agreement |
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14 |
Communications From Stockholders |
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14 |
Board Leadership Structure |
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14 |
Board’s Role in Risk Oversight |
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15 |
Code of Conduct |
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15 |
Anti-Hedging Policy |
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15 |
Insider Trading Compliance Policy |
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15 |
Executive Sessions |
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16 |
Attendance by Members of the Board of Directors at Meetings |
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16 |
Board Committees |
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16 |
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation |
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19 |
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY |
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20 |
Corporate Governance |
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20 |
PROPOSAL TWO—RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM |
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21 |
Board Recommendation |
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22 |
Principal Accountant Fees and Services |
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22 |
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures |
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22 |
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE |
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23 |
PROPOSAL THREE—APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY (NON-BINDING) BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS |
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24 |
Background |
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24 |
Board Recommendation |
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24 |
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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
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25 |
Narrative Discussion of Executive Compensation |
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25 |
Summary Compensation Table |
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29 |
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Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Table |
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30 |
Summary of Potential Payments and Benefits |
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31 |
Pay Versus Performance |
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33 |
Narrative Disclosure to Pay Versus Performance Table |
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34 |
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION |
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36 |
Director Compensation Table for Fiscal 2025 |
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36 |
Securities Authorized For Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans |
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39 |
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT |
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40 |
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS |
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42 |
Director and Officer Indemnification and Insurance |
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43 |
Our Policy Regarding Related Person Transactions |
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43 |
OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS |
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45 |
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE 2026 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS |
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46 |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
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51 |
Stockholder Proposals |
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51 |
Householding of Annual Meeting Materials |
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51 |
Other Matters |
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51 |
Solicitation of Proxies |
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51 |
PROXY CARD |
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53 |
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Forward-Looking Statements
This proxy statement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this proxy statement that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, our business plans, strategies and initiatives, Long-Term Strategic Plan, and the UACC and CarStory businesses, as well as our executive compensation needs and goals, corporate governance and social responsibility initiatives. These statements are based on management’s current assumptions and are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. For factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this proxy statement, please see the risks and uncertainties identified under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, which is available on our Investor Relations website at ir.vroom.com and on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission website at www.sec.gov. Additionally, we may provide information herein or elsewhere, including our website or documents accessible thereby, that is not necessarily “material” under the federal securities laws for SEC reporting purposes, including information that is informed by various ESG standards and frameworks (including standards for the measurement of underlying data), and the interests of various stakeholders. Much of this information is subject to assumptions, estimates or third-party information that is still evolving and subject to change. For example, our disclosures based on any standards may change due to revisions in framework requirements, availability of information, changes in our business or applicable government policies, or other factors, some of which may be beyond our control. All forward-looking statements reflect our beliefs and assumptions only as of the date of this proxy statement. We undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances. Finally, any document or website references are provided for convenience and, absent express language to the contrary, are hereby not incorporated by reference.
In this proxy statement, certain prior year amounts have been adjusted to reflect the Company’s 1-for-80 reverse stock split in February 2024, as well as the automatic conversion of the Common Stock at a ratio of 1-for-5 upon emergence from the Prepackaged Chapter 11 Case (as defined herein).
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Vroom, Inc.
4700 Mercantile Drive
Fort Worth, Texas 76137
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
2026 Annual Meeting Information
This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Vroom, Inc. (the “Company,” “Vroom,” “we” or “us”) of proxies to be voted at our Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026 (the “Annual Meeting”), at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and at any continuation, postponement or adjournment of the Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting will be a completely virtual meeting, which will be conducted via live webcast. You will be able to attend the Annual Meeting online and submit your questions during the meeting by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/VRM2026 and entering the 16-digit control number included on the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or any proxy card that you received, or on the materials provided by your bank or broker.
Only holders of record of outstanding shares of our common stock (our “stockholders”) at the close of business on April 16, 2026 (the “Record Date”), will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting and any continuation, postponement or adjournment of the Annual Meeting. Each share of our common stock entitles its holder to one vote per share on all matters presented to our stockholders. At the close of business on April 16, 2026, there were 5,206,495 shares of common stock outstanding.
This proxy statement will be first sent or given to our stockholders as of the Record Date on or about May 1, 2026.
This Executive Summary summarizes and highlights certain information contained in this proxy statement, but does not contain all the information that you should consider when casting your vote. Please review the entire proxy statement as well as the Company’s Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 (the “2025 Annual Report”) carefully before voting. Frequently asked questions and logistical information regarding the Annual Meeting are available in the section titled “Questions and Answers About the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders” beginning on page 46.
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders To Be Held on June 11, 2026
THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND OUR 2025 ANNUAL REPORT ARE AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING, PRINTING AND DOWNLOADING AT www.proxyvote.com.
5
Meeting Agenda Items
Proposal |
Page |
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Proposal No. 1: To elect Robert J. Mylod, Jr., Robert R. Krakowiak, Timothy M. Crow, Michael J. Farello, Matthew J. Pietroforte, Nikul Patel, and Thomas H. Shortt to our Board of Directors to serve for a one-year term ending at the 2027 Annual Meeting of Stockholders |
8 |
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Proposal No. 2: To ratify the appointment of RSM US LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026 |
21 |
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Proposal No. 3: To approve, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, the compensation of our named executive officers.
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24 |
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Director Nominees
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Director Since |
Independent |
Audit Committee |
Compensation Committee |
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee |
Director Nominees |
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Robert J. Mylod, Jr. (Independent Executive Chair)* |
2015 |
✓ |
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Timothy M. Crow |
2022 |
✓ |
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Michael J. Farello** |
2015 |
✓ |
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Nikul Patel |
2025 |
✓ |
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Robert R. Krakowiak (Vice Chair) |
2024 |
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Matthew J. Pietroforte |
2025 |
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Thomas H. Shortt |
2022 |
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= Committee Chairperson
= Member
* If reelected at the Annual Meeting, Robert J. Mylod, Jr., is expected to join the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
** If reelected at the Annual Meeting, Mr. Farello is expected to join the Audit Committee.
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Corporate Governance Highlights
Vroom owns United Auto Credit Corporation (“UACC”), a leading automotive finance company that offers vehicle financing to consumers through third-party dealers under the UACC brand, and CarStory (“CarStory”), a leader in AI-powered analytics and digital services for the automotive industry. The UACC and CarStory businesses continue to serve their respective third-party customers following the wind-down of Vroom’s used vehicle dealership business in 2024 (the “Ecommerce Wind-Down”), with their operations substantially unaffected by the Ecommerce Wind-Down. On November 13, 2024, Vroom, Inc. entered into a Restructuring Support Agreement and commenced a voluntary proceeding (the “Prepackaged Chapter 11 Case”) under Chapter 11 of the United States Code, 11 U.S.C. §§ 101-1532, as amended from time to time (the “Bankruptcy Code”) in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas. On December 2, 2024, the Company’s common stock was suspended from trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market as a result of our Prepackaged Chapter 11 Case. The Company emerged from the Prepackaged Chapter 11 Case on January 14, 2025. On February 20, 2025, our common stock was relisted and began trading on the Nasdaq Global Market under the ticker symbol “VRM”. Unless the context otherwise requires, references herein to “Vroom”, the "Company”, “we”, “us” or “our” refer to Vroom and its consolidated subsidiaries.
The Company continues to seek to grow and enhance the profitability of the UACC and CarStory businesses. The Company remains committed to good corporate governance practices that are aimed at protecting and promoting the long-term value of the Company for its stakeholders. The Board regularly reviews our governance practices to ensure they reflect the evolving governance landscape and appropriately support and serve the best interests of the Company and its stakeholders. The following chart provides an overview of our corporate governance practices:
Independent Oversight
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▪ Majority independent board with 5 out of 8 current directors deemed independent ▪ Independent Executive Chair of the Board to support and advise management ▪ Regular executive sessions of non-employee directors at Board meetings (chaired by the Chairperson of the Board) and committee meetings (chaired by independent committee chairs) ▪ 100% independent Board committees ▪ Active Board and committee oversight of the Company’s strategy and risk management |
Board Effectiveness
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▪ Directors possess a deep and diverse set of skills and expertise relevant to oversight of our business operations and strategy. ▪ Annual assessment of director skills and experience to ensure Board meets the Company’s evolving needs ▪ Highly engaged Board with directors in the aggregate having attended over 92% of total number of meetings of the Board and committees on which they serve ▪ Annual Board and committee self-evaluations overseen by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee ▪ Onboarding program for all new directors ▪ No fee-shifting provisions |
Stockholder Rights |
▪ Annual elections of all directors ▪ Single class share structure |
Good Governance Practices
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▪ Development and periodic review of succession plans for the Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers required pursuant to Corporate Governance Guidelines ▪ Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (our “Code of Conduct”) applicable to directors and all employees, which reinforces our core values and helps drive our workplace culture of compliance with ethical standards, integrity and accountability ▪ All directors and executive officers prohibited from hedging or pledging our securities ▪ Hotline permitting anonymous reporting of violations of our Code of Conduct and other concerns, with any complaints reviewed and investigated by management and reported to the Audit Committee quarterly ▪ Periodic review of Corporate Governance Guidelines and committee charters |
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PROPOSAL ONE—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Board has nominated Robert J. Mylod, Jr., Robert R. Krakowiak, Timothy M. Crow, Michael J. Farello, Matthew J. Pietroforte, Nikul Patel, and Thomas H. Shortt as director nominees for election at the Annual Meeting. Current director Laura G. O’Shaughnessy is not standing for reelection to the Board at the Annual Meeting.
Board Recommendation
☑ Our Board unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” the election of each of Robert J. Mylod, Jr., Robert R. Krakowiak, Timothy M. Crow, Michael J. Farello, Matthew J. Pietroforte, Nikul Patel, and Thomas H. Shortt as directors.
Our Board is currently comprised of eight directors. Our Board has determined to decrease the size of the Board to seven directors following the conclusion of the Annual Meeting. As described in our Restated Certificate of Incorporation (“Certificate of Incorporation”), all director nominees will stand for election for one-year terms that expire at the following year’s annual meeting.
If you return a duly executed proxy card without specifying how your shares are to be voted, the persons named in the proxy card will vote to elect Robert J. Mylod, Jr., Robert R. Krakowiak, Timothy M. Crow, Michael J. Farello, Matthew J. Pietroforte, Nikul Patel, and Thomas H. Shortt as directors. Proxies cannot be voted for a greater number of persons than the number of nominees named in this proposal. All of our director nominees currently serve on our Board and have indicated their willingness to continue to serve if elected. However, if any director nominee should be unable to serve, or for good cause will not serve, the shares of common stock represented by proxies may be voted for a substitute nominee designated by our Board, or our Board may reduce its size. Our Board has no reason to believe that any of the nominees will be unable to serve if elected.
Our Board of Directors
Director Biographies
Director nominees to be elected at the Annual Meeting (term to expire in 2027):
8
Director Since: 2022 Age: 57
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THOMAS H. SHORTT Thomas H. Shortt has served as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer since May 2022 and previously served as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer from January 2022. Since March 1, 2024, Mr. Shortt has also served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of UACC. Prior to joining Vroom, Mr. Shortt served as Senior Vice President at Walmart Inc. (“Walmart”) starting in 2018, where he developed the ecommerce supply chain strategy and led improvements through the use of analytics, processes, and systems. Prior to his time at Walmart, Mr. Shortt served as Senior Vice President of Supply Chain at The Home Depot, Inc. starting in 2013, and previously held senior leadership roles with an emphasis on change management and business transformation at ACCO Brands Corporation, Unisource Worldwide, Inc., Fisher Scientific International, Inc. and Office Depot, Inc. Mr. Shortt holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Akron and is a graduate of the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program.
We believe that Mr. Shortt’s service as our chief executive officer and his expertise in transformation, ecommerce, operations, supply chain, data analytics and change management qualifies him to serve on our Board of Directors.
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Director Since: 2015 Age: 59 Independent Executive Chair of the Board Committee Memberships: • Audit Committee (Chair) • Compensation Committee
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ROBERT J. MYLOD, JR. Robert J. Mylod, Jr. has served as a member of our Board of Directors since September 2015 and Independent Executive Chair of the Board since May 2022. Mr. Mylod is the Managing Partner of Annox Capital Management, a private investment firm that he founded in 2013. Previously, Mr. Mylod served as Head of Worldwide Strategy & Planning and Vice Chair for Bookings Holdings, Inc., an online travel services provider, from January 2009 to March 2011, and as its Chief Financial Officer and Vice Chairman from November 2000 to January 2009. He currently serves as the Chair of the board of directors and a member of the compensation committee of Booking Holdings, Inc. Mr. Mylod also served as a member of the board of directors and of the audit committee of Redfin Corporation, an online real estate company, from August 2016 to May 2022. He is also a member of the board of directors of several private companies. Mr. Mylod holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Michigan and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago Booth School.
We believe that Mr. Mylod’s experience as a venture capital investor and a senior finance executive, including having served as the chief financial officer and vice chairman of a large publicly traded online services provider, qualifies him to serve on our Board of Directors.
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Director Since: 2024 Age: 55 |
ROBERT R. KRAKOWIAK Robert R. Krakowiak has served as a Director and Vice Chair of the Board of Vroom since May 2024. Prior to that, Mr. Krakowiak was Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Vroom from September 2021 to May 2024. Prior to that, he served as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Stoneridge Corporation since August 2016 and was appointed as Executive Vice President in October 2018. Prior to joining Stoneridge, Mr. Krakowiak served as Vice President, Treasurer and Investor Relations at Visteon Corporation from 2012 until August 2016. Prior to that, Mr. Krakowiak held various financial positions at Owens Corning from 2005 to 2012. Mr. Krakowiak holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. We believe that Mr. Krakowiak’s experience as our former Chief Financial Officer, along with his extensive financial, automotive industry and leadership experience, qualifies him to serve on our Board of Directors. |
9
Director Since: 2022 Age: 70 Committee Memberships: • Compensation Committee (Chair) • Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (Chair)
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TIMOTHY M. CROW Timothy M. Crow has served on our Board of Directors since October 2022. Mr. Crow is the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Fernwood Holdings, a venture capital investment firm focused on hyper-growth innovators. Mr. Crow has led an accomplished career spanning more than 20 years in human capital management for leading consumer retail companies. From May 2002, Mr. Crow served in roles of increasing responsibility at The Home Depot, Inc., the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer, culminating in his role as Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer from February 2007 to July 2017. Prior to that, Mr. Crow served as Senior Vice President, Human Resources of Kmart Corporation, a leading general merchandise retailer, from May 1999 through May 2002. Mr. Crow previously served as a director of Milacron Holdings, Corp., a global leader in the plastic technology and processing industry, where he chaired its Leadership Development and Compensation Committee, and currently serves as a director of a number of private companies. Mr. Crow earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University at Northridge.
We believe that Mr. Crow’s extensive leadership experience, human capital management expertise, and investment experience qualifies him to serve on our board of directors.
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Director Since: 2015 Age: 61 Committee Memberships: • Compensation Committee
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MICHAEL J. FARELLO Michael J. Farello has served on our Board of Directors since July 2015. Since 2006, Mr. Farello has served as Managing Partner at L Catterton, a consumer-focused private equity firm. Prior to this, he served as an executive at Dell Technologies, Inc., a global end-to-end technology provider, from 2002 to 2005, and spent twelve years at McKinsey & Company, a management consulting firm. Mr. Farello currently serves as a member of the board of directors of several private companies including FlashParking, Inc. and Hydrow Inc. Mr. Farello holds a Bachelor of Science from Stanford University and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School.
We believe Mr. Farello’s experience in private equity investments and expertise in the consumer sector, along with his service as a director at numerous companies, qualifies him to serve on our Board of Directors.
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Director Since: 2025 Age: 38 |
MATTHEW J. PIETROFORTE
Matthew J. Pietroforte has served on our Board of Directors since January 2025. He is a Managing Director & Senior Analyst at Mudrick Capital Management, L.P., where he is responsible for analyzing special situation opportunities across a diverse range of industries. Prior to joining Mudrick Capital Management, L.P., Mr. Pietroforte was a Principal at Davidson Kempner Capital Management from 2015 to 2019 where he evaluated special situation investment opportunities. Previously, Mr. Pietroforte worked as an investment banker in the financial restructuring advisory groups at Centerview Partners and Miller Buckfire. Mr. Pietroforte currently serves as a member of the board of directors of Catalina Marketing Corporation. He served on the board of directors of Mudrick Capital Acquisition Corporation II from April 2022 to September 2022. Mr. Pietroforte holds a Bachelor of Arts from Amherst College with a double major in Economics and Psychology, and a Master of Business Administration from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
We believe Mr. Pietroforte’s financial sophistication, capital market expertise, and extensive experience investing in a number of privately and publicly held companies, qualify him to serve on our Board of Directors.
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10
Director Since: 2025 Age: 53 Committee Memberships: • Audit Committee • Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
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NIKUL PATEL
Nikul Patel has served on our Board of Directors since April 2025. Since November 2025, Mr. Patel has served as the Chief Growth Officer of LoanDepot Inc. From November 2019 to November 2025, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of LoanGlide, Inc., an embedded financing platform for personal loans that he co-founded. Prior to that, Mr. Patel held a variety of leadership roles at LendingTree, Inc., from June 2012 to February 2019, including serving as Chief Strategy Officer, Chief Product Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Technology Officer and Senior Vice President Product. From 2012 to 2019, he served in a variety of roles at Intel Corporation. Previously, Mr. Patel also held leadership roles, including President, Products at Bills.com, Inc. and Chief Operating Officer and Vice President at predecessor company Home-Account, Inc., together from 2009 to 2012. In 2003, he co-founded Movoto.com, an online real estate search platform. Mr. Patel has served on the Board of Directors for Skyline Champion Homes (NYSE:SKY) since July 2022. In the past, he has also served on the Board of Directors for Data-Axle Inc. from July 2019 to July 2025, and GetAround, Inc. from May 2024 to June 2025. Mr. Patel holds a Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Gujarat University, a Master of Science in Computer Engineering from Florida Atlantic University, and a Master of Business Administration from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He also holds a Directorship Certification from National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) and a CyberRisk Oversight Program Certification from NACD in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University.
We believe Mr. Patel’s expertise in consumer finance, technology and cybersecurity, as well as in corporate governance and business operations, qualifies him to serve on our Board of Directors.
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11
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Governance Overview
We are committed to maintaining robust governance practices and a strong ethical culture that benefit the long-term interests of our stockholders. The Company, with the oversight of the Board, regularly reviews, updates and enhances its corporate governance practices and compliance and training programs, as appropriate, in light of stockholder interests, changes in applicable laws, regulations and stock exchange requirements and the evolving needs of our business. Our corporate governance and compliance practices include:
Independent Oversight |
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Separate Independent Executive Chair of Board & Chief Executive Officer
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Annual Election of all Directors |
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Prohibition on Hedging and Pledging
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The Board maintains a majority (currently 5 of 8) of independent directors, including an Independent Executive Chair of the Board and fully independent Board committees. |
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The roles of the Company’s Board Chair and Chief Executive Officer are separate, providing effective leadership, oversight and direction that optimizes management focus and Board accountability. The Board is led by an Independent Executive Chair in order to support, mentor and advise senior management through a time of transition.
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The Board holds annual elections for all directors. |
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We prohibit all directors and executive officers from engaging in hedging transactions, including purchasing financial instruments, such as prepaid variable forward contracts, equity swaps, collars, and exchange funds, that are designed to hedge or offset any decrease in the market value of the Company’s equity securities. We also prohibit all directors and executive officers from pledging Company securities.
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Code of Conduct |
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Independent, Anonymous Complaint Process
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Board and Committee Self-Evaluations |
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Compensation Recovery Policy |
The Company’s Code of Conduct applies to all of our directors, officers and employees, and constitutes a “code of ethics” as defined by Item 406(b) of Regulation S-K. |
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The Company maintains a third-party managed hotline (“Hotline”) that permits the anonymous reporting of violations of our Code of Conduct and other concerns. All Hotline submissions are reviewed and investigated by appropriate members of management and reported to the Audit Committee quarterly.
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The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee oversees an annual evaluation of the Board and annual evaluations of its committees in accordance with the charters of each committee. |
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The Company maintains a policy that provides it will recover excess incentive-based compensation from current and former executive officers in the event of a required accounting restatement. The policy applies to any incentive-based compensation that would not have been received by executives based upon a restated financial reporting measure attained in the three fiscal years prior to the date on which the Company determines it must issue a restatement to correct an error that is material to previously issued financial statements or that would result in a material misstatement if the error were corrected in the current period or left uncorrected in the current period, subject to certain impracticability exceptions.
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Our Board has adopted our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Conduct and charters for our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, Audit Committee and Compensation Committee to assist the Board in the exercise of its responsibilities and to serve as a framework for the effective governance of the Company. You can access our committee charters, our Corporate Governance Guidelines and our Code of Conduct in the “Corporate Governance” section of the “Investor Relations” page of our website located at www.vroom.com, or by writing to our Corporate Secretary at our offices at 4700 Mercantile Drive, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.
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Board Composition
Our Board currently consists of eight (8) members: Robert J. Mylod, Jr., Robert R. Krakowiak, Timothy M. Crow, Michael J. Farello, Laura G. O’Shaughnessy, Matthew J. Pietroforte, Nikul Patel, and Thomas H. Shortt. Ms. O’Shaughnessy is not standing for re-election at the Annual Meeting and the Board determined that following the Annual Meeting, the size of the Board will be reduced from eight (8) to seven (7) directors. All other directors will stand for election for one-year terms that expire at the 2027 Annual Meeting. Our directors may be removed, with or without cause, by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote at an election of directors; provided, however, that at any time when Mudrick Capital Management, L.P. and its affiliates beneficially own less than 50% of the total voting power of the outstanding shares, the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the total voting power shall be required to remove any director.
Our Board currently consists of directors with an age range of 38 to 70 and experience in a variety of industries and business leadership capacities.
Director Independence
Our Board of Directors has affirmatively determined that Robert J. Mylod, Jr., Timothy M. Crow, Michael J. Farello, Laura G. O’Shaughnessy, and Nikul Patel are each an “independent director,” as defined under the rules of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (the “Nasdaq Rules”). There are no family relationships among any of our directors or executive officers.
Director Candidates
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for identifying and reviewing the qualifications of potential director candidates and recommending to the Board those candidates to be nominated for election to the Board.
To facilitate the search process for director candidates, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may identify potentially qualified director candidates through a number of channels, including soliciting our current directors and executives for the names of potentially qualified candidates or asking directors and executives to pursue their own business contacts for the names of potentially qualified candidates. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may also consult with outside advisors or retain search firms to assist in the search for qualified candidates or consider director candidates recommended by our stockholders. Once potential candidates are identified, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews the backgrounds of those candidates, evaluates candidates’ independence from us and determines if candidates meet the qualifications desired by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of candidates for election as director.
In accordance with our Corporate Governance Guidelines, in evaluating the suitability of individual candidates, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider many factors, including, but not limited to: personal and professional integrity, ethics and values; experience in corporate management, such as serving as an officer or former officer of a publicly held company; finance experience; experience relevant to the Company’s industry; experience as a board member or executive officer of another publicly held company; relevant academic expertise; proficiency in an area of the Company’s operations; range of expertise, background, perspective and experience in substantive matters pertaining to the Company’s business relative to other board members; practical and mature business judgment, including, but not limited to, the ability to make independent analytical inquiries; collaborative nature and support of the Company’s mission, vision, values and culture; and any other relevant background information, qualifications, attributes or skills. The Board evaluates each candidate in the context of the Board as a whole, with the objective of assembling a group that can best perpetuate the success of the Company’s business and represent stockholder interests through the exercise of sound judgment using its range of experience and backgrounds in these various areas.
Stockholders may recommend individuals to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee for consideration as potential director candidates by submitting the names of the recommended individuals, together with appropriate biographical information and background materials, to Vroom, Inc., 4700 Mercantile Drive, Fort Worth, Texas 76137, Attn: Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, c/o Corporate Secretary. In the event there is a vacancy, and assuming that appropriate biographical and background material has been provided on a timely basis, the Nominating
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and Corporate Governance Committee will evaluate stockholder-recommended candidates by following substantially the same process, and applying substantially the same criteria, as it follows for candidates submitted by others.
Pre-IPO Voting Agreement
Prior to our initial public offering (“IPO”), we were party to a voting agreement, dated as of November 21, 2019 (the “Voting Agreement”), under which certain holders of our capital stock, including affiliates of L Catterton, agreed to vote their shares of our capital stock on certain matters, including with respect to the election of directors. Robert J. Mylod, Jr. and Michael J. Farello, members of our Board of Directors, and/or certain entities affiliated with them were also parties to the Voting Agreement. Prior to the closing of our IPO and pursuant to the Voting Agreement, L Catterton designated Mr. Farello as a director, the holders of shares of our Series B preferred stock designated Ms. O’Shaughnessy as a director, and the holders of shares of preferred stock and common stock designated Mr. Mylod as a director. Upon the closing of our IPO, the Voting Agreement terminated and none of our stockholders have any special rights regarding the election or designation of members of our Board of Directors.
Communications From Stockholders
Stockholders and other interested parties may contact an individual director, the Independent Executive Chairperson of the Board, the Board as a group or a specified Board committee or group, including the non-management directors as a group, by writing to the following address: c/o Corporate Secretary, Vroom, Inc., 4700 Mercantile Drive, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. Each communication should specify the applicable addressee or addressees to be contacted, as well as the general topic of the communication. We will initially receive and process communications before forwarding them to the addressee. We may also refer communications to other departments at the Company. We generally will not forward to the directors a communication that is primarily commercial in nature, relates to an improper or irrelevant topic, or requests general information regarding the Company.
Board Leadership Structure
Our Independent Executive Chair of the Board, Robert J. Mylod, Jr., has responsibilities customary for an independent executive chair of the Board, including, without limitation (i) mentoring and advising the Chief Executive Officer and other senior management through a time of transition; (ii) advising the Chief Executive Officer and other senior management regarding the implementation of the Company’s long-term strategy as approved by the Board; and (iii) advising the Chief Executive Officer and other senior management regarding engagement with the Company's stakeholders.
The Company’s current Board leadership structure therefore is comprised of a Chief Executive Officer and an Independent Executive Chair of the Board. The Board believes that this governance structure best reinforces the independence of the Board from management. In addition, the Board believes the Independent Executive Chair is well-positioned to act as a bridge between management and the Board, facilitating the regular flow of information. Among other duties, the Independent Executive Chair may represent the Board in communications with stockholders and other stakeholders and provide input on the structure and composition of the Board. Our Board exercises its judgment in combining or separating the roles of Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and appointing an Executive Chair or Non-Executive Chair as it deems appropriate in light of prevailing circumstances. During its routine review of the Board’s leadership structure, the Board and the Company regularly consider the circumstances under which the roles of Independent Executive Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer could most effectively serve the Company’s and its stockholders’ interests if combined. The Board will continue to exercise its judgment on an ongoing basis to determine the optimal Board leadership structure that the Board believes will provide effective leadership, oversight and direction, while optimizing the functioning of both the Board and management and facilitating effective communication between the two. From time to time, the Company engages with security holders throughout the year to learn their perspectives on significant issues, and intends to continue to do so.
The Board believes that, under the Company’s present circumstances, including the execution of the Long-Term Strategic Plan, its current leadership structure, in which the Board is led by an Independent Executive Chair, which is separate from the Chief Executive Officer, best serves the Board’s ability to carry out its roles and responsibilities on behalf of Vroom’s shareholders, including its oversight of management, and Vroom’s overall corporate governance. Our Board believes that an Independent Executive Chair of the Board with prior corporate governance, finance and investment experience, combined with a Chief Executive Officer who manages the day-to-day operations of our
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Company while also serving as a director, provides our Board with an optimal balance in terms of leadership and structure at this point in time. The Board also believes that the current structure allows our Chief Executive Officer to focus on managing the Company, while leveraging our Independent Executive Chairperson’s experience to drive accountability at the Board level. The Board periodically reviews its leadership structure to determine whether it continues to best serve the Company and its stockholders.
Board’s Role in Risk Oversight
Risk assessment and oversight are an integral part of our governance and management processes. Our management is responsible for our day-to-day risk management activities. Management’s involvement in day-to-day risk management enables members of the Company’s disclosure committee, which consists of members of management, to assist our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer in the effective design, establishment, maintenance, review, and evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. The Company’s management, led by our Chief Executive Officer and executive team, implements and supervises day-to-day risk management processes. Additionally, management discusses strategic and operational risks at regular management meetings. Senior management reviews these risks with the Audit Committee and the Board at regular meetings.
Our Board of Directors does not have a standing risk management committee, but rather administers its oversight function through the Audit Committee and the Board as a whole. In addition, various standing committees of the Board address risks inherent in their respective areas of oversight. Our Board of Directors also is apprised of particular risk management matters in connection with its general oversight and approval of corporate matters and significant transactions. Our Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing enterprise risk management, including the management of financial risks and cybersecurity risks; reviewing and discussing the Company’s guidelines and policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management; and discussing with management the steps management has taken to monitor and control these exposures. Our Compensation Committee oversees risks related to the Company’s executive compensation, equity incentive plans and other compensatory arrangements. Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee oversees risks associated with our corporate governance framework, succession planning and environmental and social matters. We believe that our Board leadership structure, described above, supports the risk oversight function of the Board. The Board implements its risk oversight function both as a whole and through delegation to Board committees, which meet regularly and report back to the Board.
Code of Conduct
Our Code of Conduct reinforces our core values and helps drive our workplace culture of compliance with ethical standards, integrity and accountability. Our Code of Conduct applies to all of our directors, officers, and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer, and constitutes a “code of ethics” as defined by Item 406(b) of Regulation S-K. The Code of Conduct is publicly available at the “Corporate Governance” section of the “Investor Relations” page of our website at www.vroom.com. We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirements of Item 5.05 of Form 8-K and the Nasdaq Rules regarding any amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of the Code of Conduct by posting such information on our website, www.vroom.com.
Insider Trading Compliance Policy
We have
Anti-Hedging Policy
Our Insider Trading Compliance Policy prohibits our directors, officers and employees from purchasing financial instruments, such as prepaid variable forward contracts, equity swaps, collars, and exchange funds, or otherwise engaging in transactions that hedge or offset, or are designed to hedge or offset, any decrease in the market value of the Company’s equity securities.
Compensation Recovery Policy
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Our Board has adopted a Compensation Recovery Policy that is intended to comply with the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC and Nasdaq listing standards that implement the clawback policy requirements set forth in Section 10D of the Exchange Act. The policy provides that the Company will recover excess incentive-based compensation from current and former executive officers in the event of a required accounting restatement. The policy generally applies to any incentive-based compensation that would not have been received by executives based upon a restated financial reporting measure attained in the three fiscal years prior to the date on which the Company determines it must issue a restatement to correct an error that is material to previously issued financial statements or that would result in a material misstatement if the error were corrected in the current period or left uncorrected in the current period, subject to certain impracticability exceptions. The Compensation Recovery Policy is overseen and administered by the Compensation Committee. The full text of the Compensation Recovery Policy was included as Exhibit 97.1 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the SEC on March 26, 2026.
Executive Sessions
The independent members of the Board and independent members of the committees of the Board meet in regularly scheduled executive sessions. Such meetings are presided over by the Independent Executive Chair of the Board or the relevant committee chair.
Attendance by Members of the Board of Directors at Meetings
There were 8 meetings of the Board during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, the incumbent directors in the aggregate attended more than 92% of (i) all meetings of the Board and (ii) all meetings of the committees on which the director served during the period in which such director was on the Board, except for Michael J. Farello who attended more than 72% of such Board and committee meetings.
Under our Corporate Governance Guidelines, which is available at the “Corporate Governance” section on the “Investor Relations” page of our website at www.vroom.com, a director is expected to spend the time and effort necessary to properly discharge his or her responsibilities. Accordingly, a director is expected to prepare for and attend Board meetings and meetings of committees on which such director serves. Currently, we do not maintain a formal policy regarding director attendance at the Annual Meeting; however, it is expected that directors will attend absent compelling circumstances. All of our then-incumbent directors attended our annual meeting of stockholders held in 2025.
Board Committees
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Current Committee Membership |
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Name |
Audit Committee |
Compensation Committee |
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee |
Timothy M. Crow |
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Michael J. Farello* |
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Robert J. Mylod, Jr.* |
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Laura G. O’Shaughnessy** |
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Nikul Patel |
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Thomas H. Shortt |
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Matthew J. Pietroforte |
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Robert R. Krakowiak |
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= Committee Chairperson
= Member
* If reelected at the Annual Meeting, Mr. Farello is expected to join the Audit Committee, and Mr. Mylod is expected to join the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
** Ms. O’Shaughnessy is not standing for reelection at the Annual Meeting.
Audit Committee |
Primary Responsibilities Include: |
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Met six times in 2025
Current Committee Members: Robert J. Mylod, Jr. (Chair) Laura G. O'Shaughnessy Nikul Patel
Ms. O'Shaughnessy is not standing for reelection at the Annual Meeting and will cease to be on the Audit Committee after the Annual Meeting.
If reelected at the Annual Meeting, Michael J. Farello is expected to become a member of the Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee Charter is available under the “Corporate Governance” section of the “Investor Relations” page of our website at www.vroom.com |
• appointing, compensating, retaining, evaluating, terminating and overseeing our independent registered public accounting firm; • obtaining and reviewing reports of our independent registered public accounting firm describing their internal quality control procedures and any issues raised by quality control reviews; • discussing with our independent registered public accounting firm their independence from management; • confirming the regular rotation of the lead audit partner and reviewing partner of our independent registered public accounting firm as required by law; • reviewing with our independent registered public accounting firm the scope and results of their audit, including any issues or difficulties in connection with the preparation of our financial statements and management’s response; • approving all audit and permissible non-audit services to be performed by our independent registered public accounting firm; • overseeing the financial reporting process and discussing with management and our independent registered public accounting firm the quarterly and annual consolidated financial statements that we file with Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”); • reviewing and discussing our earnings press releases, as well as financial information and earnings guidance provided to analysts and rating agencies; • reviewing our policies on risk assessment and risk management, including financial, cybersecurity and information security risks; • setting clear hiring policies for employees or former employees of our independent registered public accounting firm; • overseeing our financial and accounting controls and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; • reviewing all reports of our independent registered public accounting firm; • reviewing related person transactions; • overseeing our Code of Conduct and any waivers; and • establishing procedures for the confidential anonymous submission of concerns regarding questionable accounting, internal controls or auditing matters.
Financial Expertise and Independence All members of the Audit Committee meet the independence standards of Nasdaq and the SEC, as well as the financial literacy requirements of Nasdaq. The Board has determined that Robert J. Mylod, Jr. qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by SEC rules.
Report The Report of the Audit Committee is included beginning on page 23 of this proxy statement.
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Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Met three times in 2025
Current Committee Members: Timothy M. Crow (Chair) Laura G. O’Shaughnessy Nikul Patel |
Primary Responsibilities Include: • identifying individuals qualified to become members of our Board of Directors, consistent with criteria approved by our Board of Directors; • overseeing our succession plan for the Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers; • overseeing the evaluation of the effectiveness of our Board of Directors and its committees; • overseeing director orientation and education; • reviewing and assessing the Board committee structure and leadership structure and recommending changes; |
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Ms. O’Shaughnessy is not standing for reelection at the Annual Meeting and will cease to be on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee after the Annual Meeting.
If reelected at the Annual Meeting, Mr. Mylod is expected to become a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter is available under the “Corporate Governance” section of the “Investor Relations” page of our website at www.vroom.com.
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• reviewing and reassessing the adequacy of our corporate governance policies and practices, including our Corporate Governance Guidelines; • overseeing our management development programs for senior executives, including all senior leadership team roles; and • overseeing our environmental and social strategy, initiatives, policies and risks, including in the areas of climate change, environmental protection and sustainability, employee health and safety, responsible business practices, corporate social responsibility programs and corporate philanthropy, as well as our external reporting on environmental and social matters, if any.
Independence The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is comprised entirely of directors who are independent under Nasdaq Rules.
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Compensation Committee Met four times in 2025
Current Committee Members: Timothy M. Crow (Chair) Michael J. Farello Robert J. Mylod, Jr.
The Compensation Committee Charter is available under the “Corporate Governance” section of the “Investor Relations” page of our website at www.vroom.com.
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Primary Responsibilities Include: • reviewing and approving the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers; • reviewing and approving the Company’s incentive compensation and equity-based plans; • reviewing and approving all employment agreements and severance arrangements for the executive officers; • administering and overseeing the Company’s compliance with the compensation recovery policy required by applicable SEC and Nasdaq rules; • reviewing and making recommendations to the board of directors regarding director compensation; • overseeing matters relating to our human capital management, including the attraction, engagement, development and retention of employees, as well as equitable pay practices; and • appointing and overseeing any compensation consultants.
The Compensation Committee may delegate its authority under its charter to one or more subcommittees as it deems appropriate from time to time.
Independence Each member of the Compensation Committee qualifies as an independent director under Nasdaq’s heightened independence standards for members of a compensation committee and as a “non-employee director” as defined in Section 16b-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).
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Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
The Compensation Committee currently consists of Michael J. Farello, Timothy M. Crow, and Robert J. Mylod, Jr. No member of our Compensation Committee is or has been an officer or employee of the Company. None of our executive officers serves as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee (or other committee performing equivalent functions) of any entity that has one or more of its executive officers serving on our Board of Directors or compensation committee.
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While we have undergone a number of organizational changes, including the Ecommerce Wind-Down, we remain committed to elevating our practices as our business and operations mature.
Our success in this area depends on collaboration and input from key stakeholders, including our customers, employees, partners, and shareholders. We leverage that collective wisdom to support our efforts to address environmental, social, and governance practices in a responsible way to help effectively manage risks and opportunities.
Corporate Culture
We are committed to maintaining a professional, respectful, and inclusive work environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, or any conduct that could create an offensive atmosphere. All associates are required to complete annual training on non-discrimination, anti-harassment, and compliance topics to reinforce our commitment to a safe, supportive, and welcoming workplace.
We foster a culture of open communication and belonging, where all associates are encouraged to share ideas, speak up, and contribute to strengthening our workplace. Our CEO holds town hall meetings to provide company-wide updates and conduct informational sessions for all employees to further transparency and engagement. We value the perspectives of our associates and are committed to listening to their input as we continue to build and improve our culture and operations.
Pay and Benefits
To enable our associates to perform at their best, we offer competitive total compensation and benefits packages, including base pay, performance incentives, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, access to a formal Employee Assistance Program with a strong focus on mental health support, retirement savings plans, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. We invest in training and resources to equip our associates with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in our dynamic industry. We view our associates as our most valuable asset. By prioritizing their development, engagement, well-being, and sense of belonging, we aim to maintain a high-performing workforce that supports long-term value creation for our dealers, consumers, shareholders, and communities.
Corporate Governance
We are committed to maintaining robust governance practices and a strong ethical culture by regularly reviewing, updating and enhancing our governance practices and compliance and training programs.
In 2023, the Board approved and adopted a compensation recovery policy intended to comply with the applicable SEC and Nasdaq rules, and the Compensation Committee updated its list of duties and responsibilities to include administration and oversight of the compensation recovery policy.
In 2025, the Board approved certain amendments to the Company’s Insider Trading Compliance Policy that, among other things, updated pre-clearance procedures of trades made by entities affiliated with directors of the Company.
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PROPOSAL TWO—RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Our Audit Committee has appointed RSM US LLP (“RSM”) as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026. Our Board has directed that this appointment be submitted to our stockholders for ratification. Although ratification of our appointment of RSM is not required, we value the opinions of our stockholders and believe that stockholder ratification of the appointment is a good corporate governance practice.
RSM also served as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025. RSM has served as the independent registered public accounting firm for UACC since 2010, and our Audit Committee approved the appointment of RSM to serve as Vroom’s independent registered public accounting firm on April 26, 2024. Neither the accounting firm nor any of its members has any direct or indirect financial interest in or any connection with us in any capacity other than as our auditors, providing audit and non-audit related services. In addition, the Audit Committee ensures the regular rotation of the lead audit partner. A representative of RSM is expected to attend the Annual Meeting, will have the opportunity to make a statement if desired, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions from stockholders.
In the event that the appointment of RSM is not ratified by the stockholders, the Audit Committee will consider this fact when it appoints the independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2027. Even if the appointment of RSM is ratified, the Audit Committee retains the discretion to appoint a different independent auditor at any time if it determines that such a change is in the interest of Vroom.
Changes in Independent Registered Accounting Firm
As previously disclosed, in April 2024, the Audit Committee of the Board conducted a selection process to determine the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024. The Committee solicited proposals from both PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”), the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, and RSM, the current independent auditor for the Company’s subsidiary, UACC.
As a result of this process, following the review and evaluation of proposals from the participating firms, on April 26, 2024, the Audit Committee approved the appointment of RSM as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, subject to the completion of their routine client acceptance procedures. On the same date, the Audit Committee dismissed PwC as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm immediately after the filing of the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 with the SEC. The Company authorized PwC to respond fully to the inquiries of the successor auditors.
The audit reports of PwC on the Company’s financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, nor were they qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles, except in the year ended December 31, 2023, the report included an emphasis of matter paragraph regarding the Company’s 2024 Value Maximization Plan, pursuant to which the Company discontinued its ecommerce operations and wound down its used vehicle dealership business.
During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, and the subsequent interim period through April 26, 2024, there were: (i) no disagreements within the meaning of Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K between the Company and PwC on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to PwC’s satisfaction, would have caused PwC to make reference thereto in their reports; and (ii) no reportable events within the meaning of Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.
The Company provided PwC with a copy of the disclosures included in its Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 29, 2024 (the “Current Report”) and requested that PwC furnish a letter addressed to the SEC stating whether it agrees with the statements made in the Current Report. This letter was filed as Exhibit 16.1 to the Current Report.
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During the Company’s fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, and during the subsequent interim period from January 1, 2024 through April 26, 2024, neither the Company nor anyone on its behalf consulted with RSM regarding:(i) the application of accounting principles to a specific transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company's financial statements, and neither a written report nor oral advice was provided to the Company that RSM concluded was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to any accounting, auditing, or financial reporting issue; (ii) any matter that was the subject of a disagreement within the meaning of Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions; or (iii) any reportable event within the meaning of Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.
Board Recommendation
☑The Board recommends a vote “FOR” the ratification of the appointment by the Audit Committee of RSM as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2026.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The following table summarizes the fees RSM, our independent registered public accounting firm billed to us for 2025, and that both RSM and PwC, our prior independent registered public accounting firm, billed to us for 2024.
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2024(4) |
|
||
Audit Fees (1) |
|
$ |
748,100 |
|
|
$ |
621,400 |
|
Tax Fees (2) |
|
$ |
75,750 |
|
|
$ |
58,617 |
|
All Other Fees (3) |
|
$ |
175,375 |
|
|
$ |
214,632 |
|
Total Fees |
|
$ |
999,225 |
|
|
$ |
894,649 |
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Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The Audit Committee charter provides that the Audit Committee shall approve or pre-approve all auditing services (including but not limited to internal control-related services) and all permitted non-audit services by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, unless the engagement is entered into pursuant to appropriate pre-approval policies established by the Audit Committee or if the service falls within available exceptions under SEC rules. During 2025, all audit and audit-related services provided to us were pre-approved by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee also reviewed non-audit services provided by RSM during 2025 and determined that the provision of such non-audit services was compatible with maintaining the auditor’s independence.
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Report of the Audit Committee
The information contained in this Report of the Audit Committee shall not be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any such filing (except to the extent that we specifically incorporate this information by reference) and shall not otherwise be deemed “soliciting material” or “filed” with the SEC, or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act (except to the extent that we specifically incorporate this information by reference).
The Audit Committee has reviewed the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, and has discussed these financial statements with management and the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee has also received from, and discussed with, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm the matters that they are required to provide to the Audit Committee, including the matters required to be discussed by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) and the SEC.
The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm also provided the Audit Committee with a formal written statement required by PCAOB Rule 3526 (Communications with Audit Committees Concerning Independence) describing all relationships between the independent registered public accounting firm and the Company, including the disclosures required by the applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the independent registered public accounting firm’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence. In addition, the Audit Committee discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm its independence from the Company.
Based on its discussions with management and the independent registered public accounting firm, and its review of the representations and information provided by management and the independent registered public accounting firm, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025.
Robert J. Mylod, Jr. (Chair)
Laura G. O'Shaughnessy
Nikul Patel
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PROPOSAL Three—APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY (NON-BINDING) BASIS, OF THE compensation of our named executive officers
Background
In accordance with the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 and Rule 14a‑21 under the Exchange Act, the Company requests that our stockholders cast a non-binding, advisory vote to approve the compensation of the Company's named executive officers identified in the section titled "Executive Compensation" set forth below in this proxy statement. This proposal, commonly known as a “say-on-pay” proposal, gives our stockholders the opportunity to express their views on our named executive officers’ compensation. This vote is not intended to address any specific item of compensation, but rather the overall compensation of our named executive officers and the compensation philosophy, policies and practices described in this proxy statement.
Accordingly, we ask our stockholders to vote “FOR” the following resolution at the Annual Meeting:
“RESOLVED, that the Company’s stockholders hereby approve, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers, as disclosed in the Company’s proxy statement for the 2026 annual meeting of stockholders pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the SEC, including the section titled “Executive Compensation,” the Summary Compensation Table and the other related tables and disclosures.”
We believe that our compensation programs and policies for the year ended December 31, 2025 were an effective incentive for the achievement of the Company’s goals, aligned with stockholders’ interest and worthy of stockholder support. Additional details concerning how we structure our compensation programs to meet the objectives of our compensation philosophy are provided in the section titled “Executive Compensation” set forth below in this proxy statement. In particular, we discuss how we design performance-based compensation programs and set compensation targets and other objectives to maintain a close correlation between Company and individual achievement.
This vote is merely advisory and will not be binding upon the Company, our Board or our Compensation Committee, nor will it create or imply any change in the duties of the Company, our Board or our Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee will, however, take into account the outcome of the vote when considering future executive compensation decisions. The Board values constructive dialogue on executive compensation and other significant governance topics with the Company’s stockholders and encourages all stockholders to vote their shares on this important matter.
At our Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on June 24, 2021, our stockholders recommended, on a non-binding advisory basis, that the stockholder vote on the compensation of our named executive officers occur every year. In light of the foregoing recommendation, our Board determined to hold a “say-on-pay” advisory vote every year. Accordingly, our next advisory say-on-pay vote (following the non-binding advisory vote at this Annual Meeting) is expected to occur at our 2027 Annual Meeting.
Board Recommendation
☑ Our Board unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” for the approval, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, of the compensation of our named executive officers.
24
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Narrative Discussion of Executive Compensation
The following is a narrative discussion of elements of our executive compensation program. In 2025, our “named executive officers” and their positions were as follows:
• Thomas H. Shortt, Chief Executive Officer and Director;
• Jonathan R. Sandison, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer; and
• Anna-Lisa C. Corrales, Chief Legal Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, and Secretary.
Our Board of Directors named Jonathan R. Sandison as Chief Financial Officer of the Company as of May 15, 2025. He succeeded Agnieszka Zakowicz, who ceased service as Chief Financial Officer with the Company effective May 15, 2025.
This disclosure discusses our 2025 executive compensation program, with each of the program's key elements discussed in more detail below.
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
Our compensation philosophy is driven by the need to attract and retain top executive talent, while ensuring that compensation aligns with our corporate and financial objectives and the long-term interests of our stockholders. We have provided compensation packages that we view as fair and competitive and that are designed to incentivize our skilled executives to drive market-leading turn-around performance, as our ability to meet and exceed our business goals depends on the commitment and contributions of each executive.
Our compensation programs for our executives have historically been weighted towards rewarding both short-term and long-term performance through a mix of cash and equity incentives, providing the executives with an opportunity to share in the appreciation of our business over time.
Our executive compensation program is designed to weigh variable compensation (both cash and equity) more heavily for our senior executives, such that there is a positive correlation between an executive’s seniority, role and responsibilities, and the proportion of his or her compensation that is “at-risk.”
Determination of Compensation and Compensation Practices
Our Compensation Committee administers the executive compensation program for our named executive officers and other executives within the Company, ensuring alignment with our executive compensation philosophy. Our Compensation Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving the compensation of our executives, approving and administering our cash and equity incentive plans, including setting vesting conditions and performance metrics for awards and determining the amounts of the awards granted to our executive officers. Our Compensation Committee is also responsible for reviewing and providing recommendations to our Board of Directors regarding the compensation of our directors.
The Compensation Committee generally considers the Chief Executive Officer’s recommendations when making decisions regarding the compensation of non-employee directors and executive officers (other than the Chief Executive Officer). Pursuant to the Compensation Committee’s charter, the Compensation Committee has the authority to retain or obtain the advice of compensation consultants, legal counsel and other advisors to assist in carrying out its responsibilities.
Effective November 2024, the Compensation Committee engaged Mark Reilly with The Overture Alliance (“Overture”), a compensation consulting firm, to serve as the Compensation Committee’s consultant and provide advice and assistance on compensation matters pertaining to our executive officers and non-employee directors. Overture reports directly to the Compensation Committee, which has considered the adviser independence factors required under SEC rules as they relate to Overture and determined that Overture’s work does not raise a conflict of interest.
25
The Compensation Committee also considers other factors when making compensation decisions concerning its executive officers and non-employee directors, including individual qualifications and expertise, responsibilities, particular industry and market conditions, and complexity of the position. More specifically, our Compensation Committee considers the performance of the Company’s named executive officers, the individual’s historical compensation and any retention concerns, and the Chief Executive Officer’s recommendations (in the case of named executive officers other than the CEO), before determining the compensation arrangement for each of them.
Elements of the Company’s Executive Compensation Program
We design the principal components of our executive compensation program to fulfill one or more of the compensation objectives described above. For the year ended December 31, 2025, the compensation of our named executive officers generally consisted of:
• Base salary;
• Annual performance-based cash bonus opportunities;
• Equity incentive compensation;
• Certain severance benefits;
• Participation in our 401(k) Plan; and
• Health and welfare benefits.
These elements (and the amounts of compensation and benefits under each element) were selected because we believe they are necessary to help us attract and retain executive talent, which is fundamental to our success, reward executives based on performance, and align executives with the interests of our stockholders.
Base Salaries
Our named executive officers receive a base salary to compensate them for the services they provide to our Company. The base salary payable to each named executive officer is intended to provide a fixed component of compensation reflecting the executive’s skill set, experience, role and responsibilities. Mr. Shortt’s annual base salary was $775,000 for 2025. Mr. Sandison was named Chief Financial Officer on May 15, 2025; his annual base salary remained $400,000 and was not changed in connection with his appointment. Ms. Corrales was named Chief Legal Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary as of August 23, 2024, and her salary was set at $360,000. On February 19, 2025, the Compensation Committee approved a subsequent increase in Ms. Corrales’s salary to $375,000 effective as of March 23, 2025.
Bonus Compensation and Other Payments
Pursuant to our compensation structure that aligns executive compensation to both market and internal equity targets, our executives are eligible to earn an annual performance bonus. For 2025, Mr. Shortt’s bonus target was 150% of his base salary, Mr. Sandison's bonus target was 60% of his base salary, and Ms. Corrales's bonus target was 50% of her base salary. Based on a review of the Company’s performance in 2025, the Compensation Committee determined that no bonuses were to be awarded to named executive officers in 2025.
Equity Compensation
In connection with our IPO, we adopted the 2020 Incentive Award Plan, or the 2020 Plan (as amended from time to time). We believe using long-term incentive compensation provides our named executive officers and other employees the opportunity to participate in the equity appreciation of our business, incentivizes them to work towards Vroom’s long-term performance goals and aligns them with the interests of our stockholders. We believe that such awards function as a compelling incentive and retention tool.
Pursuant to the Prepackaged Plan of Reorganization of Vroom, Inc. under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, the 2020 Plan was amended to increase the number of shares reserved for issuance under the 2020 Plan to account for the proposed post-emergence management incentive program, which accounts for 15% of the fully-diluted shares of new
26
common stock as of immediately following effectiveness, inclusive of the warrants, the management incentive program, and the converted existing equity awards: 10% was to be allocated for awards of RSUs and 5% was to be allocated for awards of stock options. The outstanding equity awards held by our named executive officers as of the end of fiscal year 2025 are included in the Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End Table below.
In 2025, we granted the following equity awards to our named executive officers under the 2020 Plan in connection with our post-emergence management incentive program:
Officer |
Grant Date |
Restricted Stock Units ("RSUs") |
Non-Qualified Stock Options ("NQSOs") |
Mr. Shortt1 |
3/12/2025 |
287,949 |
259,400 |
Mr. Sandison2 |
3/12/2025 |
40,991 |
15,000 |
Ms. Corrales2 |
3/12/2025 |
30,743 |
10,000 |
(1) On March 12, 2025, Mr. Shortt was granted 287,949 restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and 259,400 stock options. The RSUs consist of two tranches, with 143,975 shares vesting on January 16, 2029 and 143,974 shares vesting on January 17, 2029, in each case on the fourth anniversary of the applicable vesting commencement date, subject to Mr. Shortt’s continued service through the applicable vesting dates. The stock options vest as to 25% on the first anniversary of the grant date and as to the remaining 75% in three equal annual installments on each of the second, third and fourth anniversaries of the applicable vesting commencement date, in each case subject to Mr. Shortt’s continued service through the applicable vesting dates. The options have a per share exercise price as follows: (i) 50% at $45.70 per share and (ii) 50% at $60.95 per share. In the event of a change in control in which the per share price received by stockholders equals or exceeds $45.70, 100% of the RSUs and stock options will fully vest and accelerate. In addition, if Mr. Shortt’s employment is terminated by the Company without “cause” or by Mr. Shortt for “good reason” on or prior to the first anniversary of the applicable vesting commencement date with respect to the RSUs or the first anniversary of the grant date with respect to the options, 25% of the RSUs and stock options will accelerate, and following such date, a prorated portion of the RSUs and stock options will accelerate based on Mr. Shortt’s period of service during the vesting period. In the event of such a qualifying termination, the stock options will remain exercisable through their original expiration date.
(2) On March 12, 2025, Mr. Sandison was granted 40,991 RSUs and 15,000 stock options. His RSUs vest in full on January 18, 2029, subject to continued employment through such date. On March 12, 2025, Ms. Corrales was granted 30,743 RSUs and 10,000 stock options. Her RSUs vest in full on January 17, 2029, subject to continued employment through such date. The stock options for both Mr. Sandison and Ms. Corrales vest as follows: 25% of the shares subject to the option vest on the first anniversary of the Grant Date, and the remaining 75% vest in three equal annual installments on each of the first three anniversaries of January 14, 2026, in each case subject continued employment. The stock options are comprised of two equal tranches: (a) 50% of the shares subject to the option have a per share exercise price of $45.70 and (b) 50% of the shares subject to the option have a per share exercise price of $60.95. In the event of a change in control in which the per share price received by stockholders equals or exceeds $45.70, 50% of then-outstanding RSUs and stock options will fully accelerate. In the event his or her employment is terminated by the Company without "cause" or by him or her for "good reason," a pro-rated portion of the RSUs and stock options, based on his or her period of employment during the applicable vesting period, will accelerate. In addition, following such a qualifying termination, the vested stock options will remain exercisable through the earlier of (i) the third anniversary of the termination date or (ii) the expiration date of the applicable option. These options and RSUs are not subject to any of the acceleration terms set forth in the Executive Severance Plan.
2026 Restricted Stock Unit Awards
In 2026, the Compensation Committee approved a grant of restricted stock units to each of Mr. Shortt, Mr. Sandison, and Ms. Corrales, with an aggregate grant-date value equal to 50% of the executive's 2025 target annual bonus. This structure is consistent with the Company's 2025 bonus program for eligible non-executive employees, under which such employees received 50% of their target annual bonus in cash. The number of restricted stock units to be issued will be determined by dividing the dollar value by the closing price of the Company's common stock on the grant date. The restricted stock units will vest in full on the second anniversary of the vesting commencement date, subject to the executive's continued service through the vesting date.
Equity Grant Practices
We
27
announcement or other market events is coincidental.
In connection with our post-emergence management incentive program, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, the Board awarded stock options to the NEOs in the period beginning four business days before our filing of a periodic report on Form 10-K or Form 10-Q, or the filing or furnishing of a current report on Form 8-K that disclosed material nonpublic information (other than a current report on Form 8-K disclosing a material new stock option award under Item 5.02(e) of such Form 8-K), and ending one business day after the filing or furnishing of such report (the “Designated Periods”).
Name |
Grant Date |
Number of Securities Underlying the Award |
Exercise Price of the Award ($/SH) |
Grant Date Fair Value of the Award(1) |
Percentage Change in the Closing Market price of the Securities Underlying the Award Between the Trading Day Ending Immediately Prior to the Disclosure of Material Nonpublic Information and the Trading Day Beginning Immediately Following the Disclosure of Material Nonpublic Information |
3/12/2025 |
|
$ |
$ |
- |
|
3/12/2025 |
|
$ |
$ |
- |
|
3/12/2025 |
|
$ |
$ |
- |
|
3/12/2025 |
|
$ |
$ |
- |
|
3/12/2025 |
|
$ |
$ |
- |
|
3/12/2025 |
|
$ |
$ |
- |
(1) The grant date fair value of each stock option award was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. For options with an exercise price of $45.70 per share, the grant date fair value was $11.25 per share. For options with an exercise price of $60.95 per share, the grant date fair value was $9.62 per share. For a discussion of the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes calculation, see Note 15 to the Company's consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 26, 2026.
Other Elements of Compensation
Retirement Plans
We currently maintain a 401(k) retirement savings plan for our employees, including our named executive officers, who satisfy certain eligibility requirements. The Code allows eligible employees to defer a portion of their compensation, within prescribed limits, on a pre-tax basis through contributions to the 401(k) plan. Currently, we do not provide any matching contributions in the Vroom Inc 401(k) plan. We do not maintain any defined benefit pension plans or deferred compensation plans for our named executive officers.
Employee Benefits
All of our full-time employees, including our named executive officers, are eligible to participate in our health and welfare plans, including:
• medical, dental, vision, and healthcare advocacy benefits;
• medical care flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts;
• employee assistance program (EAP);
• short-term and long-term disability insurance; and
• life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
28
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation of our named executive officers for the years ended December 31, 2025, and December 31, 2024.
Name and Principal Position |
|
Year |
|
Salary |
|
Bonus |
|
Stock |
|
Option |
|
All Other |
|
Total |
||
Thomas H. Shortt |
|
2025 |
|
777,981 |
|
200,000 |
(4) |
|
7,051,871 |
|
2,706,839 |
|
0 |
|
|
10,736,691 |
Chief Executive Officer and Director |
|
2024 |
|
780,962
|
|
1,962,500
|
(5) |
|
28,215
|
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
|
2,771,677
|
Jonathan R. Sandison |
|
2025 |
|
395,962 |
|
35,000 |
(4) |
|
1,003,870 |
|
156,525 |
|
0 |
|
|
1,591,357 |
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anna-Lisa C. Corrales |
|
2025 |
|
373,096 |
|
|
|
|
752,896 |
|
104,350 |
|
0 |
|
|
1,230,342 |
Chief Legal Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary |
|
2024
|
|
235,019
|
|
115,452
|
(6) |
|
28,215
|
|
0 |
|
159,211
|
(7) |
|
537,897
|
____________
(1) Amounts reflect the actual base salary paid to each named executive officer in respect of 2025 and 2024, as applicable.
(2) The amounts reflect the full grant-date fair value of restricted stock unit awards granted during 2025 and 2024 computed in accordance with ASC Topic 718, rather than the amounts paid to or realized by the named individual. We provide information regarding the assumptions used to calculate the value of all restricted stock unit awards as made to executive officers in 2025 in Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 (filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 26, 2026).
(3) The amounts reflect the full grant-date fair value of option awards granted during 2025 and 2024 computed in accordance with ASC Topic 718, rather than the amounts paid to or realized by the named individual. We provide information regarding the Black-Scholes assumptions used to calculate the value of all option awards as made to executive officers in 2025 in Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 (filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 26, 2026).
(4) Amounts represent the final 2025 actual retention bonus installment payments (5 of 5) paid commensurate with the retention agreements between each executive and the Board of Directors executed on March 11, 2024. Each Retention Bonus was payable in five equal installments on or shortly following each date of filing of the Company’s annual report Form 10-K for the fiscal year 2023, the quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for each of the first three quarters of fiscal year 2024, and the Company’s annual report of Form 10-K for the fiscal year 2024, subject to the executive’s continued service with the Company.
(5) Amounts represent 2024 annual bonuses paid in March 2025 under the Company’s 2024 annual discretionary bonus program and the actual retention bonus installment payments (4 of 5) paid commensurate with the retention agreements between each executive and the Board of Directors executed on March 11, 2024. Each Retention Bonus was payable in five equal installments on or shortly following each date of filing of the Company’s annual report Form 10-K for the fiscal year 2023, the quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for each of the first three quarters of fiscal year 2024, and the Company’s annual report of Form 10-K for the fiscal year 2024, subject to the executive’s continued service with the Company.
(6) Amount represents 2024 annual bonus paid in March 2025 under the Company's 2024 annual discretionary bonus program.
(7) Amount reflects (i) a $27,083 transition payment received per Ms. Corrales's separation agreement for working through a designated period in support of the business restructuring announced in January 2024, (ii) notice period compensation and severance paid for $113,750 resulting from Ms. Corrales’s separation of employment in connection with such business restructuring and before her rehire as Chief Legal Officer on August 23, 2024, and (iii) compensation for consulting services of $18,378 during the period from May 29, 2024 through August 22, 2024.
29
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Table
The following table summarizes the number of shares of common stock underlying outstanding equity incentive plan awards for each named executive officer as of December 31, 2025.
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
Stock Awards |
||||||||||||
Name |
|
Grant |
|
Number of |
|
Number of |
|
Option |
|
Option |
|
Number of |
|
Market |
||||
Thomas H. Shortt |
|
3/12/2025 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
287,949 |
(3) |
|
$ |
5,724,426 |
|
|
3/12/2025 |
|
|
|
129,700 |
|
|
$ |
45.70 |
|
3/12/2035 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3/12/2025 |
|
|
|
129,700 |
|
|
$ |
60.95 |
|
3/12/2035 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5/9/2022 |
|
1,500(7) |
|
|
|
|
$ |
3,000 |
|
5/9/2032 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jonathan R. Sandison |
|
3/12/2025 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,991 |
(4) |
|
$ |
814,901 |
|
|
3/12/2025 |
|
|
|
7,500 |
|
|
$ |
45.70 |
|
3/12/2035 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3/12/2025 |
|
|
|
7,500 |
|
|
$ |
60.95 |
|
3/12/2035 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anna-Lisa C. Corrales |
|
3/12/2025 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,743 |
(5) |
|
$ |
611,170 |
|
|
3/12/2025 |
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
$ |
45.70 |
|
3/12/2035 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3/12/2025 |
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
$ |
60.95 |
|
3/12/2035 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6/13/2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
82 |
(6)(7) |
|
$ |
1,630 |
|
|
1/13/2020 |
|
224(7) |
|
|
|
|
$ |
4,184 |
|
12/2/2029 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
____________
(1) The stock options vest as to 25% on the first anniversary of the grant date and as to the remaining 75% in three equal annual installments on each of the second, third and fourth anniversaries of the applicable vesting commencement date.
(2) Market values reflect the closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2025, which was $19.88.
(3) At the time of grant, 143,975 shares are scheduled to vest on January 16, 2029 and 143,974 shares are scheduled to vest on January 17, 2029, in each case on the fourth anniversary of the applicable vesting commencement date, subject to the executive’s continued service through the applicable vesting dates.
(4) The RSUs are subject to vest in full on January 18, 2029, subject to continued employment through such date.
(5) The RSUs are subject to vest in full on January 17, 2029, subject to continued employment through such date.
(6) The RSUs were scheduled to vest over a period of three years in equal installments on the first three anniversaries of the vesting commencement date (May 8, 2024) subject to continued employment through each applicable vesting date.
(7) Reflects the automatic conversion at a ratio of 1-for-5 in connection with the emergence from bankruptcy on January 14, 2025.
30
Summary of Potential Payments and Benefits
Executive Severance Arrangements
Under the terms of the Vroom, Inc. Amended and Restated Executive Severance Plan (the “Executive Severance Plan”), as amended and restated on March 8, 2024, our senior executives, including our named executive officers, may receive severance benefits in connection with certain terminations of employment.
Under the terms of the Executive Severance Plan, as amended effective March 8, 2024, in the event a covered employee is terminated without cause, or a covered employee terminates his or her employment for good reason, then such person will be entitled to receive:
• An amount equal to the Severance Amount (as defined below), payable in substantially equal installments in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices during the period beginning from the date of such person’s separation from service to the Company and ending at the end of the Severance Period (as defined below);
• For the duration of the “COBRA Continuation Period” (defined as eighteen (18) months after the person’s separation from service to the Company, in the case of the Chief Executive Officer, and twelve (12) months after the person’s separation from service to the Company, in the case of all other covered employees), payments equal to the cost of such persons and his or her covered dependents’ health insurance coverage under COBRA;
• Accelerated vesting of such person’s outstanding equity to the extent provided in any written agreement between such person and the Company. Please see the “Executive Compensation Arrangements” section above for a description of such terms.
• “Severance Amount” is defined as (i) for the Chief Executive Officer, the product of (A) the sum of the person’s (i) base salary rate immediately prior to the person’s separation from service (without accounting for any reduction that would constitute Good Reason, as defined in the Executive Severance Plan) (“Base Salary Rate”) and (ii) target annual bonus in effect as of March 8, 2024 (i.e. 150% of the person’s base salary), multiplied by (B) one and a half (1.5); and (ii) for all other covered employees, an aggregate amount equal to twelve (12) months of the person’s Base Salary Rate; and
• “Severance Period” is defined as a period that commences upon the date of the person’s termination of employment and that ends after the lapse of four (4) months.
In the event a covered employee is terminated upon a change of control, then such person will be entitled to receive:
• A lump sum cash payment equal to the Severance Amount (for only the Chief Executive Officer) or 1.5 times such person’s Base Salary Rate in effect immediately prior to his or her separation from service to the Company (for all other covered employees);
• For all covered employees other than the Chief Executive Officer, an amount equal to such person’s annual bonus assuming achievement of any applicable performance goals or objectives, prorated for the number of days the person was employed during that calendar year;
• For the duration of the COBRA Continuation Period, payments equal to the cost of such person’s and his or her covered dependents’ health insurance coverage under COBRA; and
• Full acceleration and, if applicable, exercisability of all equity awards held by such person as of the date of termination. With respect to performance-based awards, vesting will be calculated assuming achievement of performance goals or objectives at the greater of actual performance or 100%.
Receipt of severance benefits upon termination by the Company without cause, by the executive for good reason or upon a change of control is subject to: (a) the covered employee’s compliance with certain restrictive covenants, including (i) holding the Company’s secret or confidential information in a fiduciary capacity and (ii) non-compete and non-solicitation provisions for the duration of the Restricted Period (as defined below); and (b) the covered employee’s execution of a general release of claims against the Company, its affiliates and their stockholders,
31
directors, officers, employees, agents, successors and assigns. “Restricted Period” means eighteen (18) months after separation from service to the Company, in the case of the Chief Executive Officer, and twelve (12) months after separation from service to the Company, in the case of all other covered employees.
In addition, in the event of death or disability, a covered person will be entitled to receive payments equal to the cost of the person’s and his or her covered dependents’ health insurance coverage under COBRA for the duration of the COBRA Continuation Period, as well as immediate vesting of all of the person’s time-based equity awards.
The Executive Severance Plan, as amended in March 2024, also clarifies that a Competing Business (as defined in the Executive Severance Plan) includes a business engaged in financing motor vehicles in order to reflect changes to the Company’s business activities since the original effective date of the Executive Severance Plan.
Employment Agreement with Thomas H. Shortt
Mr. Shortt, our Chief Executive Officer, is party to an employment agreement dated May 9, 2022. The severance terms set forth in Mr. Shortt’s employment agreement were superseded by the Executive Severance Plan, as amended effective March 8, 2024.
In addition, Mr. Shortt is a party to an employment letter dated March 19, 2025, whereby he received a grant of 287,949 RSUs and 259,400 stock options. The RSUs vest on or around the fourth annual anniversary of the Post-Emergence Vesting Commencement Date (as defined above) and the options vest as to 25% on the first anniversary of the grant date and as to 75% in three ratable installments on each of the second, third and fourth anniversaries of the Post-Emergence Vesting Commencement Date, in each case subject to Mr. Shortt’s continued service through the applicable vesting dates. The options have a per share exercise price as follows: (a) 50% with a per share exercise price equal to $45.70, and (b) 50% with a per share exercise price equal to $60.95. In the event of a change in control, where the per share price received by the stockholders in connection with such change in control equals or exceeds $45.70, the awards will fully accelerate. In addition, in the event Mr. Shortt’s employment is terminated by the Company without “cause” or by him for “good reason” on or prior to the first anniversary of the Post-Emergence Vesting Commencement Date with respect to the RSUs or the first anniversary of the grant date with respect to the options, 25% of the RSUs and options, and following such date, a pro-rated number of RSUs and options based on Mr. Shortt’s period of employment during the vesting period, will accelerate. In addition, in the event of such a qualifying termination, the options will remain outstanding through their original expiration date. The letter agreement provides that the RSUs and options are not subject to the terms of the Executive Severance Plan. Subject to the forgoing, in the event of Mr. Shortt’s termination without “cause” or for “good reason,” he will be eligible to receive severance benefits which are no less than those provided for the Executive Severance Plan subject to his compliance with the applicable conditions the Executive Severance Plan.
Mr. Shortt also entered into the Company’s standard Proprietary Information and Inventions Assignment Agreement, which subjects him to certain restrictive covenants, including confidentiality and one-year post employment restrictions on competition and solicitation of employees, vendors and customers of the Company. The employment agreement contains a perpetual non-disparagement covenant.
Employment Letter with Jonathan Sandison
Mr. Sandison, our Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, is party to an employment letter effective May 12, 2025. Pursuant to the employment letter, if Mr. Sandison’s employment is terminated without Cause or for Good Reason (each as defined in the Executive Severance Plan), he is subject to the terms and benefits of the Executive Severance Plan.
Mr. Sandison also entered into the Company’s standard Proprietary Information and Inventions Assignment Agreement, which subjects him to certain restrictive covenants, including confidentiality and one-year post employment restrictions on competition and solicitation of employees, vendors and customers of the Company. The employment agreement contains a perpetual non-disparagement covenant.
Employment Letter with Anna-Lisa Corrales
Ms. Corrales, our Chief Legal Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary is party to an employment letter effective August 23, 2024. Pursuant to the employment letter, if Ms. Corrales’s employment is terminated without
32
Cause or for Good Reason (each as defined in the Executive Severance Plan), she is subject to the terms and benefits of the Executive Severance Plan.
Ms. Corrales also entered into the Company’s standard Proprietary Information and Inventions Assignment Agreement, which subjects her to certain restrictive covenants, including confidentiality and one-year post employment restrictions on competition and solicitation of employees, vendors and customers of the Company. The employment agreement contains a perpetual non-disparagement covenant.
PAY Versus PERFORMANCE
In accordance with SEC rules applicable to Smaller Reporting Companies, the following table sets forth additional information concerning the compensation of each individual who served as our Principal Executive Officer (“PEO”) and our other (non-PEO) named executive officers (“NEOs”) for each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2025 2024, and 2023 and our net income and TSR performance for each such fiscal year.
Year |
Summary Compensation Table Total for PEO |
Compensation Actually Paid to PEO(1)(2) |
Average Summary Compensation Table Total for Non-PEO NEOs |
Average Compensation Actually Paid to Non-PEO NEOs (1)(2) |
Value of Initial Fixed $100 Investment Based on Total Shareholder Return(3) |
Net Loss (in thousands) |
2025 |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
|
($ |
2024 |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
- |
($ |
2023 |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
- |
($ |
(1) Amounts represent compensation actually paid to our PEO and the average compensation actually paid to our remaining NEOs for the relevant fiscal year, as determined under SEC rules (and described below), which includes the individuals indicated in the table below for each fiscal year:
Year |
PEO |
Non-PEO NEOs |
2025 |
Jonathan Sandison, Anna-Lisa Corrales |
|
2024 |
Agnieszka Zakowicz, Anna-Lisa Corrales, Robert Krakowiak, Patricia Moran |
|
2023 |
Robert Krakowiak, Patricia Moran |
Compensation actually paid to our NEOs represents the “Total” compensation reported in the Summary Compensation Table for the applicable fiscal year, as adjusted as follows:
|
2025 |
|
Adjustments |
PEO |
Average Non-PEO NEOs |
Deduction for Amounts Reported under the “Stock Awards” and “Option Awards” Columns in the Summary Compensation Table for Applicable FY |
( |
( |
Increase based on ASC 718 Fair Value of Awards Granted during Applicable FY that Remain Unvested as of Applicable FY End, determined as of Applicable FY End |
||
Increase based on ASC 718 Fair Value of Awards Granted during Applicable FY that Vested during Applicable FY, determined as of Vesting Date |
||
Increase/deduction for Awards Granted during Prior FY that were Outstanding and Unvested as of Applicable FY End, determined based on change in ASC 718 Fair Value from Prior FY End to Applicable FY End |
|
|
Increase/deduction for Awards Granted during Prior FY that Vested During Applicable FY, determined based on change in ASC 718 Fair Value from Prior FY End to Vesting Date |
( |
|
Deduction of ASC 718 Fair Value of Awards Granted during Prior FY that were Forfeited during Applicable FY, determined as of Prior FY End |
||
33
Increase based on Dividends or Other Earnings Paid during Applicable FY prior to Vesting Date |
||
Increase based on Incremental Fair Value of Options/SARs Modified during Applicable FY |
||
TOTAL ADJUSTMENTS |
( |
( |
(2) Fair value or change in fair value, as applicable, of equity awards in the “Compensation Actually Paid” columns was determined by reference to (i) for solely service-vesting RSU awards, the closing price per share on the applicable year-end date(s) or, in the case of vesting dates, the closing price per share on the applicable vesting date(s); and (ii) for stock options, a Black Scholes value as of the applicable year-end or vesting date(s), determined based on the same methodology as used to determine grant date fair value but using the closing stock price on the applicable revaluation date as the current market price and with an expected life set equal to the remaining term the awards are expected to be outstanding as of the applicable revaluation date, and in all cases based on volatility and risk free rates determined as of the revaluation date based on the expected life period and based on an expected dividend rate of 0%. For additional information on the assumptions used to calculate the valuation of the awards, see the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 and prior fiscal years.
(3) As a result of the Company's emergence from bankruptcy on January 14, 2025, the Company's common stock was not listed on any national securities exchange or traded on any public market from January 15, 2025 through February 19, 2025. The Company's common stock began trading on the Nasdaq Global Market on February 20, 2025. Consistent with SEC guidance applicable to companies emerging from bankruptcy, cumulative Total Shareholder Return ("TSR") for 2025 is calculated beginning on January 14, 2025, the Company's emergence date, through December 31, 2025, using a fixed investment of $100. Because no public trading market occurred between emergence and relisting, the February 20, 2025 closing price is used as the starting value. Cumulative TSR for 2023 and 2024 has been omitted and is indicated by "—" in the table above, as the Company's predecessor common stock was cancelled upon emergence under the Company's plan of reorganization and returns on that predecessor equity are not comparable to the Company's post-emergence common stock.
(4) As a result of the Company's emergence from its prepackaged Chapter 11 case on January 14, 2025 (the "Effective Date") and the application of fresh-start accounting, the Company's financial statements are presented for two distinct periods: the Predecessor period from January 1, 2025 through January 14, 2025, and the Successor period from January 15, 2025 through December 31, 2025. The financial statements for these periods are not comparable due to the application of fresh-start accounting, pursuant to which the Company's assets and liabilities were recorded at their estimated fair values as of the Effective Date. The net loss for 2025 reflected in the table above represents the net loss for the Successor period (January 15, 2025 through December 31, 2025), which is the GAAP reporting period. The combined results of the Predecessor and Successor periods for the year ended December 31, 2025 are non-GAAP and therefore excluded. For further information regarding fresh-start accounting and the Predecessor and Successor periods, see Note 1 to the Company's consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 26, 2026.
Narrative Disclosure to Pay Versus Performance Table
The following describes the relationship between compensation actually paid to our PEO and the average of compensation actually paid to our remaining NEOs with (i) our cumulative TSR and (ii) our net loss. Our executive compensation program emphasizes equity compensation and has been historically heavily weighted in that direction. As a result of this emphasis, compensation actually paid to our PEO and the average of compensation actually paid to our remaining NEOs is significantly impacted by our TSR performance.
As described in footnote (3), cumulative TSR for 2025 is measured from February 20, 2025, the first day the Company's common stock traded on the Nasdaq Global Market following its emergence from bankruptcy, through December 31, 2025. TSR decreased 35.9% during this measurement period, resulting in an ending value of $64.13 per $100 invested. For 2023 and 2024, TSR is omitted as indicated by "—" in the table above, given that it was prior to our emergence from bankruptcy.
TSR declined 35.9% during the 2025 measurement period, resulting in an ending value of $64.13 per $100 invested. Consistent with this decline, Compensation Actually Paid to our PEO, Mr. Shortt, of $8,659,940 is 19.3% below his total compensation as reported in the Summary Compensation Table, reflecting the decrease in the fair value of equity awards during the year. Average Compensation Actually Paid to our non-PEO NEOs of $1,209,947 is 14.2% below their average total compensation as reported in the Summary Compensation Table, for the same reason.
For 2025, our PEO's (Mr. Shortt's) Compensation Actually Paid increased to $8,659,940, compared to $914,554 in 2024. This increase was driven primarily by new equity awards granted in 2025, consisting of RSU awards with a
34
grant date fair value of approximately $7.0 million and stock option awards with a grant date fair value of approximately $2.7 million, each subject to multi-year vesting schedules designed to align executive retention with the Company's long-term recovery following emergence from bankruptcy. Equity awards granted to the PEO Mr. Shortt in 2024 were nominal by comparison. Consistent with the decline in TSR, Compensation Actually Paid to Mr. Shortt for 2025 is 19.3% below his total compensation as reported in the Summary Compensation Table, reflecting the decrease in the fair value of equity awards during the year.
Despite the decline in TSR, the Company's financial performance improved during 2025. Net loss for the Successor period was $(53.1) million, compared to $(165.1) million for the full year 2024, representing a $112.1 million or 68% improvement. As noted in footnote (4), the 2025 net loss reflects only the Successor period following the Company's emergence from bankruptcy on January 14, 2025 and is therefore not directly comparable to prior full-year periods. Nonetheless, the Successor period net loss, whenb considered alongside the full-year 2024 net loss, reflects meaningful progress in the Company's financial performance following its emergence from bankruptcy.
The average compensation actually paid to our non-PEO NEOs increased from $388,663 in 2024 to $1,209,947 in 2025, reflecting the higher value of RSU and stock option awards granted in 2025 compared to the nominal equity awards granted in 2024. Consistent with the decline in TSR, average Compensation Actually Paid to non-PEO NEOs for 2025 is 14.2% below their average total compensation as reported in the Summary Compensation Table. The composition of the non-PEO NEO group changed between 2024 and 2025, and accordingly the average figures for each year may not be directly comparable.
35
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Director Compensation Table for Fiscal 2025
The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation of our non-employee directors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025:
Name |
|
Fees Earned or |
|
Stock |
|
Total |
|||
Robert J. Mylod, Jr. |
|
$ |
62,500 |
|
$ |
200,000 |
|
$ |
262,500 |
Timothy M. Crow |
|
$ |
38,000 |
|
$ |
200,000 |
|
$ |
238,000 |
Michael J. Farello(1) |
|
$ |
32,500 |
|
$ |
200,000 |
|
$ |
232,500 |
Laura W. Lang(3) |
|
$ |
16,896 |
|
$ |
100,000 |
|
$ |
116,896 |
Laura G. O’Shaughnessy |
|
$ |
38,000 |
|
$ |
200,000 |
|
$ |
238,000 |
Paula B. Pretlow(3) |
|
$ |
16,670 |
|
$ |
100,000 |
|
$ |
116,670 |
Robert R. Krakowiak |
|
$ |
40,000 |
|
$ |
200,000 |
|
$ |
240,000 |
Matthew J. Pietroforte(2) |
|
$ |
30,000 |
|
$ |
241,096 |
|
$ |
271,906 |
Nikul Patel(4) |
|
$ |
24,104 |
|
$ |
213,699 |
|
$ |
237,803 |
See “Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy” section below for additional information.
(1) During 2020, Mr. Farello entered into a nominee agreement instructing the Company to pay all cash compensation earned in connection with his services on our Board of Directors directly to his employer, Catterton Management Company, L.L.C. Any RSUs granted to Mr. Farello will be held by him as nominee for an investment fund of Catterton Management Company, L.L.C.
(2) Mr. Pietroforte is a Managing Director and Senior Analyst at Mudrick Capital Management, L.P. All cash compensation earned in connection with his services on our Board of Directors is paid directly to his employer. In addition, Mr. Pietroforte has assigned all rights, title and interest in any RSUs granted to him, including the Shares of Common Stock thereunder, to Mudrick Capital Management, L.P.
(3) Laura Lang and Paula Pretlow served on the Board during 2025 but did not stand for re-election at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Compensation reflected in the table above includes amounts earned by Ms. Lang and Ms. Pretlow during their period of service in 2025.
(4) Mr. Patel was appointed to the Board effective April 24, 2025.
The following table sets forth the RSUs and option awards held by each of our non-employee directors as of December 31, 2025:
Name |
|
RSUs(1) |
|
Stock |
Robert J. Mylod |
|
4,040 |
|
625 |
Timothy M. Crow |
|
8,248 |
|
|
Michael J. Farello |
|
3,796 |
|
|
Laura W. Lang |
|
0 |
|
|
Laura G. O’Shaughnessy |
|
4,040 |
|
|
Paula B. Pretlow |
|
0 |
|
|
Robert R. Krakowiak |
|
3,796 |
|
749 |
Matthew J. Pietroforte |
|
7,616 |
|
|
Nikul Patel |
|
6,670 |
|
|
____________
(1) Share counts reflect the automatic conversion at a ratio of 1-for-5 in connection with the emergence from bankruptcy on January 14, 2025.
36
Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy
Our Board of Directors adopted an Amended and Restated Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy (the “Director Compensation Policy”) that applies to each of our non-employee directors.
Pursuant to the Director Compensation Policy, each non-employee director will receive a mixture of cash and equity compensation, including a $30,000 annual cash retainer (plus additional cash retainers for service as chairperson of the board of directors or chairing or service on board committees). A non-employee director serving as the chair of a committee will receive a fee only for such director’s service as chair of such committee, and will not be eligible to receive any additional fees for membership on such committee.
Under the Director Compensation Policy, non-employee directors are eligible to receive cash retainer fees with respect to their service as follows:
Position |
|
Board Fee |
|
Board Member |
|
$ |
30,000 |
Independent Executive Chair |
|
$ |
20,000 |
Board Chair |
|
$ |
10,000 |
Audit Committee Chair |
|
$ |
10,000 |
Audit Committee Member (Non-Chair) |
|
$ |
5,000 |
Compensation Committee Chair |
|
$ |
5,000 |
Compensation Committee Member (Non-Chair) |
|
$ |
2,500 |
Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee Chair |
|
$ |
4,000 |
Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee Member (Non-Chair) |
|
$ |
2,000 |
Eligible directors will also receive equity awards of restricted stock units pursuant to the non-employee director compensation policy. On each annual meeting of our stockholders, directors elected to our board of directors will be eligible to receive an award of restricted stock units with a grant date fair value of $100,000. In addition, directors appointed to our board of directors on any date other than an annual meeting of our stockholders will be eligible to receive initial awards of restricted stock units with a grant date fair value of $100,000, subject to proration based on the portion of the year which has elapsed since the previous annual meeting. The number of shares underlying the RSU awards granted to non-employee directors will be determined based on the average stock price over the ten consecutive trading days immediately preceding the grant date. Each RSU award will vest on the earlier of the date of the first annual meeting of our stockholders following the grant date and the first anniversary of the grant date, subject to the director’s continued service with us through the applicable vesting date.
In April 2021, we amended our Director Compensation Policy to provide, on a go-forward basis, an additional restricted stock unit grant to new directors, elected or appointed on or after the date of such amendment, with a grant date fair value of $300,000, determined based on the average stock price over the ten consecutive trading days immediately precedent the grant date. In June 2022, we amended the grant date fair value to $100,000. This RSU award will vest 1/3 ratably on each of the first, second and on the third anniversary of the grant date, subject to such director’s continued service with us through the applicable vesting date.
On April 27, 2024, in light of the Ecommerce Wind-Down, the Board approved a suspension of the payment of all compensation under the Director Compensation Policy, including both the cash retainer and equity grants, until further determination by the Board. As a result, no cash compensation or equity awards were received by the non-employee directors for 2024. As of March 12, 2025, the Board determined it was in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to resume the payment of all cash and equity compensation to non-employee members of the Board and approved the resumption of the payment of cash and equity compensation under the Director Compensation Policy.
On March 12, 2025, in recognition of the services of certain non-employee members of the Board during the period in which the Director Compensation Policy was suspended, the Board approved the following grants under the 2020 Equity Plan: (i) each of Robert Mylod, Laura Lang, Laura G. O'Shaughnessy, Michael Farello, Paula Pretlow, Robert Krakowiak, and Timothy Crow received a make-whole annual award of restricted stock units with a grant date fair value equal to $100,000; (ii) Matthew J. Pietroforte received a pro-rated annual award of restricted stock units with a
37
grant date fair value equal to $41,096, reflecting a pro-ration based on the number of days remaining in the annual service period following his commencement of service on the Board; and (iii) Matthew J. Pietroforte received an additional initial start date award of restricted stock units with a grant date fair value equal to $100,000. The awards described in clauses (i) and (ii) vest on the earlier of (a) the day immediately preceding the date of the first annual meeting of stockholders following the date of grant and (b) the first anniversary of the date of grant, in each case subject to the director's continued service on the Board through the applicable vesting date. The award described in clause (iii) vests in equal installments of one-third on each of the first, second, and third anniversaries of Mr. Pietroforte's commencement of service on the Board, subject to his continued service through each applicable vesting date.
On April 24, 2025, upon his appointment to the Board, Nikul Patel received the following grants under the 2020 Equity Plan: (i) a pro-rated annual award of restricted stock units with a grant date fair value equal to $13,699, reflecting a pro-ration based on the number of days remaining in the annual service period following his commencement of service on the Board, and (ii) an initial start date award of restricted stock units with a grant date fair value equal to $100,000. The pro-rated award vests on the earlier of (a) the day immediately preceding the date of the first annual meeting of stockholders following the date of grant and (b) the first anniversary of the date of grant, subject to Mr. Patel's continued service on the Board through the vesting date. The start date award vests in equal installments of one-third on each of the first, second, and third anniversaries of Mr. Patel's commencement of service on the Board, subject to his continued service through each applicable vesting date.
On June 12, 2025, pursuant to the Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy, each of Robert Mylod, Timothy Crow, Robert Krakowiak, Laura G. O'Shaughnessy, Nikul Patel, Michael Farello, and Matthew J. Pietroforte received an annual award of restricted stock units with a grant date fair value equal to $100,000 under the 2020 Equity Plan. These awards vest on the earlier of (a) the day immediately preceding the date of the first annual meeting of stockholders following the date of grant and (b) the first anniversary of the date of grant, subject to the director's continued service on the Board through the vesting date.
38
Securities Authorized For Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table provides information on our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2025:
Plan Category: |
|
Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants, and Rights |
|
|
Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants, and Rights |
|
Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans(5) |
|||
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders(1) |
|
|
1,031,622(2) |
|
|
$ |
84.11(4) |
|
|
49,022 |
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders(3) |
|
|
75 |
|
|
$ |
-(6) |
|
|
- |
Total |
|
|
1,031,697 |
|
|
$ |
84.11 |
|
|
49,022 |
39
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth beneficial ownership of our common stock as of April 16, 2026 by:
• each person who is known to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of shares of our common stock;
• each of our current named executive officers and directors; and
• all current executive officers and directors as a group.
The number of shares beneficially owned by each stockholder as described herein is determined under rules issued by the SEC. Under these rules, beneficial ownership includes any shares as to which the individual or entity has sole or shared voting power or investment power. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by an individual or entity and the percentage ownership of that person, shares of common stock subject to options, warrants or other rights held by such person that are currently exercisable or will become exercisable within 60 days of April 16, 2026 are considered outstanding, although these shares are not considered outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. The applicable percentage ownership is based on 5,206,495 shares of our common stock outstanding as of April 16, 2026. Share counts give effect to the automatic conversion of the prior common stock at a ratio of 1-for-5 in connection with the Company’s emergence from bankruptcy on January 14, 2025, including any information reported below from sources pre-dating the conversion. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of all listed stockholders is 4700 Mercantile Drive, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.
Unless otherwise indicated, we believe that all persons named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to the voting securities beneficially owned by them.
|
|
Shares of common stock |
|||
Name of beneficial owner |
|
Number |
|
Percentage |
|
5% Stockholders |
|
|
|
|
|
Mudrick Capital Management, L.P.(1) |
|
3,967,251 |
|
76.20 |
% |
Silverback Asset Management, LLC(2) |
|
424,873 |
|
8.16 |
% |
Named Executive Officers and Directors |
|
|
|
|
|
Robert J. Mylod, Jr.(3) |
|
39,759 |
|
* |
|
Timothy M. Crow(4) |
|
4,452 |
|
* |
|
Michael J. Farello |
|
— |
|
— |
|
Laura G. O’Shaughnessy (5) |
|
8,388 |
|
* |
|
Robert Krakowiak(6) |
|
12,077 |
|
* |
|
Matthew J. Pietroforte |
|
— |
|
— |
|
Nikul Patel(7) |
|
6,103 |
|
* |
|
Thomas H. Shortt (8) |
|
71,205 |
|
1.37% |
|
Jonathan R. Sandison(9) |
|
4,024 |
|
* |
|
Anna-Lisa C. Corrales (10) |
|
3,099 |
|
* |
|
All Executive Officers and Directors as a Group (11 persons) (11) |
|
149,213 |
|
2.87 |
% |
____________
* Less than 1%
(1) Consists of 3,967,251 shares of common stock directly held by Mudrick Distressed Opportunity Fund Global, L.P., Mudrick Distressed Opportunity Drawdown Fund II, L.P., Mudrick Distressed Opportunity Drawdown Fund II SC, L.P., Mudrick Distressed Opportunity Drawdown Fund III, L.P., Mudrick Distressed Opportunity 2020 Dislocation Fund, L.P., Mudrick Distressed Opportunity SIF Master Fund, L.P., and certain accounts managed by Mudrick Capital Management, L.P. in the aggregate. Each of Mudrick Capital Management, L.P., Mudrick Capital Management, LLC and Jason Mudrick has shared voting power and shared dispositive power over 3,967,251 shares of common stock. Each of Mudrick Distressed Opportunity Fund Global, L.P. and Mudrick GP directly owns, and has shared voting power and shared dispositive power over, 1,058,822 shares of common stock. Mudrick Distressed Opportunity Drawdown Fund II, L.P. has shared voting power and shared dispositive power over 725,385 shares of common stock. Mudrick Distressed Opportunity Drawdown Fund II SC, L.P. has shared voting power and shared dispositive power over 67,695 shares of common stock. Mudrick Distressed Opportunity
40
Drawdown Fund II GP, LLC has shared voting power and shared dispositive power over 793,080 shares of common stock. Each of Mudrick Distressed Opportunity Drawdown Fund III, L.P. and Mudrick Distressed Opportunity Drawdown Fund III GP, LLC has shared voting power and shared dispositive power over 44,746 shares of common stock. Each of Mudrick Distressed Opportunity 2020 Dislocation Fund, L.P. and Mudrick Distressed Opportunity 2020 Dislocation Fund GP, LLC has shared voting power and shared dispositive power over 200,657 shares of common stock. Each of Mudrick Distressed Opportunity SIF GP, LLC and Mudrick Distressed Opportunity SIF Master Fund, L.P., has shared voting power and shared dispositive power over 182,936 shares of common stock. The address of the entities mentioned in this footnote is 527 Madison Avenue, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10022. This information is based on a Schedule 13D/A filed on January 21, 2026.
(2) Silverback Asset Management, LLC has sole voting and dispositive power over 424,873 shares of common stock. The address of Silverback Asset Management, LLC is c/o Silverback Asset Management, LLC, 1414 Raleigh Road, Suite 250, Chapel Hill, NC 27517. This information is based on a Schedule 13G filed on May 14, 2025.
(3) Consists of (i) 6,572 shares of common stock, (ii) 2,424 warrants, (iii) 625 vested options that have vested and are fully exercisable, and (iv) 3,796 restricted stock units that vest within 60 days of April 16, 2026, held by Mr. Mylod. Also includes (i) 13,171 shares of common stock and (ii) 13,171 warrants held by Annox Capital, LLC (“Annox Capital”). Mr. Mylod is the managing member of Annox Capital and therefore holds voting or dispositive power over the shares held by Annox Capital. The address for Annox Capital is 480 Pierce Street, Suite 240, Birmingham, MI 48009. This information is based on a Form 4 filed on September 2, 2025 and information known to us.
(4) Consists of 4,452 shares of common stock.
(5) Consists of (i) 4,328 shares of common stock, (ii) 264 warrants, and (iii) 3,796 restricted stock units that vest within 60 days of April 16, 2026.
(6) Consists of (i) 7,443 shares of common stock, (ii) 89 warrants, (iii) 749 options that have vested and are fully exercisable, and (iv) 3,796 restricted stock units that vest within 60 days of April 16, 2026.
(7) Consists of (i) 1,351 shares of common stock, and (ii) 4,752 restricted stock units that vest within 60 days of April 16, 2026.
(8) Consists of (i) 4,641 shares of common stock, (ii) 214 warrants, and (iii) 66,350 options that have vested and are fully exercisable.
(9) Consists of (i) 244 shares of common stock, (ii) 30 warrants, and (iii) 3,750 options that have vested and are fully exercisable.
(10) Consists of (i) 239 shares of common stock, (ii) 136 warrants, and (iii) 2,724 options that have vested and are fully exercisable.
(11) Consists of (i) 42,506 shares of common stock, (ii) 16,369 warrants, (iii) 74,198 shares of common stock subject to options that are currently exercisable, and (iv) 16,140 restricted stock units that will vest within 60 days of April 16, 2026, in each case held by all of our current directors and executive officers as a group.
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In addition to the compensation arrangements, including employment, termination of employment and change in control arrangements, discussed in the sections titled “Executive Compensation,” the following is a description of certain transactions, arrangements and relationships with our directors, executive officers and stockholders owning 5% or more of our outstanding common stock that occurred since January 1, 2025.
Related Party Lines of Credit
On March 8, 2025, Vroom, Inc., UACC and its indirect subsidiary Darkwater Funding LLC, as co-borrowers, entered into a credit agreement for a $25.0 million Delayed Draw Facility with Mudrick Capital Management, L.P. (“Lender”), who is a 76.2% shareholder of the Company and as of January 14, 2025 became a related party. On October 9, 2025 the maximum facility amount was amended from $25.0 million to $35.0 million effective as of September 30, 2025. The Delayed Draw Facility allows for multiple drawdowns by each co-borrower, subject to satisfaction of usual and customary conditions precedent. The Delayed Draw Facility bears interest at a rate of Term SOFR +850 bps, payable quarterly in arrears, with a full payment-in-kind option. Interest is also payable upon any payment of principal. The co-borrowers’ obligations under the Delayed Draw Facility will be collateralized by asset backed residual certificates in certain UACC securitization trusts. The Delayed Draw Facility matures on December 31, 2026; however, borrowings can be prepaid at any time, in whole or in part, without penalty or premium. Once amounts are repaid they may not be reborrowed. The Delayed Draw Facility includes certain usual and customary covenants with respect to the co-borrowers’ activities and the collateral. As of December 31, 2025, the Company drew $8.0 million against the Delayed Draw Facility.
On November 25, 2025, Vroom, Inc. entered into a Note Purchase Agreement with Robert J. Mylod, Jr., the Independent Executive Chair of the board of directors of the Company. Pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement, the Company issued Delayed Draw Notes in a maximum aggregate principal commitment amount of $10.5 million. The Delayed Draw Notes bear interest, payable quarterly in arrears, at a per annum rate equal to Term SOFR (three-month tenor) plus 7.50%, and contain customary covenants, events of default, and conditions for subsequent note issuance. The Delayed Draw Notes are secured by the assets of the Company under the security agreement issued by the Company. The Delayed Draw Notes mature on November 25, 2026; however, the Delayed Draw Notes may be prepaid at any time, in whole or in part, without penalty or premium. As of December 31, 2025, the Company drew $10.5 million against the Delayed Draw Notes.
Related Party Convertible Notes due 2030
On August 29, 2025, the Company issued $10.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.00% unsecured Convertible Notes due 2030 (the “2030 Notes”). The 2030 Notes were issued pursuant to a Note Purchase Agreement with Annox Capital, LLC and Robert J. Mylod, Jr, the Managing Partner of Annox Capital, LLC and the Independent Executive Chair of the board of directors of the Company.
The 2030 Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.0% per annum, payable quarterly in arrears on January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1 of each year, commencing on October 1, 2025. The 2030 Notes will mature on October 1, 2030, unless earlier converted.
Each $1,000 principal amount of the 2030 Notes will initially be convertible into 28.5714 shares of the Company’s common stock, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $35.00 per share, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of specified events. The 2030 Notes are convertible at the option of the noteholders given the following:
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The Company may settle conversions by paying or delivering, as applicable, cash, shares of its common stock or a combination of cash and shares of its common stock, at the Company’s election.
If the Company undergoes a fundamental change (as defined in the Note Purchase Agreement), subject to certain conditions, holders of the 2030 Notes may require the Company to repurchase for cash all or any portion of the 2030 Notes at a repurchase price equal to the principal amount of the 2030 Notes plus any accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, if specific corporate events occur prior to the maturity date or if the Company issues a notice of redemption, the Company will increase the conversion rate by pre-defined amounts for a holder who elects to convert their 2030 Notes in connection with such a corporate event.
The Company accounts for the 2030 Notes as a single liability-classified instrument measured at amortized cost. As of December 31, 2025, the net carrying value was $10.0 million.
The 2030 Notes were issued at par value and fees associated with the issuance of these 2030 Notes were immaterial. The interest expense was immaterial for the year ended December 31, 2025. The effective interest rate of the 2030 Notes is 5%.
Board Observer
Pursuant to a Board Observer Agreement, dated as of February 18, 2025, by and among the Company and Jason Mudrick, who is the founder and chief investment officer of Mudrick Capital Management, L.P., a related party due to their holdings of the Company’s common stock (the “Board Observer Agreement”), Mr. Mudrick is serving as a non-voting observer of the Board (the “Board Observer”). As Board Observer, Mr. Mudrick has the right to attend each meeting of the Board or any of its committees as a non-voting observer and is not a member of the Board or any of its committees. The Company has agreed to reimburse Mr. Mudrick for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attending meetings of the Board or any of its committees, but Mr. Mudrick will not receive any other compensation in connection with his role as Board Observer.
Director and Officer Indemnification and Insurance
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws provide indemnification and advancement of expenses for our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, subject to certain limited exceptions. We have entered into separate indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers. We have also purchased directors’ and officers’ liability insurance for each of our directors and executive officers.
Our Board of Directors recognizes the fact that transactions with related persons present a heightened risk of conflicts of interests (or the perception thereof). Our Board of Directors has adopted a written policy on transactions with related persons. Under the policy, our legal department is primarily responsible for developing and implementing processes and procedures to obtain information regarding related persons with respect to potential related person transactions and then determining, based on the facts and circumstances, whether such potential related person transactions do, in fact, constitute related person transactions requiring compliance with the policy. If our legal department determines that a transaction or relationship is a related person transaction requiring compliance with the policy, our Chief Legal Officer is required to present to the Audit Committee all relevant facts and circumstances relating to the related person
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transaction. Our Audit Committee must review the relevant facts and circumstances of each related person transaction, including if the transaction is on terms comparable to those that could be obtained in arm’s length dealings with an unrelated third party and the extent of the related person’s interest in the transaction, take into account the conflicts of interest and corporate opportunity provisions of our Code of Conduct, and either approve or disapprove the related person transaction. If advance Audit Committee approval of a related person transaction requiring the audit committee’s approval is not feasible, then the transaction may be preliminarily entered into by management upon prior approval of the transaction by the Chair of the Audit Committee subject to ratification of the transaction by the audit committee at the Audit Committee’s next regularly scheduled meeting; provided, that if ratification is not forthcoming, management will make reasonable efforts to cancel or annul the transaction. If a transaction was not initially recognized as a related person transaction, then upon such recognition the transaction will be presented to the audit committee for ratification at the audit committee’s next regularly scheduled meeting; provided, that if ratification is not forthcoming, management will make all reasonable efforts to cancel or annul the transaction. Our management will update the Audit Committee as to any material changes to any approved or ratified related person transaction and will provide a status report at least annually of all then current related person transactions. No director may participate in approval of a related person transaction for which he or she is a related person.
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OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table sets forth the names, ages and positions of our current executive officers:
Name |
|
Age |
|
|
Position |
|
Thomas H. Shortt (1) |
|
|
57 |
|
|
Chief Executive Officer and Director |
Jonathan R. Sandison |
|
|
38 |
|
|
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer |
Anna-Lisa C. Corrales |
|
|
50 |
|
|
Chief Legal Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary |
Jacob S. Benzaquen |
|
|
40 |
|
|
Senior Vice President, Accounting, and principal accounting officer |
(1) See “Proposal One—Election of Directors” for more information about Mr. Shortt.
Anna-Lisa C. Corrales has served as the Company’s Chief Legal Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, and Secretary since August 2024. Prior to that, she served as the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer since April 2023 and as Vice President of Legal Affairs, Compliance since December 2019. Previously, Ms. Corrales was the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Jaguar Land Rover North America from 2008 to 2019. She also spent several years in private practice at the law firms of Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz and Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison. From 2002 to 2003, Ms. Corrales served as a law clerk to the Honorable Ronald L. Ellis in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Ms. Corrales holds a Bachelor of Arts from Duke University and a Juris Doctor from New York University School of Law.
Jonathan R. Sandison has served as the Company's Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since May 2025. He previously served as the Chief Financial Officer of UACC starting in February 2024. Prior to that, he served as the Vice President of Investor Relations and Financial Planning & Analysis at Vroom, after starting at the Company in October 2022. Previously, Mr. Sandison led global Financial Planning & Analysis at Stoneridge, Inc., from 2017 to 2022. He also held leadership roles in Treasury and Financial Planning & Analysis at Yazaki North America from 2015 to 2017 and leadership roles in Commercial and Community Banking at J.P. Morgan Chase from 2009 to 2015. Mr. Sandison holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Wayne State University.
Jacob S. Benzaquen has served as the Senior Vice President of Accounting and as the principal accounting officer since May 15, 2025. He previously served as Vice President of Accounting and Treasury at Vroom since March 2024, and prior to that, served as the Senior Director of Accounting and Director of Technical Accounting since joining the Company in October 2021. Previously, Mr. Benzaquen spent thirteen years at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, from September 2008 to October 2021, where he most recently was a Director in the Financial Services audit practice since July 2017. Mr. Benzaquen holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the Binghamton University School of Management. He is a Certified Public Accountant and a CFA Charterholder.
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE 2026 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
WHO IS ENTITLED TO VOTE AT THE ANNUAL MEETING?
The Record Date for the Annual Meeting is April 16, 2026. You are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting only if you are a stockholder of record at the close of business on that date, or if you hold a valid proxy for the Annual Meeting. Each share of our common stock entitles its holder to one vote per share on all matters presented to our stockholders. At the close of business on April 16, 2026, there were 5,206,495 shares of common stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.
WHY HAVE I RECEIVED A “NOTICE OF INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS”?
As permitted by SEC rules, we are making this proxy statement and our 2025 Annual Report available to certain of our stockholders electronically via the Internet. On or about May 1, 2026, we intend to commence mailing to these stockholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (“Internet Notice”) containing instructions on how to access this proxy statement and our 2025 Annual Report and vote online. If you received an Internet Notice by mail, you will not receive a printed copy of the proxy materials in the mail unless you specifically request them. Instead, the Internet Notice instructs you on how to access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy statement and 2025 Annual Report. The Internet Notice also instructs you on how you may submit your proxy over the Internet. If you received an Internet Notice by mail and would like to receive a printed copy of our proxy materials, then you should follow the instructions for requesting such materials contained on the Internet Notice.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BEING A “RECORD HOLDER” AND HOLDING SHARES IN “STREET NAME”?
A record holder holds shares in his or her name. Shares held in “street name” means shares that are held in the name of a bank or broker on a person’s behalf.
AM I ENTITLED TO VOTE IF MY SHARES ARE HELD IN “STREET NAME”?
Yes. If your shares are held by a bank or a brokerage firm, you are considered the “beneficial owner” of those shares held in “street name.” If your shares are held in street name, these proxy materials are being provided to you by your bank or brokerage firm, along with a voting instruction card if you received printed copies of our proxy materials. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your bank or brokerage firm how to vote your shares, and the bank or brokerage firm is required to vote your shares in accordance with your instructions. If your shares are held in “street name,” you should contact your broker or other nominee to obtain your 16-digit control number or otherwise vote through the broker or other nominee.
HOW MANY SHARES MUST BE PRESENT TO HOLD THE ANNUAL MEETING?
A quorum must be present at the Annual Meeting for any business to be conducted. The presence at the Annual Meeting, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the voting power of all outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company entitled to vote at the meeting constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.
WHO CAN ATTEND AND VOTE AT THE 2026 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS?
For cost efficiency reasons and for increased accessibility by stockholders, the Annual Meeting will be held entirely online. Stockholders may participate in the Annual Meeting by visiting the following website: www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/VRM2026.
To participate and vote at the Annual Meeting, you will need the 16-digit control number included on your Internet Notice or your proxy card or on the instructions that accompanied your proxy materials. If your shares are held in “street name,” you should contact your broker or other nominee to obtain your 16-digit control number or otherwise vote through the broker or other nominee. You will need to obtain your own Internet access if you choose to attend the Annual Meeting online and/or vote over the Internet. If you lose your 16-digit control number, you may join the Annual Meeting as a “Guest” but you will not be able to vote, ask questions or access the list of stockholders as of the Record Date. The meeting webcast will begin promptly at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. We encourage you to access the meeting prior to the start time. Online check-in will begin shortly before the meeting time, and you should allow ample time for check-in procedures.
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WHAT IF DURING THE CHECK-IN TIME OR DURING THE ANNUAL MEETING I HAVE TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES OR TROUBLE ACCESSING THE VIRTUAL MEETING WEBSITE?
We will have technicians ready to assist you with any technical difficulties you may have accessing the virtual meeting website, and the information for assistance will be located on the Annual Meeting login page. You will need to obtain your own Internet access.
WILL THERE BE A QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION DURING THE ANNUAL MEETING?
As part of the Annual Meeting, we will hold a live Q&A session, during which we intend to answer appropriate questions submitted via the virtual meeting platform by stockholders during the meeting that are pertinent to the Company and the meeting matters. The Company will endeavor to answer as many questions submitted by stockholders as time permits. Only stockholders that have accessed the Annual Meeting as a stockholder (rather than a “Guest”) by following the procedures outlined above in “Who can attend and vote at the Annual Meeting?” will be permitted to submit questions during the Annual Meeting. Each stockholder is limited to no more than two questions. Questions should be succinct and only cover a single topic. We will not address questions that are, among other things:
Additional information regarding the Q&A session will be available in the “Rules of Conduct” available on the Annual Meeting webpage for stockholders that have accessed the Annual Meeting as a stockholder (rather than a “Guest”) by following the procedures outlined above in “Who can attend and vote at the Annual Meeting?”.
WHAT IF A QUORUM IS NOT PRESENT AT THE ANNUAL MEETING?
If a quorum is not present at the scheduled time of the Annual Meeting, the Chairperson of the Annual Meeting may adjourn the Annual Meeting until a quorum is present or represented.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF I RECEIVE MORE THAN ONE INTERNET NOTICE OR MORE THAN ONE SET OF PROXY MATERIALS?
It means that your shares are held in more than one account at the transfer agent and/or with banks or brokers. Please vote all of your shares. To ensure that all of your shares are voted, for each Internet Notice or set of proxy materials,
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please submit your proxy by phone, via the Internet or, if you received printed copies of the proxy materials, by signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed envelope.
HOW DO I VOTE?
We recommend that stockholders vote prior to the meeting by proxy even if they plan to attend the Annual Meeting and vote during the meeting. If you are a stockholder of record, there are three ways to vote by proxy:
Internet and telephone voting facilities for stockholders of record will be available 24 hours a day and will close at 11:59 p.m., Eastern time, on June 10, 2026. We encourage stockholders to submit their proxy via telephone or the Internet.
If your shares are held in street name through a bank or broker, you will receive instructions on how to vote from the bank or broker. You must follow their instructions in order for your shares to be voted. Internet and telephone voting also may be offered to stockholders owning shares through certain banks and brokers. If your shares are not registered in your own name and you would like to vote your shares at the Annual Meeting, you should contact your broker or other nominee to obtain your 16-digit control number or otherwise vote through the broker or other nominee.
CAN I CHANGE MY VOTE AFTER I SUBMIT MY PROXY?
Yes.
If you are a registered stockholder, you may revoke your proxy and change your vote:
Your most recent proxy card or Internet or telephone proxy is the one that is counted. Your attendance at the Annual Meeting by itself will not revoke your proxy unless you give written notice of revocation to the Secretary before your proxy is voted or you vote during the Annual Meeting.
If your shares are held in street name, you may change or revoke your voting instructions by following the specific directions provided to you by your bank or broker, or you may vote during the Annual Meeting by obtaining your 16-digit control number from your bank or broker or otherwise voting through your bank or broker.
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WHO WILL COUNT THE VOTES?
A representative of Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc., our inspector of election, will tabulate and certify the votes.
WHAT IF I DO NOT SPECIFY HOW MY SHARES ARE TO BE VOTED?
If you submit a proxy but do not indicate any voting instructions, the persons named as proxies will vote in accordance with the recommendations of the Board. The Board’s recommendations are indicated on pages 8, 21 and 24 of this proxy statement, as well as with the description of each proposal in this proxy statement.
WILL ANY OTHER BUSINESS BE CONDUCTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING?
We know of no other business that will be presented at the Annual Meeting. If any other matter properly comes before the stockholders for a vote at the Annual Meeting, however, the proxy holders named on the Company’s proxy card will vote your shares in accordance with their best judgment.
HOW MANY VOTES ARE REQUIRED FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSALS TO BE VOTED UPON AND HOW WILL ABSTENTIONS AND BROKER NON-VOTES BE TREATED?
Proposal |
|
Voting Standard |
|
Effect of Votes Withheld/Abstentions And Broker Non-Votes |
Proposal No. 1: To elect Robert J. Mylod, Jr., Robert R. Krakowiak, Timothy M. Crow, Michael J. Farello, Matthew J. Pietroforte, Nikul Patel, and Thomas H. Shortt to our Board of Directors to serve for a one-year term ending at the 2027 Annual Meeting
|
|
Plurality of votes cast |
|
Votes withheld and broker non- votes will have no effect. |
Proposal No. 2: To ratify the appointment of RSM US LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026 |
|
Majority of votes cast |
|
Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect. We do not expect any broker non-votes on this proposal. |
Proposal No. 3: To approve, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, the compensation of our named executive officers
|
|
Majority of votes cast |
|
Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect. |
WHAT IS AN ABSTENTION AND VOTE WITHHELD AND DO THEY COUNT FOR DETERMINING A QUORUM
A “vote withheld,” in the case of the proposal regarding the election of directors, or an “abstention,” in the case of the other proposals to be voted on at the Annual Meeting, represents a stockholder’s affirmative choice to decline to vote on a proposal. Votes withheld and abstentions are counted as present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining a quorum.
WHAT ARE BROKER NON-VOTES AND DO THEY COUNT FOR DETERMINING A QUORUM?
Generally, broker non-votes occur when shares held by a broker in “street name” for a beneficial owner are not voted with respect to a particular proposal because the broker (1) has not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner and (2) lacks discretionary voting power to vote those shares. A broker is entitled to vote shares held for a beneficial owner on routine matters, such as the ratification of the appointment of RSM as our independent registered public accounting firm, without instructions from the beneficial owner of those shares. Because brokers have discretionary authority to vote on the ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm, we do not expect any broker non-votes in connection with that proposal. On the other hand, absent instructions from the beneficial owner of such shares, a broker is not entitled to vote shares held for a beneficial owner on non-routine matters, such as the election of directors and the approval, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, of the compensation of our named executive officers. Those items for which your broker cannot vote result in broker
49
non-votes if you do not provide your broker with voting instructions on such items. Broker non-votes count for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present.
WHERE CAN I FIND THE VOTING RESULTS OF THE 2026 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS?
We plan to announce preliminary voting results at the Annual Meeting, and we will report the final results in a Current Report on Form 8-K, which we intend to file with the SEC shortly after the Annual Meeting.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Stockholder Proposals
Stockholders who intend to have a proposal considered for inclusion in our proxy materials for presentation at our 2027 Annual Meeting pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act must submit the proposal to us at 4700 Mercantile Drive, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. Any proposal submitted pursuant to Rule 14a-8 must be received by us no later than January 1, 2027. We suggest that proponents submit their Rule 14a-8 proposals by certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to our Chief Legal Officer and Secretary.
In addition, our Bylaws establish an advance notice procedure with regard to director nominations and other proposals by stockholders that are not intended to be included in our proxy materials, but that a stockholder instead wishes to present directly at an annual meeting. To be properly brought before the 2027 Annual Meeting, a notice of the nomination or the matter the stockholder wishes to present at the meeting must be in writing and delivered to or mailed and received by our Secretary at our principal executive offices not later than March 13, 2027 and not before February 11, 2027. However, if the 2027 Annual Meeting is more than 30 days before or 60 days after the first anniversary of the 2026 Annual Meeting, notice must be so delivered or received not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the date on which public disclosure of the date of such annual meeting was first made. Our Bylaws also specify requirements relating to the content of the notice that stockholders must provide in order for a director nomination or other proposal to be properly presented at the 2027 Annual Meeting. In addition to satisfying the foregoing requirements under the Bylaws, to comply with the universal proxy rules, stockholders who intend to solicit proxies in support of director nominees other than the Company’s nominees must provide notice that sets forth the information required by Rule 14a-19(b) under the Exchange Act.
Householding of Annual Meeting Materials
The SEC’s rules permit us and banks, brokers and other agents to deliver a single set of proxy materials to one address shared by two or more of our stockholders. This delivery method is referred to as “householding” and can result in significant cost savings. To take advantage of this opportunity, we and certain banks, brokers or other agents have delivered only one set of proxy materials to multiple stockholders who share an address, unless we received contrary instructions from the impacted stockholders prior to the mailing date. We agree to deliver promptly, upon written or oral request, a separate copy of the proxy materials, as requested, to any stockholder at the shared address to which a single copy of those documents was delivered. If you prefer to receive separate copies of the proxy materials, contact Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. at 1-866-540-7095 or in writing at Broadridge, Householding Department, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York 11717.
If you are currently a stockholder sharing an address with another stockholder and wish to receive only one copy of future proxy materials for your household, please contact Broadridge at the above phone number or address.
Other Matters
Our Board is not aware of any matter to be presented for action at the Annual Meeting other than the matters referred to above and does not intend to bring any other matters before the Annual Meeting. However, if other matters should properly come before the Annual Meeting, it is intended that holders of the proxies will vote thereon in their discretion.
Solicitation of Proxies
The accompanying proxy is solicited by and on behalf of our Board, whose notice of meeting is attached to this proxy statement, and the entire cost of such solicitation will be borne by us.
In addition to the use of the mails, proxies may be solicited by personal interview, telephone and email by directors, officers and other employees of Vroom who will not be specially compensated for these services. We will also request that brokers, nominees, custodians and other fiduciaries forward soliciting materials to the beneficial owners of shares held of record by such brokers, nominees, custodians and other fiduciaries. We will reimburse such persons for their reasonable expenses in connection therewith.
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Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors, officers (as defined in Rule 16a-1 promulgated under the Exchange Act) and stockholders who beneficially own more than 10% of any class of our equity securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act (collectively, the “Reporting Persons”) to file initial statements of beneficial ownership of securities and statements of changes in beneficial ownership of securities with respect to our equity securities with the SEC. Based solely on our review of the copies of such forms received by us and upon written representations of the Reporting Persons received by us, we believe that there has been compliance with all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to such Reporting Persons with respect to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, except for (i) one Form 4 for Robert Mylod Jr. reporting two late transactions and (ii) one Form 4 for each of Robert Krakowiak, Agnieszka Zakowicz, Anna-Lisa Corrales, Laura G. O'Shaughnessy, Laura Lang, Thomas H. Shortt, Paula Pretlow, in each case reporting one late transaction.
Certain information contained in this proxy statement relating to the occupations and security holdings of our directors and officers is based upon information received from the individual directors and officers.
We intend to file a Proxy Statement and WHITE proxy card with the SEC in connection with the solicitation of proxies for our 2027 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Stockholders may obtain our Proxy Statement (and any amendments and supplements thereto) and other documents as and when filed by us with the SEC without charge from the SEC’s website at: www.sec.gov.
WE WILL FURNISH, WITHOUT CHARGE, A COPY OF OUR ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2025, INCLUDING CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS BUT NOT INCLUDING EXHIBITS, TO EACH OF OUR STOCKHOLDERS OF RECORD AS OF APRIL 16, 2026, AND TO EACH BENEFICIAL STOCKHOLDER ON THAT DATE UPON WRITTEN REQUEST MADE TO OUR CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER AND SECRETARY, VROOM, INC., 4700 MERCANTILE DRIVE, FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76137. A REASONABLE FEE WILL BE CHARGED FOR COPIES OF REQUESTED EXHIBITS.
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE VIRTUAL ANNUAL MEETING, WE URGE YOU TO VOTE YOUR SHARES VIA THE TOLL-FREE TELEPHONE NUMBER OR OVER THE INTERNET, AS DESCRIBED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT. IF YOU RECEIVED A COPY OF THE PROXY CARD BY MAIL, YOU MAY SIGN, DATE AND MAIL THE PROXY CARD IN THE ENCLOSED RETURN ENVELOPE. PROMPTLY VOTING YOUR SHARES WILL ENSURE THE PRESENCE OF A QUORUM AT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND WILL SAVE US THE EXPENSE OF FURTHER SOLICITATION.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Anna-Lisa Corrales
Chief Legal Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary
April 28, 2026
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ANNEX A
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