QuickLinks-- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549 ----------


FORM 10-K [X]

ý
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended: Commission file number: APRIL 30, 2002 0-14939

For the fiscal year ended:
April 30, 2004
Commission file number:
0-14939

AMERICA'S CAR-MART, INC. (Exact
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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

1501 SOUTHEAST WALTON BLVD.Southeast Walton Blvd., SUITESuite 213, BENTONVILLE, ARKANSAS (AddressBentonville, Arkansas
(Address of principal executive offices)

72712 (Zip
(Zip Code)

(479) 464-9944 (Registrant's
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

    Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

    Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, par value $.01 parper share

    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 Xý No --- ---o

    Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]o

    Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ý No o

    As of July 17, 2002the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter (October 31, 2003), the aggregate market value of the votingregistrant's common stock (based upon a closing price of $30.85) held by non-affiliates (all persons other than executive officers, directors and holder's of 5%10% or more of the Registrant's common stock) of the Registrant (4,713,441 shares)(5,933,561shares) was $53,261,883.$183,050,357.

    As of July 17, 20027, 2004 there were 7,009,3947,799,091 shares of the Registrant's common stock outstanding. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

Documents Incorporated by Reference:

    Portions of the Registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in 20022004 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report, with the exception of information regarding executive officers required under Item 10 of Part III, which information is included in Part I, Item 1.



PART I ITEM 1. BUSINESS FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Forward-Looking Statements

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

    These forward-looking statements are based on ourthe 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 whichthat may cause actual results to differ materially from ourthe Company's projections include those risks described elsewhere in this report, as well as: o

    The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly 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.

Item 1.    Business

Business and Organization

    America's Car-Mart, Inc., a Texas corporation formerly Crown Group, Inc. ("Corporate" or the(the "Company"), is a holding company that operatesthe largest publicly held automotive dealerships through its subsidiaries that focusretailer in the United States focused exclusively on the "Buy Here/Pay Here" segment of the used car market. References to the Company typically include the Company's consolidated subsidiaries. The Company's operations are principally conducted through its two operating subsidiaries, America's Car-Mart, Inc., an Arkansas corporation, ("Car-Mart of Arkansas") and Colonial Auto Finance, Inc. ("Colonial") subsidiaries.. Collectively, Car-Mart of



Arkansas and Colonial are collectively referred to herein as "Car-Mart". As of April 30, 2002 theThe Company operated 55 stores located primarily in small citiessells older model used vehicles and rural locations throughout the South-Central United States. The Company provides financing for substantially all of its customers. Many of the Company's customers many of whom mayhave limited financial resources and would not qualify for conventional financing as a result of limited credit histories or past credit problems. In addition, atAs of April 30, 2002,2004, the Company also owned (i) an 80% interestoperated 70 stores located primarily in Concorde Acceptance Corporation ("Concorde"), a prime and sub-prime mortgage lender, and (ii) a 50% interest in Precision IBC, Inc. ("Precision"), a firm specializing insmall cities throughout the sale and rental of intermediate bulk containers.South-Central United States.

    In October 2001, the Company made the decision to sell all of its operating subsidiaries except Car-Mart, and relocate its corporate headquarters to Bentonville, Arkansas where Car-Mart is based. Accordingly,As a result of this decision, all of the Company's other operating subsidiaries were sold and their operating results of Concorde and Precision, as well as the operating results of (i) Smart Choice Automotive Group, Inc. ("Smart Choice"), the Company's 70% owned subsidiary that was written-off in October 2001, and (ii) CG Incorporated, S.A. de C.V. ("Crown El Salvador") and Home Stay Lodges I, Ltd. ("Home Stay") that were sold in a prior fiscal year, arehave been included in discontinued operations. In May 2002 theThe Company sold its 50% interest in Precision for $3.8 million in cash, andlast remaining discontinued operation in July 20022002. Discontinued operations are described in Note P in the Company sold its 80% interest in Concorde for $3.0 million in cash. In addition, at closing, Concorde repaid all of its $2.1 million in outstanding borrowings from the Company. 2 BUSINESS STRATEGYaccompanying consolidated financial statements.

Business Strategy

    In general, it is the Company's objective to continue to expand its Buy Here/Pay Here used car operation using the same business model that has been developed by Car-Mart over the last 2123 years. This business strategy will focusfocuses on: o CONTROLLED ORGANIC GROWTH. The Company will continue to expand its operation by increasing unit sales at existing dealerships

    Collecting Customer Accounts.    Collecting customer accounts is perhaps the single most important aspect of operating a Buy Here/Pay Here used car business and opening new dealerships. The Company believes it can comfortably open new stores at the rate of 12% to 16% per annumis a focal point for the foreseeable future. The Company plans to open seven new dealerships during fiscal 2003. The Company has no plans or intentions to acquire existing dealerships of other operators. o SELLING BASIC TRANSPORTATION. The Company will continue to focusstore level and corporate office personnel on selling basic and affordable transportation to its customers. In general,a daily basis. Periodically, the Company does not sell luxury cars, sports cars or SUV's. The average sales price of retail vehicles sold bymeasures and monitors the Company during fiscal 2002 was about $5,900. By selling vehicles in this price range the Company is able to keep the termscollection results of its installmentstores using internally developed delinquency and repossession standards. Substantially all associate incentive compensation is tied directly or indirectly to collection results. Over the last nine years, Car-Mart's annual credit losses as a percentage of sales contracts short (generally less than 24 months), and the customer is more ablehave been relatively stable ranging from a low of 17.0% to afford his or her payments. o OPERATING IN SMALLER COMMUNITIES. The majoritya high of the Company's dealerships are located in cities and towns with a population of 50,000 or less (median of about 27,500)21.3%. The Company believes that by operating in these smaller communities it experiences better collection results ascan continue to be successful provided it maintains its customers are more stable in their employment and place of residence, and are easier to locate in the event their loan becomes delinquent. Further, the Company believes that operating costs (ie. salaries, rent, advertising) are lower in smaller communities than in major metropolitan areas. o MAINTAINING A DECENTRALIZED OPERATION.credit losses within or below its historical credit loss range.

    Maintaining a Decentralized Operation.    The Company's dealerships will continue to operate on a decentralized basis. Each store is responsible for buying (with the assistance of a corporate office buyer) and selling its own vehicles, making credit decisions and collecting the loans it originates in accordance with established policies and procedures. Most customers make their payments in person at one of the Company's dealerships. This decentralized structure is complemented by the oversight and involvement of generalcorporate office management (district and regional managers, purchasing and accounts directors, accounting, MIS and senior management), and the maintenance of centralized financial controls. o CULTIVATING CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS.controls, including an internal compliance staff.

    Expanding Through Controlled Organic Growth.    The Company will continue to expand its operations by increasing revenues at existing dealerships and opening new dealerships. The Company expects to open new stores at the rate of 8% to 14% per annum for the foreseeable future. The Company currently has no plans to acquire existing dealerships of other Buy Here/Pay Here operators.

    Selling Basic Transportation.    The Company will continue to focus on selling basic and affordable transportation to its customers. In general, the Company generally does not sell luxury cars or sports cars. Most vehicles are sold at prices between $5,000 and $8,500, with an average retail sales price of approximately $6,500 in fiscal 2004. By selling vehicles in this price range the Company is able to keep the terms of its installment sales contracts short (average of 25 months), while requiring relatively low payments.

    Operating in Smaller Communities.    The majority of the Company's dealerships are located in cities and towns with a population of 50,000 or less. The Company believes that by operating in smaller communities it experiences better collection results as its customers are more stable in their employment and place of residence, and are easier to locate in the event their loans become delinquent. Further, the Company believes that operating costs, such as salaries, rent and advertising, are lower in smaller communities than in major metropolitan areas.

    Promoting from Within.    It has been the Company's practice to attempt to hire honest and hardworking individuals to fill entry level positions, nurture and develop these associates, and attempt to fill the vast majority of its managerial positions from within the Company. By promoting from within, the Company believes it is better able to train its associates in the Car-Mart way of doing business, maintain the Company's unique culture and develop the loyalty of its associates.

    Cultivating Customer Relationships.    The Company believes that developing and maintaining a relationship with its customers is critical to the success of the Company. ApproximatelyAs much as 40% of its sales at mature stores are made to repeat customers, and an additional 10% to 15% of sales result from customer referrals. Furthermore, byBy developing a personal relationship with its customers the Company believes it is in a better position to assist a customer, and the customer is more likely to cooperate with the Company, should the customer

      experience financial difficulty during the term of his or her installment loan with the Company. The Company is in a position to cultivate these relationships as the majority of its customers make their payments in person at one of the Company's dealerships on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. o COLLECTING CUSTOMER ACCOUNTS. Collecting customer accounts is perhaps the single most important aspect of operating a Buy Here/Pay Here used car business and is a focal point for store level and general office personnel on a daily basis. Periodically, the Company measures and monitors the collection results of its stores using internally developed delinquency and repossession standards. Substantially all associate incentive compensation is tied directly or indirectly to collection results. Over the last seven years, Car-Mart's annual credit losses as a percentage of sales have been relatively stable ranging from a low of 17.0% to a high of 20.2%.

Business Strengths

    The Company believes that it can continue to be successful provided it maintains its credit losses within or below its historical credit loss range. o PROMOTING FROM WITHIN. It has been the Company's practice to hire honest and hardworking individuals to fill entry level positions, nurture and develop these associates, and attempt to fill all of its managerial positions from within the Company. By hiring individuals at the entry level, the Company believes it is better able to train its associates in the Car-Mart way of doing business, and maintain the Company's unique culture and the intense loyalty of its associates. BUSINESS STRENGTHS We believe Car-Mart possesses a number of strengths, or advantages, that distinguish usit from most of ourits competitors. These business strengths include: o CONSISTENCY IN EARNINGS AND HISTORY OF GROWTH. Over the last seven fiscal years Car-Mart has increased its revenues

    Experienced and profits at compound annual growth rates of 19.6% and 21.7%, respectively. All of Car-Mart's growth has been organic, that is through the opening of new stores and increasing revenues and earnings at existing stores. Over this seven year period Car-Mart's net income as a percentage of revenue has been fairly consistent. In six of the last seven years, net income as a percentage of revenue has ranged between 8.6% and 9.6%. We expect Car-Mart's consistency in earnings and history of growth to continue. o EXPERIENCED AND INCENTIVIZED MANAGEMENT. Car-Mart's senior management team hasIncentivized Management.    The Company's executive officers have an average tenure of 15 years. Many of Car-Mart's store managers have been with the Company of 18 years. For stores opened three orfor more years, the average store manager tenure is ninethan ten years. Each store manager is compensated, at least in part (some entirely), based upon the net income of his or her store. A significant portion of the compensation of Car-Mart senior management is incentive based. 3 o PROVEN BUSINESS PRACTICES.

    Proven Business Practices.    The Company's operations are highly structured. While stores are operated on a decentralized basis, the Company has established policies, procedures and business practices for virtually every aspect of a store's operation. Detailed operating manuals are available to assist the store manager and office and collections personnel in performing their daily tasks. As a result, each store is operated in a uniform manner. Above the store level, generalFurther, corporate office district managers and regional managerspersonnel monitor the stores' operations through weekly visits and a number of daily, weekly and monthly communications and reports. For the last three fiscal year ended April 30, 2002, allyears, each of the Company's stores operated profitably. o SIGNIFICANT EXPANSION OPPORTUNITIES. As of April 30, 2002, the Company operated 55 stores in seven states, with 30 of these stores located in Arkansas. The Company targets smaller communities to locate its dealerships (ie. populations from 20,000 to 50,000), but has had success in medium sized cities (ie. Tulsa, Oklahoma and Little Rock, Arkansas). The Company believes there are numerous suitable communities within the seven states in which the Company currently operates to satisfy anticipated store growth for the next several years, not to mention suitable locations outside the Company's current market area. o NO NEW CAPITAL REQUIRED / LOW LEVERAGE. The Company does not expect it will need to raise any new capital in order to facilitate its expected growth for the foreseeable future. The Company expects to fund substantially all of its growth from net income generated from operations. As of April 30, 2002, the Company's debt to equity ratio was .8 to 1.0, which is substantially lower than a number of other public auto retailers. The Company expects its financial leverage ratio to decline for the next several years, as net income builds equity and debt either decreases or remains relatively constant. o LOW COST OPERATOR.

    Low Cost Operator.    The Company has structured its store and generalcorporate office operations to minimize operating costs. The number of associates employed at the store level is dictated by the number of active customer accounts each store services. Associate compensation is standardized for each store position. Other operating costs are closely monitored and scrutinized. Technology is utilized to maximize efficiency. The Company believes its operating costs as a percentage of revenue, or per unit sold, areis among the lowest (or the lowest) in the industry. OPERATIONS o STORE ORGANIZATION.

    Well Capitalized / Limited External Capital Required for Growth.    As of April 30, 2004, the Company's debt to equity ratio was 0.27 to 1.0, which the Company believes is lower than the majority of its competitors. Further, the Company believes it can fund the majority of its planned growth from net income generated from operations. Of the external capital that may be needed to fund growth, the Company plans to draw on its existing revolving credit facility, or a renewal or replacement of that facility.

    Significant Expansion Opportunities.    The Company generally targets smaller communities to locate its dealerships (i.e., populations from 20,000 to 50,000), but has had success in larger cities such as Tulsa, Oklahoma and Little Rock, Arkansas. The Company believes there are numerous suitable communities within the seven states in which the Company currently operates to satisfy anticipated store growth for the next several years. During fiscal 2005, the Company plans to add dealership locations principally in Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri.

Operations

    Store Organization.    Stores are operated on a decentralized basis. Each store is responsible for the buying (with the assistance of a corporate office buyer) and selling of vehicles, making credit decisions, and servicing and collecting the installment loans it originates. Stores also maintain their own records write checks and make daily deposits. Store levelStore-level financial statements are prepared by the generalcorporate office on a monthly basis. Depending on the number of active customer accounts, a store may have as littlefew as two or as many as 20 associates employed at that location. Associate positions at a large store may include a store manager, assistant store manager, manager trainee, office manager, assistant office manager, service manager, buyer, collections personnel, salesmen and lot attendants. Stores are open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Company has both regular and satellite stores. Satellite stores are similar to regular stores, except that they tend to be smaller, sell fewer vehicles and their financial performance is not captured in a stand alone financial statement, but rather is included in the financial results of the sponsoring regular store. o STORE LOCATION AND FACILITIES.

      Store Location and Facilities.    Below is a summary of stores opened during the fiscal years ended April 30, 2002, 20012004, 2003 and 2000:
      Years Ended April 30, 2002 2001 2000 ---------- ---------- ---------- Beginning stores 47 40 33 New stores opened 8 7 7 ---------- ---------- ---------- Ending stores 55 47 40 ========== ========== ==========
      2002:

     
     Years Ended April 30,

     
     2004
     2003
     2002
    Stores at beginning of year 64 55 47
    New stores opened 7 9 8
    Stores closed (1)   
      
     
     
     Stores at end of year 70 64 55
      
     
     

            Below is a summary of store locations by state as of April 30, 2002, 20012004, 2003 and 2000:
        As of April 30, Stores by State 2002 2001 2000 --------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Arkansas 30 29 28 Oklahoma 9 9 8 Kentucky 7 2 -- Missouri 5 3 2 Texas 2 2 2 Kansas 1 1 -- Indiana 1 1 -- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total 55 47 40 ========== ========== ==========
        4 2002:

    Stores by State

     As of April 30,

     2004
     2003
     2002
    Arkansas 32 33 30
    Oklahoma 13 13 9
    Texas 10 4 2
    Kentucky 7 7 7
    Missouri 6 5 5
    Kansas 1 1 1
    Indiana 1 1 1
      
     
     
     Total 70 64 55
      
     
     

            Stores are typically located in smaller communities. As of April 30, 2002,2004, approximately 70%75% of the Company's stores were located in cities with populations of less than 50,000. Stores are located on leased or owned property between one and three acres in size. When opening a new store the Company will typically use an existing structure on the property to conduct business, or leasepurchase a portable facility while business at the new location develops. Once the store is established, the Company often will construct its prototype store facility of 4,500These facilities typically range in size from 3,000 to 5,000 square feet at an average cost of $250,000. Recently, the Company purchased a few modular facilities at a much lower cost per square foot than its prototype store facility, and may, in the future, use modular facilities as its preferred permanent store facility structure. o PURCHASING.feet.

      Purchasing.    The Company purchases vehicles primarily through wholesalers and new car dealers. Occasionally the Company will purchase vehicles from auctions. The majority of vehicle purchasing is performed by the Company's buyers, although certain store managers are authorized to purchase vehicles. On average, a buyer will purchase vehicles for three stores. Buyers report to the store manager, or managers, for whom they buy. Buyers also reportbuy and to a regional purchasing director who monitorsdirector. The regional purchasing directors monitor the quantity and quality of vehicles purchased and comparescompare the cost of similar vehicles purchased among different buyers.

            Generally, the Company's buyers purchase vehicles between four and ten years of age with 60,000 to 120,000125,000 miles, and pay between $2,000$2,500 and $5,000 per vehicle. The Company focuses on providing basic transportation to its customers. The Company generally does not purchase sports cars or luxury cars, or sport utility vehicles.cars. Some of the more popular vehicles the Company sells include the Ford Taurus and Escort, Chevrolet CorsicaLumina and Lumina, Oldsmobile Cutlas and Achieva, andCavalier, Dodge Neon, Pontiac Grand Am.Am and Oldsmobile Cutlass. The Company also sells a number of trucks. Buyers inspect and test-drive every vehicle they purchase. Buyers attempt to purchase vehicles that require little or no repair as the Company has limited facilities to repair or recondition vehicles. o SELLING, MARKETING AND ADVERTISING. Each store maintains

      Selling, Marketing and Advertising.    Stores generally maintain an inventory of 15 to 75 vehicles depending on the maturity of the dealership. Inventory turns over approximately 12-14 times each year. The selling price of the Company's vehicles typically ranges between $2,500$5,000 and $8,500, with an average of $5,900.approximately $6,500 in fiscal 2004. Selling is done principally by the store manager, assistant manager, manager trainee or sales associate. Sales associates are paid a commission for sales that they make in addition to an hourly wage. Sales are made on an "as is" basis; however, customers are given an option to purchase a 4four month or 4,000 mile service contract for $345 which covers certain vehicle components and assemblies. For covered components and assemblies, the Company coordinates service with third party service centers with which the Company typically has previously negotiated labor rates and mark-up percentages on parts. The majority of the Company's customers elect to purchase a service contract when purchasing a vehicle.

            The Company's objective is to offer its customers basic transportation at a fair price and treat each customer in such a manner as to earn theirhis or her repeat business. The Company attempts to build a positive reputation in each community where it operates and


        generate new business from such reputation as well as from customer referrals. Approximately 10% to 15% of the Company's sales result from customer referrals. The Company recognizes repeat customers with silver, gold and platinum plaques representing the purchase of five, ten and fifteen vehicles, respectively. Such certificatesThese plaques are prominently displayed at the dealership where the vehicles were purchased. For mature dealerships, approximatelyas much as 40% of its sales are to repeat customers.

            The Company primarily advertises in local newspapers, on billboards and on the radio. In addition, periodically the Company conducts promotional sales campaigns in order to increase sales. o UNDERWRITING AND FINANCE.

      Underwriting and Finance.    The Company provides financing for substantially all of its customers who purchase a vehicle at one of its stores. The Company does not provide financing to others, nor does it purchase retail installment contracts originated by others. The Company's installment sales contracts typically include down payments ranging from 0% to 17% (average of 9%7%), terms ranging from 12 months to 3036 months (average of 2225 months), and annual interest charges ranging from 6% to 19% (average of 9%11%), and require. The Company requires that payments be made on a weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly or monthly basis to coincide with the day the customer is paid by his or her employer. Upon the customer and the Company coming toreaching a preliminary agreement as to financing terms, the Company obtains a credit application from the customer which includes information regarding employment, residence and credit history, personal references and a detailed budget itemizing the customers'customer's monthly income and expenses. Certain information is then verified by Company personnel. After the verification process, the store manager makes the decision to accept, reject, or modify (perhaps obtain a greater down payment or require an acceptable co-buyer) the proposed transaction. In general, the store manager attempts to assess the stability and character of the applicant. The store manager who makes the credit decision is ultimately responsible for collecting the loan, and his or her compensation is directly affected byrelated to the collection results of his or her store. o COLLECTIONS.

      Collections.    All of the Company's retail installment contracts are serviced by Company personnel at the store level. The majority of the Company's customers make their payments in person at the store where they purchased their vehicle, although some customers mailsend their payments tothrough the store.mail. Each store closely monitors theirits customer accounts using the Company's proprietary receivables and collections software that stratifies past due accounts by the number of days past due. The Company believes that the timely response to past due accounts is critical to its collections success. Below is a summary of accounts 30 days or more past due as a percentage of all accounts as of April 30, 2002, 2001 and 2000:
      As of April 30, 2002 2001 2000 ---------- ---------- ---------- Accounts 30 days or more past due 2.8% 3.4% 3.8%
      5

            The Company has established standards with respect to the percentage of accounts one and two weeks past due, the percentage of accounts three or more weeks past due, and for larger stores, 21-30 days past due, 31-60 days past due and 61 plus days past due (delinquency standards), and the percentage of accounts where the vehicle was repossessed that month (repossession standard). Store personnel (excluding the store manager) are paid a monthly bonus based upon growth in receivables at their store (similar to growth in same store revenues). This bonus is paid only if the store has met its delinquency and repossession standards for the month.

            The Company works very hard to keep its delinquency percentages low, and not to repossess vehicles. Accounts one day late are sent a notice in the mail. Accounts three days late are contacted by phone.telephone. Notes from each phonetelephone contact are electronically maintained in the Company's computer system. If a customer becomes seriouslyseverely 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. While the Company works very hard at keeping its delinquency percentages low, the Company also works very hard not to repossess vehicles. The Company goes to great lengthsattempts to amicably resolve payment delinquencies prior to repossessing a vehicle. Periodically, the Company enters into contract modifications with its customers to extend the time upon which the customer's payments are due. 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. 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 store, or sold for cash to a wholesaler. o NEW STORE OPENINGS.

      New Store Openings.    The Company plans to add stores at the rate of 12%8% to 16%14% per year. For fiscal year 2003, the Company plans to open seven new stores representing a 13% increase. Senior management, with the assistance of the generalcorporate office staff, makes decisions with respect to the communities in which to locate a new store and the specific sites within those communities. New stores are typically located in the general proximity of existing stores to facilitate the generalcorporate office's oversight of the Company's stores.

            The Company's approach with respect to new store openings is one of gradual development. The manager in charge of a new store is normally a recently promoted associate who was an assistant manager at a larger store or a manager trainee at a larger store.trainee. The facility may be of a portablemodular nature or an existing structure. New stores operate with a low level of inventory and personnel. As a result of


        the modest staffing level, the new store manager performs a variety of duties (ie.(i.e., selling, collecting, and administrative tasks) during the early stages of his or her store's operations. As the store develops and the customer base grows, additional staff is hired.

            Monthly sales levels at new stores are substantially less than sales levels at mature stores. Over time new stores gain recognition in their communities, and a combination of customer referrals and repeat business generally facilitate strong sales growth. Sales growth at new stores can exceed 20% per year for a number of years. Mature stores typically experience annual sales growth, but at a much lower levelpercentage than new stores.

            New stores utilize approximately $250,000are provided with up to $300,000 in capital from the corporate office during the first six to eight months of operation. This cash isThese funds are used principally to fund receivables growth. After this six orto eight month start-up period, new stores typically become cash flow positive. NewThat is, receivables growth is funded from store profits rather than additional borrowings from the corporate office. This limitation of capital to new, as well as existing, stores tendserves as an important operating discipline. Essentially, stores must be profitable in order to begrow. Typically, new stores are profitable within a few months of opening. o GENERAL OFFICE OVERSIGHT AND MANAGEMENT.

      Corporate Office Oversight and Management.    The generalcorporate office, based in Bentonville, Arkansas, consists of districtarea operations managers, regional vice presidents, regional purchasing directors, a vice president of purchasing, compliance auditors, area collection managers purchasing, accounts and compliance directors,trainers, a vice president of collections, accounting and management information systems personnel, administrative personnel and senior management. The generalcorporate office monitors and oversees store operations. The Company's stores transmit and submit operating and financial information and reports to the generalcorporate office on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. This information includes cash receipts and disbursements, inventory and receivables levels, receivables agings and sales and repossession data. The generalcorporate office uses this information to compile Company-wide reports, plan store visits and prepare monthly financial statements.

            Periodically, districtarea operations managers, regional managers, accountsvice presidents, compliance auditors and compliance directorssenior management visit the Company's stores to inspect, review and comment on operations. OftentimesOften, the generalcorporate office assists in training new managers and other store level associates. In addition to financial results, the generalcorporate office uses standards (delinquencydelinquency and repossession)repossession standards and a point system to evaluate a store's performance. On a monthly basis the

            The Company's store managers meet eithermonthly on a district,an area, regional or Company-wide basis. At these meetings generalcorporate office personnel provide training and recognize achievements of store managers. Near the end of every fiscal year the respective districtarea operations manager, regional managervice president and senior management conduct "projection" meetings with each store manager. At these meetings the year's results are reviewed and ranked relative to other stores, and both quantitative and qualitative goals are established for the upcoming year. The qualitative goals may focus on staff development, effective delegation, organization skills and sometimes personal matters. Quantitatively, the Company always establishes a receivables growth target (which is similar to a revenue growth target) and, depending on the circumstances, may establish delinquency, repossession, or expense goals.

            The generalcorporate office is also responsible for establishing policy, maintaining the Company's management information system, conducting compliance audits, orchestrating new store openings and setting the direction for the Company. INDUSTRY USED CAR SALES.

    Industry

      Used Car Sales.    The market for used car sales in the United States is significant and has steadily increased over the past five 6 years.significant. For calendar 2000,2003, industry analysts estimated used vehicle sales in the United States were approximately $367 billion, with the sub-prime segment of used vehicle sales contributing approximately $147at $366 billion. Management believes the factors that have led to growth in this industry include (i) substantial increases in new car prices, which have made new cars less affordable to the average consumer, (ii) the greater reliability and durability of used cars resulting from the production of higher quality cars, and (iii) the increasing number of vehicles coming off lease programs in recent years. Many industry analysts expect these trends to continue, leading to further expansion of the used car sales market. Used car retail sales typically occur through franchised new car dealerships that sell used cars or independent used car dealerships. The Company isoperates in the sub-primeBuy Here/Pay Here segment of the independent used car sales and finance market. This segment is serviced primarily by numerous small independent used car dealerships thatBuy Here/Pay Here dealers sell and finance the sale of used cars to individuals with limited or damaged credit histories ("Buy Here/Pay Here" dealers).or past credit problems. Buy Here/Pay Here dealers typically offer their customers certain advantages over more traditional financing sources, such as broader and more flexible underwriting guidelines, flexible payment terms (including prorating customerscheduling payments due within one month into several smaller payments and scheduling paymentson a weekly or bi-weekly basis to coincide with a customer's pay days)payday), and the ability to make payments in person, an important feature to individuals who may not have a checking account or are otherwise unable to make payments by the due date through the mail because of the timing of paychecks. USED CAR FINANCING.account.

      Used Car Financing.    The used automobile financing industry is the third-largest consumer finance market in the country, after mortgage debt and revolving credit card debt. Growth in automobile financing has been fueled by increasing prices of both new and used cars, which has forced more buyers to seek financing when purchasing a car. This industry is served by traditional lending sources such as banks, savings and loans, and captive finance subsidiaries of automobile manufacturers, as well as by independent finance companies and Buy Here/Pay Here dealers. In general, the industry is categorized according to the type of car sold (new versus used) and the credit characteristics of the borrower. Despite significant opportunities, many of the traditional lending sources do not consistently provide financing to the sub-prime consumer finance market.individuals with limited credit histories or past credit problems. Management believes traditional lenders avoid this market because of its high credit risk and the associated collection efforts. Many of the estimated 54,000 independent used car dealers are not able to obtain debt financing from traditional lending sources such as banks, credit unions, or major finance companies. Many of these dealers typically finance their operations through the sale of contract receivables at a discount. COMPETITION

      Competition

          The used automotive retailing industry is highly competitive and fragmented. Presently there are an estimated 22,000 franchised automobile dealers and 54,000 independent used vehicle dealers. Although there are a number of large public companies that sell used (as well as new) vehicles, such as Car Max and AutoNation, Inc., management believes these operators do not provide significant competition for the Company as they tend to sell higher priced vehicles to consumers with stronger credit histories. The Company competes principally with other independent Buy Here/Pay Here dealers, and to a lesser degree with (i) the used vehicle retail operations of franchised automobile dealerships, (ii) independent used vehicle dealers, and (iii) individual consumersindividuals who sell used vehicles in private transactions. The Company competes for both the supplypurchase and resale of used vehicles.

          Management believes the principal competitive factors in the sale of its used vehicles include (i) the availability of financing to consumers with limited or damaged credit histories or past credit problems, (ii) the breadth and quality of vehicle selection, (iii) pricing, (iv) the convenience of a dealership's location, (v) the option to purchase a service contract, and (v)(vi) customer service. Management believes that its dealerships are competitive in each of these areas. REGULATION AND LICENSING

      Regulation and Licensing

          The Company's operations are subject to various federal, state, and local laws, ordinances and regulations pertaining to the sale and financing of vehicles. Under various state laws, the Company's dealerships must obtain a license in order to operate or relocate. These laws also regulate advertising and sales practices. The Company's financing activities are subject to federal truth-in-lending and equal credit opportunity regulations as well as state and local motor vehicle finance laws, installment finance laws, usury laws and other installment sales laws. Among other things, these laws require that the Company limit or prescribe terms of the contracts it originates, require specified disclosures to customers, restrict collection practices, limit the Company's right to repossess and sell collateral, and prohibit discrimination against customers on the basis of certain characteristics including age, race, gender and marital status.

          The states in which the Company operates impose limits on interest rates the Company can charge on its loans. These limits are generally based on either (i) a specified margin above the federal discountprimary credit rate, (ii) the age of the vehicle, or (iii) statute.a fixed rate. Management believes the Company is in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances and regulations. However, the adoption of additional laws, changes in the interpretation of existing laws, or the Company's entrance into jurisdictions with more stringent regulatory requirements could have a material adverse effect on the Company's used vehicle sales and finance business. 7 DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS In October 2001, the Company made the decision to sell all of its subsidiaries except Car-Mart, and relocate its corporate headquarters to Bentonville, Arkansas where Car-Mart is based. Accordingly, the operating results of Concorde (a prime and sub-prime mortgage lender) and Precision (a firm specializing in the sale and rental of intermediate bulk containers), as well as the operating results of (i) Smart Choice (used vehicle sales and finance), the Company's 70% subsidiary that was written-off in October 2001, and (ii) Crown El Salvador (gaming) and Home Stay (lodging) that were sold in a prior fiscal year, are included in discontinued operations. See Note R of the accompanying consolidated financial statements. At April 30, 2002 the Company owned an 80% interest in Concorde and a 50% interest in Precision. In May 2002 the Company sold its 50% interest in Precision for $3.8 million in cash, and in July 2002 the Company sold its 80% interest in Concorde for $3.0 million in cash. In addition, at closing, Concorde repaid all of its $2.1 million in outstanding borrowings from the Company. EMPLOYEES

      Employees

          As of April 30, 20022004 the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, employed approximately 450700 persons full time. None of the Company's employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement and the Company believes that its relations with its employees are good. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS


      Executive Officers

          The executive officers of the Company are as follows:

      NAME AGE POSITION WITH THE COMPANY ---- --- ------------------------- Edward R. McMurphy ........... 51
      Name

      Age
      Position with the Company

      Tilman J. Falgout, III55Chairman of the Board, Nan R. Smith ................. 62 Vice Chairman of the Board Tilman J. Falgout, III ....... 53 Chief Executive Officer, General Counsel and Director

      William H. Henderson ......... 39


      40


      Vice Chairman of the Board, President and Director

      Mark D. Slusser .............. 44


      46


      Chief Financial Officer Vice President Finance and Secretary

      Eddie L. Hight ............... 39


      41


      Chief Operating Officer
      EDWARD R. MCMURPHY,

      Tilman J. Falgout, III has served as Chairman of the Board of the Company since its inception in 1983. From 1984 until May 2002 Mr. McMurphy has served as the Company's Chief Executive Officer and President. From 1979 to June 1986, Mr. McMurphy served as President of Marion Properties, Inc., a real estate development company and former parent of the Company from July 1984 to June 1986. NAN R. SMITH, has served as Vice Chairman of the Board of the Company since May 2002 and as a director since January 2002. From 1999 until May 2002, Ms. Smith served as President of Car-Mart (the Company's wholly-owned operating subsidiary). From 1981 through 1998, Ms. Smith served as Chief Operating Officer of Car-Mart. TILMAN J. FALGOUT, III, has served as2004, Chief Executive Officer of the Company since May 2002, General Counsel since 1995 and a director of the Company since 1992. From 1995 until May 2002, Mr. Falgout also served as Executive Vice President of the Company. From 1978 through June 1995, Mr. Falgout was a partner in the law firm of Stumpf & Falgout, Houston, Texas. WILLIAM

      William H. HENDERSON,Henderson has served as Vice Chairman of the Board since May 2004 and as President of the Company since May 2002. From 1999 until May 2002, Mr. Henderson served as Chief Operating Officer of Car-Mart (the Company's wholly-owned operating subsidiary).Car-Mart. From 19871992 through 1998, Mr. Henderson served as General Manager of Car-Mart. From 1987 to 1992, Mr. Henderson primarily held a numberthe positions of positions at Car-Mart including StoreDistrict Manager and Regional Manager. MARKManager at Car-Mart.

      Mark D. SLUSSER,Slusser has served as Chief Financial Officer of the Company since 1989 and as Secretary since 1990. From 1981 until joining the Company, Mr. Slusser held various positions with Ernst & Young LLP including Senior Manager. EDDIE

      Eddie L. HIGHT,Hight has served as Chief Operating Officer of the Company since May 2002. From 1984 until May 2002, Mr. Hight held a number of positions at Car-Mart (the Company's wholly-owned operating subsidiary) including Store Manager and Regional Manager. 8 ITEM

      Item 2.    PROPERTIESProperties

          As of April 30, 20022004 the Company leased substantially allapproximately 80% of its facilities, including dealerships and the Company's generalcorporate offices. These facilities are located principally in the states of Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Kentucky and Missouri. The Company's general administrativecorporate offices are located in approximately 6,0008,000 square feet of leased space in Bentonville, Arkansas. ITEM

      Item 3.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGSLegal Proceedings

          In February 2001 and May 2002, the Company was added as a defendant in two similar actions which were originally filed in December 1998 against approximately twenty defendants (the "Defendants") by Astoria Entertainment, Inc. ("Astoria"). One action was filed in the Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans, Louisiana (the "State Claims") and the other was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana (the "Federal Claims"). In these actions, Astoria alleges the Defendants conspired to eliminate Astoria from receiving one of the fifteen riverboat gaming licenses that were awarded by the State of Louisiana in 1993 and 1994, at a time when a former subsidiary of the Company was involved in riverboat gaming in Louisiana. Astoria seeks unspecified damages including lost profits. In August 2001, the Federal court dismissed all of the Federal Claims with prejudice. A motion to dismiss the State Claims is pending before the state district court of appeals. The Company believes the State Claims are without merit and intends to vigorously contest liability in this matter.

          Further, in the ordinary course of business, the Company has become a defendant in various types of other legal proceedings. Although the Company cannot determine at this time the amount of exposure from these ordinary course of business lawsuits, if any, management does not expect the final outcome of any of these actions, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. ITEM

      Item 4.    SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERSSubmission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

          No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders of the Company during the fourth quarter ended April 30, 2002. 2004.



      PART II ITEM

      Item 5.    MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERSMarket for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

          The Company's common stock is authorized for quotationtraded on the NASDAQ National Market under the NASDAQ symbol CRMT. The following table sets forth, by fiscal quarter, the high and low closing salesales prices reported by NASDAQ for the Company's common stock for the periods indicated.
      Fiscal 2002 Fiscal 2001 High Low High Low -------- -------- -------- -------- First quarter $ 3.85 $ 3.55 $ 5.50 $ 4.75 Second quarter 4.50 3.50 5.50 4.44 Third quarter 7.88 3.50 5.00 3.63 Fourth quarter 15.00 6.60 4.19 3.51

       
       Fiscal 2004        

       Fiscal 2003        

       
       High

       Low

       High

       Low

      First quarter $19.00 $14.88 $16.99 $10.70
      Second quarter  33.80  19.22  14.45  9.80
      Third quarter  37.38  24.25  14.89  10.80
      Fourth quarter  34.29  25.05  15.00  11.40

          As of July 15, 2002,June 7, 2004, there were approximately 1,2751,160 stockholders of record. This number excludes individual stockholders holding stock under nominee security position listings.

          Since its inception the Company has paid no dividends on its common stock. The Company currently intends to follow a policy of retaining earnings to finance future growth. Payment of dividends in the future will be determined by the Company's Board of Directors and will depend upon, among other things, the Company's future earnings, operations, capital requirements and surplus, general financial condition, contractual restrictions that may exist, and such other factors as the Board of Directors may deem relevant. The Company's revolving credit facility prohibits distributions from Car-Mart to the Company beyond the repayment of an intercompany loan from the Company to Car-Mart ($8.5 million at April 30, 2004). Thus, the Company is limited in the amount of dividends or other distributions it can make to its shareholders without the consent of its lender.

          In January 2002, the Company issued a warrant to purchase 40,000 shares of its common stock at an exercise price of $5.00 per share to Epoch Financial Group, Inc. ("Epoch"), a firm that provides investor relations services. In January 2003, the Company issued a warrant to purchase 5,000 shares of its common stock at an exercise price of $13.04 per share to Epoch. In July 2003 and April 2004, the Company issued warrants to purchase 10,000 and 2,500 shares of its common stock at exercise prices of $17.75 and $27.35 per share, respectively, to Epoch. During fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2004, the Company issued 12,331 and 10,650 shares of its common stock, respectively, pursuant to partial exercises of the warrants held by Epoch.

      In March 2002 the Company acquired all of the remaining shares of Car-Mart common stock it did not previously own from the Car-Mart minority shareholders by issuing 146,518 shares of the Company's common stock (valued at approximately $1.4 million) and paying approximately $1.6 million in cash. The

          As discussed in Note J to the consolidated financial statements contained herein, the Company is relying upon an exemption from registration as specified in Section 4 (2)presently has three stock option plans that provide for the issuance of shares of the Securities ActCompany's common stock upon the exercise of 1933. 9 ITEMoutstanding stock options. As of April 30, 2004, there were a total of 338,927 shares of common stock subject to issuance upon the exercise of outstanding stock options at a weighted-average exercise price of $7.44 per share. Further, at April 30, 2004, there were an additional 77,745 shares of the Company's common stock set aside for future option grants pursuant to the Company's stock option plans. At April 30, 2004, the Company also had stock purchase warrants outstanding covering a total of 42,000 shares of common stock at an average exercise price of $9.80 per share.



      Item 6.    SELECTED FINANCIAL DATASelected Financial Data

          The financial data set forth below was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto, and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained elsewhere herein. (In thousands, except per share amounts.)
      Years Ended April 30, 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Revenues $ 127,924 $ 106,754 $ 90,970 $ 30,007 $ 3,251 Income (loss) from continuing $ (1,136) $ 7,362 $ 13,277 $ 18,193 $ 244 operations Net income (loss) $ (14,306) $ 5,963 $ 14,836 $ 17,508 $ 367 Diluted EPS - continuing operations $ (.17) $ .92 $ 1.38 $ 1.75 $ .02 Total assets $ 128,142 $ 302,520 $ 294,008 $ 170,003 $ 92,203 Total debt $ 39,792 $ 41,584 $ 37,319 $ 33,835 $ -- Stockholders' equity $ 52,813 $ 58,932 $ 58,867 $ 53,059 $ 35,051 Shares outstanding 6,944 6,980 8,248 10,097 9,434
      ITEM

       
       Years Ended April 30,

       
       2004
       2003
       2002 (a)
       2001
       2000 (b)
      Revenues $176,184 $154,885 $127,924 $106,754 $90,970
      Income (loss) from continuing operations $15,639 $13,569 $(1,136)$7,362 $13,277
      Net income (loss) $15,804 $14,075 $(14,306)$5,963 $14,836
      Diluted EPS – continuing operations $1.96 $1.73 $(.17)$.92 $1.38

      Total assets

       

      $

      117,241

       

      $

      101,841

       

      $

      128,142

       

      $

      302,520

       

      $

      294,008
      Total debt $22,534 $25,968 $39,792 $41,584 $37,319
      Stockholders' equity $84,577 $65,961 $52,813 $58,932 $58,867
      Shares outstanding  7,758  7,208  6,944  6,980  8,248

      (a)
      –  Fiscal 2002 includes after tax charges totaling $10.7 million pertaining to (i) non-cash stock option compensation ($6.3 million), (ii) the write-down of certain emerging technology/Internet investments and equipment ($2.6 million), and (iii) severance and office closing costs in connection with the decision to relocate the Company's corporate headquarters to Bentonville, Arkansas ($1.8 million) where Car-Mart is based.

      (b)
      –  Fiscal 2000 includes an after tax gain on the sale of securities of $7.0 million.

      Item 7.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONSManagement'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 appearing elsewhere in this annual report. OVERVIEW

      Overview

          America's Car-Mart, Inc., a Texas corporation formerly Crown Group, Inc. ("Corporate" or the(the "Company"), is a holding company that operatesthe largest publicly held automotive dealerships through its subsidiaries that focusretailer in the United States focused exclusively on the "Buy Here/Pay Here" segment of the used car market. References to the Company typically include the Company's consolidated subsidiaries. The Company's operations are principally conducted through its two operating subsidiaries, America's Car-Mart, Inc., an Arkansas corporation, ("Car-Mart of Arkansas") and Colonial Auto Finance, Inc. ("Colonial") subsidiaries.. Collectively, Car-Mart of Arkansas and Colonial are collectively referred to herein as "Car-Mart". As of April 30, 2002 theThe Company operated 55 stores located primarily in small citiessells older model used vehicles and rural locations throughout the South-Central United States. The Company provides financing for substantially all of its customers. Many of the Company's customers manyhave limited financial resources and would not qualify for conventional financing as a result of whom have limited credit histories or past credit problems. In addition, atAs of April 30, 2002,2004, the Company also owned (i) an 80% interestoperated 70 stores located primarily in Concorde Acceptance Corporation ("Concorde"), a prime and sub-prime mortgage lender, and (ii) a 50% interest in Precision IBC, Inc. ("Precision"), a firm specializing insmall cities throughout the sale and rental of intermediate bulk containers.South-Central United States.

          In October 2001, the Company made the decision to sell all of its operating subsidiaries except Car-Mart, and relocate its corporate headquarters to Bentonville, Arkansas where Car-Mart is based. Accordingly,As a result of this decision, all of the Company's other operating subsidiaries were sold and their operating results of Concorde and Precision, as well as the operating results of (i) Smart Choice Automotive Group, Inc. ("Smart Choice"), the Company's 70% owned subsidiary that was written-off in October 2001, and (ii) CG Incorporated, S.A. de C.V. ("Crown El Salvador") and Home Stay Lodges I, Ltd. ("Home Stay") that were sold in a prior fiscal year, arehave been included in discontinued operations. Discontinued operations (seeare described in Note R toP in the accompanying consolidated financial statements)statements.

          Car-Mart has been operating since 1981. Car-Mart has grown its revenues at a compound annual rate of 19% over the last eight years. Finance receivables tend to grow at about the same rate as revenues. Growth results from same store revenue growth and the addition of new stores. Revenue growth in fiscal 2004 (14%) was lower than the Company's historical average partially as a result of selling more lower-priced vehicles and a slower pace of opening new stores. The Company expects revenues to increase about 16-17% in fiscal 2005.

          The Company's primary focus is on collections. Each store handles its own collections with supervisory involvement of the corporate office. Over the last nine years Car-Mart's credit losses as a percentage of sales have ranged between approximately 17% and 21%. In May 2002Credit losses in fiscal 2004 were on the high end of the range (21.3%) partially as a result of selling more lower-priced vehicles. Lower-priced vehicles tend to have more mechanical difficulties that result in a higher level of repossessions. Late in fiscal 2004 the Company sold its 50% interestsubstantially reduced the sale of lower-priced vehicles. The Company expects credit losses, as a percentage of sales, to decrease in Precision for $3.8 millionfiscal 2005 as compared to fiscal 2004.

          The Company's gross margins as a percentage of sales have been fairly consistent from year to year. Over the last nine years Car-Mart's gross margins as a percentage of sales have ranged between approximately 43% and 48%. Gross margins as a percentage of sales in cash, and in July 2002fiscal 2004 were on the Company sold its 80% interest in Concorde for $3.0 million in cash. In addition, at closing Concorde repaid all of its $2.1 million in outstanding borrowings from the Company. 10 RESULTS OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS Operating results are presented for the continuing operationshigh end of the Company by business segment forrange (47.7%) partially as a result of selling more lower-priced vehicles. The Company's gross margins are set based upon the years ended April 30, 2002, 2001 and 2000. The segments include Car-Mart and Corporate operations. A summarycost of the vehicle purchased with lower-priced vehicles having higher gross margin percentages. As a result of the Company's decision late in fiscal 2004 to substantially reduce the sale of lower-priced vehicles, the Company expects gross margins, as a percentage of sales, to decrease in fiscal 2005 as compared to fiscal 2004.

          Hiring, training, and retaining qualified associates are a continuing operations by business segmentfocus for the years ended April 30, 2002, 2001Company. The rate at which the Company adds new stores is oftentimes limited by the number of trained managers the Company has at its disposal. In fiscal 2005, the Company intends to add resources to increase its ability to train new store managers and 2000 is as follows: CONSOLIDATED (IN THOUSANDS)
      Revenues Pretax Income (Loss) ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ Years Ended April 30, Years Ended April 30, 2002 2001 2000 2002 2001 2000 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Car-Mart $ 127,417 $ 105,706 $ 89,382 $ 19,336 $ 16,375 $ 13,562 Corporate 838 1,524 2,290 (17,134) (3,484) 7,773 Eliminations (331) (476) (702) -- -- -- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Consolidated $ 127,924 $ 106,754 $ 90,970 $ 2,202 $ 12,891 $ 21,335 ========== ========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
      2002 VS. 2001corporate office management personnel.




      Consolidated Operations
      (Operating Statement Dollars in Thousands)

       
        
        
        
       % Change
        
        
        
       
       
       Years Ended April 30,
       As a % of Sales
       
       
       2004
      vs.
      2003

       2003
      vs.
      2002

       
       
       2004
       2003
       2002
       2004
       2003
       2002
       
      Operating Statement:                    
      Revenues:                    
       Sales $163,589 $145,014 $118,642 12.8%22.2%100.0%100.0%100.0%
       Interest income  12,595  9,871  9,282 27.6 6.3 7.7 6.8 7.8 
        
       
       
           
       
       
       
         Total  176,184  154,885  127,924 13.8 21.1 107.7 106.8 107.8 
        
       
       
           
       
       
       
      Costs and expenses:                    
       Cost of sales  85,510  77,073  62,965 10.9 22.4 52.3 53.1 53.1 
       Selling, gen and admin  29,671  27,417  22,326 8.2 22.8 18.1 18.9 18.8 
       Provision for credit losses  34,767  26,897  23,136 29.3 16.3 21.3 18.5 19.5 
       Interest expense  1,114  1,686  3,022 (33.9)(44.2).7 1.2 2.5 
       Depreciation and amort  321  299  284 7.4 5.3 .2 .2 .2 
       Stock option compensation        7,329         6.2 
       Restructuring charge        2,732         2.3 
       Write-down of invest/equip        3,928         3.3 
        
       
       
           
       
       
       
         Total  151,383  133,372  125,722 13.5 NM 92.5 92.0 106.0 
        
       
       
           
       
       
       
         Pretax income $24,801 $21,513 $2,202 15.3 NM 15.2 14.8 1.9 
        
       
       
           
       
       
       

      NM—Not meaningful.

       
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
       
      Operating Data:                    
       Retail units sold  24,281  22,022  18,658 10.3%18.0%      
       Average stores in operation  67.0  61.2  52.5 9.5 16.6       
       Average units sold per store  362  360  355 .7 1.4       
       Average retail sales price $6,506 $6,386 $6,126 1.9 4.2       
       Same store revenue growth  9.8% 15.5% 14.1%          
       Receivables avg interest rate  10.3% 9.4% 10.4%          

      2004 Compared to 2003

          Revenues increased $21.2$21.3 million, or 19.8%13.8%, in fiscal 2002 versus2004 as compared to fiscal 20012003 principally as a result of (i) revenue growth from stores that operated a full 12twelve months in both periods ($12.512.3 million, or 14.1%9.8%), (ii) revenue growth from stores opened during fiscal 20012003 or stores that opened or closed a satellite location during fiscal 2004 or fiscal 2003 ($5.1 million), and (iii) revenues from stores opened during fiscal 2004 ($3.9 million).

          Same store revenue growth slowed to 9.8% in fiscal 2004 from 15.5% in fiscal 2003 principally as a result of a smaller increase in the average retail sales price in fiscal 2004 (1.9%) as compared to fiscal 2003 (4.2%), and more conservative underwriting practices beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004. The slowing of growth in the average retail sales price stems from a decision at the beginning of fiscal 2004 to sell a higher percentage of lower-priced vehicles. Although lower-priced vehicles have higher gross margin percentages, and are more affordable than higher-priced vehicles, selling lower-priced vehicles has a negative impact on revenue growth, and, as discussed below, loans on lower-priced vehicles have higher charge-off experience than loans on higher-priced vehicles. As a result of the negative impact on revenue growth and the higher charge-off experience, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004 the Company decided to substantially reduce its purchase and sale of lower-priced vehicles and began purchasing and selling slightly higher-priced vehicles.

          Revenue growth slowed to 13.8% in fiscal 2004 as compared to 21.1% in fiscal 2003 principally as a result of (i) the lower same store revenue growth discussed above, (ii) fewer new lot openings in fiscal 2004 (seven new lots opened, one satellite lot closed) as compared to



      fiscal 2003 (nine new lots opened), and (iii) the timing of new lot openings in fiscal 2004 as compared to fiscal 2003 (lot openings in fiscal 2004 occurred later in the year as compared to fiscal 2003). Presently, the Company plans to open eight new stores in fiscal 2005.

          Cost of sales as a percentage of sales decreased to 52.3% in fiscal 2004 as compared to 53.1% in fiscal 2003. The decrease was principally the result of (i) selling a higher percentage of lower-priced vehicles during the first nine months of fiscal 2004 (lower-priced vehicles have higher gross margin percentages than higher-priced vehicles), (ii) the Company's decision in late December 2003 to raise prices by about $200, or 3%, on most of the vehicles it sells, and (iii) encouraging store managers to more closely adhere to the Company's pricing matrix and not to use their discretionary authority to discount the sales price of vehicles.

          Selling, general and administrative expense as a percentage of sales decreased to 18.1% in fiscal 2004 as compared to 18.9% in fiscal 2003. The decrease was principally the result of (i) lower compensation expense at its Irving, Texas office in connection with the relocation of the Company's principal headquarters from Irving, Texas to Bentonville, Arkansas during fiscal 2003, and (ii) lower compensation expense in connection with a change in the senior management bonus program, partially offset by higher insurance and advertising costs.

          Provision for credit losses as a percentage of sales increased to 21.3% in fiscal 2004 as compared to 18.5% in fiscal 2003. The increase was primarily the result of higher charge-offs as a percentage of sales and an increase of the Company's allowance for credit losses as a percentage of finance receivable principal balances. As discussed above, the Company believes the increase in charge-offs was partially attributable to a decision at the beginning of fiscal 2004 to sell a higher percentage of lower-priced vehicles. Lower-priced vehicles have higher margins on a percentage basis and are more affordable to the Company's customers. However, historical data indicates that loans on lower-priced vehicles have higher charge-off experience than loans on higher-priced vehicles. As a result of the negative impact on revenue growth (as discussed above) and higher than normal charge-off experience, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company decided to substantially reduce its purchase and sale of lower-priced vehicles and began purchasing and selling slightly higher-priced vehicles.

          In February 2004 the Company formally adopted additional delinquency standards for its larger stores. The additional delinquency standards prescribe the percentage of accounts at larger stores that can be 21-30 days past due, 31-60 days past due and over 60 days past due. Previously, the Company only had delinquency standards for accounts one and two weeks past due and three or more weeks past due. As a result of the tightening of its delinquency standards, at April 30, 2004 the percentage of accounts over 30 days past due had been reduced to 3.0%, from 3.9% at April 30, 2003. The Company believes that in the long run the adoption of the additional delinquency standards will assist the Company in reducing charge-offs, as well as maintaining the percentage of accounts over 30 days past due at historically lower levels. With the additional delinquency standards, store managers and collection personnel are motivated (monthly store team bonuses are tied to meeting delinquency and repossession standards) to address severely past due accounts on a more timely basis, which management believes will result in more accounts being "saved", rather than charged-off.

          As a result of the higher charge-offs discussed above, the Company determined it was necessary to increase its overall allowance for credit losses. During fiscal 2004, the Company increased its allowance for credit losses by 120 basis points, from 18.25% of finance receivable principal balances at April 30, 2003, to 19.45% of finance receivable principal balances at April 30, 2004.

          Interest expense as a percentage of sales decreased to .7% in fiscal 2004 as compared to 1.2% in fiscal 2003. The decrease was principally the result of (i) a decrease in the rate charged on the Company's revolving credit facility (the rate was reduced by 50 basis points in November 2003), and (ii) a lower level of borrowings relative to the sales volume of the Company.

      2003 Compared to 2002

          Revenues increased $27.0 million, or 21.1%, in fiscal 2003 as compared to fiscal 2002 principally as a result of (i) revenue growth from stores that operated a full twelve months in both periods ($15.8 million, or 15.5%), (ii) revenue growth from stores opened during fiscal 2002 or stores that added a satellite location during fiscal 20022003 or fiscal 20012002 ($5.06.8 million), and (iii) revenues from stores opened during fiscal 20022003 ($4.14.8 million). Pretax, partially offset by a decrease in other interest income decreased by $10.7 million, or 82.9%, principally($.4 million).

          Interest income as a percentage of sales decreased 1.0% to 6.8% in fiscal 2003 from 7.8% in fiscal 2002. The decrease was principally the result of a decrease in the maximum interest rate that can be charged on Arkansas originated loans. Interest charged on Arkansas originated loans is limited to the federal primary credit rate plus 5.0%. As of April 30, 2003, approximately 69% of the Company's finance receivables were originated in Arkansas.

          Cost of sales as a percentage of sales was 53.1% in both fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2002.



          Selling, general and administrative expense as a percentage of sales increased to 18.9% in fiscal 2003 as compared to 18.8% in fiscal 2002. The increase was principally the result of (i) changing the staffing policy at the store level in the middle of fiscal 2002 including (i) a $7.3 million non-cash stock optionsuch that more personnel are employed at the same number of active customer accounts (store staffing levels are based compensation charge, a $2.7 million restructuring chargeupon the number of active customer accounts), (ii) creating several new positions at the corporate office in the middle of fiscal 2002 to assist in managing the Company's growing business, and a $3.9 million write-down of investments and equipment at Corporate, with no comparable charge or write-down in fiscal 2001,(iii) higher insurance costs, partially offset by a reduction in compensation and office expenses at its Irving, Texas office in connection with the relocation of the Company's principal headquarters from Irving, Texas to Bentonville, Arkansas during fiscal 2003.

          Provision for credit losses as a percentage of sales decreased to 18.5% in fiscal 2003 as compared to 19.5% in fiscal 2002. The decrease was principally the result of (i) increased staffing at the store and corporate office levels, and (ii) higher pretax earnings at Car-Mart ($3.0 million).improvements in the Company's underwriting and collection practices.

          Interest expense as a percentage of sales decreased to 1.2% in fiscal 2003 as compared to 2.5% in fiscal 2002. The decrease was principally the result of (i) a decrease in the prime interest rate (interest charged on the Company's revolving credit facility fluctuates with the prime interest rate), and (ii) a lower level of borrowings relative to the sales volume of the Company.

          During fiscal 2002 the Company recorded a $7.3 million non-cash charge related to stock option based compensation. The charge pertains to the Company's 1997 stock option plan which contained a "cashless" exercise feature. Due to such cashless exercise feature, options granted under the plan were characterized as "variable" options under generally accepted accounting principles asprinciples. Under variable options. This resulted in compensation charges to reflectoption accounting, changes in the market value of the Company's common stock.stock generally result in charges or credits to stock-based compensation with an offsetting entry to additional paid-in capital. In order to avoid future stock option based compensation charges or credits, effective May 1, 2002 the Company rescinded the cashless exercise provision of its 1997 Plan.

          Also during fiscal 2002, the Company recorded a $2.7 million restructuring charge (severance and office closing costs) in connection with the decision to relocate its corporate headquarters from Irving, Texas to Bentonville, Arkansas andArkansas. Further, during fiscal 2002, the Company wrote-down the carrying value of two emerging technology/Internet investments and certain equipment by $3.9 million that were deemed to be impaired. 2001 VS. 2000 Revenues increased $15.8 million, or 17.4%, in fiscal 2001 versus fiscal 2000 principally asThe emerging technology/Internet investments were made a result of (i) revenue growth from stores that operated a full 12 months in both periods ($7.5 million, or 12.7%), (ii) revenue growth from stores opened during fiscal 2000 or stores that added a satellite location during fiscal 2001 or fiscal 2000 ($5.1 million), and (iii) revenues from stores opened during fiscal 2001 ($3.7 million). Pretax income decreased by $8.4 million, or 39.6%, principally as a result of (i) fiscal 2000 including a $10.7 million gain on the sale of Casino Magic Neuquen with no similar gain in fiscal 2001, partially offset by (ii) higher pretax earnings at Car-Mart ($2.8 million). 11 CAR-MART (INCOME STATEMENT DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
      % Change ---------------------- 2002 2001 As a % of Sales Years Ended April 30, vs vs ---------------------------------- 2002 2001 2000 2001 2000 2002 2001 2000 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Revenues: Sales $118,642 $ 97,848 $ 82,916 21.3% 18.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Interest income 8,775 7,858 6,466 11.7 21.5 7.4 8.0 7.8 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total 127,417 105,706 89,382 20.5 18.3 107.4 108.0 107.8 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Costs and expenses: Cost of sales 62,965 53,412 45,383 17.9 17.7 53.1 54.6 54.7 Selling, gen and admin 19,354 14,950 12,960 29.5 15.4 16.3 15.3 15.6 Provision for credit loss 23,036 17,215 14,104 33.8 22.1 19.4 17.6 17.0 Interest expense 2,564 3,613 3,239 (29.1) 11.5 2.2 3.7 3.9 Depreciation and amort 162 141 134 14.9 5.2 .1 .1 .2 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total 108,081 89,331 75,820 21.0 17.8 91.1 91.3 91.4 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Pretax income $ 19,336 $ 16,375 $ 13,562 18.1 20.7 16.3 16.7 16.4 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== Operating Data: Retail units sold 18,658 15,659 13,852 19.2% 13.0% Average stores in operation 52.5 44.6 37.9 17.7% 17.6% Average units sold per store 355 351 365 1.2% (3.9)% Average retail sales price $ 5,898 $ 5,855 $ 5,599 .7% 4.6% Same store revenue growth 14.1% 12.7% 15.4%
      2002 VS. 2001 Revenues increased $21.7 million, or 20.5%, in fiscal 2002 versus fiscal 2001 principally as a result of (i) revenue growth from stores that operated a full 12 months in both periods ($12.5 million, or 14.1%), (ii) revenue growth from stores opened during fiscal 2001 or stores that added a satellite location during fiscal 2002 or fiscal 2001 ($5.0 million), and (iii) revenues from stores opened during fiscal 2002 ($4.1 million). Cost of sales as a percentage of sales decreased 1.5%few years prior to 53.1% in fiscal 2002 from 54.6% in fiscal 2001. The decrease was principally the result of the Company's decision in October 2001 to raise vehicle prices, thereby improving gross margins. The Company made the decision to raise prices after making significant improvements in the price it pays when purchasing vehicles. During fiscal 2002 the Company created and filled two Regional Purchasing Director positions. These individuals used the Company's purchasing database to standardize the price paid for similar vehicles, and have been actively involved with each buyer to improve their vehicle purchases. Selling, general and administrative expense as a percentage of sales increased 1.0% to 16.3% in fiscal 2002 from 15.3% in fiscal 2001. The increase was principally the result of (i) creating several new positions at the general office level to assist in managing the Company's business, and (ii) higher personnel costs at the store level. Provision for credit loss as a percentage of sales increased 1.8%, to 19.4% in fiscal 2002 from 17.6% in fiscal 2001. The Company believes the increase was principally the result of (i) a general slowdown in the economy during fiscal 2002 as compared to fiscal 2001, and (ii) a failure to timely add sufficient staff to enable the general office to adequately address the more difficult collection environment during the first nine months of fiscal 2002. In response to the need for additional general office staff, in mid-fiscal 2002 six new positions were created and filled at the general office (Regional Accounts Directors, Regional Purchasing Directors and Regional Compliance Directors) to assist in managing the Company's growing business. Interest expense as a percentage of sales decreased 1.5%, to 2.2% in fiscal 2002 from 3.7% in fiscal 2001. The decrease was principally the result of (i) a decrease in the prime interest rate (ie. interest chargedfocus exclusively on the Company's revolving credit facility fluctuates with the prime interest rate),business of Car-Mart.

      Liquidity and (ii) a lower level of borrowings relative to the sales volume of the Company. 2001 VS. 2000 Revenues increased $16.3 million, or 18.3%, in fiscal 2001 versus fiscal 2000 principally as a result of (i) revenue growth from stores that operated a full 12 months in both periods ($7.5 million, or 12.7%), (ii) revenue growth from stores opened during fiscal 12 2001 or stores that added a satellite location during fiscal 2001 or fiscal 2000 ($5.1 million), and (iii) revenues from stores opened during fiscal 2001 ($3.7 million). Cost of sales as a percentage of sales was virtually unchanged between fiscal 2001 (54.6%) and fiscal 2000 (54.7%). Selling, general and administrative expense as a percentage of sales decreased .3% to 15.3% in fiscal 2001 from 15.6% in fiscal 2000. The decrease was principally the result of (i) lower personnel costs as a percentage of sales in fiscal 2001 as compared to fiscal 2000, as sales growth at mature stores outpaced growth in payroll costs at those stores, and (ii) lower rent as a percentage of sales in fiscal 2001 as compared to fiscal 2000, as sales at existing stores grew while rent at those stores is fixed. Provision for credit loss as a percentage of sales increased .6%, to 17.6% in fiscal 2001 from 17.0% in fiscal 2000. The Company cannot identify with certainty any specific reason for the increase. The increase may have been caused by a slightly more difficult economic environment, or a slight shift in emphasis by store managers towards sales growth and away from credit quality and collections. Interest expense as a percentage of sales decreased .2%, to 3.7% in fiscal 2001 from 3.9% in fiscal 2000. The decrease was principally the result of (i) a decrease in the prime interest rate (ie. interest charged on the Company's revolving credit facility fluctuates with the prime interest rate), and (ii) a lower level of borrowings relative to the sales volume of the Company. CORPORATE (IN THOUSANDS)
      Years Ended April 30, 2002 2001 2000 ---------- ---------- ---------- Revenues: Interest income $ 838 $ 1,524 $ 2,290 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total 838 1,524 2,290 ---------- ---------- ---------- Costs and expenses: Selling, general and admin 2,972 3,784 4,678 Provision for credit loss 100 Interest expense 789 878 788 Depreciation and amort 122 346 296 Stock option compensation 7,329 Restructuring charge 2,732 Write-down of investment/equip 3,928 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total 17,972 5,008 5,762 ---------- ---------- ---------- Other income: Equity in unconsol. subsidiaries 507 Gain on sale of CMN 10,738 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total 11,245 ---------- ---------- ---------- Pretax income (loss) $ (17,134) $ (3,484) $ 7,773 ========== ========== ==========
      2002 VS. 2001 Interest income decreased $.7 million to $.8 million in fiscal 2002 versus $1.5 million in fiscal 2001. The decrease was principally due to a lower level of notes receivable outstanding during fiscal 2002 as compared to fiscal 2001. Selling, general and administrative expense decreased $.8 million to $3.0 million in fiscal 2002 from $3.8 million in fiscal 2001, a decrease of 21.5%. The decrease was principally the result of lower compensation expense resulting from reductions in corporate office bonuses and the size of the corporate office staff. The staff was reduced in anticipation of the planned relocation of the Company's corporate headquarters from Irving, Texas to Bentonville, Arkansas where Car-Mart is based. The Company's corporate headquarter relocation was completed in July 2002. During fiscal 2002 the Company recorded a $7.3 million non-cash charge related to stock option based compensation. The charge pertains to the Company's 1997 stock option plan which contained a "cashless" exercise feature. Due to such cashless feature, options granted under the plan were characterized under generally accepted accounting principles as variable options. This resulted in compensation charges to reflect changes in the market value of the Company's common stock. In order to avoid future stock option based compensation charges or credits, effective May 1, 2002 the Company rescinded the cashless exercise provision of its 1997 Plan. Also during fiscal 2002, the Company recorded a $2.7 million restructuring charge (severance and office closing costs) in connection with the decision to relocate its corporate headquarters to Bentonville, Arkansas and wrote-down the carrying value of two emerging technology/Internet investments and certain equipment by $3.9 million that were deemed to be impaired. 13 2001 VS. 2000 Interest income decreased $.8 million to $1.5 million in fiscal 2001 versus $2.3 million in fiscal 2000. The decrease was principally due to a lower level of notes receivable outstanding during fiscal 2001 as compared to fiscal 2000. Selling, general and administrative expense decreased $.9 million to $3.8 million in fiscal 2001 from $4.7 million in fiscal 2000, a decrease of 19.1%. The decrease was principally the result of lower compensation expense resulting from lower earnings of the Company. The Company's executive bonus plan was tied directly to the profitability of the Company, which decreased during fiscal 2001. The decrease in earnings was principally the result of fiscal 2000 including (i) a $10.7 million gain on the sale of Casino Magic Neuquen ("CMN") with no similar gain in fiscal 2001, and (ii) equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries being eliminated in connection with the sale of CMN in fiscal 2000. RESULTS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS Operating results are presented below for the discontinued operations of the Company for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2002, 2001 and 2000. These discontinued operations include the following subsidiaries for the periods indicated.
      Number of Months Included Month Month in Discontinued Operations for Company Company the Years Ended April 30, Acquired Sold or ------------------------------------------- Subsidiary or Formed Disposed 2002 2001 2000 ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Smart Choice 12-99 10-01 6 12 5 Paaco(1) 2-98 10-01 6 12 12 Precision 2-98 5-02 12 12 12 Concorde 6-97 7-02 12 12 12 Crown El Salvador 2-99 4-01 -- 12 12 Home Stay 5-98 12-99 -- -- 7
      (1) In connection with the Company's purchase of a 70% interest in Smart Choice in December 1999, the Company contributed Paaco into Smart Choice and at that point Paaco became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Smart Choice. References to Smart Choice typically include Paaco.
      Years Ended April 30, 2002 2001 2000 ---------- ---------- ---------- Revenues $ 104,069 $ 236,837 $ 147,996 Operating expenses 107,474 238,881 143,834 Write-down of Smart Choice assets 39,294 Loss in excess of the Company's basis (19,349) ---------- ---------- ---------- Pretax income (loss) $ (23,350) $ (2,044) $ 4,162 ========== ========== ==========
      2002 VS. 2001 Revenues decreased $132.8 million, or 56.1%, in fiscal 2002 compared with fiscal 2001 principally as a result of only including six months of Smart Choice and Paaco operating results in fiscal 2002 compared to twelve months in fiscal 2001. Effective October 31, 2001 the Company's investment in Smart Choice/Paaco was reduced to zero and thereafter the Company ceased to include Smart Choice/Paaco's operating results in its discontinued operations. Pretax loss for the Company's discontinued operations was $23.4 million for fiscal 2002 compared with a $2.0 million pretax loss for fiscal 2001. The $21.4 million increase in loss was principally the result of a $39.3 million write-down of Smart Choice assets, partially offset by a $19.3 million credit which represents losses at Smart Choice in excess of the Company's basis in its Smart Choice/Paaco investment. Once the Company's investment in Smart Choice was reduced to zero, no additional losses were recorded by the Company to reflect losses at Smart Choice. The $39.3 million write-down pertains to certain Smart Choice assets (finance receivables, property and equipment, deferred tax assets and goodwill) that were deemed to be impaired in connection with the foreclosure by Finova (Smart Choice's senior lender) of certain Florida Finance Group (Smart Choice's principal Florida-based operating subsidiary) assets and the winding-down of the Florida Finance Group's operations (see Note R to the accompanying consolidated financial statements). In addition, the Florida Finance Group's provision for credit loss and selling, general and administrative expenses did not decrease proportionately with its decrease in revenues. 14 2001 VS. 2000 Revenues increased $88.8 million, or 60.0%, in fiscal 2001 compared with fiscal 2000 principally as a result of (i) including Smart Choice in the Company's operations for twelve months in fiscal 2001 versus only five months during fiscal 2000 ($61.0 million), and (ii) growth in Paaco's revenues ($28.3) stemming largely from the opening of additional stores. Pretax loss for the Company's discontinued operations was $2.0 million for fiscal 2001 compared with $4.2 million pretax income for fiscal 2000, a decrease of $6.2 million. The decrease was principally the result of lower pretax earnings at Smart Choice ($8.4 million), partially offset by an increase in pretax earnings at Paaco ($2.8 million). Smart Choice's $8.4 million decrease was principally the result of (i) the provision for credit loss increasing to 37.8% of sales in fiscal 2001 from 31.0% in fiscal 2000 ($5.3 million), (ii) cost of sales increasing to 59.5% of sales in fiscal 2001 from 57.5% in fiscal 2000 ($1.5 million), and (iii) a decrease in the average interest rate charged on Smart Choice finance receivables. Paaco's $2.8 million increase in pretax earnings was principally the result of (i) increased revenues and (ii) a lower provision for credit loss as a percentage of sales (13.4% in fiscal 2001 versus 15.9% in fiscal 2000), which is believed to be attributable to (a) selling a higher quality vehicle, and (b) providing a greater level of service. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCESCapital Resources

          The following table sets forth certain historical information with respect to the Company's statements of cash flows (in thousands):
      Years Ended April 30, 2002 2001 2000 ---------- ---------- ---------- Operating activities: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ (1,136) $ 7,362 $ 13,277 Net finance receivables growth (13,110) (11,369) (9,433) Stock option based compensation 7,329 Gain on sale of CMN (10,738) Other 7,658 (3,050) (2,299) ---------- ---------- ---------- Total 741 (7,057) (9,193) ---------- ---------- ---------- Investing activities: Purchase of property and equipment (1,346) (688) (460) Note collections from discontinued subsidiaries 1,427 3,223 Other (1,610) 1,289 7,688 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total (1,529) 3,824 7,228 ---------- ---------- ---------- Financing activities: Proceeds from revolving credit facility, net 2,524 2,265 2,326 Purchase of common stock (1,013) (5,125) (5,844) Other (211) 61 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total 1,300 (2,799) (3,518) ---------- ---------- ---------- Cash provided by (used in) continuing operations $ 512 $ (6,032) $ (5,483) ========== ========== ==========

       
       Years Ended April 30,

       
       
       2004
       2003
       2002
       
      Operating activities:          
       Income (loss) from continuing operations $15,639 $13,569 $(1,136)
       Finance receivables, net  (12,325) (16,279) (13,110)
       Stock option based compensation        7,329 
       Other  676  10,573  7,658 
        
       
       
       
        Total  3,990  7,863  741 
        
       
       
       
      Investing activities:          
       Purchase of property and equipment and other  (1,399) (2,168) (1,394)
       Note collections from discontinued operations     2,079  1,427 
       Sale of discontinued operations     6,795    
       Purchase of minority interest        (1,562)
        
       
       
       
        Total  (1,399) 6,706  (1,529)
        
       
       
       
      Financing activities:          
       Revolving credit facility, net  (3,434) (6,323) 2,524 
       Repayment of other debt     (7,500) (325)
       Purchase of common stock  (1,646) (2,689) (1,013)
       Exercise of stock options and warrants  2,584  1,497  114 
        
       
       
       
        Total  (2,496) (15,015) 1,300 
        
       
       
       
        
      Cash provided by (used in) continuing operations

       

      $

      95

       

      $

      (446

      )

      $

      512

       
        
       
       
       

          The Company generates cash flow from income from continuing operations. Most or all of this cash is used to fund finance receivables growth. To the extent finance receivables growth exceeds income from continuing operations, generally the Company increases its borrowings under its revolving credit facility. For the most part, the Company's growth is self-funded.

          At April 30, 20022004 the Company had (i) $1.2$1.1 million of cash on hand and had an additional $4.7$17.0 million of availability onunder its $37.0$39.5 million revolving credit facility, (ii) a $7.6 million federal income tax refund receivable stemming principally from the Company's loss on Smart Choice, and (iii) $1.5 million of other receivables. In May 2002 the Company sold its 50% interest in Precision for $3.8 million in cash and in July 2002 the Company sold its 80% interest in Concorde for $3.0 million in cash. In addition, at closing, Concorde repaid all of its $2.1 million in outstanding borrowings from the Company. The majority of this cash was used to reduce debt.facility.

          On a short-term basis, the Company's principal sources of liquidity include (i) income from continuing operations (ii)and borrowings from its revolving credit facility, (iii) the sale of discontinued subsidiaries, (iv) a federal income tax refund receivable, and (v) other receivables.facility. On a longer-term basis, the Company expects its principal sources of liquidity to include (i)consist of income from continuing operations and (ii) borrowings from a revolving credit facility. Further, while the Company has no present plans to issue debt or equity securities, the Company believes, if necessary, it could raise additional capital through the issuance of such securities.

          The Company expects to use cash to (i) grow its finance receivables portfolio in direct proportion withby approximately the expected growth insame percentage that its sales levels,grow, (ii) purchase property and equipment of approximately $2 million in the next twelve months in connection with opening new stores and refurbishing existing stores, and (iii) to the extent excess cash is available, (iii) reduce debt. Over the last three fiscal yearsIn addition, from time to time the Company used approximately $12 million inmay use cash to purchaserepurchase its common stock. Going forward, the Company does not expect to purchase its common stock at this level. 15 The Company expects to fund substantially all of its growth from income generated from operations. Further, the Company expects its financial leverage ratio to decline for the next several years, as net income builds equity and debt either decreases or remains relatively constant.

          The Company's revolving credit facility matures in December 2003.April 2006. The Company expects that it will be able to renew or refinance its revolving credit facility on or before the scheduled maturity date. The Company believes it will have adequate liquidity to satisfy its capital needs for the foreseeable future. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

      Contractual Payment Obligations

          The following is a summary of the Company's contractual obligations as of April 30, 2004 (in thousands):

       
       Payments Due by Period
      Contractual Obligations

       Total
       Less Than 1 Year
       1-3 Years
       3-5 Years
       More Than 5 Years
      Debt $22,534 $- $22,534 $- $-
      Operating leases  2,310  1,407  768  135  -
        
       
       
       
       
       Total $24,844 $1,407 $23,302 $135 $-
        
       
       
       
       

      Impact of Inflation

          Inflation has not historically been a significant factor impacting the Company's results.

      Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

          The Company has entered into operating leases for approximately 80% of its store and office facilities. Generally these leases are for periods of three to five years and usually contain multiple renewal options. The Company expects to continue to lease the majority of its store and office facilities under arrangements substantially consistent with the past. Other than its operating leases, the Company is not party to any off-balance sheet arrangements that management believes is reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on the Company's financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.

      Critical Accounting Policies

          The preparation of financial statements in conformity with 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 reportedreporting period. Actual results could differ from the Company's estimates. The Company believes the most significant estimate made in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements relates to the determination of its allowance for credit losses. Belowlosses, which is a discussion of thediscussed below. The Company's accounting policy concerning such allowance. Other accounting policies are discloseddiscussed in Note B in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.



          The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses at a level it considers sufficient to cover anticipated losses in the collection of its finance receivables. The allowance for credit losses is determined based primarily upon a review of (i) historical andcredit loss experience, with consideration given to recent credit lossesloss trends and (ii)changes in loan characteristics (i.e., average amount financed and term), delinquency levels, collateral values, economic conditions, underwriting and collection practices, and management's expectations of future credit losses. Judgment is necessary to determine the finance receivable portfolio,proper weight to place on certain quantitative and takes into consideration (iii)non-quantitative information such as changes in underwriting and collection practices, economic conditions and trends, and collateral values. The allowance forcredit loss trends. Further, there is no certainty that future credit losses is periodically reviewed by management with any changes reflected in current operations. Itwill resemble historical credit losses. Consequently, it is at least reasonably possible that actual credit losses maycould be materially different from the recorded allowance for credit losses. SEASONALITYlosses if future conditions are materially different from the future conditions assumed by the Company, or if management improperly weights current credit loss information.

      Seasonality

          The Company's automobile sales and finance business is seasonal in nature. In such business, theThe Company's third fiscal quarter (November through January) is historically the slowest period for car and truck sales. Many of the Company's operating expenses such as administrative personnel, rent and insurance are fixed and cannot be reduced during periods of decreased sales. Conversely, the Company's fourth fiscal quarter (February through April) is historically the busiest time for car and truck sales as many of the Company's customers use income tax refunds as a down payment on the purchase of a vehicle. ITEMFurther, the Company experiences seasonal fluctuations in its finance receivable credit losses. As a percentage of sales, the Company's first and fourth fiscal quarters tend to have lower credit losses (averaging 17.8% over the last eight years), while its second and third fiscal quarters tend to have higher credit losses (averaging 19.7% over the last eight years).

      Item 7A.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKQuantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

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

          The Company's financial instruments consist of fixed rate finance receivables and fixed and variable rate notes payable. The Company's finance receivables generally bear interest at fixed rates ranging from 6% to 19%. These finance receivables generally have remaining maturities from one to 3036 months. A majority of theThe Company's borrowings contain variable interest rates that fluctuate with market interest rates (ie.(i.e., the rate charged on the Company's revolving credit facility)facility fluctuates with the prime interest rate of its lender). However, interest rates charged on finance receivables originated in the State of Arkansas are limited to the federal discountprimary credit rate (1.25%(2.0% at April 30, 2002)2004) plus 5.0%. Typically, the Company charges interest on its Arkansas loans at or near the maximum rate allowed by law. Thus, while the interest rates charged on the Company's loans do not fluctuate once established, new loans originated in Arkansas are set at a spread above the federal discountprimary credit rate which fluctuates.does fluctuate. At April 30, 20022004, approximately 72%66% of the Company's finance receivables were originated in Arkansas. Assuming that this percentage is held constant for future loan originations, the long-term effect of decreases in the federal discountprimary credit rate couldwould generally have a negative effect on the profitability of the Company. This is the case because the amount of interest income lost on Arkansas originated loans would likely exceed the amount of interest expense saved on the Company's variable rate borrowings.borrowings (assuming the prime interest rate of its lender decreases by the same percentage as the decrease in the federal primary credit rate). The initial impact on profitability resulting from a decrease in the federal discountprimary credit rate isand the rate charged on its variable interest rate borrowings would be positive, as the immediate interest expense savings outweighswould outweigh the loss of interest income on new loan originations. However, as the amount of new loans originated at the lower interest rate exceedsincreases to an amount in excess of the amount of variable interest rate borrowings, the effect on profitability becomeswould become negative. 16

          The table below illustrates the estimated impact whichthat hypothetical changes in the federal discountprimary credit rate couldwould have on the Company's continuing pretax earnings. The calculations assume (i) the increase or decrease in the federal discountprimary credit rate remains in effect for two years, (ii) the increase or decrease in the federal discountprimary credit rate results in a like increase or decrease in the rate charged on the Company's variable rate borrowings, (iii) the principal amount of finance receivables ($92.1128.7 million) and variable interest rate borrowings ($32.3



      ($22.5 million), and the percentage of Arkansas originated finance receivables (72%(66%), remain constant during the periods, and (iv) the Company's historical collection and charge-off experience continues throughout the periods.
      Year 1 Year 2 Increase Increase Increase (Decrease) (Decrease) (Decrease) in Interest Rates in Pretax Earnings in Pretax Earnings ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ (in thousands) (in thousands) +2% $ 23 $ 616 +1% 12 308 -1% (12) (308) -2% (23) (616)
      ITEM

      Increase (Decrease)
      in Interest Rates

       Year 1
      Increase (Decrease)
      in Pretax Earnings

       Year 2
      Increase (Decrease)
      in Pretax Earnings

       
       
       (in thousands)

       (in thousands)

       
      +2%$407 $1,165 
      +1% 203  583 
      -1% (203) (583)
      -2% (407) (1,165)

          A similar calculation and table was prepared at April 30, 2003. The calculation and table were materially consistent with the information provided above.

      Item 8.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATAFinancial Statements and Supplementary Data

          The following financial statements and accountant's report are included in Item 8 of this report:

            Report of Independent CertifiedRegistered Public AccountantsAccounting Firm

            Consolidated Balance Sheets as of April 30, 20022004 and 20012003

            Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2002, 20012004, 2003 and 20002002

            Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2002, 20012004, 2003 and 20002002

            Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2002, 20012004, 2003 and 20002002

            Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 17 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


      Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

      Stockholders and Board of Directors
      America's Car-Mart, Inc.

          We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of America's Car-Mart, Inc., as of April 30, 20022004 and 2001,2003, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 30, 2002.2004. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

          We conducted our audits in accordance with auditingthe standards generally accepted inof the United States of America.Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

          In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of America's Car-Mart, Inc. as of April 30, 20022004 and 2001,2003, and the consolidated results of its operations and its consolidated cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 30, 20022004, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

      Grant Thornton LLP

      Dallas, Texas
      June 21, 2002, except the third paragraph of Note A as to which the date is July 17, 2002. 18 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AMERICA'S CAR-MART, INC. 8, 2004


      April 30, 2002 April 30, 2001 -------------- -------------- Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,229,920 $ 718,134 Income tax receivable 7,627,362 Notes and other receivables, net 1,457,013 4,441,391 Finance receivables, net 75,079,603 61,969,879 Inventory 3,540,538 3,013,293 Prepaid and other assets 251,729 359,395 Investments 252,456 3,473,761 Deferred tax assets, net 119,052 5,401,487 Property and equipment, net 2,626,711 4,233,443 Assets of subsidiaries held for sale 35,957,978 218,909,333 -------------- -------------- $ 128,142,362 $ 302,520,116 ============== ============== Liabilities and stockholders' equity: Accounts payable $ 1,984,918 $ 1,942,261 Accrued liabilities 6,282,639 3,565,981 Income taxes payable 4,987,609 Revolving credit facilities 32,291,957 29,767,688 Other notes payable 7,500,000 11,816,000 Liabilities of subsidiaries held for sale 27,269,661 190,655,389 -------------- -------------- Total liabilities 75,329,175 242,734,928 -------------- -------------- Minority interests 852,935 Commitments and contingencies Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, 1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding Common stock, par value $.01 per share, 50,000,000 shares authorized; 6,944,325 issued and outstanding (6,980,367 at April 30, 2001) 69,444 69,804 Additional paid-in capital 31,261,985 23,075,677 Retained earnings 21,481,758 35,786,772 -------------- -------------- Total stockholders' equity 52,813,187 58,932,253 -------------- -------------- $ 128,142,362 $ 302,520,116 ============== ==============
      Consolidated Balance SheetsAmerica's Car-Mart, Inc.
       
       April 30, 2004
       April 30, 2003
      Assets:      
       Cash and cash equivalents $1,128,349 $783,786
       Income tax receivable     161,816
       Other receivables  509,752  647,872
       Finance receivables, net  103,683,660  91,358,935
       Inventory  5,975,292  4,056,027
       Prepaid expenses and other assets  387,641  353,014
       Property and equipment, net  5,556,757  4,479,132
        
       

       

       

      $

      117,241,451

       

      $

      101,840,582
        
       

      Liabilities and stockholders' equity:

       

       

       

       

       

       
       Accounts payable $2,122,927 $2,084,472
       Accrued liabilities  5,544,988  6,664,313
       Income taxes payable  845,044   
       Deferred tax liabilities, net  1,616,896  1,162,704
       Revolving credit facility  22,534,120  25,968,220
        
       
         Total liabilities  32,663,975  35,879,709
        
       
       
      Commitments and contingencies

       

       

       

       

       

       
       
      Stockholders' equity:

       

       

       

       

       

       
        Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, 1,000,000 shares authorized;
      none issued or outstanding
            
        Common stock, par value $.01 per share, 50,000,000 shares authorized;
      7,757,841 issued and outstanding (7,207,963 at April 30, 2003)
        77,578  72,080
        Additional paid-in capital  33,138,765  30,332,106
        Retained earnings  51,361,133  35,556,687
        
       
         Total stockholders' equity  84,577,476  65,960,873
        
       

       

       

      $

      117,241,451

       

      $

      101,840,582
        
       

      The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 19 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AMERICA'S CAR-MART, INC.


      Years Ended April 30, 2002 2001 2000 -------------- -------------- -------------- Revenues: Sales $ 118,641,750 $ 97,847,926 $ 82,916,479 Interest and other income 9,282,085 8,905,729 8,054,071 -------------- -------------- -------------- 127,923,835 106,753,655 90,970,550 -------------- -------------- -------------- Costs and expenses: Cost
      Consolidated Statements of sales 62,965,215 53,412,400 45,382,809 Selling, general and administrative 22,326,241 18,733,825 17,638,009 Provision for credit losses 23,135,926 17,214,750 14,104,163 Interest expense 3,022,156 4,014,781 3,325,027 Depreciation and amortization 283,641 486,648 430,291 Stock option based compensation 7,328,554 Restructuring charge 2,732,106 Write-down of investments and equipment 3,927,631 -------------- -------------- -------------- 125,721,470 93,862,404 80,880,299 -------------- -------------- -------------- Other income: Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries 506,775 Gain on sale of Casino Magic Neuquen 10,737,832 -------------- -------------- -------------- 11,244,607 -------------- -------------- -------------- Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes and minority interests 2,202,365 12,891,251 21,334,858 Provision for income taxes 2,789,412 5,216,367 7,972,583 Minority interests 548,330 313,089 85,480 -------------- -------------- -------------- Income (loss) from continuing operations (1,135,377) 7,361,795 13,276,795 Discontinued operations: Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes and minority interests (13,169,637) (1,403,693) 1,436,356 Gain on sale of discontinued operation, net of taxes 4,726 123,268 -------------- -------------- -------------- Income (loss) from discontinued operations (13,169,637) (1,398,967) 1,559,624 -------------- -------------- -------------- Net income (loss) $ (14,305,014) $ 5,962,828 $ 14,836,419 ============== ============== ============== Basic earnings (loss) per share: Continuing operations $ (.17) $ .96 $ 1.44 Discontinued operations (1.94) (.19) .17 -------------- -------------- -------------- Total $ (2.11) $ .77 $ 1.61 ============== ============== ============== Diluted earnings (loss) per share: Continuing operations $ (.17) $ .92 $ 1.38 Discontinued operations (1.94) (.18) .16 -------------- -------------- -------------- Total $ (2.11) $ .74 $ 1.54 ============== ============== ============== Weighted average number of shares outstanding: Basic 6,795,461 7,697,239 9,216,184 Diluted 6,795,461 8,015,834 9,621,328 OperationsAmerica's Car-Mart, Inc.
       
       Years Ended April 30,

       
       
       2004
       2003
       2002
       
      Revenues:          
       Sales $163,589,076 $145,014,142 $118,641,750 
       Interest and other income  12,594,611  9,870,805  9,282,085 
        
       
       
       
         176,183,687  154,884,947  127,923,835 
        
       
       
       

      Costs and expenses:

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       
       Cost of sales  85,510,497  77,073,294  62,965,215 
       Selling, general and administrative  29,670,849  27,417,225  22,326,241 
       Provision for credit losses  34,766,496  26,896,608  23,135,926 
       Interest expense  1,113,840  1,685,774  3,022,156 
       Depreciation and amortization  321,053  299,203  283,641 
       Stock option based compensation        7,328,554 
       Restructuring charge        2,732,106 
       Write-down of investments and equipment        3,927,631 
        
       
       
       
         151,382,735  133,372,104  125,721,470 
        
       
       
       
        
      Income from continuing operations before taxes and minority interests

       

       

      24,800,952

       

       

      21,512,843

       

       

      2,202,365

       

      Provision for income taxes

       

       

      9,161,506

       

       

      7,944,100

       

       

      2,789,412

       
      Minority interests        548,330 
        
       
       
       
        
      Income (loss) from continuing operations

       

       

      15,639,446

       

       

      13,568,743

       

       

      (1,135,377

      )

      Discontinued operations:

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       
       Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes and minority interests  165,000  375,318  (13,169,637)
       Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of taxes     130,868    
        
       
       
       
        
      Income (loss) from discontinued operations

       

       

      165,000

       

       

      506,186

       

       

      (13,169,637

      )
        
       
       
       
        
      Net income (loss)

       

      $

      15,804,446

       

      $

      14,074,929

       

      $

      (14,305,014

      )
        
       
       
       

      Basic earnings (loss) per share:

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       
       Continuing operations $2.07 $1.93 $(.17)
       Discontinued operations  .02  .08  (1.94)
        
       
       
       
        Total $2.09 $2.01 $(2.11)
        
       
       
       

      Diluted earnings (loss) per share:

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       
       Continuing operations $1.96 $1.73 $(.17)
       Discontinued operations  .02  .07  (1.94)
        
       
       
       
        Total $1.98 $1.80 $(2.11)
        
       
       
       

      Weighted average number of shares outstanding:

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       
       Basic  7,545,964  7,015,992  6,795,461 
       Diluted  7,963,426  7,828,744  6,795,461 

      The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 20 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS AMERICA'S CAR-MART, INC.


      Years Ended April 30, ------------------------------------------------------ 2002 2001 2000 -------------- -------------- -------------- Operating activities: Net income (loss) $ (14,305,014) $ 5,962,828 $ 14,836,419 Add: (Income) loss from discontinued operations 13,169,637 1,398,967 (1,559,624) -------------- -------------- -------------- Income (loss) from continuing operations (1,135,377) 7,361,795 13,276,795 Adjustments to reconcile income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 283,641 486,648 430,291 Deferred income taxes 5,282,435 (1,880,146) (2,309,765) Provision for credit losses 23,135,926 17,214,750 14,104,163 Stock option based compensation 7,328,554 Write-down
      Consolidated Statements of investments and equipment 3,927,631 Minority interests 548,330 313,089 85,480 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries (506,775) Gain on sale of Casino Magic Neuquen (10,737,832) Accretion of purchase discount (29,095) (473,918) Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Receivables (1,807,511) 325,028 (1,527,032) Finance receivable originations (108,035,124) (88,872,082) (74,285,237) Finance receivable collections 66,504,977 55,707,950 47,502,589 Inventory acquired in repossession 5,384,497 4,609,140 3,719,226 Inventory (527,245) (670,274) (170,173) Prepaids and other assets 197,346 151,436 (1,371,171) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 4,401,486 39,525 1,241,995 Income taxes payable (4,748,553) (1,814,650) 1,828,736 -------------- -------------- -------------- Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 741,013 (7,056,886) (9,192,628) -------------- -------------- -------------- Investing activities: Purchase of property and equipment (1,345,733) (688,130) (460,387) Sale of equipment 29,024 Collections from (advances to) subsidiaries held for sale 1,426,697 3,223,393 (2,013,599) Purchase of subsidiary minority interest (1,562,027) Purchase of discontinued subsidiary (5,338,741) Sale of subsidiaries 2,259,468 Purchase of investments (77,206) (970,615) (2,028,034) Sale of investments and other 17,068,812 -------------- -------------- -------------- Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (1,529,245) 3,824,116 7,228,051 -------------- -------------- -------------- Financing activities: Sale of common stock 113,498 60,937 Purchase of common stock (1,012,749) (5,124,894) (5,844,111) Proceeds from revolving credit facility, net 2,524,269 2,265,074 2,326,020 Repayments of other debt (325,000) -------------- -------------- -------------- Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 1,300,018 (2,798,883) (3,518,091) -------------- -------------- -------------- Cash provided by (used in) continuing operations 511,786 (6,031,653) (5,482,668) Cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations 1,045,298 (1,618,315) 2,415,443 -------------- -------------- -------------- Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 1,557,084 (7,649,968) (3,067,225) Cash and cash equivalents at: Beginning of period 2,193,342 9,843,310 12,910,535 -------------- -------------- -------------- End of period 3,750,426 2,193,342 9,843,310 Less: Cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations (2,520,506) (1,475,208) (3,093,523) -------------- -------------- -------------- Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations $ 1,229,920 $ 718,134 $ 6,749,787 ============== ============== ============== FlowsAmerica's Car-Mart, Inc.
       
       Years Ended April 30,

       
       
       2004
       2003
       2002
       
      Operating activities:          
       Net income (loss) $15,804,446 $14,074,929 $(14,305,014)
       Subtract: Income (loss) from discontinued operations  165,000  506,186  (13,169,637)
        
       
       
       
        Income (loss) from continuing operations  15,639,446  13,568,743  (1,135,377)
       Adjustments to reconcile income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities:          
        Depreciation and amortization  321,053  299,203  283,641 
        Deferred income taxes  454,192  1,281,756  5,282,435 
        Stock option based compensation        7,328,554 
        Write-down of investments and equipment        3,927,631 
        Minority interests        548,330 
        Changes in operating assets and liabilities:          
         Changes in finance receivables, net:          
          Finance receivable originations  (151,379,959) (131,447,487) (108,035,124)
          Finance receivable collections  97,366,670  82,645,614  66,504,977 
          Provision for credit losses  34,766,496  26,896,608  23,035,926 
          Inventory acquired in repossession  6,922,068  5,625,933  5,384,497 
        
       
       
       
           Subtotal finance receivables  (12,324,725) (16,279,332) (13,109,724)
         
      Income tax and other receivables

       

       

      299,936

       

       

      8,844,959

       

       

      (1,707,511

      )
         Inventory  (1,919,265) (515,489) (527,245)
         Prepaid expenses and other assets  41,373  182,250  197,346 
         Accounts payable and accrued liabilities  (1,080,870) 481,228  4,401,486 
         Income taxes payable  2,559,044     (4,748,553)
        
       
       
       
           Net cash provided by operating activities  3,990,184  7,863,318  741,013 
        
       
       
       

      Investing activities:

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       
       Purchase of property and equipment and other assets  (1,398,678) (2,167,703) (1,393,915)
       Note collections from discontinued operations     2,078,661  1,426,697 
       Purchase of subsidiary minority interest        (1,562,027)
       Sale of discontinued operations     6,795,000    
        
       
       
       
           Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities  (1,398,678) 6,705,958  (1,529,245)
        
       
       
       

      Financing activities:

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       
       Exercise of stock options and warrants  2,583,517  1,497,119  113,498 
       Purchase of common stock  (1,646,360) (2,688,792) (1,012,749)
       Proceeds from (repayments of) revolving credit facility, net  (3,434,100) (6,323,737) 2,524,269 
       Repayments of other debt     (7,500,000) (325,000)
        
       
       
       
           Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  (2,496,943) (15,015,410) 1,300,018 
        
       
       
       

      Cash provided by (used in) continuing operations

       

       

      94,563

       

       

      (446,134

      )

       

      511,786

       
      Cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations  250,000  (2,520,506) 1,045,298 
        
       
       
       

      Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

       

       

      344,563

       

       

      (2,966,640

      )

       

      1,557,084

       
      Cash and cash equivalents at:    Beginning of period  783,786  3,750,426  2,193,342 
        
       
       
       

                                                           End of period

       

       

      1,128,349

       

       

      783,786

       

       

      3,750,426

       
      Less: Cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations        (2,520,506)
        
       
       
       

                Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations

       

      $

      1,128,349

       

      $

      783,786

       

      $

      1,229,920

       
        
       
       
       

      The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 21 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY AMERICA'S CAR-MART, INC.


      For the Years Ended April 30, 2002, 2001 and 2000 Additional Total Common Stock Paid-In Retained
      Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Shares Amount Capital Earnings Equity ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------- Balance at April 30, 1999 10,096,842 $ 100,968 $ 37,970,391 $ 14,987,525 $ 53,058,884 Stock warrants exercised 2,000 20 (20) -- Purchase agreement amendment (670,311) (6,703) (3,177,274) (3,183,977) Purchase of common stock (1,180,769) (11,807) (5,832,304) (5,844,111) Net income 14,836,419 14,836,419 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Balance at April 30, 2000 8,247,762 82,478 28,960,793 29,823,944 58,867,215 Stock options exercised 25,000 250 60,687 60,937 Purchase of common stock (1,122,225) (11,222) (5,113,672) (5,124,894) Stock received in Precision sale (170,170) (1,702) (832,131) (833,833) Net income 5,962,828 5,962,828 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Balance at April 30, 2001 6,980,367 69,804 23,075,677 35,786,772 58,932,253 Issuance of common stock 146,518 1,466 1,446,123 1,447,589 Purchase of common stock (266,758) (2,668) (1,010,081) (1,012,749) Stock options exercised 84,198 842 112,656 113,498 Stock warrant issued 70,000 70,000 Tax benefit of options exercised 239,056 239,056 Stock option based compensation 7,328,554 7,328,554 Net loss (14,305,014) (14,305,014) ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Balance at April 30, 2002 6,944,325 $ 69,444 $ 31,261,985 $ 21,481,758 $ 52,813,187 ============ ============ ============ ============ ============ America's Car-Mart, Inc.
       
       For the Years Ended April 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002


       
       
       Common Stock

       Additional
      Paid-In
      Capital

       Retained
      Earnings

       Total
      Stockholders'
      Equity

       
       
       Shares
       Amount
       
      Balance at April 30, 2001 6,980,367 $69,804 $23,075,677 $35,786,772 $58,932,253 
       
      Issuance of common stock

       

      146,518

       

       

      1,466

       

       

      1,446,123

       

       

       

       

       

      1,447,589

       
       Stock options exercised 84,198  842  112,656     113,498 
       Stock warrants issued       70,000     70,000 
       Purchase of common stock (266,758) (2,668) (1,010,081)    (1,012,749)
       Tax benefit of options exercised       239,056     239,056 
       Stock option based compensation       7,328,554     7,328,554 
       Net loss          (14,305,014) (14,305,014)
        
       
       
       
       
       
      Balance at April 30, 2002 6,944,325  69,444  31,261,985  21,481,758  52,813,187 
       
      Stock options/warrants exercised

       

      490,400

       

       

      4,904

       

       

      1,492,215

       

       

       

       

       

      1,497,119

       
       Stock warrant issued       15,000     15,000 
       Purchase of common stock (226,762) (2,268) (2,686,524)    (2,688,792)
       Tax benefit of options exercised       249,430     249,430 
       Net income          14,074,929  14,074,929 
        
       
       
       
       
       
      Balance at April 30, 2003 7,207,963  72,080  30,332,106  35,556,687  65,960,873 
       
      Stock options/warrants exercised

       

      618,478

       

       

      6,185

       

       

      2,577,332

       

       

       

       

       

      2,583,517

       
       Stock warrants issued       76,000     76,000 
       Purchase of common stock (68,600) (687) (1,645,673)    (1,646,360)
       Tax benefit of options exercised       1,799,000     1,799,000 
       Net income          15,804,446  15,804,446 
        
       
       
       
       
       

      Balance at April 30, 2004

       

      7,757,841

       

      $

      77,578

       

      $

      33,138,765

       

      $

      51,361,133

       

      $

      84,577,476

       
        
       
       
       
       
       

      The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 22 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AMERICA'S CAR-MART, INC.


      Notes to Consolidated Financial StatementsAmerica's Car-Mart, Inc.

      A - ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESSOrganization and Business

          America's Car-Mart, Inc., a Texas corporation formerly Crown Group, Inc. ("Corporate" or the(the "Company"), is a holding company that operatesthe largest publicly held automotive dealerships through its subsidiaries that focusretailer in the United States focused exclusively on the "Buy Here/Pay Here" segment of the used car market. References to the Company typically include the Company's consolidated subsidiaries. The Company's operations are principally conducted through its two operating subsidiaries, America's Car-Mart, Inc., an Arkansas corporation, ("Car-Mart of Arkansas") and Colonial Auto Finance, Inc. ("Colonial") subsidiaries.. Collectively, Car-Mart of Arkansas and Colonial are collectively referred to herein as "Car-Mart". As of April 30, 2002 theThe Company operated 55 stores located primarily in small citiessells older model used vehicles and rural locations throughout the South-Central United States. The Company provides financing for substantially all of its customers. Many of the Company's customers many of whom mayhave limited financial resources and would not qualify for conventional financing as a result of limited credit histories or past credit problems. In addition, atAs of April 30, 2002,2004, the Company also owned (i) an 80% interestoperated 70 stores located primarily in Concorde Acceptance Corporation ("Concorde"), a prime and sub-prime mortgage lender, and (ii) a 50% interest in Precision IBC, Inc. ("Precision"), a firm specializing insmall cities throughout the sale and rental of intermediate bulk containers.South-Central United States.

          In October 2001, the Company made the decision to sell all of its operating subsidiaries except Car-Mart, and relocate its corporate headquarters to Bentonville, Arkansas where Car-Mart is based. Accordingly,As a result of this decision, all of the Company's other operating subsidiaries were sold and their operating results of Concorde and Precision, as well as the operating results of (i) Smart Choice Automotive Group, Inc. ("Smart Choice"), the Company's 70% owned subsidiary that was written-off in October 2001, and (ii) CG Incorporated, S.A. de C.V. ("Crown El Salvador") and Home Stay Lodges I, Ltd. ("Home Stay") that were sold in a prior fiscal year, arehave been included in discontinued operations (see Note R). Similarly, the assets and liabilities of Concorde and Precision are included in "Assets of subsidiaries held for sale" and "Liabilities of subsidiaries held for sale", respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at April 30, 2002 (Concorde, Precision and Smart Choice at April 30, 2001). In May 2002 theoperations. The Company sold its 50% interest in Precision for $3.8 million in cash, andit last remaining discontinued operation in July 2002 the Company sold its 80% interest2002. Discontinued operations are described in Concorde for $3.0 million in cash. In addition, at closing Concorde repaid all of its $2.1 million in outstanding borrowings from the Company. Note P.

      B - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

      Principles of Consolidation

          The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of America's Car-Mart, Inc. and all of its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

      Use of Estimates

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

      Concentration of Risk

          The Company provides financing in connection with the sale of substantially all of its vehicles. These sales are made primarily to customers residing in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Kentucky and Kentucky.Missouri, with approximately 66% of sales made to customers residing in Arkansas. Periodically, the Company maintains cash in financial institutions in excess of the amounts insured by the federal government. The Company's revolving credit facility matures in April 2006. The Company expects that it will be able to renew or refinance such credit facility on or before the scheduled maturity date.

      Restrictions on Subsidiary Distributions/Dividends

          The Company's revolving credit facility prohibits distributions from Car-Mart to the Company beyond the repayment of an intercompany loan from the Company to Car-Mart ($8.5 million at April 30, 2004). At April 30, 2004, the Company's assets (excluding its $73.0 million equity investment in Car-Mart) consisted of $.4 million in cash, $2.7 million in other assets and an $8.5 million receivable from Car-Mart. Thus, the Company is limited in the amount of dividends or other distributions it can make to its shareholders without the consent of its lender. Beginning in February 2003, Car-Mart assumed substantially all of the operating costs of the Company.

      Cash Equivalents

          The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents generally consist of interest-bearing money market accounts.

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

          The Company originates installment sale contracts from the sale of used vehicles at its dealerships. Finance receivables consist of contractually scheduled payments from installment contracts net of unearned finance charges and an allowance for credit losses. Unearned finance charges represent the balance of interest income remaining from the capitalization of the total interest to be earned over the term of the related installment contract. An account is considered delinquent when a contractually scheduled payment has not been received by the scheduled payment date. At April 30, 2004, 3.0% of the Company's finance receivable balances were 30 days or more past due.


          The Company takes steps to repossess a vehicle when the customer becomes severely delinquent in his or her payments, and management determines that timely collection of future payments is not probable. Accounts are charged-off after the expiration of a statutory notice period for repossessed accounts, or when management determines that timely collection of future payments is not probable for accounts where the Company has been unable to repossess the vehicle.

          The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses at a level it considers sufficient to cover anticipatedestimated losses in the collection of its finance receivables. The allowance for credit losses is based primarily upon historical and recent credit loss experience, a periodic analysis of the portfolio,with consideration given to changes in loan characteristics (i.e., average amount financed and term), delinquency levels, collateral values, economic conditions, underwriting and trendscollection practices, and collateral values.management's expectations of future credit losses. The allowance for credit losses is periodically reviewed by management with any changes reflected in current operations. ItAlthough 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 mayto be materially different from the recorded allowance for credit losses, the Company believes that it has given appropriate consideration to all relevant factors and has made reasonable assumptions in determining the allowance for credit losses.

      Inventory

          Inventory consists of used vehicles and is valued at the lower of cost or market on a specific identification basis. Vehicle reconditioning costs are capitalized as a component of inventory. Repossessed vehicles are recorded at the lower of cost or market, which approximates wholesale value. The cost of used vehicles sold is determined using the specific identification method. 23 Investments Investments are carried at the lower of cost or market. At April 30, 2002, investments consisted of a 7% ownership interest in Monarch Venture Partners' Fund I, L.P. ("Monarch"), a private venture capital fund focusing on the investment in Internet related or emerging technology companies. At April 30, 2001 investments consisted of (i) a 7% ownership interest in Monarch, and (ii) an 8% ownership interest in Mariah Vision(3), Inc., a software developer specializing in three-dimensional graphic design. As discussed in Note M, the carrying values of these investments were written-down during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2002 (see Note M).

      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. Depreciation is computed principally using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

      Furniture, fixtures and equipment  3 to  107 years
      Leasehold improvements  5 to 39 years
      Buildings18 to 39 years

          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 amountvalues of the impaired assets exceed the fair value of thesuch assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.

      Income Taxes

          Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax 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.

      Revenue Recognition Interest

          Revenues are generated principally from the sale of used vehicles, which in most cases includes a service contract, and interest income and late fees earned on finance receivables is recognized using the interest method. Revenuereceivables.

          Revenues from the sale of used vehicles is recognized when the sales contract is signed, and the customer has taken possession of the vehicle. vehicle and, if applicable, financing has been approved. Revenues from the sale of service contracts are recognized ratably over the four month service contract period. Service contract revenues are included in sales. Interest income is recognized on all active finance receivable accounts using the interest method. Late fees are recognized when collected and are included in interest income.

      Advertising Costs

          Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and consist principally includeof radio and print media marketing costs. Advertising costs amounted to $964,000, $788,000$1,616,000, $1,349,000 and $640,000$964,000 for the years ended April 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Stock Option

      Employee Benefit Plan

          The Company accountshas a 401(k) plan for all of its stock optionemployees meeting certain eligibility requirements. The plan in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25, "Accountingprovides for Stock Issued to Employees",voluntary employee contributions and related interpretations. Prior to May 1, 2002, certain of the Company's options were subject to variable option accounting as a result of containing a "cashless" exercise feature. Under variable option accounting, changes in the market value of the Company's common stock generally result in charges or credits to stock-based compensation with an offsetting entry to additional paid-in capital. Effective May 1, 2002, the Company rescindedmatches 50% of employee contributions up to a maximum of 2% of each employee's compensation. The


      Company contributed approximately $142,000, $117,000 and $149,000 to the cashless exercise feature of its stock options (see Note J). plan for the years ended April 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

      Earnings (Loss) Per Share

          Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share takes into consideration the potentially dilutive effect of common stock equivalents, such as outstanding stock options and warrants, 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 Option Plan

          The Company accounts for its stock option plan in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and related interpretations. Prior to May 1, 2002, certain of the Company's options were subject to variable option accounting as a result of containing a "cashless" exercise feature. Under variable option accounting, changes in the market value of the Company's common stock generally result in charges or credits to stock-based compensation with an offsetting entry to additional paid-in capital. Effective May 1, 2002, the Company rescinded the cashless exercise feature of its stock options (see Note L).

          Had the Company determined compensation cost on the date of grant based upon the fair value of its stock options under SFAS No. 123, the Company's pro forma net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share would be as follows using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the assumptions detailed below. The estimated weighted average fair value of options granted using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model was $8.68, $6.37 and $3.00 per share for the years ended April 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

       
       Years Ended April 30,

       
       
       2004
       2003
       2002
       
      Reported net income (loss) $15,804,446 $14,074,929 $(14,305,014)
      Less fair value compensation cost, net of tax  (42,966) (307,621)  
        
       
       
       
       
      Pro forma net income (loss)

       

      $

      15,761,480

       

      $

      13,767,308

       

      $

      (14,305,014

      )
        
       
       
       

      Basic earnings (loss) per share:

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       
       As reported $2.09 $2.01 $(2.11)
       Pro forma $2.09 $1.96 $(2.11)

      Diluted earnings (loss) per share:

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       
       As reported $1.98 $1.80 $(2.11)
       Pro forma $1.98 $1.76 $(2.11)

      Assumptions:

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       
       Expected dividend yield  0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
       Risk-free interest rate  4.3% 4.5% 5.0%
       Expected volatility  50.0% 50.0% 50.0%
       Expected life  5 years  5 years  5 years 

      Recent Accounting Pronouncements In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued

          Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141149, "Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS 141"No. 149"), "Business Combinations", which eliminates the pooling method of accounting was issued in April 2003 and is effective for business combinations initiatedcontracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2001. In addition,2003. SFAS 141 addresses theNo. 149 amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting of derivatives, including derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for intangible assetshedging activities under SFAS 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and goodwill acquired in a business combination.Hedging Activities." The Company adoptedadoption of SFAS 141 effective May 1, 2001. Such adoptionNo. 149 did not have any impact on the Company's financial position, or results of operations. In July 2001, the FASB issuedoperations or cash flows.

          Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity" ("SFAS 142"150"), "Goodwill and Intangible Assets", which revises the accounting for purchased goodwill and intangible assets. Under SFAS 142, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives will no longer be amortized, but will be tested for impairment annually, and was issued in the event of an impairment indicator. SFAS 142May 2003 and is effective for fiscal years beginningfinancial instruments entered into or modified after December 15, 2001,May 31, 2003. SFAS 150 establishes standards for classification and measurement of certain financial instruments with earliercharacteristics of both liabilities and equity. The adoption permitted. The Company adoptedof SFAS 142 effective May 1, 2001. Such adoptionNo. 150 did not have any impact on the continuingCompany's financial position, results of operations of the Company. In August 2001, the FASB issued Statement ofor cash flows.



          Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Interpretation No. 14446, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities," an Interpretation of APB No. 50 ("SFAS 144"FIN 46"), "Accounting was issued in January 2003 and was amended in December 2003. FIN 46 is effective in February 2003 for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets", whichall new variable interest entities created or acquired. For variable interest entities created or acquired before February 2003, FIN 46 is effective in February 2004. FIN 46 requires a single accounting model to be used for long-lived assets to be sold and broadens the presentation of discontinued operations to include a "component of an entity" (rather than a segmentconsolidation of a business). A component of anvariable interest entity comprises operations and cash flows that can be clearly distinguished, operationally and for financial reporting purposes, 24 from the restif a company's variable interest absorbs a majority of the entity. A component of an entity that is classified as held for sale,entity's losses or has been disposed of, is presented asreceives a discontinued operation if the operations and cash flowsmajority of the component will be (or have been) eliminated from the ongoing operationsentity's expected residual returns, or both. The adoption of the entity and the entity willFIN 46 did not have any significant continuing involvement inimpact on the operations of the component. The Company adopted SFAS 144 effective August 1, 2001. Consequently, the operatingCompany's financial position, results of Concorde and Precision, which were held for sale at April 30, 2002 (and sold after year end), as well as the operating results of Smart Choice, which was written-off in October 2001, are included in discontinued operations. Assets and liabilities of Concorde and Precision are included in "Assets of subsidiaries held for sale" and "Liabilities of subsidiaries held for sale", respectively, at April 30, 2002 (Concorde, Precision and Smart Choice at April 30, 2001) (see Note R). operations or cash flows.

      Reclassifications

          Certain prior year amounts in the accompanying financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the fiscal 20022004 presentation. In particular, the operating results of Crown El Salvador, which was sold in April 2001, and Home Stay, which was sold in December 1999, were not included in discontinued operations in the prior fiscal periods due to the relatively insignificant size of their operations. However, in the current fiscal period, as the Company has other discontinued operations, the operating results of Crown El Salvador and Home Stay have been reclassified to discontinued operations for all periods presented.

      C - FINANCE RECEIVABLESFinance Receivables

          The Company originates installment sale contracts from the sale of used vehicles at its dealerships. These installment sale contracts typically include interest rates ranging from 6% to 19% per annum, are collateralized by the vehicle sold and provide for payments over periods ranging from 12 to 3036 months. The components of finance receivables as of April 30, 20022004 and 20012003 are as follows:
      April 30, 2002 2001 ------------ ------------ Gross contract amount $ 99,675,260 $ 83,439,089 Unearned finance charges (7,553,048) (7,402,428) Allowance for credit losses (17,042,609) (14,066,782) ------------ ------------ $ 75,079,603 $ 61,969,879 ============ ============

       
       April 30,

       
       
       2004
       2003
       
      Gross contract amount $140,169,258 $121,013,893 
      Unearned finance charges  (11,449,631) (9,259,863)
      Allowance for credit losses  (25,035,967) (20,395,095)
        
       
       

       

       

      $

      103,683,660

       

      $

      91,358,935

       
        
       
       

          Changes in the finance receivables allowance for credit losses for the years ended April 30, 2002, 20012004, 2003 and 20002002 are as follows:
      Years Ended April 30, 2002 2001 2000 ------------ ------------ ------------ Balance at beginning of year $ 14,066,782 $ 11,492,611 $ 9,458,241 Provision for credit losses 23,035,926 17,214,750 14,104,163 Net charge-offs (20,060,099) (14,640,579) (12,069,793) ------------ ------------ ------------ Balance at end of year $ 17,042,609 $ 14,066,782 $ 11,492,611 ============ ============ ============

       
       Years Ended April 30,

       
       
       2004
       2003
       2002
       
      Balance at beginning of year $20,395,095 $17,042,609 $14,066,782 
      Provision for credit losses  34,766,496  26,896,608  23,035,926 
      Net charge-offs  (30,125,624) (23,544,122) (20,060,099)
        
       
       
       
       
      Balance at end of year

       

      $

      25,035,967

       

      $

      20,395,095

       

      $

      17,042,609

       
        
       
       
       

      D - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENTProperty and Equipment

          A summary of property and equipment as of April 30, 20022004 and 20012003 is as follows:
      April 30, 2002 2001 ------------ ------------ Land and buildings $ 1,562,393 $ 650,191 Furniture, fixtures and equipment 939,557 3,826,051 Leasehold improvements 1,147,597 871,390 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (1,022,836) (1,114,189) ------------ ------------ $ 2,626,711 $ 4,233,443 ============ ============
      25

       
       April 30,

       
       
       2004
       2003
       
      Land $2,002,927 $1,621,841 
      Buildings and improvements  1,770,244  1,142,980 
      Furniture, fixtures and equipment  707,818  630,065 
      Leasehold improvements  2,034,481  1,844,191 
      Less accumulated depreciation and amortization  (958,713) (759,945)
        
       
       

       

       

      $

      5,556,757

       

      $

      4,479,132

       
        
       
       

      E - ACCRUED LIABILITIESAccrued Liabilities

          A summary of accrued liabilities as of April 30, 20022004 and 20012003 is as follows:
      April 30, 2002 2001 ------------ ------------ Compensation $ 2,573,579 $ 2,189,645 Interest 163,211 50,374 Severance and office closing 2,519,606 -- Service contracts 1,013,035 798,407 Other 13,208 527,555 ------------ ------------ $ 6,282,639 $ 3,565,981 ============ ============

       
       April 30,

       
       2004
       2003
      Compensation $2,196,977 $3,520,548
      Interest  87,770  101,214
      Cash overdraft  1,068,743  1,145,112
      Deferred revenue  1,312,509  1,269,430
      Subsidiary redeemable preferred stock  500,000  100,000
      Other  378,989  528,009
        
       

       

       

      $

      5,544,988

       

      $

      6,664,313
        
       

      F - DEBTRevolving Credit Facility

          A summary of debtrevolving credit facility as of April 30, 20022004 and 20012003 is as follows:
      Revolving Credit Facilities ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Facility Interest Balance at Lender Amount Rate Maturity April 30, 2002 April 30, 2001 ----------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------- --------------- Bank of Oklahoma $ 37 million Prime + .50% Dec 2003 $ 32,291,957 Bank of America $ 35 million Prime + .88% Jan 2002 $ 29,767,688
      Other Notes Payable ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Facility Interest Balance at Lender Amount Rate Maturity April 30, 2002 April 30, 2001 ----------------------- ------------- -------------- ------------ --------------- --------------- Individuals/Trusts N/A 8.50% Jan 2004 $ 7,500,000 $ 7,500,000 Bank of America N/A 8.00% Sep 2001 2,316,000 Regions Bank N/A Prime + .50% May 2001 2,000,000 --------------- --------------- $ 7,500,000 $ 11,816,000 =============== ===============

      Revolving Credit Facility
      Lender

       Facility
      Amount

       Interest
      Rate

        
       Balance at April 30,

       Maturity
       2004
       2003
      Bank of Oklahoma $39.5 million Prime Apr 2006 $22,534,120 $25,968,220

          The Company's revolving credit facility is primarily collateralized by substantially all the assets of the Company including finance receivables and inventory. Interest is payable monthly or quarterly on all of the Company's debt and the principal balances arebalance is due at the maturity of the facilities.facility. Interest is charged at the bank's prime lending rate per annum (4.00% at April 30, 2004). Prior to November 30, 2003, interest was charged at the bank's prime lending rate plus .5% (4.75% at April 30, 2003). The Company's revolving credit facility contains various reporting and performance covenants including (i) maintenance of certain financial ratios and tests, (ii) limitations on borrowings from other sources, (iii) restrictions on certain operating activities, and (iv) restrictions on the payment of dividends or distributions. The amount available to be drawn under the Company's revolving credit facility is a function of eligible finance receivables. Based upon eligible finance receivables at April 30, 2002,2004, the Company could have drawn an additional $4.7$17.0 million under suchthe facility. 26


      G - INCOME TAXESIncome Taxes

          The provision (benefit) for income taxes for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2002, 20012004, 2003 and 20002002 was as follows:
      Years Ended April 30, 2002 2001 2000 ------------ ------------ ------------ Provision (benefit) for income taxes Current $ (2,493,023) $ 7,096,513 $ 10,282,348 Deferred 5,282,435 (1,880,146) (2,309,765) ------------ ------------ ------------ $ 2,789,412 $ 5,216,367 $ 7,972,583 ============ ============ ============

       
       Years Ended April 30,

       
       
       2004
       2003
       2002
       
      Provision (benefit) for income taxes          
       Current $8,707,314 $6,662,344 $(2,493,023)
       Deferred  454,192  1,281,756  5,282,435 
        
       
       
       

       

       

      $

      9,161,506

       

      $

      7,944,100

       

      $

      2,789,412

       
        
       
       
       

          The provision for income taxes is different from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before income taxes for the following reasons:
      Years Ended April 30, 2002 2001 2000 ------------ ------------ ------------ Tax provision at statutory rate $ 770,828 $ 4,383,025 $ 7,467,200 State taxes, net of federal benefit 348,050 917,114 734,586 Non deductible portion of stock option compensation 1,234,226 Adjustment of estimated tax accrual 360,215 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries (177,371) Other, net 76,093 (83,772) (51,832) ------------ ------------ ------------ $ 2,789,412 $ 5,216,367 $ 7,972,583 ============ ============ ============

       
       Years Ended April 30,

       
       2004
       2003
       2002
      Tax provision at statutory rate $8,680,333 $7,529,495 $770,828
      State taxes, net of federal benefit  707,104  672,377  348,050
      Non deductible portion of stock option compensation        1,234,226
      Adjustment to estimated tax accrual        360,215
      Other, net  (225,931) (257,772) 76,093
        
       
       

       

       

      $

      9,161,506

       

      $

      7,944,100

       

      $

      2,789,412
        
       
       

          Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities as of April 30, 20022004 and 20012003 were as follows:
      April 30, 2002 2001 ------------ ------------ Deferred tax assets: Reserves $ 2,742,233 $ 338,013 Finance receivables 5,375,830 Stock options 1,017,035 418,385 State operating loss carryforwards 185,156 Other 104,719 67,082 ------------ ------------ Total 4,049,143 6,199,310 ------------ ------------ Deferred tax liabilities: Finance receivables 2,176,421 Subsidiary basis 1,161,824 Property and equipment 204,702 Other 591,846 593,121 ------------ ------------ Total 3,930,091 797,823 ------------ ------------ Deferred tax assets, net $ 119,052 $ 5,401,487 ============ ============
      27

       
        
       April 30,

       
        
       2004
       2003
      Deferred tax liabilities related to:        
       Finance receivables   $2,644,076 $2,798,360
       Other    21,377   
          
       
        Total    2,665,453  2,798,360
          
       

      Deferred tax assets related to:

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       
       Liability reserves    688,390  1,356,710
       Other    360,167  278,946
          
       
        Total    1,048,557  1,635,656
          
       
        
      Deferred tax liabilities, net

       

       

       

      $

      1,616,896

       

      $

      1,162,704
          
       

      H - CAPITAL STOCKCapital Stock

          In March 2002 the Company acquired all of the remaining shares of Car-Mart common stock it did not previously own from the Car-Mart minority shareholders by issuing 146,518 shares of the Company's common stock (valued at approximately $1.4 million) and paying approximately $1.6 million in cash. The Company is authorized to issue up to one million shares of $.01 par value preferred stock in one or more series having such respective terms, rights and preferences as are designated by the Board of Directors. NoThe Company has not issued any preferred stock.

          A subsidiary of the Company has issued 500,000 shares of $1.00 par value preferred stock which carries a 6% cumulative dividend. The Company's subsidiary can redeem the preferred stock at any time at par value plus any unpaid dividends. After April 30, 2007, a holder of 400,000 shares of the subsidiary preferred stock can require the Company's subsidiary to redeem such stock for $400,000 plus any unpaid dividends. The subsidiary preferred stock has been issued. included in accrued liabilities.

      I - WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDINGWeighted Average Shares Outstanding

          Weighed average shares outstanding which is used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share was as follows for the years ended April 30, 2002, 20012004, 2003 and 2000:
      Years Ended April 30, 2002 2001 2000 ------------ ------------ ------------ Average shares outstanding - basic 6,795,461 7,697,239 9,216,184 Dilutive options 318,595 405,144 ------------ ------------ ------------ Average shares outstanding - diluted 6,795,461 8,015,834 9,621,328 ============ ============ ============ Antidilutive securities not included: Options 1,361,680 445,000 432,500 ============ ============ ============ Warrants 57,500 -- -- ============ ============ ============
      2002:

       
       Years Ended April 30,

       
       2004
       2003
       2002
      Average shares outstanding — basic 7,545,964 7,015,992 6,795,461
       Dilutive options and warrants 417,462 812,752  
        
       
       

      Average shares outstanding — diluted

       

      7,963,426

       

      7,828,744

       

      6,795,461
        
       
       
      Antidilutive securities not included:      
       Options and warrants 4,375 45,000 1,419,180
        
       
       

      J - STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS Stock Options and Warrants

      Stock Options

          Since inception, the shareholders of the Company have approved three stock option plans including the 1986 Incentive Stock Option Plan ("1986 Plan"), the 1991 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan ("1991 Plan") and the 1997 Stock Option Plan ("1997 Plan"). While previously granted options remain outstanding, no additional option grants may be made under the 1986 and 1991 Plans. The 1997 Plan sets aside 1,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock to be grantedfor grants 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.grant and for periods not to exceed ten years. At April 30, 20022004 and 20012003 there were 138,32077,745 and 157,50084,145 shares of common stock available for grant, respectively, under the 1997 Plan, respectively.Plan. Options granted under the Company's stock option Plansplans expire in the calendar years 20032005 through 2012.2013. The following is an aggregate summary of the activity in the Company's stock option plans from April 30, 19992001 to April 30, 2002:
      Number Exercise Proceeds Weighted Average of Price on Exercise Price Shares per Share Exercise per Share -------------- -------------- -------------- ---------------- Outstanding at April 30, 1999 1,445,000 $0.41 to $7.38 $ 5,546,952 $ 3.84 Granted 32,500 $4.38 to $5.81 160,156 $ 4.93 -------------- -------------- Outstanding at April 30, 2000 1,477,500 $0.41 to $7.38 5,707,108 $ 3.86 Granted 12,500 $5.00 62,500 $ 5.00 Exercised (25,000) $2.44 (60,937) $ 2.44 Canceled (5,000) $ .66 (3,281) $ .66 -------------- -------------- Outstanding at April 30, 2001 1,460,000 $0.41 to $7.38 5,705,390 $ 3.91 Granted 89,180 $3.75 to $9.88 804,473 $ 9.02 Exercised (155,000) $0.41 to $7.38 (604,140) $ 3.90 Canceled (32,500) $2.44 to $7.38 (141,406) $ 4.35 -------------- -------------- Outstanding at April 30, 2002 1,361,680 $0.41 to $9.88 $ 5,764,317 $ 4.23 ============== ==============
      28 2004:

       
       Number
      of
      Shares

       Exercise
      Price
      per Share

       Proceeds
      on
      Exercise

       Weighted
      Average Exercise
      Price per Share

      Outstanding at April 30, 2001 1,460,000 $    .41 to $  7.38 $5,705,390 $3.91
       Granted 89,180     3.75 to    9.88  804,473  9.02
       Exercised (155,000)      .41 to    7.38  (604,140) 3.90
       Canceled (32,500)    2.44 to    7.38  (141,406) 4.35
        
         
         

      Outstanding at April 30, 2002

       

      1,361,680

       

            .41 to    9.88

       

       

      5,764,317

       

       

      4.23
       Granted 57,500   13.08 to  13.15  755,600  13.14
       Exercised (475,500)      .41 to    9.88  (1,497,119) 3.15
       Canceled (3,325)    9.88 to  13.08  (40,850) 12.29
        
         
         

      Outstanding at April 30, 2003

       

      940,355

       

          2.44 to  13.15

       

       

      4,981,948

       

       

      5.30
       Granted 7,500 17.75  133,125  17.75
       Exercised (607,828)    2.44 to  13.15  (2,583,517) 4.25
       Canceled (1,100)9.88  (10,869) 9.88
        
         
         

      Outstanding at April 30, 2004

       

      338,927

       

      $  3.87 to $17.75

       

      $

      2,520,687

       

      $

      7.44
        
         
         

          As of April 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002 all stock options were exercisable.exercisable with the exception of options to purchase 10,000, 20,000 and 0 shares, respectively, at $13.15 per share. The non-exercisable options become fully exercisable in 2005. A summary of stock options outstanding as of April 30, 20022004 is as follows:
      Weighted Average Range of Remaining Weighted Exercise Number Contractual Life Average Prices of Shares (in years) Exercise Price -------------- ----------- ---------------- -------------- $0.41 to $4.38 895,000 4.22 $3.19 $5.00 to $9.88 466,680 7.18 $6.24 ----------- $0.41 to $9.88 1,361,680 5.23 $4.23 ===========
      The Company applies the provisions of APB Opinion No. 25 in accounting for the issuance of stock options. The estimated weighted average fair value of options granted was $3.00, $1.50 and $1.50 per share for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Had the Company determined compensation cost on the date of grant based upon the fair value of its stock options under SFAS No. 123, the Company's pro forma income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share would be as follows using the Black Scholes valuation model with the assumptions detailed below:
      Years Ended April 30, 2002 2001 2000 -------------- -------------- -------------- Pro forma net income (loss) $ (14,305,014) $ 5,950,453 $ 14,804,732 Pro forma earnings (loss) per share: Basic $ (2.11) $ .77 $ 1.61 Diluted $ (2.11) $ .74 $ 1.54 Assumptions: Dividend yield 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Risk-free interest rate 5.0% 5.5% 6.0% Expected volatility 50.0% 50.0% 50.0% Expected life 5 years 5 years 5 years

      Range of
      Exercise
      Prices

       Number
      of Shares

       Weighted Average
      Remaining
      Contractual Life

       Weighted
      Average
      Exercise Price

      $3.88 to $  5.50 211,932 3.23 years $4.89
         9.88 to  17.75 126,995 8.03              11.69
         
           

       

       

       

      338,927

       

      5.03 years

       

      $

      7.44
         
           

      Warrants In January 2002, the Company issued a warrant to purchase 40,000 shares of the Company's common stock at $5.00 per share in connection with engaging a new investor relations firm.

          As of April 30, 20022004 the Company had stock purchase warrants outstanding to purchase 57,50042,000 shares at prices ranging from $3.75 to $5.00$27.35 per share. All of the warrants are presently exercisable and expire between 2006 and 2007. Stock Option Based Compensation Prior to May 1, 2002, the Company's 1997 Plan contained a "cashless" exercise feature which allowed option holders to use the "in-the-money" value of the option as payment for a portion or all of the exercise price of the option. Accordingly, the options granted under the 1997 Plan have been accounted for as variable options. Under variable option accounting, changes in the market value of the Company's common stock generally result in charges or credits to stock-based compensation with an offsetting entry to additional paid-in capital. For2009. During the fiscal yearyears ended April 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002, the Company recorded $7.3 million of stock option based compensation expense. Other periods did not have significant stock-based compensation charges or credits. In orderissued warrants to avoid future stock option based compensation charges or credits (which can result in volatile earnings fluctuations), effective May 1, 2002 the Company rescinded the cashless exercise provisionpurchase 12,500, 5,000 and 57,500 shares of its 1997 Plan. 29 common stock, which had weighted-average grant-date fair values of $6.08, $3.00 and $1.22 per share, respectively.


      K - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments and Contingencies

      Facility Leases

          The Company leases used car salescertain dealership and office facilities and equipment under various operating leases. Dealership leases are generally for periods from three to five years and contain multiple renewal options. As of April 30, 20022004 the aggregate rentals due under such non-cancelable operating leases with remaining lease terms in excess of one year were as follows:
      Years Ending April 30, Amount ------------ --------------- 2003 $ 1,575,759 2004 1,383,734 2005 838,894 2006 80,166 2007 36,000 Thereafter 12,250 --------------- $ 3,926,803 ===============

      Years Ending
      April 30,

       Amount
      2005 $1,406,698
      2006  449,773
      2007  318,640
      2008  89,235
      2009  45,600
      Thereafter  
        

       

       

      $

      2,309,946
        

          For the years ended April 30, 2002, 20012004, 2003 and 20002002 rent expense for all operating leases amounted to approximately $1,905,000, $1,765,000 and $1,581,000, $1,427,000respectively.

      Litigation

          In February 2001 and $1,266,000, respectively. Other ContingenciesMay 2002, the Company was added as a defendant in two similar actions which were originally filed in December 1998 against approximately twenty defendants (the "Defendants") by Astoria Entertainment, Inc. ("Astoria"). One action was filed in the Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans, Louisiana (the "State Claims") and the other was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana (the "Federal Claims"). In these actions, Astoria alleges the Defendants conspired to eliminate Astoria from receiving one of the fifteen riverboat gaming licenses that were awarded by the State of Louisiana in 1993 and 1994, at a time when a former subsidiary of the Company was involved in riverboat gaming in Louisiana. Astoria seeks unspecified damages including lost profits. In August 2001, the Federal court dismissed all of the Federal Claims with prejudice. A motion to dismiss the State Claims is pending before the state district court of appeals. The Company believes the State Claims are without merit and intends to vigorously contest liability in this matter.

          Further, in the ordinary course of business, the Company has become a defendant in various types of other legal proceedings. Although the Company cannot determine at this time the amount of the ultimate exposure from these ordinary course of business lawsuits, if any, management does not expect the final outcome of any of these actions, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.


      L - RESTRUCTURING CHARGEFiscal 2002 Charges

          The Company recorded the following charges during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2002:

       
       Fiscal
      2002

      Stock option based compensation $7,328,554
      Restructuring charge  2,732,106
      Write-down of investments and equipment  3,927,631

      Stock Option Based Compensation

          Prior to May 1, 2002, the Company's 1997 Stock Option Plan contained a "cashless" exercise feature which allowed option holders to use the "in-the-money" value of the option as payment for a portion or all of the exercise price of the option. Due to such cashless feature, options granted under the plan were characterized as "variable" options under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Under variable option accounting, changes in the market value of the Company's common stock generally result in charges or credits to stock-based compensation with an offsetting entry to additional paid-in capital. Accordingly, for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2002, the Company recorded a $7.3 million non-cash charge related to stock option based compensation.

          In order to avoid future stock option based compensation charges or credits (which can result in volatile earnings fluctuations), effective May 1, 2002 the Company rescinded the cashless exercise provision of its 1997 Plan.

      Restructuring Charge

          As discussed in Note R,P, in October 2001, the Company made the decision to sell all of its operating subsidiaries except Car-Mart and relocate its corporate headquarters to Bentonville, Arkansas where Car-Mart is based. As a result, the Company recorded severance ($2.6 million) and office closing costs ($.1 million) totaling $2.7 million during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2002. As

      Write-Down of April 30, 2002, $212,500Investments and Equipment

          Prior to the Company's decision in October 2001 to sell all of severance costsits operating subsidiaries except Car-Mart, the Company had been paid. M - WRITE-DOWN OF INVESTMENTS AND EQUIPMENTa history of making investments in a variety of different businesses, including investments in early-stage emerging technology/Internet concerns. During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2002, financing for early-stage emerging technology/Internet investments, such as the Company's investment in Monarch Venture Partners' Fund I, L.P. ("Monarch") and Mariah Vision 3, Inc. ("Mariah"), became increasingly difficult to obtain. The adverse conditions in the capital markets, combined with poor operating results and prospects of Mariah and some of Monarch's portfolio companies, caused the Company to consider whether its carrying values of Mariah and Monarch were impaired. After review and analysis, the Company wrote-down the carrying value of Mariah and Monarch and Mariah a total of $3.3 million. In addition, during fiscal 2002 the Company wrote down the value of certain equipment as follows:
      Year Ended April 30, 2002 ------------ Monarch $ 1,648,511 Mariah 1,650,000 Equipment 629,120 ------------ $ 3,927,631 ============
      prior to its sale by $.6 million.

          The Company's remaining investment in Monarch and Mariah at April 30, 20022004, which is carried at the lower of cost or market, was $252,456$293,811 and $0, respectively, and is included in "Investments""Prepaid and other assets" in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. 30

      M - Related Party Transactions

          During fiscal 2002, the Company paid an outside director $16,719 as a fee in connection with certain consulting services related to its used car sales and finance business.

          During fiscal 2004, 2003 and 2002, the Company paid Dynamic Enterprises, Inc. ("Dynamic") approximately $225,000 per year for the lease of six dealership locations. During those periods an officer of Dynamic was also a director of the Company.


      N - FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTSFair Value of Financial Instruments

          The table below summarizes information about the fair value of financial instruments included in the Company's financial statements at April 30, 20022004 and 2001:
      April 30, 2002 April 30, 2001 ----------------------------- ----------------------------- Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Value Value Value Value ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,229,920 $ 1,229,920 $ 718,134 $ 718,134 Finance receivables, net 75,079,603 69,091,659 61,969,879 58,871,385 Revolving credit facilities 32,291,957 32,291,957 29,767,688 29,767,688 Other notes payable 7,500,000 7,500,000 11,816,000 11,816,000
      2003:

       
       April 30, 2004
       April 30, 2003
       
       Carrying
      Value

       Fair
      Value

       Carrying
      Value

       Fair
      Value

      Cash and cash equivalents $1,128,349 $1,128,349 $783,786 $783,786
      Finance receivables, net  103,683,660  96,539,720  91,358,935  83,815,523
      Revolving credit facility  22,534,120  22,534,120  25,968,220  25,968,220

          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 normal costs of administration of finance receivables 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:

      Financial Instrument

      Valuation Methodology -------------------- ---------------------
      Cash and cash equivalentsThe carrying amount is considered to be a reasonable estimate of fair value.

      Finance receivables, net


      The fair value was estimated based on management's knowledgeupon discussions with a third party purchaser of sales of other finance receivables, portfolios within the sub-prime auto industry. and discussions with other valuation personnel.

      Revolving credit facilities facility


      The fair value approximates carrying value due to the variable interest rates charged on the borrowings. Other notes payable The fair value approximates carrying value as the interest rates charged on such debt approximates market.

      O - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS During fiscal 2002, 2001 and 2000, the Company paid an outside director $16,719, $81,140 and $30,000, respectively, as a fee in connection with certain consulting services related to its used car sales and finance business. During fiscal 2002, 2001 and 2000, the Company paid Dynamic Enterprises, Inc. ("Dynamic") approximately $225,000 per year for the lease of six dealership locations. A director of the Company is also an officer of Dynamic. 31 P - BUSINESS SEGMENTS Operating results and other financial data are presented for the continuing operations of the Company by business segmentSupplemental Cash Flow Information

          Supplemental cash flow disclosures for the years ended April 30, 2002, 20012004, 2003 and 2000. The segments include Car-Mart and Corporate operations. The Company's continuing operations and other financial data by business segment for the years ended April 30, 2002 2001 and 2000 are as follows (in thousands):
      Year Ended April 30, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------ Car-Mart Corporate Eliminations Consolidated ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------ Revenues: Sales $ 118,642 $ 118,642 Interest income 8,775 $ 838 $ (331) 9,282 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total 127,417 838 (331) 127,924 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Costs and expenses: Cost of sales 62,965 62,965 Selling, general and admin 19,354 2,972 22,326 Provision for credit losses 23,036 100 23,136 Interest expense 2,564 789 (331) 3,022 Depreciation and amortization 162 122 284 Stock option based compensation 7,329 7,329 Restructuring charge 2,732 2,732 Write-down of investments/equip. 3,928 3,928 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total 108,081 17,972 (331) 125,722 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Income (loss) before taxes and minority interests $ 19,336 $ (17,134) $ -- $ 2,202 =========== =========== =========== =========== Capital expenditures $ 1,306 $ 940 $ -- $ 2,246 =========== =========== =========== =========== Total assets $ 81,745 $ 66,323 =========== ===========
      Year Ended April 30, 2001 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Car-Mart Corporate Eliminations Consolidated ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Revenues: Sales $ 97,848 $ 97,848 Interest income 7,858 $ 1,524 $ (476) 8,906 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Total 105,706 1,524 (476) 106,754 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Costs and expenses: Cost of sales 53,412 53,412 Selling, general and admin 14,950 3,784 18,734 Provision for credit losses 17,215 17,215 Interest expense 3,613 878 (476) 4,015 Depreciation and amortization 141 346 487 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Total 89,331 5,008 (476) 93,863 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Income (loss) before taxes and minority interests $ 16,375 $ (3,484) $ -- $ 12,891 ============ ============ ============ ============ Capital expenditures $ 636 $ 67 $ -- $ 703 ============ ============ ============ ============ Total assets $ 72,890 $ 71,832 ============ ============
      32
      Year Ended April 30, 2000 --------------------------------------------------------------- Car-Mart Corporate Eliminations Consolidated ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Revenues: Sales $ 82,916 $ 82,916 Interest income 6,466 $ 2,290 $ (702) 8,054 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Total 89,382 2,290 (702) 90,970 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Costs and expenses: Cost of sales 45,383 45,383 Selling, general and admin 12,960 4,678 17,638 Provision for credit losses 14,104 14,104 Interest expense 3,239 788 (702) 3,325 Depreciation and amortization 134 296 430 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Total 75,820 5,762 (702) 80,880 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Other income: Equity in unconsolidated of subsidiaries 507 507 Gain on sale of CMN 10,738 10,738 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ 11,245 11,245 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Income before taxes and minority interests $ 13,562 $ 7,773 $ -- $ 21,335 ============ ============ ============ ============ Capital expenditures $ 169 $ 1,449 $ -- $ 1,618 ============ ============ ============ ============ Total assets $ 58,976 $ 77,052 ============ ============
      Qfollows:

       
       Years Ended April 30,

       
       2004
       2003
       2002
      Interest paid $1,101,715 $1,715,524 $2,773,843
      Income taxes paid (refunded), net  5,986,433  (1,400,091) 5,396,204
      Note issued in the purchase of property and equipment        900,000
      Stock issued to acquire Car-Mart minority interest        1,447,589

      P - SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION Supplemental cash flow disclosures for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2002, 2001 and 2000 are as follows:
      Years Ended April 30, 2002 2001 2000 ------------ ------------ ------------ Interest paid $ 2,773,843 $ 3,790,713 $ 3,108,766 Income taxes paid, net 5,396,204 8,910,947 8,671,298 Notes issued in the purchase of property and equipment 900,000 15,000 1,158,000 Value of securities received in sale of 50% of Precision 833,833 Note received in sale of Crown El Salvador 554,213 Stock issued to acquire Car-Mart minority interest 1,447,589
      33 R - DISCONTINUED OPERATIONSDiscontinued Operations

          In October 2001 the Company made the decision to sell all of its operating subsidiaries except Car-Mart, and relocate its corporate headquarters to Bentonville, Arkansas where Car-Mart is based. This decision was based on management's desire to separate the highly profitable and modestly leveraged operations of Car-Mart from the operating losses or lower level of profitability and highly leveraged operations of the Company's other operating subsidiaries. In addition, it is management's belief that the Company's ownership of businesses in a variety of different industries may have created confusion within the investment community, possibly making it difficult for investors to analyze and properly value the Company's common stock. In May 2002 the Company sold its remaining 50% interest in Precision IBC, Inc. ("Precision") for $3.8 million in cash. In July 2002 the Company sold its 80% interest in Concorde Acceptance Corporation ("Concorde") for $3.0 million in cash. In addition, at closing, Concorde repaid allAs a result of its $2.1 million in outstanding borrowings fromthese two sales, the Company.Company no longer operates any business other than Car-Mart.

          As a result of the Company's decision, operating results from its non Car-Mart operating subsidiaries have been reclassified to discontinued operations for all periods presented. Below isDiscontinued operations include the operations of Concorde through June 2002, Precision through April 2002 and Smart Choice Automotive Group, Inc. ("Smart Choice") through October 2001. Discontinued operations for the year ended April 30, 2004 reflect a summarynegotiated settlement of the number of months each of these subsidiaries operating results are included in discontinued operationsamounts due from a former subsidiary of the Company for the years ended April 30, 2002, 2001 and 2000:
      Number of Months Included Month Month in Discontinued Operations for Company Company the Years Ended April 30, Acquired Sold or ---------------------------------------- Subsidiary or Formed Disposed 2002 2001 2000 ----------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Smart Choice(1) 12-99 10-01 6 12 5 Paaco(1) 2-98 10-01 6 12 12 Precision 2-98 5-02 12 12 12 Concorde 6-97 7-02 12 12 12 Crown El Salvador 2-99 4-01 -- 12 12 Home Stay 5-98 12-99 -- -- 7
      1 - Paaco became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Smart Choice in December 1999 when the Company exchanged its 85% interest in Paaco and certain other consideration for a 70% interest in Smart Choice. In January 2001 certain Florida-based subsidiaries of Smart Choice (the "Florida Finance Group") became over-advanced on their revolving credit facility with Finova Capital Corporation ("Finova"). In November 2001 this loan default culminated in certain Florida Finance Group assets being sold in a foreclosure sale conducted by Finova. As a result of the foreclosure and concurrent cessation of the Florida Finance Group's operations, Smart Choice wrote-down its assets by approximately $39 million rendering it insolvent. Separately, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with Finova that resulted in the Company paying Finova $1 million in exchange for Finova unconditionally releasing the Company from its $5 million guaranty of the Florida Finance Group's and Paaco's obligations to Finova. As a result of these transactions and operating losses at Smart Choice, the Company's investment in Smart Choice, which totaled $17.6 million at April 30, 2001, was written off as of October 31, 2001. In addition, as a result of revised subordination language that requires Finova to be paid in full prior to the Company receiving any note payments from Paaco, the Company fully reserved its $1.6 million receivable from Paaco as of October 31, 2001. The write-off of the Company's investment in Smart Choice and the loss resulting from the $1 million guaranty payment to Finova and related tax benefits, are included in discontinued operations. In March 2002 the Company sold its 70% interest in Smart Choice for a nominal sum.had been previously written-off. A summary of the Company's discontinued operations for the years ended April 30, 2002, 20012004, 2003 and 20002002 is as follows (in thousands):
      Years Ended April 30, 2002 2001 2000 ---------- ---------- ---------- Revenues $ 104,069 $ 236,837 $ 147,996 Operating expenses 107,474 238,881 143,834 Write-down of Smart Choice assets 39,294 Loss in excess of the Company's basis (19,349) ---------- ---------- ---------- Income (loss) before taxes and minority interests (23,350) (2,044) 4,162 Provision (benefit) for income taxes (5,742) (459) 2,133 Minority interests (benefit) (4,438) (181) 593 ---------- ---------- ---------- Income (loss) from discontinued operations $ (13,170) $ (1,404) $ 1,436 ========== ========== ==========
      34 A summary

       
       Years Ended April 30,

       
       
       2004
       2003
       2002
       
      Revenues $ $3,058 $104,069 
      Operating expenses     2,306  107,474 
      Write-down of Smart Choice assets, net  (250)    19,945 
        
       
       
       
       Income (loss) before taxes and minority interests  250  752  (23,350)

      Provision (benefit) for income taxes

       

       

      85

       

       

      283

       

       

      (5,742

      )
      Minority interests (benefit)     94  (4,438)
        
       
       
       
       
      Income (loss) from discontinued operations

       

      $

      165

       

      $

      375

       

      $

      (13,170

      )
        
       
       
       

      Q - Quarterly Results of assets and liabilities of subsidiaries held for sale as of April 30, 2002 and 2001 is as follows (in thousands):
      April 30, 2002 2001 ---------- ---------- Assets of subsidiaries held for sale: Mortgage loans held for sale, net $ 28,172 $ 16,200 Finance receivables, net 149,656 Inventory 7,980 Property and equipment, net 680 12,783 Deferred tax asset, net 234 15,902 Other 6,872 16,388 ---------- ---------- $ 35,958 $ 218,909 ========== ========== Liabilities of subsidiaries held for sale: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 3,822 $ 13,255 Deferred sales tax 4,963 Revolving credit facilities 23,238 160,294 Notes payable to the Company 2,079 6,112 Other notes payable 7,495 Minority interests 210 4,648 ---------- ---------- 29,349 196,767 Less: Notes payable to the Company (2,079) (6,112) ---------- ---------- $ 27,270 $ 190,655 ========== ==========
      As of April 30, 2002 and 2001 the Company's equity investment in businesses held for sale was as follows (in thousands):
      April 30, 2002 2001 ------------ ------------ Smart Choice $ -- $ 17,591 Concorde 2,838 1,354 Precision 3,771 3,197 ------------ ------------ $ 6,609 $ 22,142 ============ ============
      35 S - QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)Operations (unaudited)

          A summary of the Company's quarterly results of operations for the years ended April 30, 20022004 and 20012003 is as follows (in thousands)thousands, except per share information):
      Year Ended April 30, 2002 First Second Third Fourth Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Total ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Revenues $ 30,539 $ 31,768 $ 30,921 $ 34,696 $ 127,924 Income (loss) from continuing operations 1,963 (2,153)(1) 231(2) (1,177)(2) (1,136) Net income (loss) 1,194 (14,967) 538 (1,071) (14,306) Continuing earnings (loss) per share: Basic .29 (.32) .03 (.17) (.17) Diluted .28 (.32) .03 (.17) (.17)
      Year Ended April 30, 2001 First Second Third Fourth Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Total ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Revenues $ 24,463 $ 25,772 $ 26,740 $ 29,779 $ 106,754 Income from continuing operations 1,706 1,562 1,789 2,305 7,362 Net income 2,767 1,550 996 650 5,963 Continuing earnings per share: Basic .21 .20 .24 .32 .96 Diluted .20 .19 .23 .31 .92
      (1) In

       
       Year Ended April 30, 2004
       
       First
      Quarter

       Second
      Quarter

       Third
      Quarter

       Fourth
      Quarter

       Total
      Revenues $43,310 $43,315 $41,853 $47,706 $176,184
      Income from continuing operations  4,379  3,815  2,810  4,635  15,639
      Net income  4,544  3,815  2,810  4,635  15,804
      Continuing earnings per share:               
       Basic  .60  .51  .37  .60  2.07
       Diluted  .55  .48  .35  .58  1.96
       
       Year Ended April 30, 2003
       
       First
      Quarter

       Second
      Quarter

       Third
      Quarter

       Fourth
      Quarter

       Total
      Revenues $36,097 $38,278 $38,300 $42,210 $154,885
      Income from continuing operations  3,437  3,100  3,284  3,748  13,569
      Net income  3,687  3,356  3,284  3,748  14,075
      Continuing earnings per share:               
       Basic  .49  .44  .47  .53  1.93
       Diluted  .43  .40  .42  .48  1.73

      Item 9.    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

          None

      Item 9A.    Controls and Procedures

          Under the second quarter of fiscal 2002supervision and with the Company recorded a $2.3 million after tax charge related to the write-down of certain investments and equipment, and a $1.8 million after tax charge related to the relocationparticipation of the Company's corporate headquartersmanagement, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and severance pay. (2) InChief Financial Officer, the thirdCompany has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this annual report on Form 10-K, and, based on their evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective. There were no significant changes in the Company's internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the fourth quarter of fiscal 20022004 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company recorded non-recurring and non-cash after tax charges of $2.0 million and $4.3 million, respectively, related to stock option based compensation. 36 ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE None Company's internal control over financial reporting.


      PART III

          Except as to information with respect to executive officers which is contained in a separate heading under Item 1 to this Form 10-K, the information required by Part IIIItems 10-14 of Form 10-K is, pursuant to General Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K, incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A for the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in 2002.2004 (the "Proxy Statement"). The Company will, within 120 days of the end of its fiscal year, file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a definitive proxy statement pursuant to Regulation 14A. ITEM

      Item 10.    DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANTDirectors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

          The information concerning directors and executive officers of the registrantrequired by this item is set forth in the Proxy Statement to be delivered to stockholders in connection with the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in 2002 (the "Proxy Statement") under the headings "Election"Proposals to be Voted on—Election of Directors" and "Compliance with Directors," "Ownership of Common Stock—Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" and "Corporate Governance and Board Matters—Code of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,"Ethics" which information is incorporated herein by reference. The name, age and position of eachInformation regarding the executive officerofficers of the Company is set forth under the heading "Executive Officers" in Item 1 of this report. ITEM

      Item 11.    EXECUTIVE COMPENSATIONExecutive Compensation

          The information concerning executive compensationrequired by this item is set forth in the 2002 Proxy Statement under the heading "Executive Compensation," which information is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM

      Item 12.    SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS The information concerning security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is set forth in the 2002 Proxy Statement under the heading "SecuritySecurity Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

          The information required by this item is set forth in the Proxy Statement under the headings "Ownership of Common Stock" and "Equity Compensation Plan Information," which information is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM

      Item 13.    CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONSCertain Relationships and Related Transactions

          The information concerning certain relationships and related transactionsrequired by this item is set forth in the 2002 Proxy Statement under the heading "Certain"Related Party Transactions," which information is incorporated herein by reference. PART IV ITEM

      Item 14.    EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K (a)(1). FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND ACCOUNTANT'S REPORTPrincipal Accountant Fees and Services

          The following financial statementsinformation required by this item is set forth in the Proxy Statement under the heading "Principal Accountant Fees and accountant's report are included in Item 8 of this report: Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants Consolidated Balance Sheets as of April 30, 2002 and 2001 Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2002, 2001 and 2000 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2002, 2001 and 2000 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2002, 2001 and 2000 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 37 (a)(2). FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information of America's Car-Mart, Inc. (Parent Company Only) The other financial statement schedules are omitted since the requiredServices," which information is not present, or is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedules, or because the information required is included in the consolidated financial statementsincorporated herein by reference.




      PART IV

      Item 15.    Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and notes thereto. (a)(3). EXHIBITS Reports on Form 8-K

      EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT - ------- ----------------------
      (a)(1)Financial Statements and Accountant's Report



      The following financial statements and accountant's report are included in Item 8 of this report:





      Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm





      Consolidated Balance Sheets as of April 30, 2004 and 2003





      Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended April 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002





      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended April 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002





      Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended April 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002





      Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

      (a)(2)


      Financial Statement Schedules



      The financial statement schedules are omitted since the required information is not present, or is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedules, or because the information required is included in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

      (a)(3)


      Exhibits


      Exhibit
      Number

      Description of Exhibit

      3.1Articles of Incorporation of the Company (formerly SKAI, Inc.).(3)
      3.1.1Articles of Merger of the Company and SKAI, Inc. filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Alabama on September 29, 1989.(3)
      3.1.2Articles of Merger of the Company and SKAI, Inc. filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Texas on October 10, 1989.(3)
      3.1.3Articles of Amendment filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Texas on October 7, 1993.(8)
      3.1.4Articles of Amendment filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Texas on October 5, 1994.(8)
      3.1.5Articles of Amendment filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Texas on October 2, 1997.(12) (11)
      3.1.6Articles of Amendment filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Texas on March 20, 2002.(1) (13)
      3.2By-Laws dated August 24, 1989.(4)
      4.1Specimen stock certificate.(9)
      4.2Agented Revolving Credit Agreement dated December 18, 2001 by and between America's Car-Mart, Inc. and Colonial Auto Finance, Inc. as borrowers, and Bank of Oklahoma, N.A., Bank of Arkansas, N.A., Superior Federal Bank, Great Southern Bank, Community Bank and Arkansas State Bank as lenders.(13) (12)
      4.2.1Amendment dated November 30, 2003 to Agented Revolving Credit Agreement dated December 18, 2001 by and between the Company as borrower, and Bank of Oklahoma and certain other banks as lenders.(15)
      10.11986 Incentive Stock Option Plan.(2)
      10.1.1Amendment to 1986 Incentive Stock Option Plan adopted September 27, 1990.(5)
      10.21991 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan.(6)
      10.31997 Stock Option Plan.(11) (10)
      10.4Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Company and certain officers and directors of the Company.(7)
      10.5 Form of Severance AgreementEmployment agreement dated July 2, 1996May 1, 2003 by and between the Company and Edward R. McMurphy, T.J. Falgout, IIIWilliam H. Henderson.(14)
      10.6Employment agreement dated May 1, 2003 by and Mark D. Slusser.(10) between the Company and Eddie Lee Hight.(14)
      14.1Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.(1)

      21.1Subsidiaries of America's Car-Mart, Inc.(1)
      23.1Consent of Independent CertifiedRegistered Public Accountants.Accounting Firm.(1) 23.2 Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants on Financial Statement Schedule.(1)
      24.1Power of Attorney of Edward R. McMurphy.William H. Henderson.(1)
      24.2Power of Attorney of Tilman J. Falgout, III.(1)
      24.3Power of Attorney of J. David Simmons.(1)
      24.4Power of Attorney of Robert J. Kehl.(1)
      24.5Power of Attorney of Nan R. Smith.Carl E. Baggett.(1) 24.6 Power
      31.1Certification pursuant to Section 302 of Attorneythe Sarbanes-Oxley Act of Bennie M. Bray.2002.(1)
      31.2Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.(1)
      32.1Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.(1)
      38 - ----------
      (1)
      Filed herewith.

      (2)
      Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 10, as amended, (No. 0-14939) and incorporated herein by reference.

      (3)
      Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 1989 and incorporated herein by reference.

      (4)
      Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 1990 and incorporated herein by reference.

      (5)
      Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 1991 and incorporated herein by reference.

      (6)
      Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 1992 and incorporated herein by reference.

      (7)
      Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference.

      (8)
      Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended, initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 31, 1994 (No. 33-79484) and incorporated herein by reference.

      (9)
      Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 1994 and incorporated herein by reference.

      (10) Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference. (11)
      Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8, as amended, initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 20, 1997 (No. 333-38475) and incorporated herein by reference. (12)

      (11)
      Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference. (13)

      (12)
      Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference. (b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K During

      (13)
      Previously filed as an Exhibit to the fiscal quarterCompany's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference.

      (14)
      Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company did not file any reportsCompany's Quarterly Report on Form 8-K. 39 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference.

      (15)
      Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference.

      (b)Reports on Form 8-K



      During the fiscal quarter ended April 30, 2004 the Company furnished the following reports on Form 8-K:



      (1) - Form 8-K, dated February 13, 2004, reporting under Item 12 the issuance by the Company of a press release announcing an adjustment to the Company's earnings guidance for the fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2004.



      (2) - Form 8-K, dated March 5, 2004, reporting under Item 12 the issuance by the Company of a press release announcing earnings for the fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2004.


      SIGNATURES

          Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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. Dated: July 18, 2002 By: /s/ Tilman J. Falgout, III ---------------------------------------- Tilman J. Falgout, III Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) Dated: July 18, 2002 By: /s/ Mark D. Slusser ---------------------------------------- Mark D. Slusser Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial and accounting officer)

      AMERICA'S CAR-MART, INC.

      Dated: July 7, 2004


      By:


      /s/    Tilman J. Falgout, III

              Tilman J. Falgout, III
              Chief Executive Officer
              (principal executive officer)

      Dated: July 7, 2004


      By:


      /s/    Mark D. Slusser

              Mark D. Slusser
              Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer
              (principal financial and accounting officer)

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

      Signature
      Title
      Date --------- ----- ----
      *
      Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and DirectorJuly 18, 2002 - -------------------------------------- Edward R. McMurphy 7, 2004
      Tilman J. Falgout, III

      *



      Vice Chairman of the Board, July 18, 2002 - --------------------------------------
      President and Director Nan R. Smith * Chief Executive Officer


      July 18, 2002 - -------------------------------------- and 7, 2004
      William H. Henderson

      *



      Director Tilman J. Falgout, III * Director


      July 18, 2002 - -------------------------------------- 7, 2004
      J. David Simmons

      *



      Director


      July 18, 2002 - -------------------------------------- 7, 2004
      Robert J. Kehl

      *



      Director


      July 18, 2002 - -------------------------------------- Bennie M. Bray 7, 2004
      Carl E. Baggett
      *By /s//s/ Mark D. Slusser ----------------------------------
      Mark D. Slusser
      As Attorney-in-Fact
      Pursuant to Powers of
      Attorney filed herewith
      40 SCHEDULE I CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF AMERICA'S CAR-MART, INC. (PARENT COMPANY ONLY) CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS


      EXHIBIT INDEX

      April 30, ----------------------------- 2002 2001 ------------ ------------ Assets: Cash
      Exhibit
      Number

      Description of Exhibit

      14.1Code of Business Conduct and cash equivalents $ 969,505 $ 252,773 Investments 252,456 3,473,761 Income tax receivable 8,432,846 Receivables from subsidiaries 3,578,661 10,611,644 Investment in subsidiaries 49,792,865 43,752,260 Goodwill, net 6,767,585 Other 3,296,656 6,973,699 ------------ ------------ $ 66,322,989 $ 71,831,722 ============ ============ Liabilities and stockholders' equity: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 2,674,510 $ 853,265 Payables to subsidiaries 3,335,292 Income taxes payable 230,204 Debt 7,500,000 11,816,000 ------------ ------------ Total liabilities 13,509,802 12,899,469 ------------ ------------ Stockholders' equity 52,813,187 58,932,253 ------------ ------------ $ 66,322,989 $ 71,831,722 ============ ============
      CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
      Years Ended April 30, ------------------------------------------------ 2002 2001 2000 ------------ ------------ ------------ Revenues: Interest income $ 76,781 $ 356,795 $ 262,613 Interest income from subsidiaries 760,239 1,166,973 2,028,413 ------------ ------------ ------------ 837,020 1,523,768 2,291,026 ------------ ------------ ------------ Costs and expenses: Selling, general and administrative 2,972,029 3,783,916 4,677,799 Provision for credit losses 100,000 Interest expense 788,427 877,245 788,375 Depreciation and amortization 122,016 345,738 296,472 Stock option based compensation 7,328,554 Restructuring charge 2,732,106 Write-down of investments and equipment 3,927,631 ------------ ------------ ------------ 17,970,763 5,006,899 5,762,646 ------------ ------------ ------------ Other income (expense): Equity in earnings of Car-Mart 11,577,366 9,660,926 8,143,808 Equity in earnings (loss) of discontinued subsidiaries (13,169,637) (1,398,967) 1,559,624 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries 506,775 Gain on sale of Casino Magic Neuquen 10,737,832 ------------ ------------ ------------ (1,592,271) 8,261,959 20,948,039 ------------ ------------ ------------ Income (loss) before income taxes (18,726,014) 4,778,828 17,476,419 Provision (benefit) for income taxes (4,421,000) (1,184,000) 2,640,000 ------------ ------------ ------------ Net income (loss) $(14,305,014) $ 5,962,828 $ 14,836,419 ============ ============ ============
      The accompanying notes are an integral part of this condensed financial information. 41 SCHEDULE I (CONTINUED) AMERICA'S CAR-MART, INC. (PARENT COMPANY ONLY) CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
      Years Ended April 30, ------------------------------------------------ 2002 2001 2000 ------------ ------------ ------------ Operating activities: Net income (loss) $(14,305,014) $ 5,962,828 $ 14,836,419 Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 122,016 345,738 296,472 Write-down of investments and equipment 3,927,631 Stock option based compensation 7,328,554 Provision for credit losses 100,000 Deferred income taxes (2,076,215) 148,885 (554,791) (Gain) loss on sale of assets 2,503 11,189 Gain on sale of securities (10,737,832) Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries (506,775) Equity in earnings of Car-Mart (11,577,366) (9,660,926) (8,143,808) Equity in earnings of discontinued subsidiaries 13,169,637 1,398,967 (1,559,624) Changes in assets and liabilities, net of transactions: Other 884,178 317,526 (1,171,157) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 1,821,245 (922,748) 527,267 Income taxes payable (230,204) (5,116,616) 3,302,886 ------------ ------------ ------------ Net cash used by operating activities (835,538) (7,523,843) (3,699,754) ------------ ------------ ------------ Investing activities: Purchase of property and equipment (39,967) (51,660) (291,427) Sale of property and equipment 29,024 Purchase of investments and securities (77,206) (970,615) (2,028,034) Sale of securities 16,762,325 Repayments from (advances to) subsidiaries, net 4,426,697 5,799,678 (6,723,832) Sale of 50% of Precision 2,229,468 Sale of Crown El Salvador 30,000 Dividends and note collections from CMN 306,487 Purchase of subsidiary minority interest (1,562,027) Purchase of discontinued subsidiary (5,338,741) ------------ ------------ ------------ Net cash provided by investing activities 2,776,521 7,036,871 2,686,778 ------------ ------------ ------------ Financing activities: Issuance of stock 113,498 60,937 Repayment of debt (325,000) Purchase of common stock (1,012,749) (5,124,894) (5,844,111) ------------ ------------ ------------ Net cash used by financing activities (1,224,251) (5,063,957) (5,844,111) ------------ ------------ ------------ Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 716,732 (5,550,929) (6,857,087) Cash and cash equivalents at: Beginning of year 252,773 5,803,702 12,660,789 ------------ ------------ ------------ End of year $ 969,505 $ 252,773 $ 5,803,702 ============ ============ ============
      The accompanying notes are an integral part of this condensed financial information. 42 SCHEDULE I (CONTINUED) AMERICA'S CAR-MART, INC. (PARENT COMPANY ONLY) NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS A - GUARANTY America's Car-Mart, Inc. (the "Company") has made the following guaranty with respect to its subsidiaries:
      Amount Facility Drawn at Maximum Debtor Amount April 30, 2002 Guarantee ------ -------- -------------- --------- Car-Mart 37,000,000 32,291,957 10,000,000
      B - ELIMINATION OF BALANCES AND TRANSACTIONS WITH SUBSIDIARIES As of April 30, 2002 and 2001 the following balances were eliminated in the consolidated financial statements of the Company:
      April 30, ----------------------------- 2002 2001 ------------ ------------ Receivables from subsidiaries $ 3,578,661 $ 10,611,644 Investments in subsidiaries 49,792,865 43,752,260
      For the years ended April 30, 2002, 2001 and 2000 interest income in the amounts of $330,579, $475,651 and $702,472, respectively, was eliminated in the consolidated financial statements of the Company. C - DEBT A summary of debt as of April 30, 2002 and 2001 is as follows:
      Interest Primary Balance at April 30, Lender Rate Maturity Collateral 2002 2001 ------------------ ----------- -------- ---------- -------------- -------------- Individuals/Trusts 8.50% Jan 2004 Unsecured $ 7,500,000 $ 7,500,000 Bank of America 8.00% Sep 2001 Equipment 2,316,000 Regions Bank Prime + .5% May 2001 Land 2,000,000 -------------- -------------- $ 7,500,000 $ 11,816,000 ============== ============
      A summary of future minimum principal payments required under the aforementioned debt as of April 30, 2002 is as follows:
      Years Ending April 30, Amount ------------ ---------------- 2003 $ -- 2004 7,500,000 ---------------- $ 7,500,000 ================
      D - RECLASSIFICATIONS Certain prior year amounts in the accompanying financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the fiscal 2002 presentation. 43 EXHIBIT INDEX
      EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT - ------- ---------------------- 3.1.6 Articles of Amendment filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Texas on March 20, 2002. Ethics.
      21.1Subsidiaries of America's Car-Mart, Inc.
      23.1Consent of Independent CertifiedRegistered Public Accountants. 23.2 Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants on Financial Statement Schedule. Accounting Firm.
      24.1Power of Attorney of Edward R. McMurphy. William H. Henderson.
      24.2Power of Attorney of Tilman J. Falgout, III.
      24.3Power of Attorney of J. David Simmons.
      24.4Power of Attorney of Robert J. Kehl.
      24.5Power of Attorney of Nan R. Smith. 24.6 PowerCarl E. Baggett.
      31.1Certification pursuant to Section 302 of Attorneythe Sarbanes-Oxley Act of Bennie M. Bray. 2002.
      31.2Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
      32.1Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
      44



      QuickLinks

      PART I
      PART II
      Consolidated Operations (Operating Statement Dollars in Thousands)
      PART III
      PART IV
      SIGNATURES
      EXHIBIT INDEX