1
================================================================================
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
(MARK ONE)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000
-----------------
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO
-------------- -------------
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 000-19424
-------------
-------------------------------
EZCORP, INC.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
DELAWARE 74-2540145
-------------- -------------
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (IRS EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION IDENTIFICATION NO.)
1901 CAPITAL PARKWAY
AUSTIN, TEXAS 78746
----------------------------------------
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
(ZIP CODE)
(512) 314-3400
----------------------------------------------------
(REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE)
NA
----------------------------------------------------
(FORMER NAME, FORMER ADDRESS AND FORMER FISCAL YEAR,
IF CHANGED SINCE LAST REPORT)
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 X No
--- ---
APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:
The only class of voting securities of the registrant issued and outstanding is
the Class B Voting Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, 100% of which is
owned by one record holder who is an affiliate of the registrant. There is no
trading market for the Class B Voting Common Stock.
As of December 31, 2000, 10,897,040 shares of the registrant's Class A
Non-voting Common Stock, par value $.01 per share and 1,190,057 shares of the
registrant's Class B Voting Common Stock, par value $.01 per share were
outstanding.
================================================================================
2
EZCORP, INC.
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
Page
----
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2000, December 31, 1999 and
September 30, 2000...................................................................... 1
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended December 31,
2000 and 1999........................................................................... 2
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended December 31,
2000 and 1999........................................................................... 3
Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements............................ 4
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations.............................................................................. 8
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION............................................................................... 12
SIGNATURE................................................................................................. 13
3
PART I
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
EZCORP, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
December 31, December 31, September 30,
2000 1999 2000
------------ ------------ -------------
Assets: (In thousands)
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,218 $ 3,263 $ 3,126
Pawn loans 45,257 46,923 46,916
Service charges receivable 9,213 9,405 8,629
Inventory, net 37,898 45,751 35,660
Deferred tax asset 7,154 8,806 9,636
Federal income tax receivable 5,045 -- 5,045
Prepaid expenses and other assets 1,565 3,781 1,565
------------ ------------ ------------
Total current assets 111,350 117,929 110,577
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates 13,872 13,292 14,021
Property and equipment, net 61,388 62,028 61,130
Other assets:
Goodwill, net 12,036 13,713 12,160
Notes receivable from related parties 3,144 3,000 3,156
Other assets, net 2,958 4,421 2,749
------------ ------------ ------------
Total assets $ 204,748 $ 214,383 $ 203,793
============ ============ ============
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt $ 84,312 $ 11 $ 22,087
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses 11,750 12,065 12,011
Restructuring reserve 758 -- 1,649
Customer layaway deposits 2,280 2,492 2,332
Income taxes payable -- 33 --
------------ ------------ ------------
Total current liabilities 99,100 14,601 38,079
Long-term debt, less current maturities 98 75,109 59,025
Deferred tax liability 1,622 1,696 3,639
Other long-term liabilities 379 492 379
------------ ------------ ------------
Total long-term liabilities 2,099 77,297 63,043
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share;
Authorized 5,000,000 shares; none issued and
outstanding -- -- --
Class A Non-voting Common Stock, par value
$.01 per share; Authorized 40,000,000 shares;
10,906,073 issued and 10,897,040 outstanding at
December 31, 2000 and 109 108 109
September 30, 2000; 10,831,043 issued and 10,822,010
outstanding at December 31, 1999
Class B Voting Common Stock, convertible,
par value $.01 per share; Authorized 1,198,990
shares; 1,190,057 issued and outstanding 12 12 12
Additional paid-in capital 114,571 114,470 114,569
Retained earnings (deficit) (10,106) 8,482 (11,159)
------------ ------------ ------------
104,586 123,072 103,531
Treasury stock (9,033 shares) (35) (35) (35)
Receivable from stockholder (729) (729) (729)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (273) 177 (96)
------------ ------------ ------------
Total stockholders' equity 103,549 122,485 102,671
------------ ------------ ------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 204,748 $ 214,383 $ 203,793
============ ============ ============
See Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).
1
4
EZCORP, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
December 31,
------------------------------
2000 1999
------------- -------------
(In thousands, except
per share amounts)
Revenues:
Sales $ 32,377 $ 38,090
Pawn service charges 14,664 15,594
Other 200 256
------------- -------------
Total revenues 47,241 53,940
Cost of goods sold 18,098 22,683
------------- -------------
Net revenues 29,143 31,257
Operating expenses:
Operations 19,063 21,806
Administrative 3,892 4,328
Depreciation and amortization 2,434 2,522
------------- -------------
Total operating expenses 25,389 28,656
------------- -------------
Operating income 3,754 2,601
Interest expense, net 2,188 1,332
Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliate (27) (64)
Gain on sale of assets (3) (580)
------------- -------------
Income before income taxes 1,596 1,913
Income tax expense 543 650
------------- -------------
Income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle $ 1,053 $ 1,263
Cumulative effect on prior years (to September 30, 1999) of change in method of
revenue recognition, net of tax -- (14,344)
------------- -------------
Net income (loss) $ 1,053 $ (13,081)
============= =============
Amounts per common share (fully diluted):
Income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle $ 0.09 $ 0.10
Cumulative effect on prior years (to September 30, 1999) of change in method
of revenue recognition, net of tax $ -- $ (1.19)
------------- -------------
Net income (loss) $ 0.09 $ (1.09)
============= =============
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic and diluted 12,087 12,012
============= =============
Cash dividends per common share $ -- $ 0.0125
============= =============
See Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).
2
5
EZCORP, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
December 31,
------------------------------
2000 1999
------------- -------------
(In thousands)
Operating Activities:
Net income $ 1,053 $ (13,081)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities:
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle -- 14,344
Depreciation and amortization 2,434 2,522
Net gain on sale or disposal of assets (3) (580)
Income from investment in unconsolidated affiliate (27) (64)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Service charges receivable (584) 97
Inventory (2,238) (2,076)
Prepaid expenses, other current assets, and other assets, net (377) (162)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other long-term (146) 989
liabilities
Customer layaway deposits (52) 70
Restructuring reserve (891) --
Federal income taxes 465 2,135
------------- -------------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (366) 4,194
Investing Activities:
Pawn loans forfeited and transferred to inventory 19,072 22,912
Pawn loans made (45,240) (47,314)
Pawn loans repaid 27,827 31,419
------------- -------------
Net decrease in loans 1,659 7,017
Additions to property, plant, and equipment (2,503) (6,239)
Proceeds from sale of assets 4 3,545
------------- -------------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (840) 4,323
Financing Activities:
Proceeds from bank borrowings 4,300 5,000
Payments on borrowings (1,002) (13,003)
Payment of dividends -- (150)
------------- -------------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 3,298 (8,153)
------------- -------------
Change in cash and cash equivalents 2,092 364
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 3,126 2,899
------------- -------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 5,218 $ 3,263
============= =============
Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities:
Foreign currency translation adjustment $ 177 $ 33
See Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).
3
6
EZCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
DECEMBER 31, 2000
NOTE A: BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim
financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of
Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and
footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete
financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting
of normal recurring entries) considered necessary for a fair presentation have
been included. The accompanying financial statements should be read with the
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2000. As more fully
described in Note B, the financial statements for the three months ended
December 31, 1999 have been adjusted to give effect to a change in accounting
principle as of October 1, 1999.
The Company's business is subject to seasonal variations, and operating results
for the three-month period ended December 31, 2000 are not necessarily
indicative of the results of operations for the full fiscal year.
NOTE B: CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE
During the second quarter of fiscal 2000, the Company changed its method of
revenue recognition on pawn loans by reducing the accrual of pawn service charge
revenue to the estimated amount which will be realized through loan collection
and recording forfeited collateral at the lower of cost (the principal amount of
the loan) or market. Previously, pawn service charges were accrued on all loans,
and the carrying value of the forfeited collateral was the lower of cost
(principal amount of loan plus accrued pawn service charges) or market.
The Company believes the new method of revenue recognition is preferable in that
it better aligns reported net revenues and earnings with current economic trends
in its business and the management of the Company. In addition, the Company
believes the new method improves comparability of its operating results and
financial position with similar companies.
The accounting change was first reported during the second quarter of fiscal
2000. Accordingly, net income for the first quarter of fiscal 2000 has been
restated to reflect the accounting change as if it were reported in that
quarter. This adjustment increased net income before the cumulative effect of an
accounting change for the first quarter of fiscal 2000 by $813,000 ($0.07 per
share).
NOTE C: RESTRUCTURING CHARGE
In fiscal 2000 the Company reviewed its store portfolio to determine whether
closing certain stores would improve the Company's profitability and to
determine whether certain stores were strategically viable. As a result of this
review and the continuing evaluation of such assets for impairment, the Company
decided to close 54 stores and recorded a pretax charge of $11.8 million ($7.8
million net of tax) during the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2000, as more fully
described in Note C to the Company's audited financial statements for the year
ended September 30, 2000.
Of the 54 stores, 45 were closed as of December 31, 2000, and the remaining 9
are expected to close in fiscal 2001. As of December 31, 2000, approximately 148
employees were terminated as part of this restructuring, and approximately 41
additional employees will be terminated when the remaining stores close.
The results of operations from the 54 stores scheduled for closure were as
follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended December 31,
-------------------------------
2000 1999
---- ----
Total revenues $ 1,638 $ 5,409
Operating loss $ (296) $ (379)
4
7
At December 31, 2000, the Company had a remaining restructuring reserve of $0.8
million. It is anticipated that all remaining material cash outlays required for
these store closings and related restructuring costs will be made during fiscal
2001. The following is a summary of the types and amounts recognized as accrued
expenses together with cash payments made against such accruals (in thousands):
Write-off of
Long-Lived
Lease and Administrative Net Book Proceeds
Settlement Workforce Intangible and Other Value of from Sale Total
Costs Severance Assets Exit Costs Assets Sold of Assets Reserve
---------- --------- ------------ -------------- ----------- --------- -------
Reserve balance
at September 30,
2000 $ 582 $ 908 $ -- $ 456 $ 430 $ (727) $1,649
====== ====== ===== ====== ====== ======= ======
Reserve Utilized (263) (336) -- (246) (46) -- (891)
------ ------ ----- ------ ------ ------- ------
Reserve balance
at December 31,
2000 $ 319 $ 572 $ -- $ 210 $ 384 $ (727) $ 758
====== ====== ===== ====== ====== ======= ======
In conjunction with the restructuring in fiscal 2000, the Company recorded an
additional $1.2 million inventory reserve for anticipated losses on sales at
stores to be closed. This amount was charged to cost of goods sold in fiscal
2000 and is excluded from the table above. Of this inventory reserve, $0.1
million was utilized by September 30, 2000, and $0.6 million was utilized in the
first quarter of fiscal 2001, leaving a balance of $0.5 million in the reserve
at December 31, 2000. The Company anticipates that the remaining reserve will be
utilized in fiscal 2001 as the related inventory is sold.
NOTE D: ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES
The provision for federal income taxes has been calculated based on the
Company's estimate of its effective tax rate for the full fiscal year.
The Company provides inventory reserves for shrinkage and cost in excess of
market value. The Company estimates these reserves using analysis of sales
trends, inventory aging, sales margins and shrinkage on inventory. At December
31, 2000, December 31, 1999, and September 30, 2000, inventory reserves were
$1.6 million, $1.4 million, and $2.2 million, respectively.
Property and equipment is shown net of accumulated depreciation of $43.5
million, $39.6 million and $47.2 million at December 31, 2000, December 31,
1999, and September 30, 2000, respectively.
Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform with the fiscal
2001 presentation.
5
8
NOTE E: EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per
share:
Three Months Ended
December 31,
----------------------------
2000 1999
---------- --------
(In thousands)
Numerator
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share: net income $ 1,053 $(13,081)
Denominator ====== ======
Denominator for basic earnings per share: weighted average shares 12,087 12,012
Effect of dilutive securities:
Warrants and options -- --
------- --------
Dilutive potential common shares -- --
------- --------
Denominator for diluted earnings per share: adjusted weighted average shares
and assumed conversions 12,087 12,012
======= ========
Basic earnings per share $ 0.09 $ (1.09)
======= ========
Diluted earnings per share $ 0.09 $ (1.09)
======= ========
Options to purchase 1,392,649 and 1,534,763 weighted average shares of common
stock at an average price of $8.16 and $11.30, respectively, were outstanding
for the three-month periods ended December 31, 2000 and 1999. These options were
not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the
options' exercise prices were greater than the average market price of common
shares and, therefore, the effect would be anti-dilutive.
NOTE F: INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATE
The Company owns 13,276,666 common shares of Albemarle & Bond Holdings, plc
("A&B"), representing 29.86% of A&B's outstanding shares. The Company accounts
for its investment in A&B using the equity method. Since A&B's fiscal year ends
three months prior to the Company's fiscal year, the income reported by the
Company for its investment in A&B is on a three month lag. The income reported
for the Company's three month period ended December 31, 2000 represents its
percentage interest in the results of A&B's operations, reduced by the
amortization of the excess purchase price over fair market value, using an
estimate of earnings for July 2000 through September 2000. The company plans to
reconcile this amount during its quarter ending March 31, 2001 after A&B's
results have been reported to the public. The company does not expect the actual
results to differ materially from this estimate.
NOTE G: CONTINGENCIES
From time to time, the Company is involved in litigation relating to claims
arising from its normal business operations. Currently, the Company is a
defendant in several lawsuits. Some of these lawsuits involve claims for
substantial amounts. While the ultimate outcome of these lawsuits cannot be
ascertained, after consultation with counsel, the Company believes the
resolution of these suits will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company's financial condition or results of operations. However, there can be no
assurance as to the ultimate outcome of these matters.
NOTE H: COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Comprehensive income includes net income and other revenues, expenses, gains and
losses that are excluded from net income but are included as a component of
total shareholders' equity. Comprehensive income (loss) for the three-month
periods ended December 31, 2000 and 1999 was approximately $0.9 million and
($13.0) million, respectively. The difference between comprehensive income and
net income results primarily from the effect of foreign currency translation
adjustments in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
52, "Foreign Currency Translation." The accumulated balance of foreign currency
activity excluded from net income is presented in the Condensed Consolidated
Balance Sheets as "Accumulated other comprehensive income."
6
9
NOTE I: LONG-TERM DEBT
On December 15, 2000, the Company amended and restated its $85 million secured
credit agreement, which matures December 3, 2001. The amended credit agreement
provides for a $45 million revolving credit facility and two term loan
facilities totaling $40 million which are secured by substantially all of the
Company's assets. Availability under the revolving credit facility is tied to
pawn loan and inventory balances. The term facilities require principal payments
of $22.1 million during fiscal 2001. These principal payments will be made from
operating cash flow, the sale of assets, primarily sale-leaseback transactions
of various owned properties, and a tax refund resulting from the Company's
fiscal 2000 operating loss. Interest on the facility is at the agent bank's
prime rate plus 250 to 350 basis points. The Company pays a commitment fee of 25
basis points on the unused amount of the revolving facility.
The Company's credit agreement requires, among other things, that the Company
meet certain financial covenants. Specifically, the Company must operate within
specified levels of consolidated net worth, leverage ratio, capital
expenditures, inventory turnover, fixed charge coverage ratio, and EBITDA
(earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization). The Company
believes that these covenants will be achieved based upon the Company's current
and anticipated performance. Based upon management's fiscal 2001 operating plan,
including the sale-leaseback of certain assets and the availability under the
revolving credit facility, the Company believes that there is adequate liquidity
to fund the Company's working capital requirements, planned capital
expenditures, and make the required principal payments under the credit
agreement. However, material shortfalls or variances from anticipated
performance or delays in the sale of certain of its assets could require the
Company to seek a further amendment to its credit agreement or alternate sources
of financing, or to limit capital expenditures to an amount less than currently
anticipated or permitted under the credit agreement.
7
10
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The discussion in this section of this report contains forward-looking
statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results
could differ materially from those discussed herein. Factors that could cause or
contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed
in this section and those discussed elsewhere in this report.
First Quarter Ended December 31, 2000 vs. First Quarter Ended December 31, 1999
The following table sets forth selected, unaudited, consolidated financial data
with respect to the Company for the three-month periods ended December 31, 2000
and 1999. As more fully discussed under "Accounting Change" and in Note B to the
condensed consolidated financial statements, financial data for the three months
ended December 31, 1999 has been adjusted for a change in accounting for pawn
service charges.
Three Months Ended % or
December 31,(a) Point
2000 1999 Change(b)
-------------------------- ---------
Net Revenues:
Sales $32,377 $38,090 (15.0)%
Pawn service charges 14,664 15,594 (6.0)%
Other 200 256 (21.9)%
------- -------
Total revenues 47,241 53,940 (12.4)%
Cost of goods sold 18,098 22,683 (20.2)%
------- -------
Net revenues $29,143 $31,257 (6.8)%
======= =======
Other Data:
Gross profit as a percent of sales 44.1% 40.5% 3.6 pts.
Average annual inventory turnover 1.9x 2.0x (0.1)x
Inventory balance per average location as of the
end of the quarter $ 130 $ 137 (5.1)%
Loan balance per average location as of the end of
the quarter $ 156 $ 140 11.4%
Average yield on loan portfolio 126% 123% 3 pts.
Redemption rate 77% 75% 2 pts.
Expenses as a Percent of Total Revenues:
Operating 40.4% 40.4% 0.0 pt.
Administrative 8.2% 8.0% 0.2 pt.
Depreciation and amortization 5.2% 4.7% 0.5 pt.
Interest, net 4.6% 2.5% 2.1 pt.
Locations in Operation:
Beginning of period 313 331
Acquired -- --
Established -- 3
Sold, combined or closed 22 --
------- -------
End of period 291 334
======= =======
Average locations in operation during the period(c) 302.0 332.5
======= =======
- ----------
(a) In thousands, except percentages, inventory turnover and store count.
(b) In comparing the period differences between dollar amounts or per store
counts, a percentage change is used. In comparing the period differences
between two percentages, a percentage point (pt.) change is used.
(c) Average locations in operation during the period are calculated based on
the average of the locations operating at the beginning and end of such
period.
8
11
ACCOUNTING CHANGE
During the second quarter of fiscal 2000, the Company changed its method of
revenue recognition on pawn loans by reducing the accrual of pawn service charge
revenues to the estimated amount that will be realized through loan collection,
and recording forfeited collateral at the lower of the principal balance of the
loan or estimated market value. Previously, pawn service charges were accrued on
all loans, and the carrying value of the forfeited collateral was the lower of
cost (principal amount of loan plus accrued pawn service charges) or market.
The Company believes the new method of revenue recognition is preferable in that
it better aligns reported net revenues and earnings with current economic trends
in its business and the management of the Company. In addition, the Company
believes the new method improves comparability of its operating results and
financial position with similar companies.
The accounting change was first reported during the second quarter of fiscal
2000. Accordingly, net income for the first quarter of fiscal 2000 has been
restated to reflect the accounting change as if it were reported in that
quarter. This adjustment increased net income before the cumulative effect of an
accounting change for the first quarter of fiscal 2000 by $813,000 ($0.07 per
share).
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion compares the results of operations for the three-month
period ended December 31, 2000 ("Fiscal 2001 Period") to the three-month period
ended December 31, 1999 ("Fiscal 2000 Period"). The discussion should be read in
conjunction with the accompanying financial statements and related notes.
During the Company's fourth fiscal 2000 quarter, the Company made the decision
to close up to 54 stores. As of the end of the Fiscal 2001 Period, 45 of the 54
stores had closed. In the Fiscal 2000 Period, these 45 stores had net revenues
of $2.4 million, store operating expenses of $2.2 million and depreciation and
amortization of $0.3 million, for an operating loss of $0.1 million.
The Company's primary activity is the making of small, non-recourse loans
secured by tangible personal property. The income earned on this activity is
pawn service charge revenue. In the Fiscal 2001 Period, pawn service charge
revenue decreased $0.9 million from the Fiscal 2000 Period to $14.7 million due
to closed stores ($0.9 million). Decreases from lower average loan volumes for
the quarter ($0.3 million) were offset by higher yields ($0.3 million).
Annualized yields for the Fiscal 2001 Period were 126%, three percentage points
above the Fiscal 2000 Period.
A secondary, but related, activity of the Company is the sale of merchandise,
primarily collateral forfeited from its lending activity. For the Fiscal 2001
Period, sales decreased approximately $5.7 million from the Fiscal 2000 Period
to approximately $32.4 million. This decrease was primarily the result of lower
same store sales ($3.1 million) and loss of volume from closed stores ($2.8
million). Annualized inventory turnover was 1.9 times in the Fiscal 2001 Period
compared to 2.0 times in the Fiscal 2000 Period.
For the Fiscal 2001 Period, gross margins on merchandise sales increased 3.6
percentage points from the Fiscal 2000 Period to approximately 44 percent.
Improved margins on merchandise sales contributed 4.8 percentage points of this
increase, offset 1.2 percentage points by lower margins from stores closed
during the Fiscal 2001 Period. Inventory shrinkage for the quarter was 1.0% of
merchandise sales, unchanged from the prior year period.
In the Fiscal 2001 Period, operating expenses as a percentage of total revenues
remained unchanged at 40%. Administrative expenses as a percent of total revenue
increased 0.2 of a percentage point in the Fiscal 2001 Period to 8.2%. This
increase was primarily due to the effect of proportionally larger year over year
decreases in revenues than in administrative expenses.
Depreciation and amortization as a percent of total revenue increased one half
of a percentage point from the Fiscal 2000 Period to 5.2%. This resulted from
proportionally larger year over year decreases in revenues than in depreciation
and amortization from closed stores. Interest expense as a percent of total
revenue increased 2.1
9
12
percentage points from the Fiscal 2000 Period to 4.6%. The interest expense
increase was due to higher interest rates coupled with increased average debt
balances.
Income before the cumulative effect of an accounting change for the Fiscal 2001
Period was $1.1 million compared to $1.3 million in the Fiscal 2000 Period.
Lower net revenues in the Fiscal 2001 Period ($2.1 million), mainly due to
closed stores, were more than offset by lower total operating expenses ($3.3
million), resulting in operating income $1.2 million above the prior year
period. After higher interest expenses in the Fiscal 2001 Period and less gain
on the sale of assets ($0.6 million), income before the cumulative effect of an
accounting change decreased $0.2 million.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Net cash used in operating activities for the Fiscal 2001 Period was $0.4
million as compared to $4.2 million provided in the Fiscal 2000 Period, a
decrease of $4.6 million. An increase in pawn service charges receivable,
reflecting stronger seasonal loan growth and higher yields this year compared to
a year ago, a $1.7 million tax refund in the prior year period, $0.9 million in
restructuring related payments made in the current period, and timing of payroll
and related accruals account for most of the year-over-year change in cash
provided by operating activities. Net cash used in investing activities was $0.8
million for the Fiscal 2001 Period compared to $4.3 million provided in the
Fiscal 2000 Period. The change is due to smaller decreases in pawn loan balances
in the Fiscal 2001 Period, lower levels of capital expenditures, and $3.5
million of proceeds from the sale of assets in the prior year period. In the
first quarter of fiscal 2001, the Company invested $2.5 million to upgrade or
replace existing equipment and computer systems, funded primarily with bank
borrowings.
The Company's credit agreement requires, among other things, that the Company
meet certain financial covenants. Specifically, the Company must operate within
specified levels of consolidated net worth, leverage ratio, capital
expenditures, inventory turnover, fixed charge coverage ratio, and EBITDA
(earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization). The Company
believes that these covenants will be achieved based upon the Company's current
and anticipated performance. Based upon management's fiscal 2001 operating plan,
including the sale-leaseback of certain assets and the availability under the
revolving credit facility, the Company believes that there is adequate liquidity
to fund the Company's working capital requirements, planned capital
expenditures, and make the required principal payments under the credit
agreement. However, material shortfalls or variances from anticipated
performance or delays in the sale of certain of its assets could require the
Company to seek a further amendment to its credit agreement or alternate sources
of financing, or to limit capital expenditures to an amount less than currently
anticipated or permitted under the credit agreement.
The outstanding balance under the credit agreement bears interest at the agent
bank's prime rate plus 250 to 350 basis points, payable monthly. In addition,
the Company pays a commitment fee of 25 basis points of the unused amount of the
total commitment. At December 31, 2000, the Company had $84 million outstanding
under the credit agreement.
SEASONALITY
Historically, pawn service charge revenues are highest in the Company's fourth
fiscal quarter (July, August and September) due to higher loan demand during the
summer months. Merchandise sales are highest in the Company's first and second
fiscal quarters (October through March) due to the holiday season and tax
refunds.
10
13
QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The following discussion about the Company's market risk disclosures involves
forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those
projected in the forward-looking statements. The Company is exposed to market
risk related to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates.
The Company does not use derivative financial instruments.
The Company's earnings are affected by changes in interest rates due to the
impact those changes have on its variable-rate debt instruments. The majority of
the Company's long-term debt at December 31, 2000 is comprised of variable-rate
debt instruments. If interest rates average 25 basis points more in the
remaining three quarters of fiscal 2001, the Company's interest expense for the
year would increase by approximately $158,000. This amount is determined by
considering the impact of the hypothetical interest rate increase on the
Company's variable rate long-term debt at December 31, 2000.
The Company's earnings and financial position are affected by foreign exchange
rate fluctuations related to the equity investment in Albemarle & Bond Holdings,
plc ("A&B"). A&B's functional currency is the U.K. pound. The U.K. pound
exchange rate can directly and indirectly impact the Company's results of
operations and financial position in several ways, including potential economic
recession in the U.K. resulting from a devalued pound. The impact on the
Company's financial position and results of operations of a hypothetical change
in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the U.K. pound cannot be
reasonably estimated. The translation adjustment representing the weakening in
the U.K. pound during the quarter ended December 31, 2000 was approximately
$177,000. On December 31, 2000, the U.K. pound closed at 0.6699 to 1.00 U.S.
dollar, a decrease from 0.6836 at September 30, 2000. No assurance can be given
as to the future valuation of the U.K. pound and how further movements in the
pound could effect future earnings or the financial position of the Company.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes "forward-looking statements" within
the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements
other than statements of historical information provided herein are
forward-looking and may contain information about financial results, economic
conditions, trends and known uncertainties. The Company cautions the reader that
actual results could differ materially from those expected by the Company
depending on the outcome of certain factors, including without limitation (i)
fluctuations in the Company's inventory and loan balances, inventory turnover,
average yield on loan portfolios, redemption rates, labor and employment
matters, competition, operating risk, charges related to store closings,
acquisition, and expansion risk, liquidity, and capital requirements and the
effect of government and environmental regulations and (ii) adverse changes in
the market for the Company's services. Readers are cautioned not to place undue
reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date
hereof. The Company undertakes no obligations to release publicly the results of
any revisions to these forward-looking statements which may be made to reflect
events or circumstances after the date hereon, including without limitation,
changes in the Company's business strategy or planned capital expenditures, or
to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
11
14
PART II
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
From time to time, the Company is involved in litigation relating to claims
arising from its normal business operations. Currently, the Company is a
defendant in several lawsuits. Some of these lawsuits involve claims for
substantial amounts. While the ultimate outcome of these lawsuits cannot be
ascertained, after consultation with counsel, the Company believes the
resolution of these suits will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company's financial condition or results of operations. However, there can be no
assurance as to the ultimate outcome of these matters.
ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES
Not Applicable
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
Not Applicable
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
Not Applicable
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
Not Applicable
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) Exhibit Incorporated by
Number Description Reference to
None
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
The Company has not filed any reports on Form 8-K for the
quarter ended December 31, 2000.
12
15
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
EZCORP, INC.
------------
(Registrant)
Date: February 14, 2001 By: /s/ DAN N. TONISSEN
---------------------------------
(Signature)
Daniel N. Tonissen
Senior Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer &
Director
13