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EX-99.4 - EX-99.4 - ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP INCd855100dex994.htm
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EX-99.1 - EX-99.1 - ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP INCd855100dex991.htm
EX-99.3 - EX-99.3 - ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP INCd855100dex993.htm

Exhibit 99.2

 

LOGO

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

Partners and Members

Park Place Dealerships

Dallas, Texas

We have audited the accompanying combined and consolidated financial statements of Park Place Dealerships (the “Company”), which comprise the balance sheets as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, and the related combined and consolidated statements of operations, changes in partners’ capital and members’ equity, and cash flows for each of the nine months and the two years in the period ended September 30, 2019, 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 audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits 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 sheets of Park Place Dealerships as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, and the results of its operations, changes in partners’ capital and members’ equity and cash flows for each of the nine months and the two years in the period ended September 30, 2019 in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

1


Emphasis of Matters

As discussed in Note 1 to the combined and consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for revenue as of January 1, 2018 due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), and the related amendments.

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 these matters.

 

LOGO

Fort Worth, Texas

January 13, 2020

 

2


PARK PLACE DEALERSHIPS

Combined and Consolidated Balance Sheets

September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018

 

    

September 30,
2019

    

December 31,
2018

 

ASSETS

     

Current assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 34,481,031      $ 25,025,601  

Contracts in transit

     20,021,363        43,266,895  

Receivables, net

     40,121,748        54,423,209  

Inventories

     231,348,154        270,664,927  

Prepaid expenses

     6,528,051        5,588,163  

Courtesy vehicles, net

     64,021,240        63,969,452  

Subscription rental vehicles, net

     9,102,666        6,170,073  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current assets

     405,624,253        469,108,320  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

     186,309,786        181,183,655  

Operating lease right-of-use assets

     49,704,966        —    

Long-term finance commission receivables, less current portion

     3,784,332        4,306,440  

Franchise rights, net

     11,372,022        11,372,022  

Goodwill, net

     500,000        500,000  

Other assets

     2,833,047        2,212,333  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     254,504,153        199,574,450  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 660,128,406      $ 668,682,770  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ CAPITAL AND MEMBERS’ EQUITY

     

Current liabilities:

     

Floor plan notes payable

   $ 136,602,559      $ 169,081,172  

Floor plan notes payable, other

     123,490,611        144,720,425  

Accounts payable

     21,806,943        28,357,177  

Accrued expenses

     24,973,059        25,757,082  

Current portion of allowance for contingent charges

     2,473,558        2,070,491  

Current portion of long-term debt

     12,657,189        6,961,674  

Current portion of operating lease liabilities

     10,917,990        —    

Current portion of finance or capital lease obligation

     2,450,993        2,356,563  

Current portion of deferred compensation

     —          630,658  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     335,372,902        379,935,242  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Allowance for contingent charges, less current portion

     1,292,442        1,089,509  

Long-term debt, less current portion

     90,352,218        86,401,182  

Operating lease liabilities, less current portion

     39,507,711        —    

Finance or capital lease obligation, less current portion

     1,706,798        3,557,026  

Deferred compensation, less current portion

     1,260,772        1,260,772  

Profits interest retirement obligation

     2,955,388        3,201,775  

Other liabilities

     —          673,342  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     137,075,329        96,183,606  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Partners’ capital and members’ equity

     187,680,175        192,563,922  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities and partners’ capital and members’ equity

   $ 660,128,406      $ 668,682,770  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

3


PARK PLACE DEALERSHIPS

Combined and Consolidated Statements of Operations

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 and Years Ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

     September 30,
2019
    December 31,
2018
    December 31,
2017
 

Sales

   $ 1,307,965,864     $ 1,764,856,075     $ 1,720,104,174  

Cost of sales

     1,114,521,827       1,513,868,391       1,481,727,560  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit from sales

     193,444,037       250,987,684       238,376,614  

Financing, insurance, service contract and other income, net

     21,902,594       29,809,749       30,364,411  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     215,346,631       280,797,433       268,741,025  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses:

      

Variable selling

     17,608,351       23,705,234       22,641,070  

Advertising

     6,362,492       8,606,570       7,041,981  

Floor plan interest

     7,563,373       8,434,580       5,860,327  

Personnel

     72,014,346       94,695,591       89,804,755  

Semi-fixed

     35,050,557       43,517,417       40,253,211  

Fixed

     34,379,098       45,348,944       42,826,481  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     172,978,217       224,308,336       208,427,825  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from operations

     42,368,414       56,489,097       60,313,200  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other income (expense):

      

Interest expense, other than floor plan

     (3,241,238     (4,518,181     (4,458,352

Interest income

     1,716,757       2,243,540       1,504,790  

Management fees

     (221,547     (636,963     (854,332

Deferred compensation expense

     —         (441,894     (479,608

Profits interest obligation

     246,387       249,976       (32,918

Other

     241,583       126,907       428,281  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (1,258,058     (2,976,615     (3,892,139
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before state margin tax expense

     41,110,356       53,512,482       56,421,061  

State margin tax expense

     1,161,082       1,236,585       1,301,931  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 39,949,274     $ 52,275,897     $ 55,119,130  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

4


PARK PLACE DEALERSHIPS

Combined and Consolidated Statements of Changes in Partners’ Capital and Members’ Equity Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 and Years Ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

     Partners’
Capital
     Members’
Equity
     Total  

January 1, 2017

   $ 165,910,769      $ 15,761,905      $ 181,672,674  

Partner/member withdrawals

     (58,183,849      (2,090,160      (60,274,009

Capital contributions

     8,371,654        2,200,000        10,571,654  

Net income

     52,032,723        3,086,407        55,119,130  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2017

     168,131,297        18,958,152        187,089,449  

Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2014-09 (Note 1)

     1,781,324        196,624        1,977,948  

Partner/member withdrawals

     (58,848,494      (6,208,722      (65,057,216

Capital contributions

     14,477,843        1,800,001        16,277,844  

Net income

     48,490,476        3,785,421        52,275,897  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2018

     174,032,446        18,531,476        192,563,922  

Partner/member withdrawals

     (41,650,317      (5,672,135      (47,322,452

Capital contributions

     1,489,431        1,000,000        2,489,431  

Net income

     34,780,862        5,168,412        39,949,274  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

September 30, 2019

   $ 168,652,422      $ 19,027,753      $ 187,680,175  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

5


PARK PLACE DEALERSHIPS

Combined and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 and Years Ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

     September 30,
2019
    December 31,
2018
    December 31,
2017
 

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Net income

   $ 39,949,274     $ 52,275,897     $ 55,119,130  

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

      

Provision for bad debt

     117,841       229,812       110,964  

Depreciation and amortization

     17,630,350       24,082,152       22,482,372  

Gain on disposal of property and equipment

     (70,766     (83,886     (15,821

Allowance for contingent charges

     606,000       (850,000     (411,000

Change in right-of-use asset

     8,067,561       —         —    

Termination of franchise

     —         —         100,000  

Change in assets and liabilities:

      

Contracts in transit

     23,245,532       (4,911,840     (343,976

Receivables

     14,023,108       (2,185,237     4,308,073  

Inventories

     39,316,773       (67,456,670     (18,248,462

Prepaid expenses

     (939,888     (1,861,724     (112,828

Courtesy vehicles

     (5,407,700     (6,295,481     (12,487,645

Subscription rental vehicles

     (3,741,493     (6,558,333     —    

Finance commission receivables

     682,620       (17,478     (1,725,460

Other assets

     (764,255     876,812       (2,519,474

Floor plan notes payable

     (32,478,613     61,482,249       (19,273,090

Accounts payable

     (6,550,234     (395,911     (3,332,980

Accrued expenses

     (784,023     2,119,699       2,744,172  

Operating lease liabilities

     (7,876,627     —         —    

Deferred compensation

     —         441,894       479,608  

Profits interest retirement obligations

     (246,387     (249,976     32,918  

Other liabilities

     —         266,652       406,690  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     84,779,073       50,908,631       27,313,191  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment

     121,715       205,158       129,520  

Purchase of property and equipment

     (16,642,618     (10,743,500     (25,426,185
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (16,520,903     (10,538,342     (25,296,665
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Change in floor plan notes payable, other, net

     (21,229,814     8,056,417       43,628,471  

Partner/member withdrawals

     (47,322,452     (65,057,216     (60,274,009

Capital contributions

     2,489,431       16,277,844       10,571,654  

Principal payments on long-term debt

     (5,203,894     (16,080,663     (7,729,787

Proceeds from long-term debt

     14,850,445       8,465,000       12,994,424  

Principal payments on finance or capital lease obligation

     (1,755,798     (2,236,290     (2,122,157

Payments on deferred compensation

     (630,658     (663,537     (692,772
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     (58,802,740     (51,238,445     (3,624,176
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     9,455,430       (10,868,156     (1,607,650

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning

     25,025,601       35,893,757       37,501,407  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, ending

   $ 34,481,031     $ 25,025,601     $ 35,893,757  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See supplemental disclosures of cash flow information (Note 14 and 16).

 

See accompanying notes.

 

6


PARK PLACE DEALERSHIPS

Notes to Combined and Consolidated Financial Statements

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., Park Place RB, Ltd., PPDV, Ltd., Park Place LX of Texas, Ltd., PPP, LP, PPJ, LLC, PPMB Arlington, LLC, PPM Auction, LP, PPCT, LP, JRA Dealership, LP, PPMBA Realty, LP, PP Real Estate, Ltd., JLRA Realty, LP, PPJ Land, LLC, PPM Realty, Ltd., Kings Road Realty, Ltd., PPA Realty, Ltd., NWH Land, LP, 350 Phelps Realty, LP, and PP Land Holdings, LP (referred to collectively as “Park Place Dealerships” or the “Company”). The combined and consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company after elimination of intercompany balances and transactions.

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.; Rolls-Royce Motorcars Limited; Bentley Motors, Ltd.; Maserati S.p.A.; Bugatti Automobiles USA, Inc.; Volvo Cars of North America; Jaguar Cars Limited; Land Rover North America, Inc., McLaren Automotive Incorporated; Lotus Cars USA, Inc.; Koenigsegg Automotive AB; and Karma Automotive (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. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company added a Land Rover franchise to their PPJ, LLC operations and transferred their Lotus franchise included in their PPJ, LLC operations to Park Place RB, Ltd. The Company terminated the Bugatti and Lotus franchises in January 2019 and March 2019, respectively.

Combined affiliates:

 

Legal Entity

  

Primary Operations

  

Manufacturer

Park Place Motorcars, Ltd.    Dealership    Mercedes Benz USA, LLC
Park Place RB, Ltd.    Dealership   

Rolls-Royce Motorcars Limited;

Bentley Motors, Ltd.;

      Maserati S.p.A.; Bugatti Automobiles USA, Inc.,
      McLaren Automotive Incorporated;
     

and Lotus Cars USA, Inc.,

Koenigsegg Automotive AB;

      and Karma Automotive
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

 

7


Legal Entity

  

Primary Operations

  

Manufacturer

JRA Dealership, LP    Dealership    Jaguar Cars Limited; Land Rover North America, Inc.
PPM Auction, LP    Auction   
PPCT, LP    Subscription Service   
PPMBA Realty, LP    Real Estate   
PP Real Estate, Ltd.    Real Estate   
JLRA Realty, LP    Real Estate   
PPJ Land, LLC    Real Estate   
PPM Realty, Ltd.    Real Estate   
Kings Road Realty, Ltd.    Real Estate   
PPA Realty, Ltd.    Real Estate   

 

Legal Entity

  

Primary Operations

  

Manufacturer

NWH Land, LP

   Real Estate   

350 Phelps Realty, LP

   Real Estate   

PP Land Holdings, LP

   Real Estate   

Variable interest entity of PPMB Arlington, LLC:

 

Legal Entity

  

Primary Operations

PPMB 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; Park Place Select is a vehicle subscription service with multiple revenue tiers available to customers and collects monthly fees from customers for access to a fleet of subscription rental vehicles.

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.

 

8


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.

Subscription rental vehicles

The Company holds a fleet of subscription rental vehicles whereby the Company holds and maintains the vehicles, typically for twelve months or less, in their Select operations as available for customer rental under agreements. Subscription rental vehicles are stated at cost, net of depreciation, which is computed using the straight-line method. The related liability is included in 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

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 September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

 

9


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 September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

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 statements 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 statements of operations as the respective vehicles are sold. At September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, inventory cost had been reduced by $1,788,188 and $2,063,284, respectively, for assistance received from the manufacturers. Cost of sales has been reduced by $13,351,556, $20,944,764 and $20,906,170, for assistance received from the manufacturers related to vehicles sold for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

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 sheets) as an operating activity on the combined and consolidated statements 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 sheets) have been classified as a net financing activity on the combined and consolidated statements 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. Revenues from subscription services are recognized ratably over the subscription term.

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 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.

 

10


The following table summarizes revenue from contracts with customers for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and for the year ended December 31, 2018:

 

     Nine months
ended
September 30,
2019
     December 31,
2018
 

New vehicle

   $ 620,199,480      $ 902,828,393  

Used vehicle

     474,103,802        591,113,370  

Parts, service and body shop

     206,443,547        262,620,670  

Other

     7,219,035        8,293,642  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 1,307,965,864      $ 1,764,856,075  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

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 September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

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

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”. The ASU and all subsequently issued clarifying ASUs replaced most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP. The ASU also required expanded disclosures relating to the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The Company adopted the new standard effective January 1, 2018, the first day of the Company’s fiscal year using the modified retrospective approach.

 

11


As part of the adoption of the ASU, the Company elected the following transition practical expedients: (i) to reflect the aggregate of all contract modifications that occurred prior to the date of initial application when identifying satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations, determining the transaction price, and allocating the transaction price; and (ii) to apply the standard only to contracts that are not completed at the initial date of application. Because contract modifications are minimal, there is not a significant impact as a result of electing these practical expedients.

The adoption resulted in a decrease to inventory of $1,895,149, an increase to receivables of $3,873,097 and an increase to beginning retained earnings of $1,977,948 as of January 1, 2018. The adjustment primarily relates to service and body shop work in process, which is now recognized over time as repairs are performed rather than upon final delivery.

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 16 “Leases” within the accompanying combined and consolidated financial statements.

Evaluation of subsequent events

The Company has evaluated the effect subsequent events would have on the combined and consolidated and consolidated financial statements through January 13, 2020, which is the date the combined and consolidated and consolidated financial statements were available to be issued.

2. Receivables

Receivables consisted of the following as of:

 

    

September 30,
2019

    

December 31,
2018

 

Factory

   $ 15,933,697      $ 22,172,268  

Customers

     6,908,056        8,770,132  

Vehicles

     9,893,064        15,818,063  

Finance commissions

     3,637,171        4,062,829  

Employees and other

     22,841        68,527  

Related party receivables

     4,202,688        4,137,666  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     40,597,517        55,029,485  

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     (475,769      (606,276
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 40,121,748      $ 54,423,209  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

3. Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following as of:

 

    

September 30,
2019

    

December 31,
2018

 

New vehicles

   $ 172,787,279      $ 195,883,206  

Used vehicles

     47,002,133        63,427,390  

Parts and accessories

     11,497,718        11,315,379  

Other inventories

     61,024        38,952  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 231,348,154      $ 270,664,927  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

12


4. Courtesy Vehicles

Courtesy vehicles consisted of the following as of:

 

    

September 30,
2019

    

December 31,
2018

 

Courtesy vehicles at cost

   $ 66,784,340      $ 67,138,202  

Accumulated depreciation

     (2,763,100      (3,168,750
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 64,021,240      $ 63,969,452  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Depreciation expense on courtesy vehicles, included as a component of semi-fixed expenses, totaled $5,355,912, $7,449,785 and $6,672,167 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

5. Subscription Rental Vehicles

Subscription rental vehicles consisted of the following as of:

 

    

September 30,
2019

    

December 31,
2018

 

Subscription rental vehicles at cost

   $ 9,896,406      $ 6,455,413  

Accumulated depreciation

     (793,740      (285,340
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 9,102,666      $ 6,170,073  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Depreciation expense on subscription rental vehicles, included as a component of semi-fixed expenses, totaled $808,900 and $388,260 for the nine months and year ended September 30, 2019 and December 31,2018, respectively.

6. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consisted of the following as of:

 

    

September 30,
2019

    

December 31,
2018

 

Land

   $ 49,094,981      $ 49,094,981  

Buildings

     126,958,660        126,958,660  

Equipment

     20,344,549        19,219,642  

Furniture and fixtures

     22,967,395        22,843,368  

Computer equipment

     17,195,898        16,817,925  

Vehicles

     1,381,502        1,167,912  

Leasehold improvements

     34,303,084        33,995,950  

Construction in progress

     18,563,734        4,086,575  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     290,809,803        274,185,013  

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (104,500,017      (93,001,358
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 186,309,786      $ 181,183,655  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment, included as a component of fixed expenses, totaled $11,465,538, $16,244,107 and $15,810,205 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

13


7. 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:

 

     September 30,
2019
     December 31,
2018
 

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

   $ 3,243,104      $ 3,403,616  

Long-term portion

     3,784,332        4,306,440  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 7,027,436      $ 7,710,056  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

8. Other Assets

Other assets consisted of the following as of:

 

     September 30,
2019
     December 31,
2018
 

Deposits on various contracts and other miscellaneous assets

   $ 2,833,047      $ 2,068,792  

Lease acquisition cost

     —          143,541  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 2,833,047      $ 2,212,333  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company incurred lease acquisition costs of $325,000. The lease expires October 31, 2027. The Company is amortizing these costs over the remaining life of the lease. Amortization expense on the lease acquisition costs totaled $16,250 for both years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. Amortized lease costs were transferred to operating lease right-of-use assets as of January 1, 2019.

9. 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 September 30, 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      68,000,000  

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      7,750,000  

 

14


Floor Plan Lender

  

Vehicle Type

    

Borrowing Limit

 

Bank of America, N.A.

     New Vehicles        38,000,000  

Bank of America, N.A.

     Used Vehicles        10,000,000  

Bank of America, N.A.

     Courtesy Vehicles        6,000,000  
     

 

 

 

Total borrowing limit

      $ 461,015,000  
     

 

 

 

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

Mercedes-Benz Financial Services:

 

Vehicle Type

  

Rate Calculation

  

Rate at September 30, 2019

 

Rate at December 31, 2018

New Vehicles

   30 day LIBOR + 1.70%    3.72%   4.22%

Used Vehicles

   30 day LIBOR + 1.70%    3.72%   4.22%

Courtesy Vehicles

   30 day LIBOR + 1.70%    3.72%   4.22%

Toyota Motor Credit Corporation:

 

Vehicle Type

  

Rate Calculation

 

Rate at September 30, 2019

New Vehicles

   3 month LIBOR + 1.25%   3.34%

Used Vehicles

   3 month LIBOR + 1.25%   3.34%

Courtesy Vehicles

   Fixed   4.25—4.75%

 

Vehicle Type

  

Rate Calculation

 

Rate at December 31, 2018

New Vehicles

   3 month LIBOR + 1.50%   4.30%

Used Vehicles

   3 month LIBOR + 1.70%   4.50%

Courtesy Vehicles

   Fixed   3.50—4.50%

Chase Bank:

 

Vehicle Type

  

Rate Calculation

 

Rate at September 30, 2019

 

Rate at December 31, 2018

Courtesy Vehicles

   30 day LIBOR + 2.00%   4.02%   4.52%

Bank of America:

 

Vehicle Type

  

Rate Calculation

  

Rate at September 30, 2019

 

Rate at December 31, 2018

New Vehicles

   30 day LIBOR + 1.25%    3.27%   3.77%

Used Vehicles

   30 day LIBOR + 1.25%    3.27%   3.77%

Courtesy Vehicles

   30 day LIBOR + 1.25%    3.27%   3.77%

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 semi-fixed expenses, totaled $2,113,597, $2,392,002 and $1,744,109 for the nine months ended and years ended September 30, 2019, December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Included in floor plan notes payable, other are all used vehicles floored with Mercedes-Benz Financial, any Porsche, Rolls Royce, Bentley, Maserati, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover and Lotus 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 $38,712,969 and $41,000,000 at September 30,

 

15


2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, 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 sheets.

10. Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following:

 

     September 30,
2019
     December 31,
2018
 

Bank of America

   $ 14,850,445      $ —    

Plains Capital

     19,469,861        20,758,541  

Mercedes-Benz Financial Services

     68,977,982        72,937,345  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total debt

     103,298,288        93,695,886  

Less: debt issuance costs

     (288,881      (333,030
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Long-term debt, including current portion

     103,009,407        93,362,856  

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

     (12,657,189      (6,961,674
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Long-term debt

   $ 90,352,218      $ 86,401,182  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The aggregate maturities of long-term debt as of September 30, 2019 are as follows:

 

2019 (remaining 3 months)

   $ 1,713,630  

2020

     12,886,187  

2021

     25,912,328  

2022

     12,603,309  

2023

     26,511,772  

Thereafter

     23,671,062  
  

 

 

 

Total maturities of long-term debt

   $ 103,298,288  
  

 

 

 

Real estate term loans and promissory notes

The Company has multiple real estate term loan and promissory note agreements with finance companies affiliated with our vehicle manufacturers and other lenders. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company had total notes payable outstanding of $103.3 million and $93.7 million, respectively, 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 September 30,
2019

 

Maturity Date

Bank of America

   Promissory Note    Variable
(LIBOR +2.00%)
   4.09%   4/1/2025

Plains Capital

   Promissory Note
& Term Loan
   Fixed    4.25% - 5.15%   Various dates
2020-2026

Mercedes-Benz Financial Services

   Promissory Note
& Term Loan
   Variable & Fixed
(LIBOR +2.14%)
   3.90% - 5.44%   Various dates
2020-2025

Representations and covenants

The Company is required to maintain certain financial covenants in accordance with its loan agreements with lenders. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company was in compliance with all of the related covenants.

 

16


11. 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 September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the member of management was 50.00% vested in the agreement. The Company’s accrued liability for the Dealership Value Participation Agreement was $1,126,937 at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018. The expense related to this agreement was $406,159 and $456,753 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. There was no expense related to this agreement for the nine months ended September 30, 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 Company’s accrued liability for the Profit Participation Agreement was $630,658 at December 31, 2018. The amounts paid on this agreement were $630,658, $663,537, and $692,772 for the nine months and years ended September 30, 2019, December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

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 September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the member of management was 30.00% vested in the agreement. The Company’s accrued liability for the Profit Participation Agreement was $133,835 at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018. The expense related to this agreement was $35,735 and $22,855 and the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. There was no expense related to this agreement for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

Capital transaction bonuses

The Company executed Bonus and Deferred Compensation agreements 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

 

17


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 September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, 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 September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the members of management were not vested in the agreements.

12. Profits Interest Retirement Obligation

The Company has a profits interest agreement with one 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 September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018. 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. The Company does not expect the limited partner to demand payment within one year.

13. 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.

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 $221,547, $636,963 and $854,332 for the nine months and years ended September 30, 2019, December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

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, 11, 12, 16, 17, 19, and 20.

 

18


The following is a summary of transactions with related parties for the nine months and years ended:

 

     September 30,
2019
     December 31,
2018
     December 31,
2017
 

Purchases from affiliates

   $ 8,440,827      $ 10,880,673      $ 5,079,504  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Sales to affiliates

   $ 8,425,258      $ 15,279,204      $ 1,779,875  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following is a summary of balances with related parties as of:

 

     September 30,
2019
     December 31,
2018
 

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

   $ 4,202,688      $ 4,137,666  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

   $ 28,917      $ 20,618  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

14. Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information

 

     September 30,
2019
     December 31,
2018
     December 31,
2017
 

Supplemental schedule of cash paid during the nine months and years ended for:

        

Interest

   $ 13,135,168      $ 15,265,752      $ 11,868,864  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

State income taxes

   $ 1,137,708      $ 1,299,944      $ 915,667  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

15. 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 nine months ended September 30, 2019 and the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, totaled $1,511,067, $1,667,046, and $1,597,413, respectively.

16. 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

 

19


adoption of ASC 842, the Company recorded a right-of-use asset of approximately $57.6 million, which represents the lease liability reduced for deferred rent amounts of approximately $673,000 and increased for lease acquisition costs of approximately $144,000 and a lease liability of approximately $58.0 million, which represents the present value of remaining lease payments, discounted using the Company’s incremental borrowing rates based on the remaining lease terms.

The Company leases a portion of its Park Place Motorcars, Ltd. facilities from an unrelated party under a non-cancelable 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 CPI, which are included in the future minimum lease payments and variable lease payments adjustment below.

The Company leases its Park Place LX of Texas, Ltd. facility in Plano, Texas under a non-cancelable lease from a related party, Park Place LX Land Co #1, Ltd., requiring monthly rental payments of $445,758 through December 2022.

The Company leases its Park Place LX of Texas, Ltd. facility in Grapevine, Texas from related parties under various operating leases. The first lease with Park Place LX Land Co #1, Ltd. requires monthly rental payments of $357,792, expires December 2022, and is non-cancelable. The second lease with DKK West, Ltd. required monthly rental payments of $21,994, through July 2023.

The Company leases a portion of its JRA Dealership, LP facilities under a non-cancelable lease from a related party, DKK West, Ltd., requiring monthly rental payments of $1,718 beginning August 2018 through July 2023. The Company leases a portion of its JRA Dealership, LP facility from unrelated parties under two leases: the first lease has monthly rental payments ranging from $19,661 to $25,531 and expires in March 2023 with two 5-year renewal options, the second lease has monthly rental payments ranging from $49,491 to $77,106 with a lease term through March 2057.

The Company leases its PPCT, LP facilities from a related party. The lease with DKK West, Ltd. is a non-cancelable operating lease requiring monthly rental payments of $3,437 through July 2023.

The Company leases a portion of its PPDV, Ltd. facilities under a non-cancelable lease from an unrelated party requiring monthly rental payments ranging from $12,500 to $18,302 with a lease term through October 2027. The lease has two 5-year renewal options.

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.

 

20


Balance sheet presentation

 

Leases

  

Classification

  

September 30,
2019

 

Assets:

     

Finance

   Property and equipment, net    $ 3,026,152  

Operating

   Operating lease right-of-use assets      49,704,966  
     

 

 

 

Total right-of-use assets

      $ 52,731,118  
     

 

 

 

Liabilities:

     

Current:

     

Finance

   Current portion of finance lease obligation    $ 2,450,993  

Operating

   Current portion of operating lease liabilities      10,917,990  

Non-current:

     

Finance

   Finance lease obligation, less current portion      1,706,798  

Operating

   Operating lease liabilities, less current portion      39,507,711  
     

 

 

 

Total lease liabilities

      $ 54,583,492  
     

 

 

 

Lease term and discount rate

 

     September 30,
2019

Weighted average lease term—finance lease

   1.67 years

Weighted average lease term—operating leases

   12.9 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 nine months ended September 30, 2019:

 

Finance lease cost:

  

Interest

   $ 202,345  

Depreciation

     1,361,768  

Operating lease cost

     9,972,543  

Variable lease cost

     2,285,055  
  

 

 

 
   $ 13,821,711  
  

 

 

 

Lease payments made to related parties for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 totaled $7,566,291, which is included in operating and variable lease costs above.

Supplemental cash flow information

The following table presents supplemental cash flow information for leases during the nine months ended September 30, 2019:

 

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

  

Operating cash flows from finance lease

   $ 1,564,113  

Operating cash flows from operating leases

     10,718,270  

Financing cash flows from finance lease

     1,755,798  

 

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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 September 30, 2019:

 

     Finance      Operating  

2019 (remaining three months)

   $ 841,221      $ 3,252,697  

2020

     3,364,886        13,013,844  

2021

     1,402,037        11,952,757  

2022

     —          11,254,083  

2023

     —          1,159,463  

Thereafter

     —          30,137,091  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total minimum lease payments

     5,608,144        70,769,935  

Less: amount representing interest

     (193,639      (20,262,575

Less: amount representing variable payments

     (1,256,714      (81,659
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Present value of future minimum lease payments

     4,157,791        50,425,701  

Less: current obligations under leases

     (2,450,993      (10,917,990
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Long-term lease obligations

   $ 1,706,798      $ 39,507,711  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Capital lease obligation

The Company leases a portion of its Park Place Motorcars, Ltd. facilities from an unrelated party under a non-cancelable operating lease requiring monthly rental initial payments of $217,571 through May 2021 which is accounted for as a capital lease. As of December 30, 2018, the asset recorded under this capital lease was $27,084,057 and accumulated depreciation was $22,696,137. Depreciation and interest expense recorded on the capital lease during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 was $2,190,258 and $2,304,391, respectively. The lease stipulates annual base rent increases based on CPI, which are included in the future minimum lease payments and variable lease payments adjustment below. The lease has one 10-year and one 5-year renewal options.

The following is a schedule by years of the future minimum lease payments together with the present value of the net minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2018:

 

2019

   $ 3,364,886  

2020

     3,364,886  

2021

     1,402,037  
  

 

 

 

Total minimum lease payments

     8,131,809  

Less: amount representing interest

     (395,983

Less: amount representing variable payments

     (1,822,237
  

 

 

 

Present value of net minimum capital lease payments

     5,913,589  

Less: current portion of obligations under capital leases

     (2,356,563
  

 

 

 

Capital lease obligations, long term

   $ 3,557,026  
  

 

 

 

 

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Operating lease obligations

Future minimum payments under non-cancelable operating leases with initial terms in excess of one year at December 31, 2018, are as follows:

 

     Related
Parties
     Unrelated
Parties
     Total  

2019

   $ 10,088,388      $ 2,915,430      $ 13,003,818  

2020

     10,088,388        2,919,504        13,007,892  

2021

     10,088,388        1,858,417        11,946,805  

2022

     10,088,388        1,167,626        11,256,014  

2023

     190,043        964,199        1,154,242  

Thereafter

     —          29,386,360        29,386,360  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 40,543,595      $ 39,211,536      $ 79,755,131  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total rental expense was $13,777,596 and $13,451,512 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, of which $9,773,212 and $9,657,600 was paid to related parties, respectively.

17. 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 at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 totaled $3,766,000 and $3,160,000, respectively.

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 $2,303,780 and $1,467,781 as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

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.

 

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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 $46,192,098 as of September 30, 2019.

A detail of the guarantees is as follows:

 

Type of Loan Guarantee

  

Guarantee Extends
Through

  

Guaranteed By

  

Amount of
Loan
Guarantee

 

Real Estate Loan

   August 2021    Park Place LX of Texas, Ltd.    $ 19,111,433  

Real Estate Loan

   July 2028    Park Place LX of Texas, Ltd.      27,080,665  
        

 

 

 
         $ 46,192,098  
        

 

 

 

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 September 30, 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.

18. 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.

19. 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 Park Place RB, Ltd., JRA Dealership, LP, PPDV, Ltd. and a 0.00% interest in PPM Auction, LP and PPCT, 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.

 

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The general partner holds a 0.50% interest in PPMBA Realty, LP, PP Real Estate, Ltd., JLRA Realty, LP, PPJ Land, LLC, PPM Realty, Ltd., Kings Road Realty, Ltd., PPA Realty, Ltd., NWH Land, LP, 350 Phelps Realty, LP, and PP Land Holdings, 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 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. 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 September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018:

 

     September 30,
2019
     December 31,
2018
 

Assets:

     

Receivables, net

   $ 1,053,111      $ 829,326  

Property and equipment, net

     54,013,861        55,495,404  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 55,066,972      $ 56,324,730  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities and Partners’ Capital:

     

Accrued expenses

   $ 142,328      $ 147,239  

Long-term debt

     40,050,403        42,163,905  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     40,192,731        42,311,144  

Partners’ capital

     14,874,241        14,013,586  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities and partners’ capital

   $ 55,066,972      $ 56,324,730  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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21. Subsequent Events

On December 11, 2019, Park Place Dealerships (“The Company”) entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Asset Purchase Agreement”) with Asbury Automotive Group, LLC (“Purchaser”), a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Asbury Automotive Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation. Also, on December 11, 2019, the Company and Purchaser entered into a Real Estate Purchase Agreement (the “Real Estate Purchase Agreement” and, together with the Asset Purchase Agreement, the “Transaction Agreements”). Pursuant to the Transaction Agreements, the Company will sell substantially all of the assets of, and certain real property related to (collectively, the “Transactions”), the businesses described in the Asset Purchase Agreement for a purchase price of approximately $1 billion (excluding vehicle inventory), reflecting $785 million of goodwill, approximately $215 million for real estate and leaseholds and approximately $30 million for parts and fixed assets, in each case subject to certain adjustments described in the Transaction Agreements.

 

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