AMERICAS CARMART INC - Quarter Report: 2015 January (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended January 31, 2015

Or

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ________ to ________

Commission file number: 0-14939

AMERICA’S CAR-MART, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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

(Address of principal executive offices) (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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes ý No o

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

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.

Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

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

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

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

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

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

A – Organization and Business

America’s Car-Mart, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “Company”), is one of the largest publicly held automotive retailers in the United States focused exclusively on the “Integrated Auto Sales and Finance” 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., an Arkansas corporation (“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, 2015, the Company operated 138 dealerships located primarily in small cities throughout the South-Central United States.

B – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

General

The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of April 30, 2014, which has been derived from audited financial statements, and the unaudited interim condensed financial statements as of January 31, 2015 and 2014, have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and in accordance 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 nine months ended January 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending April 30, 2015. 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, 2014.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Segment Information

Each dealership is an operating segment with its results regularly reviewed by the Company’s chief operating decision maker in an effort to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and to assess its performance. Individual dealerships meet the aggregation criteria under the current accounting guidance. The Company operates in the Integrated Auto Sales and Finance segment of the used car market. In this industry, the nature of the sale and the financing of the transaction, financing processes, the type of customer and the methods used to distribute the Company’s products and services, including the actual servicing of the contracts as well as the regulatory environment in which the Company operates, all have similar characteristics. Each of our individual dealerships is similar in nature and only engages in the selling and financing of used vehicles. All individual dealerships have similar operating characteristics. As such, individual dealerships have been aggregated into one reportable segment.

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 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 period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates include, but are not limited to, the Company’s allowance for credit losses.

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 Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas, with approximately 32% of revenues resulting from sales to Arkansas customers.

Periodically, the Company maintains cash in financial institutions in excess of the amounts insured by the federal government. The Company’s revolving credit facilities mature in October 2017. The Company expects that these credit facilities will be renewed or refinanced on or before the scheduled maturity dates.

Restrictions on Distributions/Dividends

The Company’s revolving credit facilities generally limit distributions by the Company to its shareholders in order to repurchase the Company’s common stock. The distribution limitations under the Credit Facilities allow the Company to repurchase the Company’s stock so long as: either (a) the aggregate amount of such repurchases does not exceed $40 million beginning October 8, 2014 and the sum of borrowing bases combined minus the principal balances of all revolver loans after giving effect to such repurchases is equal to or greater than 30% of the sum of the borrowing bases, or (b) the aggregate amount of such repurchases does not exceed 75% of the consolidated net income of the Company measured on a trailing twelve month basis; provided that immediately before and after giving effect to the stock repurchases, at least 12.5% of the aggregate funds committed under the credit facilities remain available. Thus, the Company is limited in the amount of dividends or other distributions it can make to its shareholders without the consent of the Company’s lenders.

Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

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. These installment sale contracts typically carry interest rates ranging from 11% to 19% using the simple effective interest method including any deferred fees. Contract origination costs are not significant. The installment sale contracts are not pre-computed contracts whereby borrowers are obligated to pay back principal plus the full amount of interest that will accrue over the entire term of the contract. Finance receivables are collateralized by vehicles sold and consist of contractually scheduled payments from installment contracts net of unearned finance charges and an allowance for credit losses. Unearned finance charges represent the balance of interest receivable to be earned over the entire term of the related installment contract, less the earned amount ($1.8 million at January 31, 2015 and at April 30, 2014), and as such, has been reflected as a reduction to the gross contract amount in arriving at the principal balance in finance receivables. An account is considered delinquent when a contractually scheduled payment has not been received by the scheduled payment date. While the Company does not formally place contracts on nonaccrual status, the immaterial amount of interest that may accrue after an account becomes delinquent up until the point of resolution via repossession or write-off, is reserved for against the accrued interest on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Delinquent contracts are addressed and either made current by the customer, which is the case in most situations, or the vehicle is repossessed or written off if the collateral cannot be recovered quickly. Customer payments are set to match their pay-day with approximately 75% of payments due on either a weekly or bi-weekly basis. The frequency of the payment due dates combined with the declining value of collateral lead to prompt resolutions on problem accounts. Accounts are delinquent when the customer is one day or more behind on their contractual payments. At January 31, 2015, 5.2% of the Company’s finance receivable balances were 30 days or more past due compared to 5.8% at January 31, 2014.

Substantially all of the Company’s automobile contracts involve contracts made to individuals with impaired or limited credit histories, or higher debt-to-income ratios than permitted by traditional lenders. Contracts made with buyers who are restricted in their ability to obtain financing from traditional lenders generally entail a higher risk of delinquency, default and repossession, and higher losses than contracts made with buyers with better credit.

The Company strives to keep its delinquency percentages low, and not to repossess vehicles. Accounts two days late are sent a notice in the mail. Accounts three days late are contacted by telephone. Notes from each telephone contact are electronically maintained in the Company’s computer system. If a customer becomes severely delinquent in his or her payments, and management determines that timely collection of future payments is not probable, the Company will take steps to repossess the vehicle. The Company attempts to resolve payment delinquencies amicably prior to repossessing a vehicle. Periodically, the Company enters into contract modifications with its customers to extend the payment terms. The Company only enters into a contract modification or extension if it believes such action will increase the amount of monies the Company will ultimately realize on the customer’s account and that the customer will be more likely to succeed in meeting their contractual obligations. At the time of modification, the Company expects to collect amounts due including accrued interest at the contractual interest rate for the period of delay. Other than the extension of additional time, concessions are not granted to customers at the time of modifications. Modifications are minor and are made for pay-day changes, minor vehicle repairs and other reasons. For those vehicles that are repossessed, the majority are returned or surrendered by the customer on a voluntary basis. Other repossessions are performed by Company personnel or third party repossession agents. Depending on the condition of a repossessed vehicle, it is either resold on a retail basis through a Company dealership, or sold for cash on a wholesale basis primarily through physical and on-line auctions.

The Company takes steps to repossess a vehicle when the customer becomes 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 the timely collection of future payments is not probable for accounts where the Company has been unable to repossess the vehicle. For accounts with respect to which the vehicle was 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 66 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.

The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses on an aggregate basis, as opposed to a contract-by-contract basis, at an amount it considers sufficient to cover estimated losses inherent in the portfolio at the balance sheet date in the collection of its finance receivables currently outstanding. The Company accrues an estimated loss as it is probable that the entire amount will not be collected and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated in the aggregate. The allowance for credit losses is based primarily upon historical credit loss experience, with consideration given to recent credit loss trends and changes in contract characteristics (i.e., average amount financed and term), delinquency levels, collateral values, economic conditions and underwriting and collection practices. 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. The calculation of the allowance for credit losses uses the following primary factors:

·   The number of units repossessed or charged-off as a percentage of total units financed over specific historical periods of time from one year to five years.

·   The average net repossession and charge-off loss per unit during the last eighteen months, segregated by the number of months since the contract origination date, and adjusted for the expected future average net charge-off loss per unit. Approximately 50% of the charge-offs that will ultimately occur in the portfolio are expected to occur within 10-11 months following the balance sheet date. The average age of an account at charge-off date is 11.3 months.

·   The timing of repossession and charge-off losses relative to the date of sale (i.e., how long it takes for a repossession or charge-off to occur) for repossessions and charge-offs occurring during the last eighteen months.

A point estimate is produced by this analysis which is then supplemented by any positive or negative subjective factors to arrive at an overall reserve amount that management considers to be a reasonable estimate of losses inherent in the portfolio at the balance sheet date that will be realized via actual charge-offs in the future. While challenging economic conditions can negatively impact credit losses, the effectiveness of the execution of internal policies and procedures within the collections area and the competitive environment on the lending side have historically had a more significant effect on collection results than macro-economic issues. The allowance for credit losses at January 31, 2015 of $95.3 million was 23.8% of the principal balance in finance receivables of $425.1 million, less unearned payment protection plan revenue of $15.2 million and unearned service contract revenue of $9.6 million. Previously the allowance as a percentage of finance receivable principal balance, net of deferred payment protection plan revenue was 23.5%, and did not include a reduction for the deferred service contract revenue. This change did not have a material impact on net income or earnings per share and was not significant to any prior period.

In most states, the Company offers retail customers who finance their vehicle the option of purchasing a payment protection plan product as an add-on to the installment sale contract. This product contractually obligates the Company to cancel the remaining principal outstanding for any contract where the retail customer has totaled the vehicle, as defined, or the vehicle has been stolen. The Company periodically evaluates anticipated losses to ensure that if anticipated losses exceed deferred payment protection plan revenues, an additional liability is recorded for such difference. No such liability was required at January 31, 2015 or 2014.

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 and trade-in vehicles are recorded at fair value, which approximates wholesale value. The cost of used vehicles sold is determined using the specific identification method.

Goodwill

Goodwill reflects the excess of purchase price over the fair value of specifically identified net assets purchased. Goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are not amortized but are subject to annual impairment tests at the Company’s year-end. The impairment tests are based on the comparison of the fair value of the reporting unit to the carrying value of such unit. If the fair value of the reporting unit falls below its carrying value, the Company performs the second step of the two-step goodwill impairment process to determine the amount, if any, that the goodwill is impaired. The second step involves determining the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities and the implied goodwill. The implied goodwill is compared to the carrying value of the goodwill to determine the impairment, if any. There was no impairment of goodwill during fiscal 2014, and to date, there has been none in fiscal 2015.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Expenditures for additions, renewals and improvements are capitalized. Costs of repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated life of the improvement or the lease period. The lease period includes the primary lease term plus any extensions that are reasonably assured. Depreciation is computed principally using the straight-line method generally over the following estimated useful lives:

Property and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying values of the impaired assets exceed the fair value of such assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.

Cash Overdraft

As checks are presented for payment from the Company’s primary disbursement bank account, monies are automatically drawn against cash collections for the day and, if necessary, are drawn against one of its revolving credit facilities. Any cash overdraft balance principally represents outstanding checks, net of any deposits in transit that as of the balance sheet date had not yet been presented for payment. Any cash overdraft balance is reflected in accrued liabilities on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Deferred Sales Tax

Deferred sales tax represents a sales tax liability of the Company for vehicles sold on an installment basis in the states of Alabama and Texas. Under Alabama and 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. Deferred sales tax liabilities are reflected in accrued liabilities on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method. Under this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases 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. The quarterly provision for income taxes is determined using an estimated annual effective tax rate, which is based on expected annual taxable income, statutory tax rates and the Company’s best estimate of nontaxable and nondeductible items of income and expense.

Occasionally, 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.

The Company recognizes the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority. The Company applies this methodology to all tax positions for which the statute of limitations remains open.

The Company is subject to income taxes in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. Tax regulations within each jurisdiction are subject to the interpretation of the related tax laws and regulations and require significant judgment to apply. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for the years before fiscal 2012.

The Company’s policy is to recognize accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in operating expenses. The Company had no accrued penalties or interest as of January 31, 2015 or April 30, 2014.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues are generated principally from the sale of used vehicles, which in most cases includes a service contract and a payment protection plan product, interest income and late fees earned on finance receivables. Revenues are net of taxes collected from customers and remitted to government agencies. Cost of vehicle sales include costs incurred by the Company to prepare the vehicle for sale including license and title costs, gasoline, transport services and repairs.

Revenues from the sale of used vehicles are recognized when the sales contract is signed, the customer has taken possession of the vehicle and, if applicable, financing has been approved. Revenues from the sale of service contracts are recognized ratably over the expected duration of the product. Service contract revenues are included in sales and the related expenses are included in cost of sales. Payment protection plan revenues are initially deferred and then recognized to income using the “Rule of 78’s” interest method over the life of the contract so that revenues are recognized in proportion to the amount of cancellation protection provided. Payment protection plan revenues are included in sales and related losses are included in cost of sales as incurred. Interest income is recognized on all active finance receivable accounts using the simple effective interest method. Active accounts include all accounts except those that have been paid-off or charged-off.

Sales consist of the following:

Revenues from late fees were approximately $1.7 million and $1.6 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Late fees are recognized when collected and are reflected in interest and other income. Finance receivables more than 90 days past due were approximately $2.4 million at January 31, 2015 and 2014.

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share are computed by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus dilutive common stock equivalents. The calculation of diluted earnings per share takes into consideration the potentially dilutive effect of common stock equivalents, such as outstanding stock options and non-vested restricted stock, which if exercised or converted into common stock would then share in the earnings of the Company. In computing diluted earnings per share, the Company utilizes the treasury stock method and anti-dilutive securities are excluded.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company recognizes the cost of employee services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments, such as stock options and restricted stock, based on the fair value of those awards at the date of grant over the requisite service period. The Company uses the Black Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock option awards. The Company may issue either new shares or treasury shares upon exercise of these awards. Stock-based compensation plans, related expenses and assumptions used in the Black Scholes option pricing model are more fully described in Note I.

Treasury Stock

The Company purchased 321,675 shares of its common stock for a total cost of $13.6 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2015 and 212,620 shares for a total cost of $8.7 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2014. Treasury stock may be used for issuances under the Company’s stock-based compensation plans or for other general corporate purposes.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Occasionally, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) or other standard setting bodies which the Company adopts as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, the Company believes the impact of recently issued standards which are not yet effective will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

Revenue Recognition. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which supersedes existing revenue recognition guidance. The new guidance in ASU 2014-09 is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, using one of two retrospective application methods. The Company is currently evaluating the potential effects of the adoption of this update on the consolidated financial statements.

Reclassifications

The Company has made reclassifications to certain amounts in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of April 30, 2014 to reclassify deferred service contract revenue from accrued liabilities to deferred service contract revenue. The reclassification did not have an impact on net income or earnings per share.

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 11% to 19% per annum, are collateralized by the vehicle sold and typically provide for payments over periods ranging from 18 to 36 months. The weighted average interest rate for the portfolio was approximately 14.9% at January 31, 2015. The Company’s finance receivables are aggregated as one class of loans, which is sub-prime consumer automobile contracts. The level of risks inherent in the Company’s financing receivables is managed as one homogeneous pool. The components of finance receivables are as follows:

Changes in the finance receivables, net are as follows:

Changes in the finance receivables allowance for credit losses are as follows:

The factors which influenced management’s judgment in determining the amount of the additions to the allowance charged to provision for credit losses are described below:

The level of actual charge-offs, net of recovered collateral, is the most important factor in determining the charges to the provision for credit losses. This is due to the fact that once a contract becomes delinquent the account is either made current by the customer, the vehicle is repossessed or the account is written off if the collateral cannot be recovered. Net charge-offs as a percentage of average finance receivables increased slightly to 19.9% for the nine months ended January 31, 2015 compared to 19.8% for the same period in the prior year. The increase in net charge-offs for the first nine months of fiscal 2015 resulted primarily from the increased severity of losses resulting from lower wholesale values at repossession. The decrease in the current year provision compared to the prior year quarter is primarily the result of the increase in our provision percentage applied to the growth in finance receivables, net at January 31, 2014 resulting in a $7.7 million increase in the provision.

Collections and delinquency levels can have a significant effect on additions to the allowance and are reviewed frequently. Collections as a percentage of average finance receivables were 41.9% for the nine months ended January 31, 2015 compared to 40.5% for the prior year period. The increase in collections as a percentage of average finance receivables was primarily due to lower delinquencies and lower contract modifications, partially offset by the slightly longer overall contract term as compared to the first nine months of the prior year. Delinquencies greater than 30 days were 5.2% for January 31, 2015 and 5.8% at January 31, 2014.

Macro-economic factors, the competitive environment, and more importantly, proper execution of operational policies and procedures can have a significant effect on additions to the allowance charged to the provision. Higher unemployment levels, higher gasoline prices and higher prices for staple items can potentially have a significant effect. While the decreasing gas prices provided some relief to our customers during the second and third quarters of fiscal 2015, we believe our customers continue to be under significant pressure due to the persistent difficult macro-economic environment for the Company’s customer base. We expect these conditions to continue in the near to mid-term future. The Company continues to focus on operational improvements within the collections area such as credit reporting for customers and implementation of GPS technology on vehicles sold.

Credit quality information for finance receivables is as follows:

Accounts one and two days past due are considered current for this analysis, due to the varying payment dates and variation in the day of the week at each period end. Delinquencies may vary from period to period based on the average age of the portfolio, seasonality within the calendar year, the day of the week and overall economic factors. The above categories are consistent with internal operational measures used by the Company to monitor credit results. The Saturday end date for the quarter ended January 31, 2015 contributed to the improvement in the aging of the portfolio, along with the improved collections.

Substantially all of the Company’s automobile contracts involve contracts made to individuals with impaired or limited credit histories, or higher debt-to-income ratios than permitted by traditional lenders. Contracts made with buyers who are restricted in their ability to obtain financing from traditional lenders generally entail a higher risk of delinquency, default and repossession, and higher losses than contracts made with buyers with better credit. The Company monitors contract term length, down payment percentages, and collections for credit quality indicators.

The increase in the principal collected as a percent of average finance receivables was primarily due to lower delinquencies and lower contract modifications, partially offset by the slightly longer overall contract term as compared to the first nine months of the prior year. The increases in the portfolio weighted average contract term are primarily related to efforts to keep payments affordable, for competitive reasons and to continue to work more with our customers when they experience financial difficulties. In order to remain competitive term lengths may continue to increase.

D – Property and Equipment

A summary of property and equipment is as follows:

E – Accrued Liabilities

A summary of accrued liabilities is as follows:

F – Debt Facilities

A summary of revolving credit facilities is as follows:

( 2.42% at January 31, 2015 and 2.40% at April 30, 2014)

On March 9, 2012, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (“Credit Facilities”) with a group of lenders providing revolving credit facilities totaling $125 million. Prior to fiscal 2015, the Credit Facilities were amended on September 30, 2012, February 4, 2013, June 24, 2013 and February 13, 2014, respectively. The first amendment to the Credit Facilities increased the total revolving commitment to $145 million. The second amendment amended the definition of eligible vehicle contracts to include contracts with 36-42 month terms. The third amendment extended the term to June 24, 2016, provided the option to request revolver commitment increases for up to an additional $55 million and provided for a 0.25% decrease in each of the three pricing tiers for determining the applicable interest rate. The fourth amendment amended the structure of the debt covenants as related to the application of the fixed charge coverage ratio calculation.  As amended, the fixed charge coverage ratio calculation will be required only if availability, as defined, under the revolving credit facilities is less than certain specified thresholds.  The amendment also increased the allowable capital expenditures to $10 million in the aggregate during any fiscal year and allows for the sale of certain vehicle contracts to third parties.

On October 8, 2014, the Company entered into a fifth amendment to the Credit Facilities, which extended the term of the Credit Facilities to October 8, 2017, added a new pricing tier for determining the applicable interest rate, and provided for a 0.125% increase in each of the three existing pricing tiers. The fifth amendment also amended one of two alternative distribution limitations related to repurchases of the Company’s stock. With respect to such limitation, the amendment (i) reset the $40 million aggregate limit on repurchases beginning with October 8, 2014, (ii) redefined the aggregate amount of repurchases to be net of proceeds received from the exercise of stock options, and (iii) changed the requirement that the sum of borrowing bases combined minus the principal balances of all revolver loans after giving effect to such repurchases be equal to or greater than 30% of the sum of the borrowing bases.

The revolving credit facilities are collateralized primarily by finance receivables and inventory, are cross collateralized and contain a guarantee by the Company. Interest is payable monthly under the revolving credit facilities. The Credit Facilities provide for four pricing tiers for determining the applicable interest rate, based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio for the preceding fiscal quarter. The current applicable interest rate under the Credit Facilities is generally LIBOR plus 2.375%. The Credit Facilities contain 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) limitations on the payment of dividends or distributions.

The distribution limitations under the Credit Facilities allow the Company to repurchase the Company’s stock so long as: either (a) the aggregate amount of such repurchases does not exceed $40 million beginning October 8, 2014 and the sum of borrowing bases combined minus the principal balances of all revolver loans after giving effect to such repurchases is equal to or greater than 30% of the sum of the borrowing bases, or (b) the aggregate amount of such repurchases does not exceed 75% of the consolidated net income of the Company measured on a trailing twelve month basis; provided that immediately before and after giving effect to the stock repurchases, at least 12.5% of the aggregate funds committed under the credit facilities remain available.

The Company was in compliance with the covenants at January 31, 2015. The amount available to be drawn under the credit facilities is a function of eligible finance receivables and inventory. Based upon eligible finance receivables and inventory at January 31, 2015, the Company had additional availability of approximately $33.2 million under the revolving credit facilities.

The Company recognized $165,000 and $163,000 of amortization for the nine months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, related to debt issuance costs. The amortization is reflected as interest expense in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.

G – Fair Value Measurements

The table below summarizes information about the fair value of financial instruments included in the Company’s financial statements at January 31, 2015 and April 30, 2014:

Because no market exists for certain of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments and estimates regarding yield expectations of investors, credit risk and other risk characteristics, including interest rate and prepayment risk. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect these estimates. The methodology and assumptions utilized to estimate the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows:

H – Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

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

I – Stock Based Compensation

The Company has stock based compensation plans available to grant non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options and restricted stock to employees, directors and certain advisors of the Company. The stock based compensation plans currently being utilized are the 2007 Stock Option Plan (“2007 Plan”) and the Stock Incentive Plan (“Incentive Plan”). The Company recorded total stock based compensation expense for all plans of $605,000 ($381,000 after tax effects) and $1.1 million ($720,000 after tax effects) for the nine months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Tax benefits were recognized for these costs at the Company’s overall effective tax rate.

Stock Options

The Company has options outstanding under two stock option plans approved by the shareholders, the 1997 Stock Option Plan (“1997 Plan”) and the 2007 Plan. While previously granted options remain outstanding, no additional option grants may be made under the 1997 Plan. The shareholders of the Company approved an amendment to the Company’s 2007 Plan on October 13, 2010. The amendment increased from 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 the number of options to purchase our common stock that may be issued under the 2007 Plan. The 2007 Plan provides for the grant of options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock to employees, directors and certain advisors of the Company at a price not less than the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant and for periods not to exceed ten years. Options granted under the Company’s stock option plans expire in the calendar years 2014 through 2024.

The fair value of options granted is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based on the assumptions in the table below.

The expected term of the options is based on evaluations of historical and expected future employee exercise behavior. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rates at the date of grant with maturity dates approximately equal to the expected life at the grant date. Volatility is based on historical volatility of the Company’s common stock. The Company has not historically issued any dividends and does not expect to do so in the foreseeable future.

There were 89,000 and 25,000 options granted during the nine months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The grant-date fair value of options granted during the nine months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014 was $1.4 million and $487,000, respectively. The options were granted at fair market value on the date of grant.

Stock option compensation expense on a pre-tax basis was $511,000 ($321,000 after tax effects) and $1.0 million ($654,000 after tax effects) for the nine months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. As of January 31, 2015, the Company had approximately $1.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested options. These unvested outstanding options have a weighted-average remaining vesting period of 1.82 years.

The aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding options at January 31, 2015 and 2014 was $30.5 million and $19.3 million, respectively.

The Company had the following options exercised for the periods indicated. The impact of these cash receipts is included in financing activities in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

As of January 31, 2015 there were 847,750 vested and exercisable stock options outstanding with an aggregate intrinsic value of $27.1 million and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 4.29 and a weighted average exercise price of $21.16.

Stock Incentive Plan

The shareholders of the Company approved an amendment to the Company’s Stock Incentive Plan on October 14, 2009. The amendment increased from 150,000 to 350,000 the number of shares of common stock that may be issued under the Stock Incentive Plan.  For shares issued under the Stock Incentive Plan, the associated compensation expense is generally recognized equally over the vesting periods established at the award date and is subject to the employee’s continued employment by the Company.

There were no restricted shares granted during the first nine months of fiscal 2015 or fiscal 2014. A total of 187,027 shares remained available for award at January 31, 2015. There were 20,000 unvested shares at January 31, 2015 with a weighted average grant date fair value of $24.47.

The Company recorded compensation cost of $68,000 ($43,000 after tax effects) and $78,000 ($49,000 after tax effects) related to the Stock Incentive Plan during the nine months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. As of January 31, 2015, the Company had approximately $23,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested awards granted under the Stock Incentive Plan, which the Company expects to recognize over a weighted-average remaining period of 0.24 years.

There were no modifications to any of the Company’s outstanding share-based payment awards during fiscal 2014 or during the first nine months of fiscal 2015.

J – Commitments and Contingencies

The Company has a standby letter of credit relating to an insurance policy totaling $600,000 at January 31, 2015.

K - Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Supplemental cash flow disclosures are as follows:

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

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements address the Company’s future objectives, plans and goals, as well as the Company’s intent, beliefs and current expectations regarding future operating performance, and can generally be identified by words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “plan”, “foresee”, and other similar words or phrases. Specific events addressed by these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

These forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current estimates and assumptions and involve various risks and uncertainties. As a result, you are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and that actual results could differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s projections include, but are not limited to:

The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the dates on which they are made.

Overview

America’s Car-Mart, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “Company”), is one of the largest publicly held automotive retailers in the United States focused exclusively on the “Integrated Auto Sales and Finance” 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., an Arkansas corporation (“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, 2015, the Company operated 138 dealerships 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 3% and 16% per year over the last ten fiscal years (average 11%). Growth results from same dealership revenue growth and the addition of new dealerships. Revenue increased 7.1% for the first nine months of fiscal 2015 compared to the same period of fiscal 2014 due primarily to a 9.6% increase in retail units sold and a 5.2% increase in interest income. The average retail sales price decreased 2.0% to $9,571 for the first nine months of fiscal 2015 from $9,762 for the first nine months of fiscal 2014.

The Company’s primary focus is on collections. Each dealership is responsible for its own collections with supervisory involvement of the corporate office. During the last five fiscal years, the Company’s credit losses as a percentage of sales have ranged between approximately 20.2% in fiscal 2010 and 27.4% in fiscal 2014 (25.7% excluding the effect of the increase in the allowance for credit losses made in in the third quarter of fiscal 2014), an average of 22.5%. Operational improvements during fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010 led to improved credit losses in fiscal 2010 as the provision for credit losses was 20.2% of sales for the year ended April 30, 2010. The Company experienced credit losses of 20.8% of sales for fiscal 2011 and 21.1% of sales for fiscal 2012. In fiscal 2011 the higher credit losses primarily related to credit losses during the second fiscal quarter as the Company experienced some modest operational difficulties. In fiscal 2012 the Company experienced slightly higher credit losses; however, the losses were within the range of credit losses that the Company targets annually. With the acceptable and consistent credit results over the previous years and the overall quality of the portfolio at April 30, 2012, management reduced the allowance for credit losses as a percentage of finance receivables at April 30, 2012 to 21.5% from 22.0%. The allowance for credit losses had been 22% of finance receivables since October 2006. Credit losses as a percentage of sales in fiscal 2013 increased to 23.1% primarily due to increased contract term lengths and lower down payments resulting from increased competitive pressures as well as higher charge-offs which resulted, to an extent, from negative macro-economic factors affecting the Company’s customer base. These competitive pressures intensified and, along with a continued negative macro-economic environment for our customers, further impacted the Company’s credit losses in fiscal 2014. As a result of the increased credit losses and with the expectation that charge-offs will remain elevated, management increased the allowance for credit losses to 23.5% at January 31, 2014. Credit losses as a percentage of sales for fiscal 2014 were 27.4% (25.7% excluding the effect of the increase in the allowance for credit losses) compared to 23.1% of sales for the prior year period, resulting from lower finance receivable collections and higher charge-offs compounded by the effect of lower wholesale sales. Credit losses as a percentage of sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2015 were 25.6% compared to 28.2% (25.8% excluding the effect of the increase in the allowance for credit losses) of sales for the prior year period.

Historically, credit losses, on a percentage basis, tend to be higher at new and developing dealerships than at mature dealerships. Generally, this is the case because the management at new and developing dealerships tends to be less experienced in making credit decisions and collecting customer accounts and the customer base is less seasoned. Normally the older, more mature dealerships have more repeat customers and on average, repeat customers are a better credit risk than non-repeat customers. Negative macro-economic issues do not always lead to higher credit loss results for the Company because the Company provides basic affordable transportation which in many cases is not a discretionary expenditure for customers. However, the Company does believe that general inflation, particularly within staple items such as groceries and gasoline, as well as overall unemployment levels and potentially lower or stagnant personal income levels affecting customers can have, and have had in recent quarters, a negative impact on collections. Additionally, increased competition for used vehicle financing can have, and management believes it is currently having, a negative effect on collections and charge-offs.

In an effort to offset the elevated credit losses and lower collection levels and to operate more efficiently, the Company continues to look for improvements to its business practices, including better underwriting and better collection procedures. The Company has a proprietary credit scoring system which enables the Company to monitor the quality of contracts. Corporate office personnel monitor proprietary credit scores and work with dealerships when the distribution of scores falls outside of prescribed thresholds. The Company has implemented credit reporting and has begun installing global positioning system (“GPS”) technology on vehicles. Additionally, the Company has placed significant focus on the collection area as the Company’s training department continues to spend significant time and effort on collections improvements. The Support Operations Officer oversees the collections department and provides timely oversight and additional accountability on a consistent basis. In addition, the Company has a Servicing and Collections Manager who assists with managing the Company’s servicing and collections practices and provides additional monitoring and training. Also, turnover at the dealership level for collections positions is down compared to historical levels, which management believes has a positive effect on collection results. The Company believes that the proper execution of its business practices is the single most important determinant of its long term credit loss experience.

The Company’s gross margins as a percentage of sales have been fairly consistent from year to year. Over the last five fiscal years, the Company’s gross margins as a percentage of sales have ranged between approximately 42% and 44%. Gross margin as a percentage of sales for fiscal 2014 was 42.2%. The Company’s gross margins are based upon the cost of the vehicle purchased, with lower-priced vehicles typically having higher gross margin percentages. Gross margins in recent years have been negatively affected by the increase in the average retail sales price (a function of a higher purchase price) and higher operating costs, mostly related to increased vehicle repair costs and higher fuel costs. Additionally, the percentage of wholesale sales to retail sales, which relate for the most part to repossessed vehicles sold at or near cost, can have a significant effect on overall gross margins. Annual gross margin percentages over the five-year period peaked in fiscal 2010 partially as a result of higher retail sales levels and a strong wholesale market for repossessed vehicles due to overall used vehicle supply shortages. The gross margin percentage in fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2012 was negatively affected by higher wholesale sales, increased average retail selling price, higher inventory repair costs and lower margins on the payment protection plan and service contract products. Gross margin improved slightly in fiscal 2013 due to improved wholesale results partially offset by higher losses under the payment protection plan. The gross margin for fiscal 2014 was affected by higher inventory repair costs resulting from continued efforts to help our customers succeed and to meet competitive pressures and higher claims under the payment protection plan. For the first nine months of fiscal 2015, the gross margin as a percentage of sales was 42.7%, up slightly from 42.4% for the first nine months of fiscal 2014. This increase related to lower relative wholesale values and lower repair costs as well as benefits from selling lower priced vehicles, which carry a higher gross profit percentage. The Company expects that its gross margin percentage will not change significantly in the near term from the current level (42% range).

Hiring, training and retaining qualified associates are critical to the Company’s success. The rate at which the Company adds new dealerships and is able to implement operating initiatives is limited by the number of trained managers and support personnel the Company has at its disposal. Excessive turnover, particularly at the dealership manager level, could impact the Company’s ability to add new dealerships and to meet operational initiatives. The Company has added resources to recruit, train, and develop personnel, especially personnel targeted to fill dealership manager positions. The Company expects to continue to invest in the development of its workforce.

Consolidated Operations

(Operating Statement Dollars in Thousands)

Three Months Ended January 31, 2015 vs. Three Months Ended January 31, 2014

Revenues increased by $8.9 million, or 7.3%, for the three months ended January 31, 2015 as compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year. The increase was the result of (i) revenue from dealerships opened after January 31, 2014 ($5.5 million) and (ii) revenue growth from dealerships that operated a full three months in both periods ($3.4 million). We believe the increase resulted from solid execution in our sales efforts, a focus on lot by lot productivity and possibly some indirect benefits from improved consumer sentiment related in part to lower gasoline prices. Competition is still intense; however, we are focused on providing an affordable vehicle with reasonable payment terms and offering excellent customer service.

Cost of sales as a percentage of sales remained constant at 57.3% for the three months ended January 31, 2015 compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year. The average retail sales price for the third quarter of fiscal 2015 increased $25 from the third quarter of fiscal 2014. The Company will continue to focus efforts on minimizing the average retail sales price in order to help keep the contract terms shorter, which helps customers to maintain appropriate equity in their vehicles. The consumer demand for vehicles the Company purchases for resale remains high. This high demand has been exacerbated by the recent increases in funding to the used vehicle financing market and until more recently by the overall decrease in new car sales during the recession when compared to pre-recession levels. Both the supply of vehicles as well as the availability of funding to the used vehicle finance market can result in higher purchase costs for the Company. However, recent increases in new car sales have had a positive effect on purchase costs. Average selling prices and top line sales levels in relation to wholesale volumes, resulting from credit loss experience, can have a significant effect on gross margin percentages.

Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales were 18.2% for the three months ended January 31, 2015, an increase of 0.1% from the same period of the prior fiscal year. In dollar terms, overall selling, general and administrative expenses increased $1.5 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year, consisting primarily of increased payroll costs, incremental costs at new dealerships, higher marketing and advertising costs as well as the increased costs related to the GPS implementation.

Provision for credit losses as a percentage of sales was 25.9% for the three months ended January 31, 2015 compared to 33.9% (26.8% excluding the effect of the $7.7 million increase in the allowance for credit losses) for the three months ended January 31, 2014. Net charge-offs as a percentage of average finance receivables were 6.5% for the three months ended January 31, 2015 compared to 6.7% for the prior year quarter. The decrease resulted from a slightly lower frequency of losses and a lower severity of losses. The lower severity of losses resulted from a combination of accounts being a little older at time of loss and improved collections. The Company has implemented several operational initiatives (including credit reporting and installing GPS technology on vehicles) for the collections area and continues to push for improvements and better execution of its collection practices. However, the extended challenging macro-economic and competitive conditions are expected to continue to put pressure on our customers and the resulting collections of our finance receivables. The Company believes that the proper execution of its business practices remains the single most important determinant of its long-term credit loss experience.

Interest expense for the three months ended January 31, 2015 as a percentage of sales remained constant at 0.7% for the three months ended January 31, 2015 compared to the same period in prior year.  Average borrowings during the three months ended January 31, 2015 were $110.2 million consistent with the prior year quarter.

Consolidated Operations

(Operating Statement Dollars in Thousands)

Nine Months Ended January 31, 2015 vs. Nine Months Ended January 31, 2014

Revenues increased by $26.1 million, or 7.1%, for the nine months ended January 31, 2015 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 ($6.1 million), (ii) revenue growth from stores opened during the nine months ended January 31, 2014 ($6.0 million), and (iii) revenue from stores opened after January 31, 2014 ($14.0 million).

Cost of sales as a percentage of sales decreased 0.3% to 57.3% for the nine months ended January 31, 2015 from 57.6% in the same period of the prior fiscal year. The decrease from the prior year period relates to benefits from selling lower priced vehicles, which carry a higher gross profit percentage, lower relative wholesale values and lower repair costs. The average retail sales price decreased 2.0% to $9,571 for the nine months ended January 31, 2015 compared to $9,762 for the nine months ended January 31, 2014. The Company will continue to focus efforts on holding down purchase costs (and the related selling price) and expects to see gross margin percentages generally in the 42% range over the near term. Average selling prices and top line sales levels in relation to wholesale volumes, resulting from credit loss experience, can have a significant effect on gross margin percentages.

Selling, general and administrative expense as a percentage of sales was 17.9% for the nine months ended January 31, 2015, a decrease of 0.3% from the same period of the prior fiscal year. Selling, general and administrative expenses are, for the most part, more fixed in nature. The overall dollar increase of $3.6 million related primarily to higher payroll costs and incremental costs related to new locations and higher marketing and advertising costs as well as the increased costs related to the GPS implementation.

Provision for credit losses as a percentage of sales was 25.6% for the nine months ended January 31, 2015 compared to 28.2% (25.8% excluding the effect of the $7.7 million increase in the allowance for credit losses) in the same period of the prior fiscal year. Net charge-offs as a percentage of average finance receivables were 19.9% for the nine months ended January 31, 2015 compared to 19.8% for the prior year quarter. Continuing macro-economic challenges and competitive conditions continue to put pressure on our customers and the resulting collections of our finance receivables, although the lower gas prices during the second and third quarters of fiscal 2015 provided some relief for our customers. The Company has implemented several operational initiatives (including credit reporting and installing GPS technology on vehicles) for the collections area and continually pushes for improvements and better execution of its collection practices. The Company believes that the proper execution of its business practices is the single most important determinate of credit loss experience and that the negative impact on credit losses in both the current and prior year periods resulting from negative macro-economic and competitive pressures has been somewhat mitigated by the improvements in oversight and accountability provided by the Company’s investments in our corporate infrastructure within the collection area.

Interest expense as a percentage of sales decreased slightly to 0.6% for the nine months ended January 31, 2015 compared to 0.7% for the same period of the prior fiscal year. The overall dollar decrease in interest expense was attributable to lower average borrowings during the nine months ended January 31, 2015 as compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year ($103.0 million compared to $104.0 million).

Financial Condition

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

Historically, finance receivables tended to grow slightly faster than revenue.  This has been due, in large part, to an increasing weighted average term necessitated by increases in the average retail sales price over recent years. The weighted average term for installment sales contracts at January 31, 2015 increased slightly as compared to January 31, 2014 (29.7 months vs. 29.5 months).  Benefits related to software and operational changes made in an effort to shorten relative terms by maximizing up-front equity and scheduling payments to coincide with anticipated income tax refunds have helped maintain the overall term length in the face of the increasing average retail sales prices over recent years. However, in response to current competitive and economic conditions, the Company has made and is continuing to make some structural changes to its installment contracts which include increases to the overall length of contract terms, mitigated somewhat due to declines in the average retail sales price in fiscal 2015. Revenue growth results from same store revenue growth and the addition of new dealerships.  The Company currently anticipates going forward that the growth in finance receivables will be higher than overall revenue growth on an annual basis due to the overall term length increases partially offset by improvements in underwriting and collection procedures.

During the first nine months of fiscal 2015, inventory increased 27.0% ($8.1 million) as compared to inventory at April 30, 2014. The increase in inventory was made in preparation of the fourth quarter income tax time sales effort. The Company strives to offer a broad mix and sufficient quantities of vehicles to adequately serve its expanding customer base. The Company will continue to manage inventory levels in the future to ensure adequate supply, in volume and mix, and to meet anticipated sales demand.

Property and equipment, net, remained relatively constant at January 31, 2015 as compared to property and equipment, net, at April 30, 2014. The Company incurred $2.8 million of expenditures related to new dealerships as well as to refurbish and expand existing locations, offset by depreciation expense.

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities increased $5.7 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2015 as compared to accounts payable and accrued liabilities at April 30, 2014 related primarily to higher inventory levels and higher expenditures for cost of goods sold and selling, general and administrative costs.

Deferred revenue increased $7.3 million at January 31, 2015 as compared to April 30, 2014 due to increased sales of the payment protection plan product and service contracts and the longer term on the new service contracts.

Income taxes payable, net, increased $867,000 at January 31, 2015 as compared to April 30, 2014 primarily due to the timing of quarterly tax payments and the refund of the majority of the receivable existing at April 30, 2014.

Deferred income tax liabilities, net, increased $3.8 million at January 31, 2015 as compared to April 30, 2014 due primarily to the increase in finance receivables and the book/tax difference on fixed assets.

Borrowings on the Company’s revolving credit facilities fluctuate primarily based upon a number of factors including (i) net income, (ii) finance receivables changes, (iii) income taxes, (iv) capital expenditures and (v) common stock repurchases.  Historically, income from continuing operations, as well as borrowings on the revolving credit facilities, have funded the Company’s finance receivables growth, capital asset purchases and common stock repurchases. In the first nine months of fiscal 2015, the Company funded finance receivables growth of $45.7 million and an $8.1 million increase in inventory, capital expenditures of $2.8 million and common stock repurchases of $13.6 million with a $15.5 million increase in its debt facilities.

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):

The primary drivers of operating profits and cash flows include (i) top line sales (ii) interest rates on finance receivables, (iii) gross margin percentages on vehicle sales, and (iv) credit losses, a significant portion of which relates to the collection of principal on finance receivables. The Company generates cash flow from income from operations.  Historically, most or all of this cash is used to fund finance receivables growth, capital expenditures and common stock repurchases.  To the extent finance receivables growth, capital expenditures and common stock repurchases exceed income from operations generally the Company increases its borrowings under its revolving credit facilities.  The majority of the Company’s growth has been self-funded.

Cash flows from operations for the nine months ended January 31, 2015 compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year were negatively impacted by (i) an increase in finance receivables, (ii) an increase in inventory, (iii) lower non-cash charge for credit losses, partially offset by (iv) an increase in deferred service contract revenue and deferred income taxes and (v) an increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities. Finance receivables, net, increased by $36.5 million from April 30, 2014 to January 31, 2015.

The purchase price the Company pays for a vehicle has a significant effect on liquidity and capital resources. Because the Company bases its selling price on the purchase cost for the vehicle, increases in purchase costs result in increased selling prices. As the selling price increases, it becomes more difficult to keep the gross margin percentage and contract term in line with historical results because the Company’s customers have limited incomes and their car payments must remain affordable within their individual budgets. Several external factors can negatively affect the purchase cost of vehicles. Decreases in the overall volume of new car sales, particularly domestic brands, lead to decreased supply in the used car market. Also, the expansion of the customer base due in part to constrictions in consumer credit, as well as general economic conditions, can increase overall demand for the types of vehicles the Company purchases for resale as used vehicles become more attractive than new vehicles in times of economic instability. A negative shift in used vehicle supply, combined with strong demand, results in increased used vehicle prices and thus higher purchase costs for the Company.

New vehicle sales decreased dramatically beginning with the economic recession of 2008. While sales levels for new vehicles have risen steadily since the trough in 2009, and new vehicle sales in 2013 were near pre-recession levels, such sales have continued to remain below pre-recession levels. In addition, the challenging macro-economic environment, together with the constriction in consumer credit starting in 2008, contributed to increased demand for the types of vehicles the Company purchases and a resulting increase in used car prices. These negative macro-economic conditions have continued to affect our customers in the years since the recession and, in turn, have helped keep demand high for the types of vehicles we purchase. This increased demand, coupled with the depressed levels of new vehicle sales, had negatively impacted the used vehicle supply available to the Company. Management expects the tight supply of vehicles and resulting pressure for increases in vehicle purchase costs to continue, although some relief is expected resulting from the continuing steady increases in new car sales levels since 2009.

The Company has devoted significant efforts to improve its purchasing processes to ensure adequate supply at appropriate prices, including expanding its purchasing territories to larger cities in close proximity to its dealerships and increasing its efforts to purchase vehicles from individuals at the dealership level as well as via the internet. The Company has also increased the level of accountability for its purchasing agents including the establishment of sourcing and pricing guidelines. Based on these efforts, the Company expects to maintain gross margin percentages generally in the 42% range in the near term with overall contract terms increasing due in part to competitive pressures, somewhat mitigated by software and operational changes which have been made to structure seasonal payments during income tax refund periods.  

The Company believes that the amount of credit available for the sub-prime auto finance industry has increased in recent quarters, and while the increase appears to have leveled off in recent months, management expects the availability of consumer credit within the automotive industry to be higher over the near term when compared to historical levels and that this will contribute to continued strong overall demand for most, if not all, of the vehicles the Company purchases for resale.  Increased competition resulting from availability of funding to the sub-prime auto industry has contributed to lower down payments and longer terms, which have had a negative effect on collection percentages, liquidity and credit losses when compared to prior periods.

Macro-economic factors can have an effect on credit losses and resulting liquidity. General inflation, particularly within staple items such as groceries and gasoline, as well as overall unemployment levels can have a significant effect on collection results and ultimately credit losses. The Company has made improvements to its business processes within the last few years to strengthen controls and provide stronger infrastructure to support its collections efforts. The Company anticipates that credit losses in the near term will be higher than historical ranges due to significant continued macro-economic challenges for the Company’s customer base as well as increased competitive pressures. Management continues to focus on improved execution at the dealership level, specifically as related to working individually with its customers concerning collection issues.

The Company has generally leased the majority of the properties where its dealerships are located. As of January 31, 2015, the Company leased approximately 87% of its dealership properties. The Company expects to continue to lease the majority of the properties where its dealerships are located.

The Company’s revolving credit facilities generally limit distributions by the Company to its shareholders in order to repurchase the Company’s common stock. The distribution limitations under the Credit Facilities allow the Company to repurchase the Company’s stock so long as: either (a) the aggregate amount of such repurchases does not exceed $40 million beginning October 8, 2014 and the sum of borrowing bases combined minus the principal balances of all revolver loans after giving effect to such repurchases is equal to or greater than 30% of the sum of the borrowing bases, or (b) the aggregate amount of such repurchases does not exceed 75% of the consolidated net income of the Company measured on a trailing twelve month basis; provided that immediately before and after giving effect to the stock repurchases, at least 12.5% of the aggregate funds committed under the credit facilities remain available. Thus, the Company is limited in the amount of dividends or other distributions it can make to its shareholders without the consent of the Company’s lenders.

At January 31, 2015, the Company had $1.6 million of cash on hand and an additional $33.2 million of availability under its revolving credit facilities (see Note F to the Consolidated Financial Statements).  On a short-term basis, the Company’s principal sources of liquidity include income from operations and borrowings under its revolving credit facilities.  On a longer-term basis, the Company expects its principal sources of liquidity to consist of income from operations and borrowings under revolving credit facilities and/or fixed interest term loans.  The Company’s revolving credit facilities mature in October 2017, and the Company expects that it will be able to renew or refinance its revolving credit facilities on or before the date they mature. Furthermore, while the Company has no specific 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 (i) grow its finance receivables portfolio, (ii) purchase property and equipment of approximately $4.5 million in the next 12 months in connection with refurbishing existing dealerships and adding new dealerships, (iii) repurchase shares of common stock when favorable conditions exist and (iv) reduce debt to the extent excess cash is available. Potential future changes to the structuring of customer contracts could have the effect of reducing the level of capital allocated to our stock repurchase program when compared to levels in recent history.

The Company believes it will have adequate liquidity to continue to grow its revenues and to satisfy its capital needs for the foreseeable future.

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, 2014 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company has entered into operating leases for approximately 87% of its dealerships and office facilities. Generally these leases are for periods of three to five years and usually contain multiple renewal options. The Company uses leasing arrangements to maintain flexibility in its dealership locations and to preserve capital. The Company expects to continue to lease the majority of its dealerships and office facilities under arrangements substantially consistent with the past.

The Company has a standby letter of credit relating to an insurance policy totaling $600,000 at January 31, 2015.

Other than its operating leases and the letter of credit, 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 are material to investors.

Related Finance Company Contingency

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. These types of transactions, based upon facts and circumstances, have been permissible under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code as described in the Treasury Regulations. For financial accounting purposes, these transactions are eliminated in consolidation and a deferred income tax liability has been recorded for this timing difference. 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 state income tax rate by approximately 200 basis points. The actual interpretation of the Regulations is in part a facts and circumstances matter. The Company believes it satisfies the material provisions of the Regulations. Failure to satisfy those provisions could result in the loss of a tax deduction at the time the receivables are sold and have the effect of increasing the Company’s overall effective income tax rate as well as the timing of required tax payments.

The Company’s policy is to recognize accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in operating expenses. The Company had no accrued penalties or interest as of January 31, 2015.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles 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 Condensed 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 Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses on an aggregate basis at an amount it considers sufficient to cover estimated losses in the collection of its finance receivables.  At January 31, 2015, the weighted average total contract term was 29.7 months with 21.2 months remaining. The reserve amount in the allowance for credit losses at January 31, 2015, $95.3 million, was 23.8% of the principal balance in finance receivables of $425.1 million, less unearned payment protection plan revenue of $15.2 million and unearned service contract revenue of $9.6 million.

The estimated reserve amount is the Company’s anticipated future net charge-offs for losses incurred through the balance sheet date. The allowance takes into account historical credit loss experience (both timing and severity of losses), with consideration given to recent credit loss trends and changes in contract characteristics (i.e., average amount financed, months outstanding at loss date, term and age of portfolio), delinquency levels, collateral values, economic conditions and underwriting and collection practices. The allowance for credit losses is reviewed at least quarterly by management with any changes reflected in current operations.  The calculation of the allowance for credit losses uses the following primary factors:

A point estimate is produced by this analysis which is then supplemented by any positive or negative subjective factors to arrive at an overall reserve amount that management considers to be a reasonable estimate of losses inherent in the portfolio at the balance sheet date that will be realized via actual charge-offs in the future. 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. While challenging economic conditions can negatively impact credit losses, the effectiveness of the execution of internal policies and procedures within the collections area and the competitive environment on the funding side have historically had a more significant effect on collection results than macro-economic issues. A 1% change, as a percentage of Finance receivables net of deferred revenue, in the allowance for credit losses would equate to an approximate pre-tax change of $4.0 million.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Occasionally, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) or other standard setting bodies which the Company adopts as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, the Company believes the impact of recently issued standards which are not yet effective will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

Revenue Recognition. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which supersedes existing revenue recognition guidance. The new guidance in ASU 2014-09 is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, using one of two retrospective application methods. The Company is currently evaluating the potential effects of the adoption of this update on the consolidated financial statements.

Seasonality

The Company’s third fiscal quarter (November through January) was historically the slowest period for vehicle sales. Conversely, the Company’s first and fourth fiscal quarters (May through July and February through April) were historically the busiest times for vehicle sales. Therefore, the Company generally realized a higher proportion of its revenue and operating profit during the first and fourth fiscal quarters. However, during recent fiscal years, tax refund anticipation sales have begun in early November and continued through January (the Company’s third fiscal quarter). The success of the tax refund anticipation sales effort has led to higher sales levels during the third fiscal quarters and the Company expects this trend to continue in future periods. However, a shift in the timing of actual tax refund dollars in the Company’s markets shifted some sales and collections from the third to the fourth quarter in each of the last three fiscal years and is expected to have a similar effect in future years. If conditions arise that impair vehicle sales during the first, third or fourth fiscal quarters, the adverse effect on the Company’s revenues and operating results for the year could be disproportionately large.

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 prime interest rate of its lender.  The Company does not use financial instruments for trading purposes. The Company has in the past entered into an interest rate swap agreement to manage interest rate risk; however, as of January 31, 2015, the Company has no interest rate swap agreement in effect.  

Interest rate risk.   The Company’s exposure to changes in interest rates relates primarily to its debt obligations. The Company is exposed to changes in interest rates as a result of its revolving credit facilities, and the interest rates charged to the Company under its credit facilities fluctuate based on its primary lender’s base rate of interest. The Company had total indebtedness of $112.6 million outstanding at January 31, 2015. The impact of a 1% increase in interest rates on this amount of debt would result in increased annual interest expense of approximately $1.1 million and a corresponding decrease in net income before income tax.

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. The Company’s finance receivables generally bear interest at fixed rates ranging from 11% to 19%, while its revolving credit facilities contain variable interest rates that fluctuate with market interest rates. Prior to June 2009, interest rates charged on finance receivables originated in the State of Arkansas were limited to the federal primary credit rate plus 5%. Typically, the Company had charged interest on its Arkansas contracts at or near the maximum rate allowed by law. Thus, while the interest rates charged on the Company’s contracts do not fluctuate once established, new contracts originated in Arkansas were set at a spread above the federal primary credit rate which does fluctuate. Effective June 26, 2009, the Company began charging 12% on contracts originated in Arkansas. This was due to the passage by the U.S. Congress of the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2009 which was signed into law on June 24, 2009. Within this legislation was a provision that allowed the Company to charge up to 17% on sales financed to customers in Arkansas, which expired via a sunset clause on December 31, 2010. On November 2, 2010, voters in Arkansas approved a state constitutional amendment to allow up to 17% interest for non-bank loans and contracts in the state effectively making the Federal legislation permanent. Subsequently, an appeal challenging the constitutionality of the amendment was filed with the Arkansas Supreme Court. In June 2011, the Arkansas Supreme Court upheld the amendment. In mid-July 2011, the Company began charging a fixed 15% interest rate on new contracts for all dealerships in all states in which the Company operates. At January 31, 2015, approximately 33% of the Company’s finance receivables were originated in Arkansas.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Based on management’s evaluation (with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer), as of January 31, 2015, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer), to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the Company’s last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 4T. Controls and Procedures

Not applicable

PART II

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

In the ordinary course of business, the Company has become a defendant in various types of legal proceedings.  While the outcome of these proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company does not expect the final outcome of any of these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Other than the risk factor set forth below, there have been no material changes to the Company’s risk factors as previously disclosed in Item 1A to Part 1 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2014.

The used automotive retail industry operates in a highly regulated environment with significant attendant compliance costs and penalties for non-compliance.

The used automotive retail industry is subject to a wide range of federal, state, and local laws and regulations, such as local licensing requirements and laws regarding advertising, vehicle sales, financing, and employment practices. Facilities and operations are also subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to environmental protection and human health and safety. The violation of these laws and regulations could result in administrative, civil, or criminal penalties against the Company or in a cease and desist order. As a result, the Company has incurred, and will continue to incur, capital and operating expenditures, and other costs in complying with these laws and regulations. Further, over the past several years, private plaintiffs and federal, state, and local regulatory and law enforcement authorities have increased their scrutiny of advertising, sales and finance activities in the sale of motor vehicles.

Additionally, the Company anticipates that it could be subject to new regulations in connection with federal laws enacted by the United States Congress to establish the CFPB with potentially broad regulatory powers over consumer credit products and services such as those offered by the Company. The CFPB can exercise full regulatory, supervisory and enforcement powers over certain non-bank providers of consumer financial products and services such as the Company. The CFPB’s powers include supervisory authority over certain providers of consumer financial products and services; the authority to adopt rules describing specified acts and practices as being “unfair,” “deceptive” or “abusive,” and hence unlawful; the authority to impose recordkeeping obligations; and the authority to enforce various federal laws related to consumer finance. On October 8, 2014, the CFPB published a proposed rule defining larger participants of the automobile financing market for purposes of routine examination and supervision. If adopted in its present form, it is possible that the Company’s finance subsidiary, Colonial, may be deemed a “larger participant” and therefore subject to examination and supervision by the CFPB. The notice and comment period for the proposed rule ended on December 8, 2014, and a final rule is expected to be issued in the near term. The impact, if any, to the Company’s business and operations of this proposed rule, if adopted, and any future regulations which may be proposed or adopted by the CFPB remains uncertain. However, CFPB supervision and regulation may increase the Company’s compliance costs, require changes to its business practices, affect its competitiveness, impair its profitability, harm its reputation or otherwise adversely affect its business.

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

The Company is authorized to repurchase up to one million shares of its common stock under the common stock repurchase program amended and approved by the Board of Directors on November 19, 2014. The following table sets forth information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of the Company of shares of the Company’s common stock during the periods indicated:

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosure

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

Not applicable.

Item 6. Exhibits

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.

Dated: March 3, 2015

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