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EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - CONNS INC | conns4302016ex321.htm |
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - CONNS INC | conns4302016ex312.htm |
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - CONNS INC | conns4302016ex311.htm |
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
x | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended April 30, 2016
or
o | 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 001-34956
CONN'S, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 06-1672840 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) | |
4055 Technology Forest Blvd, Suite 210, The Woodlands, TX | 77381 | |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (936) 230-5899
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (l) 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 ý No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ý No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer | ý | Accelerated filer | o | |
Non-accelerated filer | o | (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | Smaller reporting company | o |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o No ý
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of May 26, 2016:
Class | Outstanding | |
Common stock, $0.01 par value per share | 30,698,177 |
CONN'S, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
FOR THE FISCAL QUARTER ENDED APRIL 30, 2016
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No. | ||||
PART I. | FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |||
Item 1. | Financial Statements | |||
Item 2. | ||||
Item 3. | ||||
Item 4. | ||||
PART II. | OTHER INFORMATION | |||
Item 1. | ||||
Item 1A. | ||||
Item 2. | ||||
Item 3. | ||||
Item 4. | ||||
Item 5. | ||||
Item 6. | ||||
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes our trademarks such as "Conn's," "Conn's HomePlus," "YES Money," "YE$ Money," and our logos, which are protected under applicable intellectual property laws and are the property of Conn's, Inc. This report also contains trademarks, service marks, trade names and copyrights of other companies, which are the property of their respective owners. Solely for convenience, trademarks and trade names referred to in this Quarterly Report may appear without the ® or TM symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that we will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights or the rights of the applicable licensor to these trademarks and trade names.
Unless the context otherwise indicates, references to "Conn's," the "Company," "we," "us," and "our" refer to the consolidated business operations of Conn's, Inc., its consolidated VIEs, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries.
PART I. | FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
ITEM 1. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
CONN'S, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(unaudited and in thousands, except per share data)
April 30, 2016 | January 31, 2016 | ||||||
Assets | |||||||
Current assets: | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 11,542 | $ | 12,254 | |||
Restricted cash (all held by VIEs) | 94,072 | 64,151 | |||||
Customer accounts receivable, net of allowances (includes balances for VIEs of $601,481 and $390,150, respectively) | 727,079 | 743,931 | |||||
Other accounts receivable | 84,558 | 95,404 | |||||
Inventories | 181,543 | 201,969 | |||||
Income taxes recoverable | 15,393 | 10,774 | |||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 19,300 | 20,092 | |||||
Total current assets | 1,133,487 | 1,148,575 | |||||
Long-term portion of customer accounts receivable, net of allowances (includes balances for VIEs of $416,766 and $331,254, respectively) | 596,889 | 631,645 | |||||
Long-term restricted cash (all held by VIEs) | 25,002 | 14,425 | |||||
Property and equipment, net | 163,626 | 151,483 | |||||
Deferred income taxes | 69,264 | 70,219 | |||||
Other assets | 8,557 | 8,953 | |||||
Total assets | $ | 1,996,825 | $ | 2,025,300 | |||
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity | |||||||
Current liabilities: | |||||||
Current maturities of capital lease obligations | $ | 769 | $ | 799 | |||
Accounts payable | 97,515 | 86,797 | |||||
Accrued compensation and related expenses | 7,568 | 9,337 | |||||
Accrued expenses | 36,332 | 30,037 | |||||
Income taxes payable | 2,999 | 2,823 | |||||
Deferred revenues and other credits | 17,298 | 16,332 | |||||
Total current liabilities | 162,481 | 146,125 | |||||
Deferred rent | 82,848 | 74,559 | |||||
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations (includes balances of VIEs of $905,201 and $699,515, respectively) | 1,203,361 | 1,248,879 | |||||
Other long-term liabilities | 17,920 | 17,456 | |||||
Total liabilities | 1,466,610 | 1,487,019 | |||||
Commitments and contingencies | |||||||
Stockholders' equity: | |||||||
Preferred stock ($0.01 par value, 1,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding) | — | — | |||||
Common stock ($0.01 par value, 100,000 shares authorized; 30,695 and 30,630 shares issued, respectively) | 307 | 306 | |||||
Additional paid-in capital | 86,891 | 85,209 | |||||
Retained earnings | 443,017 | 452,766 | |||||
Total stockholders' equity | 530,215 | 538,281 | |||||
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | 1,996,825 | $ | 2,025,300 |
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
1
CONN'S, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited and in thousands, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended April 30, | |||||||
2016 | 2015 | ||||||
Revenues: | |||||||
Product sales | $ | 286,490 | $ | 271,626 | |||
Repair service agreement commissions | 28,185 | 23,796 | |||||
Service revenues | 3,867 | 3,057 | |||||
Total net sales | 318,542 | 298,479 | |||||
Finance charges and other revenues | 70,571 | 66,597 | |||||
Total revenues | 389,113 | 365,076 | |||||
Costs and expenses: | |||||||
Cost of goods sold | 204,466 | 187,133 | |||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 113,247 | 95,675 | |||||
Provision for bad debts | 58,218 | 47,543 | |||||
Charges and credits | 526 | 619 | |||||
Total costs and expenses | 376,457 | 330,970 | |||||
Operating income | 12,656 | 34,106 | |||||
Interest expense | 25,896 | 9,428 | |||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | (13,240 | ) | 24,678 | ||||
Provision (benefit) for income taxes | (3,491 | ) | 9,001 | ||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (9,749 | ) | $ | 15,677 | ||
Earnings (loss) per share: | |||||||
Basic | $ | (0.32 | ) | $ | 0.43 | ||
Diluted | $ | (0.32 | ) | $ | 0.43 | ||
Weighted average common shares outstanding: | |||||||
Basic | 30,661 | 36,365 | |||||
Diluted | 30,661 | 36,880 |
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
2
CONN'S, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited and in thousands)
Three Months Ended April 30, | |||||||
2016 | 2015 | ||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (9,749 | ) | $ | 15,677 | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||
Depreciation | 6,636 | 4,777 | |||||
Amortization of debt issuance costs | 7,730 | 831 | |||||
Provision for bad debts and uncollectible interest | 67,860 | 55,961 | |||||
Stock-based compensation expense | 1,297 | 872 | |||||
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation | (1 | ) | (100 | ) | |||
Charges, net of credits, for store and facility closures | — | 425 | |||||
Deferred income taxes | 955 | (4,651 | ) | ||||
Gain on sale of property and equipment | (178 | ) | (187 | ) | |||
Tenant improvement allowances received from landlords | 6,972 | 1,391 | |||||
Change in operating assets and liabilities: | |||||||
Customer accounts receivable | (16,253 | ) | (66,513 | ) | |||
Other accounts receivable | 11,745 | 3,311 | |||||
Inventories | 20,426 | 29,679 | |||||
Other assets | 864 | 340 | |||||
Accounts payable | 8,718 | 7,450 | |||||
Accrued expenses | 4,360 | (5,874 | ) | ||||
Income taxes | (4,443 | ) | 13,258 | ||||
Deferred rent, revenues and other credits | 1,714 | (296 | ) | ||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 108,653 | 56,351 | |||||
Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||
Purchase of property and equipment | (16,996 | ) | (9,602 | ) | |||
Proceeds from sale of property | 696 | 35 | |||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (16,300 | ) | (9,567 | ) | |||
Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||
Proceeds from issuance of asset-backed notes | 493,540 | — | |||||
Payments on asset-backed notes | (289,639 | ) | — | ||||
Changes in restricted cash balances | (40,498 | ) | — | ||||
Borrowings from revolving credit facility | 170,393 | 63,041 | |||||
Payments on revolving credit facility | (421,735 | ) | (117,400 | ) | |||
Payment of debt issuance costs and amendment fees | (5,289 | ) | — | ||||
Proceeds from stock issued under employee benefit plans | 385 | 342 | |||||
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation | 1 | 100 | |||||
Other | (223 | ) | (131 | ) | |||
Net cash used in financing activities | (93,065 | ) | (54,048 | ) | |||
Net change in cash and cash equivalents | (712 | ) | (7,264 | ) | |||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 12,254 | 12,223 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 11,542 | $ | 4,959 | |||
Non-cash investing and financing activities: | |||||||
Property and equipment purchases not yet paid | $ | 6,476 | $ | 3,038 | |||
Supplemental cash flow data: | |||||||
Cash interest paid | $ | 18,448 | $ | 7,257 | |||
Cash income taxes paid, net | $ | 61 | $ | 342 |
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
CONN'S, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Business. Conn's is a leading specialty retailer that offers a broad selection of quality, branded durable consumer goods and related services in addition to a proprietary credit solution for its core credit constrained consumers. We operate an integrated and scalable business through our retail stores and website. Our complementary product offerings include furniture and mattresses, home appliances, consumer electronics and home office products from leading global brands across a wide range of price points. Our credit offering provides financing solutions to a large, under-served population of credit constrained consumers who typically have limited banking options.
We operate two reportable segments: retail and credit. Our retail stores bear the "Conn's" or "Conn's HomePlus" name with all of our stores providing the same products and services to a common customer group. Our stores follow the same procedures and methods in managing their operations. Our retail business and credit business are operated independently from each other. The credit segment is dedicated to providing short- and medium-term financing for our retail customers. The retail segment is not involved in credit approval decisions. Our management evaluates performance and allocates resources based on the operating results of the retail and credit segments.
Basis of Presentation. The accompanying unaudited, condensed consolidated financial statements of Conn's, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, including the VIEs (as defined below), have been prepared by management in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, we do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements. The accompanying financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for these interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected in future periods. The balance sheet at January 31, 2016 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date. The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2016, filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on March 29, 2016.
Variable Interest Entities. In September 2015, we securitized $1.4 billion of customer accounts receivables by transferring the receivables to a bankruptcy-remote variable-interest entity (the "2015 VIE"). The 2015 VIE issued asset-backed notes at a face amount of $1.12 billion secured by the transferred portfolio balance, which resulted in net proceeds to us of approximately $1.08 billion, net of transaction costs and restricted cash held by the 2015 VIE. The net proceeds were used to pay down the entire balance on our revolving credit facility, to repurchase shares of the Company's common stock and Senior Notes, and for other general corporate purposes.
In March 2016, we securitized $705.1 million of customer accounts receivables by transferring the receivables to a new bankruptcy-remote variable-interest entity (the "2016 VIE" or together with the 2015 VIE, the "VIEs"). The 2016 VIE issued two classes of asset-backed notes at a total face amount of $493.5 million secured by the transferred customer accounts receivables. This resulted in net proceeds to us of approximately $478.0 million, net of transaction costs and restricted cash held by the 2016 VIE. The net proceeds were used to pay down the entire balance on our revolving credit facility and for other general corporate purposes.
We currently hold the residual equity of the VIEs as well as a third class of asset-backed notes of the 2016 VIE, of which we may elect to retain all or a portion of these interests if that is determined to be in our best economic interest. In addition, we retain the servicing of the securitized portfolios. We determined that we have a variable interest in both VIEs and we are the primary beneficiary because (i) our servicing responsibilities for the securitized portfolios give us the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the performance of the VIEs, and (ii) our variable interest in the VIEs gives us the obligation to absorb losses and the right to receive residual returns that could potentially be significant. As a result, while holding all or a significant portion of the residual equity of the VIEs and the third class of asset-backed notes of the 2016 VIE, we will consolidate the VIEs within our financial statements. If we sell all or a significant portion of our interest, we will assess if the transaction achieves sale treatment for accounting purposes, which may result in deconsolidation of one or both of the VIEs. There is no assurance that we will complete a sale of all or a portion of our interest in the VIEs, and there is no assurance we will achieve sale treatment. As a result, we have determined that the securitized portfolios do not meet the criteria for treatment as an asset held for sale, which would require recording at the lower of cost, net of allowances, or fair value. We have not made an adjustment to the customer accounts receivable balance as a result of the transaction or in anticipation of any gain or loss that may occur should a sale of our interest in the VIEs be completed.
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CONN'S, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Principles of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Conn's, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, including the VIEs. Conn's, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is a holding company with no independent assets or operations other than its investments in its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Fiscal Year. Our fiscal year ends on January 31. References to a fiscal year refer to the calendar year in which the fiscal year ends.
Accounting Policies. The complete summary of significant accounting policies is included in the notes to the consolidated financial statements as presented in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2016.
Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The allowance for doubtful accounts, allowances for no-interest option credit programs, and deferred interest are particularly sensitive given the size of our customer portfolio balance.
Earnings per Share. Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share include the potential dilutive effects of any stock-based awards, which is calculated using the treasury-stock method. The following table sets forth the shares outstanding used for the earnings per share calculations:
Three Months Ended April 30, | |||||
(in thousands) | 2016 | 2015 | |||
Weighted average common shares outstanding - Basic | 30,661 | 36,365 | |||
Dilutive effect of stock based awards | — | 515 | |||
Weighted average common shares outstanding - Diluted | 30,661 | 36,880 |
For the three months ended April 30, 2016 and 2015, the weighted average number of shares from stock based awards not included in the calculation due to their anti-dilutive effect was approximately 1.0 million and 0.4 million shares, respectively.
Restricted Cash. The restricted cash balance as of April 30, 2016 and January 31, 2016 includes $94.1 million and $64.2 million, respectively, of cash we collected as servicer on the securitized receivables that was remitted to the VIEs and $25.0 million and $14.4 million, respectively, of cash held by the VIEs as additional collateral for the asset-backed notes.
Customer accounts receivable. Customer accounts receivable reported in the consolidated balance sheet includes total receivables managed, including those transferred to the VIEs and those receivables not transferred to the VIEs. Customer accounts receivable are originated at the time of sale and delivery of the various products and services. Based on contractual terms, we record the amount of principal and accrued interest on customer receivables that is expected to be collected within the next twelve months in current assets with the remaining balance in long-term assets on the consolidated balance sheet. Customer receivables are considered delinquent if a payment has not been received on the scheduled due date. Accounts that are delinquent more than 209 days as of the end of a month are charged-off against the allowance for doubtful accounts and interest accrued subsequent to the last payment is reversed and charged against the allowance for uncollectible interest.
In an effort to mitigate losses on our accounts receivable, we may make loan modifications to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty. In our role as servicer, we may also make modifications to loans held by the VIEs. The loan modifications are intended to maximize net cash flow after expenses and avoid the need to repossess collateral or exercise legal remedies available to us. We may extend or "re-age" a portion of our customer accounts, which involve modifying the payment terms to defer a portion of the cash payments due. Our re-aging of customer accounts does not change the interest rate or the total amount due from the customer and typically does not reduce the monthly contractual payments. To a much lesser extent, we may provide the customer the ability to re-age their obligation by refinancing the account, which does not change the interest rate or the total amount due from the customer but does reduce the monthly contractual payments. We consider accounts that have been re-aged in excess of three months or refinanced as Troubled Debt Restructurings ("TDR" or "Restructured Accounts").
Allowance for doubtful accounts. We establish an allowance for doubtful accounts, including estimated uncollectible interest, to cover probable and estimable losses on our customer accounts receivable resulting from the failure of customers to make contractual payments. Our customer portfolio balance consists of a large number of relatively small, homogeneous accounts. None of our accounts are large enough to warrant individual evaluation for impairment.
We record an allowance for doubtful accounts for our non-TDR customer accounts receivable that we expect to charge-off over the next twelve months based on our historical cash collection and net loss experience using a projection of monthly delinquency performance, cash collections and losses. In addition to pre-charge-off cash collections and charge-off information, estimates of
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CONN'S, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
post-charge-off recoveries, including cash payments, amounts realized from the repossession of the products financed and payments received under credit insurance policies are also considered.
We determine allowances for those accounts that are TDR based on the discounted present value of cash flows expected to be collected over the life of those accounts. The excess of the carrying amount over the discounted cash flow amount is recorded as an allowance for loss on those accounts.
Interest income on customer accounts receivable. Interest income is accrued using the interest method for installment contracts and is reflected in finance charges and other revenues. Typically, interest income is accrued until the customer account is paid off or charged-off, and we provide an allowance for estimated uncollectible interest. Interest income on installment contracts with our customers is based on the rule of 78s. In order to convert the interest income recognized to the interest method, we have recorded the excess earnings of rule of 78s over the interest method as deferred revenue on our balance sheets. Our calculation of interest income also includes an estimate of the benefit from future prepayments based on our historical experience. The deferred interest will ultimately be brought into income as the accounts pay off or charge-off. At April 30, 2016 and January 31, 2016, there were $5.8 million and $5.2 million, respectively, of deferred interest included in deferred revenues and other credits and other long-term liabilities.
We offer 12-month, no-interest finance programs. If the customer is delinquent in making a scheduled monthly payment or does not repay the principal in full by the end of the no-interest program period (grace periods are provided), the account does not qualify for the no-interest provision and none of the interest earned is waived. Interest income is recognized based on our historical experience related to customers that fail to satisfy the requirements of the programs. We previously offered 18- and 24-month equal-payment, no-interest finance programs to certain higher credit quality borrowers, which were discounted to their present value at origination, resulting in a reduction in sales and customer receivables, and the discount amount is amortized into finance charges and other revenues over the term of the contract. If a customer is delinquent in making a scheduled monthly payment (grace periods are provided), the account begins accruing interest based on the contract rate from the date of the last payment made.
We recognize interest income on TDR accounts using the interest income method, which requires reporting interest income equal to the increase in the net carrying amount of the loan attributable to the passage of time. Cash proceeds and other adjustments are applied to the net carrying amount such that it always equals the present value of expected future cash flows.
We typically only place accounts in non-accrual status when legally required. Payments received on non-accrual loans will be applied to principal and reduce the amount of the loan. Interest accrual is resumed on those accounts once a legally-mandated settlement arrangement is reached or other payment arrangements are made with the customer. At April 30, 2016 and January 31, 2016, customer receivables carried in non-accrual status were $21.9 million and $20.6 million, respectively. At April 30, 2016 and January 31, 2016, customer receivables that were past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest totaled $98.7 million and $115.1 million, respectively.
Income Taxes. For the three months ended April 30, 2016, we utilized the actual effective tax rate (discrete method) in determining income tax expense rather than the estimated annual effective tax rate, which we used for the three months ended April 30, 2015, as we determined that small changes in the estimated fiscal 2017 pre-tax income would result in significant changes to the estimated annual effective tax rate.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are categorized using defined hierarchical levels related to subjectivity associated with the inputs to fair value measurements as follows:
• | Level 1 – Quoted prices available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities |
• | Level 2 – Pricing inputs not quoted in active markets but either directly or indirectly observable |
• | Level 3 – Significant inputs to pricing that have little or no transparency with inputs requiring significant management judgment or estimation. |
The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, and accounts payable approximate their carrying amounts because of the short maturity of these instruments. The fair value of customer accounts receivables, determined using a Level 3 discounted cash flow analysis, approximates their carrying amount. The fair value of our revolving credit facility approximates carrying value based on the current borrowing rate for similar types of borrowing arrangements. At April 30, 2016, the fair value of our Senior Notes, which was determined using Level 1 inputs, was $186.7 million as compared to the carrying value of $227.0 million, excluding the impact of the related discount. At April 30, 2016, the fair value of the VIE's Class A Notes and Class B Notes, which were determined using Level 2 inputs based on inactive trading activity, approximates their carrying value.
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CONN'S, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Reclassifications. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior fiscal year amounts to conform to the presentation in the current fiscal year. On the consolidated balance sheets, as of January 31, 2016, we reclassified cash held by the VIEs as additional collateral for the asset-backed notes out of current restricted cash and separately presented as long-term restricted cash. These reclassifications did not impact consolidated operating income or net income.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which provides a single comprehensive accounting standard for revenue recognition for contracts with customers and supersedes current guidance. Upon adoption of ASU 2014-09, entities are required to recognize revenue using the following comprehensive model: (1) identify contracts with customers, (2) identify the performance obligations in contracts, (3) determine transaction price, (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations, and (5) recognize revenue as each performance obligation is satisfied. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of Effective Date, which defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year and allows early adoption on a limited basis. ASU 2014-09 is now effective for us beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019 and will result in retrospective application, either in the form of recasting all prior periods presented or a cumulative adjustment to equity in the period of adoption. We are currently assessing the impact the new standard will have on our financial statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, which will change how lessees account for leases. For most leases, a liability will be recorded on the balance sheet based on the present value of future lease obligations with a corresponding right-of-use asset. Primarily for those leases currently classified by us as operating leases, we will recognize a single lease cost on a straight line basis based on the combined amortization of the lease obligation and the right-of-use asset. Other leases will be required to be accounted for as financing arrangements similar to how we currently account for capital leases. On transition, we will recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The standard is effective for us beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020. We are currently assessing the impact the new standard will have on our financial statements.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which modifies the accounting for excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies associated with share-based payments, the accounting for forfeitures, and the classification of certain items on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 eliminates the requirement to recognize excess tax benefits in additional paid-in capital ("APIC"), and the requirement to evaluate tax deficiencies for APIC or income tax expense classification, and provides for these benefits or deficiencies to be recorded as an income tax expense or benefit in the income statement. With these changes, tax-related cash flows resulting from share-based payments will be classified as operating activities as opposed to financing, as currently presented. The standard is effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018, although early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact the new standard will have on our financial statements.
2. Charges and Credits
Charges and credits consisted of the following:
Three Months Ended April 30, | |||||||
(in thousands) | 2016 | 2015 | |||||
Store and facility closure costs | $ | — | $ | 425 | |||
Legal and professional fees related to the exploration of strategic alternatives and securities-related litigation | 454 | 194 | |||||
Executive management transition costs | 72 | — | |||||
$ | 526 | $ | 619 |
During the three months ended April 30, 2016, we had costs associated with legal and professional fees related to our securities-related litigation and transition costs due to changes in the executive management team. During the three months ended April 30, 2015, we had costs associated with the closing of under-performing retail locations and with legal and professional fees related to our exploration of strategic alternatives and our securities-related litigation.
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CONN'S, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
3. Finance Charges and Other Revenues
Finance charges and other revenues consisted of the following:
Three Months Ended April 30, | |||||||
(in thousands) | 2016 | 2015 | |||||
Interest income and fees | $ | 60,621 | $ | 55,419 | |||
Insurance commissions | 9,457 | 11,029 | |||||
Other revenues | 493 | 149 | |||||
$ | 70,571 | $ | 66,597 |
Interest income and fees and insurance commissions are derived from the credit segment operations, whereas other revenues are derived from the retail segment operations. For the three months ended April 30, 2016 and 2015, interest income and fees was reduced by provisions for uncollectible interest of $10.0 million and $8.5 million, respectively. For the three months ended April 30, 2016 and 2015, the amount included in interest income and fees related to TDR accounts was $4.1 million and $3.2 million, respectively.
4. Customer Accounts Receivable
Customer accounts receivable consisted of the following:
Total Outstanding Balance | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Customer Accounts Receivable | 60 Days Past Due (1) | Re-aged (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | April 30, 2016 | January 31, 2016 | April 30, 2016 | January 31, 2016 | April 30, 2016 | January 31, 2016 | |||||||||||||||||
Customer accounts receivable | $ | 1,413,942 | $ | 1,470,205 | $ | 106,027 | $ | 127,400 | $ | 104,493 | $ | 112,221 | |||||||||||
Restructured accounts | 123,546 | 117,651 | 26,591 | 30,323 | 123,546 | 117,651 | |||||||||||||||||
Total customer portfolio balance | 1,537,488 | 1,587,856 | $ | 132,618 | $ | 157,723 | $ | 228,039 | $ | 229,872 | |||||||||||||
Allowance for uncollectible accounts | (195,129 | ) | (190,990 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Allowances for no-interest option credit programs | (18,391 | ) | (21,290 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Total customer accounts receivable, net | 1,323,968 | 1,375,576 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Short-term portion of customer accounts receivable, net | (727,079 | ) | (743,931 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Long-term portion of customer accounts receivable, net | $ | 596,889 | $ | 631,645 | |||||||||||||||||||
Securitized receivables held by the VIE | $ | 1,207,245 | $ | 870,684 | $ | 132,517 | $ | 135,800 | $ | 222,447 | $ | 204,594 | |||||||||||
Receivables not held by the VIE | 330,243 | 717,172 | 101 | 21,923 | 5,592 | 25,278 | |||||||||||||||||
Total customer portfolio balance | $ | 1,537,488 | $ | 1,587,856 | $ | 132,618 | $ | 157,723 | $ | 228,039 | $ | 229,872 |
(1) | Due to the fact that an account can become past due after having been re-aged, accounts could be represented as both past due and re-aged. As of April 30, 2016 and January 31, 2016, the amounts included within both past due and re-aged was $48.0 million and $55.2 million, respectively. As of April 30, 2016 and January 31, 2016, the total customer portfolio balance past due one day or greater was $350.1 million and $387.3 million, respectively. These amounts include the 60 days past due balances shown. |
8
CONN'S, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following presents the activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts and uncollectible interest for customer receivables:
Three Months Ended April 30, 2016 | Three Months Ended April 30, 2015 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | Customer Accounts Receivable | Restructured Accounts | Total | Customer Accounts Receivable | Restructured Accounts | Total | |||||||||||||||||
Allowance at beginning of period | $ | 149,226 | $ | 41,764 | $ | 190,990 | $ | 118,786 | $ | 28,196 | $ | 146,982 | |||||||||||
Provision (1) | 52,924 | 14,937 | 67,861 | 43,011 | 12,950 | 55,961 | |||||||||||||||||
Principal charge-offs (2) | (45,634 | ) | (10,097 | ) | (55,731 | ) | (35,725 | ) | (7,072 | ) | (42,797 | ) | |||||||||||
Interest charge-offs | (8,129 | ) | (1,798 | ) | (9,927 | ) | (6,598 | ) | (1,306 | ) | (7,904 | ) | |||||||||||
Recoveries (2) | 1,585 | 351 | 1,936 | 957 | 190 | 1,147 | |||||||||||||||||
Allowance at end of period | $ | 149,972 | $ | 45,157 | $ | 195,129 | $ | 120,431 | $ | 32,958 | $ | 153,389 | |||||||||||
Average total customer portfolio balance | $ | 1,438,442 | $ | 121,447 | $ | 1,559,889 | $ | 1,274,281 | $ | 92,985 | $ | 1,367,266 |
(1) | Includes provision for uncollectible interest, which is included in finance charges and other revenues. |
(2) | Charge-offs include the principal amount of losses (excluding accrued and unpaid interest). Recoveries include principal collections of previously charged-off balances. Net charge-offs are calculated as the net of principal charge-offs and recoveries. |
5. Accrual for Store Closures
We have closed or relocated retail locations that did not perform at a level we expect for mature store locations. Certain of the closed or relocated stores had noncancelable lease agreements, resulting in the accrual of the present value of the remaining lease payments and estimated related occupancy obligations, net of estimated sublease income. Adjustments to these projections for changes in estimated marketing times and sublease rates, as well as other revisions, are made to the obligation as further information related to the actual terms and costs become available.
The following table presents detail of the activity in the accrual for store closures:
Three Months Ended April 30, | |||||||
(in thousands) | 2016 | 2015 | |||||
Balance at beginning of period | $ | 1,866 | $ | 2,556 | |||
Accrual for additional closures | — | 318 | |||||
Adjustments | (15 | ) | 32 | ||||
Cash payments, net of sublease income | (163 | ) | (556 | ) | |||
Balance at end of period | 1,688 | 2,350 | |||||
Current portion, included in accrued expenses | (643 | ) | (741 | ) | |||
Long-term portion, included in other long-term liabilities | $ | 1,045 | $ | 1,609 |
9
CONN'S, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
6. Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
Debt and capital lease obligations consisted of the following:
(in thousands) | April 30, 2016 | January 31, 2016 | |||||
Revolving credit facility | $ | 77,865 | $ | 329,207 | |||
Senior Notes | 227,000 | 227,000 | |||||
2015-A Class A Notes | 344,688 | 551,383 | |||||
2015-A Class B Notes | 165,900 | 165,900 | |||||
2016-A Class A Notes | 340,086 | — | |||||
2016-A Class B Notes | 70,510 | — | |||||
Capital lease obligations | 2,264 | 2,488 | |||||
Total debt and capital lease obligations | 1,228,313 | 1,275,978 | |||||
Less: | |||||||
Unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs | (24,183 | ) | (26,300 | ) | |||
Current maturities of capital lease obligations | (769 | ) | (799 | ) | |||
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations | $ | 1,203,361 | $ | 1,248,879 |
Senior Notes. We have outstanding unsecured Senior Notes due July 2022 bearing interest at 7.250%, pursuant to an indenture dated July 1, 2014 (the "Indenture") among Conn's, Inc., its subsidiary guarantors (the "Guarantors") and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. The effective interest rate of the Senior Notes after giving effect to offering fees and debt discount is 7.8%.
The Indenture restricts the Company's and certain of its subsidiaries' ability to: (i) incur indebtedness; (ii) pay dividends or make other distributions in respect of, or repurchase or redeem, our capital stock ("restricted payments"); (iii) prepay, redeem or repurchase debt that is junior in right of payment to the notes; (iv) make loans and certain investments; (v) sell assets; (vi) incur liens; (vii) enter into transactions with affiliates; and (viii) consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of our assets. These covenants are subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications. Specifically, limitations for restricted payments are triggered only if one or more of the following occurred: (1) a default were to exist under the indenture, (2) if we could not satisfy a debt incurrence test, and (3) if the aggregate amount of restricted payments would exceed an amount tied to the consolidated net income. These limitations, however, are subject to two exceptions: (1) an exception that permits the payment of up to $375.0 million in restricted payments, and (2) an exception that permits restricted payments regardless of dollar amount so long as, after giving pro forma effect to the dividends and other restricted payments, we would have a leverage ratio, as defined under the Indenture, less than or equal to 2.50 to 1.00. Thus, as of April 30, 2016, $192.7 million would have been free from the dividend restriction. However, as a result of the revolving credit facility dividend restrictions, which are further described below, no amount was available for dividends. During any time when the Senior Notes are rated investment grade by either of Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or Standard & Poor's Ratings Services and no default (as defined in the Indenture) has occurred and is continuing, many of such covenants will be suspended and we will cease to be subject to such covenants during such period.
Events of default under the Indenture include customary events, such as a cross-acceleration provision in the event that we default in the payment of other debt due at maturity or upon acceleration for default in an amount exceeding $25.0 million, as well as in the event a judgment is entered against us in excess of $25.0 million that is not discharged, bonded or insured.
Asset-backed Notes. In September 2015, the 2015 VIE issued asset-backed notes secured by the transferred customer accounts receivables and restricted cash held by the 2015 VIE. The asset-backed notes consist of the following securities:
• | Asset-backed Fixed Rate Notes, Class A, Series 2015-A ("2015-A Class A Notes") in aggregate principal amount of $952.1 million that bear interest at a fixed annual rate of 4.565% and mature on September 15, 2020. The effective interest rate of the 2015-A Class A Notes after giving effect to offering fees is 7.7%. |
• | Asset-backed Fixed Rate Notes, Class B, Series 2015-A ("2015-A Class B Notes") in aggregate principal amount of $165.9 million that bear interest at a fixed annual rate of 8.500% and mature on September 15, 2020. The effective interest rate of the 2015-A Class B Notes after giving effect to offering fees is 13.4%. |
The 2015-A Class A Notes and 2015-A Class B Notes were offered and sold to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to the exemptions from registration provided by Rule 144A under the Securities Act. If an event of default were to occur under the indenture that governs the notes, the payment of the outstanding amounts would be accelerated, in which event the cash proceeds of the receivables that otherwise might be released to us as the holder of the residual equity would instead be directed entirely toward repayment of the 2015-A Class A Notes and 2015-A Class B Notes. The holders of the notes have no recourse to assets
10
CONN'S, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
outside of the 2015 VIE. Events of default include, but are not limited to, failure to make required payments on the notes or specified bankruptcy-related events.
In March 2016, the 2016 VIE issued asset-backed notes secured by the transferred customer accounts receivables and restricted cash held by the 2016 VIE. The asset-backed notes consist of the following securities:
• | Asset-backed Fixed Rate Notes, Class A, Series 2016-A ("2016-A Class A Notes") in aggregate principal amount of $423.0 million that bear interest at a fixed annual rate of 4.680% and mature on April 16, 2018. The effective interest rate of the 2016-A Class A Notes after giving effect to offering fees is 6.9%. |
• | Asset-backed Fixed Rate Notes, Class B, Series 2016-A ("2016-A Class B Notes") in aggregate principal amount of $70.5 million that bear interest at a fixed annual rate of 8.960% and mature on August 15, 2018. The effective interest rate of the 2016-A Class B Notes after giving effect to offering fees is 9.5%. |
The 2016-A Class A Notes and 2016-A Class B Notes were offered and sold to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to the exemptions from registration provided by Rule 144A under the Securities Act. If an event of default were to occur under the indenture that governs the notes, the payment of the outstanding amounts would be accelerated, in which event the cash proceeds of the receivables that otherwise might be released to us as the holder of a third class of asset-backed notes issued by the 2016 VIE ("2016-A Class C Notes") and the residual equity would instead be directed entirely toward repayment of the 2016-A Class A Notes and 2016-A Class B Notes. The holders of the notes have no recourse to assets outside of the 2016 VIE. Events of default include, but are not limited to, failure to make required payments on the notes or specified bankruptcy-related events.
Revolving Credit Facility. On October 30, 2015, Conn's, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries (the "Borrowers") entered into the Third Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement with a syndicate of banks that provides for an $810.0 million asset-based revolving credit facility (the "revolving credit facility") under which availability is subject to a borrowing base. The revolving credit facility matures on October 30, 2018.
On February 16, 2016, the Borrowers entered into a first amendment to the revolving credit facility, which resulted in various changes, including:
• | Excluding non-cash deferred amortization of debt related transaction costs from interest coverage ratio; and |
• | Extending from 6 months to 18 months the time frame subsequent to the closing of a securitization transaction in which the Cash Recovery Percent covenant will be determined. |
On May 18, 2016, the Borrowers entered into a second amendment to the revolving credit facility, which resulted in various changes, including:
• | Amending the minimum interest coverage ratio covenant to: |
◦ | Eliminate the minimum interest coverage ratio covenant for the first quarter of fiscal 2017; |
◦ | Reduce the minimum interest coverage ratio covenant to 1.0x for the second quarter of fiscal 2017 through the first quarter of fiscal 2018; and |
◦ | Reduce the minimum interest coverage ratio covenant to 1.25x for the second quarter of fiscal 2018 through the third quarter of fiscal 2019. |
• | Modifying the conditions for repurchases of the Company's common stock, including the addition of a requirement to achieve a minimum interest coverage ratio of 2.5x for two consecutive quarters; and |
• | Reducing the borrowing base by $15.0 million beginning on May 31, 2016 through June 30, 2017, reducing the borrowing base by $10.0 million for any month beginning with July 31, 2017 that the interest coverage ratio is at least 1.25x, and no borrowing base reduction at any time the interest coverage ratio is at least 2.0x for two consecutive quarters. |
As of April 30, 2016, loans under the revolving credit facility bear interest, at our option, at a rate of LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 2.5% to 3.0% per annum (depending on quarterly average net availability under the borrowing base) or the alternate base rate plus a margin ranging from 1.5% to 2.0% per annum (depending on quarterly average net availability under the borrowing base). Pursuant to the second amendment, the margins increased by 25 basis points subsequent to April 30, 2016. The alternate base rate is the greater of the prime rate announced by Bank of America, N.A., the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, or LIBOR for a 30-day interest period plus 1.0%. The weighted average interest rate on borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility was 4.9% for the three months ended April 30, 2016. We also pay an unused fee on the portion of the commitments that are available for future borrowings or letters of credit at a rate ranging from 0.25% to 0.75% per annum, depending on the outstanding balance and letters of credit of the revolving credit facility.
The revolving credit facility provides funding based on a borrowing base calculation that includes customer accounts receivable and inventory, and provides for a $40.0 million sub-facility for letters of credit to support obligations incurred in the ordinary
11
CONN'S, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
course of business. The obligations under the revolving credit facility are secured by substantially all assets of the Company, excluding the assets of the VIEs. As of April 30, 2016, we had immediately available borrowing capacity of $161.9 million under our revolving credit facility, net of standby letters of credit issued of $2.6 million. We also had $567.6 million that may become available under our revolving credit facility if we grow the balance of eligible customer receivables and our total eligible inventory balances.
The revolving credit facility places restrictions on our ability to incur additional indebtedness, grant liens on assets, make distributions on equity interests, dispose of assets, make loans, pay other indebtedness, engage in mergers, and other matters. The revolving credit facility restricts our ability to make dividends and distributions unless no event of default exists and a liquidity test is satisfied. Subsidiaries of the Company may make dividends and distributions to the Company and other obligors under the revolving credit facility without restriction. As of April 30, 2016, under the revolving credit facility, as amended, no amount was available for dividends. The revolving credit facility contains customary default provisions, which, if triggered, could result in acceleration of all amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility.
Debt covenants. We were in compliance with our debt covenants, as amended, at April 30, 2016. A summary of the significant financial covenants that govern our revolving credit facility, as amended, compared to our actual compliance status at April 30, 2016 is presented below:
Actual | Required Minimum/ Maximum | ||
Leverage Ratio must not exceed maximum | 2.52:1.00 | 4.00:1.00 | |
ABS Excluded Leverage Ratio must not exceed maximum | 1.01:1.00 | 2.00:1.00 | |
Cash Recovery Percent must exceed stated amount | 5.47% | 4.50% | |
Capital Expenditures, net, must not exceed maximum | $37.1 million | $75.0 million |
All capitalized terms in the above table are defined by the revolving credit facility, as amended, and may or may not agree directly with the financial statement captions in this document. Compliance with the covenants is calculated quarterly, except for the Cash Recovery Percent, which is calculated monthly on a trailing three-month basis, and Capital Expenditures, which is calculated for a period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, as of the end of each fiscal quarter. The revolving credit facility provides for 18 months subsequent to the closing of a securitization transaction in which the Cash Recovery Percent will be determined based on the portfolio of contracts subject to the (i) securitization facilities; and (ii) a lien under the revolving credit facility.
7. Contingencies
Securities Class Action Litigation. We and one of our current and one of our former executive officers are defendants in a consolidated securities class action lawsuit pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas (the "Court"), In re Conn's Inc. Securities Litigation, Cause No. 14-CV-00548 (the "Consolidated Securities Action"). The Consolidated Securities Action started as three separate purported securities class action lawsuits filed between March 5, 2014 and May 5, 2014 in the Court that were consolidated into the Consolidated Securities Action on June 3, 2014. The plaintiffs in the Consolidated Securities Action allege that the defendants made false and misleading statements and/or failed to disclose material adverse facts about our business, operations, and prospects. They allege violations of sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder and seek to certify a class of all persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Conn's common stock and/or call options, or sold/wrote Conn's put options between April 3, 2013 and December 9, 2014. The complaint does not specify the amount of damages sought.
On June 30, 2015, the Court held a hearing on the defendants' motion to dismiss plaintiffs' complaint. At the hearing, the Court dismissed Brian Taylor, a former executive officer, and certain other aspects of the complaint. The Court ordered the plaintiffs to further amend their complaint in accordance with its ruling, and the plaintiffs filed their Fourth Consolidated Amended Complaint on July 21, 2015. The remaining defendants filed a motion to dismiss on August 28, 2015. The briefing on the defendants' motion to dismiss was fully briefed and the Court held a hearing on defendants' motion over the course of two days, on March 25, 2016 and March 29, 2016. On May 6, 2016, the Court granted in part and denied in part defendants' motion to dismiss the plaintiffs' complaint. Thereafter, the defendants filed a motion requesting the Court's decision be certified for interlocutory appeal to the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. The Court has not yet ruled on that motion.
The defendants intend to vigorously defend against all of these claims. It is not possible at this time to predict the timing or outcome of any of this litigation, and we cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of possible loss from these claims.
Derivative Litigation. On December 1, 2014, an alleged shareholder filed, purportedly on behalf of the Company, a derivative shareholder lawsuit against us and certain of our current and former directors and executive officers in the Court captioned Robert Hack, derivatively on behalf of Conn's, Inc., v. Theodore M. Wright (former executive officer and former director), Bob L. Martin,
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CONN'S, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Jon E.M. Jacoby (former director), Kelly M. Malson, Douglas H. Martin, David Schofman, Scott L. Thompson (former director), Brian Taylor (former executive officer) and Michael J. Poppe and Conn's, Inc., Case No. 4:14-cv-03442 (the "Original Derivative Action"). The complaint asserts claims for breach of fiduciary duty, unjust enrichment, gross mismanagement, and insider trading based on substantially similar factual allegations as those asserted in the Consolidated Securities Action. The plaintiff seeks unspecified damages against these persons and does not request any damages from us. Setting forth substantially similar claims against the same defendants, on February 25, 2015 an additional federal derivative action, captioned 95250 Canada LTEE, derivatively on Behalf of Conn's, Inc. v. Wright et al., Cause No. 4:15-cv-00521, was filed in the Court, which has been consolidated with the Original Derivative Action.
The Court approved a stipulation among the parties to stay the action pending resolution of the motion to dismiss in the Consolidated Securities Action, and the parties have requested that the Court extend the stay in the Original Derivative Action pending the Court's ruling on the defendants' motion for certification for interlocutory appeal.
Another derivative action was filed on January 27, 2015, captioned, Richard A. Dohn v. Wright, et al., Cause No. 2015-04405, filed in the 281st Judicial District Court, Harris County, Texas. This action makes substantially similar allegations to the Original Derivative Action against the same defendants. The stay, which the parties agreed to put in place pending resolution of the motion to dismiss, is still in place.
On May 19, 2016, an alleged shareholder, filed, purportedly on behalf of the Company, a lawsuit against us and certain of our current and former directors and executive officers in the 55th Judicial District Court, Harris County, Texas captioned Robert J. Casey II, derivatively on behalf of Conn's, Inc., v. Theodore M. Wright (former executive officer and former director), Michael J. Poppe, Brian Taylor (former executive officer), Bob L. Martin, Jon E.M. Jacoby (former director), Kelly M. Malson, Douglas H. Martin, David Schofman, Scott L. Thompson (former director) and William E. Saunders Jr., and Conn's, Inc., Cause No. 2016-33135. The complaint asserts claims for breach of fiduciary duties and unjust enrichment based on substantially similar factual allegations as those asserted in the Original Derivative Action. The complaint does not specify the amount of damages sought.
None of the plaintiffs in any of the derivative actions made a demand on our Board of Directors prior to filing their respective lawsuits. The defendants in the derivative actions intend to vigorously defend against these claims and we cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of possible loss from these claims.
Regulatory Matters. We are continuing to cooperate with the SEC's investigation, which began on or around November 2014, which generally relates to our underwriting policies and bad debt provisions. The investigation is a non-public, fact-finding inquiry and the SEC has stated that the investigation does not mean that any violations of law have occurred.
In addition, we are involved in other routine litigation and claims incidental to our business from time to time which, individually or in the aggregate, are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. As required, we accrue estimates of the probable costs for the resolution of these matters. These estimates have been developed in consultation with counsel and are based upon an analysis of potential results, assuming a combination of litigation and settlement strategies. However, the results of these proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty and changes in facts and circumstances could impact our estimate of reserves for litigation.
8. Variable Interest Entities
The VIEs have issued asset-backed notes secured by the transferred customer accounts receivables and restricted cash held by the VIEs. Under the terms of the securitization transactions, the customer receivable principal and interest payment cash flows will go first to the servicer and the holders of issued notes, and then to us as the holder of the 2016-A Class C Notes and residual equities. We retain the servicing of the securitized portfolios and are receiving a monthly fee of 4.75% (annualized) based on the outstanding balance of the securitized receivables. In addition, we, rather than the VIEs, will retain all credit insurance income together with certain recoveries related to credit insurance and repair service agreements on charge-offs of the securitized receivables, which will continue to be reflected as a reduction of net charge-offs on a consolidated basis for as long as we consolidate the VIEs.
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CONN'S, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following presents the assets and liabilities held by the VIEs and that are included in our consolidated balance sheet (for legal purposes, the assets and liabilities of the VIEs will remain distinct from Conn's, Inc.):
(in thousands) | April 30, 2016 | January 31, 2016 | |||||
Assets: | |||||||
Restricted cash | $ | 119,074 | $ | 78,576 | |||
Due from Conn's, Inc. | 4,094 | 3,405 | |||||
Customer accounts receivable: | |||||||
Customer accounts receivable | 1,088,625 | 763,278 | |||||
Restructured accounts | 118,620 | 107,406 | |||||
Allowance for uncollectible accounts | (172,297 | ) | (136,325 | ) | |||
Allowances for no-interest option credit programs | (16,701 | ) | (12,955 | ) | |||
Total customer accounts receivable, net | 1,018,247 | 721,404 | |||||
Total assets | $ | 1,141,415 | $ | 803,385 | |||
Liabilities: | |||||||
Accrued interest | $ | 2,170 | $ | 1,636 | |||
Due to Conn's, Inc. | 3,372 | — | |||||
Deferred interest income | 4,706 | 3,042 | |||||
Long-term debt: | |||||||
2015-A Class A Notes | 344,688 | 551,383 | |||||
2015-A Class B Notes | 165,900 | 165,900 | |||||
2016-A Class A Notes | 340,086 | — | |||||
2016-A Class B Notes | 70,510 | — | |||||
921,184 | 717,283 | ||||||
Less unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs | (15,983 | ) | (17,768 | ) | |||
Total long-term debt | 905,201 | 699,515 | |||||
Total liabilities | $ | 915,449 | $ | 704,193 |
The assets of the VIEs serve as collateral for the obligations of the VIEs. The holders of the Class A Notes and Class B Notes have no recourse to assets outside of the VIEs.
14
CONN'S, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
9. Segment Reporting
Financial information by segment is presented in the following tables:
Three Months Ended April 30, 2016 | Three Months Ended April 30, 2015 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | Retail | Credit | Total | Retail | Credit | Total | |||||||||||||||||
Revenues: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Furniture and mattress | $ | 105,306 | $ | — | $ | 105,306 | $ | 89,502 | $ | — | $ | 89,502 | |||||||||||
Home appliance | 87,904 | — | 87,904 | 84,102 | — | 84,102 | |||||||||||||||||
Consumer electronic | 65,865 | — | 65,865 | 71,430 | — | 71,430 | |||||||||||||||||
Home office | 22,473 | — | 22,473 | 21,985 | — | 21,985 | |||||||||||||||||
Other | 4,942 | — | 4,942 | 4,607 | — | 4,607 | |||||||||||||||||
Product sales | 286,490 | — | 286,490 | 271,626 | — | 271,626 | |||||||||||||||||
Repair service agreement commissions | 28,185 | — | 28,185 | 23,796 | — | 23,796 | |||||||||||||||||
Service revenues | 3,867 | — | 3,867 | 3,057 | — | 3,057 | |||||||||||||||||
Total net sales | 318,542 | — | 318,542 | 298,479 | — | 298,479 | |||||||||||||||||
Finance charges and other revenues | 494 | 70,077 | 70,571 | 149 | 66,448 | 66,597 | |||||||||||||||||
Total revenues | 319,036 | 70,077 | 389,113 | 298,628 | 66,448 | 365,076 | |||||||||||||||||
Costs and expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of goods sold | 204,466 | — | 204,466 | 187,133 | — | 187,133 | |||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses (1) | 79,983 | 33,264 | 113,247 | 68,227 | 27,448 | 95,675 | |||||||||||||||||
Provision for bad debts | 398 | 57,820 | 58,218 | 69 | 47,474 | 47,543 | |||||||||||||||||
Charges and credits | 526 | — | 526 | 619 | — | 619 | |||||||||||||||||
Total costs and expense | 285,373 | 91,084 | 376,457 | 256,048 | 74,922 | 330,970 | |||||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | 33,663 | (21,007 | ) | 12,656 | 42,580 | (8,474 | ) | 34,106 | |||||||||||||||
Interest expense | — | 25,896 | 25,896 | — | 9,428 | 9,428 | |||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | $ | 33,663 | $ | (46,903 | ) | $ | (13,240 | ) | $ | 42,580 | $ | (17,902 | ) | $ | 24,678 |
(1) | Selling, general and administrative expenses include the direct expenses of the retail and credit operations, allocated overhead expenses and a charge to the credit segment to reimburse the retail segment for expenses it incurs related to occupancy, personnel, advertising and other direct costs of the retail segment that benefit the credit operations by sourcing credit customers and collecting payments. The reimbursement received by the retail segment from the credit segment is estimated using an annual rate of 2.5% times the average portfolio balance for each applicable period. For the three months ended April 30, 2016 and 2015, the amount of overhead allocated to each segment was $5.7 million and $3.5 million, respectively. For the three months ended April 30, 2016 and 2015, the amount of reimbursement made to the retail segment by the credit segment were $9.7 million and $8.5 million, respectively. |
15
CONN'S, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
10. | Guarantor Financial Information |
Conn's, Inc. is a holding company with no independent assets or operations other than its investments in its subsidiaries. The Senior Notes, which were issued by Conn's, Inc., are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several senior unsecured basis by the Guarantors. The direct or indirect subsidiaries of Conn's, Inc. that are not Guarantors are the VIE and minor subsidiaries. Prior to transferring the securitized customer receivables to the 2015 VIE in September 2015, the only direct or indirect subsidiaries of Conn's, Inc. that were not Guarantors were minor subsidiaries. There are no restrictions under the Indenture on the ability of any of the Guarantors to transfer funds to Conn's, Inc. in the form of loans, advances or dividends, except as provided by applicable law. The following financial information presents the condensed consolidated balance sheet, statement of operations, and statement of cash flows for Conn's, Inc. (the issuer of the Senior Notes), the Guarantor Subsidiaries, and the Non-guarantor Subsidiaries, together with certain eliminations.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of April 30, 2016.
(in thousands) | Conn's, Inc. | Guarantor Subsidiaries | Non-guarantor Subsidiaries | Eliminations | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||
Assets | |||||||||||||||||||
Current assets: | |||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | — | $ | 11,542 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 11,542 | |||||||||
Restricted cash | — | — | 94,072 | — | 94,072 | ||||||||||||||
Customer accounts receivable, net of allowance | — | 125,598 | 601,481 | — | 727,079 | ||||||||||||||
Other accounts receivable | — | 84,558 | — | — | 84,558 | ||||||||||||||
Inventories | — | 181,543 | — | — | 181,543 | ||||||||||||||
Other current assets | 15,393 | 19,300 | 4,094 | (4,094 | ) | 34,693 | |||||||||||||
Total current assets | 15,393 | 422,541 | 699,647 | (4,094 | ) | 1,133,487 | |||||||||||||
Investment in and advances to subsidiaries | 667,147 | 225,244 | — | (892,391 | ) | — | |||||||||||||
Long-term portion of customer accounts receivable, net of allowance | — | 180,123 | 416,766 | — | 596,889 | ||||||||||||||
Long-term restricted cash | — | — | 25,002 | — | 25,002 | ||||||||||||||
Property and equipment, net | — | 163,626 | — | — | 163,626 | ||||||||||||||
Deferred income taxes | 69,264 | — | — | — | 69,264 | ||||||||||||||
Other assets | — | 8,557 | — | — | 8,557 | ||||||||||||||
Total assets | $ | 751,804 | $ | 1,000,091 | $ | 1,141,415 | $ | (896,485 | ) | $ | 1,996,825 | ||||||||
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity | |||||||||||||||||||
Current liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||
Current maturities of capital lease obligations | $ | — | $ | 769 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 769 | |||||||||
Accounts payable | — | 97,515 | — | — | 97,515 | ||||||||||||||
Accrued expenses | 2,789 | 38,941 | 5,542 | (3,372 | ) | 43,900 | |||||||||||||
Other current liabilities | — | 17,717 | 2,580 | — | 20,297 | ||||||||||||||
Total current liabilities | 2,789 | 154,942 | 8,122 | (3,372 | ) | 162,481 | |||||||||||||
Deferred rent | — | 82,848 | — | — | 82,848 | ||||||||||||||
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations | 218,800 | 79,360 | 905,201 | — | 1,203,361 | ||||||||||||||
Other long-term liabilities | — | 15,794 | 2,126 | — | 17,920 | ||||||||||||||
Total liabilities | 221,589 | 332,944 | 915,449 | (3,372 | ) | 1,466,610 | |||||||||||||
Stockholders' equity: | |||||||||||||||||||
Common stock | 307 | — | — | — | 307 | ||||||||||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 86,891 | 177,509 | 250,384 | (427,893 | ) | 86,891 | |||||||||||||
Retained earnings | 443,017 | 489,638 | (24,418 | ) | (465,220 | ) | 443,017 | ||||||||||||
Total stockholders' equity | 530,215 | 667,147 | 225,966 | (893,113 | ) | 530,215 | |||||||||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | 751,804 | $ | 1,000,091 | $ | 1,141,415 | $ | (896,485 | ) | $ | 1,996,825 |
16
CONN'S, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 31, 2016.
(in thousands) | Conn's, Inc. | Guarantor Subsidiaries | Non-guarantor Subsidiaries | Eliminations | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||
Assets | |||||||||||||||||||
Current assets: | |||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | — | $ | 12,254 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 12,254 | |||||||||
Restricted cash | — | — | 64,151 | — | 64,151 | ||||||||||||||
Customer accounts receivable, net of allowance | — | 353,781 | 390,150 | — | 743,931 | ||||||||||||||
Other accounts receivable | — | 95,404 | — | — | 95,404 | ||||||||||||||
Inventories | — | 201,969 | — | — | 201,969 | ||||||||||||||
Other current assets | 10,774 | 20,092 | 3,405 | (3,405 | ) | 30,866 | |||||||||||||
Total current assets | 10,774 | 683,500 | 457,706 | (3,405 | ) | 1,148,575 | |||||||||||||
Investment in and advances to subsidiaries | 676,492 | 95,787 | — | (772,279 | ) | — | |||||||||||||
Long-term portion of customer accounts receivable, net of allowance | — | 300,391 | 331,254 | — | 631,645 | ||||||||||||||
Long-term restricted cash | — | — | 14,425 | — | 14,425 | ||||||||||||||
Property and equipment, net | — | 151,483 | — | — | 151,483 | ||||||||||||||
Deferred income taxes | 70,219 | — | — | — | 70,219 | ||||||||||||||
Other assets | — | 8,953 | — | — | 8,953 | ||||||||||||||
Total assets | $ | 757,485 | $ | 1,240,114 | $ | 803,385 | $ | (775,684 | ) | $ | 2,025,300 | ||||||||
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity | |||||||||||||||||||
Current liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||
Current maturities of capital lease obligations | $ | — | $ | 799 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 799 | |||||||||
Accounts payable | — | 86,797 | — | — | 86,797 | ||||||||||||||
Accrued expenses | 736 | 37,002 | 1,636 | — | 39,374 | ||||||||||||||
Other current liabilities | — | 17,510 | 1,645 | — | 19,155 | ||||||||||||||
Total current liabilities | 736 | 142,108 | 3,281 | — | 146,125 | ||||||||||||||
Deferred rent | — | 74,559 | — | — | 74,559 | ||||||||||||||
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations | 218,468 | 330,896 | 699,515 | — | 1,248,879 | ||||||||||||||
Other long-term liabilities | — | 16,059 | 1,397 | — | 17,456 | ||||||||||||||
Total liabilities | 219,204 | 563,622 | 704,193 | — | 1,487,019 | ||||||||||||||
Stockholders' equity: | |||||||||||||||||||
Common stock | 306 | — | — | — | 306 | ||||||||||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 85,209 | 179,995 | 112,200 | (292,195 | ) | 85,209 | |||||||||||||
Retained earnings | 452,766 | 496,497 | (13,008 | ) | (483,489 | ) | 452,766 | ||||||||||||
Total stockholders' equity | 538,281 | 676,492 | 99,192 | (775,684 | ) | 538,281 | |||||||||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | 757,485 | $ | 1,240,114 | $ | 803,385 | $ | (775,684 | ) | $ | 2,025,300 |
17
CONN'S, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three months ended April 30, 2016.
(in thousands) | Conn's, Inc. | Guarantor Subsidiaries | Non-guarantor Subsidiaries | Eliminations | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||
Revenues: | |||||||||||||||||||
Total net sales | $ | — | $ | 318,542 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 318,542 | |||||||||
Finance charges and other revenues | — | 30,172 | 40,399 | — | 70,571 | ||||||||||||||
Servicing fee revenue | — | 17,135 | — | (17,135 | ) | — | |||||||||||||
Total revenues | — | 365,849 | 40,399 | (17,135 | ) | 389,113 | |||||||||||||
Costs and expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||
Cost of goods sold | — | 204,466 | — | — | 204,466 | ||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | — | 113,247 | 17,135 | (17,135 | ) | 113,247 | |||||||||||||
Provision for bad debts | — | 35,582 | 22,636 | — | 58,218 | ||||||||||||||
Charges and credits | — | 526 | — | — | 526 | ||||||||||||||
Total costs and expenses | — | 353,821 | 39,771 | (17,135 | ) | 376,457 | |||||||||||||
Operating income | — | 12,028 | 628 | — | 12,656 | ||||||||||||||
Loss (income) from consolidated subsidiaries | 6,859 | 11,410 | — | (18,269 | ) | — | |||||||||||||
Interest expense | 4,446 | 3,268 | 18,182 | — | 25,896 | ||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | (11,305 | ) | (2,650 | ) | (17,554 | ) | 18,269 | (13,240 | ) | ||||||||||
Provision (benefit) for income taxes | (1,556 | ) | 4,209 | (6,144 | ) | — | (3,491 | ) | |||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (9,749 | ) | $ | (6,859 | ) | $ | (11,410 | ) | $ | 18,269 | $ | (9,749 | ) |
18
CONN'S, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the three months ended April 30, 2016.
(in thousands) | Conn's, Inc. | Guarantor Subsidiaries | Non-guarantor Subsidiaries | Eliminations | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | $ | (9,555 | ) | $ | (201,353 | ) | $ | 319,561 | $ | — | $ | 108,653 | |||||||
Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||||||||||||||
Purchase of customer accounts receivables | — | — | (478,080 | ) | 478,080 | — | |||||||||||||
Sale of customer accounts receivables | — | 478,080 | — | (478,080 | ) | — | |||||||||||||
Purchase of property and equipment | — | (16,996 | ) | — | — | (16,996 | ) | ||||||||||||
Proceeds from sales of property | — | 696 | — | — | 696 | ||||||||||||||
Net change in intercompany | 9,169 | — | — | (9,169 | ) | — | |||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | 9,169 | 461,780 | (478,080 | ) | (9,169 | ) | (16,300 | ) | |||||||||||
Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of asset-backed notes | — | — | 493,540 | — | 493,540 | ||||||||||||||
Payments on asset-backed notes | — | — | (289,639 | ) | — | (289,639 | ) | ||||||||||||
Changes in restricted cash balances | — | — | (40,498 | ) | — | (40,498 | ) | ||||||||||||
Borrowings from revolving credit facility | — | 170,393 | — | — | 170,393 | ||||||||||||||
Payments on revolving credit facility | — | (421,735 | ) | — | — | (421,735 | ) | ||||||||||||
Repurchase of senior notes | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
Payment of debt issuance costs and amendment fees | — | (405 | ) | (4,884 | ) | — | (5,289 | ) | |||||||||||
Repurchase of common stock | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
Proceeds from stock issued under employee benefit plans | 385 | — | — | — | 385 | ||||||||||||||
Net change in intercompany | — | (9,169 | ) | — | 9,169 | — | |||||||||||||
Other | 1 | (223 | ) | — | — | (222 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 386 | (261,139 | ) | 158,519 | 9,169 | (93,065 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net change in cash and cash equivalents | — | (712 | ) | — | — | (712 | ) | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | — | 12,254 | — | — | 12,254 | ||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | — | $ | 11,542 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 11,542 |
19
ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
Forward-Looking Statements
This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements include information concerning our future financial performance, business strategy, plans, goals and objectives. Statements containing the words "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "should," or the negative of such terms or other similar expressions are generally forward-looking in nature and not historical facts. We can give no assurance that such statements will prove to be correct, and actual results may differ materially. A wide variety of potential risks, uncertainties, and other factors could materially affect our ability to achieve the results either expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements including, but not limited to: general economic conditions impacting our customers or potential customers; our ability to execute periodic securitizations of future originated customer loans including the sale of any remaining residual equity on favorable terms; our ability to continue existing customer financing programs or to offer new customer financing programs; changes in the delinquency status of our credit portfolio; unfavorable developments in ongoing litigation; increased regulatory oversight; higher than anticipated net charge-offs in the credit portfolio; the success of our planned opening of new stores; technological and market developments and sales trends for our major product offerings; our ability to protect against cyber-attacks or data security breaches and to protect the integrity and security of individually identifiable data of our customers and employees; our ability to fund its operations, capital expenditures, debt repayment and expansion from cash flows from operations, borrowings from our revolving credit facility, and proceeds from accessing debt or equity markets; the ability to continue the repurchase program; and other risks detailed in Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2016 and other filings that we make with the SEC. If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize (or the consequences of such a development changes), or should our underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those reflected in our forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. We disclaim any intention or obligation to update publicly or revise such statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All forward-looking statements attributable to us, or to persons acting on our behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements.
The Company makes available in the investor relations section of its website at ir.conns.com updated monthly reports to the holders of its asset-backed notes. This information reflects the performance of the securitized portfolio only, in contrast to the financial statements contained herein, which reflect the performance of all of the Company's outstanding receivables, including those originated subsequent to those included in the securitized portfolio. The website and the information contained on our website is not incorporated in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or any other document filed with the SEC.
Overview
We encourage you to read this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes. Our fiscal year ends on January 31. References to a fiscal year refer to the calendar year in which the fiscal year ends.
Executive Summary
Total revenues increased to $389.1 million for the three months ended April 30, 2016, compared to $365.1 million for the three months ended April 30, 2015. The increase in retail revenue was primarily driven by new store growth, partially offset by a decrease in same store sales of 3.4%. Excluding the impact of our April 2015 decision to exit video game products, digital cameras, and certain tablets, same store sales for the quarter decreased 1.3%. Slower sales growth was also impacted by underwriting changes made in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 and in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The increase in credit revenue was a result of growth in the average balance of the customer receivable portfolio, partially offset by an 80 basis point decrease in portfolio yield.
Retail gross margin for the three months ended April 30, 2016 was 35.8%, a decrease of 150 basis points versus the 37.3% reported in the comparable quarter last year. The decrease in retail gross margin was driven by the impact softer sales have on our fixed warehouse and delivery costs, more aggressive promotions and pricing, particularly with appliances, higher shrink, and the impact of slower sales on vendor rebate expectations. Retail gross margin was favorably impacted by higher retrospective commissions on repair service agreements.
Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") for the three months ended April 30, 2016 was $113.2 million, an increase of $17.6 million, or 18.4%, over the same prior year period. The SG&A increase in the retail segment was primarily due to higher new store occupancy, advertising and compensation. The increase in SG&A for the credit segment was driven by the addition of collections personnel to service the 14.1% year-over-year increase in the average customer portfolio balance. Total SG&A was also impacted by investments we are making in IT, credit and personnel to improve long-term performance.
20
Provision for bad debts for the three months ended April 30, 2016 was $58.2 million, an increase of $10.7 million from the same prior year period. The increase was impacted by the following:
• | The recognition of expected losses from higher-growth periods, including customer receivables originated during fiscal years 2014 through the first half of 2016. We continue to believe that portfolio performance has stabilized, and that the fiscal 2014 and 2015 originations will be the peak loss years. Both of these pools of originations are highly seasoned and we expect the ultimate net static pool loss rates to be in the high-13% to low-14% range, as previously communicated; |
• | A 14.1% increase in the average receivable portfolio balance resulting from new store openings over the past 12 months; and |
• | The balance of customer receivables accounted for as troubled debt restructurings increased to $123.5 million, or 8.0% of the total portfolio balance, driving $1.5 million of additional provision for bad debts. |
Interest expense increased to $25.9 million for the three months ended April 30, 2016, compared to $9.4 million for the three months ended April 30, 2015, reflecting the increase in outstanding debt and an increase in our effective interest rate due to the asset-backed notes issued by our consolidated VIEs.
Net loss for the three months ended April 30, 2016 was $9.7 million, or $0.32 loss per diluted share, which included net pre-tax charges of $0.5 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, primarily from legal and professional fees related to securities-related litigation. This compares to net income for the three months ended April 30, 2015 of $15.7 million, or $0.43 earnings per diluted share, which included net pre-tax charges of $0.6 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, primarily related to legal and professional fees related to the exploration of strategic alternatives and securities-related litigation.
Company Initiatives
We are positioning ourselves to execute long-term growth strategies and reduce risk while enhancing shareholder value. As a result, fiscal 2017 will be a transitional year as we work on improving the performance of our credit operation while moderating our retail growth plan. Actions include:
• | In addition to the underwriting adjustments we made in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, in the first quarter of fiscal 2017 we further refined our underwriting strategy to reduce credit risk, specifically related to new customers, while identifying opportunities to increase originations to certain existing customers; |
• | Completing implementation of an updated underwriting strategy and continuing to review and modify our underwriting analysis and standards to improve the overall quality of our credit portfolio by quickly adapting to changes in consumer behavior, the regulatory environment, and portfolio performance; |
• | During the first quarter of fiscal 2017, we made changes to our no-interest programs to improve returns on capital and that will increase the yield on our portfolio over the next few quarters, including reducing the availability of short-term no-interest programs to higher risk customers and moving all long-term no-interest programs to a third-party; |
• | Focusing on further improvement of execution within our collection operations to reduce delinquency rates and future charge-offs; |
• | Focusing on quality, branded products to improve operating performance; |
• | Reducing warehouse and delivery costs; |
• | Expanding and enhancing our product offering of higher-margin furniture and mattresses; and |
• | During the first quarter of fiscal 2017, we opened five new stores in Louisiana (2), Nevada (1), South Carolina (1) and Tennessee (1), and we plan to open approximately 10 to 12 new stores during fiscal 2017, compared to 15 stores in fiscal 2016. |
Outlook
The broad appeal of the Conn's store to our geographically diverse core demographic, the historical unit economics and current retail real estate market conditions provide substantial opportunity to expand towards a national retail platform. There are many markets in the United States with similar demographic characteristics to our current successful store base. We plan to continue to improve our operating results by leveraging our existing infrastructure and seeking to continually optimize the efficiency of our marketing, merchandising, sourcing, distribution and credit operations. As we penetrate new and existing markets, we expect to increase our purchase volumes, achieve distribution efficiencies and strengthen our relationships with our key vendors. We also expect our increased store base and higher net sales to further leverage our existing corporate and regional infrastructure.
21
Results of Operations
The following tables present certain financial and other information, on a consolidated and segment basis:
Consolidated: | Three Months Ended April 30, | ||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2016 | 2015 | Change | ||||||||
Revenues: | |||||||||||
Total net sales | $ | 318,542 | $ | 298,479 | $ | 20,063 | |||||
Finance charges and other revenues | 70,571 | 66,597 | 3,974 |