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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C.
FORM 10-KSB
FOR ANNUAL AND TRANSITION REPORTS
PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
(MARK ONE)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (FEE REQUIRED) For the fiscal year ended
February 25, 1997
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (NO FEE REQUIRED)
For the transition period from ______________________ to _____________________
COMMISSION FILE NO. 0-28812
RANKIN AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
LOUISIANA 72-0838383
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(State of incorporation or organization) (IRS tax number)
3711 MACARTHUR DRIVE, ALEXANDRIA, LA 71032
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (318)487-1081
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT: NONE
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT: COMMON STOCK, $.01
PAR VALUE
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No
--- ---
Indicate by check mark if disclosure or delinquent filers pursuant to
Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained,
to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [X]
As of February 25, 1997, 4,550,000 shares of the Registrant's Common
Stock were outstanding, and the aggregate market value of the voting stock of
the Registrant held by non-affiliates (1,762,000 shares) was approximately
$36,561,500 based on the market price at that date.
DOCUMENT INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The Registrant's definitive proxy statement regarding the 1997 annual
shareholders meeting is incorporated by reference in Part III (Items 10 through
13) of this Report.
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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
The discussion in this Report contains forward-looking statements that involve
risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results could differ
significantly from those discussed herein. Factors that could cause or
contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed
in "Risk Factors", "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations" and "Business," as well as those discussed elsewhere
in this Report. Statements contained in this Report that are not historical
facts are forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbor
created by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. A number of
important factors could cause the Company's actual results for fiscal 1998 and
beyond to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking
statements made by, or on behalf of, the Company. These factors include,
without limitation, those listed below in "Risk Factors."
RISK FACTORS
Growth through Acquisitions. The Company's growth strategy includes
acquisitions, and the Company intends to continue to seek additional
acquisition opportunities. There can be no assurance that the Company will be
able successfully to identify suitable acquisition candidates, secure financing
on acceptable terms, complete acquisitions, integrate acquired operations into
existing operations or expand into new markets. There can also be no assurance
that future acquisitions will not have an adverse effect upon the Company's
operating results, particularly in the fiscal quarters immediately following
the completion of such acquisitions while the operations of the acquired
business arc being integrated into the Company's operations. Once integrated,
acquired operations may not achieve levels of revenues, profitability or
productivity comparable with those achieved by the Company's existing
operations, or otherwise perform as expected. In addition, the Company
competes for acquisition and expansion opportunities with companies that have
substantially greater resources.
Need for Additional Financing. To the extent that the Company incurs
indebtedness to fund its growth program, the Company will be subject to the
risks associated with incurring additional indebtedness, including the risks
that interest rates may fluctuate and cash flow may be insufficient to pay
principal and interest on any such indebtedness. There can be no assurance
that any additional financing above that available from the line of credit will
be available to the Company on commercially reasonable terms. If such
additional financing is not available, the Company may have to curtail its
long-range growth program.
Competition. Both the Professional Installer and DIY portions of the
Company's business are highly competitive. The Company's major competitors in
the Professional Installer portion of its business include independent
warehouse distributors and parts stores, automobile dealerships and national
warehouse distributors and associations, such as National Automotive Parts
Association ("NAPA"), Carquest and All Pro. Competitors in the DIY portion of
the Company's business include national and regional automotive parts chains
such as Auto Zone, Western Auto and Pep Boys, independently owned parts stores,
automobile dealerships and mass or general merchandise, discount and
convenience chains that carry automotive products. Many of the Company's
competitors are larger and have greater financial resources than the Company.
Some of the larger DIY competitors have entered into the Professional Installer
portion of the business and this could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's operations.
Reliance on One Supplier. The Company's business is dependent in a
material respect upon its close relationship with its principal vendor, APS,
and its ability to continue to purchase products from this vendor at favorable
prices and favorable terms, including those offered through financial
incentives, such as
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cooperative advertising arrangements, other marketing incentive programs and
non-financial benefits such as distribution services. The Company has entered
into a product purchasing agreement with APS ending in September 2002 to
purchase a minimum average of 80% of the Company's cost of goods sold, less
certain exceptions, over any given four mouth consecutive billing period. A
disruption of this vendor relationship, or a material change in any of the
terms of purchase, advertising, incentive or other programs, would likely
materially adversely affect the Company's business. During the year ended
February 25, 1997, APS supplied the Company with approximately 70% of its total
product needs, which represented at least 80% of the Company's cost of goods
sold, as defined under the APS product purchasing agreement. The Company views
its relationship with APS and its other vendors to be very good.
Dependence Upon Key Personnel. The success of the Company has been
largely dependent on the efforts of Mr. Randall Rankin. The loss of the
services of Mr. Rankin could have a materially adverse effect on the Company's
business and results of operations. In order to successfully implement and
manage its growth strategy, the Company will be dependent upon its ability to
continue to attract and retain qualified personnel. There can be no assurance
that the Company will be able to attract such personnel.
Continued Control of the Company by Principal Shareholder. Mr.
Randall Rankin owns beneficially approximately 62% of the then outstanding
shares of the Company's Common Stock. As a result, Mr. Rankin has the ability
to exercise effective voting control of the Company, including the election of
all of the Company's directors, and on any other matter being voted on by the
Company's shareholders, including any merger, sale of assets or other change in
control of the Company.
No Dividends and None Anticipated. The Company has not paid any
dividends since its inception and does not intend to pay dividends in the
foreseeable future.
Volatility of Stock Price. The trading price of the Company's Common
Stock may continue to be highly volatile and could be subject to significant
fluctuations in response to variations in the Company's quarterly operating
results, and other factors. In addition, the stock market is subject to price
and volume fluctuations affecting the market price for the securities of many
companies generally, which fluctuations often are unrelated to operating
results.
PART I
Item 1. Description of Business
The Company is a specialty supplier and retailer of automotive
replacement parts, tools, supplies, equipment and accessories to both
Professional Installers and DIY customers. The Company operates 36 auto parts
stores and two machine shops in Louisiana, Mississippi and Eastern Texas,
twelve of which were acquired on October 25, 1996. Six of the stores are
"wholesale oriented" selling primarily to the Professional Installers while the
remaining 30 stores are traditional stores selling to both the Professional
Installers and DIY customers. The Company also maintains approximately 150
trucks that can make most deliveries to its wholesale customers within 30
minutes. Stores carry an extensive product line of hard parts including
brakes, belts, hoses, filters, cooling system parts, tune-up parts, shock
absorbers, gaskets, batteries, bearings, engine parts, remanufactured
alternators and starters, chassis parts and exhaust systems. In addition, the
Company also carries (i) maintenance items, such as oil, antifreeze, fluids,
engine additives and appearance products; (ii) accessories, such as floor mats
and seat covers; (iii) automotive tools and (iv) professional service
equipment. For the fiscal year ended February 25, 1997, approximately 90% of
the Company's sales was
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derived from hard parts, approximately 70% of the Company's product sales was
derived from Professional Installers and the remaining 30% from DIY customers.
STORE OPERATIONS
Company stores generally range in size from 4,200 to 10,000 square
feet. The Company believes that its stores are "destination stores" generating
their own traffic rather than relying on traffic created by the presence of
other stores in the immediate vicinity. Consequently, most traditional stores
are free-standing buildings situated on or near major traffic thoroughfares,
which offer ample parking and easy customer access. Each traditional store
carries a mixture of hard parts and accessories. The inventory of a wholesale
store consists only of hard parts. Traditional stores carry 18,000-20,000
different SKUs of which 13,000 to 15,000 represent hard parts, whereas a
wholesale store will carry 17,000-19,000 different hard part SKUs. Both the
traditional store and wholesale store sales are generated by a full-time sales
force, of knowledgeable employees and free delivery service.
Company stores service two distinct types of customers - the
Professional Installer (wholesale) customer and the DIY (retail) customer. The
Company's traditional stores average 65% to 70% in Professional Installer sales
and 30% to 35% in DIY sales. The Company's wholesale stores sell only to the
Professional Installer. In addition, because wholesale stores carry a greater
selection of hard parts SKUs, including certain lower turnover hard parts not
generally carried in the traditional store, a wholesale store also provides the
additional stores within its area with access to a greater selection of hard
parts SKUs on a same day basis. The Company also provides a delivery service
to its wholesale customers with 150 trucks. The Company's 36 stores also
receive inventory deliveries nightly from APS. The deliveries replenish each
store with the inventory sold the previous day and also provides a store with
the ability to special order SKUs not normally stocked by the Company's stores.
This enables the Company to provide next day service to both the wholesale and
DIY customers.
The Company's stores offer the Professional Installer and the DIY
customer a wide selection of nationally recognized brand names and "Big A" (APS
private label) products for domestic and imported automobiles, vans and trucks.
For the year ended February 25, 1997, new and remanufactured automotive hard
parts, such as engine and transmission parts, alternators, starters, water
pumps, and brake shoes and pads, accounted for approximately 90% of the
Company's total sales. Each traditional store also carries an extensive
selection of maintenance items, such as oil, antifreeze, fluids, engine
additives, appearance products, and accessories, such as floor mats and seat
covers, automotive tools and professional service equipment.
The Company is in the process of upgrading its computer system for
inventory control, order points on each SKU for daily product replacement,
electronic cataloging, and point of purchase.
OPERATING STRATEGY
Because the Company pursues both the Professional Installer and the
DIY portions of the automotive aftermarket through its store network, the
Company believes that it is able to reach most consumers of automotive products
within its market areas. The demand generated by this customer base permits
the Company to: (i) offer a broad selection of SKUs and (ii) restock and fill
special orders from its principal supplier, APS, on an overnight or in some
cases, a same-day basis. Because of its distribution arrangement with APS, the
Company does not need to maintain a warehouse for those products supplied by
APS. This
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allows the Company to utilize its working capital and management resources for
store operations, but still provide its customers with up to 160,000 SKUs. See
"Purchasing" and "Inventory Management."
The Company also believes that its service to both the Professional
Installer and DIY portions of the automotive market results in additional
benefits not generally enjoyed by competitors serving only one portion of the
market. Because the Company deals with the more technically-oriented
Professional Installer, the Company's sales personnel are required to be more
technically proficient, particularly with regard to hard parts. The Company
has found that such technical proficiency is also valued by its DIY consumers,
thereby enhancing the Company's ability to fulfill its customer service
strategy. The Company's philosophy is to be a wholesale customer's one call
and a DIY customer's one stop for all their automotive needs.
GROWTH STRATEGY
The Company's growth strategy is to expand its operations throughout
the mid-South by purchasing automotive parts stores as they become available.
The Company's growth to date has been accomplished primarily through the
purchase of existing automotive parts stores. The Company believes that
because of the recent trend in consolidation occurring in the auto parts
industry, a large number of independent operators will be available for
purchase. Key factors considered by the Company in the acquisition selection
process include population density and growth-patterns, age and per capita
income, vehicle traffic counts, the number and type of existing automotive
repair facilities, other auto parts stores and other competitors within a
predetermined radius, and the operational strength of such competitors.
Although the cost to acquire the business of an independently owned parts store
varies, depending primarily on the amount of inventory and the size of real
estate, if any, being acquired, the Company estimates that the average cost to
acquire such a business and convert it to a Company store ranges from
approximately $225,000 to $350,000, excluding real estate. Of this amount,
approximately $175,000 to $250,000 is allocable to inventory and the remainder
to fixed assets. The Company estimates that an additional $75,000 would be
needed to fund the stores' operations for the initial four month period of
operations. In the event acquisitions in a targeted area are not possible, or
impractical, the Company may attempt to lease a store site and refurbish it as
a Company store. The costs associated with opening a new leased location are
slightly greater than acquiring a business and converting it to a Company
store. Because the majority of the Company's sales comes from its wholesale
customer base, the first determining factor in selecting a new store location
is the amount of wholesale business available in that area. When the Company
targets an area for a new store in a metropolitan market, a study is performed
on available sites. If retail space is available at reasonable rates and
market size and local competition warrant it, a traditional store would be
opened. If not, a wholesale store would be opened. During the fiscal year
ended February 25, 1997, the Company acquired 14 stores, two of which were
wholesale oriented outlets and twelve which were retail outlets, from APS.
Same store growth through increased sales and profitability is also an
important part of the Company's growth strategy. To achieve improved sales and
profitability at Company stores, the Company continually strives to improve
upon the service provided to its customers. The Company believes that while
pricing is essential in the highly competitive environment of the automotive
aftermarket business, ultimately it is customer satisfaction (whether of the
Professional Installer or the DIY customer), resulting from superior customer
service, that generates increased sales and profitability.
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RECENT ACQUISITIONS
Since March 1, 1993, the Company has made the following acquisitions:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Date No. Stores Location
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<S> <C> <C>
May 1993 6 Monroe, LA
June 1994 3 Opelousas and Lafayette, LA
October 1994 1 Franklin, LA
March 1995 1 Nacogdoches and Jasper,TX
July 1995 1 Center, TX
September 1995 4 Hammond, North Shore, New Orleans, LA
May 1996 1 Baton Rouge, LA
July 1996 1 Lufkin, TX
October 1996 12 Mississippi
March 1997 2 Winnfield, LA and Jasper, TX
</TABLE>
CUSTOMER SERVICE
The Company believes it is not only in the business of selling auto
parts, but, as important, is in the service business. Heavy emphasis is placed
on having professional personnel to provide responsive customer service.
Employees receive extensive on-the-job training and participate in a cash
incentive program, allowing them to participate in the Company's financial
success.
The Company's number one priority is customer satisfaction. The
Company seeks to attract new Professional Installer and DIY customers and to
retain existing customers by conducting a variety of advertising and
promotional programs and by offering- (i) superior in-store service through
highly motivated, technically-proficient sales people using advanced
point-of-sale systems, (ii) an extensive selection of SKUs stocked in each
store, (iii) same day or next day delivery of over 160,000 SKUs, (iv)
attractive stores in convenient locations, (v) competitive pricing and (vi) a
national warranty program.
Each of the Company's sales personnel is required to be technically
proficient in the workings and application of Automotive Products. See
"Personnel Training." This degree of technical proficiency is essential because
of the significant portion of the Company's business represented by the
Professional Installer. The Company has found that the typical DIY customer
often seeks assistance from sales people, particularly in connection with the
purchase of hard parts. The Company believes that the ability of its sales
personnel to provide such assistance is valued by the DIY customer, and
therefore is likely to result in repeat DIY business. To assist the Company's
sales personnel in providing customer service, the Company has installed
advanced point-of-sale information systems. These systems provide individual
stores with access to the Company's data base of manufacturer recommended parts
and the ability to locate parts at other stores.
PURCHASING
In 1993, in connection with the purchase of six (6) stores from APS,
the Company entered into a product purchase agreement with APS, a national
distributor of a broad array of "Big A" brand and manufacturers branded
automotive replacement parts, as well as tools, equipment, supplies and
accessories. Under the terms of this agreement, the Company agreed to purchase
merchandise from APS over any given four
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(4) month consecutive billing period at a minimum average of 80% of the
Company's cost of goods less certain exceptions. On September 25, 1995, the
Company agreed to extend the purchase agreement through September 2002.
Purchases under this agreement aggregated approximately $9.3 million and $12.2
million during the fiscal years ended February 25, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
The Company has maintained its accounts payable with APS on a current basis and
by reason thereof has been able to take advantage of discounted payment terms
offered by APS.
APS operates approximately 35 warehouses throughout the United States
with the nearest warehouse to the Company's stores being located in Monroe,
Louisiana, Dallas, Texas and Jackson, Mississippi. APS has been able to
provide the Company with same day or next day delivery of needed parts.
The Company participates in several APS "Big A" programs, among which
are the following:
o A national warranty program ("NWP"). The Company is able to
offer its customers a NWP, good at approximately 2,000 Big A
parts sources across the country. This program is fully
funded by APS.
o A national advertising program. The Company believes that
because of the expanse of geographic coverage included in its
market area, the national advertising program, plus the NWP,
gives the Company stores added recognition and a competitive
edge.
o A national account program. This program makes the Company a
pre-approved vendor to most national service centers such as
Firestone, Sears, Montgomery Ward, Pep Boys, etc.
In addition to the above programs, APS provides the Company with: (i)
brand name products, (ii) pricing economies through increased purchasing power
and (iii) various services, including assistance in marketing, cataloging and
inventory control.
APS is a publicly held corporation whose shares of common stock are
traded on the Nasdaq National Market System. According to reports filed by
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, APS, formed in 1989, believes that
it is the second largest wholly owned warehouse distributor of automotive
replacement parts in the United States. It supplies parts to more than 1,900
"Big A" parts stores owned by independent jobbers and over 500 APS-owned auto
parts stores. For the year ended January 25, 1997, APS had net sales of
approximately $858.7 million and a loss of approximately $10.8 million. Its
total stockholders' equity at January 25, 1997 was approximately $114.5
million.
A disruption of the Company's vendor relationship with APS, or a
material change in any of the terms of purchase, advertising, incentive or
other programs offered by APS, would likely materially adversely affect the
Company's business. However, the Company believes that if its relationship
with APS were to end, it would be able to replace APS with another national
distributor of similar parts which offers similar programs.
INVENTORY MANAGEMENT
The Company believes that by purchasing substantially all of its
inventory needs from APS, it saves the expense of operating a warehouse for the
distribution of APS products which would require a large investment in
inventory and fixed assets. The Company further believes that APS, with its
national buying power, is able to keep the Company competitive, as well as meet
all of the Company's future needs.
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The Company maintains an inventory control department which, with the
help of APS and their vendors, assures that the inventory in the stores is
current and up-to-date. The department is constantly adding new SKUs and
deleting SKUs that have become less popular. APS provides the Company with the
ability to return substantially all APS inventory, thereby virtually
eliminating loss from obsolescence.
All inventory is maintained on a computer which establishes a minimum
and a maximum order point for each SKU. The Company is in the process of
upgrading its computer system to better enable management to monitor sales and
recommend stocking levels to its stores. The Company's computer system is
equipped with electronic cataloging that has improved productivity. The
computer system also supplies the Company with productivity reports by counter
and sales personnel.
MARKETING
Since a majority of the Company's revenues are derived from the sale
of Automotive Products to the Professional Installer, the Company devotes
substantial time and energy to the development of its Professional Installer
business. The Company's Vice Presidents are primarily responsible for the
development and maintenance of the Company's Professional Installer business.
There are approximately twenty full-time sales people operating from the
Company's traditional and wholesale stores dedicated solely to calling upon and
selling to the Professional Installer. Moreover, each store manager
participates in these activities by calling on existing and potential new
Professional Installers on a regular and periodic basis. The Company has 150
trucks to provide prompt delivery service to the Professional Installer.
Approximately 200 inside technically trained sales personnel market products to
retail and wholesale customers.
The Company promotes sales to DIY consumers through an advertising
program which includes direct mail, newspaper and limited radio and television
advertising in selected markets. Newspaper advertisements are generally
directed toward specific product and price promotions, frequently in connection
with specific sales events and promotions. The Company also sponsors several
automotive related events in its market area each year in an effort to reach
wholesale and retail customers. The Company believes that its advertising and
promotional activities have resulted in significant name recognition in its
market area.
The Company believes that a competitive pricing policy is essential
within product categories in order to compete successfully. Product pricing is
generally established to meet the pricing policies of competitors in the market
area served by each store. Most automotive products sold by the Company are
priced at discounts from the manufacturer suggested list prices and additional
savings are offered through volume discounts and special promotional pricing.
PERSONNEL TRAINING
The Company believes that technical proficiency on the part of each
sales person is essential to meet the needs of its customers, particularly the
Professional Installer, and that as a result of the Company's training program,
the enhanced technical proficiency of its sales personnel provides the Company
with a significant advantage over the smaller retail operators and the less
specialized mass merchandisers.
The Company's training function is led and managed by its Vice
Presidents through a series of bi-weekly, monthly and semi-annual sessions for
store managers and sales personnel. The Company views its training and
development program as the key to its continued long term success. Management
believes that
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if it trains, develops, manages and motivates the Company's employees properly,
then customers, in turn, will receive the superior service the Company views as
its competitive advantage in the marketplace.
COMPETITION
The automotive parts aftermarket is highly competitive. Automotive
products, similar or identical to those sold at the Company's stores, are
generally available from a variety of different competitors in the communities
served by the Company's stores. The principle modes of competition arc
customer service, merchandise selection and availability, location and price.
The Company's major competitors in the Professional Installer portion
of its business include independent warehouse distributors and independently
owned parts stores, automobile dealers and national warehouse distributors and
associations, such as National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA), Carquest
and All Pro. Competitors in the DIY portion of its business within its current
market area include automotive parts chains such as AutoZone, Western Auto and
Pep Boys, independently owned parts stores, automobile dealerships and mass or
general merchandisers, discount and convenience chains that carry automotive
products. Some of the larger DIY competitors have entered into the
Professional Installer portion of the business and this could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's operations.
Although the Company believes that it competes effectively in its
market area, some of its competitors, or their parent organizations, are larger
in terms of sales volume and have access to greater capital and management
resources.
EMPLOYEES
As of February 25, 1997, the Company had 406 employees, 147 of whom
are employed at the Company's traditional stores, 58 are employed at the
Company's wholesale stores, 24 are engaged as sales personnel, 150 are engaged
as delivery personnel and 27 are engaged as corporate and administrative
personnel. The Company's employees are not subject to a collective bargaining
agreement. The Company considers its relations with its employees to be
excellent, and strives to promote good employee relations through various
programs designed for such purposes.
SERVICE MARKS AND TRADEMARKS
The Company owns no registered service marks or trademarks. The
Company believes that its business is not materially dependent on any patent,
trademark, service mark or copyright.
LEGAL
The Company is not a party to any material legal proceedings.
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ACQUISITION OF JACKSON STORES
On October 25, 1996, the Company consummated the acquisition from
Parts, Inc., an affiliate of APS, of twelve automotive parts stores located in
the central part of the State of Mississippi. Seven of such stores are located
in and around Jackson, Mississippi. Of the twelve stores acquired, three were
opened during the 1970's, seven during the 1980's and two during the period
from 1990 to 1994. The total purchase price was approximately $2.5 million.
The Jackson Stores operations are similar to that of the Company's
with approximately 90% of the aggregate sales being from hard parts,
approximately 50% of sales being to Professional Installers and the balance
being to DIY customers. The Jackson Stores' primary competitor is AutoZone
whose stores are generally located near each of the Jackson Stores.
ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION PROPERTIES
The Company operates 36 auto parts stores and two machine shops in 27
cities located in Louisiana, Mississippi and Eastern Texas. Of such stores,
three are leased from the Company's founder and President, Randall B. Rankin,
with the remaining 33 stores being leased from nonaffiliated third parties. In
addition, the Company leases one of two machine shops, a 2,200 sq. ft. storage
facility and the Company's executive offices located at 3510 MacLee Drive,
Alexandria, Louisiana from Mr. Rankin. The Company stores generally range in
size from 4,200 to 10,000 square feet. See "Item 13" for information with
regard to the terms of the leases with Mr. Rankin.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is not a party to any material legal proceedings.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None
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PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
From the effective date of Company's initial public offering on
November 18, 1996, the Company's Common Stock has been and continues to be
traded on the over-the-counter market and is included for quotation on the
National Market System of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
Automated Quotation System ("Nasdaq"). There was no public market for the
Company's Common Stock prior to November 18, 1996.
The following table sets forth the range of high and low bid
information for the Company's Common Stock for the period from the initial
public offering to the end of the fourth quarter of 1996.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal 1997 High Low
----------- ---- ---
<S> <C> <C>
Third Quarter (November 18, 1996 - November 26, 1996) 14 7/8 10 3/8
Fourth Quarter (November 27, 1996 - February 25, 1997) 20 3/4 12 1/8
</TABLE>
The market information above is derived from quotations on the
National Market System of Nasdaq. Such market quotations reflect inter-dealer
prices, without retail mark-ups, mark-downs, or commission and may not
necessarily represent actual transactions.
HOLDERS
As of February 25, 1997 the approximate number of holders of record of
the Company's Common Stock was 17 and the approximate number of beneficial
holders, including individual participants in security position listings with
clearing agencies, was 1200.
DIVIDENDS
The Company has not paid any cash dividends to date and does not
anticipate or contemplate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. It
is the present intention of management of the Company to utilize all available
funds for working capital and expansion of operations.
ITEM 6. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
OVERVIEW
The Company opened its first store in 1979 and expanded to seven
stores by fiscal 1993. In 1993, the Company entered into a product purchasing
agreement with APS. In fiscal 1994, the Company acquired from APS five
automotive parts stores and a machine shop located in and around Monroe,
Louisiana, for a total purchase price of approximately $2.5 million. During
the fiscal year ended February 25, 1995, the Company acquired four additional
automotive parts stores for a total purchase price of approximately $1.5
million. During the fiscal year ended February 25, 1996, the Company (i)
acquired five additional automotive parts stores for a total purchase price of
approximately $1.7 minion, four of which were acquired from APS (who had
recently acquired them from USA Auto Stores, Inc.) for a total purchase price
of approximately $1.3 million, (ii) closed
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one store and opened two stores. In May and July 1996, the Company acquired
two additional automotive parts stores for a total purchase price of
approximately $900,000 and on October 25, 1996 the Company acquired the twelve
Jackson Stores for a total purchase price of approximately $2.5 million. As a
result of these acquisitions, the Company's net sales have increased from
approximately $4.1 million for the fiscal year ended February 25, 1993 to
approximately $30.0 million for the fiscal year ended February 25, 1997.
The decline in net earnings for the year ended February 25, 1997 was
due to negative results in fourth quarter operations. During the fourth
quarter the Company experienced a net loss of approximately $375,000, ($.08 per
share). Much of the loss in the fourth quarter was attributable to higher than
expected costs incurred in integrating the Jackson stores into the Company's
operations, sales for the Jackson stores being less than expected and a
decline in other stores sales with no concurrent reduction in those stores
operating expenses.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth certain selected historical operating
results for the Company as a percentage of net sales.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended
February 25,
------------
1996 1997
<S> <C> <C>
Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% 100.0%
Cost of goods sold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66.8 66.2
----- -----
Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33.2 33.8
Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses . . . 29.2 31.7
----- -----
Earnings from operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.0 2.1
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.5 1.4
-----
Income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - .2
----- -----
Net earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.5% .5%
===== =====
</TABLE>
Year Ended February 25, 1996 Compared to Year Ended February 25, 1997
Net Sales. Product sales increased approximately $8.9 million, or
approximately 42.4%, from approximately $21.0 million from the year ended
February 25, 1996 to $29.9 million for year of 1997. Approximately $4.4
million of the increase was due to the acquisitions which occurred in May, July
and October 1996 and the remaining increase was due primarily to an increase in
same store sales and acquisitions which were consummated in the prior year.
See "Business - Operating Strategy" and "Business - Recent Acquisitions."
Cost of Goods Sold. Cost of goods sold increased from approximately
$14.1 million (66.8% of net sales) for the year ended February 25, 1996 to
approximately $19.8 million (66.2% of net sales) for the fiscal year of 1997.
The increase in the dollar amount of cost of goods sold was attributable to
sales increases. The decrease in cost of goods sold as a percentage of net
sales was primarily attributable to management's continuing emphasis on
improving profit margins through price adjustments, improved purchasing methods
12
<PAGE> 13
and promoting higher profit items offset somewhat by additional costs in
connection with the Jackson store acquisition.
Operating, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Operating,
selling, general and administrative expenses ("OSG&A") increased from
approximately $6.1 million (approximately 29.2% of net sales) for the year
ended February 25, 1996 to approximately $9.5 million (approximately 31.7% of
net sales) for fiscal of 1997. The increase resulted primarily from store
acquisitions. The increase in OSG&A as a percentage of net sales for the year
ended February 25, 1997 was due primarily to higher than expected costs
incurred in integrating the Jackson stores into the Company's operations.
For the nine month period ended November 25,1996 net sales,
pre-acquisition, were approximately $21.0 million for an average of
approximately $7.2 million per quarter. Net sales for the fourth quarter for
the comparable stores were approximately $6.2 million. Net sales of the Jackson
stores for the last quarter were approximately $2.2 million. OSG&A for the
Company's pre-acquisition stores remained relatively constant throughout the
year. As a result, the decline in net sales realized by the pre-acquisition
stores for the last quarter resulted in an increase in OSG&A as a percentage of
net sales to approximately 36.7% for such quarter. The OSG&A as a percentage of
net sales was approximately 37.2% for the Mississippi stores for the last
quarter. Included in the OSG&A for the Jackson stores was an increase in selling
expense due to the employment of additional supervisory personnel to oversee the
Jackson store operations.
Interest Expense. Interest Expense decreased from approximately
$519,000 (approximately 2.5% of the sales) for the fiscal year ended February
25, 1996 to approximately $427,000 (approximately 1.4% of net sales) for the
comparable year ended February 25, 1997. The dollar and percentage decreases
were primarily attributable to the retirement of debt with funds received as
proceeds of the initial public offering in November, 1996.
Income Taxes. Income taxes increased form approximately $5,000 (actual
tax rate of approximately 2%) for the fiscal year ended February 25, 1996 to
approximately $65,000 (approximately 32% tax rate) for the comparable year
ended February 25, 1997. See Footnote 9 to accompanying audited financial
statements for further explanation.
New Accounting Pronouncements. In March 1995, the Financial
Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards (SFAS) No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of." This pronouncement requires
impairment losses to be recorded on long-lived assets used in operations when
impairment indicators are present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to
be generated by those assets are less than the assets' carrying amount. The
Company adopted SFAS 121 on February 26, 1996, and the effect of adoption was
not material to the financial statements.
SFAS No. 123 "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation" was issued by
the FASB in October, 1995. As it relates to stock options granted to
employees, SFAS No. 123 permits companies who have not done so already to,
either adopt the accounting method promulgated by Accounting Principles Board
Opinion No. 25 (APB No. 25) "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" to
measure compensation, or to adopt the fair value base method prescribed by SFAS
No. 123. As discussed in Note 9 to the Company's financial statements, the
Company only recently (August 27, 1997) adopted an employee stock option plan.
No plans existed prior to this date. Management has adopted the accounting
methods prescribed by APB No. 25.
13
<PAGE> 14
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company's primary capital requirements have been the funding of
new store acquisitions, increased inventory levels and accounts receivables and
the expansion of the Company's delivery fleet of vehicles. New store
acquisitions and the expansion of the delivery fleet have been funded by
borrowings secured by Company assets and a personal guarantee by Mr. Rankin and
more recently from the proceeds received from the Company's initial public
offering.
The Company proposes to expand its operations by acquiring eight to
twelve stores in the next twelve month period. The total cost of the
additional eight to twelve stores is expected to range from approximately $3 to
$5 million. The cost of acquiring such stores is expected to come from
available cash, cash from operations and the Company's line of credit with
Hibernia National Bank. The Company has a line of credit of $5 million with
the bank. Loan financing will be sought only in connection with acquisitions
if available funds are insufficient to consummate the purchase. If such loan
financing occurs, the Company will be subject to the risks that interest rates
may fluctuate and the cash flow from such acquisition or acquisitions may be
insufficient to pay the principal and interest on such indebtedness. At
February 25, 1997 approximately $3.6 million was available under the line of
credit.
The Company has agreed, for a seven-year period commencing on
September 25, 1995, to purchase merchandise from APS, over any given four-month
consecutive billing period, at a minimum average of 80% of the Company's cost
of goods as defined, and not perform any bulk transfer of assets nor transfer
its leasehold interest in properties where it conducts business without giving
APS a 45-day written notice and giving APS the right of first refusal.
Management believes that the Company's existing cash, cash expected to
be provided by operating activities and debt financing available are sufficient
to fund the capital needs of the Company for the foreseeable future.
INFLATION AND SEASONALITY
The Company does not believe its operations are materially affected by
inflation. The Company has been successful, in many cases, in reducing the
effects of merchandise cost increases principally by taking advantage of vendor
incentive programs, economies of scale resulting from increased volume of
purchases and selective forward buying.
Store sales have historically been somewhat higher in the
first and second quarters (March through August).
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The information required by this Item is found immediately following
the signature page of this Report.
ITEM 8. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None
14
<PAGE> 15
PART III
ITEM 9. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CONTROL PERSONS; COMPLIANCE WITH
SECTION 16(A) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT
OFFICERS
The following table sets forth the names and ages of all executive
officers of the Company at February 25, 1997, including all positions and
offices with the Company held by him, and the period during which he has served
as such.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Age Position
---- --- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Randall B. Rankin 48 President and Director
Charles E. Elliott 55 Chief Financial Officer and Controller
Ricky D. Gunn 39 Vice President and Director
Harris Lake Smith, Jr 40 Vice President and Director
</TABLE>
Each of the executive officers listed above serves at the pleasure of
the Board of Directors for a term until his successor is duly elected and
qualified. Mr. Randall Rankin is a party to an employment agreement with the
Company through November, 1998. The following is a summary of the business
experience during the past five years of each of the Company's executive
officers.
RANDALL B. RANKIN has been President of the Company since its
inception in 1978. Prior thereto, he operated the business as a sole
proprietorship since its founding in 1968. He has essentially spent his entire
adult life in various sales, marketing and administrative capacities with the
Company. Mr. Rankin has served on numerous warehouse associations and
councils, advising aftermarket manufacturers on the needs of the auto parts
industry. He is President- elect of the Louisiana Auto Parts Association.
CHARLES E. ELLIOTT has been the Company's Chief Financial Officer
since January 1995. He has served in many different capacities in finance,
business planning and marketing. Prior to his employment with the Company, he
was director of Angel Care, Inc., a non-profit organization formed to
administer therapy and counseling for developmentally disabled infants
(1991-1995); and was co-owner and operator of a school in South Florida
primarily for the certification of contractors (1987-1991). Mr. Elliott has an
MBA from Loyola University in New Orleans, Louisiana with majors in finance and
accounting.
RICKY D. GUNN is a Vice President of the Company and is responsible
for the Company's North Louisiana operations which is the largest operating
division of the Company. Mr. Gunn began his automotive aftermarket experience
in February 1976 with Motor Supply Company in Monroe, Louisiana. In 1987 he
joined APS, and became Division Manager when the Monroe stores were acquired by
APS. He joined the Company in May 1993 as Vice President when the Monroe
stores were acquired by the Company. Mr. Gunn is active on many advisory
councils throughout the auto parts industry including the "Big A" Jobber
Council. He became a director of the Company in August 1996.
HARRIS LAKE SMITH, JR. is a Vice President of the Company and is
responsible for the Company's East Texas operations. He began his employment
with the Company in 1974 as an outside sales person covering the East Texas
market. He started the Lufkin, Texas operation in 1991 and opened the
Nacogdoches, Texas operation in early 1992. Mr. Smith is active on several
advisory councils including the "Big A" Jobber
15
<PAGE> 16
Council. He is also active in the Texas Auto Parts Association. He became a
director of the Company in August 1996.
DIRECTORS
Reference is made to the Company's definitive proxy statement for the
1997 annual shareholders meeting involving the election of directors which will
be filed with the Commission within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year
covered by this Report. The information required by this Item and contained in
such definitive proxy statement is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 10. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Reference is made to the Company's definitive proxy statement for the
1997 annual meeting of shareholders involving the election of directors which
will be filed with the Commission within 120 days after the end of the fiscal
year covered by this Report.
ITEM 11. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Reference is made to the Company's definitive proxy statement for the
1997 annual meeting of shareholders involving the election of directors, which
will be filed with the Commission within 120 days after the end of the fiscal
year covered by this Report.
ITEM 12. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Reference is made to the Company's definitive proxy statement for the
1997 annual meeting of shareholders involving the election of directors, which
will be filed with the Commission within 120 days after the end of the fiscal
year covered by this Report.
ITEM 13. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) Exhibits
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number Description
------ -----------
<S><C> <C>
3. (a) Articles of Incorporation, as amended*
(b) By-laws*
4. Form of Common Stock Certificate*
10. (a) Copy of Stock Option Plan*
(b) Copy of Underwriter's Warrant Agreement*
(c) Copy of Product Purchase Agreement between the Registrant and A.P.S., Inc.*
(d) Copy of Lease Agreement between the Registrant and Mr. Randall Rankin dated September 1, 1993
(corporate office)*
(a) Copy of Lease Agreement between the Registrant and Mr. Randall Rankin dated July 1, 1991 (machine
shop)*
(f) Copy of Lease Agreement between the Registrant and Mr. Randall Rankin dated July 1. 1991
(Monroe Street store)*
</TABLE>
16
<PAGE> 17
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
(g) Copy of Lease Agreement between the Registrant and Mr. Randall Rankin dated July 1,
1991 (South MacArthur Drive stores and redistribution facility)*
(h) Copy of Lease Agreement between the Registrant and Mr. Randall Rankin dated July 1, 1991 (storage
facility)*
(i) Copy of Agreement of Sale by and Between Registrant and Parts, Inc. dated September 12, 1996
relating to the acquisition of the Jackson Stores*
(j) Copy of Agreement of Sale between Registrant and American Parts System, Inc. dated October 20, 1994
relating to the acquisition of the Hammond Stores*
(k) Copy of employment contract between the Registrant and Mr. Randall Rankin*
(1) Commitment Letter from Hibernia National Bank dated September 11, 1996*
(m) Copy of Lock-up Agreement between the Registrant and Mr. Randall Rankin*
27 Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
* Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (File No. 333-5562-A) ordered
effective November 18, 1996.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
None
17
<PAGE> 18
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, hereunto duly authorized.
Dated: May 23, 1997 RANKIN AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.
By: /s/ RANDALL B. RANKIN
---------------------------------------
Randall B. Rankin, President and Chief
Executive Officer
By: /s/ CHARLES ELLIOT
---------------------------------------
Charles Elliot, Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
/s/ RANDALL B. RANKIN Director May 23 , 1997
- ------------------------- ---------------
Randall B. Rankin
/s/ OTIS CANNON Director May 23 , 1997
- ------------------------- ---------------
Otis Al Cannon, Jr.
/s/ RICKY GUNN Director May 23 , 1997
- ------------------------- ---------------
Ricky D. Gunn
/s/ HARRIS SMITH Director May 23 , 1997
- ------------------------- ---------------
Harris Lake Smith, Jr.
Director , 1997
- ------------------------- ---------------
Ricky L. Sooter, Esq.
18
<PAGE> 19
RANKIN AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED
FEBRUARY 25, 1996 AND 1997 AND INDEPENDENT
AUDITORS' REPORT
F-1
<PAGE> 20
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
Board of Directors
Rankin Automotive Group, Inc.
Alexandria, Louisiana
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Rankin Automotive Group, Inc.
as of February 25, 1997, and the related statements of operations,
stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period
ended February 25, 1997. These financial statements are the responsibility of
the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. These standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, such financial statements present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of the Company as of February 25, 1997, and
the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in
the period ended February 25, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Deloitte & Touche LLP
New Orleans, Louisiana
April 18, 1997
F-2
<PAGE> 21
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RANKIN AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.
BALANCE SHEET
FEBRUARY 25, 1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 4,022,287
Accounts receivable:
Trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $9,000 2,125,352
Related party 20,035
Inventory 10,249,572
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 117,526
-----------
Total current assets 16,534,772
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT - net 1,342,526
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - net 651,260
-----------
TOTAL $18,528,558
===========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable $ 2,552,371
Accrued expenses 714,994
Current portion of long-term debt 114,378
-----------
Total current liabilities 3,381,743
LONG-TERM DEBT 1,519,022
-----------
Total liabilities 4,900,765
-----------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock, no par value, 2,000,000 shares authorized,
none issued --
Common stock, $.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized,
4,550,000 shares issued and outstanding 45,500
Paid-in capital 13,083,830
Retained earnings 498,463
-----------
13,627,793
-----------
TOTAL $18,528,558
===========
</TABLE>
See notes to financial statements.
F-3
<PAGE> 22
RANKIN AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 25, 1996 AND 1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1997
<S> <C> <C>
NET SALES $ 21,032,495 $ 29,946,333
COST OF GOODS SOLD (14,052,476) (19,825,239)
------------ ------------
Gross profit 6,980,019 10,121,094
OPERATING, SELLING, GENERAL
AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES (6,146,580) (9,489,231)
------------ ------------
EARNINGS FROM OPERATIONS 833,439 631,863
INTEREST EXPENSE (518,684) (426,852)
------------ ------------
EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES 314,755 205,011
INCOME TAXES 5,000 65,000
------------ ------------
NET EARNINGS $ 309,755 $ 140,011
============ ------------
NET EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE $ 0.10 $ 0.04
------------ ------------
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES
OUTSTANDING 3,050,000 3,442,000
============ ============
</TABLE>
See notes to financial statements.
F-4
<PAGE> 23
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RANKIN AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 25, 1997 AND 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock Additional
----------------------- Paid-in Retained
Shares Amount Capital Earnings Total
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE AT FEBRUARY 25, 1995 3,050,000 $ 30,500 $ 106,348 $ 48,697 $ 185,545
Net earnings for the year ended February 25, 1996 -- -- -- 309,755 309,755
--------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
BALANCE AT FEBRUARY 25, 1996 3,050,000 30,500 106,348 358,452 495,300
Net earnings for the year ended February 25, 1997 140,011 140,011
Issuance of common stock 1,500,000 15,000 12,977,482 12,992,482
--------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
BALANCE AT FEBRUARY 25, 1997 4,550,000 $ 45,500 $13,083,830 $ 498,463 $13,627,793
========= =========== =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
See notes to financial statements
F-5
<PAGE> 24
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RANKIN AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 25, 1996 AND 1997
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1997
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net earnings $ 309,755 $ 140,011
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash
provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 182,201 270,221
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Increase in accounts receivable (369,385) (506,078)
Increase in inventories (930,290) (2,040,553)
(Increase) decrease in other assets, net (86,966) 35,654
Increase in accounts payable 755,892 793,762
Increase in accrued expenses 175,866 297,398
------------ ------------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 37,073 (1,009,585)
------------ ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment, net (236,274) (458,833)
Cash paid in connection with acquisitions (323,000) --
------------ ------------
Net cash used in investing activities (559,274) (458,833)
------------ ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from public offering -- 12,992,482
Borrowings under revolving line of credit 8,313,809 32,982,504
Repayments of borrowings under revolving
line of credit (4,169,930) (35,717,159)
Proceeds from other long-term obligations 854,523 --
Repayments of other long-term obligations (4,321,657) (4,930,560)
Decrease in notes payable to stockholder (18,826) (145,706)
------------ ------------
Net cash provided by financing activities 657,919 5,181,561
------------ ------------
NET INCREASE IN CASH 135,718 3,713,143
CASH, BEGINNING OF YEAR 173,426 309,144
------------ ------------
CASH, END OF YEAR $ 309,144 $ 4,022,287
============ ============
</TABLE>
See notes to financial statements.
F-6
<PAGE> 25
RANKIN AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS
BUSINESS - Rankin Automotive Group, Inc., (the Company) was incorporated
under the laws of the State of Louisiana in June 1978 and is a specialty
wholesaler and retailer of automotive replacement parts, maintenance
items and accessories for the professional installer and "do it yourself"
markets through stores located in Louisiana, Mississippi and East Texas.
2. COMPLETION OF PUBLIC OFFERING
On November 21, 1996, the Company completed a public offering whereby the
Company issued 1,500,000 shares of common stock for gross proceeds of
$15,000,000 ($12,992,482 net of underwriting commissions and expenses).
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
CASH EQUIVALENTS - The Company considers all highly liquid investments
with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
USE OF ESTIMATES - The preparation of financial statements in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the
date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from
those estimates.
INVENTORIES - Inventories, which consist of automotive hard parts,
maintenance items, accessories and tools, are stated at the lower of cost
or market with cost determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO)
method.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET - Property and equipment are stated at cost
less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and
amortization is provided using the straight-line method over the
estimated useful lives of the assets. Accelerated methods are used for
tax purposes.
INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Intangible assets consist primarily of goodwill and
customer lists. These assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis
over 5 to 25 years. Accumulated amortization amounted to approximately
$15,000 at February 25, 1997.
Expenditures for additions, major renewals or betterments are capitalized
and expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to operations as
incurred.
PRE-OPENING COSTS - Cost associated with the opening of new stores, which
consist primarily of payroll and occupancy costs, are charged to
operations as incurred.
ADVERTISING - The Company expenses its share of all advertising costs as
such costs are incurred. The portion of advertising expenditures which
are to be recovered from vendors and other cooperative programs are
recorded as a receivable. The Company does not defer any portion of its
share of advertising costs.
F-7
<PAGE> 26
INCOME TAXES - The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability
method.
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK - The Company grants credit to customers who
meet pre-established credit requirements. The Company does not require
collateral when trade credit is granted to customers. Credit losses are
provided for in the financial statements as soon as they become probable.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - The fair value of the Company's
financial instruments such as accounts receivable, accounts payable and
long-term debt approximate their carrying amounts.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS - In March 1995, the Financial Accounting
Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
(SFAS) No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and
for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of." This pronouncement requires
impairment losses to be recorded on long-lived assets used in operations
when impairment indicators are present and the undiscounted cash flows
estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the assets'
carrying amount. The Company adopted SFAS 121 in the first quarter of
1997 and its adoption did not have a material effect on the financial
statements.
On March 3, 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 128, "Earnings per Share,"
which is effective for financial statements issued for periods ending
after December 15, 1997. SFAS No. 128 replaces APB Opinion 15, Earnings
per Share, and simplifies the computation of earnings per share (EPS) by
replacing the presentation of primary EPS with a presentation of basic
EPS. In addition, the Statement requires dual presentation of basic and
diluted EPS by entities with complex capital structure. Basic EPS
includes no dilution and is computed by dividing income available to
common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares
outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution
of securities that could share in the earnings of an entity, similar to
fully diluted EPS. The computation of EPS will be compatible with
international standards, as the International Accounting Standards
Committee recently issued a comparable standard. The Company does not
expect that the adoption of SFAS No. 125 will have a material impact on
EPS as presently calculated.
4. ACQUISITION OF BUSINESSES
During the year ended February 25, 1997, the Company acquired fourteen
auto parts stores (all of which were acquired from A.P.S., Inc.). During
the year ended February 25, 1996, the Company acquired five auto parts
stores (four of which were acquired from A.P.S., Inc. who had acquired
them from U.S.A. Auto Parts, Inc.). These acquisitions were accounted for
as purchases and, accordingly, the purchase prices were allocated to the
assets and liabilities based upon their estimated fair values as of the
dates of acquisition. The Company paid cash totaling approximately $-0-
in 1997 and $323,000 in 1996, and incurred debt to the seller of
approximately $3,450,000 in 1997 and $1,354,000 in 1996 in exchange for
assets with a purchase price of approximately $3,450,000 in 1997 and
$1,677,000 in 1996. The results of operations of each acquisition are
included in the accompanying Statements of Operations from the dates of
acquisition. The following unaudited pro forma results of operations give
effect to the acquisitions as though they had occurred on February 26,
1995 (in thousands except per share data):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1997
<S> <C> <C>
Net sales $35,170 $37,182
Net earnings 481 149
Net earnings per share .16 .04
</TABLE>
F-8
<PAGE> 27
The unaudited pro forma information is not necessarily indicative either
of the results of operations that would have occurred had the purchases
been made as of February 26, 1995 or of future results of operations of
the combined companies.
5. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, RELATED PARTY
Accounts receivable, related party, represents non-interest bearing trade
receivables from a company partially owned and a company wholly owned by
the principal stockholder of the Company and are due within thirty days.
6. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consist of the following at February 25, 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LIFE
(YEARS)
<S> <C> <C>
Furniture and fixtures and other office equipment $ 492,456 5-7
Leasehold improvements 311,316 10-15
Warehouse equipment 715,348 10-15
Transportation equipment 1,031,668 5
-----------
2,550,788
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (1,208,262)
-----------
$ 1,342,526
===========
</TABLE>
7. LONG-TERM DEBT
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Long-term debt at February 25, 1997, consist of the following:
Borrowing under revolving line of credit with a maximum
amount of $5,000,000 with a bank requiring monthly payments of
interest at prime plus .25% (8.50% at February 25, 1997) with
principal due December 1, 2001 collateralized by substantially
all assets of the Company and personally guaranteed by the
principal stockholder of the Company $ 1,409,224
Various notes payable and other obligations, requiring monthly
installments of approximately $6,000 including interest at various
rates; a portion of which are collateralized by equipment and vehicles 224,176
-----------
1,633,400
Less current maturities (114,378)
-----------
$ 1,519,022
===========
</TABLE>
F-9
<PAGE> 28
Aggregate maturities of long-term debt are as follows for the years
ending February 25,
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1998 $ 114,378
1999 49,284
2000 38,270
2001 1,431,468
----------
$1,633,400
==========
</TABLE>
The revolving line of credit agreement contains certain financial
covenants relating to, among other things, current ratio, debt to equity
ratio, net working capital, and net worth. The Company was in compliance
with these covenants at February 25, 1997.
8. ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accrued expenses consist of the following at February 25, 1997:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Accrued payroll and related taxes $466,135
Other 248,859
--------
$714,994
========
</TABLE>
9. INCOME TAXES
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary
differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for
financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax
purposes. Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and
liabilities as of February 25, 1997 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Deferred tax assets -
Vacation pay and other expenses not currently deductible $ 25,000
Deferred tax liabilities -
Accelerated depreciation and other (65,000)
--------
Net deferred tax liabilities $(40,000)
========
</TABLE>
The components of income taxes are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1997
<S> <C> <C>
Currently payable $ 5,000 $25,000
Deferred -- 40,000
------- -------
$ 5,000 $65,000
======= =======
</TABLE>
F-10
<PAGE> 29
Income taxes differ from the amounts computed by applying the U.S.
Federal income tax rate of 34% to earnings before income taxes. The
reasons for these differences are as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended
February 25,
------------------------
1996 1997
<S> <C> <C>
Taxes computed at statutory rates $ 107,000 $ 70,000
Increase (decrease) in taxes due to:
Change in valuation allowance (117,000) --
Other, net 15,000 (5,000)
--------- ---------
$ 5,000 $ 65,000
========= =========
Actual tax rate 2 % 32 %
</TABLE>
At February 25, 1996, the Company's management reevaluated the previously
established valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets and determined
that it was more likely than not that the deferred tax asset would be
realized and reversed the entire valuation allowance.
Income taxes paid were not significant in 1996 or 1997.
10. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
In connection with the public offering, on August 28, 1996, the Board of
Directors approved an increase in the Company's capital stock authorized
from 1,000 shares to 10,000,000 shares of $.01 par value common stock and
authorized 2,000,000 shares of no par value preferred stock. On August
28, 1996, the Company also effected a stock split whereby each share of
common stock was exchanged for 3,050 shares of common stock. The weighted
average common shares outstanding and all share data has been restated
for all periods presented.
The Board of Directors is authorized, without further stockholder action,
to divide any or all shares of the authorized preferred stock into series
and to fix and determine the designation, preferences and relative,
participating, option or other special rights, and qualifications,
limitations, or restrictions thereon of any series so established,
including voting powers, dividend rights, liquidation preferences,
redemption rights and conversion privileges. As of February 25, 1997, the
Board had not authorized any issuances of any series of preferred stock
and there are no plans, agreements or understandings for the
authorization or issuance of any shares of preferred stock.
The Board also instituted a stock option plan under which 250,000 shares
of common stock are reserved for issuance at no less than the fair market
value of the stock at the date of grant. Options to purchase 6,000 shares
of common stock were granted in August 1996 and are exercisable at $10
per share. All such options are outstanding at February 25, 1997.
The Company is applying APB Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations in
accounting for the stock option plan. All shares granted in 1997 were at
the estimated fair market value on the date of grant. Accordingly, no
compensation expense has been recognized. If the Company determined
compensation cost based on the fair value at the date of grant,
consistent with the requirements of Financial Accounting Standards Board
Statement No. 123 "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation," the effect
on the Company's net earnings and net earnings per share would not have
been material and, accordingly, the pro forma effects of such costs have
not been presented. In computing these pro forma amounts the
F-11
<PAGE> 30
Company has assumed a risk-free interest rate equal to approximately
6-1/2% and expected life of approximately 3 years. The effects of
applying SFAS No. 123 in this disclosure are not indicative of future
amounts.
11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
PURCHASE COMMITMENTS
On September 25, 1995, the Company entered into an amended product
purchase agreement with A.P.S., Inc. ("APS"), a national distributor of
replacement auto parts. Under the terms of this agreement, the Company
agreed, for a seven-year period commencing on September 25, 1995, to
purchase merchandise from APS, over any given four-month consecutive
billing period at a minimum average of 80% of the Company's cost of goods
as defined, and not perform any bulk transfer of assets nor transfer its
leasehold interest in properties where it conducts business without
giving APS a 45-day written notice and giving APS the right of first
refusal. Purchases under this and the previous similar agreements
aggregated approximately $9,300,000 and $12,200,000 in 1996 and 1997,
respectively.
Currently, the Company purchases most of its inventory from APS. A
sufficient number of other suppliers and/or manufacturers could supply
the same inventory. A disruption of this vendor relationship, or a
material reduction in any of the terms of purchase, advertising,
incentive or other programs, would likely materially adversely affect the
Company's business.
LEASES
The Company leases three of its stores, a machine shop, a storage
facility, and its administrative offices from the principal stockholder
of the Company and 26 (including 19 from APS) of its stores from
unrelated parties under noncancelable operating leases. In addition the
Company leases 7 of its stores from unrelated parties on a month to month
basis. Such leases to unrelated parties expire during the fiscal years
1998 to 2002. Rent expense under leases with the principal stockholder
aggregated approximately $211,000 in 1996 and $244,000 in 1997. Rent
expense to other parties aggregated $346,000 in 1996 and $520,000 in
1997. Most leases include provisions for lease extensions and also
require the Company to pay real estate taxes, insurance and certain other
expenses.
Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating leases with
initial or remaining terms of one year or more, for each of the next five
years and thereafter are as follows:
Principal
Stockholder
1998 $ 262,000 $ 686,000 $ 948,000
1999 262,000 667,000 929,000
2000 262,000 571,000 833,000
2001 262,000 424,000 686,000
Thereafter 987,000 228,000 1,215,000
---------- ---------- ----------
$2,035,000 $2,576,000 $4,611,000
========== ========== ==========
The Company subleases a portion of one of its locations and sublease
rental income amounted to approximately $78,000 in 1996 and $15,000 in
1997. There are no significant sublease commitments at February 28,
1997.
F-12
<PAGE> 31
12. SUPPLEMENTAL STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS INFORMATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended
February 25,
-------------------------
1996 1997
<S> <C> <C>
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Purchase of stores financed by seller $1,677,000 $3,450,000
Cash paid for interest 545,000 487,200
</TABLE>
******
F-13
<PAGE> 32
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number Description
------ -----------
<S><C> <C>
3. (a) Articles of Incorporation, as amended*
(b) By-laws*
4. Form of Common Stock Certificate*
10. (a) Copy of Stock Option Plan*
(b) Copy of Underwriter's Warrant Agreement*
(c) Copy of Product Purchase Agreement between the Registrant and A.P.S., Inc.*
(d) Copy of Lease Agreement between the Registrant and Mr. Randall Rankin dated September 1, 1993
(corporate office)*
(a) Copy of Lease Agreement between the Registrant and Mr. Randall Rankin dated July 1, 1991 (machine
shop)*
(f) Copy of Lease Agreement between the Registrant and Mr. Randall Rankin dated July 1. 1991
(Monroe Street store)*
(g) Copy of Lease Agreement between the Registrant and Mr. Randall Rankin dated July 1,
1991 (South MacArthur Drive stores and redistribution facility)*
(h) Copy of Lease Agreement between the Registrant and Mr. Randall Rankin dated July 1, 1991 (storage
facility)*
(i) Copy of Agreement of Sale by and Between Registrant and Parts, Inc. dated September 12, 1996
relating to the acquisition of the Jackson Stores*
(j) Copy of Agreement of Sale between Registrant and American Parts System, Inc. dated October 20, 1994
relating to the acquisition of the Hammond Stores*
(k) Copy of employment contract between the Registrant and Mr. Randall Rankin*
(1) Commitment Letter from Hibernia National Bank dated September 11, 19%*
(m) Copy of Lock-up Agreement between the Registrant and Mr. Randall Rankin*
27. Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
_________________________________
* Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (File No. 333-5562-A) ordered
effective November 18, 1996.
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-25-1997
<PERIOD-START> FEB-26-1996
<PERIOD-END> FEB-25-1997
<CASH> 4,022,287
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 2,154,387
<ALLOWANCES> 9,000
<INVENTORY> 10,249,572
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 16,534,772
<PP&E> 2,550,788
<DEPRECIATION> 1,208,262
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 18,528,558
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 3,381,743
<BONDS> 1,519,022
0
0
<COMMON> 45,500
<OTHER-SE> 13,582,293
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 18,528,558
<SALES> 29,946,333
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 29,946,333
<CGS> 19,825,239
<TOTAL-COSTS> 9,489,231
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 426,852
<INCOME-PRETAX> 205,011
<INCOME-TAX> 65,000
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 0
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 140,011
<EPS-PRIMARY> .04
<EPS-DILUTED> 0
</TABLE>
