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U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM 10-K
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM ___________ TO ________________
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-13647
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DOLLAR THRIFTY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
DELAWARE 73-1356520
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION NO.)
5330 EAST 31ST STREET, TULSA, OKLAHOMA 74135
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES AND ZIP CODE)
REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (918) 660-7700
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:
TITLE OF EACH CLASS: NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE ON WHICH REGISTERED:
COMMON STOCK, $.01 PAR VALUE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT: NONE
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 OF 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: [ ]
THE AGGREGATE MARKET VALUE OF THE VOTING AND NON-VOTING COMMON EQUITY HELD
BY NON-AFFILIATES OF THE REGISTRANT AS OF MARCH 6, 1998 WAS $481,669,988.
THE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING OF THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AS OF
MARCH 6, 1998 WAS 24,127,980.
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DOLLAR THRIFTY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.
FORM 10-K
CONTENTS
PART I Page
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ITEM 1. BUSINESS..............................................................4
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES...........................................................23
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS....................................................23
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS..................24
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS......................................24
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA..............................................26
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS........................28
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES
ABOUT MARKET RISK....................................................37
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA..........................38
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS........................60
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT...................60
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION...............................................62
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN
BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.....................................64
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.......................65
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PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES,
AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K...........................................65
SIGNATURES...................................................................................69
INDEX TO EXHIBITS............................................................................70
Some of the statements contained herein under "Business" and
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition of Results of
Operations" are forward-looking. They include statements concerning (a)
strategy, (b) liquidity and capital expenditures, (c) the terms upon which
vehicles will be acquired, (d) debt levels and the ability to obtain financing
and service debt, (e) competitive pressures in the vehicle rental business, (f)
prevailing levels of interest rates, (g) legal proceedings and regulatory
matters, and (h) general economic conditions. Actual results may differ
materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements for various
reasons.
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), owns two vehicle rental companies, Dollar Rent A Car Systems, Inc.
("Dollar"), and Thrifty Rent-A-Car System, Inc. ("Thrifty"). Dollar and Thrifty
and their independent franchisees operate the Dollar and Thrifty vehicle rental
systems. The Dollar and Thrifty brands represent a value-priced rental vehicle
generally appealing to leisure customers and tourists, including foreign
tourists, and to small businesses and independent business travelers. As of
December 31, 1997, Dollar and Thrifty had 891 locations in the United States and
Canada of which 139 were company-owned stores and 752 were locations operated by
franchisees. While Dollar and Thrifty have franchisees in countries outside the
United States and Canada, revenues from these franchisees have not been material
to results of operations of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries
(collectively, the "Group").
The businesses of Dollar and Thrifty complement each other, although
they have different approaches to the vehicle rental market. In the United
States, Dollar's main focus is operating company-owned stores located at major
airports, and it derives substantial revenues from foreign tour and leisure
rentals. Thrifty operates mainly through franchisees serving both the airport
and local markets. Dollar derives a majority of its U.S. revenues from providing
rental vehicles and services directly to rental customers, while Thrifty derives
its revenues primarily from franchising fees and services including vehicle
leasing. Thrifty's franchisees provide vehicles and services to the rental
customer except in a few cities where Thrifty operates company-owned stores.
Dollar incurs the costs of operating its company-owned stores and its revenues
are directly affected by changes in rental demand. As Thrifty operates primarily
through franchisees, it does not incur the costs of operating the franchised
locations and does not generally deal directly with rental customers. Therefore,
changes in levels of customer demand tend to affect Thrifty's results less
quickly than those of Dollar.
The Company was incorporated on November 4, 1997. It is the successor
to Pentastar Transportation Group, Inc. which was formed to acquire and operate
its rental car subsidiaries in 1989. Dollar was incorporated in 1965 and Thrifty
was incorporated in 1950. The Company sold its wholly owned subsidiary, Snappy
Car Rental, Inc. ("Snappy") in 1994. In addition, effective in 1993, the
operations of General Rent-a-Car were merged into Dollar.
On December 23, 1997, the Company completed its initial public offering
of Common Stock after registering such shares with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on Form S-1 (the "Offering"). Upon closing of the Offering,
22,500,000 shares of Common Stock were sold at an initial price to the public of
$20.50 per share. In addition, the underwriters exercised an over allotment
option and acquired an additional 1,125,000 shares for the same price, less the
applicable underwriter's discount. Of the shares sold in the Offering,
20,000,000 shares were sold by Chrysler Corporation ("Chrysler"), which prior to
the Offering was the parent of the Company, and 3,625,000 shares were sold by
the Company. On January 15, 1998, the underwriters exercised a second and final
portion of their over allotment option, purchasing an additional 498,105 shares
of Common Stock.
In order to close the offering of Common Stock, it was also necessary
for the Company to complete new financing arrangements. On December 23, 1997,
the Company closed a $900 million asset backed medium term note facility,
together with a Revolving Credit Facility (hereinafter defined). In addition, on
March 4, 1998, the Company established a $615 million Commercial Paper Program
(hereinafter defined) backed by a Liquidity Facility (hereinafter defined).
Proceeds of the medium term notes and commercial paper were used and will be
used to finance certain existing vehicles and the acquisition of new vehicles.
The Revolving Credit Facility was established to credit enhance these vehicle
financing programs and to meet the Group's borrowing needs for its other
business operations, including its need for letters of credit. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -
Liquidity and Capital Resources."
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INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
The U.S. daily vehicle rental industry has two principal markets: the
airport market and the local market. Vehicle rental companies that focus on the
airport market rent primarily to business and leisure travelers. Vehicle rentals
from airport locations account for the largest portion of vehicle rentals in the
United States. Those companies focusing on the local market rent primarily to
persons who need a vehicle periodically for personal or business use or who
require a temporary replacement vehicle. Rental companies also sell used
vehicles and ancillary products such as refueling services and loss damage
waivers. The vehicle rental industry has been seasonal. The third quarter,
during the peak summer months, has historically been the strongest quarter of
the year in terms of numbers of vehicle rentals and rental rates.
Vehicle rental companies typically incur substantial debt to finance
the ongoing turnover of their fleets. They also typically acquire a majority of
their fleets under manufacturer residual value programs that guarantee the
resale value of Program Vehicles (hereinafter defined) at particular times in
the future. This allows a rental company to predict this important element of
its cost structure. The Program Vehicles and the related obligations of the
manufacturers are used as collateral for fleet financing.
The domestic vehicle rental industry has experienced significant
revenue growth over the past five years, following a period of reduced rental
rates prompted by excess vehicle capacity. The economic recession in the United
States from 1990 to 1992 led to decreased new vehicle demand and overcapacity
among automotive manufacturers. The manufacturers offered significant purchase
incentives to vehicle rental companies, enabling them to significantly expand
the size of their fleets. This eventually resulted in excess capacity,
intensified competition and depressed rental rates. As general economic
conditions in the United States improved, the manufacturers increased their new
vehicle prices and substantially reduced the incentives offered to fleet
purchasers. Continued competitive pressure within the rental industry, however,
constrained increases in average daily rental rates. The domestic vehicle rental
industry is now experiencing improved profitability as oversupply conditions
have lessened and average daily rental rates have increased.
There have recently been significant changes in the ownership of the
principal companies in the U.S. vehicle rental industry, several of which had
been owned by domestic automotive manufacturers. HFS Incorporated purchased Avis
Rent A Car, Inc. and subsequently sold 70% of Avis's equity to the public.
Republic Industries Inc. acquired National Car Rental System, Inc. and Alamo
Rent-a-Car, Inc., and Team Rental Group Inc. (renamed Budget Group, Inc.)
acquired Budget Rent a Car Corporation from Ford Motor Company ("Ford"). Ford
sold a minority interest in Hertz Corporation to the public. Accordingly, most
of the major companies in the industry are now publicly held, including the
Company. The Company believes these changes may lead to higher average rental
rates as a result of increased industry focus on profitability and shareholder
returns, rather than on transaction volume and market share.
STRATEGY
The Company's main objectives are to increase revenues and improve
profitability by strengthening its value-priced brands. The key elements of
this strategy are:
CAPITALIZE ON CHANGING INDUSTRY DYNAMICS
Information disclosed by publicly held U.S. vehicle rental companies
and the Group's experience indicate that the U.S. vehicle rental industry is
emerging from a period, ending in 1995, when rental rates did not keep pace with
rising fleet costs. In addition, there have been recent changes in the ownership
of the major U.S. vehicle rental companies, several of which had been owned by
domestic automotive manufacturers and are now publicly held. These ownership
changes may lead to higher average rental rates as a result of increased
industry focus on profitability and shareholder returns, rather than on
transaction volume and market share. The Group would benefit from higher rental
rates, particularly in markets where it has a strong position.
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The Company believes there may be opportunities to add smaller
independent and regional rental operators as franchisees. Opportunities would
occur to the extent these operators decide there are benefits in becoming
franchisees of a national brand such as Dollar or Thrifty. These benefits
include better access to vehicle supply, more attractive financing, national
marketing programs and newer technology.
BUILD ON THE COMPANY'S NICHES IN THE VEHICLE RENTAL MARKET
Value-Priced Brands
The Dollar and Thrifty brands are identified with the Group's strategy
of offering value-priced rental vehicles that are comparable to those offered by
the Group's principal competitors. Dollar and Thrifty service a wide variety of
leisure and discretionary customers from airport, near airport and local market
locations.
Dollar's Leisure Market Position
Dollar intends to build on its strong position in the leisure rental
market. Dollar focuses mainly on the leisure market and tour operators. Of
Dollar's rental revenues in 1997, approximately 76% were derived from operations
in Florida, California, Hawaii and Nevada. The Company plans to expand Dollar's
international tour business because the Company believes that the trend over the
past five years of increasing numbers of overseas tourists visiting the United
States will continue.
Dollar has significant relationships with foreign tour operators,
especially those in the United Kingdom, and has systems and facilities
specifically designed to provide a high level of service to this market segment.
Dollar plans to expand and add to its relationships with major tour operators.
Rentals to tour customers have certain advantages. Tour customers tend to
reserve vehicles earlier than other customers, rent them for longer periods and
cancel reservations less frequently. Dollar plans to focus on tour operator
opportunities where its current market share is low, particularly from certain
countries in Western Europe and in Latin America.
Thrifty's Local Market Position
Thrifty's company-owned stores and its franchisees derive approximately
one-half of their combined rental revenues from the airport market and one-half
from the local market. Thrifty's competitors usually focus on only one of these
markets. The local market has grown faster than the airport market and generally
has experienced less pricing pressure. In addition, local market locations
usually have lower costs and a more diverse customer base. Management believes
that the local market, where competition is based on location, service and
customer relationships, is well-suited to Thrifty's franchise strategy, which
emphasizes local ownership and operation. Thrifty plans to increase its local
presence through growth in the operations of existing franchisees and addition
of new franchisees.
CAPITALIZE ON OPPORTUNITIES FOR OPERATING EFFICIENCIES
Dollar and Thrifty operate as separate companies and serve the vehicle
rental market in different ways. The Company believes that it can improve
efficiency and reduce costs by taking advantage of its joint ownership of Dollar
and Thrifty. Opportunities include pursuing volume discounts in connection with
the purchase of advertising, insurance and certain information systems,
consolidating some administrative functions and sharing facilities. Additional
opportunities involve coordinating used car disposal, transferring vehicles
between fleets to address short-term variations in regional rental demands,
developing joint training programs and referring overflow customers from one
system to the other.
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INVEST IN STRATEGIC INFORMATION AND RESERVATION SYSTEMS
Since the beginning of 1995, the Group has made capital investments and
other expenditures totaling $24.9 million for reservation, tour and other
information systems. It plans to make capital expenditures of approximately $10
million in these systems during 1998. Dollar, which has a much larger proportion
of company-owned stores than Thrifty, plans to invest in centralized rental
processing, inventory control, revenue management and other systems. These
investments are intended to improve operational control, fleet utilization,
rental rates and customer service. Because Thrifty has a high proportion of
franchisees, it plans to support their operations by offering uniform automated
systems and customer service programs. These investments will also enable Dollar
to introduce, and Thrifty to improve, customer frequency and loyalty programs.
EXPAND INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS
Dollar plans to use commercial arrangements with a foreign independent
vehicle rental company to expand use of its brands abroad and as a means of
promoting additional rentals from in-bound travelers. Dollar has recently
entered into an agreement with Europcar International, S.A., an independent
European vehicle rental company. The agreement provides that each company will
accept rental reservations in its geographical area made through the other. In
addition, Dollar and Thrifty may license foreign vehicle rental companies as
master franchisees for specific countries or regions. Thrifty may also offer
vehicle leasing and other services to its international franchisees.
DEVELOP OPPORTUNITIES FOR BUSINESS EXPANSION INTO RELATED AREAS
The Company believes that its experience in fleet leasing and
management, used car disposal and franchising provides it with opportunities for
expansion. These opportunities include leasing vehicles to small companies and
individuals, entering into joint ventures or other arrangements with new car
dealer groups, used car superstores and auto auctions and using the Group's
existing telecommunications capacity to provide telemarketing services. As to
telemarketing services, research conducted by the Group indicates that there are
a number of businesses which are actively searching for call center
capabilities, particularly on a call overflow basis. The Group is investigating
call routing between companies seeking this service and the Group's existing
call center and reservation system capabilities.
Thrifty is developing a new brand, DriveWise, for the rental of used
vehicles. DriveWise would add a new source of franchise and related revenues.
Thrifty would enter into separate franchise arrangements for DriveWise. Thrifty
is currently conducting a pilot program for DriveWise in Louisville, Kentucky,
and will be expanding the pilot to other locations.
LINK COMPENSATION TO PERFORMANCE TO ENCOURAGE GROWTH
The Company's executive compensation program is designed to provide for
management incentives based on profitability, increases in shareholder value and
other performance criteria. In addition, Dollar and Thrifty have incentive plans
that provide for management compensation based on operating performance and that
reward company-owned stores' management based on the achievement of
performance-related objectives. The Company believes that linking incentive
compensation to such performance criteria should result in increased revenues
and improved profitability.
SEASONALITY
The third quarter, during the peak summer travel months, has
historically been the strongest quarter of the year in terms of the numbers of
vehicle rentals, rental rates and Group profitability. Travel disruptions during
the summer period could have a material adverse effect on the Group.
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DOLLAR
GENERAL
Dollar's main focus is on serving the airport vehicle rental market,
which is composed of business and leisure air travelers. The majority of its
locations are on or near airport facilities. Dollar operates primarily through
company-owned stores in the United States, and also licenses to independent
franchisees to operate as a part of the Dollar system in the United States and
abroad. All of its Canadian and international operations are franchised.
Dollar's line of services and products includes fleet leasing,
marketing, centralized reservations, counter automation, insurance, central
billing, supplies and training and operational support. Dollar's company-owned
stores and franchisees rent vehicles on a daily, weekend, weekly and monthly
basis, at varying rates depending on cost and other competitive factors in each
location's market. In addition to vehicle rentals, Dollar and its franchisees
sell ancillary products and rent supplemental equipment. To meet seasonal and
other demand changes, Dollar shifts vehicles among its company-owned stores and
U.S. franchisees. Revenues from Dollar's franchisees outside the United States
and Canada have not been material to its results of operations.
As of December 31, 1997, Dollar's vehicle rental system included 255
locations in the United States and Canada, consisting of 103 company-owned
stores and 152 that were operated by franchisees. Dollar's total revenue was
$617.5 million in 1997, of which $560.8 million (91%) was generated by
company-owned stores and $56.7 million (9%) was revenue from Dollar franchisees
for vehicle leasing fees and other service and product fees and other revenue.
Dollar operates primarily through company-owned stores, and through
franchisees, in the 50 largest U.S. airport vehicle rental markets, in key U.S.
leisure destinations and in other U.S. locations. Dollar has company-owned
stores in 35 of those 50 airport markets and franchisees in the remaining 15.
When opportunities arise, Dollar may acquire operations from franchisees and
convert them to company-owned stores. Dollar converted one franchised operation
to a company-owned operation in 1994, two in 1995, four in 1996 and three in
1997. Effective March 1, 1998, Dollar acquired the operations of its San Diego
franchisee. Dollar generally has rights of first refusal on the sale of a
franchised operation.
COMPANY-OWNED STORES
Dollar believes that having company-owned stores in most of the largest
50 airport markets and other key markets enhances its ability to manage its
vehicle rental system and fleet. Dollar can implement company-owned store
marketing and pricing strategies to focus on discretionary leisure and business
travelers, reduce costs through bulk purchasing, apply company-owned store
performance benchmarks and develop and implement best practice company-owned
store management techniques nationwide. Its company-owned store network also
allows Dollar to offer customers one-way rentals between stores.
Dollar divides its company-owned store operations into four U.S.
regions. Florida is a separate region due to its size and the concentration of
international tour and domestic leisure business. Due to its location, Hawaii is
also a separate region. The continental United States, apart from Florida, is
divided into East and West regions.
Vehicle rentals by customers of foreign and U.S. tour operators
generated approximately 38% of Dollar's company-owned store rental revenues in
1997. These rentals are usually part of tour packages that also include air
travel and hotel accommodations. Rentals to tour customers have certain
advantages. Tour customers tend to reserve vehicles earlier than other
customers, rent them for longer periods and cancel reservations less frequently.
Dollar has significant relationships with foreign and domestic tour operators
that resulted in $214 million in 1997 tour rental revenue, of which $135 million
and $40 million were derived from its Florida and Hawaii regions, respectively.
Additional tour revenue has been generated at other Dollar locations as foreign
tourists have expanded the range of U.S. destinations they visit.
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Dollar is the exclusive U.S. vehicle rental company for three of its
five largest tour operator accounts. Its arrangement with the other two tour
operator accounts is non-exclusive. The agreements for these five accounts
expire from December 31, 2000 to March 31, 2004. No single tour operator account
generated in excess of 5% of the Group's 1997 revenues.
As of December 31, 1997, Dollar had vehicle rental concessions for
company-owned stores at 54 airports in the United States. Its payments for these
concessions are usually based upon a specified percentage of airport-generated
revenue, subject to a minimum annual fee, and sometimes include fixed rent for
terminal counters or other leased properties and facilities.
SERVICES AND PRODUCTS PROVIDED TO RENTAL CUSTOMERS
Worldwide Reservation System. Dollar has continuously staffed
reservation facilities at its headquarters in Tulsa, Oklahoma and in Plantation,
Florida, and plans to open a new reservation facility in Tahlequah, Oklahoma
later in 1998. Both of Dollar's current reservation facilities, as well as the
major U.S. airline global distribution systems, are linked to Dollar's worldwide
reservation computer and telecommunications system, which is also located in
Tulsa, Oklahoma. Dollar's reservation facilities processed 7.1 million
reservation telephone calls during 1997. Approximately 50% of Dollar's 1997
non-tour vehicle rentals were booked by travel agents through airline
distribution systems. Dollar has preferred supplier agreements with many major
travel agency chains and travel consortia.
Supplemental Equipment and Optional Products. Dollar rents ski racks,
mobile telephones, baby seats and other supplemental equipment and, subject to
availability and applicable local law, makes available loss damage waivers and
insurance.
Instant Return. Dollar offers customers instant return service at the
majority of its U.S. airport company-owned stores. When a customer returns a
vehicle at one of these locations, a representative meets the customer and
provides a receipt from a hand-held computer terminal.
INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Dollar depends upon a number of core information systems to operate its
business. Its worldwide reservation system has rate management applications. The
counter automation system in Dollar's company-owned stores facilitates the sale
of additional products and services and allows Dollar to monitor its fleet and
financial assets. Dollar expects that nationwide introduction in company-owned
stores of Dollar's new rental counter automation system, FASTLANE, will be
completed in 1998, except in Florida which will be completed in 1999. FASTLANE
is currently being adapted to serve Dollar's tour customers. Dollar is also
developing a revenue management system with DFI-Aeronomics, Inc., a leading
supplier of such systems, for introduction in Dollar's company-owned stores
beginning in 1998 and for franchise locations as early as 1999. Acceptance
testing of seven Dollar locations for the revenue management system has already
begun. The initial version of this system is being designed to enable Dollar to
better determine rental demand based on historical reservation patterns and
adjust its rental rates accordingly. Dollar has entered into an agreement with
The SABRE Group, Inc. ("SABRE"), a leader in electronic distribution systems for
the travel industry, to manage and monitor its data center network and its daily
information processing.
Dollar's core information systems are either designed to, or are being
updated to, address the Year 2000 issues as discussed in "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Year
2000." All of Dollar's key systems are housed in an underground SABRE facility
in Oklahoma designed to withstand disasters.
CUSTOMER SERVICE AND EMPLOYEE TRAINING
Dollar has programs at its headquarters and in company-owned stores to
improve customer service. Customer First!, Dollar's quality improvement program,
involves establishing a team at each vehicle rental location that is
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accountable for customer satisfaction. Dollar's customer service center measures
customer satisfaction, tracks service quality trends, handles customer
complaints and provides recommendations to Dollar's senior management and
vehicle rental location supervisors. Dollar conducts initial and ongoing
training for company-owned store and franchisee employees through education
centers in San Francisco, Tulsa and Newark. Dollar plans to open additional
centers in Houston, Denver, Los Angeles and Chicago in 1998.
ORLANDO OPERATIONS
Central Florida, with its many tourist attractions, is the most
important leisure destination for Dollar. Dollar's company-owned store at
Orlando International Airport has a mix of tour and other business. Dollar also
operates a facility at the Orlando Sanford International Airport, 25 miles north
of Orlando, which mainly serves charter flights. This facility, which was
designed to handle tour customers, has 42 rental stations and parking for
approximately 1,600 vehicles.
FRANCHISING
United States and Canada
Approximately 9% of Dollar's 1997 revenues in the United States and
Canada consisted of leasing revenue and fees from its franchisees and other
revenues. Dollar sells its U.S. franchises on an exclusive basis for specific
geographic areas. Most franchisees are located at or near airports that generate
a lower volume of vehicle rentals than the airports served by Dollar's
company-owned stores. Dollar also makes a fleet leasing program available to its
U.S. franchisees, which in 1997 accounted for approximately 6% of Dollar's total
revenue. See "-- Fleet Acquisition and Management -- Fleet Leasing Programs."
Dollar licenses its franchisees to use Dollar's service marks in the
vehicle rental and leasing, parking and used car sales businesses. Franchisees
pay Dollar an initial franchise fee generally based on the population, number of
airline passengers, total airport vehicle rental revenues and the level of any
other vehicle rental activity in the franchised territory, as well as other
factors.
System Fees. In addition to an initial franchise fee, each U.S.
franchisee is generally required to pay Dollar a system fee in 1998 on their
rental car revenue equal to 7% of gross rental revenue on a monthly basis for
airport operations (6% in 1997) and 6% for suburban operations. Dollar has
announced that such system fees for substantially all of its airport franchisees
will rise to the contractual fee of 8% in 1999.
Franchisee Services and Products. Dollar makes insurance coverage
available to its franchisees and provides them with training and operational
assistance, site selection guidance, vehicle damage recovery and claims
management advice, assistance and programs and sales, image and standards
guidance. Dollar also provides them with fleet planning and customer
satisfaction programs and sells them certain Dollar-branded supplies. In
addition, Dollar offers its franchisees rental rate management analysis and
programs under which Dollar handles warranty claims processing, corporate
account and tour billing and travel agent commission payments. Dollar
franchisees are connected to, and pay Dollar a fee for, each reservation made
through Dollar's worldwide reservation system.
International
Dollar's vehicle rental locations outside the United States are
operated by master franchisees, direct franchisees and subfranchisees. Master
franchisees are authorized to use Dollar's service marks and business methods in
territories in which they operate directly or through subfranchisees, and are
responsible for promoting the Dollar brand name and its services and products
and for developing and supporting their direct operations and subfranchisees.
Dollar's revenues from international franchise operations were less than 1% of
1997 total revenue.
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As of December 31, 1997, Dollar had franchised operations located in 27
countries. In Canada, Dollar's two master franchisees directly operate or
subfranchise 34 airport and suburban locations. Dollar terminated the franchise
arrangement with its master franchisee for Europe, Africa and the Middle East
effective January 31, 1998 for locations in certain European countries and not
later than October 31, 1998 elsewhere. Dollar has recently entered into an
agreement with Europcar International, S.A. ("Europcar"), an independent
European vehicle rental company, which became effective February 1, 1998. The
agreement provides that each company will accept rental reservations in its
geographical area made through the other.
Although the agreement with Europcar requires each party to display the
trademarks or service marks of the other company at their own locations, such
locations remain autonomous and under control of the company which established
the location. Accordingly, the number of foreign locations or Dollar system-wide
locations disclosed in this report do not include Europcar locations where
Dollar trademarks or service marks may appear.
MARKETING
National Advertising and Promotion
Dollar's primary marketing objective is to convey to cost conscious
leisure and business travelers that Dollar is committed to providing
lower-priced vehicle rentals than its competitors. Dollar also emphasizes its
operations in Florida, California, Hawaii and Nevada, where Dollar has a higher
share of the leisure rental market than in other locations. Dollar's national
advertising programs build on these themes through weekly advertisements in U.S.
Sunday newspaper travel sections and weekly advertisements in USA Today. Dollar
also advertises on U.S. broadcast and cable television networks, promoting its
low rates and on-airport convenience. Dollar spends approximately 5% of its
annual total U.S. system-wide revenues on marketing, advertising, public
relations and sales promotions. Dollar has national marketing partnerships with
major U.S. airlines' frequent flier programs in order to attract customers who
value frequent flier awards as well as low vehicle rental rates.
Dollar encourages franchisees, as well as local management of
company-owned stores, to develop local market relationships and retail sales
initiatives that coordinate with Dollar's national advertising programs. Dollar
makes available print and broadcast advertising materials to franchisees for use
in local markets, and pays a promotional allowance for qualifying advertising
expenditures to the franchisees that participate in Dollar's fleet program.
Dollar has made filings under the intellectual property laws of
jurisdictions in which it or its licensees operate, including the U.S. Patent
and Trademark office, to protect the names, logos and designs identified with
Dollar. These marks are important for customer awareness and selection of Dollar
for vehicle rental.
Strategic Marketing Efforts
Travel agencies book slightly over 50% of Dollar's non-tour vehicle
rentals through the major U.S. airline global distribution systems. Major travel
agency chains and consortia operate under preferred supplier agreements with
Dollar, as they do with other vehicle rental companies, and are supported by
Dollar's sales department. Under its preferred supplier arrangements, Dollar
provides these travel agency groups additional commissions or lower prices in
return for their featuring Dollar in their advertising or giving Dollar a
priority in their reservation systems. In general, these arrangements are not
exclusive to Dollar, and many travel agency groups have similar arrangements
with other vehicle rental companies.
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SUMMARY OPERATING DATA OF DOLLAR
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
---- ---- ----
(IN THOUSANDS)
REVENUES:
COMPANY-OWNED STORES (EXCLUDING
FLORIDA)............................. $ 155,345 $ 237,672 $ 307,576
FLORIDA REGION COMPANY-OWNED STORES.... 159,513 201,209 253,286
U.S. AND CANADA FRANCHISEES............ 64,092 55,294 52,222
INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISEES.............. 2,566 2,400 2,460
OTHER.................................. 418 2,595 1,988
--------- --------- ---------
TOTAL REVENUES......................... $ 381,934 $ 499,170 $ 617,532
========= ========= =========
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
------------------
1995 1996 1997
---- ---- ----
RENTAL LOCATIONS:
COMPANY-OWNED STORES (EXCLUDING
FLORIDA)............................. 56 72 81
FLORIDA REGION COMPANY-OWNED STORES.... 22 23 22
U.S. AND CANADA FRANCHISEE LOCATIONS... 201 175 152
FRANCHISEES:
U.S. AND CANADA........................ 78 68 70
INTERNATIONAL.......................... 45 45 48
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THRIFTY
GENERAL
Thrifty's main focus is on franchising and franchise support services.
Thrifty also operates company-owned stores in a few cities in the United States
and Canada. Thrifty's company-owned stores and its franchisees derive
approximately half of their combined rental revenues from the airport market and
half from the local market. Thrifty's approach of serving both the airport and
local markets within each territory allows many of its franchisees and
company-owned stores to have multiple locations to improve fleet utilization and
profit margins by moving vehicles among locations to better address differences
in demand between their markets. As airports have begun to institute fees for
vehicle rental companies located outside their properties, or limited these
companies' access to airport travelers, some Thrifty franchisees have moved to
on-airport locations. Thrifty believes that the local market offers Thrifty's
franchisees and company-owned stores better growth opportunities, less pricing
pressure, a lower cost structure and a more diverse customer base than the
airport market.
As of December 31, 1997, Thrifty's vehicle rental system included 636
rental locations in the United States and Canada, divided between 600 franchisee
locations and 36 company-owned stores. The Thrifty system also included 359
locations abroad, all of which were franchisee locations. Thrifty's total
revenue was $225.3 million in 1997, of which $161.3 million (72%) was revenue
from franchisees in the form of fleet leasing fees, commissions and other
service and product fees and $64 million (28%) of which was generated by
company-owned stores. Revenues from Thrifty's franchisees outside the United
States and Canada have not been material to its results of operations.
FRANCHISING
United States
Thrifty's U.S. franchisees are the core of its operations and are
essential to its long-term profitability and growth. Thrifty offers its
franchisees a full line of services and products not easily or cost-effectively
available from other sources. Thrifty actively promotes franchisee financial
stability and growth and seeks opportunities to enhance its vehicle rental
system by improving its services to franchisees, particularly its fleet leasing
programs, and by developing new franchisee revenue opportunities, such as
airport parking, used car sales and truck rental. Thrifty also works closely
with its U.S. franchisees in formulating and implementing marketing and
operating strategies.
Thrifty licenses its U.S. franchisees to use its service marks and
participate in its various services and systems. Franchisees pay Thrifty an
initial franchise fee based on such factors as the population, the number of
airline passengers, and total airport vehicle rental revenues and the level of
any other vehicle rental activity in the franchised territory. Franchises are
sold on an exclusive basis for a specific geographical territory, usually a city
or metropolitan area. Over the past five years, Thrifty's franchisee turnover
has averaged approximately 10% per year, with an average of 17 terminations and
25 new sales (including new territories added to existing franchise agreements)
per year.
Initial Franchise Fees, System Fees and Advertising Fees. Thrifty's
initial franchise fees are negotiated on a case-by-case basis, and may be
structured to promote expansion of an existing franchisee's operations into a
contiguous area. In addition to the initial franchise fee, its U.S. franchisees
pay Thrifty an administrative fee which is generally 3.0% of base rental
revenue, excluding ancillary products.
U.S. franchisees also pay an advertising fee ranging from 2.5% to 5.0%
of base rental revenue to a separate advertising fund managed jointly by
franchisees and Thrifty management. Thrifty has implemented, and may implement
in the future, special short-term reductions in system and advertising fees to
encourage growth.
For 1997, Thrifty's five largest U.S. franchisees generated
administration, fleet leasing, reservation and other fees to Thrifty totaling
approximately 18% of Thrifty's total revenue.
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Marketing to Prospective Franchisees. Thrifty has developed programs to
attract additional franchisees during this period of consolidation in the
vehicle rental industry. Programs include attracting independent vehicle rental
companies with phased-in fees and competitive fleet leasing terms, assisting
individuals experienced in vehicle rental operations to operate their own
franchises through financial assistance, start-up fleet supply and other
support, and encouraging existing franchisees to acquire and expand into
neighboring territories by offering fleet incentives, reduced administrative and
advertising fees and lower initial franchise fees for additional territories.
Fleet Leasing Program. Thrifty has a fleet leasing program for
franchisees that it believes provides them with a competitive and flexible
source of fleet vehicles. In 1997, fleet leasing fees accounted for
approximately 58% of Thrifty's total revenue. See "-- Fleet Acquisition and
Management -- Fleet Leasing Programs."
Training and Support. Thrifty's franchisees receive required initial
orientation, and ongoing training, in areas such as customer service and hiring.
In early 1997, Thrifty began implementing its "True Blue Pride Initiative" to
identify areas requiring customer service improvements and to implement new
standards to deliver faster and friendlier service. This initiative emphasizes
the role that franchise customer service employees should have in identifying
and resolving customer complaints. New programs that have been developed as part
of the initiative include Thrifty's frequent renter program, Blue Chip, which
provides for preprinted rental contracts and expedited service.
Thrifty also publishes a comprehensive operating manual for franchisees
and provides operational support in areas such as cost control, fleet planning,
revenue management and local advertising and marketing. Thrifty also assists
franchisees on real estate matters, including site selection and airport
facility issues.
Worldwide Reservation Center and Other Information Systems. Thrifty's
franchisees benefit from Thrifty's continuously staffed worldwide reservation
center at its headquarters in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which in 1997 processed
approximately 4.4 million telephone calls and 1.6 million reservations. The
center is also linked to all of the major U.S. airline reservation systems and
through them to travel agencies in the United States, Canada and abroad. The
center is a key means of marketing the Thrifty system to consumers and travel
agents and informing them about the system's vehicle rental rates, products,
promotions and services. Thrifty franchisee payments for reservations made
through the center accounted for approximately 3% of Thrifty's 1997 total
revenues.
U.S. franchisees receiving a certain volume of reservations are
required to use an approved automated counter system, usually leasing or
subleasing the related hardware and software from Thrifty or a third-party
leasing agent. In addition to providing an electronic data link with Thrifty's
worldwide reservation center, the automated counter system prints rental
agreements and provides Thrifty and its franchisees with customer and vehicle
inventory information and financial and operating reports.
Thrifty supports its information systems through a combination of
internal resources and external technology providers. Thrifty has engaged SABRE
to manage and monitor its data center network and its daily information
processing. Reservation applications systems continue to be serviced by Perot
Systems Corporation ("Perot"). The arrangements with Perot give Thrifty access
to technical resources through the year 2000, thereby providing a greater level
of assurance that Thrifty can meet its need to maintain and improve important
applications. Other information systems are supported by Thrifty employees.
Thrifty's core information systems are either designed to, or are being
updated to, address the Year 2000 issues that might otherwise result if the
systems could not accommodate the date change at the turn of the century, as
discussed in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations -- Year 2000." All of Thrifty's key systems are housed in
a secured underground SABRE facility in Oklahoma designed to withstand
disasters.
Insurance, Supplies and National Account Programs. Thrifty makes
available to its franchisees for a fee insurance for death or injury to third
parties, property damage and damage to or theft of franchisee vehicles.
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Thrifty makes bulk purchases of items used by its franchisees, which it
sells to franchisees at prices that are often lower than they could obtain on
their own. Thrifty also negotiates national account programs to allow its
franchisees to take advantage of volume discounts for many materials or services
used for operations such as tires, glass replacement, long distance telephone
service and overnight mail.
Parking Services. Airport parking operations are a useful complement to
vehicle rental operations. Thrifty encourages its franchisees that have
near-airport locations to add this ancillary business. Thrifty assists its
franchisees in obtaining additional property and in planning and implementing
parking operations. Franchisees benefit since the Thrifty service marks are
already on the premises, shuttle buses are already being operated for rental
customers and parking operations increase service levels and recognition at the
airports. Franchisees with parking operations may also offer ancillary services
such as car washes and oil changes to create additional opportunities to service
the vehicle while the traveler is away.
Services and Products Provided to Rental Customers. Thrifty's
franchisees provide their customers with products and services substantially
similar to those provided to customers by Dollar's company-owned stores.
International (Except Canada)
As of December 31, 1997, Thrifty master franchisees operated 359
vehicle rental locations in 63 countries and territories outside the United
States and Canada. Regions with Thrifty franchisees include Latin America,
Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region. Thrifty seeks to attract
international franchisees by emphasizing Thrifty's uniform image, brand
marketing efforts, worldwide reservation system and consistent vehicle rental
system practices and procedures.
Thrifty grants master franchises on a countrywide basis. Each master
franchisee is permitted to use directly and subfranchise others to use Thrifty's
service marks, systems and technologies within its country or territory.
COMPANY-OWNED STORES
Thrifty typically establishes company-owned stores only upon the
financial failure of a franchisee. Thrifty uses company-owned stores to preserve
its presence in key markets. As opportunities arise, these locations are
refranchised. During 1997, Thrifty reduced the number of cities in which it
operates company-owned stores from seven to three in the United States by
granting new franchises or closure. The services and products Thrifty provides
to company-owned stores and those provided by company-owned stores to vehicle
rental customers are substantially similar to those provided to and by Thrifty's
U.S. franchisees.
CANADIAN OPERATIONS
Thrifty operates in Canada through its wholly owned subsidiary, Thrifty
Canada, Ltd. ("TCL"). TCL operates company-owned stores in the four largest
airport vehicle rental markets in Canada and encourages franchisees to operate
in the remaining markets. As of December 31, 1997, the TCL system included 134
vehicle rental locations, of which 106 were operated by franchisees and 28 were
operated as company-owned stores.
Company-Owned Stores
TCL's company-owned store operations include four strategic airports:
Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary. These operations are important to
maintaining a national, airport presence in Canada, where TCL has significant
airport concession and lease commitments. Historically, TCL's operating results
have been adversely affected by losses incurred by company-owned stores. TCL
plans to improve company-owned store operations by focusing on fleet management,
personnel productivity, rate management and revenue growth.
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Franchising
TCL provides services and products to its franchisees that are
substantially similar to those Thrifty provides to its U.S. franchisees,
including fleet leasing, insurance services, advertising and marketing support
and supplies. Due to the structure of the Canadian vehicle rental market, which
has a greater proportion of vehicle rental activity from on-airport locations
than off-airport locations as compared to the United States, Thrifty has sought
to strengthen its airport presence in Canada by encouraging existing and
prospective franchisees to locate on-airport. Canadian franchisees pay TCL a
combined monthly administrative and advertising fee fixed in most cases at 8% of
rental revenues.
MARKETING
Thrifty's marketing strategy is to position the Thrifty system as an
industry leader in delivering value for cost-conscious consumers. In the United
States it implements this strategy primarily through national advertising and
promotion, assistance to U.S. franchisees in local advertising, promotion and
sales and strategic marketing partnerships.
Advertising, Promotion and Sales
Thrifty employs national advertising on U.S. broadcast and cable
television networks and in newspapers and travel industry and airline magazines.
Thrifty also sponsors sports and other events to increase national exposure and
promote local Thrifty operations. In the United States, Thrifty's national
advertising and marketing expenses are paid out of an advertising fund managed
by a national advertising committee consisting of representatives of Thrifty's
franchisees and certain members of Thrifty's management. U.S. franchisees and
company-owned stores contribute 5.0% of their base rental revenue from airport
operations and 2.5% of their base rental revenue from local operations to the
advertising fund.
U.S. franchisees and company-owned stores are also required to spend an
additional 3% of their base rental revenue on local advertising and promotion.
Thrifty has a local sales department that assists franchisees in developing
their local markets. Thrifty also provides an allowance for qualifying local
advertising, promotion and sales expenditures to U.S. franchisees that
participate in Thrifty's fleet leasing program. In the 1997 model year,
franchisees and company-owned stores earned an aggregate allowance of
approximately $7.1 million.
Thrifty has made filings under the intellectual property laws of
jurisdictions in which it or its licensees operate, including the U.S. Patent
and Trademark office, to protect the names, logos and designs identified with
Thrifty. These marks are important for customer awareness and selection of
Thrifty for vehicle rental.
Strategic Marketing Efforts
Thrifty's approach of targeting value-conscious consumers includes
strategic marketing partnerships, such as those it has with Montgomery Ward in
the United States, Canadian Tire in Canada and Ryder Truck Rental throughout
North America. Thrifty also has frequency-based marketing relationships with
numerous airlines and hotel chains. Since a significant portion of Thrifty's
rentals system-wide result from travel agency reservations, Thrifty maintains
its relationships with travel agency chains and consortia through preferred
supplier agreements, travel agent advertising and other efforts. Under its
preferred supplier arrangements, Thrifty provides these travel agency groups
additional commissions or lower prices in return for their featuring Thrifty in
their advertising or giving Thrifty a priority in their reservation systems. In
general, these arrangements are not exclusive to Thrifty, and many travel agency
groups have similar arrangements with other vehicle rental companies.
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SUMMARY OPERATING DATA OF THRIFTY
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
------------------------
1995 1996 1997
---- ---- ----
(IN THOUSANDS)
REVENUES:
U.S. AND CANADA FRANCHISEES............ $147,068 $138,809 $158,545
U.S. AND CANADA COMPANY-OWNED
STORES.............................. 63,733 63,522 63,945
INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISEES.............. 1,927 2,606 2,761
-------- -------- --------
$212,728 $204,937 $225,251
======== ======== ========
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
------------------
1995 1996 1997
---- ---- ----
RENTAL LOCATIONS:
U.S. AND CANADA FRANCHISEE LOCATIONS... 519 554 600
U.S. AND CANADA COMPANY-OWNED STORES... 84 61 36
FRANCHISEES:
U.S. AND CANADA........................ 247 248 231
INTERNATIONAL.......................... 48 48 63
FLEET ACQUISITION AND MANAGEMENT
Vehicle Supply
For the 1997 model year, Chrysler vehicles represented over 87% of
Dollar's U.S. fleet and 99% of the vehicles in its fleet leasing program for
franchisees. Dollar also purchases vehicles from other automotive manufacturers,
permitting it to adjust somewhat the composition and overall cost of its fleet.
Chrysler vehicles made up substantially all of the vehicles in Thrifty's fleet
leasing program. The Company expects that for the 1998 model year, Chrysler
vehicles will represent over 90% of Dollar's U.S. fleet and 95% of the vehicles
in its fleet leasing program, and over 95% of the vehicles in Thrifty's fleet
leasing program.
Automotive manufacturers' residual value programs limit the Group's
residual value risk. Under these programs, the manufacturer either guarantees
the aggregate depreciated value upon resale of covered vehicles of a given model
year, as is generally the case under Chrysler's program, or agrees to repurchase
vehicles at specified prices during established repurchase periods. In either
case, the manufacturer's obligation is subject to certain conditions relating to
the vehicle's age, physical condition and mileage.
Vehicles purchased by vehicle rental companies under these programs are
referred to herein as "Program Vehicles." Vehicles not purchased under these
programs and for which rental companies therefore bear residual value risk are
referred to herein as "Non-Program Vehicles." The Company believes that a
majority of vehicles owned by other U.S. vehicle rental companies are Program
Vehicles.
For the 1997 model year, Chrysler Program Vehicles represented
approximately 70% of the vehicles in Dollar's and Thrifty's respective fleets
and approximately 93% and 70% of the vehicles in their respective fleet leasing
programs. Chrysler sets the terms of its residual value program before the start
of each model year. The terms include monthly depreciation rates, minimum and
maximum holding periods and mileages, model mix requirements and vehicle
condition and other return requirements. The residual value program enables
Dollar and Thrifty to limit their residual value risk with respect to Program
Vehicles because Chrysler agrees to reimburse Dollar and Thrifty for any
difference between the aggregate gross auction sale price of the Program
Vehicles for the particular model year and the vehicles'
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aggregate predetermined residual value. Under the program, Dollar and Thrifty
must sell the Program Vehicles in closed auctions to Chrysler dealers. Dollar
and Thrifty are reimbursed under the program for certain transportation and
auction-related costs.
Dollar and Thrifty also purchase Non-Program Vehicles, when required by
manufacturers in connection with the purchase of Program Vehicles, when they
believe there is an opportunity to lower their fleet costs or to fill model and
class niches not available through residual value programs. Chrysler, which is
the main provider of Non-Program Vehicles to Dollar and Thrifty, does not set
any terms or conditions on the resale of Non-Program Vehicles other than
requiring minimum holding periods. For the 1997 model year, approximately 25% of
the vehicles acquired by Dollar and Thrifty were Non-Program Vehicles. As of
December 31, 1997, the Group was subject to "residual value risk" on
approximately 32% of its fleet, with a book value of approximately $316 million.
The Group's operating results are materially affected by the
depreciation rates and other purchase terms provided under Chrysler's residual
value program, as well as by other purchase incentives Chrysler provides. The
percentage of vehicles acquired under Chrysler's and other manufacturers'
residual value programs in the future will depend upon a number of factors,
including the availability and cost of these programs. Residual value programs
enable Dollar and Thrifty to determine their depreciation expense on Program
Vehicles in advance. Vehicle depreciation is the largest single cost element in
Dollar's and Thrifty's operations. The percentage of Dollar's and Thrifty's
vehicle rental fleets benefiting from residual value programs could decrease if
the automotive manufacturers changed the size or terms of these programs. In
that event, Dollar and Thrifty would have increased residual value risk that
could be material to their results of operations and could adversely affect
their ability to finance their fleets. Second, because it is difficult to
predict future vehicle resale values, Dollar and Thrifty may not be able to
manage effectively the residual value risk on their Non-Program Vehicles. For
1997, results for the Group were adversely affected by lower than anticipated
residual values. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations -- Year Ended December 31, 1997 Compared
With Year Ended December 31, 1996." The residual value of Non-Program Vehicles
depends on such factors as the general level of pricing in the automotive
industry for both new and used vehicles. Prices for used vehicles generally
decrease if the automotive manufacturers increase the retail sales incentives
they offer on new vehicles. The Company cannot predict the level of retail sales
incentives Chrysler or the other automotive manufacturers will offer in the
future. Dollar and Thrifty have received substantial payments under residual
value programs over the past several years. See Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements.
Chrysler has been Dollar's and Thrifty's principal supplier of
vehicles. In 1996, Chrysler began operating under separate five-year vehicle
supply arrangements that were formalized in 1996 and 1997 in separate vehicle
supply agreements with Thrifty and Dollar ("VSAs"). Chrysler has agreed to make
specified volumes of Chrysler vehicles available to Dollar and Thrifty through
July 2001. Dollar and Thrifty may purchase them for use by company-owned stores
or in their fleet lease programs. Dollar and Thrifty have agreed to promote
Chrysler vehicles exclusively in their advertising and other promotional
materials. Chrysler has agreed to make various promotional payments to Dollar
and Thrifty, some of which vary based on the volume of vehicles purchased. These
payments are material to the Group's results of operations. See Note 6 of Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements.
The VSAs provide that Dollar and Thrifty will each purchase at least
80% of its vehicles from Chrysler until a certain minimum level is reached.
Also, certain minimum numbers of vehicles must be Program Vehicles. While
Chrysler has the sole discretion to set the specific terms and conditions of its
residual value program for a model year, it has agreed in the VSAs to offer
programs to Dollar and Thrifty that, taken as a whole, are competitive with a
residual value program Ford or General Motors Corporation ("General Motors") is
then making generally available to domestic vehicle rental companies.
If purchases of Chrysler vehicles by Dollar or Thrifty during any model
year exceed certain targets, Chrysler will make available to Dollar or Thrifty
additional Program Vehicles up to a maximum of 15% of the target number of
Chrysler Program Vehicles.
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VEHICLE SUPPLY DATA OF THE GROUP
MODEL YEAR
----------
1995 1996 1997
---- ---- ----
Program Vehicles Purchased
Chrysler ................... 67,091 75,251 83,301
OTHER ...................... 17 130 --
------ ------- -------
TOTAL ................... 67,108 75,381 83,301
====== ======= =======
Non-program vehicles purchased
chrysler ................... 16,506 19,974 24,065
Other ...................... 1,637 1,277 4,026
------ ------- -------
Total ................... 18,143 21,251 28,091
====== ======= =======
Vehicles leased
Non-chrysler ............... 11,108 5,128 6,374
------ ------- -------
Total ................... 11,108 5,128 6,374
====== ======= =======
Total ........................ 96,359 101,760 117,766
====== ======= =======
VEHICLE DISPOSITION
Dollar and Thrifty generally hold vehicles in rental service from six
months to 18 months. The length of service is determined by taking into account
seasonal rental demand and the average monthly mileage accumulation. Most
vehicles must be removed from service before they reach 30,000 miles to avoid
significant penalties under Chrysler's residual value program. As of December
31, 1997, the average age of vehicles in Dollar's and Thrifty's fleet was
approximately 6 months. Less than 4% of Dollar's and Thrifty's Chrysler Program
Vehicles were ineligible for return based on repair condition during 1997.
Dollar or Thrifty must bear the risk on the resale of Program Vehicles that
cannot be returned. Dollar and Thrifty dispose of Non-Program Vehicles through
auctions or directly to used car dealers or franchisees.
Dollar and Thrifty each believe that the sale of vehicles directly to
dealers instead of through auction reduces their disposal costs and saves
interest due to a quicker return time on vehicle proceeds. Both Dollar and
Thrifty use telemarketing to sell cars directly to dealers. Thrifty is also
developing programs to encourage franchisees to retail used vehicles. In
addition, Dollar anticipates opening its first retail car sales location by the
end of the third quarter of 1998.
MAINTENANCE
Dollar and certain Thrifty franchisees may have automotive maintenance
centers at airports and in urban and suburban areas. Many of these facilities
are accepted by automotive manufacturers as eligible to perform and receive
reimbursement for warranty work. Collision damage and major repairs are
generally performed by independent contractors. Dollar's and Thrifty's
franchisees are responsible for the maintenance of their fleet vehicles.
FLEET LEASING PROGRAMS
Dollar and Thrifty make fleet leasing programs available to their U.S.
franchisees in July for each new model year. The terms of their fleet leasing
programs generally mirror the requirements of various manufacturers' residual
value programs with respect to model mix, order and delivery, vehicle
maintenance and returns, but also include Non-Program Vehicles. Dollar and
Thrifty monitor the creditworthiness and operating performance of franchisees
participating in their fleet leasing programs and periodically audit
franchisees' leased fleets. Dollar and Thrifty design their fleet leasing
programs to offer their franchisees an attractive means of obtaining fleet
vehicles. For 1997, approximately 50% and 75% of the vehicles in the fleets of
Dollar's and Thrifty's respective U.S. franchisees had been provided through
their fleet leasing programs. In 1997, approximately 6% of Dollar's and 58% of
Thrifty's total revenue was derived from vehicle leasing programs. During 1997,
a limited number of larger franchisees acquired their vehicles directly from
manufacturers.
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20
Dollar and Thrifty set their lease rates after considering residual
value program depreciation rates for Program Vehicles, estimated Non-Program
Vehicle depreciation, interest costs, model mix and administrative costs.
Average monthly lease rates vary depending on vehicle model, and the average
lease period is between eight and ten months. Although Dollar and Thrifty lease
Non-Program Vehicles as well as Program Vehicles to their franchisees, their
fleet leasing programs eliminate the residual value risk for their franchisees.
The Thrifty franchisees may, however, elect to assume the residual value risk on
Non-Program Vehicles they lease in exchange for a lower lease rate.
U.S. FLEET DATA
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
-------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
---- ---- ----
THRIFTY:
Average number of vehicles leased
to franchisees.......................... 20,578 20,358 23,878
------ ------ ------
Average number of vehicles in combined
fleets of franchisees................... 29,806 28,122 31,854
Average number of vehicles in combined
fleets of company-owned stores.......... 4,881 3,862 3,470
------ ------ ------
Total.............................. 34,687 31,984 35,324
====== ====== ======
DOLLAR:
Average number of vehicles leased
to franchisees........................... 10,823 7,801 6,735
------ ------ ------
Average number of vehicles in combined
fleets of franchisees................... 22,716 17,132 13,523
Average number of vehicles in combined
fleets of company-owned stores.......... 29,855 38,952 47,813
------ ------ ------
Total.............................. 52,571 56,084 61,336
====== ====== ======
COMPETITION
There is intense competition in the vehicle rental industry on the
basis of price, service levels, vehicle quality, vehicle availability and
convenience and condition of rental locations. Dollar's and Thrifty's principal
competitors have larger market shares and rental volumes, greater financial
resources and more sophisticated information systems. Dollar operates mainly in
the U.S. airport market, although compared to its competitors it relies more
heavily on discretionary leisure, tour and business customers with no
organizational or corporate affiliation programs. Dollar's franchisees have a
similar customer profile. In any given location, Dollar may compete with
national, regional and local vehicle rental companies, many of which have
greater financial resources than the Group. Dollar's principal competitors for
discretionary business and leisure travelers are Alamo Rent-a-Car, Inc., Avis
Rent A Car, Inc., Budget Group, Inc., Hertz Corporation, National Car Rental
System, Inc. and Thrifty. Dollar competes primarily on the basis of price and
customer service.
Thrifty's U.S. franchisees and company-owned stores generally compete
for cost-conscious consumers with Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz and
National. Enterprise Rent-A-Car Company and local and regional rental companies
are major competitors in the local market. They compete on the basis of price,
location, service and well-established customer relationships. Most Thrifty
franchisees and company-owned stores compete in the local market for retail
general use business rather than insurance replacement rentals.
The Canadian vehicle rental markets are also intensely competitive. The
vast majority of the Canadian market is operated either directly or through
franchisees of the major U.S. vehicle rental companies, including Budget, Avis,
Hertz and National, as well as Dollar and Thrifty.
INSURANCE
Dollar and Thrifty are subject to third-party liability and property
damage claims resulting from accidents involving their rental customers. For
third-party bodily injury and property damage claims arising from the use of a
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vehicle in the United States, Dollar currently retains the risk of loss up to $1
million and Thrifty up to $500,000, each on a per occurrence basis (the
"self-insured retention"). In addition, Thrifty pays 15% of each loss between
$500,000 and $2 million on a per occurrence basis (the "quota share retention").
For claims in excess of $1 million per occurrence for Dollar and $2 million per
occurrence for Thrifty, each company maintains insurance at certain amounts in
excess of their respective self-insured retention levels and coverages.
Dollar and Thrifty maintain general and garage liability insurance
coverage at the same levels of coverage as the vehicle liability insurance
coverage described above. They also maintain catastrophic and comprehensive
coverage for damage to vehicles owned by them up to $1.5 million per occurrence
with a deductible amount of $250,000.
Dollar and Thrifty each have insurance reserves relating to claims
resulting from self-insured retention and quota share retention. The amount of
the reserve is based on loss history and projections and in each case is
reviewed at least annually by an independent actuarial firm. As of December 31,
1997, Dollar's and Thrifty's reserve for liability claims was approximately $62
million and $14 million, respectively. Dollar's and Thrifty's obligations to pay
these losses and indemnify the insurance carriers are collateralized by surety
bonds. As of December 31, 1997, these surety bonds totaled approximately $53
million for Dollar and approximately $19 million for Thrifty.
Dollar and Thrifty also maintain various surety bonds to secure
performance under airport concession agreements and other obligations. As of
December 31, 1997, the total amount of these bonds was approximately $26 million
for Dollar and approximately $2 million for Thrifty.
Dollar and Thrifty also maintain workers' compensation, excess
liability and directors' and officers' liability insurance coverage.
REGULATION
LOSS DAMAGE WAIVERS AND SUPPLEMENTAL LIABILITY INSURANCE
Approximately 14% and 2% of the 1997 vehicle rental revenues of Dollar
and Thrifty, respectively, were generated from the sale of loss damage waivers.
These waivers relieve customers from financial responsibility for vehicle
damage. Legislation affecting the sale of loss damage waivers has been adopted
in 25 states. These laws either require disclosure to customers that loss damage
waivers may not be necessary, limit customer liability to specified amounts,
limit the ability of vehicle rental companies to offer loss damage waivers for
sale or cap the amounts that may be charged for loss damage waivers. Adoption of
national or additional state legislation limiting the sale, or capping the
rates, of loss damage waivers could further restrict sales of this product, and
additional limitations on potential customer liability could increase costs to
Dollar, Thrifty and their franchisees.
Dollar and Thrifty and other vehicle rental companies sell customers
supplemental liability insurance ("SLI"). In 1997, Dollar, Thrifty and the other
principal vehicle rental companies entered into a consent order with the Texas
Department of Insurance in which they agreed to stop selling SLI in Texas
pending licensing and product approval. A civil action has been brought in
Alabama alleging violation of state insurance laws. See "Legal Proceedings."
Additional actions in other jurisdictions could lead to restrictions on the sale
of SLI, which would result in a reduction in the Group's revenues.
FRANCHISING REGULATION
As franchisors, Dollar and Thrifty are subject to federal, state and
foreign laws regulating various aspects of franchise operations and sales. These
laws impose registration and disclosure requirements on franchisors in the offer
and sale of franchises and, in certain states, also apply substantive standards
to the relationship between the franchisor and the franchisee, including those
pertaining to default, termination and nonrenewal of franchises.
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OTHER MATTERS
Certain states currently make vehicle owners (including vehicle rental
companies) vicariously liable for the actions of any person lawfully driving an
owned vehicle, regardless of fault. Some of these states, including Florida and
New York, do not limit this liability. Vehicle rental companies are also subject
to various federal, state and local consumer protection laws and regulations
including those relating to advertising and disclosure of charges to customers.
Dollar and Thrifty are subject to federal, state and local laws and
regulations relating to taxing and licensing of vehicles, franchise sales,
franchise relationships, vehicle liability, used vehicle sales, insurance,
telecommunications, vehicle rental transactions and labor matters. The Company
believes that Dollar and Thrifty practices and procedures are in substantial
compliance with federal, state and local laws and is not aware of any material
expenditures necessary to meet legal or regulatory requirements. Nevertheless,
given the nature and scope of Dollar's and Thrifty's businesses, it is possible
that regulatory compliance problems could be encountered in the future.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
The principal environmental regulatory requirements applicable to
Dollar and Thrifty operations relate to the ownership, storage or use of
petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel fuel and new and used oil; the
treatment or discharge of waste waters; the operation of automotive body shops;
and the generation, storage, transportation and off-site treatment or disposal
of waste materials. Dollar and Thrifty own 72 and lease 25 locations where
petroleum products are stored in underground tanks. For owned and leased
properties, Dollar and Thrifty have programs designed to maintain compliance
with applicable technical and operational requirements, including leak detection
testing of underground storage tanks, and to provide financial assurance for
remediation of spills or releases. The Company's management believes that Dollar
and Thrifty operations currently are in compliance, in all material respects,
with such regulatory requirements. Dollar and Thrifty are currently upgrading or
replacing all underground storage tanks to comply with 1998 U.S. federal and
state requirements. Management believes that costs of this project for 1998 will
be approximately $2.5 million.
The historical and current uses of the Dollar and Thrifty facilities
may have resulted in spills or releases of various hazardous materials or wastes
or petroleum products ("Hazardous Substances") that now, or in the future, could
require remediation. Dollar and Thrifty also may be subject to requirements
related to remediation of Hazardous Substances that have been released into the
environment at properties they own or operate, or owned or operated in the past,
or at properties to which they send, or have sent, Hazardous Substances for
treatment or disposal. Such remediation requirements generally are imposed
without regard to fault, and liability for any required environmental
remediation can be substantial.
Dollar and Thrifty may be eligible for reimbursement or payment of
remediation costs associated with releases from registered underground storage
tanks in U.S. states that have established funds to assist in the payment of
such remediation costs. Subject to certain deductibles, the availability of
funds, the compliance status of the tanks and the nature of the release, these
tank funds may be available to Dollar and Thrifty for use in remediating
releases from their tank systems.
At certain facilities, Dollar and Thrifty presently are investigating
or remediating soil or groundwater contamination. Based on currently available
information, the Company does not believe that the costs associated with
environmental investigation or remediation will be material. The Company has
budgeted approximately $2 million for 1998 for environmental investigation and
remediation expenditures, amounts that management believes are adequate.
However, additional contamination could be identified or occur in the future.
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23
EMPLOYEES
As of December 31, 1997, the Group employed a total of approximately
5,200 full-time and part-time employees of whom approximately 4,150 were
employed by Dollar and 1,050 by Thrifty. Approximately 187 of the Group's
employees were subject to collective bargaining agreements as of December 31,
1997. The Company believes the Group's relationship with its employees is good.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company owns its headquarters located at 5330 East 31st Street,
Tulsa, Oklahoma. This location, known as City Plaza, is a three building office
park that houses headquarters and a reservation center for Dollar and Thrifty.
These buildings and the related improvements were mortgaged in December 1997
pursuant to a mortgage in favor of Credit Suisse First Boston ("CSFB"), as
administrative agent for a syndicate of banks. The mortgage was executed in
connection with the Revolving Credit Facility, as described in "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations --
Liquidity and Capital Resources".
Dollar and Thrifty each own or lease real property used for
company-owned stores and office facilities, and in some cases own real property
that is subleased to franchisees or other third parties. Dollar and Thrifty each
operate company-owned stores under concession agreements with various
governmental authorities charged with the operation of airports. Concession
agreements for airport locations, which are sometimes competitively bid are
important for securing air traveler business.
In connection with the Revolving Credit Facility, Dollar executed
mortgages in favor of CSFB encumbering its real property located in San Diego
and Tampa Bay. Thrifty also executed mortgages in favor of CSFB encumbering its
real property located in Phoenix, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, Dallas, Houston, and
Salt Lake City.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
On July 12, 1993, certain of Dollar's franchisees in the states of
Washington and Oregon instituted an action in the U.S. District Court for the
Western District of Washington, alleging violations by Dollar and its parent of
various state franchise statutes and breach of contract. The matter resulted in
an $8.7 million jury verdict against Dollar and its parent, which was reversed
by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on November 28, 1997. The
plaintiff franchisees petitioned the appeals court for a rehearing which was
denied. Plaintiffs have until April 13, 1998 to file a petition for certiorari
in the U.S. Supreme Court.
On November 2, 1994, the City of San Jose, California filed an action
in the Superior Court of California, against Chevron, Dollar and others, seeking
unspecified compensatory and punitive damages and injunctive relief. The City of
San Jose has not served process on Dollar. The suit relates to pollution at a
site currently occupied by Dollar and formerly occupied by Chevron. Dollar has
partially remediated the affected soil, but not the allegedly affected ground
water. Dollar believes that prior uses of the site resulted in any remaining
contamination at the site.
On October 2, 1997, a purported class action suit was filed in the
Circuit Court of Coosa County, Alabama, against Dollar, Thrifty and other rental
companies. The plaintiffs in this suit alleged violations of state law in
connection with the sale by the rental companies of certain insurance products.
Dollar and Thrifty have filed answers denying the alleged violations. The case
has been removed to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama.
Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint on February 16, 1998, dropping their fraud
allegations, but adding a claim for a refund of the amounts paid for insurance.
The court has ordered discovery on the issue of whether a class can properly be
certified.
In addition to the foregoing, various legal actions, claims and
governmental inquiries and proceedings are pending or may be instituted or
asserted in the future against the Company and its subsidiaries. Litigation is
subject to many uncertainties, and the outcome of the individual litigated
matters is not predictable with assurance. It is possible
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that certain of the actions, claims, inquiries or proceedings, including those
discussed above, could be decided unfavorably to the Company or the subsidiaries
involved. Although the amount of liability with respect to these matters cannot
be ascertained, potential liability is not expected to materially affect the
consolidated financial position or results of operations of the Company.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders following
completion of the Offering and during the fourth quarter ended December 31,
1997.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The Company's Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange
("NYSE"). The trading symbol is "DTG." Trading of the Common Stock on the NYSE
began on December 17, 1997. The high and low sales prices reported by the NYSE
for the period from December 17, 1997 through December 31, 1997 were $21.875 and
$19.625, respectively.
The 24,127,980 shares of Common Stock outstanding at March 6, 1998 were
held by 3,140 stockholders of record. At that date, an additional 1,199,700
shares were subject to options to purchase Common Stock in favor of the Group's
employees (1,184,700 shares) and non-employee directors of the Company (15,000
shares) as discussed more fully below. The per share closing price on March 6,
1998, was $22.50. No Common Stock could be sold pursuant to Rule 144 under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as of March 6, 1998.
The Company intends to reinvest its earnings in its business and
therefore does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable
future. The Company has not paid cash dividends since completion of the
Offering.
Under the terms of the Revolving Credit Facility, restrictions were
imposed by the lender on the payment of cash dividends to stockholders. During
the five-year term of such agreement, dividends are permitted at the lesser of
specified monetary levels or percentages of cash flow. In addition, because
excess cash flow is also required to be used to reduce credit support furnished
by Chrysler in connection with the Group's fleet financing, payment of dividends
remains unlikely.
On December 23, 1997, the Company closed the Offering. The Offering was
conducted pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No.
333-39661, which became effective on December 16, 1997. Although the Offering
closed on December 23, 1997, both on such date and on January 15, 1998, the
underwriters exercised over allotment options covered in the registration. The
Offering concluded upon closing of the last exercise of the over allotment
option.
The Offering was managed by CSFB, Goldman Sachs & Co., J.P. Morgan &
Co., and Salomon Smith Barney. The Company's Common Stock, $0.01 par value, was
the only security registered in the Offering. No other Company securities were
included in the Offering.
Of the 24,123,105 shares sold in the Offering, 20,000,000 shares were
sold by Chrysler, for which the Company received no proceeds, and 4,123,105
shares were sold by the Company. The Company received proceeds of $76,484,294
net of the underwriting discount of $4,659,109 ($1.13 per share) and expenses of
$3,380,250, detailed in the table below.
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25
The following table sets forth the expenses paid from the proceeds of
the Offering:
Description Amount
----------- ------
SEC Registration Fee $ 172,500
New York Stock Exchange listing fee and expenses 149,788
Printing and engraving expenses 691,777
Legal fees and expenses 917,532
Accounting fees and expenses 800,000
Premiums on Directors and Officers insurance policies 421,668
Miscellaneous 226,985
----------
$3,380,250
==========
The Company used $72,364,544 of the net proceeds to provide credit
enhancement for the fleet financing facilities through a financing subsidiary of
the Company, of which $21,439,544 reduced the Chrysler credit support related to
the fleet financing. The remaining net proceeds of $4,119,750 was used for
general corporate purposes.
No direct or indirect payments were made to directors or officers of
the Company or their respective associates from proceeds of the Offering.
However, as noted above, Chrysler, which until completion of the Offering was
the Company's sole stockholder, received all proceeds from the sale of its
20,000,000 shares.
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26
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA OF THE GROUP
The selected consolidated statement of operations and operating data
were derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of the Group.
References to system-wide vehicle rental revenue include revenue received from
the Group company-owned stores and by franchisees from the rental of vehicles.
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------------------------------
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(IN THOUSANDS):
Revenues:
Vehicle rental ........................ $ 476,195 $ 413,424 $ 372,508 $ 495,598 $ 618,120
Vehicle leasing ....................... 140,282 172,999 177,836 150,179 165,560
Fees and services...................... 51,433 58,966 49,382 50,475 50,366
Other ................................... 12,368 8,614 9,653 9,342 9,898
---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total revenues....................... 680,278 654,003 609,379 705,594 843,944
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Costs and expenses:
Direct vehicle and operating........... 273,109 234,370 190,577 245,895 284,083
Vehicle depreciation, net.............. 217,727 210,975 196,367 213,143 277,317
Selling, general and administrative.... 165,762 143,155 123,439 138,363 147,214
Interest expense, net.................. 86,373 83,526 78,817 72,868 87,852
Amortization of cost in excess of net
assets acquired....................... 12,011 11,517 10,456 8,169 6,010
Intangible asset impairment losses .... -- -- -- 157,758 --
Restructuring charge (reversal)........ (18,296) (7,000) -- -- --
Loss on sale of Snappy................. -- 40,893 -- -- --
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated
affiliates........................... 457 -- -- -- --
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total costs and expenses........... 737,143 717,436 599,656 836,196 802,476
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) before income taxes ....... (56,865) (63,433) 9,723 (130,602) 41,468
Income tax expense (benefit)............. (16,083) (12,755) 9,753 16,682 23,427
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net income (loss)(a)..................... $ (40,782) $ (50,678) $ (30) $ (147,284) $ 18,041
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per
share (a)............................ $ (2.04) $ (2.53) $ 0.00 $ (7.36) $ 0.90
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
BALANCE SHEET DATA (IN THOUSANDS):
Revenue-earning vehicles, net........... $1,403,568 $ 991,276 $ 958,799 $1,120,346 $1,319,490
Total assets............................ 2,123,034 1,585,651 1,657,823 1,647,951 1,942,210
Total debt.............................. 1,488,733 1,047,065 1,128,811 1,241,558 1,418,687
Stockholders' equity.................... 382,352 331,159 331,189 183,883 268,426
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27
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
OPERATING DATA (IN THOUSANDS):
EBITDA(a)(b) ................. $ 268,974 $ 253,184 $ 304,399 $ 174,697 $ 423,631
Adjusted EBITDA(a)(b) ........ (26,567) (37,836) 27,211 (110,074) 58,854
Net cash provided by
operating activities ....... 152,319 291,651 173,163 301,911 297,965
Net cash provided by (used
in) investing activities ... (598,369) 100,050 (306,386) (356,299) (521,583)
Net cash provided by (used
in) financing activities ... 443,232 (401,479) 134,294 53,583 276,267
SYSTEM-WIDE DATA (U.S. AND
CANADA)(c):
Vehicle rental revenue (in
thousands):
Company-owned stores ....... $ 410,022 $ 359,951 $ 372,508 $ 495,598 $ 618,120
Franchisee locations ....... 530,978 558,049 556,492 502,402 515,880
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
TOTAL .................. $ 941,000 $ 918,000 $ 929,000 $ 998,000 $ 1,134,000
Rental locations:
Company-owned stores ....... 189 169 162 156 139
Franchisee locations ....... 753 773 720 729 752
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total rental
locations ........... 942 942 882 885 891
Average number of vehicles
operated during the period
by company-owned stores and
franchisees ................ 115,983 98,974 93,989 94,992 103,417
Peak number of vehicles
operated during the period
by company-owned stores and
franchisees ................ 138,818 117,906 108,447 110,771 122,286
COMPANY-OWNED STORES DATA
(U.S. AND CANADA)(c):
Average number of vehicles
operated ................... 52,990 40,083 36,246 45,037 53,719
Number of rental
transactions ............... 2,525,697 2,230,076 2,196,611 2,817,269 3,300,420
Average revenue per
transaction ................ $ 163 $ 161 $ 170 $ 176 $ 187
Monthly average revenue per
vehicle .................... $ 645 $ 748 $ 856 $ 917 $ 959
Vehicle leasing data (U.S ....
and Canada)(c):
Average number of vehicles
leased ..................... 37,330 41,072 34,373 30,583 32,814
Average monthly lease revenue
per unit ................... $ 313 $ 349 $ 400 $ 409 $ 420
- ----------
(a) Management believes it is important to note that net income (loss),
earnings per share, EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA for the year ended
December 31, 1996 include intangible asset impairment losses of
$157,758,000, related to Chrysler's decision in 1996 to dispose of
Thrifty as a non-core asset ($155,000,000) and an impairment loss
related to TCL ($2,758,000).
(b) EBITDA Consists of income (loss) before income taxes plus all net
interest expense and all depreciation and amortization expense.
Adjusted EBITDA consists of income (loss) before income taxes plus net
interest
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expense that does not relate to vehicles and depreciation and
amortization expense that does not relate to vehicles. The company does
not include EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA as, nor should they be
considered as, alternative measures of operating results or cash flows
from operating activities (as determined in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles). Instead, the company includes them
because they are widely used financial measures of the potential
capacity of a company to incur and service debt. the presentation of
EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled
measures used by other companies.
(c) Excludes 1994 data for Snappy, which was sold in September 1994.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
GENERAL
The Group has two vehicle rental companies, Dollar and Thrifty. They
engage in the business of renting vehicles directly to retail customers and
providing vehicle leasing and other services to franchisees that rent to
customers. The majority of Dollar's revenue is derived from renting vehicles to
customers from company-owned stores, while the majority of Thrifty's revenue is
generated from leasing vehicles and providing services to franchisees. The Group
also leased vehicles to non-affiliates in 1995 through its subsidiary, Manatee
Leasing Inc. ("Manatee"), whose operations have been discontinued.
The Group's revenues consist of:
o Vehicle rentals -- revenue generated from renting vehicles to
customers, including all related charges, through company-owned
stores,
o Vehicle leasing -- revenue generated from leasing vehicles,
primarily to franchisees,
o Fees and services -- revenue generated from franchise fees and
providing reservations, insurance, supplies and other products and
services to franchisees, and
o Other -- revenue generated from franchise sales, parking income,
non-vehicle lease income and interest income derived from
franchisees.
The Group's expenses consist of:
o Direct vehicle and operating -- costs related to the rental of
revenue-earning vehicles to customers and to the leasing of
vehicles to franchisees, such as leasing expenses, concessions and
commissions paid to airport authorities, commissions paid to travel
agencies, insurance and lease promotion expenses, net of certain
incentives received from vehicle manufacturers,
o Vehicle depreciation, net -- depreciation expense relating to
revenue-earning vehicles, net of gains and losses on the disposal
of such vehicles,
o Selling, general and administrative expenses, including
advertising and marketing expenses and reservations,
o Interest expense, net -- interest expense, net of interest earned
on restricted cash and working capital facility, relating primarily
to revenue-earning vehicle financing and to working capital debt,
and
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o Amortization of cost in excess of net assets acquired.
The Group's profitability is primarily a function of the volume and
pricing of rental transactions, utilization of the vehicles and the number of
vehicles leased to franchisees. Significant changes in the purchase price of
vehicles or interest rates can also have a significant effect on the Group's
profitability, depending on the ability of the Group to adjust pricing and lease
rates for these changes.
The Group's business requires significant expenditures for vehicles and
consequently, requires substantial liquidity to finance such expenditures.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth the percentage of operating revenues
represented by certain items in the Group's consolidated statement of
operations:
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------
1995 1996 1997
---- ---- ----
(PERCENTAGE OF REVENUES)
Revenues:
Vehicle rentals .............. 61.1% 70.2% 73.2%
Vehicle leasing .............. 29.2 21.3 19.6
Fees and services ............ 8.1 7.2 6.0
Other ........................ 1.6 1.3 1.2
----- ----- -----
Total revenues .......... 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
----- ----- -----
Costs and expenses:
Direct vehicle and operating . 31.3 34.8 33.7
Vehicle depreciation, net .... 32.2 30.2 32.9
Selling, general and
administrative ............ 20.3 19.6 17.4
Interest expense, net ........ 12.9 10.3 10.4
Amortization of cost in excess
of net assets acquired .... 1.7 1.2 0.7
Intangible asset impairment
losses .................... -- 22.4 --
----- ----- ----
Total costs and
expenses ............. 98.4% 118.5% 95.1%
----- ----- ----
Income (loss) before income
taxes ........................ 1.6 (18.5) 4.9
Income tax expense (benefit) ... 1.6 2.4 2.8
----- ----- ----
Net income (loss) (a) .......... 0.0% (20.9)% 2.1%
===== ===== ====
- ----------
(a) Net loss for the year ended December 31, 1996 includes intangible asset
impairment losses related to Chrysler's decision in 1996 to dispose of
Thrifty as a non-core asset and an impairment loss related to TCL. In
1997, the Group incurred a one-time tax charge of $4,314,000 related to
its separation from Chrysler.
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30
The following table sets forth a breakdown of the Group's two major
sources of revenue:
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
---- ---- ----
(IN THOUSANDS)
Vehicle rental revenue:
Dollar............. $311,267 $435,074 $557,458
Thrifty............ 61,241 60,524 60,662
-------- -------- --------
Total......... $372,508 $495,598 $618,120
======== ======== ========
Leasing revenue:
Dollar............. $ 47,321 $ 38,195 $ 34,540
Thrifty............ 117,769 111,969 131,020
Manatee and other.. 12,746 15 --
-------- -------- --------
Total......... $177,836 $150,179 $165,560
======== ======== ========
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 COMPARED WITH YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
OPERATING RESULTS
The Group had a net profit of $18.0 million for 1997, compared to a net
loss of $147.3 million for 1996. Net income for 1997 was impacted by a $4.3
million one-time income tax charge related to the separation from Chrysler. The
net loss for 1996 included the effect on the Group of Chrysler's decision during
1996 to dispose of Thrifty as a non- core asset. Chrysler took an intangible
asset impairment loss that was required under generally accepted accounting
principles to be reflected as a $155.0 million intangible asset impairment loss
in the Group's statement of operations. Excluding the effect of that loss and an
intangible asset impairment loss related to TCL of $2.8 million, the Group would
have had a net profit of $10.5 million in 1996. The intangible asset impairment
losses had no tax or cash effect.
The Group's improved performance in 1997, compared with 1996, was
mainly due to growth in the level of vehicle rental activity and selected price
increases as vehicle rental demand strengthened, partially offset by higher
vehicle depreciation expenses. Thrifty did not increase vehicle lease rates
enough to offset the higher depreciation expenses related to Non-Program
Vehicles, which negatively affected operating results.
REVENUES
The Group's total revenues for 1997 were $843.9 million, an increase of
$138.4 million, or 19.6% compared to 1996. Dollar's revenue was $617.5 million
for 1997, an increase of $118.4 million, or 23.7%, compared to 1996. Thrifty's
total revenues were $225.3 million for 1997, an increase of $20.3 million, or
9.9%, compared to 1996.
The Group's vehicle rental revenue for 1997 was $618.1 million, a
24.7%, or $122.5 million, increase from 1996. This increase was due primarily to
a $122.4 million, or 28.1%, increase for Dollar. The increase in vehicle rental
revenue for Dollar was due primarily to a 20.2% increase in the number of
transactions in combination with a 6.1% increase in revenue per transaction due
to selected price increases. The rental revenue growth related to the conversion
of several franchised locations to company-owned stores totaled $34 million,
which represented 28% of the total rental revenue growth.
Vehicle leasing revenue for 1997 was $165.6 million, a 10.2% increase
from 1996. This increase in vehicle leasing revenue reflects an increase of
$19.1 million, or 17.0%, in Thrifty's leasing revenues due primarily to a 14.4%
increase in the average number of vehicles leased to franchisees along with a
2.4% increase in the vehicle leasing rates. Dollar's leasing revenues declined
$3.7 million, or 9.6%, due to a decrease in the average number of vehicles
leased to franchisees as a result of the conversion of several franchised
locations to company-owned stores.
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31
EXPENSES
Total expenses were $802.5 million for 1997, compared to $836.2 million
for 1996. The 1996 expenses included a $155.0 million intangible asset
impairment loss required as a result of Chrysler's decision to dispose of
Thrifty as a non-core asset and an intangible asset impairment loss related to
TCL of $2.8 million, as previously discussed. Excluding these intangible asset
impairment losses, total expenses for 1996 were $678.4 million, or 96.2% of
total revenues, and total expenses for 1997 were 95.1% of total revenues.
Direct vehicle and operating expense for 1997 increased $38.2 million,
or 15.5%, over 1996, due to an increase in the number of vehicles operated and
an increase in per unit costs, which was partially offset by an increase in
manufacturer promotional incentives related to the acquisition of vehicles.
These expenses were 33.7% of revenue for 1997, compared to 34.8% of revenue for
1996. Direct vehicle and operating expenses for Dollar increased $38.3 million,
or 18.0%, for 1997.
Net vehicle depreciation expense increased $64.2 million, or 30.1%, for
1997 over 1996 due to an increase in the number of vehicles in the vehicle
rental and leasing fleets and to an increase in the average depreciation expense
per vehicle. Higher average depreciation expense per unit was the result of the
increased cost of vehicles and losses on disposition of Non-Program Vehicles due
to the deterioration in the used vehicle market in 1997. The disposition of
Non-Program Vehicles resulted in a net vehicle disposition loss of $11.4 million
in 1997 compared to a net vehicle disposition gain of $3.5 million in 1996.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 6.4% for 1997,
compared to 1996. Higher selling, general and administrative expenses arose
primarily from increases in personnel costs and increases in sales and marketing
expenditures partially offset by lower bad debt and legal expenses. Higher
expenses in 1997 were also the result of the reversal of a sales tax reserve in
1996 that was accrued prior to 1994. Selling, general and administrative
expenses were 17.4% of revenue for 1997 compared to 19.6% for 1996.
Net interest expenses increased 20.6% from 1996. The increase was
primarily due to the effect of increased debt levels and higher short-term
interest rates in 1997. Increased debt levels were due to financing the growth
in fleet during 1997 and the increase in vehicle costs.
Amortization of cost in excess of net assets acquired was $2.2 million
less for 1997 than 1996, primarily due to the intangible asset impairment losses
discussed above.
The effective income tax rate for 1997 was 56.5% due to the effect of
amortization of costs in excess of net assets acquired of $6.0 million, losses
in TCL, for which no income tax benefit was recorded, and the one-time income
tax charge of $4.3 million related to the separation from Chrysler. For 1996,
the Group had income tax expenses of $16.7 million even though the loss before
income taxes was $130.6 million. This unfavorable tax result was due to
non-deductible expenses related to the intangible asset losses of $157.8
million, amortization of cost in excess of net assets acquired of $8.2 million
and losses at TCL for which no income tax benefit was recorded.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 COMPARED WITH YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
OPERATING RESULTS
The Group had a net loss of $147.3 million for 1996, compared to a net
loss of $30,000 for 1995. The net loss for 1996 included the effect on the Group
of Chrysler's decision during 1996 to dispose of Thrifty as a non-core asset.
Chrysler took an intangible asset impairment loss that was required under
generally accepted accounting principles to be reflected as a $155.0 million
intangible asset impairment loss in the Group's statement of operations.
Excluding the effect of that loss and an intangible asset impairment loss
related to TCL of $2.8 million, the Group would have had a net profit of $10.5
million in 1996. The intangible asset impairment losses had no tax or cash
effect.
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32
The Group's 1996 results reflect increased rental activity partially
offset by decreased leasing activity, compared in each case to 1995, resulting
from the conversion by Dollar of several franchisee locations to company-owned
stores and an increase in expenses comprised principally of the intangible asset
impairment losses. Direct vehicle and operating expenses, net vehicle
depreciation expense and selling and general administrative expenses increased
in 1996 due mainly to an increase in the number of vehicles operated, increases
in per unit costs and depreciation and an increase in personnel, advertising and
marketing expenses.
REVENUES
Total revenues for 1996 increased by $96.2 million, or 15.8%, to $705.6
million from $609.4 million in 1995. Dollar's total revenues increased $117.2
million, or 30.7%, to $499.2 million in 1996. Thrifty's total revenues decreased
$7.8 million, or 3.7%, to $204.9 million in 1996, from $212.7 million in 1995.
Vehicle rental revenue for 1996 was $495.6 million, an increase of
$123.1 million, or 33%. This increase consisted of a $123.8 million, or 39.8%,
increase for Dollar and a $0.7 million, or 1.2%, decrease for Thrifty. The
revenue increase for Dollar was due to a $67.7 million increase related to the
conversion of several franchisee locations to company-owned stores, the most
significant of which was in Hawaii, and to a $56.1 million, or 18%, increase in
revenue for existing company-owned stores. The increase in revenue for existing
company-owned stores was due to both an increase in transactions and to an
increase in revenue per transaction.
Leasing revenue was $150.2 million for 1996, a $27.7 million decrease
from 1995. Dollar's leasing revenue decreased $9.1 million, or 19.3%, to $38.2
million primarily due to a reduction in the average number of units leased to
its franchisees partially offset by higher lease rates. The conversion of
several franchisee locations to company-owned stores was the primary reason for
this decline. Thrifty's leasing revenue decreased $5.8 million, or 4.9%, to
$112.0 million due to a reduction in the average number of units leased to its
franchisees and to lower lease rates in Canada. Leasing revenue also declined by
$12.7 million due to cessation of operations of Manatee.
EXPENSES
Total expenses were $836.2 million in 1996, an increase of $236.5
million from 1995. The 1996 expenses included a $155.0 million intangible asset
impairment loss related to Thrifty, associated with Chrysler's decision to
dispose of Thrifty as a non-core asset and an intangible asset impairment loss
of $2.8 million related to TCL. Excluding these intangible asset impairment
losses, total expenses were 96.2% of total revenues in 1996 compared to 98.4% in
1995.
Direct vehicle and operating expenses increased $55.3 million, or 29%,
to $245.9 million in 1996 due to an increase in the number of vehicles operated
and an increase in the per unit costs. These expenses were 34.8% of revenue in
1996 compared to 31.3% in 1995, due to a significant increase in the proportion
of total revenue generated by vehicle rentals through company-owned stores,
which carry additional costs not associated with leased units. Direct vehicle
and operating expenses for Dollar increased $55.1 million, or 35.0%, while these
expenses for Thrifty increased $1.0 million, or 3.0%.
Net vehicle depreciation expense increased $16.8 million, or 8.5%, to
$213.1 million in 1996 due to an increase in the number of vehicles in the
vehicle rental and leasing fleets and to an increase in depreciation per
vehicle.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $138.4 million in
1996, an increase of $14.9 million, or 12.1%, from 1995, due primarily to an
increase in advertising and marketing expenses, personnel costs and other
general and administrative expenses, partially offset by the reversal of a sales
tax reserve in 1996 that was recorded prior to 1994. As a percentage of total
revenue, selling, general and administrative expenses were 19.6% in 1996
compared to 20.3% in 1995.
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33
Interest expense of $72.9 million decreased by $5.9 million, or 7.5%,
primarily due to lower average interest rates paid in 1996, partially offset by
higher debt levels to finance the growth in the vehicle fleet. In December 1995,
Thrifty established an asset backed note program that resulted in lower cost
financing.
During 1996, Chrysler decided to dispose of Thrifty as a non-core asset
and took an intangible asset impairment loss that was required under generally
accepted accounting principles to be reflected as a $155.0 million intangible
asset impairment loss in the Group's statement of operations. In addition,
Thrifty recorded an intangible asset impairment loss of $2.8 million related to
TCL.
For 1996, the Company had income tax expenses of $16.7 million even
though the loss before income taxes was $130.6 million. This unfavorable tax
result was due to non-deductible expenses related to the intangible asset
impairment losses of $157.8 million and the amortization of cost in excess of
net assets acquired of $8.2 million, and to losses at TCL for which no tax
benefit was recorded. The effective tax rate for 1995 was 100.3%, resulting from
the negative impact of non-deductible expenses related to the amortization of
cost in excess of net assets acquired of $10.5 million and to losses at TCL for
which no income tax benefit was recorded.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Group's U.S. and Canadian operations are funded by cash provided by
operating activities and its financing arrangements. Its primary use of funds is
to purchase revenue-earning vehicles. For the year ended December 31, 1997, the
Group used $1.848 billion to purchase vehicles, which was partially offset by
$1.371 billion in proceeds from the sale of used vehicles. For the year ended
December 31, 1996, the Group used $1.616 billion to purchase vehicles, which was
partially offset by $1.242 billion in proceeds from the sale of used vehicles.
This cash requirement was financed by cash from operations, increased vehicle
financing facilities and the use of restricted cash dedicated to vehicle
purchases.
The Company expects the amount of cash required to purchase vehicles,
net of proceeds from the sale of used vehicles, to increase in 1998 because
rental fleets are increasing to meet anticipated rental demand. The Group
expects to meet these cash requirements with cash provided from operations and
its increased vehicle financing facilities. The Group's need for cash to finance
vehicles is highly seasonal and typically peaks in the second and third quarters
of the year when fleet levels build up to meet seasonal rental demand. Fleet
levels are lowest in the fourth quarter when rental demand is at a seasonal low.
The Group also requires cash for non-vehicle capital expenditures. These
expenditures totaled $13.7 million in 1997 and $17.8 million in 1996, and are
estimated to be approximately $30 million in 1998 and are expected to be
financed with cash provided from operations. The 1998 capital expenditures
include approximately $10 million for reservation, tour and other information
systems. Non-vehicle capital expenditures are expected to be financed with cash
provided by operations.
ASSET BACKED NOTES
At December 31, 1997, amounts outstanding under the asset backed notes
were comprised of $450 million of asset backed notes issued by a special purpose
finance subsidiary, Rental Car Finance Corp. ("RCFC") formerly known as Thrifty
Car Rental Finance Corporation, originally issued in December 1995 (the "1995
Series Notes"), $26 million in variable funding notes issued in 1996 ("VFN's"),
and $900 million of asset backed notes issued by RCFC in December 1997 (the
"1997 Series Notes"). These notes have been utilized to finance Program and
Non-Program Vehicles including the refinancing of $816.2 million of vehicle debt
provided by Chrysler Financial Corporation. Proceeds from these notes that are
temporarily unutilized for financing vehicles and certain related receivables
are maintained in restricted cash and investment accounts with a trustee under
the indenture relating to the issuance of the notes, and are not available for
other purposes. The notes are collateralized by the financed vehicles, the
restricted cash and investment accounts and certain vehicle related receivables.
The vehicles are leased to the Group's operating subsidiaries and, in certain
cases, subleased to franchisees.
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34
The 1995 Series Notes are comprised of $190 million of 6.6% notes and
$260 million of floating rate notes that bear interest at rates ranging from
LIBOR plus .70% to LIBOR plus 1.25%. The VFN's ($20 million outstanding at
December 31, 1997) bear interest at commercial paper rates plus program and bank
fees and mature in 1998. The funding capacity of the VFN's was $26 million at
December 31, 1997, but had been temporarily increased to $71 million to finance
the 1997 summer peak fleet. Monthly principal payments begin in September 1998,
with total 1998 payments of $186.3 million, $89.7 million due in 1999, $110.8
due in 2000 and $83.2 due in 2001. The Commercial Paper Program, as described
below, will be used to refinance a portion of these notes.
The 1997 Series Notes are comprised of $866.6 million of fixed rate
notes that bear interest at rates ranging from 6.25% to 6.80% and $33.4 million
of floating rate notes that bear interest at rates ranging from LIBOR plus .95
to LIBOR plus 1.05. Monthly principal payments begin in September 2000, with
total 2000 payments of $153.3 million, $146.7 million due in 2001, $170.4
million due in 2002, $229.6 million due in 2003, $89.5 million due in 2004 and
$110.5 due in 2005.
OTHER VEHICLE DEBT
Thrifty finances its Canadian vehicle fleet under a lease agreement
with CFI Auto Lease Trust (the "Trust"), which has committed to $91.0 million of
funding. This facility is a four-year commitment, which commenced in June 1996
and is supported by underlying bank financing that is required to be renewed
annually by the Trust. Thrifty provides bank letters of credit in amounts up to
$8.0 million to support this facility.
COMMERCIAL PAPER PROGRAM AND LIQUIDITY FACILITY
In March, 1998, the Company established a commercial paper program of
up to $615 million (the "Commercial Paper Program") through a finance subsidiary
and as part of its existing asset backed note program. The Company will use $256
million of the proceeds to refinance the portion of the Group's outstanding
asset backed notes that mature from September 1998 to February 1999. The Company
will use the remaining amount available under the Commercial Paper Program for
fleet financing and to refinance asset backed notes from time to time.
In March, 1998, the Company also established a $545 million liquidity
facility to support the Commercial Paper Program (the "Liquidity Facility"). The
sole purpose for the Liquidity Facility is to provide the Commercial Paper
Program with a backup source of funding if the Company's finance subsidiary is
unable to refinance maturing commercial paper by issuing new commercial paper.
The Liquidity Facility is backed by the same assets and other credit enhancement
that support the Commercial Paper Program.
The Company established the Liquidity Facility on the basis of
underwritten financing commitments from CSFB (and its affiliates) and The Chase
Manhattan Bank. Establishment of the Liquidity Facility was subject, among other
things, to the Company's commercial paper receiving credit ratings of A-1 from
Standard & Poor's Ratings Service, P-1 from Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and
D-1 from Duff & Phelps Credit Ratings. The ongoing availability of the
Commercial Paper Program will depend, among other things, on those ratings being
maintained, the absence of events of insolvency and compliance with certain
covenants.
REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY
In December 1997, the Company established a five year, senior secured,
revolving credit facility totaling $215.0 million (the "Revolving Credit
Facility"). The Revolving Credit Facility is used to provide letters of credit
and cash for daily operating activities. The facility has a sublimit of up to
$190.0 million for letters of credit and a sublimit of up to $70.0 million for
working capital borrowings. At December 31, 1997, the Group had $8.2 million in
letters of credit outstanding and no working capital borrowings outstanding
under this facility. The facility is secured by a first priority lien on
substantially all material non-vehicle assets of the Group. The interest rates
of loans under the Revolving Credit Facility are, at the option of the Company,
based on the banks' prime rate, the federal funds rate or Eurodollar
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35
rates and are payable quarterly. This agreement is subject to certain covenants,
the most restrictive of which requires the Group to maintain certain financial
ratios and minimum tangible net worth and restricts the payment of cash
dividends.
The Group will have to sustain improved levels of operating results and
cash flow to meet its debt service obligations using operating cash flow and to
comply with its debt covenants. It is not certain whether the Group will be able
to do so. Its results depend significantly on factors, including prevailing
economic and competitive conditions, that are beyond its control. If the Group
is unable to meet its debt service obligations or comply with its covenants,
there would be a default under the Revolving Credit Facility. To avoid a
default, the Company may need waivers from third parties, which might not be
granted.
CHRYSLER CREDIT SUPPORT
In December 1997, in connection with the Company's separation from
Chrysler and closing of the Offering, Chrysler provided $38.2 million credit
support for the 1997 Series Notes in the form of a letter of credit facility.
The credit support was reduced to $28.6 million (the "Initial Support Amount")
due to exercise of a second over-allotment option in January 1998. The Initial
Support Amount will decline annually, beginning September 30, 1999, by the
greater of 20% of the Initial Support Amount or 50% of the Group's excess cash
flow. The Company may need to replace reductions in the Initial Support Amount
with cash from operations or with borrowings or letters of credit under the
Revolving Credit Facility. To secure reimbursement obligations under the
Chrysler credit support agreement, Chrysler will have liens on certain assets of
the Group.
CONSEQUENCES OF DEBT
The Group's substantial level of debt has important consequences.
Those consequences include:
o the Group's ability to borrow additional amounts for working
capital, capital expenditures or other purposes will be limited;
o a substantial portion of the Group's cash flow from operations
is required to make debt service payments;
o the Group will be exposed to increases in interest rates because
a substantial portion of its debt bears interest at floating
rates;
o the Group's leverage could limit its flexibility to react to
changes in general economic conditions, competitive pressures and
adverse changes in government regulation and its ability to
capitalize on significant business opportunities; and
o the restrictions imposed on the Group's operations in the form of
covenants and limitations under the Revolving Credit Facility, as
described in the paragraph above.
The Group will continue to have substantial debt and debt service
requirements under its financing arrangements. As of December 31, 1997, the
Group's total consolidated debt was $1.419 billion, substantially all of which
was secured debt for the purchase of vehicles. The Group has scheduled annual
principal payments of approximately $232.3 million in 1998, $91.9 million in
1999, $265.2 million in 2000, $230.0 million in 2001, $170.6 million in 2002 and
$430.0 million thereafter.
The Group intends to use cash generated from operations for debt
service and, subject to restrictions under its debt instruments, to make capital
investments. The Company has historically repaid its debt and funded its capital
investments (aside from growth in its rental fleet) with cash provided from
operations and from the sale of vehicles. The
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36
Company has funded growth in its vehicle rental fleet by incurring additional
debt. The Group expects to incur additional debt from time to time to the extent
permitted under the terms of its debt instruments.
The Group has significant requirements for bonds and letters of credit
to support its insurance programs and airport concession obligations. At
December 31, 1997, the Group had approximately $100 million in bonds
outstanding, of which $72 million supported insurance obligations. Bonds that
support airport concession and other commitments at December 31, 1997 were
approximately $28 million. The Company expects that these financing requirements
will continue to grow as airport concessions are renewed and as its insurance
obligations increase.
INTEREST RATE RISK
The Group's results of operations depend significantly on prevailing
levels of interest rates because of the large amount of debt it incurs to
purchase vehicles. In addition, the Group is exposed to increases in interest
rates because a substantial portion of its debt bears interest at floating
rates. The Company estimates that, in 1998, approximately 30% of its average
debt will bear interest at floating rates. The amount of the Group's financing
costs affects the amount Dollar, Thrifty and their franchisees must charge their
customers to be profitable. See Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements.
MARKET RISK SENSITIVE INSTRUMENTS
The table below provides information about the Group's market sensitive
financial instruments and constitutes a "forward-looking statement." The Group's
primary market risk exposure is changing interest rates, primarily in the United
States. The Group's policy is to manage interest rates through use of a
combination of fixed and floating rate debt. A portion of the Group's borrowings
are denominated in Canadian dollars which exposes the Group to market risk
associated with exchange rate fluctuations. The Group has entered into no
hedging or derivative transactions. All items described are non-trading and are
stated in U.S. Dollars.
EXPECTED MATURITY DATES FAIR VALUE
(U.S. DOLLARS IN DECEMBER 31,
THOUSANDS) 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 THEREAFTER TOTAL 1997
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEBT
Vehicle obligations and
other - floating rates $186,333 $ 89,667 $ -- $ 4,000 $ -- $ 33,404 $ 313,404 $ 313,404
Weighted Average
interest rates 6.71% 6.84% 7.36% 7.09%
Vehicle obligations -
fixed rates $ 2,289 $ 2,219 $265,176 $226,027 $170,631 $396,210 $1,062,552 $1,061,629
Weighted Average
interest rates 8.50% 8.50% 6.40% 6.47% 6.45% 6.56%
Vehicle obligations -
Canadian dollar
denominated $ 43,654 $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ 43,654 $ 43,654
Weighted Average
interest rate 4.90%
INFLATION
The increased acquisition cost of vehicles is the primary inflationary
factor affecting the Group. Many of the Group's other operating expenses are
also expected to increase with inflation. Management does not expect that the
effect of inflation on the Group's overall operating costs will be greater for
the Group than for its competitors.
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37
YEAR 2000
The Year 2000 issue is the result of potential problems with computer
systems or any equipment with computer chips that use dates where the date has
been stored as just two digits (e.g., 97 for 1997). On January 1, 2000, any
clock or date recording mechanism, including date sensitive software which uses
only two digits to represent the year, may recognize a date using 00 as the year
1900 rather than the year 2000. This could result in a system failure or
miscalculations causing disruption of operations including, among other things,
a temporary inability to process transactions, send invoices or accurately
process other date-based information.
The Group has identified all areas of application software, operating
system software, hardware and external interfaces that require Year 2000
compliance. Assessing the scope of the Year 2000 issue has been made by
consulting all departments within both Dollar and Thrifty to learn the potential
problems the Group might experience.
Many of the Group's newer systems include hardware and packaged
software purchased from vendors who have represented that these systems are
already Year 2000 compliant or will provide upgrades that are Year 2000
compliant. Other existing software was internally developed as Year 2000
compliant or will need to be upgraded to accommodate Year 2000 changes. In
addition, the Group is in the process of obtaining assurances from other vendors
that timely updates will be made available to make all remaining software Year
2000 compliant.
The Group plans to test or identify for testing all its systems for
Year 2000 issues during 1998 and 1999. Testing of each of the systems used by
the Group will involve installing them on a separate development environment
that will simulate the Year 2000. Each functional aspect of the system will be
tested to verify that the change of date does not cause operational problems.
For external interfaces, the Group will also test the processes from systems of
such vendors. However, there can be no assurance that the systems of other
companies on which the Group's systems rely will be timely converted and would
not have an adverse effect on the Group's systems. All of the development and
testing activities that have been identified will be performed by Group
employees and outside contractors.
The estimated cost for the Year 2000 compliance project is $5 million,
and has been anticipated and budgeted for fully in the 1998 and 1999 operating
and capital plans.
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
Recent pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board,
which are not required to be adopted at this date, include Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 132, "Employers' Disclosure About
Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits," SFAS No. 131, "Disclosure about
Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information," and SFAS No. 130, "Reporting
Comprehensive Income." SFAS No. 132 standardizes the disclosure requirements for
pension and other postretirement benefits. SFAS No. 131 requires that a public
business enterprise report financial and descriptive information about its
reporting segments on the same basis that it uses internally for evaluating
segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources to segments. SFAS No.
130 establishes standards for reporting and display of comprehensive income and
its components in a full set of general-purpose financial statements. To the
extent applicable, these statements were adopted by the Group effective January
1, 1998. The adoption of these statements will not have a material effect on the
Group's consolidated financial statements.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
For a discussion of the Company's market risk sensitive instruments,
see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources."
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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Dollar Thrifty
Automotive Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1997, and
the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997.
Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at
Item 14. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those 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 consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group,
Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 1996 and 1997, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in
relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole,
presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Tulsa, Oklahoma
February 5, 1998, except for
the last two paragraphs of Note 15,
as to which the date is
March 4, 1998
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39
DOLLAR THRIFTY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(In Thousands Except Share and Per Share Data)
DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1997
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,425 $ 56,074
Restricted cash and investments 103,933 137,980
Accounts and notes receivable, net 58,020 89,105
Due from Chrysler 74,104 60,596
Prepaid expenses and other assets 21,114 34,127
Revenue-earning vehicles, net 1,120,346 1,319,490
Property and equipment, net 60,888 62,042
Deferred income taxes - 6,428
Intangible assets, net 206,121 176,368
------------ ------------
$ 1,647,951 $ 1,942,210
============ ============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable $ 67,743 $ 88,923
Accrued liabilities 82,958 78,249
Income taxes payable 1,853 12,238
Public liability and property damage 63,235 75,687
Debt and other obligations 1,241,558 1,418,687
Deferred income taxes 6,721 -
------------ ------------
Total liabilities 1,464,068 1,673,784
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 12)
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value:
Authorized 10,000,000 shares; none outstanding - -
Common stock, $.01 par value:
Authorized 50,000,000 shares; issued and
outstanding 20,000,000 and 23,625,000,
respectively 200 236
Additional capital 628,916 695,716
Accumulated deficit (445,233) (427,526)
------------ ------------
183,883 268,426
------------ ------------
$ 1,647,951 $ 1,942,210
============ ============
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
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40
DOLLAR THRIFTY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(In Thousands Except Per Share Data)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
REVENUES:
Vehicle rentals $372,508 $ 495,598 $ 618,120
Vehicle leasing 177,836 150,179 165,560
Fees and services 49,382 50,475 50,366
Other 9,653 9,342 9,898
-------- --------- ---------
Total revenues 609,379 705,594 843,944
-------- --------- ---------
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Direct vehicle and operating 190,577 245,895 284,083
Vehicle depreciation, net 196,367 213,143 277,317
Selling, general and administrative 123,439 138,363 147,214
Interest expense, net of interest income
of $5,077, $5,446, and $4,341 78,817 72,868 87,852
Amortization of cost in excess of net 10,456 8,169 6,010
assets acquired
Intangible asset impairment losses -- 157,758 --
-------- --------- ---------
Total costs and expenses 599,656 836,196 802,476
-------- --------- ---------
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES 9,723 (130,602) 41,468
INCOME TAX EXPENSE 9,753 16,682 23,427
-------- --------- ---------
NET INCOME (LOSS) $ (30) $(147,284) $ 18,041
======== ========= =========
Basic and diluted earnings (loss)
per share $ 0.00 $ (7.36) $ 0.90
======== ========= =========
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
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41
DOLLAR THRIFTY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(In Thousands Except Share and Per Share Data)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock
$.01 Par Value Total
--------------------------- Additional Accumulated Stockholders'
Shares Amount Capital Deficit Equity
------ ------ ------- ------- ------
BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 1995 20,000,000 $ 200 $628,916 $(297,956) $ 331,160
Net loss - - - (30) (30)
Foreign currency translation - - - 59 59
---------- ------ -------- -------- ---------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1995 20,000,000 200 628,916 (297,927) 331,189
Net loss - - - (147,284) (147,284)
Foreign currency translation - - - (22) (22)
---------- ------ -------- -------- ---------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1996 20,000,000 200 628,916 (445,233) 183,883
Net income - - - 18,041 18,041
Issuance of common shares in
public offering 3,625,000 36 66,800 - 66,836
Foreign currency translation - - - (334) (334)
---------- ------ -------- --------- ---------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1997 23,625,000 $ 236 $695,716 $(427,526) $ 268,426
========== ====== ======== ========= =========
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
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DOLLAR THRIFTY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(In Thousands)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss) $ (30) $ (147,284) $ 18,041
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation 205,589 225,521 275,432
Amortization 12,948 10,394 7,448
Net losses (gains) from disposition of revenue-earning vehicles (2,678) (3,484) 11,431
Losses on investments in affiliates 2,533 -- --
Provision for losses on accounts and notes receivable 5,434 8,404 2,942
Intangible asset impairment losses -- 157,758 --
Change in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts and notes receivable 1,050 233 (34,440)
Due from Chrysler (23,740) 13,033 (24,759)
Prepaid expenses and other assets (1,695) 2,873 (7,259)
Deferred income taxes 6,771 8,626 9,251
Intangible assets (2,732) (1,158) 898
Accounts payable (13,563) 20,438 21,186
Accrued liabilities (14,785) (8,420) (4,709)
Income taxes payable (3,553) 11,117 10,385
Public liability and property damage 1,292 3,886 12,452
Other 322 (26) (334)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net cash provided by operating activities 173,163 301,911 297,965
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Revenue-earning vehicles:
Purchases (1,417,437) (1,615,615) (1,847,957)
Proceeds from sales 1,260,928 1,241,879 1,371,496
Restricted cash and investments, net (139,173) 35,240 (34,047)
Property and equipment:
Purchases (7,940) (13,378) (13,334)
Proceeds from sale 299 -- 2,656
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired (3,063) (4,425) (397)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net cash used in investing activities (306,386) (356,299) (521,583)
(Continued)
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DOLLAR THRIFTY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(In Thousands)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Debt and other obligations:
Proceeds $ 1,907,509 $ 1,174,200 $ 2,206,482
Payments (1,833,856) (1,061,453) (2,029,353)
Cash management/working capital - Chrysler, net 64,741 (58,507) 38,267
Issuance of common shares in public offering -- -- 66,836
Vehicle financing issue costs (4,100) (657) (5,965)
---------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided by financing activities 134,294 53,583 276,267
---------- ----------- -----------
CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 1,071 (805) 52,649
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
Beginning of year 3,159 4,230 3,425
----------- ----------- -----------
End of year $ 4,230 $ 3,425 $ 56,074
=========== =========== ===========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW
INFORMATION:
Cash paid for:
Income taxes $ 4,177 $ 2,348 $ 3,235
=========== =========== ===========
Interest $ 87,216 $ 82,180 $ 95,253
=========== =========== ===========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NON-CASH OPERATING
ACTIVITIES - Reversal of valuation allowance on pre-acquisition
net operating loss carryforwards $ -- $ -- $ 22,400
=========== =========== ===========
(Concluded)
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
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DOLLAR THRIFTY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. ("Dollar Thrifty Group" or the
"Company") is the successor to Pentastar Transportation Group, Inc. and
subsidiaries. Prior to December 23, 1997, the Company was a wholly
owned subsidiary of Chrysler Corporation ("Chrysler"). On December 23,
1997, the Company completed an initial public offering of all the
Company's outstanding common stock owned by Chrysler together with
additional shares issued by the Company (Note 3).
The Company's significant wholly owned subsidiaries include Dollar Rent
A Car Systems, Inc. ("Dollar"), Thrifty Rent-A-Car System, Inc.
("Thrifty") and Rental Car Finance Corp. Rental Car Finance Corp. was
formed in 1995 as Thrifty Car Rental Finance Corporation ("TFC"), a
wholly owned special purpose subsidiary of Thrifty, for the purpose of
financing vehicle related debt of Thrifty. In December 1997, TFC's name
was changed to Rental Car Finance Corp. ("RCFC"), the ownership of RCFC
was transferred from Thrifty to the Company and RCFC became the special
purpose financing entity for the Dollar Thrifty Group. Dollar and
Thrifty were acquired in 1990 and 1989, respectively. The acquisitions
were accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and the
purchase prices were allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities
assumed based on their estimated fair values which are reflected in the
accompanying consolidated financial statements. The term the "Company"
is used to refer to Dollar Thrifty Group and subsidiaries,
collectively, and to the individual subsidiaries of Dollar Thrifty
Group. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in
consolidation.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
NATURE OF BUSINESS - Dollar and Thrifty are engaged in the business of
the daily rental of vehicles to business and leisure customers through
company-owned stores and in the business of leasing vehicles to their
franchisees for use in the daily vehicle rental business throughout the
United States and Canada. Dollar and Thrifty are also involved in
selling vehicle rental franchises worldwide and providing sales and
marketing, reservations, data processing systems, insurance and other
services to its franchisees. RCFC provides financing services to Dollar
and Thrifty.
ESTIMATES - The preparation of the Company's consolidated 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 disclosures of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated
financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - Cash and cash equivalents include cash on
hand and on deposit including highly liquid investments with initial
maturities of three months or less.
RESTRICTED CASH AND INVESTMENTS - Restricted cash and investments are
restricted for the acquisition of vehicles and other specified uses
under the rental car asset backed note indenture and other agreements
(Note 9). These funds are primarily held in a highly rated money market
fund with investments primarily in government and corporate obligations
with a dollar-weighted average maturity not to exceed 60 days, as
permitted by the indenture. Restricted cash and investments are
excluded from cash and cash equivalents. Interest earned on
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restricted cash and investments was $236,000, $4,526,000 and $2,382,000
for 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS - An allowance for doubtful accounts is
generally established during the period in which receivables are
recorded. The allowance is maintained at a level deemed appropriate
based on loss experience and other factors affecting collectibility.
REVENUE-EARNING VEHICLES - Revenue-earning vehicles are stated at cost
net of related discounts and are depreciated over their estimated
economic lives, or at rates corresponding to manufacturers' guaranteed
residual values, where applicable. Depreciation rates range from
approximately 1.0% to 2.3% per month. Net gains and losses from sales
of revenue-earning vehicles are recorded as an adjustment to vehicle
depreciation.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT - Property and equipment are recorded at cost
and are depreciated or amortized using principally the straight-line
basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Estimated
useful lives range from ten to 31 years for buildings and improvements
and three to seven years for furniture and equipment. Leasehold
improvements are amortized over the shorter of ten years or the lives
of the related leases.
INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Intangible assets are amortized using the
straight-line basis. Cost in excess of net assets acquired is amortized
over forty- and thirty-year periods. Licenses held for operation are
stated at the lower of amortized cost or recoverable value based upon
Company estimates and are amortized primarily over a ten-year period.
Noncompete agreements and other intangible assets are amortized over
periods ranging from five to eight years. The Company continually
assesses the recoverability of the cost in excess of net assets
acquired based on estimates of the expected future cash flows of the
operations to which such amounts relate.
LONG-LIVED ASSETS - The Company reviews the value of long-lived assets
and certain identifiable intangibles for impairment whenever events or
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset
may not be recoverable based upon estimated future cash flows.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE - Disbursements in excess of bank balances of
$55,492,000 and $71,765,000 are included in accounts payable at
December 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
PUBLIC LIABILITY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE - Provisions for public liability
and property damage on self-insured claims are made by charges
primarily to direct vehicle and operating expense. Accruals for such
charges are based upon actuarially determined evaluations of estimated
ultimate liabilities on reported and unreported claims, prepared on at
least an annual basis by an independent actuary. Historical data
related to the amount and timing of payments for self-insured claims
are utilized in preparing the actuarial evaluations. The accrual for
public liability and property damage claims is discounted based upon
the independently prepared actuarially determined estimated timing of
payments to be made in the future. Management reviews the actual timing
of payments as compared with the annual actuarial estimate of timing of
payments and has determined that there have been no material
differences in the timing of payments for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 1997.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION - Foreign assets and liabilities are
translated using the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date,
and results of operations are translated using an average rate for the
period. Translation adjustments are accumulated and reported as a
component of stockholders' equity.
REVENUE RECOGNITION - The Company rents revenue-earning vehicles under
short-term rental contracts. Revenues are recognized as earned under
the terms of the rental contracts. The Company also leases
revenue-earning vehicles to franchisees primarily under operating
leases. Revenues are recognized as earned over the lease term.
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46
Initial franchise fees are recognized at the date of sale of the
franchise which coincides with commencement of operations by the
franchisee. Continuing franchise fees are reported as revenue as the
fees are earned.
ADVERTISING COSTS - Advertising costs are primarily expensed as
incurred. The Company incurred advertising expense of $25,714,000,
$34,958,000 and $37,000,000 for 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
Thrifty's primary advertising is conducted by an affiliated entity,
Thrifty Rent-A-Car System, Inc. National Advertising Committee
("Thrifty National Ad"). Thrifty made payments of $4,566,000,
$4,163,000 and $4,222,000 in 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively, to
Thrifty National Ad to support funding of advertising campaigns, which
are included in advertising costs. Thrifty also received reimbursement
from Thrifty National Ad for administrative services performed of
$1,363,000, $1,530,000 and $1,741,000 during 1995, 1996 and 1997,
respectively, which are recorded as offsets to selling, general and
administrative expense.
ENVIRONMENTAL COSTS - The Company's operations include the storage of
gasoline in underground storage tanks at certain company-owned stores.
Liabilities incurred in connection with the remediation of accidental
fuel discharges are recorded when it is probable that obligations have
been incurred and the amounts can be reasonably estimated.
INCOME TAXES - Prior to December 23, 1997, the Company's U.S.
operations were included in the consolidated U.S. income tax returns of
Chrysler. U.S. operating results subsequent to that date will be
included in the Company's U.S. consolidated returns. The Company has
provided for income taxes on its separate taxable income or loss and
other tax attributes. Deferred income taxes are provided for the
temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax
basis of the Company's assets and liabilities.
EARNINGS PER SHARE - Earnings per share are computed using the weighted
average number of common shares outstanding during the year. The
weighted average number of shares used in the computations was
20,089,384 in 1997, and 20,000,000 in 1996 and 1995. The Company has
applied the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard
("SFAS") No. 128, "Earnings Per Share" to all periods presented.
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARD - The Company plans to adopt the provisions of
SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income" in 1998. SFAS No. 130
establishes standards for reporting and display of comprehensive income
and its components in a full set of general-purpose financial
statements. The adoption of this statement will not have a material
effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
3. INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING
On December 23, 1997, Dollar Thrifty Group completed an initial public
offering of its common stock. The Company issued and sold 3,625,000
shares of its common stock (2,500,000 "primary shares" and 1,125,000
"over allotment shares") and Chrysler sold all of the 20,000,000
outstanding shares of the Company's common stock they owned ("secondary
shares"). The common stock was sold at an initial price of $20.50 per
share. The Company received net proceeds of $66,836,000 from the
issuance of the primary and over allotment shares. On January 15, 1998,
498,105 additional over allotment shares were issued by the Company at
$20.50 per share. Net proceeds from this issuance were $9,648,000. The
proceeds received by the Company from the offering were used to provide
collateral for financing of revenue-earning vehicles and for other
general corporate purposes.
4. ACQUISITIONS
In 1997, Dollar acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities
of three franchisees. The acquisitions were immaterial. In November
1996, Dollar acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of
Trynd, Inc. and AHL, Inc., the former Denver and Dallas franchisees of
Dollar. Dollar paid $4,425,000 in cash, net
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of cash acquired, and assumed net liabilities of $218,000. Effective
November 30, 1995, Dollar acquired certain assets and assumed certain
liabilities of the vehicle rental division of Pacific International
Services Corporation, the former Hawaii franchisee of Dollar. Dollar
paid $3,063,000 in cash including acquisition costs, net of cash
acquired, and assumed net liabilities of $6,836,000. At December 31,
1997, cost in excess of net assets acquired of $14,947,000 is being
amortized on the straight-line basis over 30 years related to the
acquisitions of Dollar franchisees. The transactions have been
accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and operating
results of the acquirees from the dates of acquisition, which are not
material to the respective years of acquisition, are included in the
consolidated statement of operations of the Company.
5. ACCOUNTS AND NOTES RECEIVABLE AND DUE FROM CHRYSLER
Accounts and notes receivable consist of the following:
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------
1996 1997
(IN THOUSANDS)
Trade:
Accounts receivable $ 63,478 $ 90,960
Notes receivable 11,164 10,890
-------------- ------------
74,642 101,850
Less allowance for doubtful accounts (16,622) (12,745)
-------------- ------------
$ 58,020 $ 89,105
============== ============
Trade accounts and notes receivable are primarily due from franchisees
and tour operators and arise from billings under standard credit terms
for services provided in the normal course of business. Notes
receivable are generally issued to certain franchisees at current
market interest rates with varying maturities and are generally covered
by personal guarantees of the franchisees.
Due from Chrysler consists of the following:
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------
1996 1997
(IN THOUSANDS)
Accounts receivable - Chrysler $ 35,837 $ 60,596
Cash management/working capital - Chrysler 38,267 --
----------- -----------
$ 74,104 $ 60,596
=========== ===========
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE - CHRYSLER is comprised primarily of amounts due
under various incentive and promotion programs and amounts due from the
sale of revenue-earning vehicles at auction.
CASH MANAGEMENT/WORKING CAPITAL - CHRYSLER in 1996 resulted from the
Company's ability to advance excess cash to Chrysler and to borrow from
Chrysler under a $75,000,000 working capital line of credit. The
amounts bore interest at the prime rate plus 2% (10.25% at December 31,
1996), and were due on demand. Net interest expense on these amounts
was partially reimbursed by Chrysler under an interest subvention
program. In 1995, 1996 and 1997, the Company recorded net interest
income of $5,048,000, $1,165,000 and $1,873,000, respectively, on the
working capital line which included interest subvention of $1,900,000,
$2,024,000 and
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$484,000 in 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively. This agreement was
terminated on December 23, 1997 in connection with the sale of
Chrysler's interest in the Company.
6. REVENUE-EARNING VEHICLES
Revenue-earning vehicles consist of the following:
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------
1996 1997
(IN THOUSANDS)
Revenue-earning vehicles $ 1,230,884 $ 1,469,581
Less accumulated depreciation (110,538) (150,091)
-------------- -------------
$ 1,120,346 $ 1,319,490
============== =============
The Company purchases the majority of its revenue-earning vehicles from
Chrysler under vehicle supply agreements and from Chrysler Canada Ltd.
Purchases of revenue-earning vehicles from Chrysler and Chrysler Canada
Ltd. were $1,406,523,000, $1,612,122,000 and $1,799,915,000 during
1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively. Vehicle acquisition terms provide
for guaranteed residual values or buybacks on the majority of vehicles
under specified conditions. The Company received residual value program
payments of $157,411,000, $120,520,000 and $164,944,000 in 1995, 1996
and 1997, respectively, which are included in proceeds from sales of
revenue-earning vehicles. In 1995, 1996 and 1997, $80,772,000,
$79,039,000 and $93,865,000, respectively, was received from Chrysler
Canada Ltd. for buyback of revenue-earning vehicles. Chrysler also
provides promotional payments, which are primarily amortized on the
straight-line basis over the respective model year to which the
promotional payments relate, and other incentives primarily related to
the disposal of revenue-earning vehicles. These promotional payments
and other incentives, which are reflected as offsets to direct vehicle
and operating expense, amounted to $82,145,000, $83,597,000 and
$85,837,000 for 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
Dollar and Thrifty entered into Vehicle Supply Agreements ("VSAs") with
Chrysler, which commenced with the 1997 model year and expire in July
2001. Under the VSAs, Chrysler has agreed to supply certain specified
volumes of vehicles which are comprised of approximately 80% guaranteed
depreciation program vehicles ("Program Vehicles"). Dollar and Thrifty
are required to purchase at least 80% of their vehicles from Chrysler
up to specified volumes of which minimum amounts must be Program
Vehicles. Under the terms of the VSAs, Dollar and Thrifty have agreed
to advertise and promote Chrysler products exclusively, and will
receive promotional payments from Chrysler for each model year.
Rent expense for vehicles leased from other vehicle manufacturers under
operating leases with terms of less than one year was $20,412,000,
$16,687,000 and $15,188,000 for 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
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7. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Major classes of property and equipment consist of the following:
DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------
1996 1997
(IN THOUSANDS)
Land $ 14,786 $ 14,307
Buildings and improvements 15,262 12,201
Furniture and equipment 31,327 34,945
Leasehold improvements 27,861 32,211
Construction in progress 5,759 8,450
------------- ----------
94,995 102,114
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (34,107) (40,072)
------------- ----------
$ 60,888 $ 62,042
============= ==========
8. INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets consist of the following:
DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------
1996 1997
(IN THOUSANDS)
Cost in excess of net assets acquired $ 259,675 $ 241,778
Trademarks and licenses held for operation 17,451 15,171
Software licenses, noncompete agreements and other 15,073 15,974
----------- ----------
292,199 272,923
Less accumulated amortization (86,078) (96,555)
----------- ----------
$ 206,121 $ 176,368
=========== ==========
In 1996, Chrysler committed to a plan of disposal for Thrifty and the
Company recognized a $155 million intangible asset impairment loss to
reduce Thrifty's carrying value to estimated fair value less cost to
sell. Management's estimate of the fair value of Thrifty was based
principally on analysis of non-binding bids. In connection with the
successful completion of the offering of the Company's common stock in
December 1997, management abandoned the plan to dispose of Thrifty.
As a result of continuing operating losses incurred by Thrifty Canada,
Ltd. ("TCL"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Thrifty, during 1996
management assessed the carrying value of intangible assets related to
TCL, and recorded an intangible asset impairment loss of $2,758,000
(pre- and after tax). The intangible asset impairment loss was based on
the estimated recoverable value of TCL utilizing historical cash flows
as the basis for estimating discounted future cash flows of that
operation.
In connection with the Company's separation from Chrysler in December
1997, the Company realized certain pre-acquisition net operating loss
carryforwards for which valuation allowances had previously been
established. The realization of these net operating loss carryforwards
resulted in a reduction of cost in excess of net assets acquired and
income tax valuation allowances of $22,400,000.
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9. DEBT AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS
Debt and other obligations consist of the following:
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------
1996 1997
(IN THOUSANDS)
VEHICLE DEBT AND OBLIGATIONS
Asset backed notes, net of discount $ 449,927 $ 1,369,077
Deferred vehicle rent 48,699 43,654
Chrysler Financial Corporation 713,346 5,519
Banks and others 1,620 --
------------ -----------
1,213,592 1,418,250
OTHER NOTES PAYABLE
Bank line of credit 27,000 --
Other 966 437
------------ -----------
27,966 437
------------ -----------
Total debt and other obligations $ 1,241,558 $ 1,418,687
============ ===========
VEHICLE DEBT AND OBLIGATIONS
ASSET BACKED NOTES are comprised of rental car asset backed notes
issued by RCFC in December 1997 (the "1997 Series notes"), December
1995 (the "1995 Series notes") and variable funding notes issued in
1996 ("VFN's"). The 1997 Series notes total $900,000,000 and are
comprised of $866,596,000 (with a discount of $866,000) of fixed rate
notes with rates ranging from 6.25% to 6.8% and $33,404,000 of floating
rate notes with interest at rates ranging from LIBOR plus .95% to LIBOR
plus 1.05% (7.06% to 7.16% at December 31, 1997). The 1995 Series notes
total $450,000,000 and are comprised of $190,000,000 (with a discount
of $57,000 at December 31, 1997) of 6.6% fixed rate notes and
$260,000,000 of floating rate notes with interest at rates ranging from
LIBOR plus .70% to LIBOR plus 1.25% (6.23% to 6.78% at December 31,
1996 and 6.81% to 7.36% at December 31, 1997). The VFN's total
$26,000,000, bear interest at rates based on commercial paper rates
(5.9% at December 31, 1997) and mature in 1998. At December 31, 1996,
there were no amounts outstanding under the VFN's and at December 31,
1997, there was $20,000,000 outstanding under the VFN's. During 1997,
the VFN's were temporarily increased to $71,000,000 to fund peak
vehicle financing needs.
The assets of RCFC, including revenue-earning vehicles related to the
asset backed notes, restricted cash and investments and certain
receivables related to revenue-earning vehicles, are available first to
satisfy the claims of its creditors. At December 31, 1997, letters of
credit totaling $38,200,000 issued by Chrysler also serve as collateral
for the asset backed notes. These letters of credit were reduced to
$28,600,000 in January 1998 and will continue to decline over the next
five years. Dollar and Thrifty lease vehicles from RCFC under the terms
of a master lease and servicing agreement. The asset backed note
indentures also provide for additional credit enhancement through
overcollateralization of the vehicle fleet and maintenance of a
liquidity reserve. RCFC is in compliance with the terms of the
indentures.
The asset backed notes mature from 1998 through 2005 and are generally
subject to repurchase on any payment date subject to a prepayment
penalty.
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51
DEFERRED VEHICLE RENT represents financing obtained in June 1996 by TCL
under a Master Concurrent Lease Agreement ("the Lease Agreement") with
CFI Auto Lease Trust ("CFI") for the TCL vehicle fleet. Under the Lease
Agreement, CFI prepays 91% of the total lease rent due to TCL at the
inception of the leases. This prepaid rent is reflected as deferred
vehicle rent. The Lease Agreement has a four-year term and allows for
replacement of vehicles under lease. Monthly and other periodic refunds
of rent to CFI are required on certain leased vehicles. Upon
disposition of vehicles, the deferred vehicle rent is refundable to
CFI. TCL's beneficial interest in the vehicles leased to CFI and any
amounts due to TCL directly related to the vehicles, including payments
from franchisees and vehicle disposition programs, are vested in the
Lease Agreement.
This transaction included the creation of a special purpose,
not-for-profit Canadian trust ("Thrifty Trust") which concurrently
leases the vehicles from TCL for a four-year term and simultaneously
leases such vehicles to the TCL franchisees and company-operated
stores. The term of the Lease Agreement is concurrent with the term of
the lease between TCL and Thrifty. Due to the nature of the
relationship between TCL and Thrifty Trust, the consolidated financial
statements include the accounts of Thrifty Trust and all material
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
CFI has committed to funding of approximately $91,000,000 under the
Lease Agreement and TCL pays a fee of 0.1% on the unused portion of
this commitment. The Lease Agreement also provides an $8,000,000
revolving line of credit to fund vehicle acquisitions. No amounts were
outstanding under this line at December 31, 1996 and $1,049,000 was
outstanding under this line at December 31, 1997. The four-year funding
commitment from CFI is supported by underlying bank financing that is
required to be renewed by CFI annually. The deferred vehicle rent as
well as the revolving line of credit amounts bear interest based on the
bankers' acceptance rate plus .88% or the Canadian prime rate plus
.125%. The weighted average interest rate on deferred vehicle rent at
December 31, 1996 and 1997 was 4.1% and 4.9%, respectively.
The Lease Agreement requires the maintenance of certain letters of
credit and contains various restrictive covenants including a
limitation on the percentage of vehicles which are not covered by
manufacturer repurchase programs and the maintenance by TCL of a
specified minimum tangible net worth.
CHRYSLER FINANCIAL CORPORATION ("Chrysler Financial") vehicle
obligations represent borrowings under collateralized credit lines
which totaled $987,700,000 at December 31, 1996, primarily for the
purchase of new Chrysler vehicles. The interest rate for borrowings
under this agreement was subvented by Chrysler to prime less 1-1/2%
through December 23, 1997. The net weighted average interest rate on
Chrysler Financial vehicle obligations was 6.75% and 8.5%, at December
31, 1996 and 1997, respectively. On December 23, 1997, the majority of
the Chrysler Financial vehicle obligations were repaid and the Company
refinanced the obligations with asset backed notes issued through RCFC.
The Chrysler Financial obligations outstanding at December 31, 1997 are
collateralized primarily by shuttle buses owned by the Company. These
obligations mature through 2002.
Total interest expense on all Chrysler vehicle and other debt, net of
interest subvention was $81,214,000, $46,332,000 and $55,425,000 for
1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
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52
Expected repayments of vehicle debt and obligations outstanding at
December 31, 1997 are as follows:
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 THEREAFTER
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----------
(IN THOUSANDS)
Asset backed notes $ 186,333 $ 89,667 $ 264,181 $ 229,819 $ 170,386 $ 429,614
Deferred vehicle rent 43,654 -- -- -- -- --
Chrysler Financial 2,075 2,107 955 163 219 --
----------- ----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total $ 232,062 $ 91,774 $ 265,136 $ 229,982 $ 170,605 $ 429,614
=========== =========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Deferred vehicle rents are scheduled to be refunded through 2001,
however, management believes that actual refunds of amounts outstanding
at December 31, 1997 will occur in 1998 due to expected replacement of
leased vehicles as provided in the Lease Agreement.
OTHER NOTES PAYABLE
In December 1997, the Company established a five year, $215,000,000
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility (the "Revolver"). The Revolver
provides sub-limits up to $190,000,000 for letters of credit and up to
$70,000,000 for working capital borrowings. The Company is required to
pay a 0.375% commitment fee on the unused available line, 2.5% letter
of credit fee on the aggregate amount of outstanding letters of credit
and a letter of credit fronting fee of 0.125%. Interest rates on loans
under the Revolver are, at the option of the Company, based on the
prime, Federal funds or Eurodollar rates and are payable quarterly. The
Revolver is secured by a first priority lien on substantially all
material non-vehicle assets of the Company. The Revolver contains
various restrictive covenants, including maintenance of certain
financial ratios consisting of minimum net worth, adjusted EBITDA,
fixed charge, leverage and interest coverage ratios and the restriction
of cash dividends. The Company had letters of credit of $8,175,000 and
no working capital borrowings outstanding under the Revolver at
December 31, 1997.
In connection with the initial public offering and implementation of
the Revolver, Thrifty paid the outstanding balance and terminated its
bank line of credit facility. Interest was payable monthly at the prime
rate of 8.25% at December 31, 1996 with a commitment fee of one-eighth
of 1% on any unused portion of the line. The line was collateralized by
certain Thrifty U.S. accounts and notes receivable.
Maturities of other notes payable at December 31, 1997 are as follows:
$214,000 (1998), $112,000 (1999), $40,000 (2000), $45,000 (2001) and
$26,000 (2002).
10. RETIREMENT SAVINGS AND PROFIT SHARE PLANS
The Company sponsors a retirement savings plan which incorporates the
salary reduction provisions of Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue
Code and covers substantially all employees of the Company meeting
specific age and length of service requirements. Matching contributions
from the Company are discretionary and during 1995, 1996 and 1997 were
50% of employee contributions up to 4% of compensation. Contributions
by the Company's subsidiaries amounted to $721,000, $793,000 and
$938,000 in 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively. For 1997, Dollar
established a profit share plan. All full-time employees not covered by
a total company performance bonus plan were eligible. Included in
accrued liabilities at December 31, 1997, is $2,455,000 related to the
1997 profit share plan which is to be paid in the first quarter of
1998. Dollar and Thrifty have established profit share plans for 1998.
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11. INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense consists of the following:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
(IN THOUSANDS)
Current:
Federal $ 2,492 $ 6,075 $ 13,259
State and local 237 1,691 504
Foreign 253 290 413
---------- ----------- -----------
2,982 8,056 14,176
---------- ----------- -----------
Deferred:
Federal 6,182 8,890 8,653
State and local 589 (264) 598
---------- ----------- -----------
6,771 8,626 9,251
---------- ----------- -----------
$ 9,753 $ 16,682 $ 23,427
========== =========== ===========
Foreign losses before income taxes were approximately $3,478,000,
$8,813,000 and $2,368,000 in 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
Intercompany tax settlements resulted in payments from (to) Chrysler of
$(2,415,000), $5,409,000 and $(676,000) in 1995, 1996 and 1997,
respectively.
Deferred tax asset (liabilities) consist of the following:
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------
1996 1997
(IN THOUSANDS)
Depreciation $ (45,144) $ (49,188)
Public liability and property damage 24,219 30,237
Allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivable 4,510 3,839
Other accrued liabilities 13,839 13,819
Deferred loss on sale of certain assets 2,010 2,644
Difference between book and tax basis of certain intangible assets 2,874 1,673
Federal and state NOL credits and carryforwards 13,506 5,832
Canadian NOL carryforwards 5,891 5,414
Other (135) (2,428)
------------ ------------
21,570 11,842
Valuation allowance (28,291) (5,414)
------------ ------------
$ (6,721) $ 6,428
============ ============
The Company has net operating loss carryforwards available in certain
states to offset future state taxable income. At December 31, 1997, TCL
has net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $12,492,000
available to offset future taxable income in Canada which expire
through 2002. Valuation allowances have been established for the
estimated future tax effect of the Canadian net operating losses.
Included in the valuation allowance at December 31, 1996 is $22,400,000
related to certain pre-acquisition net operating loss carryforwards. In
connection with the Company's separation from Chrysler in December
1997, the Company realized these pre-acquisition net operating loss
carryforwards, eliminated the related valuation allowance and recorded
a reduction of cost in excess of net assets acquired. No other
valuation allowances have been recorded against deferred tax assets.
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The Company's effective tax rate differs from the maximum U.S.
statutory income tax rate. The following summary reconciles taxes at
the maximum U.S. statutory rate with recorded taxes:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
----------------------- ------------------------- ----------------------
AMOUNT PERCENT AMOUNT PERCENT AMOUNT PERCENT
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
Tax expense (benefit)
computed at the maximum
U.S. statutory rate $ 3,403 35.0 % $(45,711) (35.0)% $ 14,514 35.0 %
Difference resulting from:
Amortization of cost in
excess of net assets acquired 4,164 42.8 2,324 1.8 2,103 5.1
State and local taxes, net of
Federal income tax benefit 871 9.0 1,355 1.0 979 2.3
Valuation allowance for
foreign losses 1,484 15.3 1,974 1.5 828 2.0
Foreign taxes 254 2.6 290 0.2 413 1.0
Chrysler separation
adjustments -- -- -- -- 4,314 10.4
Non-deductible impairment
loss -- -- 55,474 42.5 --
Other (423) (4.4) 976 0.7 276 0.7
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ----
$ 9,753 100.3 % $ 16,682 12.7 % $ 23,427 56.5 %
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ====
The tax provision in 1997 includes a $4,314,000 one-time charge related
to the separation of the Company from Chrysler.
12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company has certain concession agreements with airports throughout
the United States and Canada. Typically, these agreements provide
airport terminal counter space in return for a minimum rent. In many
cases, the Company's subsidiaries are also obligated to pay insurance
and maintenance costs and additional rents generally based on revenues
earned at the location. Certain of the airport locations are operated
by franchisees who are obligated to make the required rent and
concession fee payments under the terms of their franchise
arrangements with the Company's subsidiaries.
The Company's subsidiaries operate from various leased premises under
operating leases with terms up to fifteen years. Some of the leases
contain renewal options.
Expenses incurred under operating leases and airport concessions were
as follows:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
(IN THOUSANDS)
Rent $ 13,610 $ 14,509 $ 15,174
Concession expenses:
Minimum fees 17,182 19,463 22,447
Contingent fees 9,229 17,088 23,754
----------- ---------- ----------
Total $ 40,021 $ 51,060 $ 61,375
=========== ========== ==========
Rent expense is presented in the above table net of sublease rental
income of $2,172,000, $2,457,000 and $2,333,000 in 1995, 1996 and 1997,
respectively.
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Future minimum rentals and fees under noncancelable operating leases,
net of sublease rental income of $10,546,000 and the Company's
obligation for minimum airport concession fees at December 31, 1997
are presented in the following table. Airport concession fees-
franchisee locations are required to be paid by franchisees under terms
of their franchise agreements.
AIRPORT CONCESSION FEES
---------------------------
COMPANY-
OWNED FRANCHISEE OPERATING
STORES LOCATIONS LEASES TOTAL
(IN THOUSANDS)
1998 $ 17,643 $ 2,586 $ 11,738 $ 31,967
1999 17,839 2,513 7,714 28,066
2000 15,742 1,868 6,067 23,677
2001 13,994 434 4,684 19,112
2002 12,796 63 4,341 17,200
Thereafter 42,330 -- 18,653 60,983
---------- --------- ----------- ------------
$ 120,344 $ 7,464 $ 53,197 $ 181,005
========== ========= =========== ============
The Company has outstanding bids for additional airport concession
agreements which upon execution, would result in additional commitments
totaling $52,447,000 from 1999 through 2024.
In 1997, the Company entered into a data processing services agreement.
The agreement requires monthly payments totaling $4,098,000 (1998),
$4,201,000 (1999), $4,308,000 (2000), $4,420,000 (2001), $4,535,000
(2002), and $1,161,000 (thereafter).
At December 31, 1996 and 1997, the Company had outstanding letter of
credit and other guarantee obligations totaling $7,932,000 and
$9,527,000, respectively.
The Company is self-insured or has policy deductibles to certain limits
with respect to liabilities for claims arising as a result of personal
injury, property damage and employee health claims. The accrual for
public liability and property damage includes amounts for incurred
losses and incurred but not reported losses. Such liabilities are
necessarily based on actuarially determined estimates and management
believes that the amounts accrued are adequate. At December 31, 1996
and 1997, these amounts have been discounted at 6% (assumed risk free
rate), based upon the actuarially determined estimated timing of
payments to be made in future years. Discounting resulted in reducing
the accrual for public liability and property damage by $6,542,000 and
$8,222,000 at December 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively. Estimated
payments of public liability and property damage as of December 31,
1997 are as follows:
(IN THOUSANDS)
1998 $ 41,150
1999 18,096
2000 10,641
2001 6,357
2002 3,808
Thereafter 3,857
------------
Aggregate undiscounted public liability and property damage 83,909
Effect of discounting 8,222
------------
$ 75,687
============
Liabilities include $4,541,000 and $3,552,000 at December 31, 1996 and
1997, respectively, for the estimated remaining obligations associated
with General Rent-A-Car, a former wholly owned subsidiary of Chrysler
that
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was merged with Dollar on January 1, 1993. The reduction in these
liabilities included the resolution of certain outstanding matters
which resulted in a $5,000,000 reduction in selling, general and
administrative expenses in 1996.
Various claims and legal proceedings have been asserted or instituted
against the Company, including some purporting to be class actions, and
some which demand large monetary damages or other relief which could
result in significant expenditures. Litigation is subject to many
uncertainties, and the outcome of individual matters is not predictable
with assurance. The Company is also subject to potential liability
related to environmental matters. The Company establishes reserves for
litigation and environmental matters when the loss is probable and
reasonably estimable. It is reasonably possible that the final
resolution of some of these matters may require the Company to make
expenditures, in excess of established reserves, over an extended
period of time and in a range of amounts that cannot be reasonably
estimated. The term "reasonably possible" is used herein to mean that
the chance of a future transaction or event occurring is more than
remote but less than likely. Although the final resolution of any such
matters could have a material effect on the Company's consolidated
operating results for the particular reporting period in which an
adjustment of the estimated liability is recorded, the Company believes
that any resulting liability should not materially affect its
consolidated financial position.
In 1995, a judgment was entered against Dollar and its parent for
$8,705,000 plus attorney's fees and interest, relating to certain
litigation with franchisees, which judgment was reversed by the U.S.
Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on November 28, 1997. In January
1998, the plaintiff's motion for reconsideration was denied. Although
the plaintiffs have until April 13, 1998 to seek review by the U.S.
Supreme Court, management believes it is reasonably possible the
Company will ultimately prevail on this matter. Accordingly, in 1997,
the Company reversed certain established reserves in the consolidated
financial statements related to this litigation.
13. CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK AND FAIR VALUE INFORMATION
Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to
concentrations of credit risk consist principally of restricted cash
and investments and trade receivables. The Company limits its exposure
on restricted cash and investments by investing in highly rated funds.
Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are
limited due to the large number of customers comprising the Company's
customer base, and their dispersion across different businesses and
geographic areas.
The following estimated fair values of financial instruments have been
determined by the Company using available market information and
valuation methodologies.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, ACCOUNTS AND NOTES RECEIVABLE, DUE FROM
CHRYSLER, ACCOUNTS PAYABLE, ACCRUED LIABILITIES AND PUBLIC LIABILITY
AND PROPERTY DAMAGE - The carrying amounts of these items are a
reasonable estimate of their fair value.
DEBT AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS - The carrying amounts of debt and other
obligations are a reasonable estimate of their fair value. The
estimated fair value of these obligations is based on rates management
expects to be available to the Company.
LETTER OF CREDIT AND GUARANTEED OBLIGATIONS - The estimated fair value
of these items is $2,972,000 and $946,000 at December 31, 1996 and
1997, respectively.
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14. SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
A summary of the quarterly operating results during 1997 and 1996
follows:
BASIC AND
DILUTED
INCOME (LOSS) EARNINGS
OPERATING BEFORE NET INCOME (LOSS)
REVENUES INCOME INCOME TAXES (LOSS) PER SHARE
(IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
1997
First quarter $ 177,159 $ 18,458 $ (957) $ (1,319) $ (0.07)
Second quarter 214,142 40,770 17,029 9,168 0.45
Third quarter 261,581 55,590 28,486 16,371 0.82
Fourth quarter 191,062 20,512 (3,090) (6,179) (0.30)
--------- --------- --------- --------- -----------
Total year $ 843,944 $ 135,330 $ 41,468 $ 18,041 $ 0.90
========= ========= ========= ========= ===========
1996
First quarter $ 157,558 $ 17,980 $ (596) $ (1,005) $ (0.05)
Second quarter 181,991 28,937 (147,315) (152,477) (7.62)
Third quarter 206,676 47,245 25,141 12,123 0.61
Fourth quarter 159,369 14,031 (7,832) (5,925) (0.30)
--------- --------- --------- --------- -----------
Total year $ 705,594 $ 108,193 $(130,602) $(147,284) $ (7.36)
========= ========= ========= ========= ===========
Operating income in the table above represents pre-tax income (loss)
before interest, amortization of costs in excess of net assets acquired
and intangible asset impairment losses in 1996.
The tax provision in the fourth quarter of 1997 includes a $4,314,000
one-time income tax charge related to the Company's separation from
Chrysler.
The Company recorded an intangible asset impairment loss of
$155,000,000 in the second quarter of 1996 related to Chrysler's
decision to dispose of Thrifty as a non-core asset. An impairment loss
of $2,758,000 was recorded in the fourth quarter of 1996 related to
TCL.
15. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Company has adopted a long-term incentive plan ("LTIP") under which
the Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the Compensation
Committee, is authorized to award stock options (including both
non-qualified stock options and incentive stock options), stock
appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance share awards and
other stock-based incentive awards. Ten percent of the Company's common
stock outstanding is authorized for issuance under the LTIP, with an
evergreen provision that allows for the number of shares reserved to be
held constant at 10% of shares outstanding.
In January 1998, initial stock option awards of 1,184,700 were granted
to approximately 170 employees, including each of the executive
officers, and 15,000 stock option awards were granted to Directors at
an exercise price per share equal to the initial public offering price
of $20.50. These options vest in three equal annual installments
commencing on the first anniversary of the grant date and expire in
December 2007. Under certain circumstances, including a change in
control of the Company, the options would be exercisable immediately.
In addition, 142,500 initial performance share awards were granted to
Company officers and certain key employees, including the executive
officers. Such awards established a target number of shares that may be
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earned in three equal annual installments commencing on the first
anniversary of the grant date. The number of performance shares
ultimately earned is expected to range from zero to 200% of the target
award, depending on the level of corporate performance each year
against business plan and stock price appreciation targets established
on the grant date. Any performance share installments not earned as of
a given anniversary date are forfeited. Performance shares earned are
delivered on the third anniversary of the initial grant, provided the
grantee is then employed by the Company. Values of the performance
shares earned will be recognized as compensation expense over the
vesting period of the grants.
The Company has elected to follow Accounting Principles Board Opinion
No. 25 "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" and related
interpretations in accounting for its stock option plans. The Company
has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting
for Stock-Based Compensation."
Effective January 31, 1998, the franchise agreement with Dollar's major
franchisee in Europe was terminated and, effective February 1, 1998,
Dollar entered into a three-year agreement with Europcar International,
S.A. for the exchange of European and U.S. vehicle rental reservations.
The agreement may be terminated upon twelve months prior written notice
by either party.
Effective March 1, 1998, Dollar acquired certain assets and assumed
certain liabilities of its former San Diego franchisee. Dollar paid
approximately $1,500,000 and assumed net liabilities of approximately
$15,000.
On March 4, 1998, the Company, through a newly formed special purpose
financing subsidiary, Dollar Thrifty Funding Corp., established a
$615,000,000 Commercial Paper Program as a part of its existing asset
backed note program. The Company will use the proceeds for financing of
vehicle purchases and for periodic refinancing of asset backed notes.
Concurrently with the establishment of the Commercial Paper Program,
the Company also entered into a $545,000,000 Liquidity Facility to
support the Commercial Paper Program. The Liquidity Facility provides
the Commercial Paper Program with an alternative source of funding if
the Company is unable to refinance maturing commercial paper by issuing
new commercial paper.
* * * * * *
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SCHEDULE II
DOLLAR THRIFTY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT ADDITIONS BALANCE AT
BEGINNING CHARGED TO END OF
OF YEAR INCOME DEDUCTIONS YEAR
(IN THOUSANDS)
1997
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 16,622 $ 2,942 $ (6,819) $ 12,745
======== ======== ======== ========
Public liability and property damage $ 63,235 $ 51,708 $(39,256) $ 75,687
======== ======== ======== ========
1996
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 19,340 $ 8,404 $(11,122) $ 16,622
======== ======== ======== ========
Public liability and property damage $ 59,349 $ 36,650 $(32,764) $ 63,235
======== ======== ======== ========
1995
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 19,962 $ 5,434 $ (6,056) $ 19,340
======== ======== ======== ========
Public liability and property damage $ 58,057 $ 29,242 $(27,950) $ 59,349
======== ======== ======== ========
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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
There were no changes in accountants or disagreements on matters
related to accounting or financial disclosure during the fiscal years ended
December 31, 1997 and 1996.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the
Company's executive officers and directors:
NAME Age(1) Position(2)
- ---- ------ -----------
Joseph E. Cappy....... 63 Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer,
President and Director
Donald M. Himelfarb... 52 Executive Vice President and Director, and President of
Thrifty
Gary L. Paxton........ 51 Executive Vice President and Director, and President of
Dollar
Steven B. Hildebrand.. 43 Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Thomas P. Capo........ 46 Director
Edward J. Hogan....... 70 Director
Edward C. Lumley...... 58 Director
John C. Pope.......... 48 Director
John P. Tierney....... 66 Director
Edward L. Wax......... 60 Director
- ----------
(1) As of December 31, 1997.
(2) Messrs. Cappy, Himelfarb, Paxton, Hildebrand and Capo were appointed or
elected to their respective positions with the Company in November
1997. Messrs. Hogan, Lumley, Pope, Tierney and Wax were elected
directors of the Company in December 1997.
Joseph E. Cappy served as a Vice President of Chrysler since August
1987, with responsibility for rental car operations from June 1993 to December
1997, international operations from May 1990 to June 1993, brand development
from November 1989 to May 1990, and Chrysler's Jeep/Eagle Division from August
1987 to November 1989. Mr. Cappy was previously President, Chief Executive
Officer and a Director of American Motors Corporation ("AMC"), and General
Marketing Manager of Ford Motor Company's Lincoln-Mercury Division.
Donald M. Himelfarb has been President and Chief Executive Officer of
Thrifty since July 1992. Mr. Himelfarb has served as a Director of TCL since
August 1990, and served as President of TCL from August 1990 to June 1992. He
previously served as President of Car Rental and Leasing for Marks Rentals, a
holding company that owned a Thrifty franchise and other properties. Mr.
Himelfarb is a Director of the American Car Rental Association.
Gary L. Paxton has been President of Dollar since December 1990. He has
served in several senior management positions with Dollar since 1972, including
Senior Vice President of Operations and Properties and Vice
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President of Properties and Facilities. Mr. Paxton is also a Director and
President-Elect of the American Car Rental Association.
Steven B. Hildebrand has been Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer of Thrifty since August 1995. He has served in various senior
management positions with Thrifty and Pentastar Transportation Group, Inc. (the
predecessor of the Company) since 1987, including Vice President of Finance and
Treasurer for Pentastar, a Director of Thrifty and a Director of TCL.
Thomas P. Capo has been Vice President and Treasurer of Chrysler since
May 1993. He was elected Treasurer of Chrysler in November 1991. Mr. Capo is
also a Director of Chrysler Financial Corporation and Chrysler Canada Ltd.
Edward J. Hogan has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
Pleasant Travel Service, a tour operator specializing in vacations in Hawaii,
since April 1959. Mr. Hogan has also served as a Director of Castle & Cooke,
which has large holdings of real estate in Hawaii, since October 1993. Mr. Hogan
has been a member of the Board of Trustees of Loyola Marymount University since
May 1990 and is a member of the National Advisory Board of the National Academy
of Travel and Tourism, the United States Tour Operators, the American Society of
Travel Agents and the Hawaii Visitors Bureau.
Edward C. Lumley has been Vice Chairman of the investment banking firm
Nesbitt Burns, Inc. since August 1994. From January 1992 to August 1994, Mr.
Lumley served as Vice Chairman of the investment banking firm Burns Fry,
Limited. Mr. Lumley previously served as a Member of the Canadian Parliament and
as Minister of International Trade, Industry, Trade and Commerce,
Communications, and Science and Technology. Mr. Lumley is also a Director of Air
Canada, BCE Mobile Communications, Inc., Canadian National Company, Magna
International Inc., Gendis Inc., DY4 Systems Inc. and AIT Corporation.
John C. Pope has been the Chairman of the Board of MotivePower
Industries, Inc. since January 1996 and a Director since May 1995. Mr. Pope has
served in various executive positions with UAL Corporation ("UAL") and United
Airlines, Inc. ("United") since January 1988, including President and Chief
Operating Officer of UAL Corporation and United from April 1992 to July 1994,
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of UAL and Chief
Financial Officer of United from November 1990 to April 1992 and Executive Vice
President, Marketing and Planning of United from May 1989 to October 1990. Prior
thereto, Mr. Pope served as Chief Financial Officer of AMR Corporation and
American Airlines, Inc. Mr. Pope is also a Director of Federal-Mogul
Corporation, Wallace Computer Services, Inc., Medaphis Corporation, Lamalie
Associates, Inc. and Waste Management, Inc.
John P. Tierney was the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
Chrysler Financial Corporation, the financial services subsidiary of Chrysler,
from August 1987 until his retirement in December 1994. Prior to joining
Chrysler in 1987, he was the Chief Financial Officer of AMC. Mr. Tierney is also
a Director of the American Financial Services Association, the ContiFinancial
Corporation and Charter One Financial, Inc.
Edward L. Wax has been Chairman of Saatchi & Saatchi Advertising
Worldwide, an advertising firm with considerable experience in the travel
industry, since May 1997. Mr. Wax was Chief Executive Officer of Saatchi &
Saatchi Advertising Worldwide from February 1992 to May 1997. From June 1989 to
February 1992, Mr. Wax served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Saatchi
& Saatchi North America. Mr. Wax is also a Director of Golf Trust of America,
Inc., the National Council of Northeastern University and The Ad Council.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Directors who are not officers or employees of the Group or any of its
affiliates will be paid an annual board retainer of $20,000, payable in shares
of Common Stock, and an attendance fee of $1,000 for each meeting of the Board
of Directors and $1,000 for each meeting of a committee thereof ($1,500 in the
case of a committee chairman), in each case
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payable in cash. Each non-employee director will also receive the use of a new
vehicle each year while serving as a director, together with insurance coverage.
In addition, non-employee directors will receive options to purchase
3,000 shares of Common Stock at the initial public offering price. Thereafter,
non-employee directors will receive grants of options for the same number of
shares each year upon their re-election at the annual meeting of stockholders.
Such stock options will be exercisable in three equal annual installments
beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date at a price equal to the
fair market value of a share of common stock on the grant date. The stock
options would become exercisable immediately in the event of a change in control
of the Company.
The Company will not pay any compensation for service as a director to
directors who receive compensation as officers or employees of the Company or
any of its affiliates. Thomas P. Capo will not receive compensation for services
as a director. In addition, all the above arrangements relating to director
compensation were not instituted until the year beginning January 1, 1998. In
January 1998, a total of 15,000 options for shares were granted to the
independent directors.
CERTAIN UNDERSTANDINGS
In connection with the continuing credit support to the Group for fleet
financing, the Company agreed to nominate and support a Chrysler designee to its
Board of Directors. Thomas P. Capo, who is a Chrysler Vice President and its
Treasurer, currently holds the Company directorship designated by Chrysler. The
Company's agreements relating to this position expire upon termination of
Chrysler credit support and repayment of any sums due in connection therewith.
See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources -- Chrysler Credit Support."
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, the following officers
and directors of the Company were delinquent in filing their Initial Report on
Form 3 under Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by the
required due date: Joseph E. Cappy, Donald M. Himelfarb, Gary L. Paxton, Steven
B. Hildebrand, Thomas P. Capo, Edward J. Hogan, Edward C. Lumley, John C. Pope,
John P. Tierney and Edward L. Wax. The forms were required to be filed on
December 16, 1997 (the effective date of the Company's Registration Statement
for the Offering) but were filed on December 17, 1997.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table summarizes the compensation earned by certain
executive officers of the Group for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997.
ANNUAL COMPENSATION LONG TERM COMPENSATION
--------------------- ----------------------- ALL OTHER
NAME SALARY BONUS AWARDS(a) PAYOUTS(b) COMPENSATION(c)
- ---- -------- -------- -------- ---------- ---------------
Joseph E. Cappy,
Chairman of the Board,
Chief Executive Officer
and President (d) ......... -- -- -- -- --
Gary L. Paxton,
Executive Vice President
and President - Dollar .... $260,300 $244,031 $146,419 $ 87,225 $ 40,195
Donald M. Himelfarb,
Executive Vice President
and President - Thrifty ... $233,700 -- -- $ 52,916 $ 27,645
Steven B. Hildebrand,
Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer ......... $169,500 $ 30,510 $ 17,798 $ 31,299 $ 20,546
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- ----------
(a) Represents amounts earned with respect to the year ended December 31,
1997 under the Group's executive retention plan payable in three equal
annual installments that commence in December 1998.
(b) Represents amounts distributed under the Group's executive retention
plan with respect to awards earned prior to the year ended December 31,
1997.
(c) Represents the Group's contributions to its qualified and non-qualified
defined contribution plans and life and disability insurance premiums.
(d) During 1997 Mr. Cappy served as an officer of the Company and Chrysler
but received all of his compensation from Chrysler.
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
The Company has adopted a long-term incentive plan (the "LTIP").
Initial awards under the LTIP were not made until after December 31, 1997. The
LTIP is intended to provide incentives to officers and other key employees of
the Group that serve to align their interests with those of stockholders. Under
the LTIP, the Board of Directors upon the recommendation of the Compensation
Committee is authorized to award: (1) stock options (including both
non-qualified stock options and "incentive stock options"), (2) stock
appreciation rights, (3) restricted stock, (4) performance share awards and (5)
other stock-based incentive awards. The LTIP is intended to qualify for the
performance-based exclusion from the deduction limitation of Section 162(m) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
A total of 10% of the shares of the Company's common stock outstanding
(2,412,798 shares) are authorized for issuance under the LTIP. If the number of
outstanding shares increases, 10% of the amount of newly issued shares is
automatically reserved for issuance under the LTIP.
Initial stock option awards of 1,184,700 were granted to approximately
170 employees, including each of the named executive officers, at an exercise
price per share equal to the initial public offering price. Such options become
exercisable in three equal annual installments commencing on the first
anniversary of the grant date. Under certain circumstances, including a change
of control of the Company, the options would be exercisable immediately.
In addition, 142,500 initial performance share awards were granted to
Company officers and certain key employees, including each of the named
executive officers. Such awards established a target number of shares that may
be earned in three equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary
of the grant date. The number of performance shares ultimately earned by a
grantee would be expected to range from zero to 200% of the grantee's target
award, depending on the level of corporate performance each year against
business plan and stock price appreciation targets established on the grant
date. Any performance share installments not earned as of a given anniversary
date would be forfeited. Performance shares earned would be delivered to the
grantee on the third anniversary of the initial grant date, provided the grantee
is then employed by the Group. Under certain circumstances, including a change
of control of the Company, the performance shares earned would be delivered
immediately. Values of the performance shares earned will be recognized as
compensation expense over the vesting period of the grants.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
There exist no interlocks or insider participation with respect to the
Compensation Committee of the Board for the Company to report.
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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information as of March 6, 1998,
with respect to the number of shares of Common Stock owned by each person known
by the Company to own beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding shares of the
Common Stock:
NAME AND ADDRESS AMOUNT AND NATURE
OF BENEFICIAL OWNER OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP PERCENT OF CLASS (1)
- ------------------- ----------------------- --------------------
Putnam Investments, Inc. (2) 2,615,450 10.8%
One Post Office Square
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
- -------
(1) Based upon 24,127,980 shares of Common Stock outstanding.
(2) Putnam Investments, Inc. ("PI") owns Putnam Investment Management, Inc.
and The Putnam Advisory Company, Inc. which own 2,161,100 and 454,350
shares of Common Stock, respectively. In its Schedule 13G dated
February 6, 1998, PI has disclaimed voting or disposition power over
the 2,615,450 shares.
The following table sets forth certain information as of March 6, 1998,
with respect to the number of shares of Common Stock owned by (i) each director
of the Company (with the exception of Thomas P. Capo who owns no common stock),
(ii) each named executive officer of the Company, and (iii) all directors and
executive officers of the Company as a group:
NAME AND ADDRESS AMOUNT AND NATURE
OF BENEFICIAL OWNER OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP PERCENT OF CLASS (1)
- ------------------- ----------------------- --------------------
Joseph E. Cappy 75,100 (2) Less than 1%
5330 East 31st Street
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74135
Donald M. Himelfarb 2,500 Less than 1%
5330 East 31st Street
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74135
Gary L. Paxton 7,500 Less than 1%
5330 East 31st Street
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74135
Steven B. Hildebrand 2,000 Less than 1%
5330 East 31st Street
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74135
Edward J. Hogan 5,975 Less than 1%
2404 Townsgate Road
Westlake Village, California 91361
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65
Edward C. Lumley 1,975 Less than 1%
1 First Canadian Place, 4th Floor
Post Office Box 150
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5X1H3
John C. Pope 3,975 Less than 1%
810 South Ridge Road
Lake Forest, Illinois 60045
John P. Tierney 3,975 Less than 1%
3688 Quail Hollow
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48302
Edward L. Wax 1,975 Less than 1%
375 Hudson Street
New York, New York 10014-3620
All executive officers and directors 104,975 Less than 1%
as a group
- -----------
(1) Based on 24,127,980 shares of Common Stock outstanding.
(2) Consists of (i) 50,100 shares owned of record by Mr. Cappy, and (ii)
25,000 shares beneficially owned by Mr. Cappy's wife.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Thomas P. Capo, a director of the Company, is the Vice President and
Treasurer of Chrysler. Chrysler has certain material continuing financial and
commercial arrangements with the Group. See "Business -- Fleet Acquisition and
Management" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources -- Chrysler Credit
Support."
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) Documents filed as a part of this report
(1) All Financial Statements. The response to this portion of Item
14 is submitted as a separate section herein under Part II,
Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
(2) Financial Statement Schedules. Schedule II - Valuation and
Qualifying Accounts - Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and
1995 is set forth under Part II - Item 8 - Financial
Statements and Supplementary Data. All other schedules are
omitted because they are not applicable or the information is
shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.
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(3) Index of Exhibits
EXHIBIT NO. Description
----------- -----------
1.1 Form of U.S. Underwriting Agreement, filed as the same numbered
exhibit with the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, as
amended, Registration No. 333-39661, which became effective
December 16, 1997*
1.2 Form of Subscription Agreement, filed as the same numbered
exhibit with the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, as
amended, Registration No. 333-39661, which became effective
December 16, 1997*
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, filed as the same
numbered exhibit with the Company's Registration Statement on
Form S-1, as amended, Registration No. 333-39661, which became
effective December 16, 1997*
3.2 By-Laws of the Company, filed as the same numbered exhibit with
the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended,
Registration No. 333-39661, which became effective December 16,
1997*
4.1 Form of Certificate of Common Stock, filed as the same numbered
exhibit with the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, as
amended, Registration No. 333-39661, which became effective
December 16, 1997*
4.2 Base Indenture dated as of December 13, 1995 between Thrifty Car
Rental Finance Corporation and Bankers Trust Company, filed as
the same numbered exhibit with the Company's Registration
Statement on Form S-1, as amended, Registration No. 333-39661,
which became effective December 16, 1997*
4.3 Series 1995-1 Supplement to Base Indenture dated as of December
13, 1995 between Thrifty Car Rental Finance Corporation and
Bankers Trust Company, filed as the same numbered exhibit with
the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended,
Registration No. 333-39661, which became effective December 16,
1997*
4.4 Master Motor Vehicle Lease and Servicing Agreement dated as of
December 13, 1995 between Thrifty Car Rental Finance Corporation
and Thrifty, filed as the same numbered exhibit with the
Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended,
Registration No. 333-39661, which became effective December 16,
1997*
4.5 Master Collateral Agency Agreement dated as of December 13, 1995
between Thrifty Car Rental Finance Corporation and Bankers Trust
Company, filed as the same numbered exhibit with the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended, Registration No.
333- 39661, which became effective December 16, 1997*
4.6 Form of Revolving Credit Agreement among the Company, Dollar,
Thrifty and the Institutions named therein, filed as the same
numbered exhibit with the Company's Registration Statement on
Form S-1, as amended, Registration No. 333-39661, which became
effective December 16, 1997*
4.7 Form of Series 1997-1 Supplement to Base Indenture between Rental
Car Finance Corp. and Bankers Trust Company, filed as the same
numbered exhibit with the Company's Registration Statement on
Form S-1, as amended, Registration No. 333-39661, which became
effective December 16, 1997*
4.8 Form of Master Motor Vehicle Lease and Servicing Agreement among
the Company, Dollar, Thrifty and Rental Car Finance Corp., filed
as the same numbered exhibit with the Company's Registration
Statement on Form S-1, as amended, Registration No. 333-39661,
which became effective December 16, 1997*
4.9 Commitment Letter dated November 19, 1997, among Credit Suisse
First Boston, The Chase Manhattan Bank, Chase Securities Inc.,
Dollar, Thrifty and the Company regarding a $230,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility and a $545,000,000 Commercial Paper
Liquidity Facility and related Term Sheet, filed as the same
numbered exhibit with the Company's Registration Statement on
Form S-1, as amended, Registration No. 333-39661, which became
effective December 16, 1997*
4.10 Amended and Restated Master Collateral Agency Agreement dated as
of December 23, 1997 among the Company, Rental Car Finance Corp.,
Thrifty, Dollar and Bankers Trust Company, filed as the same
numbered exhibit with the Company's Form 8-K, filed March 16,
1998*
4.11 Chrysler Support Letter of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement
dated as of December 23, 1997 among Chrysler, Dollar, Thrifty,
the Company, TRAC Team, Inc. and DTAG Services, Inc., filed as
the same numbered exhibit with the Company's Form 8-K, filed
March 16, 1998*
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67
4.12 Series 1998-1 Supplement to Base Indenture dated as of March 4,
1998 between Rental Car Finance Corp. and Bankers Trust Company,
filed as the same numbered exhibit with the Company's Form 8-K,
filed March 16, 1998*
4.13 Master Motor Vehicle Lease and Servicing Agreement dated as of
March 4, 1998 among the Company, Dollar, Thrifty and Rental Car
Finance Corp., filed as the same numbered exhibit with the
Company's Form 8-K, filed March 16, 1998*
4.14 Note Purchase Agreement dated as of March 4, 1998 among Rental
Car Finance Corp., Dollar Thrifty Funding Corp. and Credit Suisse
First Boston, filed as the same numbered exhibit with the
Company's Form 8-K, filed March 16, 1998*
4.15 Liquidity Agreement dated as of March 4, 1998 among Dollar
Thrifty Funding Corp., Certain Financial Institutions and Credit
Suisse First Boston, filed as the same numbered exhibit with the
Company's Form 8-K, filed March 16, 1998*
4.16 Depositary Agreement dated as of March 4, 1998 between Dollar
Thrifty Funding Corp. and Bankers Trust Company, filed as the
same numbered exhibit with the Company's Form 8-K, filed March
16, 1998*
4.17 Collateral Agreement dated as of March 4, 1998 among Dollar
Thrifty Funding Corp., Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation and
Bankers Trust Company, filed as the same numbered exhibit with
the Company's Form 8-K, filed March 16, 1998*
4.18 Dealer Agreement dated as of March 4, 1998 among Dollar Thrifty
Funding Corp., the Company, Credit Suisse First Boston
Corporation and Chase Securities, Inc., filed as the same
numbered exhibit with the Company's Form 8-K, filed March 16,
1998*
5 Opinion of Debevoise & Plimpton regarding legality of the Common
Stock, filed as the same numbered exhibit with the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended, Registration No.
333-39661, which became effective December 16, 1997*
10.1 Vehicle Supply Agreement between Chrysler and Dollar, filed as
the same numbered exhibit with the Company's Registration
Statement on Form S-1, as amended, Registration No. 333- 39661,
which became effective December 16, 1997*
10.2 Amended and Restated Vehicle Supply Agreement between Chrysler
and Thrifty, filed as the same numbered exhibit with the
Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended,
Registration No. 333-39661, which became effective December 16,
1997*
10.3 [Reserved]
10.4 [Reserved]
10.5 [Reserved]
10.6 [Reserved]
10.7 [Reserved]
10.8 Pentastar Transportation Group, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan,
filed as the same numbered exhibit with the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended, Registration No.
333-39661, which became effective December 16, 1997*
10.9 Pentastar Transportation Group, Inc. Executive Retention Plan,
filed as the same numbered exhibit with the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended, Registration No.
333-39661, which became effective December 16, 1997*
10.10 Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan,
filed as the same numbered exhibit with the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended, Registration No.
333-39661, which became effective December 16, 1997*
10.11 Tax Sharing and Disaffiliation Agreement between Chrysler
Corporation and Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc., filed as
the same numbered exhibit with the Company's Registration
Statement on Form S-1, as amended, Registration No. 333-39661,
which became effective December 16, 1997*
10.12 Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Company and
Chrysler, filed as the same numbered exhibit with the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended, Registration No.
333-39661, which became effective December 16, 1997*
21 Subsidiaries of the Company**
23.2 Consent of Debevoise & Plimpton (included in Exhibit 5), filed as
the same numbered exhibit with the Company's Registration
Statement on Form S-1, as amended, Registration No. 333-39661,
which became effective December 16, 1997*
23.3 Consent of Donovan Leisure Newton & Irvine LLP, filed as the same
numbered exhibit with the Company's Registration Statement on
Form S-1, as amended, Registration No. 333- 39661, which became
effective December 16, 1997*
27.1 Financial Data Schedule**
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- ----------
* Incorporated by reference
** Filed herewith
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
No report on Form 8-K was filed by the Company during or applicable to
the quarter ended December 31, 1997.
(c) Filed Exhibits
The response to this item is submitted as a separate section of this
report.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Tulsa,
Oklahoma, on March 20, 1998.
DOLLAR THRIFTY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.
By: /s/ JOSEPH E. CAPPY
---------------------------------
Name: Joseph E. Cappy
Title: President and Principal
Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
this report has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and
on the dates indicated.
NAME Title Date
- ------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ---------------
/s/ STEVEN B. HILDEBRAND Vice President, Principal Financial March 20, 1998
- ------------------------ Officer and Principal Accounting
Steven B. Hildebrand Officer
/s/ JOSEPH E. CAPPY Director March 20, 1998
- ------------------------
Joseph E. Cappy
/s/ DONALD M. HIMELFARB Director March 20, 1998
- ------------------------
Donald M. Himelfarb
/s/ GARY L. PAXTON Director March 20, 1998
- ------------------------
Gary L. Paxton
/s/ THOMAS P. CAPO Director March 20, 1998
- ------------------------
Thomas P. Capo
/s/ EDWARD J. HOGAN Director March 20, 1998
- ------------------------
Edward J. Hogan
/s/ EDWARD C. LUMLEY Director March 20, 1998
- ------------------------
Edward C. Lumley
/s/ JOHN C. POPE Director March 20, 1998
- ------------------------
John C. Pope
/s/ JOHN P. TIERNEY Director March 20, 1998
- ------------------------
John P. Tierney
/s/ EDWARD L. WAX Director March 20, 1998
- ------------------------
Edward L. Wax
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INDEX TO EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION
- -------------- -----------
21 Subsidiaries of the Company
27.1 Financial Data Schedule
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