AUTOMOBILE PROTECTION CORP APCO
10-Q, 1997-11-13
MANAGEMENT SERVICES
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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-Q

[X]   QUARTERLY  REPORT  PURSUANT  TO  SECTION  13 OR  15(d)  OF THE  SECURITIES
      EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

      For the quarterly period ended    September 30, 1997
                                        ------------------
        
[ ]   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                     0-17231
                      ----------------------------------------------------------

                    AUTOMOBILE PROTECTION CORPORATION - APCO
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

              Georgia                                  58-1582432
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  (State or other jurisdiction                       (I.R.S. Employer
  of incorporation or organization)                 Identification No.)

     15 Dunwoody Park Drive, Suite 100
            Atlanta, Georgia                             30338
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  (Address of principal executive offices)             (Zip Code)

                                 (770) 394-7070
                                 --------------
               Registrant's telephone number, including area code

  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 the number of shares  outstanding of each of the issuer's  classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.


              Class                             Outstanding at October 31, 1997
- ---------------------------------------         -------------------------------
Common stock, $.001 par value per share                   10,931,492





                                       1

<PAGE>


                    AUTOMOBILE PROTECTION CORPORATION - APCO
                                      INDEX

                                                                          Page
Part I. Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements.

  Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 1997 and
  December 31, 1996........................................................ 3

  Consolidated Statement of Income for the Three
  Month Period Ended September 30, 1997 and 1996........................... 4

  Consolidated Statement of Income for the Nine
  Month Period Ended September 30, 1997 and 1996........................... 5

  Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the Nine
  Month Period Ended September 30, 1997 and 1996 .......................... 6

  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements .............................. 7

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
  Condition and Results of Operations...................................... 9

Part II. Other Information

Item 2. Changes in Securities

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K























                                       2

<PAGE>


                    AUTOMOBILE PROTECTION CORPORATION - APCO
                     CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                         September 30, * December 31,
                                                              1997         1996 
                                                          -----------   -----------
<S>                                                       <C>           <C>        
ASSETS
Current Assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents                               $10,716,769   $ 6,967,904
  Trading securities, at fair value                         6,713,672     5,721,730
  Investment securities held to maturity                    3,221,211     1,654,209
  Accounts receivable, net of provision for doubtful
   accounts of $40,000 and $30,000                          3,881,816     2,160,236
  Notes receivable                                            861,171       547,446
  Officer and employee receivables                            240,394       205,771
  Income tax refund receivable                                              452,546
  Prepaid expenses                                            579,309       658,074
  Deferred tax asset                                          611,064       472,805
  Restricted cash                                          10,536,258     8,330,106
                                                          -----------   -----------
          Total current assets                             37,361,664    27,170,827
Property and equipment, net of accumulated
  depreciation of $1,987,156 and $1,716,894                 1,225,754     1,117,530
Investment securities held to maturity, non current           524,246     2,098,089
Deposits to secure licenses                                   745,910       730,276
Deferred tax asset                                             64,997        39,797
Other assets                                                   33,690       104,304
                                                          -----------   -----------
                                                          $39,956,261   $31,260,823
                                                          ===========   ===========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
  Premiums, fees and taxes payable                        $10,536,258   $ 8,330,106
  Accounts payable                                          1,627,543     1,156,118
  Accrued liabilities                                       4,388,199     2,461,091
  Current income taxes payable                                493,244
                                                          -----------   -----------
          Total current liabilities                        17,045,244    11,947,315
Deferred income taxes                                         345,284       103,160
Redeemable preferred stock                                        300           300
                                                          -----------   -----------
                                                           17,390,828    12,050,775
                                                          -----------   -----------
Shareholders' equity:
  Common stock; $.001 par value, 40,000,000 authorized,
    10,866,577 and 10,564,323 issued and outstanding           10,867        10,564
  Additional paid-in capital                               15,552,123    15,053,345
  Retained earnings                                         7,002,443     4,146,139
                                                          -----------   -----------
          Total shareholders' equity                       22,565,433    19,210,048
                                                          -----------   -----------
                                                          $39,956,261   $31,260,823
                                                          ===========   ===========
</TABLE>

*     From audited financial  statements contained in Registrant's Annual Report
      on Form 10-K for the twelve months ended 12/31/96.



                 The accompanying notes are an integral part of
                    these consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      3



<PAGE>

                    AUTOMOBILE PROTECTION CORPORATION - APCO
                        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
                                   (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                Three Months Ended   Three Months Ended
                                                ------------------   ------------------
                                                September 30, 1997   September 30, 1996
                                                ------------------   ------------------
<S>                                                   <C>                  <C>         
Revenues                                              $ 27,087,863         $ 18,642,959
Cost of sales:                                                         
  Premiums and taxes                                    17,604,493           12,016,556
  Commissions and other costs                            3,956,858            2,607,863
                                                      ------------         ------------
    Total cost of sales                                 21,561,351           14,624,419
                                                      ------------         ------------
                                                                       
                                                         5,526,512            4,018,540
                                                                       
Expenses:                                                              
  Compensation, selling and administrative               3,565,656            2,952,983
  Depreciation and amortization                            111,000              121,500
  Interest, dividend and other income                     (326,745)            (212,657)
                                                      ------------         ------------
                                                         3,349,911            2,861,826
                                                      ------------         ------------
                                                                       
Income before provision for income taxes                 2,176,601            1,156,714
Provision for income taxes                                 834,689              437,000
                                                      ------------         ------------
Net income                                            $  1,341,912         $    719,714
                                                      ============         ============
                                                                       
                                                                       
                                                                       
                                                                       
Net income per share (primary and fully diluted)      $       0.11         $       0.06
                                                      ============         ============
                                                                       
                                                                       
Number of shares used in computing                                   
net income per share:
                                   Primary basis       11,777,000           11,495,000
                             Fully diluted basis       11,881,000           11,550,000

</TABLE>
















                 The accompanying notes are an integral part of
                    these consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      4


<PAGE>



                    AUTOMOBILE PROTECTION CORPORATION - APCO
                        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
                                   (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   Nine Months Ended    Nine Months Ended
                                                   -----------------    -----------------
                                                  September 30, 1997   September 30, 1996
                                                  ------------------   ------------------
<S>                                                     <C>                  <C>         
Revenues                                                $ 70,980,206         $ 50,721,885
Cost of sales:
  Premiums and taxes                                      45,983,441           32,706,212
  Commissions and other costs                             10,349,247            7,106,418
                                                        ------------         ------------
    Total cost of sales                                   56,332,688           39,812,630
                                                        ------------         ------------

                                                          14,647,518           10,909,255

Expenses:
  Compensation, selling and administrative                10,520,976            8,401,337
  Depreciation and amortization                              325,500              327,794
  Interest, dividend and other income                       (819,951)            (545,434)
                                                        ------------         ------------
                                                          10,026,525            8,183,697
                                                        ------------         ------------

Income before provision for income taxes                   4,620,993            2,725,558
Provision for income taxes                                 1,764,689            1,040,000
                                                        ------------         ------------
Net income                                              $  2,856,304         $  1,685,558
                                                        ============         ============




Net income per share (primary and fully diluted)        $       0.24         $       0.15
                                                        ============         ============


Number of shares used in computing
 net income per share:
                                    Primary basis        11,665,000            11,027,000
                              Fully diluted basis        11,769,000            11,081,000

</TABLE>














                 The accompanying notes are an integral part of
                    these consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      5



<PAGE>

                    AUTOMOBILE PROTECTION CORPORATION - APCO
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                        Nine Months Ended    Nine Months Ended
                                                       September 30, 1997   September 30, 1996
                                                       ------------------   ------------------
<S>                                                          <C>                  <C>         
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income                                                 $  2,856,304         $  1,685,558
                                                             ------------         ------------
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
   provided by operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization                                 325,500              327,794
    Deferred income taxes                                          78,665              302,547
    Provision for doubtful accounts                                10,000               15,650
    Tax benefit from stock option exercise                                             634,000
    Stock compensation expense                                                          73,800
 Change in operating assets and liabilities:
   Restricted cash                                             (2,206,152)          (2,005,837)
   Accounts receivable                                         (1,731,580)            (349,421)
   Officer and employee receivables                               (34,623)              30,819
   Notes receivable                                              (313,725)             (20,428)
   Income tax refund receivable                                   452,546             (803,675)
   Prepaid expenses and other assets                               95,379             (406,010)
   Premiums, fees and taxes payable                             2,206,152            2,005,837
   Accounts payable                                               471,425              470,698
   Accrued liabilities                                          1,927,108              832,304
   Income taxes payable                                           493,244              (51,000)
   Purchases of trading securities                             (4,226,207)          (6,265,990)
   Sales of trading securities                                  3,234,265            4,647,193
                                                             ------------         ------------
        Total adjustments                                         781,997             (561,719)
                                                             ------------         ------------
           Net cash provided by operating activities            3,638,301            1,123,839
                                                             ------------         ------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Purchases of property and equipment                            (389,724)            (617,622)
  Proceeds from sales of property and equipment                    10,000               10,999
  Purchases of investment securities                             (386,467)          (2,570,993)
  Redemptions and maturities of investment securities             393,308            1,545,000
  Increase in deposits to secure licenses                         (15,634)              (8,904)
                                                             ------------         ------------
           Net cash used in investing activities                 (388,517)          (1,641,520)
                                                             ------------         ------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Issuance of common stock                                        499,081            2,009,955
                                                             ------------         ------------
           Net cash provided by financing activities              499,081            2,009,955
                                                             ------------         ------------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents                       3,748,865            1,492,274
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                6,967,904            6,746,886
                                                             ------------         ------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                   $ 10,716,769         $  8,239,160
                                                             ============         ============
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
 Cash paid during the period for income taxes                $    715,370         $    875,000
                                                             ============         ============
</TABLE>

                 The accompanying notes are an integral part of
                    these consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      6


<PAGE>


                    AUTOMOBILE PROTECTION CORPORATION - APCO
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (Unaudited)

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The  financial   information  included  herein  is  unaudited;   however,   such
information  reflects all  adjustments,  consisting  solely of normal  recurring
adjustments  which are,  in the  opinion  of  management,  necessary  for a fair
presentation of the periods indicated.  The accompanying  consolidated financial
statements include the accounts of Automobile Protection  Corporation - APCO and
its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the "Company").  Certain information and footnote
disclosures  normally  included in financial  statements  prepared in conformity
with generally  accepted  accounting  principles  have been condensed or omitted
pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
These  condensed  financial  statements  should be read in conjunction  with the
consolidated  financial  statements and related notes contained in the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the twelve months ended December 31, 1996.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation
- ---------------------------
The accompanying  consolidated  financial statements include the accounts of the
Company  and  its  wholly-owned   subsidiaries.   All  significant  intercompany
transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Revenues
- --------
Revenues  from the sale of  extended  vehicle  service  contracts  and  extended
warranty  programs are recognized when the service contract or extended warranty
sold by the  dealer is  received  and  accepted  by the  Company.  Revenues  are
comprised of the Company's  administration fee, underlying insurance premium and
tax.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
- -------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents  include all funds with an original maturity of ninety
days or less.

Investment Securities
- ---------------------
The Company's  investments consist of trading securities and of held-to-maturity
securities. Trading securities are stated at their fair value, which is based on
quoted market  prices,  and all  unrealized  gains and losses are  recognized in
earnings as incurred.  Gains and losses during the periods  encompassed by these
financial statements were insignificant.  Held to maturity securities are stated
at their  amortized  cost.  The market value of the  Company's  held-to-maturity
securities at September 30, 1997 is $3,750,911.


                                       7

<PAGE>

Property and Equipment
- ----------------------
Property  and  equipment  is stated at cost less  accumulated  depreciation  and
amortization.   Depreciation   and   amortization   are  calculated   using  the
straight-line  method for financial  reporting purposes and accelerated  methods
for income tax purposes  over the estimated  useful lives of the assets  ranging
from three to seven years.  Maintenance  and repair costs are charged to expense
as incurred,  and major renewals and betterments are capitalized.  When property
and equipment is retired or sold,  the related  carrying  value and  accumulated
depreciation  are removed from the accounts  and any  resulting  gain or loss is
reflected in income.

Premiums and Taxes Payable
- --------------------------
Premiums  and taxes  payable  includes  premiums  due to the  insurers  or their
agents,  taxes payable to various states and amounts  advanced to the Company by
the insurers for payment of claims.

Advertising costs
- -----------------
The Company  sponsors  motorsport  activities  to advertise  its  products.  The
Company has entered  into an annual  associate  sponsorship  agreement  with Joe
Gibbs  Racing,  Inc. and separate  agreements  with race track owners to sponsor
race events.  Direct costs associated with the Joe Gibbs Racing,  Inc. associate
sponsorship  are expensed  evenly during the year,  while costs  associated with
race events are expensed in the month the event takes place.

Income Taxes
- ------------
The Company  provides  income taxes on income  reported for financial  statement
purposes.  Deferred income taxes are recorded for differences in the recognition
of various  items for financial  reporting and income tax purposes.  The Company
files a consolidated income tax return with its subsidiaries.

Net Income per Common Share
- ---------------------------
Net income per share has been calculated based on the weighted average number of
common  shares and common  share  equivalents  outstanding  during  each  period
presented.  Primary  and fully  diluted net income per share are the same during
the periods presented herein.

Reclassifications
- -----------------
Certain  comparative amounts have been reclassified to conform with current year
presentation.

3. OTHER ITEM

The Company filed a complaint  against  Everest  Reinsurance  Company  (formerly
Prudential Reinsurance Company,  hereinafter "Everest") in September 1996 in the
United States District Court,  Northern  District of Georgia,  Atlanta division.
The  complaint  arises from the improper  denial of valid  claims under  various
assumption of liability  endorsements issued by Everest to participating dealers
in 1991. In October 1996, Everest filed a motion to dismiss,  asserting that the
liquidation  order in the  insolvency  of National  Colonial  Insurance  Company
("NCIC")  enjoins Everest from making a payment under the reinsurance  agreement
to anyone, other than the liquidator of NCIC. On August 12, 1997, the U.S. judge

8

<PAGE>

issued an order which denied Everest's motion to dismiss. The Company is funding
the claims  submitted by dealers and has paid  $460,000  through  September  30,
1997. The Company is vigorously  pursuing this action against Everest;  however,
in view of the length of time that it may take to resolve the litigation and the
uncertain outcome, the Company recorded the total amount it has paid and expects
to pay, equal to $875,000, in the consolidated  statement of income for the year
ended December 31, 1996.

Item 2. Management's  Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        of Operations
        -------------

The  following  discussion  and analysis of financial  condition  and results of
operations  presents the more significant  factors  affecting the Company during
the three and nine months ended  September 30, 1997. The discussion and analysis
should  be  read  in  conjunction  with  the  unaudited  consolidated  financial
statements and related notes appearing elsewhere herein and the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the twelve months ended December 31, 1996.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

When used herein and in future  filings by the Company with the  Securities  and
Exchange  Commission,  the words or phrases  "will likely  result",  "management
expects"  or  "the  Company  expects",   "will  continue",  "is  expected",  "is
anticipated",  "estimated"  or similar  expressions  are  intended  to  identify
"forward-looking  statements"  within  the  meaning  of the  Private  Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance
on any such forward-looking  statements, each of which speak only as of the date
made. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties  that could
cause actual results to differ  materially  from  historical  earnings and those
presently  anticipated  or projected.  The Company has no obligation to publicly
release  the result of any  revisions  which may be made to any  forward-looking
statements  to reflect  anticipated  or  unanticipated  events or  circumstances
occurring after the date of such statements.

Certain of these risks and uncertainties  are discussed herein.  The industry in
which the Company operates is highly  competitive,  with some competitors having
significantly greater financial resources and name recognition than the Company.
The  Company   depends  on   independent   sales   representatives,   automobile
dealers/retailers  and a major  automobile  manufacturer to market its products.
The distribution of automobiles has been subject to cyclical economic conditions
in the past and could be subject to such  conditions in the future,  which could
adversely impact the Company. A trend towards  consolidation in the distribution
of automobiles  has  commenced,  which could reduce the number of franchised and
independent  dealers and  consequently  the Company's  distribution.  Additional
risks related to insurance carriers are discussed in the "Overview" section.






                                       9

<PAGE>


OVERVIEW

The Company's  primary business is the marketing and  administration of extended
vehicle  service  contracts  (hereinafter  referred to as "VSCs") for automobile
dealers. Dealers often engage a third party administrator,  such as the Company,
to design a VSC program,  arrange for insurance to limit their  financial  risk,
and to perform all of the related administrative functions associated therewith.
A function of the Company is to arrange for  insurance to cover  obligations  to
pay all future  claims.  The Company has arranged for  insurance  coverage to be
provided by certain  Underwriters  at Lloyd's of London  ("Lloyd's"),  Greenwich
Insurance  Company  ("Greenwich"),  Indian  Harbor  Insurance  Company  ("Indian
Harbor") and Illinois Union  Insurance  Company,  a subsidiary of CIGNA Property
and Casualty  Company  (collectively  "CIGNA").  Greenwich and Indian Harbor are
wholly-owned  subsidiaries of NAC Re Corporation.  Greenwich,  Indian Harbor and
CIGNA may choose to purchase  reinsurance  from  Lloyd's  and other  reinsurers,
including  NAC Re  Corporation.  Most of the VSC's  accepted  by the Company for
administration between 1991 and 1996 are insured by Lloyd's. The availability of
insurance  coverage at competitive  rates and of insurance  funds to make claims
payments,  including  the  financial  condition of the  insurance  carriers,  is
critical to the Company and any disruption  could have a material adverse effect
on the Company.

The  Company's  reported  revenues  represent  the amount it bills to automobile
dealers,  which is based on rate schedules developed by the Company. The amounts
billed consider  insurance,  taxes,  commissions and other costs and profit. The
Company's  reported cost of sales represents the amounts it pays to the insurers
for   insurance,   state   insurance   taxes  and   commissions   to  its  sales
representatives.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company believes that its current working capital and anticipated  levels of
internally  generated funds will be sufficient to fund its operating and capital
expenditure requirements for the next twenty four months. This estimate is based
on the Company's current level of operations and certain assumptions relating to
the Company's  business and planned  growth.  At September 30, 1997, the Company
had working  capital of  $20,316,420  (compared to  $15,223,512  at December 31,
1996) and investment  securities with  maturities  greater than twelve months of
$524,246  (compared to  $2,098,089  at December 31,  1996).  The net increase in
working  capital and  investment  securities of $3,519,065  is  attributable  to
operations  ($3,019,984)  and the  exercise  of stock  options  ($499,081).  The
Company invests its funds in treasury securities,  municipal bonds and financial
instruments  with maturities of less than five years and money market  accounts.
There is no plan to distribute  funds to  shareholders  through a dividend or to
repurchase shares.










                                       10

<PAGE>


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three  months ended  September  30, 1997  ("1997")  compared to the three months
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ended September 30, 1996 ("1996").
- ----------------------------------

Revenues for 1997 increased by 45% or $8,444,904 to  $27,087,863  over 1996. The
Company's  largest  revenue source is from the marketing and  administration  of
extended vehicle service  contracts  ("VSCs") under the EasyCare(R)  name, which
provided 99% of revenues. EasyCare(R) revenues increased due to production under
the EasyCare(R)  Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Program,  the signing of additional
automobile   dealers  to   EasyCare(R)  by  the  Company's   independent   sales
representatives  and from 77% unit growth under the contract with American Honda
Finance Corporation.

The  Company's  gross margin was 20.4% of revenues in 1997  compared to 21.6% of
revenues in 1996. Gross margin is impacted by the mix of new and used, makes and
models of vehicles and the types of coverage  sold. The overall gross margin for
1997  reflects  production  from the  EasyCare(R)  Certified  Pre-Owned  Vehicle
program,  which has a different  margin  structure to the  standard  EasyCare(R)
service contract and offers additional benefits to the dealer and consumer, such
as service  recapture.  Additionally,  the volume of business under the contract
with American Honda Finance Corporation,  which has a lower margin than the core
business, increased at a faster rate than the core business.

Compensation, selling and administrative expenses for 1997 increased by 20.7% or
$612,673  to  $3,565,656   over  1996.   The  increase  for  1997  is  primarily
attributable to compensation,  printing and marketing costs.  Compensation  cost
increased  by  $400,000  in 1997 to  support  the  growth of the  business.  The
Company's  printing/fulfillment costs increased by $96,000 due to costs incurred
in  connection  with higher  sales  volumes and new  programs.  Marketing  costs
increased  by  $121,000  due  to  additional   promotional   events   (including
motorsports) in the current quarter.

Interest,  dividend and other income for 1997  increased by 53.6% or $114,088 to
$326,745  over  1996.  The  increase  is due to the larger  cash and  investment
securities balances on hand.

The Company  recorded a provision for income taxes in 1997 of $834,689  compared
to $437,000 for 1996. The increase is primarily due to higher pretax income.

Nine months ended September 30, 1997 ("1997")  compared to the nine months ended
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
September 30, 1996 ("1996").
- ----------------------------

Revenues for 1997 increased by 40% or $20,258,321 to $70,980,206  over 1996. The
Company's  largest  revenue source is from the marketing and  administration  of
extended vehicle service  contracts  ("VSCs") under the EasyCare(R)  name, which
provided  99% of  revenues  for  1996.  EasyCare(R)  revenues  increased  due to
production  under the  EasyCare(R)  Certified  Pre-Owned  Vehicle  Program,  the
signing  of  additional  automobile  dealers  to  EasyCare(R)  by the  Company's
independent  sales  representatives  and from 73% unit growth under the contract
with American Honda Finance Corporation.

                                       11

<PAGE>

The  Company's  gross margin was 20.6% of revenues in 1997  compared to 21.5% of
revenues in 1996. Gross margin is impacted by the mix of new and used, makes and
models of vehicles and the types of coverage  sold. The overall gross margin for
1997  reflects  production  from the  EasyCare(R)  Certified  Pre-Owned  Vehicle
program,  which has a different  margin  structure to the  standard  EasyCare(R)
service contract and offers additional benefits to the dealer and consumer, such
as service  recapture.  Additionally,  the volume of business under the contract
with American Honda Finance Corporation,  which has a lower margin than the core
business, increased at a faster rate than the core business.

Compensation, selling and administrative expenses for 1997 increased by 25.2% or
$2,119,639  to  $10,520,976  over  1996.  The  increase  for  1997 is  primarily
attributable  to   compensation,   printing/fulfillment   and  marketing  costs.
Compensation  cost  increased by $1,297,000 in 1997 to support the growth of the
business. The Company's  printing/fulfillment costs increased by $426,000 due to
costs  incurred in  connection  with  higher  sales  volumes  and new  programs.
Marketing  costs  increased by $347,000  due to  additional  promotional  events
(including  motorsports) and the EasyCare(R) Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle program
in the current year.

Interest,  dividend and other income for 1997  increased by 50.3% or $274,517 to
$819,951  over  1996.  The  increase  is due to the larger  cash and  investment
securities balances on hand.

The Company recorded a provision for income taxes in 1997 of $1,764,689 compared
to $1,040,000 for 1996. The increase is primarily due to higher pretax income.

                              II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 2. Changes in Securities
- -----------------------------

During the third quarter of 1997, the Company issued the following securities:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         Exemption
                                                      Consideration           from
Date of sale       Title of security    Number sold        received   registration   Option terms
- ---------------    -----------------    -----------        --------   ------------   ------------

<S>              <C>                        <C>            <C>                <C>  
8/97-9/97               Common stock        109,000        $121,960           4 (2)
                         issued upon
                 exercise of options
                          granted to
                         consultants

</TABLE>




Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
- ----------------------------------------

   (a)   Exhibits:                None

   (b)  Reports on Form 8-K:      None

                                       12

<PAGE>


                                   SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the  requirements  of the  Securities  and Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant  has duly  caused  this  report  to be  signed  on its  behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


AUTOMOBILE PROTECTION CORPORATION - APCO

/s/ Martin J. Blank                                      November 12, 1997
- -----------------------------------                     ------------------
Martin J. Blank                                                Date
Secretary (Duly Authorized Officer)



/s/ Anthony R. Levinson                                  November 12, 1997
- -----------------------------------                     ------------------
Anthony R. Levinson                                             Date
Chief Financial Officer (Principal
Financial and Accounting Officer,
Duly Authorized Officer)
































                                       13

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5

<LEGEND>
THIS  SCHEDULE  CONTAINS  SUMMARY  FINANCIAL   INFORMATION  EXTRACTED  FROM  THE
FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS OF AUTOMOBILE  PROTECTION  CORPORATION - APCO FOR THE NINE
MONTHS ENDED  SEPTEMBER 30, 1997,  AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE
TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>

<MULTIPLIER> 1
        
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1997
<CASH>                                      10,716,769
<SECURITIES>                                 6,713,672
<RECEIVABLES>                                3,921,816
<ALLOWANCES>                                    40,000
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                            37,361,664
<PP&E>                                       3,212,910
<DEPRECIATION>                               1,987,156
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              39,956,261
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                       17,045,244
<BONDS>                                              0
                                0
                                        300
<COMMON>                                        10,867
<OTHER-SE>                                  22,554,566
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                39,956,261
<SALES>                                     70,980,206
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                            70,980,206
<CGS>                                       56,332,688
<TOTAL-COSTS>                               56,332,688
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                              4,620,993
<INCOME-TAX>                                 1,764,689
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                          2,856,304
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                 2,856,304
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .24
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .24
        

        

</TABLE>


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