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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 MARCH 31, 2001
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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 0-19424
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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
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(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
(ZIP CODE)
(512) 314-3400
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(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 March 31, 2001, 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.
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EZCORP, INC.
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
Page
----
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2001, March 31, 2000 and
September 30, 2000 ........................................................................... 1
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months and Six Months
Ended March 31, 2001 and 2000 ................................................................ 2
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended March 31,
2001 and 2000 ................................................................................ 3
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements ......................................... 4
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations ................................................................................... 8
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION ................................................................................ 14
SIGNATURE .................................................................................................. 15
3
PART I
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
March 31, March 31, September 30,
--------- --------- -------------
2001 2000 2000
--------- --------- ---------
(In thousands)
Assets: (Unaudited) (Note A)
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,785 $ 1,816 $ 3,126
Pawn loans 40,477 39,227 46,916
Short-term loans and finance charges receivable, net 121 36 40
Pawn service charges receivable 7,205 7,466 8,629
Inventory, net 34,148 39,455 35,660
Deferred tax asset 6,135 7,759 9,636
Federal income tax receivable -- 1,202 5,045
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 2,170 2,845 1,525
--------- --------- ---------
Total current assets 93,041 99,806 110,577
Investment in unconsolidated affiliate 14,002 13,480 14,021
Property and equipment, net 58,378 64,501 61,130
Other assets, net 18,061 21,190 18,065
--------- --------- ---------
Total assets $ 183,482 $ 198,977 $ 203,793
========= ========= =========
Liabilities and stockholders' equity:
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt $ 66,773 $ 11 $ 22,087
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses 8,815 9,325 12,011
Restructuring reserve 355 -- 1,649
Customer layaway deposits 2,486 2,591 2,332
--------- --------- ---------
Total current liabilities 78,429 11,927 38,079
Long-term debt, less current maturities 94 63,606 59,025
Deferred tax liability 599 1,696 3,639
Other long-term liabilities 614 394 379
--------- --------- ---------
Total long-term liabilities 1,307 65,696 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 March 31, 2001 and
September 30, 2000; 10,831,043 issued and 10,822,010
outstanding at March 31, 2000 109 108 109
Class B Voting Common Stock, convertible, par value $.01
per share;
Authorized 1,198,990 shares; 1,190,057 issued and
outstanding at March 31, 2001, September 30, 2000 and
March 31, 2000 12 12 12
Additional paid-in capital 114,572 114,501 114,569
Retained earnings (deficit) (10,073) 7,055 (11,159)
--------- --------- ---------
104,620 121,676 103,531
Treasury stock (9,033 shares) (35) (35) (35)
Receivable from stockholder (729) (729) (729)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (110) 442 (96)
--------- --------- ---------
Total stockholders' equity 103,746 121,354 102,671
--------- --------- ---------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 183,482 $ 198,977 $ 203,793
========= ========= =========
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).
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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
March 31, March 31,
------------------------ ------------------------
2001 2000 2001 2000
--------- --------- --------- ---------
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenues:
Sales $ 35,549 $ 39,436 $ 67,926 $ 77,525
Pawn service charges 13,031 13,981 27,695 29,575
Other 239 280 439 537
--------- --------- --------- ---------
48,819 53,697 96,060 107,637
Cost of goods sold 21,435 24,687 39,533 47,370
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net revenues 27,384 29,010 56,527 60,267
Operating expenses:
Operations 18,653 21,970 37,716 43,778
Administrative 3,621 5,171 7,513 9,498
Depreciation and amortization 2,814 2,561 5,248 5,083
--------- --------- --------- ---------
25,088 29,702 50,477 58,359
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating income (loss) 2,296 (692) 6,050 1,908
Interest expense, net 2,332 1,200 4,520 2,532
Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliate (110) (83) (137) (148)
(Gain)/loss on sale of assets (1) 129 (4) (451)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) before income taxes 75 (1,938) 1,671 (25)
Income tax expense (benefit) 42 (659) 585 (9)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of a change in
accounting principle $ 33 $ (1,279) $ 1,086 $ (16)
Cumulative effect on prior years (to September 30, 1999) of
change in method of revenue recognition, net of tax -- -- -- (14,344)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income (loss) $ 33 $ (1,279) $ 1,086 $ (14,360)
========= ========= ========= =========
Amounts per common share (fully diluted):
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of a change in
accounting principle $ 0.00 $ (0.11) $ 0.09 $ (0.01)
Cumulative effect on prior years (to September 30, 1999) of
change in method of revenue recognition, net of tax $ -- $ -- $ -- $ (1.19)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income (loss) $ 0.00 $ (0.11) $ 0.09 $ (1.20)
========= ========= ========= =========
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic 12,087 12,012 12,087 12,012
========= ========= ========= =========
Fully diluted 12,087 12,014 12,087 12,013
========= ========= ========= =========
Cash dividends per common share $ -- $ -- $ -- $ 0.0125
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).
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5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
Six Months Ended
March 31,
--------------------
2001 2000
-------- --------
(In thousands)
Operating Activities:
Net income (loss) $ 1,086 $(14,360)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle -- 14,344
Depreciation and amortization 5,248 5,083
Deferred income taxes 461 1,761
Net gain on sale or disposal of assets (4) (451)
Income from investment in unconsolidated affiliate (137) (148)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Service charges receivable 1,424 2,036
Short term loan finance charges receivable (15) --
Inventory 1,512 4,090
Notes receivable from related parties 22 (240)
Prepaid expenses, other current assets, and other assets, net (1,332) 1,141
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (2,947) (1,649)
Restructuring reserve (1,294) --
Customer layaway deposits 154 169
Other long-term liabilities -- (114)
Federal income taxes receivable 5,045 318
-------- --------
Net cash provided by operating activities 9,223 11,980
Investing Activities:
Pawn loans forfeited and transferred to inventory 35,166 39,356
Pawn loans made (89,014) (90,211)
Pawn loans repaid 60,287 65,568
-------- --------
Net decrease in loans 6,439 14,713
Short-term loans (66) --
Additions to property, plant, and equipment (3,049) (11,735)
Additions to intangible assets -- (488)
Investment in unconsolidated affiliate 143 161
Proceeds from sale of assets 1,214 4,092
-------- --------
Net cash provided by investing activities 4,681 6,743
Financing Activities:
Proceeds from bank borrowings 9,700 14,500
Payments on borrowings (23,945) (34,006)
Payment of dividends -- (300)
-------- --------
Net cash used in financing activities (14,245) (19,806)
-------- --------
Change in cash and cash equivalents (341) (1,083)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 3,126 2,899
-------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 2,785 $ 1,816
======== ========
Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities:
Foreign currency translation adjustment $ 14 $ 298
Deferred gain on sale-leaseback $ 297 $ --
Issuance of stock options $ -- $ 31
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).
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6
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
MARCH 31, 2001
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 and six months ended
March 31, 2000 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 six-month period ended March 31, 2001 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 effect of the accounting change on the three months ended March 31, 2000 was
to reduce net loss by $2.1 million ($0.17 per share). The effect of the change
on the six months ended March 31, 2000, excluding the cumulative effect of $14.3
million, was to decrease the net loss by $2.9 million ($0.24 per share).
NOTE C: RESTRUCTURING CHARGE
As more fully described in Note C to the Company's audited financial statements
for the year ended September 30, 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.
Of the 54 stores, 47 were closed as of March 31, 2001, and the remaining 7 are
expected to close in fiscal 2001. As of March 31, 2001, 148 employees have been
terminated as part of this restructuring, and approximately 41 additional
employees will be terminated when the remaining stores close.
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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
MARCH 31, 2001
The results of operations from the 54 stores scheduled for closure were as
follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
March 31, March 31,
-------------------- --------------------
2001 2000 2001 2000
--------- -------- -------- --------
Total revenues $ 862 $ 5,188 $ 2,500 $ 10,597
Operating loss $ (60) $ (880) $ (356) $ (1,259)
At March 31, 2001, the Company had a remaining restructuring reserve of $0.4
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 (402) (463) -- (383) (46) -- (1,294)
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -------
Reserve balance
at March 31, 2001 $ 180 $ 445 $ -- $ 73 $ 384 $ (727) $ 355
========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =======
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, $0.6 million was utilized in the
first quarter of fiscal 2001 and $0.0 million was utilized in the second quarter
of fiscal 2001, leaving a balance of $0.5 million in the reserve at March 31,
2001. 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 March 31,
2001, March 31, 2000, and September 30, 2000, inventory reserves were $1.4
million, $1.2 million, and $2.2 million, respectively.
5
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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
MARCH 31, 2001
Property and equipment is shown net of accumulated depreciation of $45.8
million, $41.8 million and $47.2 million at March 31, 2001, March 31, 2000, and
September 30, 2000, respectively.
Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform with the fiscal
2001 presentation.
NOTE E: EARNINGS PER SHARE
For purposes of calculating earnings (loss) per share, the numerator is net
income (loss) for the applicable period. Dilutive warrants and employee stock
options for all periods presented are minimal and thus have no dilutive effect
on earnings per share.
The following table presents the weighted average shares subject to options
outstanding during the periods indicated. Anti-dilutive options have been
excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the options'
exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares
and, therefore, the effect would be anti-dilutive.
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
March 31 March 31
----------------------------- -----------------------------
2001 2000 2001 2000
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Total options outstanding
Weighted average shares subject to options 1,378,611 1,583,872 1,385,707 1,595,220
Average exercise price per share $ 8.20 $ 11.20 $ 8.18 $ 11.20
Anti-dilutive options outstanding
Weighted average shares subject to options 1,378,611 1,563,543 1,385,707 1,585,111
Average exercise price per share $ 8.20 $ 11.29 $ 8.18 $ 11.25
NOTE F: INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATE
The Company owns 13,276,666 common shares of Albemarle & Bond Holdings, plc
("A&B"), representing 29.47% 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 six-month period ended March 31, 2001 represents its
percentage interest in the results of A&B's operations from July through
December 2000, reduced by the amortization of the excess purchase price over
fair market value. A&B's shares are listed on the Alternative Investment Market
of the London Stock Exchange and at March 31, 2001, the market value of this
investment was approximately $6.3 million, based on the closing market price on
that date.
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.
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9
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
MARCH 31, 2001
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 and six
months ended March 31, 2001 was approximately $0.2 million and $1.1 million, and
the comprehensive loss for the three and six months ended March 31, 2000 was
approximately $(1.0) million and ($14.1) 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."
NOTE I: LONG-TERM DEBT
The Company's $85 million credit agreement, maturing December 3, 2001, 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. Remaining availability under the revolving credit facility was $4.4
million at March 31, 2001, based on pawn loan and inventory balances. The term
facilities require principal payments of $22.1 million during fiscal 2001, $10.5
million of which has been paid by March 31, 2001. The remaining principal
payments will be made from operating cash flow and the sale of assets, primarily
sale-leaseback transactions of various owned properties. 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 provisions, 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
has complied with these covenants throughout Fiscal 2001, and believes that it
will continue to achieve these covenants requirements through the remainder of
the year. 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.
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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.
Second Quarter Ended March 31, 2001 vs. Second Quarter Ended March 31, 2000
The following table sets forth selected, unaudited, consolidated financial data
with respect to the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000.
Three Months Ended % or
March 31,(a) Point
2001 2000 Change(b)
-------- -------- ----------
Net revenues:
Sales $ 35,549 $ 39,436 (9.9)%
Pawn service charges 13,031 13,981 (6.8)%
Other 239 280 (14.6)%
-------- --------
Total revenues 48,819 53,697 (9.1)%
Cost of goods sold 21,435 24,687 (13.2)%
-------- --------
Net revenues $ 27,384 $ 29,010 (5.6)%
======== ========
Other data:
Gross profit as a percent of sales 39.7% 37.4% 2.3 pts.
Average annual inventory turnover 2.4x 2.3x 0.1x
Inventory per store at end of the period $ 118 $ 117 0.9%
Loan balance per store at end of period $ 140 $ 117 19.7%
Average annualized yield on loan portfolio 123% 132% (9) pts.
Expenses as a percent of total revenues:
Operating 38.2% 40.9% (2.7) pts.
Administrative 7.4% 9.6% (2.2) pts.
Depreciation and amortization 5.8% 4.8% 1.0 pt.
Interest, net 4.8% 2.2% 2.6 pts.
Locations in operation:
Beginning of period 291 334
Acquired -- --
Established -- 2
Sold, combined or closed 2 --
-------- --------
End of period 289 336
======== ========
Average locations in operation during the period 290 335
- ----------
(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.
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11
Six Months Ended March 31, 2001 vs. Six Months Ended March 31, 2000
The following table sets forth selected, unaudited, consolidated financial data
with respect to the Company for the six months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000.
Six Months Ended % or
March 31,(a) Point
2001 2000 Change(b)
--------- ---------- ---------
Net revenues:
Sales $ 67,926 $ 77,525 (12.4)%
Pawn service charges 27,695 29,575 (6.4)%
Other 439 537 (18.2)%
--------- ---------
Total revenues 96,060 107,637 (10.8)%
Cost of goods sold 39,533 47,370 (16.5)%
--------- ---------
Net revenues $ 56,527 $ 60,267 (6.2)%
========= =========
Other data:
Gross profit as a percent of sales 41.8% 38.9% 2.9 pts.
Average annual inventory turnover 2.1x 2.1x 0.0x
Inventory per store at end of the period $ 118 $ 117 0.9%
Loan balance per store at end of period $ 140 $ 117 19.7%
Average annualized yield on loan portfolio 125% 127% (2) pts.
Expenses as a percent of total revenues:
Operating 39.3% 40.7% (1.4) pts.
Administrative 7.8% 8.8% (1.0) pt.
Depreciation and amortization 5.5% 4.7% 0.8 pt.
Interest, net 4.7% 2.4% 2.3 pts.
Locations in operation:
Beginning of period 305 331
Acquired -- --
Established -- 5
Sold, combined or closed 16 --
--------- ---------
End of period 289 336
========= =========
Average locations in operation during the period 301.0 333.5
- ----------
(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.
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12
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion compares results for the three and six-month periods
ended March 31, 2001 ("Fiscal 2001 Periods") to the three and six-month periods
ended March 31, 2000 ("Fiscal 2000 Periods"). 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 March 31, 2001, 47 of the 54 stores have closed.
For the three-month Fiscal 2000 Period, these 47 stores had net revenues of $2.2
million, store operating expenses of $2.8 million, and depreciation and
amortization of $0.3 million, for an operating loss of $0.9 million. For the
six-month Fiscal 2000 Period, these 47 stores had net revenues of $4.9 million,
store operating expenses of $5.6 million, and depreciation and amortization of
$0.5 million, for an operating loss of $1.2 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. For the three-month Fiscal 2001 Period, pawn
service charge revenue decreased $1.0 million from the three-month Fiscal 2000
Period to $13.0 million. The decrease results from closed stores ($0.8 million)
and pawn service charge revenues of same stores ($0.2 million). For the
six-month Fiscal 2001 Period, pawn service charge revenue decreased $1.9 million
from the six-month Fiscal 2000 Period to $27.7 million, a result of closed
stores ($1.4 million) and lower same store pawn service charge revenues ($0.5
million).
Same store pawn service charge revenues vary due to changes in average loan
balances and changes in the average yield on these balances. Average yields vary
due to changes in expected loan forfeitures and mix shifts in the loan portfolio
between loans with different yields. For the three-month period, same store loan
balances increased 6 percent, while average yields declined 9 percentage points
to 123 percent. Same store loan balances were unchanged for the six-month
period, while average yields declined 3 percentage points to 125 percent.
A secondary, but related, activity of the Company is the sale of merchandise,
primarily collateral forfeited from its lending activity. For the three-month
Fiscal 2001 Period, sales decreased $3.9 million from the three-month Fiscal
2000 Period to approximately $35.5 million. This decrease was the result of
closed stores ($3.4 million) and lower same store sales ($2.3 million) offset by
higher levels of jewelry scrapping ($1.8 million). Annualized inventory turnover
for the three-month Fiscal 2001 Period was 2.4 times compared to 2.3 times for
the same period last year.
For the six-month Fiscal 2001 Period, sales decreased $9.6 million from the
six-month Fiscal 2000 Period to approximately $67.9 million. This decrease was
the result of closed stores ($6.2 million) and lower same store sales ($5.2
million) offset by $1.8 million higher levels of jewelry scrapping. Annualized
inventory turnover, at 2.1 times, was unchanged from the prior year.
For the three-month Fiscal 2001 Period, gross profits as a percentage of sales
improved 2.3 percentage points from the three-month Fiscal 2000 Period to 39.7
percent. Improved margins on merchandise sales contributed 7.9 percentage
points, while higher jewelry scrapping reduced this margin improvement by
approximately 5.6 percentage points. Inventory shrinkage for the quarter was 1.3
percent of merchandise sales, unchanged from the prior year period.
For the six-month Fiscal 2001 Period, gross profits as a percentage of sales
improved 2.9 percentage points from the six-month Fiscal 2000 Period to 41.8
percent. Improved margins on merchandise sales contributed 5.6 percentage points
of the increase, offset by 2.7 percentage points from higher levels of jewelry
scrapping. Inventory shrinkage for the six-month Fiscal 2001 Period was
unchanged from the prior year period at 1.2 percent of merchandise sales.
In the three-month Fiscal 2001 Period, operating expenses as a percentage of
total revenues decreased 2.7 percentage points from the three-month Fiscal 2000
Period to 38.2 percent. This decrease results from the closed stores (1.9
percentage points) and greater operating efficiencies at remaining stores (0.8
of a percentage point). Administrative expenses decreased 2.2 percentage points
to 7.4 percent, primarily due to lower labor and incentive
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compensation expenses (1.0 percentage point), lower travel expenses (0.3 of a
percentage point), and the write-down of a past due note receivable in the
Fiscal 2000 Period (0.7 of a percentage point).
In the six-month Fiscal 2001 Period, operating expenses as a percentage of total
revenues decreased 1.4 percentage points from the six-month Fiscal 2000 Period
to 39.3 percent. This decrease results from the closed stores (1.8 percentage
points), offset by higher operating expenses as a percent of total revenues in
the remaining stores (0.4 of a percentage point). Although operating expenses
are higher as a percent of total revenues, same store operating expenses fell
three percent from the same period last year. Administrative expenses decreased
one percentage point to 7.8 percent, primarily due to lower labor and incentive
compensation expenses (0.6 of a percentage point), lower travel expenses (0.2 of
a percentage point), and the write-down of a past due note receivable in the
Fiscal 2000 Period (0.2 of a percentage point).
In the three-month Fiscal 2001 Period, depreciation and amortization as a
percent of total revenue increased one percentage point from the Fiscal 2000
Period to 5.8 percent. This resulted from depreciation and amortization of
assets placed in service in the last twelve months and the lower level of total
revenue. Interest expense as a percent of total revenue increased 2.6 percentage
points from the Fiscal 2000 Period to 4.8 percent. The interest expense increase
was due to higher interest rates coupled with increased average debt balances.
In the six-month Fiscal 2001 Period, depreciation and amortization as a percent
of total revenue increased 0.8 of a percentage point from the Fiscal 2000 Period
to 5.5 percent. This resulted from depreciation and amortization of assets
placed in service in the last twelve months and the lower level of total
revenue. Interest expense as a percent of total revenue increased 2.3 percentage
points from the Fiscal 2000 Period to 4.7 percent. The interest expense increase
was due to higher interest rates coupled with increased average debt balances.
Net income for the three-month Fiscal 2001 Period was $33,000 compared to a loss
of $1.3 million for the three-month Fiscal 2000 Period. Lower net revenues in
the current year period ($1.6 million), mainly due to closed stores, were more
than offset by lower total operating expenses ($4.6 million), resulting in
operating income $3.0 million above the prior year period. After higher interest
expenses in the Fiscal 2001 Period, net income improved $1.3 million over the
Fiscal 2000 Period.
Income before the cumulative effect of an accounting change for the six-month
Fiscal 2001 Period was $1.1 million compared to a loss of $16,000 in the Fiscal
2000 Period. Lower net revenues in the Fiscal 2001 Period ($3.7 million), mainly
due to closed stores, were more than offset by lower total operating expenses
($7.9 million), resulting in operating income $4.1 million above the prior year
period. After higher interest expenses in the Fiscal 2001 Period, income before
the cumulative effect of an accounting change improved $1.1 million.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Net cash provided by operating activities for the six-month Fiscal 2001 Period
was $9.2 million compared to $12.0 million provided in the Fiscal 2000 Period, a
decrease of $2.8 million. Income was $1.1 million higher in Fiscal 2001 than was
income before the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle in
Fiscal 2000, and the Company received a $3.3 million larger income tax refund in
Fiscal 2001 than in the prior year. These increases in operating cash flow were
more than offset by several factors. The decrease in inventory, which increases
the cash provided by operating activities, was $2.6 million smaller in the
Fiscal 2001 Period than in the prior year period. $1.3 million was spent on
restructuring related payments made in the current period, and changes in other
working capital components account for the remaining year-over-year change in
cash provided by operating activities. Net cash provided by investing activities
was $4.7 million for the Fiscal 2001 Period compared to $6.7 million provided in
the Fiscal 2000 Period. The change is due to smaller decreases in pawn loan
balances in the Fiscal 2001 Period and lower proceeds from the sale of assets
over the prior year period, offset by lower levels of capital expenditures.
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 continue to be achieved based upon the
Company's current and anticipated performance. Based upon management's fiscal
2001 operating plan, including
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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 March 31, 2001, the Company had $66.8 million outstanding
under the credit agreement.
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 effect of the accounting change on the three months ended March 31, 2000 was
to reduce net loss by $2.1 million ($0.17 per share). The effect of the change
on the six months ended March 31, 2000, excluding the cumulative effect of $14.3
million, was to decrease the net loss by $2.9 million ($0.24 per share).
SEASONALITY
Historically, pawn service charge revenues are highest in the fourth fiscal
quarter (July, August and September) due to higher loan demand during the summer
months and merchandise sales are highest in the first and second fiscal quarters
(October through March) due to the holiday season and tax refunds.
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 March 31, 2001 is comprised of variable-rate
debt instruments. If interest rates average 25 basis points more during the
remainder of fiscal 2001, the Company's interest expense for the year would
increase by $84,000. This amount is determined by considering the impact of the
hypothetical interest rate increase on the Company's variable rate long-term
debt at March 31, 2001.
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 March 31, 2001 was approximately $0.2
million. On
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March 31, 2001, the U.K. pound closed at 0.7061 to 1.00 U.S. dollar, an increase
from 0.6699 at December 31, 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 statement 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, 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.
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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 March 31, 2001.
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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: May 15, 2001 By: /s/ DAN N. TONISSEN
----------------------
(Signature)
Daniel N. Tonissen
Senior Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer &
Director
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