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AMERICAS CARMART INC - Quarter Report: 2006 January (Form 10-Q)

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

ý         QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal quarter ended:

 

Commission file number:

January 31, 2006

 

0-14939

 

AMERICA’S CAR-MART, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Texas

 

63-0851141

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

802 Southeast Plaza Ave., Suite 200, Bentonville, Arkansas 72712

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

 

(479) 464-9944

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý  No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer o                                                             Accelerated filer ý                                                                                          Non-accelerated filer o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No ý

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

 

 

Outstanding at

 

Title of Each Class

 

March 7, 2006

 

Common stock, par value $.01 per share

 

11,843,774

 

 

 



 

Part I

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

America’s Car-Mart, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

 

 

 

 

January 31, 2006

 

April 30, 2005

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

274,870

 

$

459,177

 

Other receivables

 

751,330

 

524,046

 

Finance receivables, net

 

142,197,402

 

123,098,966

 

Inventory

 

10,218,453

 

7,985,959

 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

546,090

 

295,452

 

Property and equipment, net

 

14,413,563

 

11,304,658

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

168,401,708

 

$

143,668,258

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

2,836,680

 

$

2,796,086

 

Accrued liabilities

 

8,807,549

 

6,023,291

 

Income taxes payable

 

1,086,900

 

451,714

 

Deferred tax liabilities

 

2,585,231

 

1,986,696

 

Revolving credit facility

 

38,341,448

 

29,145,090

 

 

 

53,657,808

 

40,402,877

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, 1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding

 

 

 

Common stock, par value $.01 per share, 50,000,000 shares authorized; 11,838,774 issued and outstanding (11,843,738 at April 30, 2005)

 

118,388

 

118,437

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

33,136,528

 

33,809,445

 

Retained earnings

 

81,488,984

 

69,337,499

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

114,743,900

 

103,265,381

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

168,401,708

 

$

143,668,258

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

2



 

Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

America’s Car-Mart, Inc.

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

January 31,

 

January 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

$

53,200,020

 

$

44,177,438

 

$

157,376,660

 

$

138,104,419

 

Interest income

 

5,048,124

 

4,041,969

 

14,379,343

 

11,440,081

 

 

 

58,248,144

 

48,219,407

 

171,756,003

 

149,544,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales

 

29,636,023

 

23,258,377

 

87,011,121

 

73,825,206

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

9,768,694

 

8,688,679

 

28,709,739

 

25,254,437

 

Provision for credit losses

 

10,935,853

 

8,946,644

 

34,596,030

 

27,655,675

 

Interest expense

 

690,887

 

345,341

 

1,735,747

 

859,622

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

151,217

 

115,894

 

428,808

 

307,365

 

 

 

51,182,674

 

41,354,935

 

152,481,445

 

127,902,305

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before taxes

 

7,065,470

 

6,864,472

 

19,274,558

 

21,642,195

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes

 

2,600,634

 

2,530,812

 

7,123,073

 

7,984,837

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income

 

$

4,464,836

 

$

4,333,660

 

$

12,151,485

 

$

13,657,358

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

.38

 

$

.37

 

$

1.03

 

$

1.17

 

Diluted

 

$

.37

 

$

.36

 

$

1.01

 

$

1.14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

11,864,475

 

11,751,054

 

11,812,337

 

11,709,948

 

Diluted

 

12,011,480

 

12,040,748

 

11,984,883

 

12,020,492

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

3



 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

America’s Car-Mart, Inc.

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

January 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

Operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

12,151,485

 

$

13,657,358

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for credit losses

 

34,596,030

 

27,655,675

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

428,808

 

307,365

 

Loss on sale of property and equipment

 

14,611

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

598,535

 

265,585

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Finance receivable originations

 

(144,863,064

)

(127,161,998

)

Finance receivable collections

 

81,151,281

 

77,446,661

 

Other receivables

 

(227,284

)

(81,269

)

Inventory

 

7,784,823

 

6,555,813

 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

(250,638

)

(122,852

)

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

2,824,852

 

(37,790

)

Income taxes payable

 

727,146

 

773,227

 

Net cash used in operating activities

 

(5,063,415

)

(742,225

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of property and equipment

 

(3,709,318

)

(4,849,756

)

Sale of Property and Equipment

 

156,994

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(3,552,324

)

(4,849,756

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Exercise of stock options

 

422,557

 

653,265

 

Purchase of common stock

 

(1,187,483

)

(265,061

)

Proceeds from revolving credit facility, net

 

9,196,358

 

5,176,931

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

8,431,432

 

5,565,135

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

(184,307

)

(26,846

)

Cash and cash equivalents at:

Beginning of period

 

459,177

 

1,128,349

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

End of period

 

$

274,870

 

$

1,101,503

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

4



 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

America’s Car-Mart, Inc.

 

A – Organization and Business

 

America’s Car-Mart, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “Company”), is the largest publicly held automotive retailer in the United States focused exclusively on the “Buy Here/Pay Here” segment of the used car market. References to the Company typically include the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries. The Company’s operations are principally conducted through its two operating subsidiaries, America’s Car-Mart, Inc., an Arkansas corporation, (“Car-Mart of Arkansas”) and Colonial Auto Finance, Inc. (“Colonial”). Collectively, Car-Mart of Arkansas and Colonial are referred to herein as “Car-Mart”. The Company primarily sells older model used vehicles and provides financing for substantially all of its customers. Many of the Company’s customers have limited financial resources and would not qualify for conventional financing as a result of limited credit histories or past credit problems. As of January 31, 2006, the Company operated 84 stores located primarily in small cities throughout the South-Central United States.

 

B – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

General

 

The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and nine month periods ended January 31, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended April 30, 2006. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2005.

 

Adjustments to Reflect Stock Split

 

All references to the number of shares of common stock, stock options and warrants, earnings per share amounts, exercise prices of stock options and warrants, common stock prices, and other share and per share data or amounts in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q have been adjusted, as necessary, to retroactively reflect the three-for-two common stock split effected in the form of a 50% stock dividend in April 2005.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Concentration of Risk

 

The Company provides financing in connection with the sale of substantially all of its vehicles. These sales are made primarily to customers residing in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Kentucky and Missouri, with approximately 58% of revenues from customers residing in Arkansas. Periodically, the Company maintains cash in financial institutions in excess of the amounts insured by the federal government. The Company’s revolving credit facility matures in April 2009.

 

Restrictions on Subsidiary Distributions/Dividends

 

Car-Mart’s revolving credit facilities limit distributions from Car-Mart to the Company beyond (i) the repayment of intercompany loans ($10.0 million at January 31, 2006), and (ii) dividends equal to 75% of Car-Mart of Arkansas’ net income. At January 31, 2006, the Company’s assets (excluding its $102 million equity investment in Car-Mart) consisted of $16,000 in cash, $3 million in other assets and a $10.0 million receivable from Car-Mart. Thus, the Company is limited in the amount of dividends or other distributions it can make to its shareholders without the consent of Car-Mart’s lender. Beginning in February 2003, Car-Mart assumed substantially all of the operating costs of the Company.

 

Finance Receivables, Repossessions and Charge-offs and Allowance for Credit Losses

 

The Company originates installment sale contracts from the sale of used vehicles at its dealerships. Finance receivables consist of contractually scheduled payments from installment contracts net of unearned finance charges and an allowance for credit losses. Unearned finance charges represent the initial amounts of interest income expected to be earned over the term of the installment contracts less the amount of interest income already earned on such contracts. An account is considered delinquent when a contractually scheduled payment has not been received by the scheduled payment date. At January 31, 2006 and 2005, 4.7% and 4.6%, respectively, of the Company’s finance receivable balances were over 30 days past due.

 

The Company takes steps to repossess a vehicle when the customer becomes severely delinquent in his or her payments, and management determines that timely collection of future payments is not probable. Accounts are charged-off after the expiration of a statutory notice period for repossessed accounts, or when management determines that timely collection of future payments is not probable for accounts where the Company has been unable to repossess the vehicle. For accounts where the vehicle has been repossessed, the fair value of the repossessed vehicle is charged as a reduction of the gross finance receivable balance charged-off. On average, accounts are approximately 60 days past due at the time of charge-off. For previously charged-off accounts that are subsequently recovered, the amount of such recovery is credited to the allowance for credit losses.

 

5



 

The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses on an aggregate basis at a level it considers sufficient to cover estimated losses in the collection of its finance receivables. The allowance for credit losses is based primarily upon historical and recent credit loss experience, with consideration given to changes in loan characteristics (i.e., average amount financed and term), delinquency levels, collateral values, economic conditions, underwriting and collection practices, and management’s expectations of future credit losses. The allowance for credit losses is periodically reviewed by management with any changes reflected in current operations. Although it is at least reasonably possible that events or circumstances could occur in the future that are not presently foreseen which could cause actual credit losses to be materially different from the recorded allowance for credit losses, the Company believes that it has given appropriate consideration to all relevant factors and has made reasonable assumptions in determining the allowance for credit losses.

 

Inventory

 

Inventory consists of used vehicles and is valued at the lower of cost or market on a specific identification basis. Vehicle reconditioning costs are capitalized as a component of inventory. Repossessed vehicles are recorded at fair value, which approximates wholesale value.

 

Deferred Sales Tax

 

The Company records a sales tax liability for vehicles sold on an installment basis in the State of Texas. Under Texas law, for vehicles sold on an installment basis, the related sales tax is due as the payments are collected from the customer, rather than at the time of sale.

 

Income Taxes

 

Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply in the years in which these temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

 

From time to time, the Company is audited by taxing authorities. These audits could result in proposed assessments of additional taxes. The Company believes that its tax positions comply in all material respects with applicable tax law. However, tax law is subject to interpretation, and interpretations by taxing authorities could be different from those of the Company, which could result in the imposition of additional taxes.

 

Stock Option Plan

 

The Company accounts for stock based compensation granted to employees and directors in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”, and related interpretations. As such, compensation expense is only recorded on the date of grant if the market price on such date exceeds the exercise price. Since the exercise price of options granted has been equal to the market price on the date of grant, no compensation expense has been recorded. Had the Company determined compensation cost on the date of grant based upon the fair value of its stock options under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” the Company’s pro forma net income and earnings per share would be as follows using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the assumptions detailed below. The estimated weighted average fair value of options granted using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model was $10.09 and $9.95 per share for the nine months ended January 31, 2006 and January 31, 2005, respectively.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended January 31,

 

Nine Months Ended January 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reported net income

 

$

4,464,836

 

$

4,333,660

 

$

12,151,485

 

$

13,657,358

 

Fair value compensation cost, net of tax

 

 

562,572

 

99,891

 

624,447

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pro forma net income

 

$

4,464,836

 

$

3,771,088

 

$

12,051,594

 

$

13,032,911

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

$

.38

 

$

.37

 

$

1.03

 

$

1.17

 

Pro forma

 

$

.38

 

$

.32

 

$

1.02

 

$

1.11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

$

.37

 

$

.36

 

$

1.01

 

$

1.14

 

Pro forma

 

$

.37

 

$

.31

 

$

1.01

 

$

1.08

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assumptions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividend yield

 

0.0

%

0.0

%

0.0

%

0.0

%

Risk-free interest rate

 

4.5

%

5.0

%

4.5

%

4.8

%

Expected volatility

 

45.0

%

40.0

%

45.0

%

40.0

%

Expected life

 

5 years

 

5 years

 

5 years

 

5 years

 

 

6



 

Recent Accounting Pronouncement

 

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) 123R, “Share-Based Payment,” which is a revision of SFAS 123. Generally, the approach in SFAS 123R is similar to the approach described in SFAS 123, except that SFAS 123R requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the income statement based on their fair values. Pro forma disclosure is no longer an alternative under SFAS 123R. SFAS 123R was originally issued with implementation required for interim and annual periods beginning after June 15, 2005. On April 15, 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission delayed the required effective date of SFAS 123R to the beginning of the first fiscal year that begins after June 15, 2005.

 

The Company is evaluating the requirements of SFAS 123R. The Company has not yet determined the method of adoption or the effect of adopting SFAS 123R. The Company expects to adopt SFAS 123R on May 1, 2006.

 

7



 

C – Finance Receivables

 

The Company originates installment sale contracts from the sale of used vehicles at its dealerships. These installment sale contracts typically include interest rates ranging from 6% to 19% per annum, are collateralized by the vehicle sold and provide for payments over periods ranging from 12 to 36 months. The components of finance receivables are as follows:

 

 

 

January 31,

 

April 30,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross contract amount

 

$

195,959,881

 

$

168,145,038

 

Unearned finance charges

 

(19,980,739

)

(15,794,828

)

Principal balance

 

175,979,142

 

152,350,210

 

Less allowance for credit losses

 

(33,781,740

)

(29,251,244

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

142,197,402

 

$

123,098,966

 

 

Changes in the finance receivables, net balance for the nine months ended January 31, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended January 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of period

 

$

123,098,966

 

$

103,683,660

 

Finance receivable originations

 

144,863,064

 

127,161,998

 

Finance receivable collections

 

(81,151,281

)

(77,446,661

)

Provision for credit losses

 

(34,596,030

)

(27,655,675

)

Inventory acquired in repossession

 

(10,017,317

)

(6,769,781

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

 

$

142,197,402

 

$

118,973,541

 

 

Changes in the finance receivables allowance for credit losses for the nine months ended January 31, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended
January 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

Balance at beginning of period

 

$

29,251,244

 

$

25,035,967

 

Provision for credit losses

 

34,596,030

 

27,655,675

 

Net charge-offs

 

(30,065,534

)

(24,420,701

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

 

$

33,781,740

 

$

28,270,941

 

 

D – Property and Equipment

 

A summary of property and equipment is as follows:

 

 

 

January 31,

 

April 30,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Land

 

$

5,208,716

 

$

4,371,748

 

Buildings and improvements

 

4,692,972

 

3,161,500

 

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

 

3,129,596

 

2,356,385

 

Leasehold improvements

 

3,081,952

 

2,737,845

 

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

(1,699,673

)

(1,322,820

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

14,413,563

 

$

11,304,658

 

 

8



 

E – Accrued Liabilities

 

A summary of accrued liabilities is as follows:

 

 

 

January 31,

 

April 30,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compensation

 

$

2,715,542

 

$

2,383,826

 

Cash overdraft

 

2,499,958

 

736,820

 

Deferred service contract revenue

 

1,603,969

 

1,526,943

 

Deferred sales tax

 

984,532

 

716,901

 

Subsidiary redeemable preferred stock

 

500,000

 

500,000

 

Interest

 

241,314

 

136,036

 

Other

 

262,234

 

22,765

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

8,807,549

 

$

6,023,291

 

 

F – Revolving Credit Facility

 

A summary of revolving credit facility is as follows:

 

Revolving Credit Facility

 

Lender

 

Facility
Amount

 

Interest
Rate

 

Maturity

 

Balance at
January 31, 2006

 

Balance at
April 30, 2005

 

Bank of Oklahoma

 

$

44,500,000

 

Prime less .25

%

Apr 2009

 

$

38,341,448

 

$

29,145,090

 

 

The Company’s revolving credit facility is collateralized by substantially all the assets of the Company including finance receivables and inventory. Interest is payable monthly and the principal balance is due at the maturity of the facility. Interest is charged at the bank’s prime lending rate less .25% per annum as of January 31, 2006 and at the bank’s prime lending rate per annum as of April 30, 2005 (7.25% and 5.75% at January 31, 2006 and April 30, 2005, respectively). The revolving credit facility contains various reporting and performance covenants including (i) maintenance of certain financial ratios and tests, (ii) limitations on borrowings from other sources, (iii) restrictions on certain operating activities, and (iv) restrictions on the payment of dividends or distributions. The amount available to be drawn under the revolving credit facility is a function of eligible finance receivables and inventory, with a maximum amount available of $44.5 million as of January 31, 2006. Based upon eligible finance receivables and inventory at January 31, 2006, the Company could have drawn an additional $6.2 million under the facility. The Company was in compliance with the covenants at January 31, 2006.

 

On February 24, 2006, the Company and its lenders amended the revolving credit facility. The amendment increased the revolving credit commitment to $50 million from $44.5 million by adding an additional lender.

 

9



 

G – Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

 

Weighted average shares outstanding, which are used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share, are as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
January 31,

 

Nine Months Ended
January 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding-basic

 

11,864,475

 

11,751,054

 

11,812,337

 

11,709,948

 

Dilutive options and warrants

 

147,005

 

289,694

 

172,546

 

310,544

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted

 

12,011,480

 

12,040,748

 

11,984,883

 

12,020,492

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Antidilutive securities not included:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options and warrants

 

88,500

 

 

93,250

 

3,750

 

 

H – Commitments and Contingencies

 

Litigation

 

In February 2001 and May 2002, the Company was added as a defendant in two similar actions which were originally filed in December 1998 against approximately 20 defendants (the “Defendants”) by Astoria Entertainment, Inc. (“Astoria”). One action was filed in the Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans, Louisiana (the “State Claims”) and the other was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana (the “Federal Claims”). In these actions, Astoria alleges the Defendants conspired to eliminate Astoria from receiving one of the 15 riverboat gaming licenses that were awarded by the State of Louisiana in 1993 and 1994, at a time when a former subsidiary of the Company was involved in riverboat gaming in Louisiana. Astoria seeks unspecified damages including lost profits. In August 2001, the Federal court dismissed all of the Federal Claims with prejudice. In September 2004, the state court of appeals dismissed all the State Claims. In January 2005, the Louisiana Supreme Court reversed the state court of appeals’ dismissal of the case. The parties reached an out-of-court settlement in February 2006. The expense for this settlement is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the three-month period ending January 31, 2006. The settlement amount was not material to the consolidated financial statements.

 

In addition to the foregoing case, in the ordinary course of business, the Company has become a defendant in various types of other legal proceedings. The Company does not expect the final outcome of any of these actions, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, annual results of operations or cash flows. However, the results of legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, and an unfavorable resolution of one or more of these legal proceedings could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, annual results of operations or cash flows.

 

Related Finance Company

 

Car-Mart of Arkansas and Colonial do not meet the affiliation standard for filing consolidated income tax returns, and as such they file separate federal and state income tax returns. Car-Mart of Arkansas routinely sells its finance receivables to Colonial at what the Company believes to be fair market value and is able to take a tax deduction at the time of sale for the difference between the tax basis of the receivables sold and the sales price. For tax purposes, these transactions are permissible under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) as described in the Treasury Regulations. For financial accounting purposes, these transactions are eliminated in consolidation. The sale of finance receivables from Car-Mart of Arkansas to Colonial provides certain legal protection for the Company’s finance receivables and, principally because of certain state apportionment characteristics of Colonial, also has the effect of reducing the Company’s overall effective tax rate by about 240 basis points. The determination of whether or not the Company is entitled to a tax deduction at the time of sale is in part a facts and circumstances matter, and the interpretation of those facts and circumstances. The Company believes it satisfies the material provisions of the Treasury Regulations.

 

Currently, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) is examining the Company’s tax returns for fiscal 2002, and in particular is focusing on whether or not the Company satisfies the provisions of the Treasury Regulations which would entitle Car-Mart of Arkansas to a tax deduction at the time it sells its finance receivables to Colonial. The Company is unable to determine at this time the amount of adjustments, if any, that may result from this examination. At this point, the Company has not accrued any costs associated with potential adjustments, if any, that may result from this examination.

 

10



 

I – Supplemental Cash Flow Information

 

Supplemental cash flow disclosures are as follows:

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

January 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

Supplemental disclosures:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest paid

 

$

1,630,469

 

$

847,159

 

Income taxes paid, net

 

5,797,392

 

6,945,909

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-cash transactions:

 

 

 

 

 

Inventory acquired in repossession

 

10,017,317

 

6,769,781

 

 

11



 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report.

 

Forward-looking Information

 

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe harbor” for certain forward-looking statements. Certain information included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains, and other materials filed or to be filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (as well as information included in oral statements or other written statements made or to be made by the Company or its management) contain or will contain, forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statement was made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based upon management’s current plans or expectations and are subject to a number of uncertainties and risks that could significantly affect current plans, anticipated actions and the Company’s future financial condition and results. As a consequence, actual results may differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company as a result of various factors. Uncertainties and risks related to such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those relating to the continued availability of lines of credit for the Company’s business, the Company’s ability to underwrite and collect its finance receivables effectively, assumptions relating to unit sales and gross margins, changes in interest rates, competition, dependence on existing management, adverse economic conditions (particularly in the State of Arkansas), changes in tax laws or the administration of such laws and changes in lending laws or regulations. Any forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and, as such, speak only as of the date made.

 

Overview

 

America’s Car-Mart, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “Company”), is the largest publicly held automotive retailer in the United States focused exclusively on the “Buy Here/Pay Here” segment of the used car market. References to the Company typically include the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries. The Company’s operations are principally conducted through its two operating subsidiaries, America’s Car-Mart, Inc., an Arkansas corporation, (“Car-Mart of Arkansas”) and Colonial Auto Finance, Inc. (“Colonial”). Collectively, Car-Mart of Arkansas and Colonial are referred to herein as “Car-Mart”. The Company primarily sells older model used vehicles and provides financing for substantially all of its customers. Many of the Company’s customers have limited financial resources and would not qualify for conventional financing as a result of limited credit histories or past credit problems. As of January 31, 2006, the Company operated 84 stores located primarily in small cities throughout the South-Central United States.

 

Car-Mart has been operating since 1981. Car-Mart has grown its revenues between 13% and 21% per year over the last eight fiscal years. Growth results from same store revenue growth and the addition of new stores. Revenue growth in the first nine months of fiscal 2006 (14.9%) is ahead of Company’s fiscal 2006 growth expectations of 10 to14%. Revenue growth in the first nine months of fiscal 2006, as compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year, was assisted by a 4.9% increase in the average retail sales price, an 8.3% increase in retail unit sales and a 25.7% increase in interest income.

 

The Company’s primary focus is on collections. Each store handles its own collections with supervisory involvement of the corporate office. Over the last eight fiscal years, Car-Mart’s credit losses as a percentage of sales have ranged between approximately 17% and 21% (average of 19.3%). However, over the last two fiscal years credit losses as a percentage of sales have averaged 20.7%. Credit losses in the first nine months of fiscal 2006 (22.0%) were higher than the Company’s historical averages. Credit losses during the first nine months of fiscal 2006 were negatively affected by higher losses experienced during the Company’s second quarter (24.6%). Significant negative external economic issues were prevalent during the second quarter, including higher fuel prices. Also, during the second quarter, significant efforts were made by store management to identify, clean-up and write off uncollectible accounts. Credit losses were 20.9% and 20.6% for the first and third quarters of fiscal 2006. Credit losses, on a percentage basis, tend to be higher at new and developing stores than at mature stores (stores in existence for 10 years or more). Generally, this is the case because the store management at new and developing stores tends to be less experienced (in making credit decisions and collecting customer accounts) and the customer base is less seasoned. Generally, older stores have more repeat customers. On average, repeat customers are a better credit risk than non-repeat customers. Due to the rate of the Company’s growth, the percentage of new and developing stores as a percentage of total stores has been increasing over the last few years. While the Company believes the most significant factor affecting credit losses is the proper execution (or lack thereof) of its business practices, the Company also believes that higher energy and fuel costs have had a negative impact on collection results.  At January 31, 2006, 4.7% of the Company’s finance receivable balances were over 30 days past due, compared to 4.6% at January 31, 2005.

 

The Company’s gross margins as a percentage of sales have been fairly consistent from year to year. Over the last eight fiscal years, Car-Mart’s gross margins as a percentage of sales have ranged between approximately 44% and 48%. Gross margins as a percentage of sales in the first nine months of fiscal 2006 were 44.7%, down from 46.5% in the same period of the prior fiscal year. The Company’s gross margins are set based upon the cost of the vehicle purchased, with lower-priced vehicles having higher gross margin percentages. The Company’s gross margins have been negatively affected by the increase in the average retail sales price (a function of a higher purchase price) and to a lesser extent by higher operating costs, mostly related to increased vehicle repair costs and higher fuel costs. Short-term supply issues during the second quarter (and to a lesser extent during the third quarter) brought on by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and by the slow down in new car sales have resulted in higher purchase costs for vehicles. The Company expects that its gross margin percentage will not change significantly during the balance of fiscal 2006 from its current level.

 

12



 

Hiring, training, and retaining qualified associates are critical to the Company’s success. The rate at which the Company adds new stores is sometimes limited by the number of trained managers the Company has at its disposal. Excessive turnover, particularly at the Store Manager level, could impact the Company’s ability to add new stores. In fiscal 2005, the Company added resources to train and develop personnel. In fiscal 2006 and for the foreseeable future, the Company has invested and expects to continue to invest in the development of its workforce.

 

13



 

Consolidated Operations

(Operating Statement Dollars in Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

% Change

 

As a% of Sales

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

2006

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

January 31,

 

vs.

 

January 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

$

53,200

 

$

44,177

 

20.42

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

Interest income

 

5,048

 

4,042

 

24.89

 

9.5

 

9.1

 

Total

 

58,248

 

48,219

 

20.80

 

109.5

 

109.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales

 

29,636

 

23,258

 

27.4

%

55.7

 

52.6

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

9,769

 

8,689

 

12.4

 

18.4

 

19.7

 

Provision for credit losses

 

10,936

 

8,947

 

22.2

 

20.6

 

20.3

 

Interest expense

 

691

 

345

 

100.3

 

1.3

 

.8

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

151

 

116

 

30.2

 

.3

 

.3

 

Total

 

51,183

 

41,355

 

23.8

 

96.2

 

93.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pretax income

 

$

7,065

 

$

6,864

 

2.9

%

13.3

 

15.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail units sold

 

6,799

 

6,019

 

13.0

%

 

 

 

 

Average stores in operation

 

81.3

 

76.0

 

7.0

 

 

 

 

 

Average units sold per store

 

83.6

 

79.2

 

5.6

 

 

 

 

 

Average retail sales price

 

$

7,507

 

$

7,082

 

6.0

 

 

 

 

 

Same store revenue growth

 

16.7

%

10.8

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Period End Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stores open

 

84

 

76

 

10.5

%

 

 

 

 

Accounts over 30 days past due

 

4.7

%

4.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended January 31, 2006 vs. Three Months Ended January 31, 2005

 

Revenues increased $10.0 million, or 20.8%, for the three months ended January 31, 2006 as compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year. The increase was principally the result of revenue growth from stores that operated a full three months in both periods ($8.1 million, or 16.7%) and revenues from stores opened after January 31, 2005 ($1.9 million).

 

Cost of sales as a percentage of sales increased 3.1% to 55.7% for the three months ended January 31, 2006 from 52.6% in the same period of the prior fiscal year. The increase was principally the result of the increase in the average retail sales price (a function of a higher vehicle purchase price) and to a lesser extent by higher operating costs, mostly related to increased vehicle repair costs and higher fuel costs. Short-term supply issues during the second quarter, which carried over into the third quarter, brought on by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the slow down in new car sales, have resulted in higher purchase costs for vehicles. The Company expects that its gross margin percentage will not change significantly during the balance of fiscal 2006 from its current level.

 

Selling, general and administrative expense as a percentage of sales decreased 1.3% to 18.4% for the three months ended January 31, 2006 from 19.7% in the same period of the prior fiscal year. The percentage decrease was principally the result of a decrease, as a percentage of sales, in compensation expense during the period as compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease in compensation expense, as a percentage of sales, is partially the result of selling higher-priced vehicles. Selling higher-priced vehicles increases sales without necessarily increasing compensation expense. The decrease in compensation expense was offset, to an extent, by charges associated with the legal settlement with Astoria Entertainment, Inc. (See Note H to the consolidated financial statements).

 

Provision for credit losses as a percentage of sales increased 0.3% to 20.6% for the three months ended January 31, 2006 from 20.3% in the same period of the prior fiscal year. As discussed in the Overview section above, credit losses, on a percentage basis, tend to be higher at new and developing stores than at mature stores. Due to the rate of the Company’s growth, the percentage of new and developing stores as a percentage of total stores has been increasing over the last few years. In addition, the Company believes that there were some carryover effects in the third quarter related to the negative external economic issues which were most prevalent during the second quarter (including higher fuel prices). While the Company believes the most significant factor affecting credit losses is the proper execution (or lack thereof) of its business practices, the Company also believes that higher energy and fuel costs have had a negative impact on collection results. At January 31, 2006, 4.7% of the Company’s finance receivable balances were over 30 days past due, compared to 4.6% at January 31, 2005.

 

14



 

Interest expense as a percentage of sales increased to 1.3% for the three months ended January 31, 2006 from 0.8% in the same period of the prior fiscal year. The increase was attributable to higher average borrowings during the three months ended January 31, 2006 (approximately $37 million) as compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year (approximately $27 million), and an increase in the interest rate charged during the three months ended January, 2006 (average rate charged of 6.9% per annum) as compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year (average rate charged of 5.1% per annum). The increase in interest rates is attributable to increases in the prime interest rate as the interest rate on the revolving credit facility fluctuates with the prime interest rate.

 

Consolidated Operations

(Operating Statement Dollars in Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

% Change

 

As a% of Sales

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended
January 31,

 

2006
vs.

 

Nine Months Ended
January 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

$

157,377

 

$

138,104

 

14.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

Interest income

 

14,379

 

11,440

 

25.7

 

9.1

 

8.3

 

Total

 

171,756

 

149,544

 

14.9

 

109.1

 

108.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales

 

87,011

 

73,825

 

17.9

 

55.3

 

53.5

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

28,709

 

25,255

 

13.7

 

18.2

 

18.3

 

Provision for credit losses

 

34,596

 

27,656

 

25.1

 

22.0

 

20.0

 

Interest expense

 

1,736

 

859

 

102.1

 

1.1

 

.6

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

429

 

307

 

39.7

 

0.3

 

.2

 

Total

 

152,481

 

127,902

 

19.2

 

96.9

 

92.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pretax income

 

$

19,275

 

$

21,642

 

(10.9

)

12.2

 

15.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail units sold

 

20,319

 

18,761

 

8.3

%

 

 

 

 

Average stores in operation

 

79.8

 

74.0

 

7.8

 

 

 

 

 

Average units sold per store

 

254.6

 

253.5

 

.4

 

 

 

 

 

Average retail sales price

 

$

7,429

 

$

7,079

 

4.9

 

 

 

 

 

Same store revenue growth

 

10.7

%

11.4

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Period End Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stores open

 

84

 

76

 

10.5

%

 

 

 

 

Accounts 30 days or more past due

 

4.7

%

4.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended January 31, 2006 vs. Nine Months Ended January 31, 2005

 

Revenues increased $22.2 million, or 14.9%, for the nine months ended January 31, 2006 as compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year. The increase was principally the result of (i) revenue growth from stores that operated a full nine months in both periods ($15.0 million, or 10.7%), (ii) revenue growth from stores opened during the nine months ended January 31, 2005 or stores that opened or closed a satellite location after April 30, 2004 ($2.7 million), and (iii) revenues from stores opened after January 31, 2005 ($4.5 million).

 

Cost of sales as a percentage of sales increased 1.8% to 55.3% for the nine months ended January 31, 2006 from 53.5% in the same period of the prior fiscal year. The increase was principally the result of the increase in the average retail sales price (a function of a higher vehicle purchase price) and to a lesser extent by higher operating costs, mostly related to increased vehicle repair costs and higher fuel costs. Short-term supply issues during the second quarter, which carried over into the third quarter, brought on by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the slow down in new car sales, have resulted in higher purchase costs for vehicles. The Company expects that its gross margin percentage will not change significantly during the balance of fiscal 2006 from its current level.

 

Selling, general and administrative expense as a percentage of sales decreased 0.1% to 18.2% for the nine months ended January 31, 2006 compared to 18.3% for the same period in the prior year. Compensation expense, as a percentage of sales, was lower during the nine months ended January 31, 2006. The decrease in compensation expense, as a percentage of sales, is partially the result of selling higher-priced vehicles. Selling higher-priced vehicles increases sales without necessarily increasing compensation expense. The decrease in compensation expense was offset by an increase in professional fees principally the result of fees incurred in connection with the completion of the Company’s fiscal 2005 audit and compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as charges associated with the legal settlement with Astoria Entertainment, Inc. (See Note H to the consolidated financial statements).

 

15



 

Provision for credit losses as a percentage of sales increased 2.0%, to 22.0% for the nine months ended January 31, 2006 from 20.0% in the same period of the prior fiscal year. The increase was primarily the result of higher losses experienced during the Company’s second quarter (24.6%). Credit losses for the first and third quarters of fiscal 2006 were 20.9% and 20.6%, respectively. As discussed in the Overview section above, credit losses, on a percentage basis, tend to be higher at new and developing stores than at mature stores. Due to the rate of the Company’s growth, the percentage of new and developing stores as a percentage of total stores has been increasing over the last few years. In addition, the Company believes that there were carryover effects in the third quarter related to the negative external economic issues which were most prevalent during the second quarter (including higher fuel prices). While the Company believes the most significant factor affecting credit losses is the proper execution (or lack thereof) of its business practices, the Company also believes that higher energy and fuel costs have had a negative impact on collection results. At January 31, 2006, 4.7% of the Company’s finance receivable balances were over 30 days past due, compared to 4.6% at January 31, 2005.

 

Interest expense as a percentage of sales increased to 1.1% for the nine months ended January 31, 2006 from 0.6% in the same period of the prior fiscal year. The increase was attributable to higher average borrowings during the nine months ended January 31, 2006 (approximately $34 million) as compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year (approximately $24 million), and an increase in the interest rate charged during the nine months ended January, 2006 (average rate charged of 6.5% per annum) as compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year (average rate charged of 4.6% per annum). The increase in interest rates is attributable to increases in the prime interest rate as the interest rate on the revolving credit facility fluctuates with the prime interest rate.

 

Financial Condition

 

The following table sets forth the major balance sheet accounts of the Company as of the dates specified (in thousands):

 

 

 

January 31,
2006

 

April 30,
2005

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Finance receivables, net

 

$

142,197

 

$

123,099

 

Inventory

 

10,218

 

7,985

 

Property and equipment, net

 

14,413

 

11,305

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

11,644

 

8,819

 

Revolving credit facilities

 

38,341

 

29,145

 

 

Historically, the growth in finance receivables on an annual basis has tended to grow slightly faster than the growth in revenue on an annual basis due primarily to increases in the average term. Historically, finance receivables growth tends to be the greatest in the first fiscal quarter of each year. This is due to the strong sales levels that typically occur in the first quarter.

 

Inventory levels have grown by $2.2 million between April 30, 2005 and January 31, 2006. The growth in inventory was planned and is needed to support higher sales levels resulting from new store openings, expansions of existing stores and anticipated sales increases during income tax refund season.

 

Property and equipment, net increased $3.1 million during the nine months ended January 31, 2006 as the Company acquired real estate for three locations (one new store and the relocation of two existing stores), made improvements at several properties and purchased new computer equipment in connection with upgrading its information technology systems.

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities increased $2.8 million during the nine months ended January 31, 2006. The increase was largely due to an increase in cash overdraft ($1.8 million), an increase in accrued compensation ($268,000) and an increase in deferred sales taxes ($267,000). The timing of payment for vehicle purchases is primarily tied to when the seller presents a title for the purchased vehicle. Cash overdraft fluctuates based upon the day of the week, as daily deposits vary by day of the week and the level of checks that are outstanding at any point in time.

 

Borrowings on the Company’s revolving credit facility fluctuates based upon a number of factors including (i) net income, (ii) finance receivables growth, (iii) capital expenditures, and (iv) stock repurchases.

 

16



 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The following table sets forth certain summarized historical information with respect to the Company’s statements of cash flows (in thousands):

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended January 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

Operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income

 

$

12,151

 

$

13,657

 

Provision for credit losses

 

34,596

 

27,656

 

Finance receivable originations

 

(144,863

)

(127,162

)

Finance receivable collections

 

81,151

 

77,447

 

Inventory

 

7,785

 

6,556

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

2,825

 

(38

)

Income taxes payable

 

727

 

773

 

Other

 

565

 

369

 

Total

 

(5,063

)

(742

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of property and equipment

 

(3,709

)

(4,850

)

Sale of property and equipment

 

157

 

0

 

Total

 

(3,552

)

(4,850

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Exercise of stock options

 

423

 

653

 

Purchase of common stock

 

(1,187

)

(265

)

Revolving credit facility, net

 

9,196

 

5,177

 

Total

 

8,431

 

5,565

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Decrease in Cash

 

$

(184

)

$

(27

)

 

The Company generates cash flow from net income from operations. Most or all of this cash is used to fund finance receivables growth. To the extent finance receivables growth exceeds net income from operations, generally the Company increases borrowings under the revolving credit facilities.

 

The Company has had a tendency to lease the majority of the properties where its stores are located. As of January 31, 2006, the Company leased approximately 70% of its store properties. The Company expects to continue to lease the majority of the properties where its stores are located. In general, in order to preserve capital and maintain flexibility, the Company prefers to lease its store locations. However, the Company does periodically purchase the real property where its stores are located, particularly if the Company expects to be in that location for 10 years or more.

 

The Company’s revolving credit facility, which totals $44.5 million ($50 million effective February 24, 2006), limits distributions from Car-Mart to the Company beyond (i) the repayment of an intercompany loan ($10.0 million at January 31, 2006), and (ii) dividends equal to 75% of Car-Mart of Arkansas’ net income. At January 31, 2006, the Company’s assets (excluding its $102 million equity investment in Car-Mart) consisted of $ 16,000 in cash, $3.0 million in other assets and a $10.0 million receivable from Car-Mart. Thus, the Company is limited in the amount of dividends or other distributions it can make to its shareholders without the consent of Car-Mart’s lender. Beginning in February 2003, Car-Mart assumed substantially all of the operating costs of the Company. The Company was in compliance with loan covenants at January 31, 2006.

 

At January 31, 2006 the Company had $0.3 million of cash on hand and an additional $6.2 million of availability under the revolving credit facility ($11.7 million after the amendment to the revolving credit facility effective February 24, 2006). On a short-term and long-term basis, the Company’s principal sources of liquidity include income from operations and borrowings under the revolving credit facility. Further, while the Company has no present plans to issue debt or equity securities, the Company believes, if necessary, it could raise additional capital through the issuance of such securities.

 

The Company expects to use cash to grow its finance receivables portfolio and to purchase property and equipment of approximately $3 to $5 million in the next 12 months in connection with opening new stores and refurbishing existing stores. In addition, from time to time the Company may use cash to repurchase its common stock. During the nine months ended January 31, 2006 the Company repurchased 66,800 shares of its common stock for $1.2 million.

 

The revolving credit facilities mature in April 2009. The Company expects that it will be able to renew or refinance the revolving credit facilities on or before the date they mature. The Company believes it will have adequate liquidity to satisfy its capital needs for the foreseeable future.

 

As discussed in Note H to the consolidated financial statements, the IRS is currently examining the Company’s tax returns for fiscal 2002, and in particular is focusing on whether or not the Company satisfies the provisions of the Treasury Regulations that would entitle Car-Mart of Arkansas to a tax deduction at the time it sells its finance receivables to Colonial. The Company is unable to determine at this time the amount of adjustments, if any, that may result from this examination.

 

17



 

Contractual Payment Obligations

 

There have been no material changes outside of the ordinary course of business in the Company’s contractual payment obligations from those reported at April 30, 2005 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

The Company has entered into operating leases for approximately 70% of its store and office facilities. Generally these leases are for periods of three to five years and usually contain multiple renewal options. The Company expects to continue to lease the majority of its store and office facilities under arrangements substantially consistent with the past.

 

Other than its operating leases, the Company is not a party to any off-balance sheet arrangement that management believes is reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on the Company’s financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions in determining the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from the Company’s estimates. The Company believes the most significant estimate made in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements relates to the determination of its allowance for credit losses, which is discussed below. The Company’s accounting policies are discussed in Note B to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses on an aggregate basis at a level it considers sufficient to cover estimated losses in the collection of its finance receivables. The allowance for credit losses is based primarily upon historical credit loss experience, with consideration given to recent credit loss trends and changes in loan characteristics (i.e., average amount financed and term), delinquency levels, collateral values, economic conditions, underwriting and collection practices, and management’s expectation of future credit losses. The allowance for credit losses is periodically reviewed by management with any changes reflected in current operations. Although it is at least reasonably possible that events or circumstances could occur in the future that are not presently foreseen which could cause actual credit losses to be materially different from the recorded allowance for credit losses, the Company believes that it has given appropriate consideration to all relevant factors and has made reasonable assumptions in determining the allowance for credit losses.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncement

 

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) 123R, “Share-Based Payment,” which is a revision of SFAS 123. Generally, the approach in SFAS 123R is similar to the approach described in SFAS 123, except that SFAS 123R requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the income statement based on their fair values. Pro forma disclosure is no longer an alternative under SFAS 123R. SFAS 123R was originally issued with implementation required for interim and annual periods beginning after June 15, 2005. On April 15, 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission delayed the required effective date of SFAS 123R to the beginning of the first fiscal year that begins after June 15, 2005.

 

The Company is evaluating the requirements of SFAS 123R. The Company has not yet determined the method of adoption or the effect of adopting SFAS 123R. The Company expects to adopt SFAS 123R on May 1, 2006.

 

Seasonality

 

The Company’s automobile sales and finance business is seasonal in nature. The Company’s third fiscal quarter (November through January) has historically been the slowest period for car and truck sales. Many of the Company’s operating expenses such as administrative personnel, rent and insurance are fixed and cannot be reduced during periods of decreased sales. Conversely, the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter (February through April) is historically the busiest time for car and truck sales as many of the Company’s customers use income tax refunds as a down payment on the purchase of a vehicle. Further, the Company experiences seasonal fluctuations in its finance receivable credit losses. As a percentage of sales, the Company’s first and fourth fiscal quarters tend to have lower credit losses (averaging 19.0% over the last five full fiscal years), while its second and third fiscal quarters tend to have higher credit losses (averaging 20.3% over the last five full fiscal years).

 

18



 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

The Company is exposed to market risk on its financial instruments from changes in interest rates. In particular, the Company has exposure to changes in the federal primary credit rate and the prime interest rate of its lender. The Company does not use financial instruments for trading purposes or to manage interest rate risk. The Company’s earnings are impacted by its net interest income, which is the difference between the income earned on interest-bearing assets and the interest paid on interest-bearing notes payable. As described below, a decrease in market interest rates would generally have an adverse effect on the Company’s profitability.

 

The Company’s financial instruments consist of fixed rate finance receivables and variable rate notes payable. The Company’s finance receivables generally bear interest at fixed rates ranging from 6% to 19%. These finance receivables generally have remaining maturities from one to 36 months. The Company’s borrowings contain a variable interest rate that fluctuates with market interest rates (i.e., the rate charged on the revolving credit facility fluctuates with the prime interest rate of its lender). However, interest rates charged on finance receivables originated in the State of Arkansas are limited to the federal primary credit rate (5.5% at January 31, 2006) plus 5.0%. Typically, the Company charges interest on its Arkansas loans at or near the maximum rate allowed by law. Thus, while the interest rates charged on the Company’s loans do not fluctuate once established, new loans originated in Arkansas are set at a spread above the federal primary credit rate which does fluctuate. At January 31, 2006, approximately 61% of the Company’s finance receivables were originated in Arkansas. Assuming that this percentage is held constant for future loan originations, the long-term effect of decreases in the federal primary credit rate would generally have a negative effect on the profitability of the Company. This is the case because the amount of interest income lost on Arkansas originated loans would likely exceed the amount of interest expense saved on the Company’s variable rate borrowings (assuming the prime interest rate of its lender decreases by the same percentage as the decrease in the federal primary credit rate). The initial impact on profitability resulting from a decrease in the federal primary credit rate and the rate charged on its variable interest rate borrowings would be positive, as the immediate interest expense savings would outweigh the loss of interest income on new loan originations. However, as the amount of new loans originated at the lower interest rate increases to an amount in excess of the amount of variable interest rate borrowings, the effect on profitability would become negative.

 

The table below illustrates the estimated impact that hypothetical changes in the federal primary credit rate would have on the Company’s continuing pretax earnings. The calculations assume (i) the increase or decrease in the federal primary credit rate remains in effect for two years, (ii) the increase or decrease in the federal primary credit rate results in a like increase or decrease in the rate charged on the Company’s variable rate borrowings, (iii) the principal amount of finance receivables ($176 million) and variable interest rate borrowings ($38.3 million), and the percentage of Arkansas originated finance receivables (61%), remain constant during the periods, and (iv) the Company’s historical collection and charge-off experience continues throughout the periods.

 

Increase (Decrease)
In Interest Rates

 

Year 1
Increase (Decrease)
in Pretax Earnings

 

Year 2
Increase (Decrease)
in Pretax Earnings

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

(in thousands)

 

+200 basis points

 

$

119

 

$

1,199

 

+100 basis points

 

60

 

600

 

- 100 basis points

 

-60

 

-600

 

- 200 basis points

 

-119

 

-1,199

 

 

A similar calculation and table was prepared at April 30, 2005. The calculation and table was comparable with the information provided above.

 

19



 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the Company has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report on Form 10-Q (January 31, 2006), and, based on their evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as a result of a material weakness (discussed below) with its information technology (“IT”) controls.

 

During the first, second and third quarters ended July 31, 2005, October 31, 2005 and January 31, 2006, the Company made changes in its internal control over financial reporting in the IT area, including (i) hiring a seasoned Director of IT, (ii) improving password controls at the corporate office, (iii) improving access and security controls at the corporate office, (iv) improving the physical security of IT equipment at the corporate office, and (v) improving software program change controls.

 

As of January 31, 2006, the Company had addressed and resolved a significant portion of the IT deficiencies noted at April 30, 2005. A number of continuing deficiencies pertaining to its IT controls remain (but significantly fewer deficiencies than existed at April 30, 2005.)  These deficiencies were at the store level and related to (i) passwords (existence of blank passwords and default system passwords, minimum length of passwords, lack of a system requirement to require periodic password changes), (ii) access controls and security, and (iii) organization and management oversight (formalizing an IT strategic plan and developing an IT compliance function). Although the Company has addressed and resolved a majority of the IT deficiencies noted at April 30, 2005, it was determined that the Company had not yet fully remediated the material weakness as of January 31, 2006.

 

The Company is in the process of addressing the above deficiencies. The Company anticipates that all of the remaining deficiencies discussed above will be properly addressed by the end of the fiscal year (April 30, 2006).

 

20



 

PART II

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

As of January 31, 2006, the Company is authorized to repurchase up to 1 million shares of the common stock under the common stock repurchase program last approved by the Board of Directors and announced on December 2, 2005. As of January 31, 2006, the Company had repurchased 44,800 shares of the common stock under the stock repurchase program. In the third quarter of 2006, the Company effected the following repurchases of the common stock:

 

Period

 

Total Number of
Shares
Purchased

 

Average Price
Paid per Share
(including fees)

 

Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs

 

Maximum Number
of Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs

 

November 1 through November 30

 

0

 

$

0.00

 

0

 

1,000,000

 

December 1 through December 31

 

10,000

 

$

16.72

 

10,000

 

990,000

 

January 1 through January 31

 

34,800

 

$

18.07

 

34,800

 

955,200

 

Total

 

44,800

 

$

17.77

 

44,800

 

955,200

 

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description of Exhibit

 

 

 

3.1

 

Articles of Incorporation of the Company (formerly SKAI, Inc.), as amended, incorporated by reference from the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 16, 2005, File No. 333-129727, exhibits 4.1 through 4.8.

 

 

 

3.2

 

By-Laws dated August 24, 1989, incorporated by reference from the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 16, 2005, File No. 333-129727, exhibit 4.9.

 

 

 

4.3

 

Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Agented Revolving Credit Agreement, dated February 24, 2006 incorporated by reference from the Company’s Form 8-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2006, exhibit 4.3.

 

 

 

4.4

 

Promissory Note dated February 24, 2006 made by Colonial Auto Finance, Inc. in favor of Enterprise Bank & Trust incorporated by reference from the Company’s Form 8-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2006, exhibit 4.4.

 

 

 

31.1

 

Rule 13a-14(a) certification.

 

 

 

31.2

 

Rule 13a-14(a) certification.

 

 

 

32.1

 

Section 1350 certification.

 

21



 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

America’s Car-Mart, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

\s\ Tilman J. Falgout, III

 

 

 

Tilman J. Falgout, III

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

\s\ Jeffrey A. Williams

 

 

Jeffrey A. Williams

 

 

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

 

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dated: March 7, 2005

 

 

 

22



 

Exhibit Index

 

31.1

 

Rule 13a-14(a) certification.

 

 

 

31.2

 

Rule 13a-14(a) certification.

 

 

 

32.1

 

Section 1350 certification.

 

23