U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 Form 10-Q/A [X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended September 30, 1999 -------------------------- OR [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from ___________ to ____________ Commission file number 1-14082 -------- SMART CHOICE AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC. ------------------------------------------------------ (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) FLORIDA 59-1469577 - ------------------------------- ---------------- (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 5200 S. Washington Avenue, Titusville, Florida 32780 ---------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) (407) 269-9680 ---------------------------------------------------- (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) --------------------- (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 report(s), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No ----- ------ Indicate number or shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: As of November 22, 1999, 8,328,248 shares of the Registrant's Common Stock were issued and outstanding. SMART CHOICE AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC. Form 10-Q/A TABLE OF CONTENTS HEADING PAGE ------- ---- PART I. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements Balance Sheet - September 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998.................................3 Statements of Operations - Three and nine months ended September 30, 1999 and 1998.......4 Statements of Stockholders' Equity - Nine months ended September 30, 1999................5 Statements of Cash Flows - Nine months ended September 30, 1999 and 1998.................6 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements............................................7-13 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations................................................13-23 PART II. OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings.......................................................................23 Item 2. Changes in Securities...................................................................23 Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities......................................................23-24 Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Securities Holders...................................24 Item 5. Other Information.......................................................................24 Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K........................................................24 SIGNATURES.........................................................................................25 We are filing this amended Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A in response to comments received from the Securities and Exchange Commission. This report continues to speak as of the date of the Original Filing and we have not updated the disclosure in this report to speak to any later date. 2 PART I ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Smart Choice Automotive Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Balance Sheets SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 DECEMBER 31, 1998 ------------------ ----------------- (Unaudited) Assets Cash and cash equivalents ...................................... $ 131,878 $ 819,993 Accounts receivable ............................................ 460,742 349,417 Finance receivables Principal balances, net ...................................... 92,578,129 79,342,835 Less: allowance for credit losses ............................ (16,082,762) (12,157,569) ------------- ------------- 76,495,367 67,185,266 Inventories .................................................... 7,134,623 13,228,186 Property and equipment, net .................................... 6,264,158 3,467,637 Note receivable ................................................ -- 425,000 Deferred debt costs, net ....................................... 158,579 226,152 Goodwill, net .................................................. 4,344 12,585,005 Prepaid expenses ............................................... 394,019 303,276 Deposits and other assets ...................................... 562,464 416,574 Net assets of discontinued operations .......................... 1,492,513 13,828,956 ------------- ------------- $ 93,098,687 $ 112,835,462 ============= ============= Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Liabilities: Bank overdraft ................................................. $ 1,058,890 $ 3,112,930 Accounts payable ............................................... 3,955,942 3,340,540 Accrued expenses ............................................... 5,969,956 3,039,464 Line of credit, net of discount ................................ 68,368,419 63,612,433 Floorplan payable .............................................. 7,039,464 3,190,739 Capital lease obligations ...................................... 687,092 850,099 Notes payable .................................................. 19,195,095 25,276,758 Deferred income ................................................ 822,360 -- ------------- ------------- Total liabilities ................................................... 107,097,218 102,422,963 Contingent redemption value of common stock put options ............. 1,539,148 1,539,148 Redeemable convertible preferred .................................... 10,000 10,000 Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock ..................................................... 5,891,410 5,891,410 Common stock ........................................................ 83,283 66,765 Additional paid in capital .......................................... 31,993,291 30,054,488 Common stock notes receivable ....................................... (115,200) (115,200) Accumulated deficit ................................................. (53,400,463) (27,034,112) ------------- ------------- Total stockholders' equity .......................................... (15,547,679) 8,863,351 ------------- ------------- $ 93,098,687 $ 112,835,462 ============= ============= See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements 3 Smart Choice Automotive Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPT. 30, NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPT. 30, ------------------------------- ------------------------------- 1999 1998 1999 1998 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Revenues: Sales at used car stores ................... $ 14,508,943 $ 23,306,072 $ 55,228,784 $ 63,908,603 Income on finance receivables .............. 5,416,235 4,967,012 15,807,621 11,617,917 Income from insurance and training ......... 78,676 635,809 401,133 1,061,841 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Total revenues ............................. 20,003,854 28,908,893 71,437,538 76,588,361 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Cost and expenses: Costs of sales at used car stores .......... 10,653,343 16,892,001 41,854,237 43,745,213 Provision for credit losses ................ 6,057,669 3,652,797 13,561,263 8,380,051 Cost of insurance and training ............. 16,149 16,758 55,262 76,353 Restructuring charges ...................... 2,228,585 -- 2,228,585 -- Write-off of goodwill ...................... 12,328,918 -- 12,328,918 -- Selling, general and administrative expenses 6,008,662 8,407,524 18,546,129 18,694,374 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Total costs and expenses .................. 37,293,326 28,969,080 88,574,394 70,895,991 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Income from operations .......................... (17,289,472) (60,187) (17,136,856) 5,692,370 Other income (expense): Interest expense ........................... (2,590,553) (2,293,475) (7,304,147) (6,019,896) Other income ............................... 29,418 334,181 195,011 577,063 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ (2,561,135) (1,959,294) (7,102,136) (5,442,833) ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Net income (loss) from continuing operations .... (19,850,607) (2,019,481) (24,245,992) 249,537 Discontinued operations: Income from discontinued operations ............. (630,311) (74,239) (420,794) 882,063 Estimated loss on sale of discontinued operations (400,000) -- (1,200,000) -- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ (1,030,311) (74,239) (1,620,794) 882,063 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Net income (loss) ............................... (20,880,918) (2,093,720) (25,866,786) 1,131,600 Preferred stock dividends ....................... (140,699) (173,246) (499,565) (337,084) ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Net income (loss) available to common stock ..... $(21,021,617) $ (2,266,966) $(26,366,351) $ 794,516 ============ ============ ============ ============ Basic income (loss) per common share: Continuing operations ........................ $ (2.52) $ (0.33) $ (3.37) $ (0.01) Discontinued operations ...................... (0.13) (0.01) (0.22) 0.14 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ $ (2.65) $ (0.34) $ (3.59) $ 0.13 ============ ============ ============ ============ Diluted income (loss) per common share: Continuing operations ........................ $ (2.52) $ (0.30) $ (3.37) $ (0.01) Discontinued operations ...................... (0.13) (0.01) (0.22) 0.12 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ $ (2.65) $ (0.31) $ (3.59) $ 0.11 ============ ============ ============ ============ Weighted average number of common shares and share equivalents outstanding: Basic ........................................ 7,919,270 6,578,698 7,333,155 6,056,234 ============ ============ ============ ============ Diluted ...................................... 7,919,270 7,430,665 7,333,155 7,033,419 ============ ============ ============ ============ See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements 4 Smart Choice Automotive Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) PREFERRED STOCK COMMON STOCK ------------------ ------------------ COMMON NUMBER NUMBER ADDITIONAL STOCK OF OF PAR PAID-IN NOTES ACCUMULATED SHARES VALUE SHARES VALUE CAPITAL RECEIVABLE DEFICIT TOTAL ------ ---------- --------- ------- ------------ ---------- ------------ ------------ BALANCE, December 31, 1998 ...... 595 $5,891,410 6,676,545 $66,765 $ 30,054,488 $ (115,200) $(27,034,112) $ 8,863,351 Issuance of common stock for conversion of debt ......... -- -- 1,651,703 16,518 1,938,803 -- -- 1,955,321 Preferred stock dividends ....... -- -- -- -- -- -- (499,565) (499,565) Net loss ........................ -- -- -- -- -- -- (25,866,786) (25,866,786) ------ ---------- --------- ------- ------------ ---------- ------------ ------------ BALANCE, September 30, 1999 ..... 595 $5,891,410 8,328,248 $83,283 $ 31,993,291 $ (115,200) $(53,400,463) $(15,547,679) ====== ========== ========== ======= ============ ========== ============ ============ See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements 5 Smart Choice Automotive Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, ------------------------------- 1999 1998 ------------ ------------ Cash flows from operating activities: Net income/ (loss) ............................................ $(25,866,786) $ 1,131,600 Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Provision for credit losses ................................ 13,707,087 8,380,051 Depreciation and amortization .............................. 1,297,975 1,928,636 Write-off of goodwill ...................................... 12,328,918 -- Non-cash litigation costs reserved ......................... 1,185,000 -- Non-cash restructuring charges ............................. 2,228,585 -- (Gain) Loss on disposal of property and equipment .......... -- (43,381) Deferred warranty contracts earned ......................... (177,640) -- Provision for loss on sale of discontinued operations ...... 1,200,000 -- Cash provided by (used for): Accounts receivable ...................................... (168,127) (2,012,670) Inventory ................................................ 6,690,038 (4,200,159) Prepaid expenses ......................................... 54,113 (956,111) Accounts payable ......................................... 972,661 704,312 Accrued expenses and other liabilities ................... (52,927) (1,325,322) ------------ ------------ Net cash provided by operating activities ........................ 13,398,897 3,606,956 ------------ ------------ Cash flows from investing activities: Increase in finance receivables ............................... (22,871,364) (38,000,242) Sale of subsidiary ............................................ 10,570,315 -- Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment .............. -- 1,093,381 (Increase) / decrease in deposits ............................. (31,161) (54,015) (Increase) / decrease in other assets ......................... (242,528) (1,716) Payment of notes receivable ................................... -- 46,280 Purchase of property and equipment ............................ (382,242) (1,057,971) ------------ ------------ Net cash used in investing activities ............................ (12,956,980) (37,974,283) ------------ ------------ Cash flows from financing activities: Principal payments on notes payable ........................... (9,346,595) (3,628,509) Proceeds from issuance of notes payable ....................... 2,005,000 6,497,448 Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock ..................... -- 5,891,411 Proceeds from issuance of common stock ........................ -- 394,476 Proceeds from issuance of convertible debt .................... -- 340,000 Proceeds from exercise of common stock options and warrants ... -- 46,250 Proceeds from line of credit borrowings ....................... 4,693,861 27,250,000 Decrease in bank overdraft .................................... (2,019,834) -- Net proceeds (repayment) from floorplan notes payable ......... 2,838,688 (1,484,080) Proceeds from warranty contracts advance ...................... 1,000,000 -- Payments of dividends ......................................... (488,116) (212,864) Deferred financing costs ...................................... (10,000) (727,788) Deferred stock offering costs ................................. -- (551,492) Proceeds from capital lease obligations ....................... -- 403,916 Payments on capital lease obligations ......................... (163,007) (309,806) ------------ ------------ Net cash provided by financing activities ........................ (1,490,003) 33,908,962 ------------ ------------ Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents ........... (1,048,086) (458,365) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period ................. 1,268,589 1,066,949 ------------ ------------ Cash and cash equivalents at end of period ....................... $ 220,503 $ 608,584 ============ ============ See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements 6 Smart Choice Automotive Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) Note 1 - Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Smart Choice Automotive Group, Inc. (the "Company") have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for a complete financial statement presentation. In the opinion of management, such unaudited interim information reflects all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present the Company's financial position and results of operations for the periods presented. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a full fiscal year. The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 1998 was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements as of that date but does not include all the information and notes required by generally accepted accounting principles. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the company's audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998. Note 2 - Finance Receivables The Company's finance receivables ("Finance Receivables" or "Finance Contracts") are automobile retail installment sale contracts originated by the Company on sales of used cars at its automobile dealerships. The following shows the principal balances of the Company's Finance Receivables as of September 30, 1999: Contractually scheduled payments ..... $ 129,771,030 Less: unearned finance charges ....... (38,434,550) ------------- Principal balances ................... 91,336,480 Add: loan origination costs .......... 1,241,649 ------------- Principal balances, net .............. 92,578,129 Less: allowance for credit losses .... (16,082,762) ------------- Principal balances, net .............. $ 76,495,367 ============= Note 3 - Presentation of Revenues and Cost of Revenues The prices at which the Company sells its used cars and the interest rate that it charges to finance these sales take into consideration that the Company's primary customers are high-risk borrowers. The provision for credit losses reflects these factors and is treated by the Company as a cost of both the future finance income derived on the finance receivables originated at the Company as well as a cost of the sales of the cars themselves. Accordingly, unlike traditional car dealerships, the Company does not present gross profit margin in its statement of operations calculated as sales of cars less cost of cars sold. Note 4 - Deferred Income Deferred income represents the net value received by the Company in 1999 in connection with a long-term service protection plan agreement whereby the Company earns a commission on warranty contracts sold in connection with used car sales. Extended warranty coverage is provided by an independent third party. Note 5 - Earnings (Loss) per Common Share Net income (loss) per common share is based on the weighted average number of common shares and potential common shares outstanding during each period. Potential common shares for 1999 have not been included since their effect would be antidilutive. Potential common shares of 851,967 and 977,185 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 1998, respectively, include options, warrants and shares underlying convertible debt. 7 Note 6 - Supplemental Cash Flow Information Cash paid for interest during the nine months ended September 30, 1999 and 1998 was $7,188,919 and $5,747,262, respectively. The Company's non-cash investing and financing activities were as follows: NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, ------------------------------- 1999 1998 ---------- ---------- Common stock issued for conversion of debt and related interest .................. $1,955,321 $1,336,132 Exchange of note payable for accounts payable .................................... 452,240 Exchange of note receivable for note payable ..................................... 140,000 -- Common stock issued for conversion of preferred stock and accrued dividends ...... -- 4,592,704 Common stock issued for settlement of accrued expenses ........................... 525,765 -- Accrual of preferred stock dividends ............................................. 11,449 Exchange of inventory for note payable ........................................... 40,000 -- Note 7 - Segment Information The following table shows certain financial information by reportable segment as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 1999 and 1998 and excludes the operations of the discontinued segments: USED CAR FINANCING CORPORATE DISCONTINUED THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPT. 30, STORES SERVICES AND OTHER OPERATIONS COMBINED ----------------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------ ------------- 1999 ---- Revenue from external customers $ 14,508,943 $ 5,416,235 $ 78,676 $ -- $ 20,003,854 Intercompany revenues -- 69,582 -- -- 69,582 Operating income (loss) 511,852 (1,242,101) (16,559,223) -- (17,289,472) Depreciation and amortization 65,498 81,125 138,295 127,800 412,718 Interest expense 315,388 1,925,180 347,130 -- 2,590,553 Identifiable assets 12,016,871 85,784,083 (6,194,780) 11,032,229 102,638,403 Capital expenditures 26,468 700 7,222 57,951 92,341 1998 ---- Revenue from external customers $ 23,306,072 $ 4,967,012 $ 635,809 $ -- $ 28,908,893 Intercompany revenues -- 1,518,696 -- -- 1,518,696 Operating income (loss) 1,216,720 561,197 (1,838,104) -- (60,187) Depreciation and amortization 104,070 46,442 248,973 92,198 491,683 Interest expense 270,088 1,517,496 505,891 -- 2,293,475 Identifiable assets 21,949,287 73,610,813 8,566,240 22,014,272 126,140,612 Capital expenditures 74,092 3,000 69,076 18,642 164,810 USED CAR FINANCING CORPORATE DISCONTINUED NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPT. 30, STORES SERVICES AND OTHER OPERATIONS COMBINED ---------------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------ ------------- 1999 ---- Revenue from external customers $ 55,228,784 $ 15,807,621 $ 401,133 $ -- $ 71,437,538 Intercompany revenues -- 1,633,114 -- -- 1,633,114 Operating income (loss) 1,051,471 2,220,429 (20,408,756) -- (17,136,856) Depreciation and amortization 200,866 213,739 469,757 368,416 1,252,778 Interest expense 366,442 5,655,344 1,291,464 -- 7,304,147 Identifiable assets 12,016,871 85,784,083 (6,194,780) 11,032,229 102,638,403 Capital expenditures 157,250 5,914 86,918 183,374 433,456 1998 ---- Revenue from external customers $ 63,908,603 $ 11,617,917 $ 1,061,841 $ -- $ 76,588,361 Intercompany revenues -- 4,223,075 -- -- 4,223,075 Operating income (loss) 5,011,337 4,885,200 (4,204,167) -- 5,692,370 Depreciation and amortization 369,809 162,600 817,349 336,130 1,685,888 Interest expense 447,105 3,891,763 1,681,028 -- 6,019,896 Identifiable assets 21,949,287 73,610,813 8,566,240 22,014,272 126,140,612 Capital expenditures 537,211 234,682 157,538 128,539 1,057,970 8 Note 8 - Discontinued Operations In January 1999, management of the Company made a decision to discontinue the operations of the new car dealerships segment and the Corvette parts and accessories segment in order to focus the Company's continuing operations exclusively on the retail sale of used cars through its used car stores, as well as the financing of the used cars sold. The new car dealerships segment operated two new car dealerships in Florida. The Corvette parts and accessories segment sold and distributed Corvette parts and accessories throughout the United States, primarily through its catalog. During the first quarter of 1999, the Company recorded an estimated loss on disposal of discontinued operations of $800,000 based upon its estimates of the proceeds it expected to receive from the sales of the discontinued segments. The estimated loss of $800,000 included an estimated gain on the sale of the Corvette parts and accessories segment of $2,700,000 and an estimated loss on the sale of the new car dealerships of $3,500,000. On August 26, 1999, the Company sold the Corvette parts and accessories segment. The Company received $10,250,000 in cash proceeds that were used primarily to repay two 10% term notes totaling $8.5 million in principal, plus accrued interest. These notes had been collateralized by substantially all of the Company's assets as well as all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Eckler Industries, Inc. The Company used the balance of the proceeds for working capital purposes. In addition, the Company issued 488,000 shares of its common stock to Stephens, Inc. as payment for broker fees of $610,000 due in connection with the sale of the Corvette parts and accessories segment. Based on the knowledge, experience and economic strength of Stephens, Inc., the Company believes that this transaction was exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, based upon Section 4(2) of that act. The Company recognized a gain on the sale of the Corvette parts and accessories segment of approximately $2,754,000. At the time of the sale, the Corvette segment had parts and accessories and the related goodwill having book values of $3,277,500 and $5,824,000, respectively, and liabilities of $2,138,500, which were assumed by the purchaser. The Company incurred transaction costs in connection with this transaction of $533,000. On November 11, 1999, the Company sold selected assets of the new car dealerships segment (see note 11 "Subsequent Events"). The Company received $1,300,000 for the assets of the new car dealerships and retained certain receivables and liabilities. As of September 30, 1999, the Company estimated that it would recognize a loss of approximately $3,900,000 on the disposal of the new car dealerships. As a result of the sale of the Corvette parts and accessories segment during the third quarter of 1999 and the sale of assets of the new car dealerships on November 11, 1999, the Company updated its estimated loss on the disposition of discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30, 1999. The Company estimated that it would incur an additional loss on the sale of the new car dealerships of $400,000. The total estimated loss on the disposal of discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 of $1,200,000 reflected the gain on the sale of the Corvette parts and accessories segment of $2,700,000 and an estimated loss on the sale of the new car dealerships of $3,900,000. Revenues of the discontinued operations were $8,666,560 and $10,516,624 during the three months ended September 30, 1999 and 1998, respectively, and were $35,476,201 and $35,277,358 during the nine months ended September 30, 1999 and 1998, respectively. Consolidated interest that is not attributable to other operations of the Company was allocated to discontinued operations based upon net assets of the discontinued operations to the total net assets of the consolidated Company. The amount of interest allocated to discontinued operations was $338,328 and $134,702 during the three months ended September 30, 1999 and 1998, respectively, and was $719,774 and $273,449 during the nine months ended September 30, 1999 and 1998, respectively. The net assets of the discontinued operations included in the September 30, 1999 consolidated balance sheets consist of the following: Cash and cash equivalents...................................... $ 88,625 Accounts receivable ............................................. 500,421 Inventories ..................................................... 4,560,590 Prepaid expenses ................................................ 38,644 Property and equipment, net ..................................... 597,143 Goodwill, net ................................................... 1,348,956 Other assets .................................................... (11,906) Bank overdraft .................................................. (34,206) Accounts payable ................................................ (152,199) Accrued expenses ................................................ (291,724) Notes payable ................................................... (650,639) Floor plans payable ............................................. (4,501,192) ----------- Net assets of discontinued operations........................... $ 1,492,513 =========== 9 Note 9 - Restructuring Charges and Loss Contingency During the three-month period ending September 30, 1999, the Company recorded a restructuring charge to operations in the amount of $2,228,585. This charge included the costs of employee severance, the write-off of certain assets associated with the closure of used car lot locations and the estimated loss on the disposition of the Company airplane. The restructuring charges are: Employee costs and termination benefits $ 710,000 Used car lot closure 850,000 Write-off assets 268,585 Airplane disposition 400,000 ------------ Total Restructuring Charges $ 2,228,585 ============ During the third quarter of 1999, the Company decided to take additional steps to reduce overhead and operational costs and to eliminate unprofitable retail car lot locations. The restructuring plan included closing three retail used car lots in the West Palm Beach market area, revising the use of one retail used car lot for use for financed receivables processing as well as a reduction in management level staff at the Company headquarters. The restructuring plan provided for the termination of a total of 24 employees. All but one of the identified employees had been terminated as of October 31, 1999. A total of $710,000 in employee costs and termination benefits has been provided for in the restructuring charge and is anticipated to be fully paid out by January 31, 2000. The employees effected by the restructuring include three headquarters management positions, three lot managers and eighteen salespersons and operations positions. In addition to the charge for employee termination benefits, the Company included in the restructuring charge $850,000 for future lease costs and non-operating costs to be incurred through the remaining lease terms of closed lots and to provide for the transition out of this market. The Company has written off assets having a net book value of $268,585, which relate primarily to the retail lot locations closed during the third quarter. The assets include leasehold improvements and signage installed at leased locations at which the Company has terminated its lease obligations. The Company has also decided to terminate its lease obligation for the Company airplane. A charge of $400,000 has been recorded as part of the restructuring charge for the estimated shortfall between the present value of the lease obligation and fair value of the aircraft in the market. In addition, the Company recorded a charge to general, selling and administrative expenses for estimated costs relating to twenty-three outstanding, threatened, or settled litigation actions against the Company in the amount of $1,185,000. The maximum amount that the Company accrued in the third quarter with respect to any one of the pending, settled, or threatened cases was approximately $160,000. The average amount accrued per case was approximately $51,500. All of the pending cases were filed in 1998 or 1999. Most involve disgruntled former employees. One of the pending cases is the putative class action suit described below. The amount accrued for litigation also includes six threatened cases, two of which involve contract disputes and four of which involve former employees. 10 During March 1999, certain shareholders of the Company filed two putative class action lawsuits against the Company and certain of the Company's current and former officers and directors in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida (collectively, the "Securities Actions"). The Securities Actions purport to be brought by plaintiffs in their individual capacities and on behalf of the class of persons who purchased or otherwise acquired the Company's publicly traded securities between April 15, 1998 and February 26, 1999. These lawsuits were filed following the Company's announcement on February 26, 1999 that a preliminary determination had been reached that the net income announced on February 10, 1999 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 was likely overstated in a material, undetermined amount at that time. Each of the complaints asserts claims for violations of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 of the Exchange Act as well as a claim for the violation of Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act. The plaintiffs allege that the defendants prepared and issued deceptive and materially false and misleading statements to the public, which caused plaintiffs to purchase Company securities at artificially inflated prices. The plaintiffs seek unspecified damages. The Company intends to contest these claims vigorously. The Company cannot predict the ultimate resolution of these actions. The two class action lawsuits have subsequently been consolidated. Prior to the third quarter, the Company had estimated a charge relating to only three pending litigation matters. The Company accrued additional amounts based upon a current assessment of the cases during the third quarter. Of the other twenty cases for which a charge was taken in the third quarter, three were filed in early October 1999. With respect to the remaining cases, prior to the third quarter, none had progressed to the stage where the dollar amount of the losses or probable outcome could be reasonably estimated. The plaintiffs' complaints or threats either did not seek specific damage amounts or the amounts demanded bore no relation to the allegations. Minimal discovery had occurred and only two depositions had been taken, both in the same case and both in or after the third quarter. During and after the end of the third quarter, the Company entered into court-ordered mediation in four of the pending cases. These mediations provided the Company with the basis for assessing possible outcomes and reserves. With respect to the remaining cases, additional motions were filed and the Company entered into negotiations to resolve the lawsuits and the threats. These discussions and pleadings have allowed the Company to determine probable outcomes and thereby estimate the probable costs associated with each matter. Note 10 - Goodwill Goodwill represents acquisition costs in excess of the fair value of net tangible assets of businesses purchased. Goodwill is being amortized over 40 years on a straight-line basis. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of the assets may not be recoverable. The Company uses an estimate of the related undiscounted operating income over the remaining life of the goodwill in measuring whether it is recoverable. Certain events and changes in circumstances occurred during the third quarter 1999 that indicated that the goodwill of certain acquisitions might not be recoverable. During the second quarter of 1999, the Company had made significant reductions in retail car lot locations and overhead costs. In conjunction with these reductions, the Company had analyzed its cash flows and determined that the Company would generate positive cash flows beginning in the third quarter 1999. The Company had concluded that these cash flows would be sufficient to support the amortization of goodwill on a going forward basis and that its assets were not impaired. During the third quarter it became apparent that the projected level of cash flow had not been achieved and that the Company would continue to incur negative operating results and negative cash flow. Although the Company achieved the cost reductions that it projected, it did not achieve some of the other assumptions. The Company was unable to achieve the assumptions relating to the volume of sales of cars, the level of losses on financed receivables and the level of repossessed cars. Therefore, the Company's gross margins during the third quarter of 1999 were lower than it had projected. The Company did not sell the number of cars that it had assumed that it would sell during the third quarter of 1999 for two reasons. First, the Company's cash flow did not permit the Company to acquire sufficient cars for resale. Second, the resulting lower inventory reduced the interest of potential purchasers in purchasing the remaining cars on the Company's lots. During the second quarter of 11 1999, the Company had breached the provisions of its revolving loan facility by borrowing at a level in excess of the provisions. The lender had agreed to let the Company try to cure the breach. The Company's efforts to cure the breach were unsuccessful during the third quarter of 1999, however, because of its inability to make enough sales of the remaining cars on its lots, the higher level of losses on financed receivables and the higher level of repossessed cars. In addition, during the third quarter of 1999, the Company defaulted on the payment of interest and principal required by the revolving loan facility. In response to its financial difficulties, the Company began discussions to negotiate a restructuring of all of its indebtedness and a capital infusion. The lender advised the Company that it would begin to seek recourse on amounts outstanding under the loan facility depending upon its assessment as to the likely success of the Company's efforts to restructure its indebtedness and obtain a capital infusion. In August 1999, the Company announced that it was negotiating an acquisition of the Company by Crown Group, Inc. ("Crown"). The Company announced that one of the critical conditions to a satisfactory agreement with Crown was the Company's satisfactory restructuring of its outstanding obligations to approximately 17 lenders and 16 holders of outstanding shares of preferred stock. The lender advised the Company that it would postpone action against the Company as long as it perceived that the negotiations with Crown were progressing. As a result of the Company's failure to achieve the cash flows that it had expected to achieve and its inability to make necessary borrowings and predict the outcome of the negotiations with Crown, the Company determined to reevaluate whether its goodwill relating to continuing operations was impaired. Approximately $4.5 million of a total of $12.3 million in goodwill remaining at the time the Company reevaluated its goodwill was attributable to the closed lot locations in the West Palm Beach market. The Company determined to write off that goodwill as a result of the closing of those locations. The goodwill amount attributable to the West Palm Beach market was equal to the goodwill recorded at the time of the purchase of those operations during 1997 less amortization recorded through the date of disposition. The remaining goodwill was tested for impairment at the lowest level of cash flow, the original purchase of lots by company acquisition. The goodwill recorded at the time of the purchase of those lots less amortization recorded through the quarter ending September 30, 1999 was compared to the projected cash flows by lot. Based upon this cash flow analysis, the Company recorded a charge equal to the remaining $7.8 million of goodwill. Although the Company projected continued sales of cars from the continuing operations, such sales would only continue for several months because of the Company's inability to acquire additional cars for sale on those lots. Note 11 - Subsequent Events On October 1, 1999 the Company closed its four West Palm Beach used car lots and its Melbourne location. During the month of November 1999, the Company opened a used car lot in Winter Park bringing the total number of used car lots to eleven. On November 11, 1999, the Company sold the business and selected net assets of First Choice Stuart 1, Inc. d/b/a Stuart Nissan and First Choice Stuart 2, Inc. d/b/a Stuart Volvo to L&J Automotive Investments, Inc. d/b/a Oceanside Nissan and Oceanside Motorcars, Inc, d/b/a Oceanside Volvo. These two subsidiaries had represented the new car dealership segment of the Company. The Company received $1.3 million in cash proceeds that were used primarily to repay two 10% term notes totaling $591,109 in principal, plus accrued interest. The notes were collateralized by substantially all of the assets of First Choice Stuart 1, Inc. The remainder of the proceeds was used for working capital purposes. In January 1999, management of the Company had made a decision to discontinue the operations of the new car dealerships segment in order to focus the Company's continuing operations exclusively on the retail sale of used cars through its used car stores, as well as the financing of the used cars sold. 12 During the nine months ended September 30, 1999, the Company recorded an estimated loss on the disposal of discontinued operations of $1,200,000 (see note 8 "Discontinued Operations"). ITEM NO. 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS. The following discussion and analysis of the Company's consolidated financial position and consolidated results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in Item 1. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This report contains forward-looking statements. Additional written or oral forward-looking statements may be made by the Company from time to time in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission or otherwise. Such forward-looking statements are within the meaning of the term in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements may include, but are not limited to, projections of revenues, income, or loss, estimates of capital expenditures, plans for future operations, products or services, and financing needs or plans, as well as assumptions relating to the foregoing. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "project," and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statement was made. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements. 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. The following disclosures, as well as other statements in this Report on Form 10-Q, and in the notes to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements, describe factors, among others, that could contribute to or cause such differences, or that could affect the Company's stock price. OVERVIEW As of November 22, 1999, Smart Choice Automotive Group, Inc. operates 14 locations in Florida that sell used cars under the "First Choice" brand name. Through Florida Finance Group, Inc. ("FFG"), its finance company subsidiary, the Company provides financing for its customers by originating retail automobile installment sales contracts secured by the cars it sells. Based on the results of operations for the year ended December 31, 1998, the Company began a significant reorganization of its management structure and operational activities. Starting in April of 1999 the Company reduced the number of its store locations from 24 at December 1998 to 14 locations for continuing operations as of September 30, 1999. During August 1999, the Company announced that it had entered into a non-binding letter of intent with Crown of Dallas, Texas. The letter of intent provides for a cash investment by Crown, merger of the Company with one of Crown's subsidiaries, and the conversion of approximately $20 million of outstanding Smart Choice debt and preferred stock into common stock. The completion of the merger would result in Crown owning a majority of the Company's stock. The Company's senior lender and the respective holders of the indebtedness and preferred stock have not yet agreed to the terms of the proposal; consequently, there is no assurance that these transactions can be completed. The Company is currently in default under the Revolving Facility with Finova. During August 1999, Finova Capital Corporation ("Finova") advised the Company that it was in default on its senior revolving loan facility and that Finova was declaring an acceleration of the indebtedness. The senior revolving loan facility provides financing for used car inventory purchases as well as advances against a percentage of eligible financed receivables. Beginning in May 1999, the Company has been "over advanced" on its advances from the revolving loan facility against eligible inventory and financed receivables under the terms of the financing agreement. The Company continuously and diligently tried to cure the breach, however, but has been unable to do so. As a result of continued deterioration in the Company's financial condition, Finova advised the Company that it would begin to seek recourse on amounts outstanding under the senior revolving loan facility. Finova advised the Company that it would postpone action against the Company as long as negotiations were progressing with Crown. However, no assurances can be made as to whether the Crown transaction will close, or whether it will close in a manner acceptable to Finova. Amounts due as of September 30, 1999 to Finova were $74,433,325 in principal and $1,344,485 in accrued interest. Security pledged under the senior revolving loan facility includes, among other assets, all receivables, inventory and bank accounts of the Company's subsidiaries FFG, Liberty Finance Company and First 13 Choice Auto Finance, Inc. ("FCAF"), all subsidiaries of Smart Choice Automotive Group, Inc. Default remedies for Finova under the senior loan facility include, but are not limited to, all of the rights and remedies under the Uniform Commercial Code, and the right to remove all collateral and to sell or otherwise dispose of all collateral. During the second quarter of 1999, the Company made significant reductions in retail car lot locations and overhead costs. In conjunction with these reductions, the Company analyzed its cash flows and determined that the Company would generate positive cash flows beginning in the third quarter 1999. During the third quarter it became apparent that the projected level of cash flow had not been achieved and that the Company would continue to incur negative operating results and negative cash flow. Although the Company achieved the cost reductions it projected, it did not achieve some of the other assumptions. The Company was unable to achieve the assumptions relating to the volume of sales of cars, the level of losses on financed receivables and the level of repossessed cars. Therefore, the Company's gross margins during the third quarter of 1999 were lower than it had projected. The Company did not sell the number of cars that it had assumed that it would sell during the third quarter of 1999 for two reasons. First, the Company could not purchase adequate used car inventory due to the Company's cash flow. Second, the resulting lower inventory reduced the interest of potential purchasers in purchasing the remaining cars on the Company's lots. The Company's efforts to cure the breach of its revolving loan facility were unsuccessful during the third quarter of 1999 because of its inability to make enough sales of the remaining cars on its lots, the higher level of losses on financed receivables and the higher level of repossessed cars. In addition, during the third quarter of 1999, the Company defaulted on the payment of interest and principal required by the revolving loan facility. In response to its financial difficulties, the Company began discussions to negotiate a restructuring of all of its indebtedness and a capital infusion. Finova advised the Company that it would begin to seek recourse on amounts outstanding under the loan facility depending upon its assessment as to the likely success of the Company's efforts to restructure its indebtedness and obtain a capital infusion. In August 1999, the Company announced that it was negotiating an acquisition of the Company by Crown. The Company announced that one of the critical conditions to a satisfactory agreement with Crown was the Company's satisfactory restructuring of its outstanding obligations to approximately 17 debt holders and 16 holders of outstanding shares of preferred stock. The lender advised the Company that it would postpone action against the Company as long as it perceived that the negotiations with Crown were progressing In preparing the quarterly results for the period ended September 30, 1999, the Company determined that its current cash flow would not be sufficient to support operations in the near term as a result of the Company's default on its senior debt and its inability to borrow. The Company is pursuing vigorously the purchase of a controlling interest in the Company by Crown. The anticipated investment by Crown and the planned restructuring of the Company's debt would enable the Company to move forward with a significantly improved financial structure. The Company makes no assurances that the merger will be completed. Should the merger not be completed, the Company would consider other options that may include the filing for reorganization under the protection of the U.S. Bankruptcy court. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS SEGMENT INFORMATION The Company is comprised of two segments: used car stores and financing of used car sales. The Company's results of operations are most meaningful when analyzed and discussed by segment. The Company also has two other segments that have been discontinued. These segments are discussed separately below under "Discontinued Operations." USED CAR STORES THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, -------------------------------- ------------------------------- (Dollars in thousands) 1999 1998 1999 1998 ---- ---- ---- ---- Sales at used car stores ............... $14,509 100.0% $23,306 100.0% $55,228 100.0% $63,909 100.0% Cost of sales at used car stores(a) .... 10,554 72.8% 18,411 79.0% 43,457 78.6% 47,968 75.1% ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Gross profit .......................... 3,955 27.2% 4,895 21.0% 11,771 21.3% 15,940 24.9% Operating expenses ..................... 3,413 23.5% 3,679 15.8% 10,690 19.3% 10,929 17.1% ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Operating income ....................... $ 542 3.7% $ 1,217 5.2% $ 1,081 2.0% $ 5,011 7.8% ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= (a) Includes intercompany costs from FFG of $(70) and $1,519 for the quarters ended 1999 and 1998, respectively, and $1,633 and $4,223 for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 and 1998, respectively. Sales revenue at used car stores decreased to $14.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 1999 compared to $23.3 million for the same period in 1998. The lower sales revenue reflects the sale of 1,440 cars at the average of 14 used 14 car stores that were open during the third quarter of 1999 as compared to the sale of 2,191 cars at the average of 25 used car stores that were open during the third quarter of 1998. Sales revenue at used car stores decreased to $55,228 for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 compared to $63,909 for the same period in 1998. The sales revenue reflects the sale of 5,617 cars at the average of 19 used car stores that were open during the first nine months of 1999 as compared to the sale of 6,624 cars at the average of 23 used car stores that were open during the first nine months of 1998. Gross profit declined to $3.9 million during the three months ended September 30, 1999 from $4.9 million during the three months ended September 30, 1998. Excluding intercompany costs, gross profits declined by $2.5 million, or 39.0%, for the three months ended September 30, 1999 compared to the same period in 1998. Lower gross profit resulted from reduced revenues during the comparative three-month period. Gross profit declined to $11.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 1999 from $15.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 1998. Excluding intercompany costs, gross profits declined by $6.8 million, or 33.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 compared to the same period in 1998. The lower gross profit resulted from the liquidation of approximately $5 million in high cost used car inventory at below standard margins as the Company reduced its operations as well as reduced revenues during the 1999 periods. FINANCING OF USED CAR SALES THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, -------------------------------- ------------------------------- (Dollars in thousands) 1999 1998 1999 1998 ---- ---- ---- ---- Income on finance receivables(a) ......... $ 5,347 100.0% $ 6,486 100.0% $ 17,441 100.0% $ 15,841 100.0% Provisions for credit losses ............. (6,041) (113.0)% (3,653) (56.3)% (13,537) (77.6)% (8,380) (52.9)% Operating expense ........................ (548) (10.2)% (2,272) (35.0)% (1,684) (9.7)% (2,576) (16.3)% -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Operating income ......................... (1,242) (23.2)% 561 8.6% 2,220 12.7% 4,885 30.8% Interest expense on finance receivables .. (2,255) (42.2)% (1,432) (22.2)% (6,679) (38.3)% (3,753) (23.7)% -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Net income (loss) ........................ $ (3,497) (65.4)% $ (871) (13.4)% $ (4,459) (25.6)% $ 1,132 7.1% ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== (a) Includes intercompany revenues from FCAF of $(70) and $1,519 for the quarters ended 1999 and 1998, respectively, and $1,633 and $4,223 for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 and 1998, respectively. Income on finance receivables decreased to $5.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 1999 from $6.5 million for the same period in 1998. The decrease reflects the decrease in intercompany revenues from FCAF. Excluding intercompany revenues income on finance receivables increased to $5.4 million for the three months ending September 30, 1999 from $5.0 million for the same period in 1998. This increase resulted from an increase in net finance receivables outstanding to $78.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 1999 from $58.1 million for the same period of 1998. This increase results from the continued growth in the financed sales of used cars. Income on finance receivables increased to $17.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 from $15.8 million for the same period in 1998. The increase reflects the increase in the average net finance receivables outstanding to $74.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 from $48.8 million for the same period of 1998. This increase results from the continued growth in the financed sales of used cars. A high percentage of the Company's customers do not make all of their contractually scheduled payments on their finance contracts, requiring the Company to charge off the remaining principal balance and any earned interest, net of recoveries on repossessed cars. The Company maintains on its balance sheet an allowance for credit losses to absorb such losses. To accrue to the allowance, the Company records an expense (the "provision") based upon its estimate of future credit losses on finance receivables originated. The provision for credit losses for the three months ended September 30, 1999 was $6.0 million compared to $3.7 million for the same period in 1998. The provision for credit losses for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 was $13.5 million compared to $8.4 million for the same nine-month period in 1998. The increase reflects the growth in the amount of finance receivables outstanding. In addition, at September 30, 1999 the Company revised its estimated provision for credit losses from 15.01% of outstanding principal balances to 17.01% of outstanding principal balances based on a current credit loss analysis and increased losses experienced on the portfolio. The charge for this rate increase in the provision for credit losses at September 30, 1999 was $1.8 million. Excluding this increase, the provision for credit losses for the three months ended September 30, 1999 was $4.2 million compared to $3.7 million for the same period in 1998 and $11.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 compared to $8.4 million for the same nine-month period in 1998. 15 Interest expense increased to $2.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 1999 from $1.4 million for the same period in 1998. This increase is a result of the higher level of finance receivables that required additional borrowings under the line of credit. The interest rate on borrowed funds was approximately the same for the comparable periods. Interest expense increased to $6.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 from $3.8 million for the same period in 1998. This increase is a result of the higher level of finance receivables that required additional borrowings under the line of credit. The interest rate on borrowed funds was approximately the same for the comparable periods. The net (loss) for the three months ended September 30, 1999 was approximately $(3,497,000) compared to a net (loss) of approximately $(871,000) for the same period in 1998. This decrease of approximately $2.6 million was a result of a higher provision for credit losses as a percentage of income on finance receivables and the additional interest expense on financed receivables. The net (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 was approximately $(4,459,000) compared to a net income of approximately $1,132,000 for the same period in 1998. This decrease of approximately $5.6 million was a result of a higher provision for credit losses as a percentage of income on finance receivables of approximately $5.1 million and the additional interest expense of approximately $2.9 million on financed receivables offset by additional interest earned on these receivables of approximately $1.6 million and lower operating expenses of approximately $900,000. CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS COMPARISON OF THE RESULTS OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 TO THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998. REVENUES. The Company's revenues for the three months ended September 30, 1999 were $20.0 million representing a 30.8% decrease from the revenues of $28.9 million in the third quarter of 1998. The decrease was the net result of a decline in the Company's used car sales of approximately $8.8 million offset by an increase in revenues of approximately $.4 million from the Company's receivables portfolio. That decline in used car sales is discussed in the segment information provided above. COSTS AND EXPENSES. The Company's cost of sales of used cars sold was $10.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 1999 compared to $16.8 million for the same period during 1998, representing a decrease of $6.2 million, or 37%. The gross profit margins decreased to 26.8% for the three months ended September 30, 1999, compared to the gross profit margin of 27.5% for the same period in 1998. As a result of the decrease in sales volume during the three months ending September 30, 1999 and the decrease in gross profit percentage, gross margin decreased approximately $2.5 million as compared to the same period during 1998. The Company's selling, general and administrative expenses (including depreciation and amortization) were $6.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 1999, compared to the selling, general and administrative expenses of $8.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 1998. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenues for 1999 was 30.0% for the three months ended September 30, 1999 compared to 29.1% for the three months ended September 30, 1998. The reduction in these expenses is due to the reorganization begun in the second quarter of 1999. During the second quarter of 1999, the Company significantly reorganized its management structure and operational activities. The Company believes it has eliminated over $6 million annually from its overhead structure as a result of payroll-related reductions of approximately $5.8 million and the elimination of the costs related to nine closed locations. During the third quarter of 1999, the Company decided to take additional steps to reduce overhead and operational costs and to eliminate unprofitable retail car lot locations. The Company recorded restructuring charges of $2.2 million during the quarter ended September 30, 1999 as a result of the adoption of a restructuring plan during the quarter. The restructuring plan included closing three retail used car lots in the West Palm Beach market area, revising the use of one retail used car lot for use for financed receivables processing and reducing the management level staff at the Company headquarters. The restructuring plan provided for the termination of a total of 24 employees. All but one of the identified employees had been terminated as of October 31, 1999. A total of $710,000 in employee costs and termination benefits were included in the restructuring charge. The Company anticipates that these costs and benefits will be fully paid out by January 31, 2000. The employees affected by the restructuring include three headquarters management positions, three lot managers and eighteen salespersons and operations positions. 16 In addition to the charge for employee termination benefits, the Company included in the restructuring charge $850,000 for future lease costs and non-operating costs to be incurred through the remaining lease terms of closed lots and to provide for the transition out of this market. As a part of the restructuring charge, the Company wrote off assets having a net book value of $268,585. These assets, which relate primarily to the retail lot locations closed during the third quarter, include leasehold improvements and signage installed at leased locations where the Company has terminated its lease obligations. The Company also included within the restructuring charge the costs related to its decision to terminate its lease obligation for the Company airplane. A charge of $400,000 was recorded for the estimated shortfall between the present value of the lease obligation and fair value of the aircraft in the market. In addition, the Company recorded a charge to selling, general and administrative expenses for estimated costs relating to twenty outstanding, settled or threatened litigation actions against the Company in the amount of $1,185,000. The maximum amount that the Company accrued in the third quarter with respect to any one of the pending, settled, or threatened cases was approximately $160,000. The average amount accrued per case was approximately $51,500. During the second quarter of 1999, the Company made significant reductions in retail car lot locations and overhead costs. In conjunction with these reductions, the Company analyzed its cash flows and determined that the Company would generate positive cash flows beginning in the third quarter 1999. The Company concluded that these cash flows would be sufficient to support the amortization of goodwill on a going forward basis and therefore it concluded that its assets were not impaired. During the third quarter it became apparent that the projected level of cash flow had not been achieved and that the Company would continue to incur negative operating results and negative cash flow. Although the Company achieved the cost reductions that it had projected, it did not achieve some of the other assumptions. The Company was unable to achieve the assumptions relating to the volume of sales of cars, the level of losses on financed receivables and the level of repossessed cars. Therefore, the Company's gross margins during the third quarter of 1999 were lower than it had projected. The Company did not sell the number of cars that it had assumed that it would sell during the third quarter of 1999 for two reasons. First, the Company could not purchase adequate used car inventory due to the Company's cash flow. Second, the resulting lower inventory reduced the interest of potential purchasers in purchasing the remaining cars on the Company's lots. The Company's efforts to cure the breach of its revolving loan facility were unsuccessful during the third quarter of 1999 because of its inability to make enough sales of the remaining cars on its lots, the higher level of losses on financed receivables and the higher level of repossessed cars. In addition, during the third quarter of 1999, the Company defaulted on the payment of interest and principal required by the revolving loan facility. In response to its financial difficulties, the Company began discussions to negotiate a restructuring of all of its indebtedness and a capital infusion. Finova advised the Company that it would begin to seek recourse on amounts outstanding under the loan facility depending upon its assessment as to the likely success of the Company's efforts to restructure its indebtedness and obtain a capital infusion. In August 1999, the Company announced that it was negotiating an acquisition of the Company by Crown. The Company announced that one of the critical conditions to a satisfactory agreement with Crown was the Company's satisfactory restructuring of its outstanding obligations to approximately 17 debt holders and 16 holders of outstanding shares of preferred stock. Finova advised the Company that it would postpone action against the Company as long as it perceived that the negotiations with Crown were progressing. As a result of the Company's failure to achieve the cash flows that it had expected to achieve and its inability to make necessary borrowings and predict the outcome of the negotiations with Crown, the Company determined to reevaluate whether its goodwill relating to continuing operations was impaired. Approximately $4.5 million of a total of $12.3 million in goodwill remaining at the time the Company reevaluated its goodwill was attributable to the closed lot locations in the West Palm Beach market. The Company determined to write off that goodwill as a result of the closing of those locations. The goodwill amount attributable to the West Palm Beach market was equal to the goodwill recorded at the time of the purchase of those operations during 1997 less amortization recorded through the date of disposition. The remaining goodwill was tested for impairment at the lowest level of cash flow, the original purchase of lots by company acquisition. The goodwill recorded at the time of the purchase of those lots less amortization recorded through the quarter ending September 30, 1999 was compared to the projected cash flows by lot. Based upon this cash flow analysis, the Company recorded a charge equal to the remaining $7.8 million of goodwill. Although the Company projected continued sales of cars from the continuing operations, such sales would only continue for several months because of the Company's inability to acquire additional cars for sale on those lots. 17 INTEREST EXPENSE AND OTHER INCOME. The Company's interest expense totaled $2.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 1999, compared to $2.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 1998, an increase of approximately $400,000 or 18%. This resulted primarily from higher outstanding indebtedness needed to finance higher levels of finance receivables as the portfolio expanded over the prior year. NET LOSS. The Company's net loss for the three months ended September 30, 1999 of ($20.8) million compared to a net loss of approximately ($2.1) million for the same period of 1998 was due to the combined effect of reduced used car sales, increased interest expense and restructuring charges discussed above. COMPARISON OF THE RESULTS OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 TO THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998. REVENUES. The Company's revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 were $71.4 million representing a 6.8% decrease from the revenues of $76.6 million in the first quarter of 1998. The decrease was the result of a decrease in used car revenues. That decrease in used car revenues is discussed in the segment information provided above. COSTS AND EXPENSES. The Company's cost of sales of used cars sold was $41.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 compared to $43.7 million for the same period during 1998, representing a decrease of $1.9 million, or 4.3%. The gross profit margins decreased to 24.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 1999, compared to the gross profit margin of 31.6% for the same period in 1998. This decrease in gross margins of approximately $6.7 million is primarily due the increase in the cost of sales resulting from the liquidation of high cost used car inventory during the first quarter of 1999. The Company's selling, general and administrative expenses (including depreciation and amortization) were $18.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1999, compared to the selling, general and administrative expenses of $18.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1998. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenues for 1999 was 26.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 compared to 24.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 1998. As stated above the Company has significantly reorganized its management structure and operational activities and believes it has eliminated over $6 million annually from its overhead structure during the second quarter of 1999. During the third quarter of 1999, the Company decided to take additional steps to reduce overhead and operational costs and to eliminate unprofitable retail car lot locations. The Company recorded restructuring charges of $2.2 million during the quarter ended September 30, 1999 as a result of the adoption of a restructuring plan during that quarter. The restructuring plan included closing three retail used car lots in the West Palm Beach market area, revising the use of one retail used car lot for financed receivables processing and reducing the management level staff at the Company headquarters. The restructuring plan provided for the termination of a total of 24 employees. All but one of the identified employees had been terminated as of October 31, 1999. A total of $710,000 in employee costs and termination benefits were included in the restructuring charge. The Company anticipates that these costs and benefits will be fully paid out by January 31, 2000. The employees affected by the restructuring include three headquarters management positions, three lot managers and eighteen salespersons and operations positions. In addition to the charge for employee termination benefits, the Company included in the restructuring charge $850,000 for future lease costs and non-operating costs to be incurred through the remaining lease terms of closed lots and to provide for the transition out of this market. As a part of the restructuring charge, the Company wrote off assets having a net book value of $268,585. These assets, which relate primarily to the retail lot locations closed during the third quarter, include leasehold improvements and signage installed at leased locations where the Company has terminated its lease obligations. The Company also included within the restructuring charge the costs related to its decision to terminate its lease obligation for the Company airplane. A charge of $400,000 was recorded for the estimated shortfall between the present value of the lease obligation and fair value of the aircraft in the market. 18 In addition, the Company recorded a charge to selling, general and administrative expenses for estimated costs relating to twenty-three outstanding, threatened or settled litigation actions against the Company in the amount of $1,185,000. The maximum amount that the Company accrued in the third quarter with respect to any one of the pending, settled, or threatened cases was approximately $160,000. The average amount accrued per case was approximately $51,500. During the second quarter of 1999, the Company made significant reductions in retail car lot locations and overhead costs. In conjunction with these reductions, the Company analyzed its cash flows and determined that the Company would generate positive cash flows beginning in the third quarter 1999. The Company concluded that these cash flows would be sufficient to support the amortization of goodwill on a going forward basis and therefore it concluded that its assets were not impaired. During the third quarter it became apparent that the projected level of cash flow had not been achieved and that the Company would continue to incur negative operating results and negative cash flow. Although the Company achieved the cost reductions that it had projected, it did not achieve some of the other assumptions. The Company was unable to achieve the assumptions relating to the volume of sales of cars, the level of losses on financed receivables and the level of repossessed cars. Therefore, the Company's gross margins during the third quarter of 1999 were lower than it had projected. The Company did not sell the number of cars that it had assumed that it would sell during the third quarter of 1999 for two reasons. First, the Company could not purchase adequate used car inventory due to the Company's cash flow. Second, the resulting lower inventory reduced the interest of potential purchasers in purchasing the remaining cars on the Company's lots. The Company's efforts to cure the breach of its revolving loan facility were unsuccessful during the third quarter of 1999 because of its inability to make enough sales of the remaining cars on its lots, the higher level of losses on financed receivables and the higher level of repossessed cars. In addition, during the third quarter of 1999, the Company defaulted on the payment of interest and principal required by the revolving loan facility. In response to its financial difficulties, the Company began discussions to negotiate a restructuring of all of its indebtedness and a capital infusion. Finova advised the Company that it would begin to seek recourse on amounts outstanding under the loan facility depending upon its assessment as to the likely success of the Company's efforts to restructure its indebtedness and obtain a capital infusion. In August 1999, the Company announced that it was negotiating an acquisition of the Company by Crown. The Company announced that one of the critical conditions to a satisfactory agreement with Crown was the Company's satisfactory restructuring of its outstanding obligations to approximately 17 debt holders and 16 holders of outstanding shares of preferred stock. The lender advised the Company that it would postpone action against the Company as long as it perceived that the negotiations with Crown were progressing. As a result of the Company's failure to achieve the cash flows that it had expected to achieve and its inability to make necessary borrowings and predict the outcome of the negotiations with Crown, the Company determined to reevaluate whether its goodwill relating to continuing operations was impaired. Approximately $4.5 million of a total of $12.3 million in goodwill remaining at the time the Company reevaluated its goodwill was attributable to the closed lot locations in the West Palm Beach market. The Company determined to write off that goodwill as a result of the closing of those locations. The goodwill amount attributable to the West Palm Beach market was equal to the goodwill recorded at the time of the purchase of those operations during 1997 less amortization recorded through the date of disposition. The remaining goodwill was tested for impairment at the lowest level of cash flow, the original purchase of lots by company acquisition. The goodwill recorded at the time of the purchase of those lots less amortization recorded through the quarter ending September 30, 1999 was compared to the projected cash flows by lot. Based upon this cash flow analysis, the Company recorded a charge equal to the remaining $7.8 million of goodwill. Although the Company projected continued sales of cars from the continuing operations, such sales would only continue for several months because of the Company's inability to acquire additional cars for sale on those lots. INTEREST EXPENSE AND OTHER INCOME. The Company's interest expense totaled $7.3 million for nine months ended September 30, 1999, compared to $6.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1998, an increase of approximately $1.3 million or 21.7%. This resulted primarily from higher outstanding indebtedness needed to finance higher levels of finance receivables as the portfolio expanded. NET LOSS. The Company's net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 of ($25.9) million compared to net income of $1.1 for the same period of 1998 was due to the combined effect of reduced profit margins in used car sales, increased interest expense and restructuring charges discussed above. CREDIT LOSSES GENERAL. The Company has established an allowance to cover anticipated credit losses on the finance receivables currently in its portfolio. The allowance has been established by the recognition in the 19 Company's statements of operations of the provision for credit losses attributed to finance receivables originated by the Company. The following table reflects activity in the allowance for the nine months ended September 30, 1999. (Dollars in thousands) Balance, December 31, 1998 .......................... $ 12,158 Provision for credit losses ......................... 13,561 Net charge offs ..................................... (9,636) -------- Balance, September 30, 1999 ......................... $ 16,083 ======== Allowance as a percentage of finance receivables .... 17.6% The allowance increased to 17.6% of the outstanding balances as of September 30, 1999 from 15.5% as of December 31, 1998. NET CHARGE OFFS. The Company's current policy is to charge off finance receivables when they are deemed uncollectible and to fully reserve the principal balance at such time as a finance receivable is delinquent for 180 days. The net charge off amount is the principal balance of the finance receivable at the time of the charge off plus earned but unpaid interest, less any recovery. The Company recognizes recoveries in the amount of the wholesale value of repossessions. The following table sets forth information regarding charge off activity for the Company's finance receivables for the nine months ended September 30, 1999. (Dollars in thousands) Principal balances .................................. $ 23,236 Collateral recoveries, net .......................... (13,600) -------- Net charge offs ..................................... $ 9,636 ======== The Company has experienced an increase in credit losses during the quarter ending September 30, 1999 due to an increase in the rate of anticipated delinquent accounts as well as an increase in uncollectible accounts from loans generated during the high growth period from the second quarter 1998 through the first quarter of 1999. DELINQUENCIES. Analysis of delinquency trends is also considered in evaluating the adequacy of the allowance. The following table reports the balance of delinquent finance receivables as a percentage of total outstanding balances of the Company's finance receivables portfolio as of September 30, 1999. Aging Percentages: Principal balances current............................ 95.5% Principal balances 31 days to 60 days................. 2.8 Principal balances over 60 days....................... 1.0 Total over 31 days.................................... 4.5 The Company is experiencing consistency in its delinquency rate with an aging of its portfolio at September 30, 1999 approximately the same as that reported for the year ended December 31, 1998. This consistency in the aging of the finance receivables portfolio is primarily attributable to the factors discussed in "Net Charge - Offs" above. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES The Company requires capital to support increases in finance receivables, car inventory, parts and accessories inventory, property and equipment, and working capital for general corporate purposes. Funding sources potentially available to the Company include operating cash flow, third-party investors, financial institution borrowings, borrowings against finance receivables and used car inventory. As described below, the Company is currently in default under the Revolving Facility with Finova. Accordingly, it is unable to borrow against finance receivables and used car inventory, Its future operations are dependent upon a restructuring of its outstanding indebtedness and shares of preferred stock and the negotiation of a capital infusion. Although the Company announced the execution of a non-binding letter of intent regarding the acquisition of the Company by Crown, the Company cannot predict whether such an acquisition will be completed. Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $13.4 million and $3.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1999, and 1998, respectively. Net cash provided from operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 primarily reflected the loss from operations adjusted for the non-cash charges for depreciation, amortization, provision of credit losses, write-off of goodwill and the reduction in inventory and an increase in accounts 20 payable and accrued expenses. The Company used approximately $8.7 million to expand accounts receivable and inventory during the first nine months of 1998. Approximately $22.9 million and $38.0 million of cash used by investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 and 1998, respectively, was invested to increase the finance receivables. Approximately $10.6 million was generated by investing activities from the sale of the Corvette parts and accessories segment. Cash provided by financing activities was approximately $(1.5) million and $33.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 1999 and 1998, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 1999 and 1998, the Company increased its line of credit borrowings by $4.7 million and $27.2 million, respectively. The Company repaid notes payable net of the issuance of notes of approximately $7.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 1999. The Company issued notes payable net of repayment of notes of approximately $3.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 1998. The Company has borrowed substantial amounts to fund its used car sales and financing operations. The Company has a revolving credit facility with Finova to provide funding for finance receivables from used car sales originated by the Company. The revolving facility had a maximum commitment of $35.0 million at December 31, 1997, was increased to a maximum commitment of $75.0 million, effective May 11, 1998, and was increased again to a maximum $100 million effective November 9, 1998. Under the revolving facility, the Company may borrow the lesser of $100 million or up to 50% of the gross balance of eligible finance contracts. The revolving facility expires on December 31, 2001, at which time its renewal will be subject to renegotiation. The revolving facility is secured by substantially all of the Company's finance receivables. As of September 30, 1999, the principal amount outstanding under the revolving facility was $68.4 million up from a balance of $63.7 million at December 31, 1998. The revolving facility bears interest at the prime rate plus 2.5% (10.75% as of September 30, 1999). As part of the revolving facility, the Company financed up to $10 million of its used car inventory through Finova. During 1998 and 1997, the Company financed its used car inventory through a line of credit with Manheim Automotive Financial Services, Inc. (the "Manheim Facility"). At September 30, 1999 there was no balance due on the Manheim Facility, which had an outstanding balance of $3.2 million at December 31, 1998. The maximum commitment under the Manheim Facility was $3.75 million. The Manheim Facility was secured by the Company's used car inventory and bore interest at 1.5% over the prime rate. Amounts outstanding were payable on the earlier of the day after a car was sold or 180 days after the floorplan advance. In January 1999, pursuant to a Subordinated Loan Agreement dated as of January 31, 1999 ("Subordinated Loan Agreement") by and between the Company and High Capital Funding, LLC ("High Cap"), the Company borrowed $2 million. The Company issued 1999 Series A Subordinated Notes ("High Cap Notes") to High Cap and other purchasers in connection with the Subordinated Loan Agreement. The Notes, which mature on January 31, 2000, bear interest on the unpaid principal balance at the rate of 15% per annum, payable monthly in arrears. The interest rate increased to 18% per annum on May 1, 1999 and will increase to 22% per annum on October 1, 1999. The High Cap Notes may be prepaid at any time without permission or penalty. During August 1999 Finova Capital Corporation ("Finova") advised the Company that it was in default on its senior revolving loan facility and that Finova was declaring an acceleration of the indebtedness. The senior revolving loan facility provides financing for used car inventory purchases as well as advances against contractual availability on its finance receivables. Beginning in May 1999, the Company was "over advanced" on its advances from the revolving loan facility against contractual advance rates under the terms of the financing agreement. The Company continuously and diligently pursued to cure the breach, however, but was unable to do so. The Company's efforts to cure the breach were unsuccessful during the third quarter of 1999 because of its inability to make enough sales of the remaining cars on its lots, the higher level of losses on financed receivables and the higher level of repossessed cars. In addition, during the third quarter of 1999, the Company defaulted on the payment of interest and principal required by the revolving loan facility. In response to its financial difficulties, the Company began discussions to negotiate a restructuring of all of its indebtedness and a capital infusion. The Lender advised the Company that it would begin to seek recourse on amounts outstanding under the loan facility depending upon its assessment as to the likely success of the Company's efforts to restructure its indebtedness and obtain a capital infusion. In August 1999, the Company announced that it was negotiating an acquisition of the Company by Crown. The Company announced that one of the critical conditions to a satisfactory 21 agreement with Crown was the Company's satisfactory restructuring of its outstanding obligations to approximately 17 debt holders and 16 holders of outstanding shares of preferred stock. The lender advised the Company that it would postpone action against the Company as long as it perceived that the negotiations with Crown were progressing. However, no assurances can be made as to whether the Crown transaction will close or, if it closes, whether it will close in a manner acceptable to Finova. Amounts due as of September 30, 1999 to Finova were $74,433,325 in principal and $1,344,485 in accrued interest. Security pledged under the senior revolving loan facility include, among other assets, all receivables, inventory and bank accounts for Florida Finance Group, Inc., Liberty Finance Company and First Choice Auto Finance, Inc., all subsidiaries of Smart Choice Automotive Group, Inc. Default remedies for Finova under the senior loan facility include, but are not limited to, all of the rights and remedies under the Uniform Commercial Code, right to remove all collateral and to sell or otherwise dispose of all collateral. In preparing the quarterly results for the period ended September 30, 1999, the Company determined that its current cash flow would not be sufficient to support operations in the near term as a result of the Company's default on its senior debt and its inability to borrow. The Company is pursuing vigorously the purchase of a controlling interest in the Company by Crown. The anticipated investment by Crown and the planned restructuring of the Company's debt will enable the Company to move forward with a significantly improved financial structure. The Company makes no assurances that the merger will be completed. Should the merger not be completed the Company would consider other options that may include the filing for reorganization under the protection of the U.S. Bankruptcy court. SEASONALITY Historically, the Company's used car business has experienced higher revenues in the first two quarters of the calendar year than in the latter half of the year. Management believes that these results are due to seasonal buying patterns resulting in part from the fact that many of its customers receive income tax refunds during the first half of the year, which are a primary source of down payments on used car purchases. INFLATION Increases in inflation generally result in higher interest rates. Higher interest rates on the Company's borrowings would increase the interest expense related to the Company's existing debt. The Company cannot seek to limit this risk by increasing interest rates earned on its finance contracts since the interest charged is at or near the maximum permitted under Florida law. To date, inflation has not had a significant impact on the Company's operations. YEAR 2000 At the beginning of the third quarter of 1999, the Company's primary operating system and its peripherals were made Year 2000 compliant. All new computer systems and software installations, including the computer systems of the Company's subsidiaries, are currently Year 2000 compliant. All other systems including the Company's local and wide area networks, telephone systems, uninterruptible power supply systems and historical information are or are expected to be in compliance no later than the fourth quarter of 1999. The Company continues to evaluate other computerized equipment to include security systems, fire control systems and power control systems, to determine whether they are Year 2000 compliant. The anticipated expense associated with the year 2000 compliance project will not include additional hardware cost or external staffing. The amounts incurred to date, and expected to be incurred in the future, in connection with compliance with Year 2000 are not believed by the Company to be material. The Company is taking into account whether third parties with which the Company has material relationships are Year 2000 compliant. In addition, the Company will develop contingency strategies, as appropriate, in the event the Company encounters a Year 2000 compliance problem in its own, or in a third party vendor's, software applications. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS In January 1999, management made a decision to discontinue the operations of the new car dealerships segment and the parts and accessories segment in order to focus on the Company's continuing operations. It was estimated that the sale of these two segments during 1999 would result in a loss of approximately $800,000. The Corvette parts and accessories segment was sold on August 26, 1999 and the new car segment was sold on November 11, 1999. Based on the final sales prices and closing costs the estimated loss on the sale of the two segments is now $1,200,000. 22 Revenues of the discontinued operations were $8.7 million and $10.5 million in the three months ended September 30, 1999 and 1998, respectively, and $35.5 million and $35.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 1999 and 1998, respectively. The Company's discontinued operations resulted in a loss of approximately ($630,000) for the three months ended September 30, 1999, which was an increase from a loss of approximately ($202,000) for the same period in 1998. The Company's discontinued operations resulted in a loss of approximately ($421,000) for the nine months ended September 30, 1999, which was an decrease from a net income of approximately $882,000 for the same period in 1998. PART II - OTHER INFORMATION ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. During March 1999, certain shareholders of the Company filed two putative class action lawsuits against the Company and certain of the Company's current and former officers and directors in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida (collectively, the "Securities Actions"). The Securities Actions purport to be brought by plaintiffs in their individual capacities and on behalf of the class of persons who purchased or otherwise acquired Company publicly-traded securities between April 15, 1998 and February 26, 1999. These lawsuits were filed following the Company's announcement on February 26, 1999, that a preliminary determination had been reached that the net income announced on February 10, 1999 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 was likely overstated in a material, undetermined amount at that time. Each of the complaints assert claims for violations of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 of the Exchange Act as well as a claim for the violation of Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act. The plaintiffs allege that the defendants prepared and issued deceptive and materially false and misleading statements to the public, which caused plaintiffs to purchase Company securities at artificially inflated prices. The plaintiffs seek unspecified damages. The Company intends to contest these claims vigorously. The Company cannot predict the ultimate resolution of these actions. The two class action lawsuits have subsequently been consolidated. ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS. Described below are the sales of securities by the Company during the first nine months of 1999 that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"). On the issuance of these securities the Company relied on the exemption from registration under the 1933 Act set forth in Section 4(2) thereof, based on established criteria for effecting a private offering, including the number of offerees for each transaction, access to information regarding the Company, disclosure of information by the Company, restrictions on resale of the securities offered, investment representations by the purchasers, and the qualification of the offerees as "accredited investors." On March 29, 1999, the Company issued 398,560 shares of common stock to Bankers Life Insurance Company and 133,172 shares of common stock to Bankers Credit Insurance Services, Inc. in consideration for the conversion of their notes and accrued interest with the Company. On May 14, 1999, the Company issued 88,000 shares of common stock to Mr. Albert S. Klopf in consideration for the conversion of his note in the principal amount of $110,000 with the Company. On July 20, 1999, the Company issued 32,400 shares of common stock to Mr. John Thatch in consideration for the conversion of his note in the principal amount of $20,000 plus accrued interest with the Company. On July 20, 1999, the Company issued 283,500 shares of common stock to Mr. Edgar Rosenberry in consideration for the conversion of his note in the principal amount of $280,000 plus accrued interest with the Company. On August 26, 1999 the Company issued 488,000 shares of common stock to Stephens, Inc. in consideration for fees incurred by the Company. On September 20, 1999 the Company issued 34,015 shares of common stock to DeFalco Advertising in consideration for liabilities incurred by the Company. ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES. During August 1999, Finova Capital Corporation ("Finova") advised the Company that it was in default on its senior revolving loan facility and that Finova was declaring an acceleration of the indebtedness. The senior revolving loan facility provides financing for used car inventory purchases as well as advances against contractual availability on its finance receivables. Beginning in May 1999, the Company was "over advanced" on its advances from the revolving loan facility against contractual 23 advance rates under the terms of the financing agreement. The Company continuously and diligently pursued to cure the breach, however, but was unable to do so. The Company's efforts to cure the breach were unsuccessful during the third quarter of 1999 because of its inability to make enough sales of the remaining cars on its lots, the higher level of losses on financed receivables and the higher level of repossessed cars. In addition, during the third quarter of 1999, the Company defaulted on the payment of interest and principal required by the revolving loan facility. In response to its financial difficulties, the Company began discussions to negotiate a restructuring of all of its indebtedness and a capital infusion. The Lender advised the Company that it would begin to seek recourse on amounts outstanding under the loan facility depending upon its assessment as to the likely success of the Company's efforts to restructure its indebtedness and obtain a capital infusion. In August 1999, the Company announced that it was negotiating an acquisition of the Company by Crown. The Company announced that one of the critical conditions to a satisfactory agreement with Crown was the Company's satisfactory restructuring of its outstanding obligations to approximately 17 debt holders and 16 holders of outstanding shares of preferred stock. The lender advised the Company that it would postpone action against the Company as long as it perceived that the negotiations with Crown were progressing. However, no assurances can be made as to whether the Crown transaction will close in a manner acceptable to Finova. Amounts due as of September 30, 1999 to Finova were $74,433,325 in principal and $1,344,485 in accrued interest. Security pledged under the senior revolving loan facility include, among other assets, all receivables, inventory and bank accounts for Florida Finance Group, Inc., Liberty Finance Company and First Choice Auto Finance, Inc., all subsidiaries of Smart Choice Automotive Group, Inc. Default remedies for Finova under the senior loan facility include, but are not limited to, all of the rights and remedies under the Uniform Commercial Code and the right to remove all collateral and to sell or otherwise dispose of all collateral. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS. On June 28, 1999, the Company held its 1999 annual meeting of shareholder. At this meeting the shareholders approved the proposal to grant specific stock options of an aggregate 190,000 shares of common stock to certain employees of the Company. For - 4,073,632; against - 491,558; abstain - 20,517. ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION. None ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K. (a) Exhibits EXHIBIT NO. EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION ------- ------------------- 2.93 Agreement for the sale of the Filed herewith. business and net assets of First Choice Stuart 1, Inc. and First Choice Stuart 2, Inc. to L&J Automotive Investments, Inc. and Oceanside Motorcars, Inc. 11.1 Statement re Computation of. * Earnings Per Share. 27.1 Financial Data Schedule. Filed herewith. * Information regarding the computation of earnings per share is set forth in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. (b) Report on Form 8-K None 24 SIGNATURES In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on May 12, 2000. SMART CHOICE AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC. By: /s/ JAMES E. ERNST ------------------------------- James E. Ernst President and Chief Executive Officer In accordance with the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. SIGNATURES TITLE DATE ---------- ----- ---- /S/ JAMES E. ERNST President and Chief Executive Officer May 15, 2000 - ------------------ James E. Ernst /S/ JOE CAVALIER Chief Financial Officer May 15, 2000 - ---------------- (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) Joe Cavalier 25