Attached files

file filename
8-K/A - FORM 8-K/A - ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP INCd12519d8ka.htm
EX-99.3 - EX-99.3 - ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP INCd12519dex993.htm
EX-99.2 - EX-99.2 - ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP INCd12519dex992.htm
EX-23.1 - EX-23.1 - ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP INCd12519dex231.htm

Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO

Independent Auditors’ Report

Partners and Members

Park Place Dealerships - Selected Entities

Dallas, Texas

We have audited the accompanying combined and consolidated financial statements of Park Place Dealerships—Selected Entities (the “Company”), which comprise the combined and consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019, and the related combined and consolidated statements of operations, changes in partners’ capital and members’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended, and the related notes to the combined and consolidated financial statements.

Management’s Responsibility for the Combined and Consolidated Financial Statements

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the combined and consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and for designing, implementing, and maintaining internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of the combined and consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement whether due to fraud or error.

Accountants’ Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these combined and consolidated financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the combined and consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the combined and consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditors’ judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the combined and consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the combined and consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the combined and consolidated financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Opinion

In our opinion, the combined and consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly in all material respects, the combined and consolidated balance sheet of Park Place Dealerships—Selected Entities as of December 31, 2019, and the results of its operations, changes in partners’ capital and members’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

1


LOGO

 

Emphasis of Matters

As discussed in Notes 1 and 16 to the combined and consolidated financial statement, the Company changed its method of accounting for leases as of January 1, 2019 due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), and the related amendments. Our opinion is not modified with respect to this matter.

/s/ Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP

Fort Worth, Texas

August 26, 2020

 

2


Combined and Consolidated Financial Statements:

Park Place Dealerships – Selected Entities

Combined and Consolidated Balance Sheet

December 31, 2019

 

ASSETS

  

Current assets:

  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 41,143,434  

Contracts in transit

     26,843,135  

Receivables, net

     43,095,422  

Inventories

     185,269,967  

Prepaid expenses

     5,713,475  

Courtesy vehicles, net

     63,736,626  
  

 

 

 

Total current assets

     365,802,059  
  

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

     71,845,068  

Operating lease right-of-use assets

     59,048,825  

Long-term finance commission receivables, less current portion

     3,695,928  

Franchise rights

     10,709,468  

Goodwill

     300,000  

Other assets

     1,108,103  
  

 

 

 
     146,707,392  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 512,509,451  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ CAPITAL AND MEMBERS’ EQUITY

 

Current liabilities:

  

Floor plan notes payable

   $ 135,291,447  

Floor plan notes payable, other

     86,332,150  

Accounts payable

     21,261,096  

Accrued expenses

     25,301,741  

Current portion of allowance for contingent charges

     2,937,911  

Current portion of long-term debt

     1,751,282  

Current portion of operating lease liabilities

     17,985,215  

Current portion of finance lease obligation

     2,483,303  
  

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     293,344,145  
  

 

 

 

Allowance for contingent charges, less current portion

     1,492,089  

Long-term debt, less current portion

     37,571,840  

Operating lease liabilities, less current portion

     41,092,037  

Finance lease obligation, less current portion

     1,073,724  

Deferred compensation

     1,908,128  

Profits interest retirement obligation

     2,768,555  
  

 

 

 
     85,906,373  
  

 

 

 

Partners’ capital and members’ equity

     133,258,933  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities and partners’ capital and members’ equity

   $ 512,509,451  
  

 

 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

3


Park Place Dealerships – Selected Entities

Combined and Consolidated Statement of Operations

Year Ended December 31, 2019

 

Sales

   $ 1,676,943,438  

Cost of sales

     1,428,051,693  
  

 

 

 

Gross profit from sales

     248,891,745  

Financing, insurance, service contract and other income, net

     28,863,960  
  

 

 

 

Gross profit

     277,755,705  
  

 

 

 

Expenses:

  

Variable selling

     23,390,168  

Advertising

     6,717,850  

Floor plan interest

     8,240,620  

Personnel

     91,805,097  

Semi-fixed

     42,905,043  

Fixed

     48,835,436  
  

 

 

 
     221,894,214  
  

 

 

 

Income from operations

     55,861,491  
  

 

 

 

Other income (expense):

  

Interest expense, other than floor plan

     (2,052,500

Interest income

     2,054,756  

Management fees

     (717,355

Deferred compensation expense

     (655,024

Profits interest obligation

     433,220  

Other

     82,899  
  

 

 

 
     (854,004
  

 

 

 

Income before state income tax expense

     55,007,487  

State income tax expense

     999,396  
  

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 54,008,091  
  

 

 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

4


Park Place Dealerships - Selected Entities

Combined and Consolidated Statement of Changes in Partners’ Capital and Members’ Equity

Year Ended December 31, 2019

 

     Partners’ Capital     Members’ Equity     Total  

January 1, 2019

   $ 114,882,041     $ 18,531,499     $ 133,413,540  

Partner and member withdrawals

     (48,590,563     (6,572,135     (55,162,698

Capital contributions

     —         1,000,000       1,000,000  

Net income

     47,304,476       6,703,615       54,008,091  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2019

   $ 113,595,954     $ 19,662,979     $ 133,258,933  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

5


Park Place Dealerships - Selected Entities

Combined and Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

Year Ended December 31, 2019

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

  

Net income

   $ 54,008,091  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

  

Provision for bad debt

     175,855  

Depreciation and amortization

     18,660,579  

Gain on disposal of property and equipment

     (63,585

Allowance for contingent charges

     1,490,000  

Deferred compensation

     655,024  

Profits interest retirement obligations

     (433,220

Change in assets and liabilities:

  

Contracts in transit

     11,271,231  

Receivables

     1,250,864  

Inventories

     60,159,460  

Prepaid expenses

     (1,096,059

Courtesy vehicles

     (7,905,409

Operating lease right-of-use assets

     17,170,616  

Finance commission receivables

     806,335  

Other assets

     42,695  

Floor plan notes payable

     (33,789,725

Accounts payable

     (4,868,771

Accrued expenses

     2,011,621  

Operating lease liabilities

     (17,170,735
  

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     102,374,867  
  

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

  

Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment

     100,508  

Purchase of property and equipment

     (2,446,532
  

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (2,346,024
  

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

  

Change in floor plan notes payable, other, net

     (22,949,949

Partner and member withdrawals

     (55,162,698

Capital contributions

     1,000,000  

Principal payments on long-term debt

     (2,843,146

Principal payments on finance lease obligation

     (2,356,562

Payments on deferred compensation

     (589,965
  

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     (82,902,320
  

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     17,126,523  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning

     24,016,911  
  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, ending

   $ 41,143,434  
  

 

 

 

See supplemental disclosures of cash flow information (Note 12 and 14).

See accompanying notes.

 

6


LOGO

Park Place Dealerships - Selected Entities

Notes to Combined and Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies

Organization and nature of business

The accompanying combined and consolidated financial statements include the combined and consolidated operations of Park Place Motorcars, Ltd., Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth, Ltd., PPDV, Ltd., Park Place LX of Texas, Ltd., PPP, LP, PPJ, LLC, PPMB Arlington, LLC, PPM Auction, LP, PPMBA Realty, LP, and PP Real Estate, Ltd. (referred to collectively as “Park Place Dealerships - Selected Entities” or the “Company”). The combined and consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the combination and consolidation.

The Company is a franchised dealer of Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC; Porsche Cars North America, Inc.; Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc.; Volvo Cars of North America; Jaguar Cars Limited; and Land Rover North America, Inc. (referred to collectively as “the manufacturers”) under dealer agreements. Through these dealer agreements, the Company markets new vehicles, replacement parts, service, and financing and leasing. In addition, it also retails and wholesales used vehicles. The dealer agreements specify the location of the dealerships and designate the specific market areas in which the dealer may operate; however, there is no guarantee of exclusivity within these market areas. The specified market area for the Company is the greater Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas metropolitan area.

Combined affiliates:

 

Legal Entity

  

Primary

Operations

  

Manufacturer

Park Place Motorcars, Ltd.

   Dealership    Mercedes Benz USA, LLC

Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth, Ltd.

   Dealership    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

PPDV, Ltd.

   Dealership    Volvo Cars of North America

Park Place LX of Texas, Ltd.

   Dealership    Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc

PPP, LP

   Dealership    Porsche Cars North America, Inc

PPJ, LLC

   Dealership    Jaguar Cars Limited; Land Rover North America, Inc.

PPMB Arlington, LLC

   Dealership    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

PPM Auction, LP

   Auction   

Variable interest entity of PPMB Arlington, LLC:

 

Legal Entity

  

Primary Operations

PPMBA Realty, LP

   Real Estate

Variable interest entity of Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth, Ltd.:

 

Legal Entity

  

Primary Operations

PP Real Estate, Ltd.

   Real Estate

Park Place Auto Auction facilitates used vehicle wholesale purchases and sales and collects auction fees from customers related to each transaction.

 

7


Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments that have remaining maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase.

Contracts in transit

Contracts in transit represent amounts due for customer contracts sold to financial institutions. These contracts are typically collected within 15 days.

Receivables

Receivables consist primarily of amounts due from other dealerships and auto auctions as a result of vehicle sales; amounts due from third parties for parts sold or services provided; and amounts due from manufacturers for incentives and warranty reimbursements. Receivables also include commissions due on aftermarket products. Receivables resulting from vehicle sales are secured by the related vehicles. Receivables arising from the sale of parts and service which are due under normal trade terms require payment within 30 days from the invoice date.

The carrying amount of receivables is reduced by an allowance that reflects management’s best estimate of the amounts that will not be collected. Management reviews each receivable balance that exceeds a set number of days from the invoice date, and, based on historical bad debt experience and management’s evaluation of customer credit worthiness, estimates that portion, if any, of the balance that will not be collected. No interest is charged on delinquent receivables.

Inventories

All inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The cost of new and used vehicles is determined using the specific identification method. The cost of all other inventories is determined using the most recent cost, which approximates first-in, first-out (FIFO).

Courtesy vehicles

The Company purchases new vehicles from the manufacturers in connection with programs whereby the Company utilizes the vehicles, typically for twelve months or less, as loan vehicles for customers’ use while their vehicles are being serviced by the dealership. The Company usually receives a subsidy, or discount, off of the manufacturers’ invoice price and records depreciation on the vehicles. Courtesy vehicles are stated at cost, net of the subsidy, if any, and depreciation, which is computed using the straight-line method. The related liability is included in floor plan notes payable and floor plan notes payable, other.

Property and equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Expenditures for maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are charged to expense as incurred. Major renewals and betterments are capitalized. Depreciation and amortization are provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets or the length of the related lease, if shorter. The useful lives of property and equipment for purposes of computing depreciation and amortization are as follows:

 

Buildings

  

39.5 years or underlying lease terms

Equipment

  

5 - 10 years

Furniture and fixtures

  

7 years

Computer equipment

  

3 years

Vehicles

  

3 - 5 years

Leasehold improvements

  

Lesser of 10 - 30 years or underlying lease terms

 

8


Franchise rights and goodwill

In connection with business acquisitions, the Company assigned fair values to franchise rights and goodwill. Franchise rights and goodwill have indefinite lives and therefore are not amortized but are reviewed for possible impairment at least annually. Management has determined that franchise rights and goodwill are not impaired at December 31, 2019.

Long-lived assets

The Company records impairment losses on long-lived assets used in operations when events and circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the carrying amounts of those assets. There were no indicators of impairment at December 31, 2019.

Other assets

Other assets consisted of deposits on various contracts and other miscellaneous assets.

Factory incentives

The Company receives various incentive payments from the manufacturers. These incentive payments are typically received on new vehicle retail sales. The incentives are reported as reductions of cost of sales in the accompanying combined and consolidated statement of operations.

Factory assistance

The Company receives various assistance from certain manufactures. The Company accounts for the assistance as purchase discounts on the cost of the vehicles. The assistance is first reflected as a reduction in inventory cost on the combined and consolidated balance sheets and then reflected as a reduction to cost of sales in the combined and consolidated statement of operations as the respective vehicles are sold. At December 31, 2019, inventory cost had been reduced by $2,170,913, for assistance received from the manufacturers. Cost of sales has been reduced by $19,321,395, for assistance received from the manufacturers related to vehicles sold for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Floor plan notes payable

The Company classifies borrowings and repayments on floor plan notes payable for inventory purchased from a manufacturer that has a controlling interest in the respective floor plan lender (floor plan notes payable on the combined and consolidated balance sheet) as an operating activity on the combined and consolidated statement of cash flows. Borrowings and repayments on floor plan notes payable for inventory purchased from a manufacturer that does not have a controlling interest in the respective floor plan lender (floor plan notes payable, other on the combined and consolidated balance sheet) have been classified as a net financing activity on the combined and consolidated statement of cash flows.

Revenue recognition

The Company satisfies its performance obligations with customers by transferring a good or service to the customer, as detailed below.

Revenues from vehicle and parts sales and from service operations are recognized at the time the vehicle or parts are delivered to the customer or the service is complete. Revenues from auction transactions are recognized at the time the transaction occurs.

The Company arranges financing for customers through various financial institutions and receives financing fees based on the difference between loan rates charged to customers and predetermined financing rates set by the financial institutions. The Company recognizes income from finance and insurance commissions as the contracts are sold and recognizes an allowance for anticipated losses of finance and insurance commission income resulting from early payoffs of customer loans and repossessions. The provision is based on management’s

 

9


evaluation of industry trends and historical experience. The Company also receives commissions from the sale of non-recourse third-party extended service contracts to customers. Under these contracts, the third-party warranty company is directly liable for all warranties provided. Commission revenue is recorded net of estimated chargebacks. Commission expense related to the sale of warranties is charged to expense upon recognition of revenue.

The following table summarizes revenue from contracts with customers for the year ended December 31, 2019:

 

New vehicle

   $ 817,666,024  

Used vehicle

     585,682,918  

Parts, service and body shop

     265,377,321  

Other

     8,217,175  
  

 

 

 
   $ 1,676,943,438  
  

 

 

 

Advertising costs

The Company expenses advertising costs in the periods in which they are incurred.

Presentation of certain taxes

The Company collects various taxes from customers and remits these amounts to applicable taxing authorities. The Company’s accounting policy is to exclude these taxes from sales and costs of sales.

Accounting for income taxes

The Company is not a federal income tax paying entity. Income and losses of the Company are reported by the partners or members in their individual federal tax returns. The Company is, however, liable for margin taxes in accordance with Texas statutes.

While the Company is a combination of Limited Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies, consideration is given to the recognition and measurement of tax positions that meet a “more-likely-than-not” threshold. A tax position is a position taken in a previously filed tax return or a position expected to be taken in a future tax return that is reflected in measuring current or deferred income tax assets and liabilities. Tax positions include the Company’s status as pass-through entities. The recognition and measurement of tax positions taken for various jurisdictions consider the amounts and probabilities of outcomes that could be realized upon settlement using the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting date. The Company has determined that it did not have any material unrecognized tax benefits or obligations as of December 31, 2019.

Use of estimates

The preparation of combined and consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the combined and consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recently issued accounting standards

Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted the new lease accounting guidance in Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASC 842”). See Note 14 “Leases” within the accompanying combined and consolidated financial statements.

 

10


Evaluation of subsequent events

The Company has evaluated the effect subsequent events would have on the combined and consolidated financial statements through August 26, 2020, which is the date the combined and consolidated financial statements were available to be issued.

2. Receivables

Receivables consisted of the following as of December 31, 2019:

 

Factory

   $ 20,659,240  

Customers

     6,716,368  

Vehicles

     10,503,181  

Finance commissions

     3,804,373  

Employees and others

     17,043  

Related Party receivables

     2,077,091  
  

 

 

 
     43,778,106  

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     (682,684
  

 

 

 
   $ 43,095,422  
  

 

 

 

3. Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following as of December 31, 2019:

 

New vehicles

   $ 127,746,659  

Used vehicles

     46,365,292  

Parts, accessories and other

     11,158,016  
  

 

 

 
   $ 185,269,967  
  

 

 

 

4. Courtesy Vehicles

Courtesy vehicles consisted of the following as of December 31, 2019:

 

Courtesy vehicles at cost

   $ 66,411,476  

Accumulated depreciation

     (2,674,850
  

 

 

 
   $ 63,736,626  
  

 

 

 

Depreciation expense on courtesy vehicles, included as a component of semi-fixed expenses, totaled $6,953,851 for the year ended December 31, 2019.

5. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consisted of the following as of December 31, 2019:

 

Land

   $ 14,839,337  

Buildings

     67,362,877  

Equipment

     19,191,265  

Furniture and fixtures

     18,549,066  

Computer equipment

     16,717,985  

Vehicles

     1,106,464  

Leasehold improvements

     24,509,723  

Construction in progress

     81,172  
  

 

 

 
     162,357,889  

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (90,512,821
  

 

 

 
   $ 71,845,068  
  

 

 

 

 

11


Depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment, included as a component of fixed expenses, totaled $11,704,365 for the year ended December 31, 2019.

6. Finance Commission Receivables

The Company has an agreement with Lexus Financial Services whereby finance commission income on leases is paid throughout the duration of individual customers’ leases. Management has estimated the current and long-term portions of these finance commission receivables. Current and long-term finance commission receivables consisted of the following as of December 31, 2019:

 

Current portion (included in finance commissions receivable in Note 2)

   $ 3,207,793  

Long-term portion

     3,695,928  
  

 

 

 
   $ 6,903,721  
  

 

 

 

7. Floor Plan Notes Payable and Floor Plan Notes Payable, Other

The Company finances its new vehicles, courtesy vehicles, and a portion of its pre-owned vehicle purchases through floor plan notes payable to credit corporations. The Company has floor plan financing agreements for the purchase of new, pre-owned, and courtesy vehicles with Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, Toyota Motor Credit Corporation, Chase Bank, and Bank of America, N.A. (collectively the “Floor Plan Lenders”). The agreements are collateralized by all property and equipment, inventories, and all other accounts, contract rights, chattel paper and general intangibles and proceeds of any and all of the foregoing, whether owned now or hereafter acquired by the Company. These agreements may be cancelled with thirty days’ written notice by either party.

The aggregate borrowing limits for the floor plan lines of credit are as follows at December 31, 2019:

 

Floor Plan Lender

   Vehicle Type      Borrowing Limit  

Mercedes-Benz Financial Services

     New Vehicles      $ 156,425,000  

Mercedes-Benz Financial Services

     Used Vehicles        58,500,000  

Mercedes-Benz Financial Services

     Courtesy Vehicles        57,000,000  

Toyota Motor Credit Corporation

     New Vehicles        76,000,000  

Toyota Motor Credit Corporation

     Used Vehicles        15,500,000  

Toyota Motor Credit Corporation

     Courtesy Vehicles        24,840,000  

Chase Bank

     Courtesy Vehicles        5,150,000  

Bank of America, N.A.

     New Vehicles        12,000,000  

Bank of America, N.A.

     Used Vehicles        4,000,000  

Bank of America, N.A.

     Courtesy Vehicles        4,000,000  
     

 

 

 

Total borrowing limit

      $ 413,415,000  
     

 

 

 

Interest rates on floor plan lines of credit are as follows:

Mercedes-Benz Financial Services:

 

Vehicle Type

   Rate Calculation     Rate at
December 31, 2019
 

New Vehicles

     30 day LIBOR + 1.70     3.44

Used Vehicles

     30 day LIBOR + 1.70     3.44

Courtesy Vehicles

     30 day LIBOR + 1.70     3.44

 

12


Toyota Motor Credit Corporation:

 

Vehicle Type

   Rate Calculation   Rate at
December 31, 2019

New Vehicles

   3 month LIBOR + 1.25%   3.16%

Used Vehicles

   3 month LIBOR + 1.25%   3.16%

Courtesy Vehicles

   Fixed   4.00 – 4.75%

Chase Bank:

 

Vehicle Type

   Rate Calculation   Rate at
December 31, 2019

Courtesy Vehicles

   30 day LIBOR + 2.00%   3.74%

Bank of America:

 

Vehicle Type

   Rate Calculation   Rate at
December 31, 2019

New Vehicles

   30 day LIBOR + 1.25%   2.99%

Used Vehicles

   30 day LIBOR + 1.25%   2.99%

Courtesy Vehicles

   30 day LIBOR + 1.25%   2.99%

Floor plan notes payable and floor plan notes payable, other include notes payable for courtesy vehicles financed with the Floor Plan Lenders. Interest expense on courtesy vehicle notes payable, included as a component of semifixed expenses, totaled $2,686,010 for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Included in floor plan notes payable, other are all used vehicles floored with Mercedes-Benz Financial, any Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar and Land Rover new and courtesy vehicles floored with Mercedes-Benz Financial, Lexus courtesy vehicles floored with Chase Bank and any vehicles floored with Bank of America, N.A.

The Floor Plan Lenders allow the Company to deposit funds in a cash management account which earns interest at the floor plan interest rate. These funds, which totaled $31,212,969 at December 31, 2019 are reflected as a reduction in floor plan notes payable and floor plan notes payable, other in the accompanying combined and consolidated and consolidated balance sheet.

8. Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following December 31, 2019:

 

Mercedes-Benz Financial Services

   $ 39,328,695  

Less: debt issuance costs

     (5,573
  

 

 

 

Long-term debt, including current portion

     39,323,122  

Less: current portion, net of current portion of debt issuance costs

     (1,751,282
  

 

 

 

Long-term debt

   $ 37,571,840  
  

 

 

 

Amortization expense on debt issuance costs, included as a component of other expense, totaled $2,363 for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

13


Mercedes-Benz Financial Services granted long-term debt payment deferrals for the three-month period from May through July 2020. These payment deferrals are reflected in the aggregate maturities of long-term debt as presented below.

The aggregate maturities of long-term debt as of December 31, 2019 are as follows:

 

2020

   $ 1,751,282  

2021

     20,906,309  

2022

     1,729,069  

2023

     2,945,933  

2024

     6,982,871  

Thereafter

     5,013,231  
  

 

 

 

Total maturities of long-term debt

   $ 39,328,695  
  

 

 

 

Real estate term loans and promissory notes

The Company has multiple real estate term loan and promissory note agreements with Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. As of December 31, 2019, the Company had total notes payable outstanding of $39.3 million, which are collateralized by the associated real estate. The term loans and promissory notes were established under various terms, as seen below:

 

Lender

   Debt Type    Rate Type    Interest Rate
at December 31,
2019
  Maturity Date

Mercedes-Benz Financial Services

   Promissory Note &
Term Loan
   Fixed    4.00% - 5.44%   Various dates 2021-
2025

9. Deferred Compensation

Dealership value participation agreement

The Company has a Dealership Value Participation Agreement with a current member of management which is payable upon certain triggering events including separation of employment for any reason other than cause, death or disability or a change in control event. The terms of the agreement provide for vesting over a period of 7 years of continuous employment. Upon a change in control event, the member of management is deemed to be fully vested. The member of management forfeits the award upon termination of employment from the Company for cause. The value of the award, which is payable in a cash settlement over a 5-year period from the date of the triggering event, is dependent on the fair value of PPJ, LLC. In the event of the member of management’s separation of employment for any reason other than cause, death, or disability, the settlement payment would be no more than six times the EBITDA of PPJ, LLC. In the event of a change in control, the settlement payment would be equal to a percentage of the net sales proceeds after return of members’ capital contributions, including a 9.00% preferred return, compounded annually on any unpaid capital contributions. As of December 31, 2019, the member of management was 62.50% vested in the agreement. The Company’s accrued liability for the Dealership Value Participation Agreement was $1,710,201 at December 31, 2019. The expense related to this agreement was $583,265 for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Profit participation agreements

The Company had a Profit Participation Agreement with a former member of management. On May 15, 2015, a triggering event occurred whereby obligating the Company to make an initial payment equal to 20.00% of the fully vested balance for the former employee in August 2015, and the remaining balance is being paid in equal annual payments through 2019. The amount paid on this agreement was $589,965 for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

14


The Company has a Profit Participation Agreement with a current member of management which is payable upon certain triggering events including separation of employment for any reason other than cause, death or disability or a change in control event. The terms of the agreement provide for vesting over a period of 10 years of continuous employment. Upon a change in control event, the member of management is deemed to be fully vested. The member of management forfeits the award upon termination of employment from the Company for cause. The value of the award, which is payable in a cash settlement over a 5-year period from the date of the triggering event, is dependent on earnings of the Company from the most recently completed calendar year before the triggering event occurs. As of December 31, 2019, the member of management was 40.00% vested in the agreement. The Company’s accrued liability for the Profit Participation Agreement was $197,927 at December 31, 2019. The expense related to this agreement was $71,759 for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Capital transaction bonuses

The Company executed a Bonus and Deferred Compensation agreement with three members of management which contain a provision that provides for cash payments to the named members of management upon the occurrence of a Capital Transaction. A Capital Transaction is defined as a sale, exchange or disposition event which results in Company entities ceasing to be entities of the Company, or the sale of substantially all of the assets of a Company entity in a single transaction. The terms of the agreement provide for time based vesting over a period of 5 years of continuous employment. The members of management forfeit the awards upon termination of employment from the Company for cause. The value of the award is based on the net book value of the Company immediately preceding the event, less tangible net worth and less winding up costs. The award is payable in a lump sum cash settlement 90 days after a Capital Transaction. As of December 31, 2019, the members of management were not vested in the agreements.

Retirement compensation agreements

The Company has Retirement Compensation Agreements with three members of management which are payable upon the member’s death, disability or separation from service for any reason other than cause. The terms of the agreement provide for vesting over a period of 5 years of continuous employment. The members of management forfeit the awards upon termination of employment from the Company for cause. The value of the award, which is payable in a cash settlement over a 5-year period from the date of a triggering event, is dependent on several factors including earnings or the fair value of the Company. In the event of the member of management’s death, disability or separation from service prior to the tenth anniversary of the agreement, the amount payable is equal to their vested percentage in two times the prior twelve months’ consolidated net income multiplied by 0.35%. In the event of the member of management’s death, disability or separation from service after the tenth anniversary of the agreement, the amount payable is equal the lesser of 0.35% of the Company’s fair market value or six times the prior twelve months’ consolidated net income multiplied by 0.35%. As of December 31, 2019, the members of management were not vested in the agreements.

10. Profits Interest Retirement Obligation

The Company has a profits interest agreement with a limited partner whereby the Company will pay, upon certain triggering events, the limited partner’s vested percentage of the dealership value, which is based on pre-defined terms. The vested percentage increases ratably; however, the maximum percentage would be paid upon the death or disability of the individual. The limited partner was fully vested at December 31, 2019. The limited partner may, at any time, demand payment on the profits interest agreement. The payment due to the limited partner if demanded is determined by a defined calculation based primarily on the previous operating results and tax basis net asset value of the Company. Subsequent to year-end, the Company settled this obligation with the limited partner as discussed in Note 19.

11. Related Party Transactions

The Company has engaged in transactions with affiliates controlled by common related parties. These affiliates are engaged in the various activities associated with the selling, financing, and servicing of automobiles for the retail and wholesale markets. The Company sells to and purchases from these affiliates automobiles, parts and accessories.

 

15


Under a management agreement with a related party, the Company is required to pay a management fee in return for management and consulting services. The fees paid under this management agreement were $717,355 for the year ended December 31, 2019.

The Company exchanges vehicles and parts with affiliates at cost. Related party accounts payable included in the accompanying combined and consolidated balance sheets represent amounts due to a related partnership for certain operating expenses paid on behalf of the dealership. Other information regarding related party transactions is included in Notes 2, 9, 10, 14, 15, 17, and 18.

The following is a summary of transactions with related parties for the year ended December 31, 2019:

 

Purchases from affiliates

   $ 14,878,509  
  

 

 

 

Sales to affiliates

   $ 20,822,455  
  

 

 

 

The following is a summary of balances with related parties as of December 31, 2019:

 

Due from affiliates (included in receivables in the accompanying combined and consolidated balance sheets)

   $ 2,077,901  
  

 

 

 

Due to affiliates (included in accounts payable in the accompanying combined and consolidated balance sheets)

   $ 27,453  
  

 

 

 

12. Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information

Supplemental schedule of cash paid during the year ended December 31, 2019:

 

Interest

   $ 13,259,410  
  

 

 

 

State income taxes

   $ 1,058,732  
  

 

 

 

13. Defined Contribution 401(k) Plan

The Company participates in a defined contribution 401(k) plan. All employees who meet certain age and length of service requirements are eligible to participate in the plan. Matching contributions are made on a discretionary basis by the Company. The plan also allows the Company, at management’s discretion, to make a profit sharing contribution. Retirement expense for the year ended December 31, 2019, totaled $1,683,271.

14. Leases

Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted the new lease accounting guidance in ASC 842. The new standard establishes a right-of-use (“ROU”) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms in excess of 12 months. Leases are classified as either finance or operating, with classification impacting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement.

The Company elected the package of practical expedients permitted in ASC 842. Accordingly, the Company accounted for its existing operating leases as an operating lease under the new guidance, without reassessing (a) whether the contract contains a lease under ASC 842, (b) whether classification of the operating lease would be different in accordance with ASC 842, or (c) whether the unamortized initial direct costs before transition adjustments (as of December 31, 2018) would have met the definition of initial direct costs in ASC 842 at lease commencement. In addition, the Company opted for the transition relief method specified in Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-11, which allowed for the effective date of the new leases standard as the date of initial application on transition. As a result of this election the Company (a) did not adjust comparative period financial information for the effects of ASC 842; (b) made the new required lease disclosures for periods after the effective date; and (c) carried forward our ASC 840 disclosures for comparative periods. As a result of the adoption of ASC 842, the Company recorded a right-of-use asset of approximately $76.2 million, which represents the lease liability reduced for deferred rent amounts of $28,546 and a lease liability of approximately $76.3 million, which represents the present value of remaining lease payments, discounted using the Company’s incremental borrowing rates based on the remaining lease terms.

 

16


The Company leases a portion of its Park Place Motorcars, Ltd. facilities from an unrelated party under a noncancelable operating lease requiring monthly rental payments of $140,140 through May 2021. The lease has one 10-year and one 5-year renewal options. The lease stipulates annual base rent increases based on changes in CPI, which are included in the future minimum lease payments and variable lease payments adjustment below.

The Company leases a portion of its PPJ, LLC facility from unrelated an unrelated party under a non-cancelable operating lease requiring monthly rental payments ranging from $19,661 to $25,531 through March 2023. The lease has two 5-year renewal options.

The Company leases its facilities from various related parties under non-cancellable operating leases. The leases stipulate annual base rent increases based on changes in CPI, which are included in the future minimum lease payments and variable lease payments adjustment below. Monthly payments in effect as of December 31, 2019 and lease expiration dates are outlined below:

 

Lessor Related Party

   Lessee    Monthly
Payment
     Expiration

PPM Realty, Ltd.

   Park Place Motorcars, Ltd.    $ 93,708      December 2022

PPM Realty, Ltd.

   Park Place Motorcars, Ltd.      23,001      December 2022

Kings Road Realty, Ltd.

   Park Place Motorcars, Ltd.      74,625      December 2025

350 Phelps Realty, LP

   Park Place Motorcars, Ltd.      40,464      December 2022

PPA Realty, Ltd.

   Park Place Motorcars, Ltd.      80,759      December 2025

Kings Road Realty, Ltd.

   PPDV, Ltd.      63,891      December 2022

Kings Road Realty, Ltd.

   PPDV, Ltd.      18,145      October 2023

PPA Realty, Ltd.

   PPDV, Ltd.      21,468      December 2022

PPA Realty, Ltd.

   PPDV, Ltd.      18,102      December 2022

Park Place LX Land Co. No. 1, Ltd.

   Park Place LX of Texas, Ltd.      357,792      December 2022

Park Place LX Land Co. No. 1 Ltd.

   Park Place LX of Texas, Ltd.      455,728      December 2022

DKK West, Ltd.

   Park Place LX of Texas, Ltd.      22,396      July 2023

PPJ Land, LLC

   PPJ, LLC      180,439      December 2022

DKK West, Ltd.

   PPJ, LLC      1,749      August 2023

PPJ Land, LLC

   PPM Auction, LP      65,780      December 2022

The Company also leases a portion of its PPJ, LLC facility from PPJ Land, LLC, a related party, under a month-to-month lease arrangement. Monthly payment under this arrangement was $49,491 for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Escalation clauses, lease payments dependent on existing rates/indexes, renewal options, and purchase options are included within the determination of lease payments when appropriate. The Company has elected the practical expedient not to separate lease and non-lease components for all leases that qualify, except for information technology assets that are embedded within service agreements (such as software license arrangements).

When available, the implicit rate is utilized to discount lease payments to present value; however, substantially all of the Company’s leases do not provide a readily determinable implicit rate. An incremental borrowing rate was used to discount the lease payments based on information available at lease commencement.

Balance sheet presentation

 

Leases

  

Classification

   December 31, 2019  

Assets:

     

Finance

  

Property and equipment, net

   $ 2,572,229  

Operating

  

Operating lease right-of-use  assets

     59,048,825  
     

 

 

 

Total right-of-use assets

      $ 61,621,054  

 

17


Leases

  

Classification

   December 31, 2019  

Liabilities:

     

Current:

     

Finance

  

Current portion of finance lease obligation

   $ 2,483,303  

Operating

  

Current portion of operating lease liabilities

     17,985,215  

Non-current:

     

Finance

  

Finance lease obligation, less current portion

     1,073,724  

Operating

  

Operating lease liabilities, less current portion

     41,092,037  
     

 

 

 

Total lease liabilities

      $ 62,634,279  
     

 

 

 

Lease term and discount rate

 

     December 31, 2019  

Weighted average lease term – finance lease

     1.42 years  

Weighted average lease term – operating leases

     3.6 years  

Weighted average discount rate – finance lease

     5.25%  

Weighted average discount rate – operating leases

     4.50%  

Lease costs

The following table provides certain information related to the lease costs for finance and operating leases during the year ended December 31, 2019:

 

Finance lease cost:

  

Interest

   $ 254,295  

Depreciation

     1,815,691  

Operating lease cost

     20,292,300  

Variable lease cost

     4,319,757  
   $ 26,682,043  
  

 

 

 

Operating lease cost includes approximately $18,170,000 in payments made to related parties for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Supplemental cash flow information

The following table presents supplemental cash flow information for leases during the year ended December 31, 2019:

 

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurements of lease liabilities:

  

Operating cash flows from finance lease

   $ 2,069,986  

Operating cash flows from operating leases

     21,701,907  

Financing cash flows from finance lease

     2,356,562  

Undiscounted cash flow

The table below reconciles the undiscounted cash flows for each of the first five years and total of the remaining years to the finance lease liabilities and operating lease liabilities as of December 31, 2019:

 

     Finance      Operating  

2020

   $ 3,364,886      $ 20,334,171  

2021

     1,402,036        19,259,468  

2022

     —          18,493,193  

2023

     —          2,266,017  

2024

     —          1,837,748  

Thereafter

     —          1,837,748  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total minimum lease payments

     4,766,922        64,028,345  

 

18


Less: amount representing interest

     (141,688      (4,825,278

Less: amount representing variable payments

     (1,068,207      (125,815
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Present value of future minimum lease payments

     3,557,027        59,077,252  

Less: current obligations under leases

     (2,483,303      (17,985,215
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Long-term lease obligations

   $ 1,073,724      $ 41,092,037  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

15. Contingencies and Uncertainties

The Company sells customer installment contracts to financial institutions and extended warranties without recourse. Some buyers of the contracts and warranties retain portions of the commissions as reserves against early payoffs. These amounts are normally recorded on the combined and consolidated balance sheets as finance commission receivables. The accrual for contingent charges totaled $4,430,000 at December 31, 2019.

The Company maintains a self-insurance program for its employees’ health care costs. The Company is liable for losses on individual claims up to $250,000 per claim and $1,000,000 in aggregate claims for the year. The Company maintains third-party insurance coverage for any losses in excess of such amounts. Self-insurance costs are accrued based on claims reported as of the balance sheet dates as well as an estimated liability for claims incurred but not reported. The total accrued liability for self-insurance costs was $2,294,829 as of December 31, 2019.

The Company’s facilities are subject to federal, state, and local provisions regulating the discharge of materials into the environment. Compliance with these provisions has not had, nor does the Company expect such compliance to have, any material effect upon the capital expenditures, net income, financial condition, or competitive position of the Company. Management believes that its current practices and procedures for the control and disposition of such materials comply with the applicable federal and state requirements.

The Company purchases substantially all of its new vehicles and parts from the manufacturers at the prevailing prices charged to all franchised dealers. The Company’s sales volume could be adversely impacted by the manufacturers’ inability to supply it with an adequate supply of vehicles and/or parts due to unforeseen circumstances or as a result of an unfavorable allocation of vehicles. As part of the Company’s relationship with the manufacturers, it participates in various programs with regard to vehicle allocation, advertising, and other incentive programs. These programs are generally on a “turn-to-earn” basis, which rewards new vehicle volume, and are subject to change by the manufacturers at any time. In addition, the manufacturers’ franchise agreements contain provisions which generally limit, without consent of the manufacturers, changes in dealership management, ownership, and location; place certain financial restrictions; and provide for termination of the franchise agreement by the manufacturers in certain instances.

The Company is involved in certain legal matters that it considers incidental to its business. In management’s opinion, none of these legal matters will have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or the results of operations.

The Company has available $4,000,000 in draft facility agreements with banks. These lines of credit allow the Company to receive immediate credit for any drafts deposited from the sale of motor vehicles. The Company also has available a $1,500,000 commercial credit card line with a bank.

The Company has entered into a risk retention insurance program for garage liability. As part of the risk retention agreement, the Company pledged a letter of credit in the amount of $300,000, which is the maximum potential liability for claims. Management does not believe the letter of credit will be drawn upon nor will it incur additional liability for claims.

The Company has outstanding guarantees of indebtedness of related parties, through common ownership, of $77,402,694 as of December 31, 2019.

 

19


A detail of the guarantees is as follows:

 

Type of Loan Guarantee

   Guarantee
Extends Through
     Guaranteed By      Amount of
Loan Guarantee
 

Real Estate Loan

     September 2021        Park Place LX of Texas, Ltd.      $ 18,512,804  

Real Estate Loan

     June 2022        Park Place Motorcars, Ltd.        2,815,063  

Real Estate Loan

     September 2022        Park Place Motorcars, Ltd.        2,143,015  

Real Estate Loan

     January 2023        PPJ, LLC        17,143,944  

Real Estate Loan

     January 2023        PPDV, Ltd.        5,233,162  

Real Estate Loan

     August 2026        PPDV, Ltd.        5,072,613  

Real Estate Loan

     August 2028        Park Place LX of Texas, Ltd.        26,482,094  
        

 

 

 
         $ 77,402,695  
        

 

 

 

The real estate loans with affiliates were used to finance the acquisitions of dealership properties and to finance the acquisitions of real estate for potential future expansion of the Company’s dealership operations. The loans are collateralized by the related real estate and substantially all of the assets of the related party.

Non-payment would result in the requirement of the guarantor to perform; however, these loans have multiple guarantors associated with them. Additionally, the value of the collateral on these loans is in excess of the outstanding loan balances at December 31, 2019. Based on the financial condition of the related parties, the sufficiency of the collateral supporting the loans and the multiple guarantors associated with the loans, management believes that the probability that the Company would have to perform upon any of these guarantees is remote.

16. Concentrations of Credit Risk

The Company sells to individuals and commercial businesses located primarily in the greater Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas area. Receivables resulting from vehicle sales are secured by the related vehicles. Receivables resulting from all other sales are unsecured open accounts. Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of receivables, contracts in transit, and cash deposits in excess of federally insured limits. The concentration of credit risk with respect to contracts in transit is limited primarily to financial institutions. The Company’s bank balances usually exceed federally insured limits.

17. Partnership/Member Agreement

The general partner holds a 0.50% interest in Park Place Motorcars, Ltd., Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth, Ltd., PPP, LP, and Park Place LX of Texas, Ltd., a 0.10% interest in PPDV, Ltd. and a 0.00% interest in PPM Auction, LP while the limited partners hold the remaining interests. Partnership profits are to be allocated first to the general partner until the cumulative profits allocated equals the cumulative amount of losses allocated for prior years, then to each partner according to their ownership interests. Any Partnership losses are to be allocated first to the partners in the ratio and to the extent of the positive capital accounts of the limited partners, then any remaining losses are to be allocated to the general partner.

The general partner holds a 0.50% interest in PPMBA Realty, LP and PP Real Estate, Ltd. while the limited partners hold the remaining interests. Partnership profits are to be allocated first to the general partner until the cumulative profits allocated equals the cumulative amount of losses allocated for prior years, then to each partner according to their ownership interests. Any Partnership losses are to be allocated first to the partners in the ratio and to the extent of the positive capital accounts of the limited partners, then any remaining losses are to be allocated to the general partner.

The PPJ, LLC and PPMB Arlington, LLC Company Agreements state that all members share all profits, losses and distributions according to their membership interests.

Under a buy/sell agreement with one of the limited partners, the limited partner may, at any time, cause the Company to purchase their 3.00% interest based on the estimated fair value upon exercising the buy/sell option.

 

20


18. Variable Interest Entities

Management analyzes the Company’s variable interests including loans, guarantees, and equity investments, to determine if the Company has any variable interests in variable interest entities. This analysis includes both qualitative and quantitative reviews. Qualitative analysis is based on an evaluation of the design of the entity, its organizational structure including decision making ability, and financial agreements. Quantitative analysis is based on the entity’s forecasted cash flows. Generally accepted accounting principles require a reporting entity to consolidate a variable interest entity when the reporting entity has a variable interest that provides it with a controlling financial interest in the variable interest entity. The entity that consolidates a variable interest entity is referred to as the primary beneficiary of that variable interest entity. The Company uses qualitative and quantitative analyses to determine if it is the primary beneficiary of variable interest entities.

Accordingly, the Company has determined that PP Real Estate, Ltd. and PPMBA Realty, Ltd. are VIEs for which the Company is the primary beneficiary, due primarily to the Company’s guarantee of the VIE’s debt and common ownership interests.

The following table summarizes the balance sheets for consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2019:

 

Assets:

  

Receivables, net

   $ 1,375,872  

Property and equipment, net

     53,552,503  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 54,928,375  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities and Partners’ Capital/Members’ Equity:

  

Accrued expenses

   $ 143,066  

Long-term debt

     39,323,122  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     39,466,188  

Partners’ capital/members’ equity

     15,462,187  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities and partners’ capital/members’ equity

   $ 54,928,375  
  

 

 

 

19. Subsequent Events

Subsequent to the balance sheet date, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19, a novel strain of Coronavirus, a pandemic. The coronavirus outbreak is disrupting supply chains and affecting production and sales across a range of industries. The extent of the impact of the outbreak on the Company’s operational and financial performance will depend on certain developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak, impact on our customers, employees and vendors, and governmental, regulatory, and private sector responses. The financial statements do not reflect any adjustments as a result of the subsequent increase in economic uncertainty.

As a result of the pandemic and a resultant decline in sales, related party lessors granted the Company rent concessions that resulted in no or reduced rental payments for the leases described in Note 14 for the three-month period from April through June 2020. Additionally, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services granted long-term debt payment deferrals for the three-month period from May through July 2020. These payment deferrals are reflected in the aggregate maturities of long-term debt as presented in Note 8.

On June 1, 2020, the Company settled the profits interest obligation as discussed in Note 11 due to the separation from service of the limited partner. The value of the agreement to the limited partner upon settlement was approximately $6,322,000. Some of the remaining partners and members also purchased the limited partner’s partnership and membership interests in Park Place LX of Texas, Ltd., PPJ, LLC and PPM Auction, LLC for total consideration of approximately $10,678,000. In association with this transaction, the Company settled a profits interest obligation with the general partner of Park Place LX of Texas, Ltd. for a value of approximately $1,580,000.

On July 6, 2020, the Company entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Asset Purchase Agreement”) with Asbury Automotive Group, LLC. Pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, the Company will sell substantially all of the assets of the businesses described in the Asset Purchase Agreement for a purchase price of approximately $735 million (excluding vehicle inventory), reflecting $685 million of goodwill and approximately $50 million for parts, fixed assets and leaseholds in each case subject to certain adjustments described in the Asset Purchase Agreement.

 

21