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, 2016

 

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)

 

 

Texas		63-0851141
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

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

(Address of principal executive offices) (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.

 

	Large accelerated filer o	Accelerated filer ý
	Non-accelerated filer o	Smaller reporting company o

 

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

 

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

		Outstanding at
Title of Each Class		March 3, 2016
Common stock, par value $.01 per share		8,141,384

 

 

Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

America’s Car-Mart, Inc.

 

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.

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

America’s Car-Mart, Inc.

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

 

 

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

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

America’s Car-Mart, Inc.

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

 

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

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

America’s Car-Mart, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 Condensed 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:

 

·

new dealership openings;

·

performance of new dealerships;

·

same dealership revenue growth;

·

future revenue growth;

·

receivables growth as related to revenue growth;

·

gross margin percentages;

·

interest rates;

·

future credit losses;

·

the Company’s collection results, including, but not limited to, collections during income tax refund periods;

·

seasonality;

·

security breaches, cyber-attacks, or fraudulent activity;

·

compliance with tax regulations;

·

the Company’s business and growth strategies;

·

financing the majority of growth from profits; and

·

having adequate liquidity to satisfy its capital needs.

 

 

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 those risks described elsewhere in this report, as well as:

 

·

the availability of credit facilities to support the Company’s business;

·

the Company’s ability to underwrite and collect its contracts effectively;

·

competition;

·

dependence on existing management;

·

availability of quality vehicles at prices that will be affordable to customers;

·

changes in consumer finance laws or regulations, including, but not limited to, rules and regulations that have recently been enacted or could be enacted by federal and state governments; and

·

general economic conditions in the markets in which the Company operates, including, but not limited to, fluctuations in gas prices, grocery prices and employment levels.

 

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 initially formed in 1981 (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. 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”). References to the Company include the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries. 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, 2016, the Company operated 147 dealerships located primarily in small cities throughout the South-Central United States.

 

The Company has grown its revenues between 3% and 14% per year over the last ten fiscal years (10% on average). Growth has primarily been the result of same dealership revenue growth and the addition of new dealerships. Revenue increased 5.2% for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 compared to the same period of fiscal 2015 due primarily to a 7.2% increase in the average selling price to $10,259, and a 6.2% increase in interest income, partially offset by a 7.7% decrease in retail units sold.

 

The Company’s primary focus is on collections. Each dealership is responsible for its own collections with supervisory involvement of the corporate office. Over the last five fiscal years, the Company’s credit losses as a percentage of sales ranged from approximately 20.8% in fiscal 2011 to 27.4% in fiscal 2014 (25.7% excluding the effect of the increase in the allowance for credit losses made in the third quarter of fiscal 2014), on average 23.6%. The Company’s credit losses for fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2012 were 20.8% and 21.1% of sales, respectively, which were within the range of credit losses that the Company targeted annually. 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 caused, to an extent, by negative macro-economic factors affecting the Company’s customer base. These competitive pressures intensified in fiscal 2014 and, along with a continued challenging macro-economic environment for our customers, further impacted the Company’s credit losses in fiscal 2014 through lower finance receivables collections and higher charge-offs, combined with the effect of lower wholesale sales. Credit losses as a percentage of sales for fiscal 2015 were 25.5%, as competitive pressures leveled off but remained elevated and the increased number of newer dealerships weighed on credit loss results. For the first nine months of fiscal 2016, credit losses as a percentage of sales increased to 28.9% (27.6% excluding the increase to the allowance for credit losses), resulting from an increase in per vehicle losses due to lower wholesale values at repossession, partially offset by a lower frequency of losses.

 

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 represent less 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, 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 has had in recent quarters, 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 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 been installing global positioning system (“GPS”) units on vehicles sold. 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 Director of Collection Services who assists with managing the Company’s servicing and collections practices and provides additional monitoring and training. The Company believes that the proper execution of its business practices is the single most important determinant of its long term credit loss experience.

 

Historically, 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 43%. Gross margin as a percentage of sales for fiscal 2015 was 42.3%. 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, in some periods, 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. 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. Gross margins as a percentage of sales for fiscal 2015 remained relatively flat compared to fiscal 2014. For the first nine months of fiscal 2016, gross margin decreased to 40.2% of sales primarily due to the high level of repossession activity, as both the volume of wholesales and the prices received from wholesale sales had a negative effect on overall gross margins, as did higher repair expenses. The Company expects that its gross margin percentage will continue to remain under pressure over the near term.

 

Hiring, training and retaining qualified associates is 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)

 

										% Change				As a % of Sales
		Three Months Ended January 31,								2016 vs.				Three Months Ended January 31,
		2016				2015				2015				2016				2015
Revenues:
Sales		$	121,791			$	116,406				4.6	%
Interest income			15,672				15,094				3.8				12.9				13.0
Total			137,463				131,500				4.5
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation shown below			72,702				66,672				9.0				59.7				57.3
Selling, general and administrative			23,568				21,139				11.5				19.4				18.2
Provision for credit losses			32,786				30,206				8.5				26.9				25.9
Interest expense			831				788				5.5				0.7				0.7
Depreciation and amortization			1,008				935				7.8				0.8				0.8
Loss on disposal of property and equipment			27				-				100.0				-				-
Total			130,922				119,740				9.3
Pretax income		$	6,541			$	11,760								5.4	%			10.1	%
Operating Data:
Retail units sold			11,013				11,495
Average stores in operation			147				137
Average units sold per store per month			25.0				28.0
Average retail sales price		$	10,599			$	9,764
Same store revenue change			0.0	%			2.8	%
Period End Data:
Stores open			147				138
Accounts over 30 days past due			5.0	%			5.2	%

 

 

Three Months Ended January 31, 2016 vs. Three Months Ended January 31, 2015

 

Revenues increased by approximately $6 million, or 4.5%, for the three months ended January 31, 2016 as compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year. The increase was the result of revenue growth from dealerships that opened during the three months ended January 31, 2015 ($1 million) and revenue from dealerships opened after January 31, 2015 ($5 million).

 

Cost of sales, as a percentage of sales, increased to 59.7% for the three months ended January 31, 2016 compared to 57.3% for the same period of the prior fiscal year, resulting in a gross margin as a percentage of sales of 40.3% for the current year period compared to 42.7% for the prior year period. The lower gross margin percentage relates to higher wholesale volumes and losses, slightly higher expenses and the effect of a higher average selling price. A higher average sales price typically has a lower gross margin percentage. The average retail sales price for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 increased $835 from the third quarter of fiscal 2015, due to an increase in overall selling prices as the Company works to improve the quality of the vehicle it sells as well as an increase in the pricing for the service contract and payment protection plan product. The Company currently anticipates moderately increasing overall sales prices based on continued improvements to the quality of the underlying 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, more recent increases in new car sales have had a positive effect on purchase costs with the exception of trucks and sport utility vehicles.

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of sales, were 19.4% for the three months ended January 31, 2016, an increase of 1.2% from the same period of the prior fiscal year. Selling, general and administrative expenses are, for the most part, more fixed in nature. In dollar terms, overall selling, general and administrative expenses increased $2.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year, related primarily to higher payroll costs and other incremental costs related to new lot openings, growth of younger dealerships and infrastructure costs to support growth.

 

Provision for credit losses as a percentage of sales was 26.9% for the three months ended January 31, 2016 compared to 25.9% for the three months ended January 31, 2015. Net charge-offs as a percentage of average finance receivables were 6.6% for the three months ended January 31, 2016 compared to 6.5% for the prior year quarter. The increases in the provision and net charge-offs for the most recent quarter related to an increase in per vehicle losses caused by lower wholesale values at repossession, partially offset by a lower frequency of losses. 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 as a percentage of sales remained consistent at 0.7% for the three months ended January 31, 2016 compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year. Average borrowings during the three months ended January 31, 2016 were $114.3 million, compared to $110.2 million for the prior year quarter.

 

 

 

Consolidated Operations

(Operating Statement Dollars in Thousands)

 

										% Change				As a % of Sales
		Nine Months Ended January 31,								2016 vs.				Nine Months Ended January 31,
		2016				2015				2015				2016				2015
Revenues:
Sales		$	367,056			$	349,300				5.1	%
Interest income			46,101				43,410				6.2				12.6				12.4
Total			413,157				392,710				5.2
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation shown below			219,385				200,299				9.5				59.8				57.3
Selling, general and administrative			68,932				62,615				10.1				18.8				17.9
Provision for credit losses			106,225				89,453				18.7				28.9				25.6
Interest expense			2,383				2,183				9.2				0.6				0.6
Depreciation and amortization			3,056				2,782				9.8				0.8				0.8
Loss on Disposal of Property and Equipment			46				20				130.0				-				-
Total			400,027				357,352				11.9
Pretax income		$	13,130			$	35,358								3.6	%			10.1	%
Operating Data:
Retail units sold			34,138				35,061
Average stores in operation			144				136
Average units sold per store per month			26.4				28.6
Average retail sales price		$	10,259			$	9,571
Same store revenue change			1.3	%			1.7	%
Period End Data:
Stores open			147				138
Accounts over 30 days past due			5.0	%			5.2	%

 

 

Nine Months Ended January 31, 2016 vs. Nine Months Ended January 31, 2015

 

Revenues increased by $20.4 million, or 5.2%, for the nine months ended January 31, 2016 as compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year. The increase was the result of (i) revenue growth from dealerships opened during the nine months ended January 31, 2015 ($5.4 million), (ii) revenue from dealerships opened after January 31, 2015 ($9.9 million), and (iii) revenue growth from dealerships that operated a full nine months in both periods ($5.1 million or 1.3%).

 

Cost of sales as a percentage of sales increased 2.5% to 59.8% for the nine months ended January 31, 2016 from 57.3% in the same period of the prior fiscal year, resulting in a gross margin as a percentage of sales of 40.2% for the current year period and 42.7% for the prior year period. The increase in cost of sales from the prior year period relates primarily to an increase in average retail sales price and higher repair costs. The average retail sales price increased 7.2% to $10,259 for the nine months ended January 31, 2016 compared to $9,571 for the nine months ended January 31, 2015. The corresponding decrease in gross margin also relates largely to higher wholesale volumes and losses, partially attributable to inventory improvements, and higher expenses. The Company expects gross margin percentages to remain under pressure over the near term.

 

Selling, general and administrative expense as a percentage of sales was 18.8% for the nine months ended January 31, 2016, an increase of 0.9% 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 $6.3 million related primarily to higher payroll costs and incremental costs related to new locations and higher marketing and advertising costs as well as increased costs related to the GPS implementation.

 

Provision for credit losses as a percentage of sales increased 3.3% to 28.9% (27.6% excluding the increase to the allowance for credit losses) for the nine months ended January 31, 2016 from 25.6% in the same period of the prior fiscal year. Net charge-offs as a percentage of average finance receivables was 22.2% for the nine months ended January 31, 2016 compared to 19.9% 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 fiscal 2016 have provided some relief for our customers. The Company has implemented several operational initiatives (including credit reporting and installing GPS units 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 determinant 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 remained consistent at 0.6% for the nine months ended January 31, 2016 compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year. The overall dollar increase in interest expense was attributable to higher average borrowings during the nine months ended January 31, 2016 as compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year ($108.3 million compared to $103.0 million) partially offset by lower interest rates on the Company’s variable rate debt.

 

 

Financial Condition

 

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

 

		January 31, 2016				April 30, 2015
Assets:
Finance receivables, net		$	339,069			$	324,144
Inventory			42,094				34,267
Income taxes receivable, net			1,083				645
Property and equipment, net			35,613				33,963
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			27,513				23,730
Deferred revenue			26,387				25,236
Deferred tax liabilities, net			18,625				19,178
Debt facilities			122,490				102,221

 

Historically, finance receivables tended to grow slightly faster than revenue.  This has been due, to a large extent, to an increasing weighted average term necessitated by increases in the average retail sales price over recent years. Software and operational changes made in an effort to maximize up-front equity and schedule 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. However, recent competitive and economic conditions caused the Company in fiscal 2015 to begin initiating structural changes to its originating customer contracts that included increases to the overall length of contract terms. These increases were mitigated somewhat due to declines in the average retail sales price in fiscal 2015. During the third quarter of fiscal 2016, the average retail sales price increased, resulting in some additional increase in overall contract terms. The weighted average term for installment sales contracts at January 31, 2016 was 30.9 months as compared to 29.7 months at January 31, 2015. 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. Revenue growth results from same store revenue growth and the addition of new dealerships.

 

During the first nine months of fiscal 2016, inventory increased by $7.8 million compared to inventory at April 30, 2015. The increase in inventory was attributable to the increased number of lots, a change in inventory mix to include a higher percentage of trucks and sport utility vehicles to meet customer demands, and an overall increase in anticipation of higher tax season sales. 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, increased by $1.7 million at January 31, 2016 as compared to property and equipment, net, at April 30, 2015. The Company incurred $4.2 million in expenditures related to new dealerships as well as to refurbish and expand existing locations, offset by depreciation expense.

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities increased by $3.8 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2016 as compared to accounts payable and accrued liabilities at April 30, 2015 related primarily to higher expenditures for cost of goods sold and selling, general and administrative costs.

 

 

Deferred revenue increased $1.2 million at January 31, 2016 as compared to April 30, 2015 primarily resulting from increased sales of and increased pricing for the payment protection plan product and service contracts.

 

Income taxes receivable, net, increased by $438,000 at January 31, 2016 as compared to April 30, 2015 primarily due to the timing of quarterly tax payments.

 

Deferred income tax liabilities, net, decreased approximately $553,000 at January 31, 2016 as compared to April 30, 2015 due primarily to the change 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 2016, the Company funded finance receivables growth of $25.9 million, inventory growth of $7.8 million, capital expenditures of $4.2 million and common stock repurchases of $10.5 million with income from operations and a $19.3 million increase in its revolving 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):

 

		Nine Months Ended January 31,
		2016				2015
Operating activities:
Net income		$	8,233			$	22,240
Provision for credit losses			106,225				89,453
Losses on claims for payment protection plan			9,815				7,840
Depreciation and amortization			3,056				2,782
Stock based compensation			1,236				605
Finance receivable originations			(336,508	)			(334,769	)
Finance receivable collections			173,949				168,784
Inventory			23,767				24,055
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			4,364				6,756
Deferred payment protection plan revenue			1,062				1,955
Deferred service contract revenue			88				5,348
Income taxes, net			(200	)			1,824
Deferred income taxes			(553	)			3,814
Accrued interest on finance receivables			(40	)			67
Other			247				(1,508	)
Total			(5,259	)			(754	)
Investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment			(4,201	)			(2,805	)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment			-				20
Total			(4,201	)			(2,785	)
Financing activities:
Revolving credit facilities, net			19,582				15,528
Payments on note payable			(8	)			-
Change in cash overdrafts			(581	)			(1,085	)
Purchase of common stock			(10,485	)			(13,628	)
Dividend payments			(30	)			(30	)
Exercise of stock options, including tax benefits and issuance of common stock			782				4,029
Total			9,260				4,814
Increase (decrease) in cash		$	(200	)		$	1,275

 

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 used in operations for the nine months ended January 31, 2016 compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year increased primarily as a result of (i) a higher non-cash charge for credit losses and (ii) higher finance receivable collections, partially offset by (iii) lower net income, and (iv) a decrease in the change in deferred service contract revenue and (v) an increase in finance receivable originations. Finance receivables, net, increased by $14.9 million from April 30, 2015 to January 31, 2016.

 

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 2009, new vehicle sales volumes are just now back to 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, combined with the depressed levels of new vehicle sales in recent years, negatively impacted both the quality and quantity of 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 in more recent periods.

 

The Company has devoted significant efforts to improving 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. Even with these efforts, the Company expects gross margin percentages to remain under pressure over the near term.  

 

The Company believes that the amount of credit available for the sub-prime auto finance industry has increased in recent years and management expects the availability of consumer credit within the automotive industry to be higher over the near term when compared to historical levels. This is expected to 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, 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, 2016, the Company leased approximately 85% 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 restrict distributions by the Company to its shareholders. 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 its ability to pay dividends or make other distributions to its shareholders without the consent of the Company’s lenders.

 

At January 31, 2016, the Company had approximately $590,000 of cash on hand and an additional $22 million of availability under its revolving credit facilities (see Note F to the Condensed 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 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. On February 18, 2016, the Company exercised an option under its existing credit agreement to increase total revolving credit facilities by $27.5 million from $145 million to $172.5 million. 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 from operations and borrowings to (i) grow its finance receivables portfolio, (ii) purchase property and equipment of approximately $1 million in the next three 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.

 

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, 2015 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

The Company has entered into operating leases for approximately 85% 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 $1 million at January 31, 2016.

 

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, 2016.

 

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 Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses on an aggregate basis at a level it considers sufficient to cover estimated losses inherent in the portfolio at the balance sheet date in the collection of its finance receivables currently outstanding.  At January 31, 2016, the weighted average total contract term was 30.9 months with 22.3 months remaining. The reserve amount in the allowance for credit losses at January 31, 2016, $104.2 million, was 25% of the principal balance in finance receivables of $443.3 million, less unearned payment protection plan revenue of $16.7 million and unearned service contract revenue of $9.7 million. During the second quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company increased the credit loss reserve from 23.8% to 25% due to continued high levels of credit losses.

 

 

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:

 

·

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.  About 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 for the eighteen month period ended January 31, 2016 was 11.7 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. 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, in the allowance for credit losses would equate to an approximate pre-tax adjustment of $4.2 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.

 

Debt Issuance Costs. In April 2015, the FASB issued a new accounting standard, ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, to require debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts, instead of as an asset. This accounting standard was implemented by the Company in the third quarter of fiscal 2016. As a result of the application of this accounting standard, the Company has provided additional disclosures in Note F to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date, to provide entities with an additional year to implement ASU 2014-09. As a result, the guidance in ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, 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.

 

Leases. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases. The new guidance requires that lessees recognize all leases, including operating leases, with a term greater than 12 months on-balance sheet and also requires disclosure of key information about leasing transactions. The guidance in ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the potential effects of the adoption of this guidance 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). While the success of the tax refund anticipation sales effort has led to higher sales levels during recent third fiscal quarters, a shift in the timing of actual tax refund dollars in the Company’s markets shifted some sales and collections back to the fourth quarter in each of the last three fiscal years. The Company expects the trend of tax refund anticipation sales in the third quarter to continue in future years, with some additional sales and collections occurring in the fourth quarter based on the timing of actual tax refund payments. 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 historically had exposure to changes in the federal primary credit rate and has exposure to changes in the prime interest rate of its lender.  The Company does not use financial instruments for trading purposes but has in the past entered into an interest rate swap agreement to manage interest rate risk.

 

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 $122.5 million outstanding at January 31, 2016. The impact of a 1% increase in interest rates on this amount of debt would result in increased annual interest expense of approximately $1.2 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 typically bear interest at a fixed rate of 15%, while its revolving credit facilities contain variable interest rates that fluctuate with market interest rates.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

a)

Evaluation of Disclosure 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, 2016, 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.

 

b)

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

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.

 

 

 

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

 

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, 2015.

 

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:

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Period		Total Number of Shares Purchased				Average Price Paid per Share				Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs(1)				Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs(1)
November 1, 2015 through November 30, 2015			20,000			$	28.99				20,000				712,375
December 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015			119,518			$	26.51				119,518				592,857
January 1, 2016 through January 31, 2016			112,995			$	24.32				112,995				479,862
Total			252,513			$	25.73				252,513

 

(1)

The above described stock repurchase program has no expiration date.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosure

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

Not applicable.

 

 

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit Number		Description of Exhibit
3.1		Articles of Incorporation of the Company, as amended. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibits 4.1-4.8 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the SEC on November 16, 2005 (File No. 333-129727)).
3.2		Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company dated December 4, 2007.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2007 filed with the SEC on December 7, 2007).
3.3		Amendment No. 1 to the Amended And Restated Bylaws of the Company (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 19, 2014)
31.1		Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).
31.2		Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act.
32.1		Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Exchange Act and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS		XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document
101.PRE		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

 

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

 

 

		America’s Car-Mart, Inc.
		By:	/s/ William H. Henderson
			William H. Henderson
			Chief Executive Officer
			(Principal Executive Officer)
		By:	/s/ Jeffrey A. Williams
			Jeffrey A. Williams
			Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
			(Principal Financial Officer)
Dated: March 8, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

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