UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-QSB
x QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2007
OR
o TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission file number 0-29478
PRECISION AUTO CARE, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Virginia |
|
54-1847851 |
(State or other jurisdiction of |
|
(I.R.S. Employer |
incorporation or organization) |
|
Identification Number) |
748 Miller Drive, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia |
|
20175 |
(Address of principal executive offices) |
|
(Zip Code) |
703-777-9095
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year,
if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the past 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes x No o
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuers classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date 28,993,752 shares of Common Stock as of April 16, 2007.
Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format: Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x
INDEX
2
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This report includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 (the Securities Act) and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. When used in this report, the words anticipate, believe, estimate, expect, intend and plan as they relate to Precision Auto Care, Inc. or its management are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. All statements regarding Precision Auto Care, Inc. or Precision Auto Care, Inc.s expected future financial position, business strategy, cost savings and operating synergies, projected costs and plans, and objectives of management for future operations are forward-looking statements. Although Precision Auto Care, Inc. believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements herein include, among others, the factors set forth in the Companys 10-KSB filing for the year ending June 30, 2006 under the caption BusinessRisk Factors, general economic and business and market conditions, changes in federal and state laws, and increased competitive pressure in the automotive aftermarket services business.
3
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
PRECISION
AUTO CARE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
|
|
March 31, |
|
June 30, |
|
||
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
||
|
|
(unaudited) |
|
|
|
||
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Current assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
4,385,895 |
|
$ |
4,441,850 |
|
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $304,153 and $228,642, respectively |
|
482,198 |
|
499,364 |
|
||
Notes receivable, net of allowance of $176,833 and $184,856, respectively |
|
118,178 |
|
115,145 |
|
||
Deferred tax asset |
|
425,201 |
|
447,710 |
|
||
Other assets |
|
401,695 |
|
395,737 |
|
||
Total current assets |
|
5,813,167 |
|
5,899,806 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Property and equipment, net |
|
207,679 |
|
121,681 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Goodwill |
|
8,941,744 |
|
8,711,744 |
|
||
Notes receivable, net of allowance of $222,373 and $269,222, respectively |
|
176,041 |
|
140,385 |
|
||
Deferred tax asset |
|
2,541,582 |
|
2,667,970 |
|
||
Deposits and other |
|
75,472 |
|
23,685 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total assets |
|
$ |
17,755,685 |
|
$ |
17,565,271 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Current liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Line-of-credit |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Capital lease obligationcurrent |
|
8,690 |
|
7,853 |
|
||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
|
263,824 |
|
255,138 |
|
||
Taxes payable |
|
554,584 |
|
565,541 |
|
||
Accrued commission payable |
|
253,627 |
|
314,077 |
|
||
Accrued salaries and related expenses |
|
430,421 |
|
375,648 |
|
||
Due to related party |
|
192,176 |
|
167,053 |
|
||
Deferred revenue |
|
252,273 |
|
320,029 |
|
||
Total current liabilities |
|
1,955,595 |
|
2,005,339 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Capital lease obligation, net of current portion |
|
28,719 |
|
35,346 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total liabilities |
|
1,984,314 |
|
2,040,685 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Commitments and contingencies |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Series A redeemable preferred stock, $.01 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; 11,227 shares issued and outstanding |
|
116,312 |
|
116,312 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Stockholders equity |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Common stock, $.01 par value; 39,000,000 shares authorized; 28,993,752 shares issued and outstanding |
|
289,938 |
|
289,938 |
|
||
Additional paid-in capital |
|
67,823,813 |
|
67,809,836 |
|
||
Accumulated deficit |
|
(52,458,692 |
) |
(52,691,500 |
) |
||
Total stockholders equity |
|
15,655,059 |
|
15,408,274 |
|
||
Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
|
$ |
17,755,685 |
|
$ |
17,565,271 |
|
See accompanying notes.
4
PRECISION AUTO CARE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
||||
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
||
|
|
(unaudited) |
|
(unaudited) |
|
||
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Franchise royalties |
|
$ |
2,758,157 |
|
$ |
2,725,631 |
|
Franchise development |
|
276,011 |
|
134,780 |
|
||
Company-operated retail store |
|
147,903 |
|
|
|
||
Other |
|
98,086 |
|
102,779 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total revenues |
|
3,280,157 |
|
2,963,190 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Direct costs: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Franchise support |
|
2,169,095 |
|
1,925,792 |
|
||
Company-operated store |
|
143,045 |
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total direct costs |
|
2,312,140 |
|
1,925,792 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
General and administrative expense |
|
817,475 |
|
779,516 |
|
||
Depreciation and amortization expense |
|
17,153 |
|
15,999 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Operating income |
|
133,389 |
|
241,883 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Interest expense |
|
(1,316 |
) |
(3,385 |
) |
||
Interest income |
|
41,991 |
|
30,187 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total other income |
|
40,675 |
|
26,802 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Income before income tax expense |
|
174,064 |
|
268,685 |
|
||
Provision for income taxes |
|
71,748 |
|
158,425 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Net income |
|
102,316 |
|
110,260 |
|
||
Preferred stock dividends |
|
582 |
|
582 |
|
||
Net income applicable to common shareholders |
|
$ |
101,734 |
|
$ |
109,678 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Net income per common shareBasic |
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
Net income per common shareDiluted |
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Weighted average common shares outstandingBasic |
|
28,993,752 |
|
28,953,919 |
|
||
Weighted average common shares outstandingDiluted |
|
29,056,543 |
|
29,584,890 |
|
See accompanying notes.
5
PRECISION
AUTO CARE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
||||
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
||
|
|
(unaudited) |
|
(unaudited) |
|
||
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Franchise royalties |
|
$ |
7,945,401 |
|
$ |
8,075,475 |
|
Franchise development |
|
419,630 |
|
319,154 |
|
||
Company-operated retail store |
|
277,324 |
|
|
|
||
Other |
|
252,828 |
|
262,106 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total revenues |
|
8,895,183 |
|
8,656,735 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Direct costs: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Franchise support |
|
5,958,817 |
|
5,503,438 |
|
||
Company-operated store |
|
265,919 |
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total direct costs |
|
6,224,736 |
|
5,503,438 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
General and administrative expense |
|
2,356,803 |
|
2,105,726 |
|
||
Depreciation and amortization expense |
|
42,958 |
|
48,423 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Operating income |
|
270,686 |
|
999,148 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Interest expense |
|
(6,443 |
) |
(6,476 |
) |
||
Interest income |
|
145,802 |
|
88,991 |
|
||
Other income |
|
585 |
|
6,324 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total other income |
|
139,944 |
|
88,839 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Income before income tax expense |
|
410,630 |
|
1,087,987 |
|
||
Provision for income taxes |
|
176,077 |
|
492,407 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Net income |
|
234,553 |
|
595,580 |
|
||
Preferred stock dividends |
|
1,745 |
|
1,745 |
|
||
Net income applicable to common shareholders |
|
$ |
232,808 |
|
$ |
593,835 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Net income per common shareBasic |
|
$ |
0.01 |
|
$ |
0.02 |
|
Net income per common shareDiluted |
|
$ |
0.01 |
|
$ |
0.02 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Weighted average common shares outstandingBasic |
|
28,993,752 |
|
28,937,014 |
|
||
Weighted average common shares outstandingDiluted |
|
29,117,768 |
|
29,722,277 |
|
See accompanying notes.
6
PRECISION
AUTO CARE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
||||
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
||
|
|
(unaudited) |
|
(unaudited) |
|
||
Operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Net income applicable to common shareholders |
|
$ |
232,808 |
|
$ |
593,835 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
42,958 |
|
48,423 |
|
||
Bad debt expense |
|
42,100 |
|
45,269 |
|
||
Loss on disposal of property and equipment |
|
|
|
9,530 |
|
||
Deferred taxes |
|
148,897 |
|
405,641 |
|
||
Stock based benefit due to variable accounting |
|
(22,609 |
) |
(203,487 |
) |
||
Stock based compensation |
|
36,586 |
|
|
|
||
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options |
|
|
|
3,283 |
|
||
Changes in assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Accounts and notes receivable |
|
(63,623 |
) |
107,273 |
|
||
Prepaid expenses, deposits and other |
|
(3,995 |
) |
(50,721 |
) |
||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
|
(6,203 |
) |
(144,503 |
) |
||
Due to related party |
|
25,123 |
|
61,816 |
|
||
Deferred revenue and other |
|
(67,756 |
) |
(1,199 |
) |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
|
364,286 |
|
875,160 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Purchases of property and equipment |
|
(82,706 |
) |
(36,888 |
) |
||
Purchase of company-operated store |
|
(330,000 |
) |
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
(412,706 |
) |
(36,888 |
) |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and warrants |
|
|
|
41,730 |
|
||
Payment of preferred stock dividends |
|
(1,745 |
) |
(1,745 |
) |
||
Repayment of notes payable |
|
(5,790 |
) |
(30,209 |
) |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities |
|
(7,535 |
) |
9,776 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Net change in cash and cash equivalents |
|
(55,955 |
) |
848,048 |
|
||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
|
4,441,850 |
|
3,279,568 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
|
$ |
4,385,895 |
|
$ |
4,127,616 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Cash paid for the period for: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Interest |
|
$ |
6,443 |
|
$ |
6,476 |
|
Income taxes |
|
$ |
55,665 |
|
$ |
66,348 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Supplemental schedule of non cash investing and finance activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Property and equipment acquired under capital lease |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
47,875 |
|
See accompanying notes.
7
Precision Auto
Care, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1 Interim Financial Presentation
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (US GAAP) for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by US GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments consisting primarily of recurring accruals considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for such interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results, which may be expected for a full fiscal year. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in Precision Auto Care Inc.s (the Company) annual report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended June 30, 2006.
Unless the context requires otherwise, all references to the Company herein mean Precision Auto Care, Inc. and those entities owned or controlled by Precision Auto Care, Inc. Significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Note 2 Accounting Policy
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, requires that goodwill no longer be amortized, but instead be tested for impairment at least annually. The Company engaged a valuation expert to assist in estimating the fair value of franchising operations utilizing a discounted future cash flow approach that estimates revenue, driven by assumed market growth rates and appropriate discount rates. These estimates are consistent with the plans and estimates we use to manage the underlying business. Impairment testing is performed in the first quarter of each fiscal year. Based upon the current year analysis, management concluded that the $8.7 million carrying value of goodwill was not impaired. There was additional goodwill of $230,000 associated with the purchase of the center during the second quarter that was not included in the annual impairment testing (see Note 4).
Accounting for Stock Based Compensation
On July 1, 2006 the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004) Share-Based Payment (SFAS 123(R)), which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees, including grants of employee and director stock options, to be recognized in the income statement based on their fair values. SFAS 123(R) supersedes the Companys previous accounting under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No.25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (APB 25) for the periods beginning fiscal 2007.
The Company adopted SFAS 123(R) using the modified prospective transition method, which required the application of the accounting standard as of July 1, 2006. The Companys Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the nine months ended March 31, 2007 reflect the impact of SFAS 123(R). In accordance with the modified prospective transition method, the Companys Consolidated Financial Statements for the prior periods have not been restated to reflect, and do not include the impact of SFAS 123(R). As a result of the adoption of SFAS 123(R), the Company recognized a pre-tax charge of approximately $37,000 (included in general and administrative expenses), $21,000 after-tax and $0.00 per share on a diluted basis in the period ended March 31, 2007 associated with the expensing of stock options. Employee stock option compensation expense in 2007 includes the estimated fair value of options granted, amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire portion of the award. Pro forma stock based compensation of approximately $93,000 for the nine months ended March 31, 2006 was related to employee stock options, which the Company had been recognizing under previous accounting standards for disclosure purposes only.
SFAS 123(R) requires companies to estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods in the Companys Consolidated Statement of Operations. Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123(R), the Company accounted for the stock-based awards to employees and directors using the intrinsic value method, no stock-based compensation expense had been recognized in the Companys Consolidated Statement of Operations because the exercise price of the Companys stock option granted to employees and directors equaled the fair market value of the underlying stock at the grant.
8
A summary of option activity under all plans as of March 31, 2007, and changes during the period then ended is presented below:
|
Shares |
|
Weighted- |
|
Weighted- |
|
|
June 30, 2006 |
|
1,601,700 |
|
0.89 |
|
5.0 |
|
Options granted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options exercised |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options forfeited |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2007 |
|
1,601,700 |
|
0.89 |
|
4.4 |
|
No options were granted in the nine months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The exercise price of options outstanding at March 31, 2007 ranged from $0.25 to $10.00 per share.
A summary of the status of the Companys non-vested shares as of March 31, 2007 and changes during the period is presented below:
|
Shares |
|
Weighted- |
|
|
Non-vested shares at June 30, 2006 |
|
250,000 |
|
.62 |
|
Granted |
|
|
|
|
|
Vested |
|
125,000 |
|
|
|
Forfeited |
|
|
|
|
|
Non-vested shares at March 31, 2007 |
|
125,000 |
|
.62 |
|
The modified transition method of SFAS 123(R) requires the presentation of pro forma information for periods presented prior to the adoption of SFAS 123(R) regarding net income and income per share as if the Company had accounted for our stock plans under the fair value method of SFAS 123(R). For pro forma purposes, the fair value of stock options was estimated using the Black-Scholes option valuation model and amortizing on a straight-line basis. The pro forma amounts are as follows:
|
Three Months Ended |
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|||
Net income applicable to common shareholders |
|
$ |
109,678 |
|
$ |
593,835 |
|
Deduct: Total stock-based compensation benefit reported in net income under the intrinsic value method |
|
56,317 |
|
203,487 |
|
||
Deduct: Total stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards |
|
22,181 |
|
93,257 |
|
||
Pro forma net income |
|
$ |
31,180 |
|
$ |
297,091 |
|
Earnings per share: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Basicas reported |
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
$ |
0.02 |
|
Dilutedas reported |
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
$ |
0.02 |
|
Basicpro forma |
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
$ |
0.01 |
|
Dilutedpro forma |
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
$ |
0.01 |
|
Weighted average shares: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Weighted average common shares outstandingBasic |
|
28,953,919 |
|
28,937,014 |
|
||
Weighted average common shares outstandingDiluted |
|
29,584,890 |
|
29,722,277 |
|
Reclassifications
Certain amounts on the prior period financial statements have been reclassed to be in conformity with the current period financial statements.
9
Note 3 Earnings Per Share
The Company reports earnings per share (EPS) in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 128, Earnings per Share which specifies the methods of computation, presentation, and disclosure. SFAS No. 128 requires the presentation of basic EPS and diluted EPS. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period plus the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents. The number of shares outstanding related to stock options and warrants at March 31, 2007 and 2006 was 1,945,320 and 2,000,356, respectively. Only stock options and warrants with exercise prices lower than the average market price of the common shares were included in the diluted EPS calculation. For the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, 1,590,320 and 182,950 shares attributable to outstanding stock options and warrants were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. For the nine months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, 432,950 and 182,950 shares attributable to outstanding stock options were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share as they were anti-dilutive.
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
||||||||
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
||||
Numerator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Net income |
|
$ |
102,316 |
|
$ |
110,260 |
|
$ |
234,553 |
|
$ |
595,580 |
|
Preferred stock dividends |
|
(582 |
) |
(582 |
) |
(1,745 |
) |
(1,745 |
) |
||||
Net income applicable to common Shareholders |
|
$ |
101,734 |
|
$ |
109,678 |
|
$ |
232,808 |
|
$ |
593,835 |
|
Denominator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Denominator for basic EPS weighted-average-shares |
|
28,993,752 |
|
28,953,919 |
|
28,993,752 |
|
28,937,014 |
|
||||
Common stock equivalents- stock options and warrants |
|
62,791 |
|
630,971 |
|
124,016 |
|
785,263 |
|
||||
Denominator for diluted EPS weighted-average-shares |
|
29,056,543 |
|
29,584,890 |
|
29,117,768 |
|
29,722,277 |
|
||||
Basic earnings per share applicable to common shareholders |
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
$ |
0.01 |
|
$ |
0.02 |
|
Diluted earnings per share applicable to common shareholders |
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
$ |
0.01 |
|
$ |
0.02 |
|
Note 4 Acquisition
On October 19, 2006, the Company purchased an existing Precision Tune Auto Care center in Northern Virginia. This center will be operated as a company-owned store. The Company purchased the assets of this center for $330,000. The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired at the date of acquisition:
Current assets |
|
$ |
10,000 |
|
Equipment |
|
40,000 |
|
|
Intangible asset |
|
50,000 |
|
|
Goodwill |
|
230,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets acquired |
|
$ |
330,000 |
|
Note 5 Master License Agreements
In March 2007, the Company signed a master franchise agreement with Alice Wu Hiu Mui and Chris Ng Wai-shun giving these individuals a license to open and operate Precision Tune Auto Care (PTAC) car care centers in the Peoples Republic of China. The territory within the Peoples Republic of China is specifically for the 5 provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujuan, Jiangxi, and Hainan. Under the terms of the agreement, Alice Wu Hiu Mui and Chris Ng Wai-shun are obligated to pay the Company $100,000 over the next four years. The Company recognized revenue of $10,000 as the Company had substantially fulfilled all required obligations and the amount had been paid. The Company will receive monthly installment payments totaling $24,000 during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, monthly installment payments totaling $36,000 during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, and monthly installment payments totaling $30,000 during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010. The revenue will be recognized once the amounts are collected.
10
In March 2007, the Company signed a master franchise agreement with Opal Marketing & Industry LLC (Opal Marketing), giving that company a license to open and operate Precision Tune Auto Care (PTAC) car care centers in Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Under the terms of the agreement, Opal Marketing was obligated to pay the Company $100,000 for these rights. The Company recognized $100,000 as income as all substantial obligations under that agreement have been fulfilled and the amount had been paid in full.
Note 6 Area Developer Agreements
On January 4, 2007, the Company and the area developer for the Dallas, Texas market mutually agreed to terminate the area developer agreement for the Dallas, Texas market for an amount slightly in excess of $100,000.
On February 15, 2007, the Company and the area developer for the State of Florida mutually agreed to terminate the area development agreement for the Florida market for an amount slightly in excess of $150,000.
With no area developer for these markets, the Company will support the franchisees and develop new stores in that market and will keep 100 percent of the royalty stream instead of splitting those monies with an area developer.
Note 7 Debt
On February 28, 2007, the Company renewed the $250,000 line of credit with Chevy Chase Bank. The interest rate on this line of credit is indexed to the Prime Rate as published in The Wall Street Journal (8.25% at March 31, 2007) and the Company has pledged the assets of its wholly-owned subsidiaries as collateral. The Company has not borrowed against this line of credit.
Note 8 Contingencies
The Company is subject to litigation that could have a material adverse impact on its liquidity (see Part II Item 1. Legal Proceedings).
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OR PLAN OF OPERATION
Introduction
The following discussion and analysis or plan of operation of Precision Auto Care, Inc. (the Company) should be read in conjunction with the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Item 1.Financial Statements of this quarterly report and the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and the section titled Item 6.Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the Companys annual report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 28, 2006. Historical results and percentage relationships set forth herein are not necessarily indicative of future operations.
The Company is a franchisor of automotive service centers located in the United States and in certain foreign countries. Through its franchised centers, services are provided to automobile owners and focus on those high-frequency items required on a periodic basis to maintain the vehicle properly.
Critical Accounting Policies
The following is a summary of the Companys critical accounting policies. These critical accounting policies require estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses reported in the consolidated financial statements. Due to their nature, estimates involve judgments based on available information. Actual results or amounts could differ from estimates and the difference could have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. Therefore, understanding these policies is important in understanding the reported results of operations and the financial position of the Company.
Revenue Recognition
The Company enters into domestic Area Development agreements and international Master License agreements which grant the area developer and master licensor, respectively, the right to sell, on the Companys behalf, Precision Tune Auto Care franchises within a specific geographic region. Revenue from the sale of Area Development agreements and international Master License agreements is recognized as all material services or conditions related to the agreements are satisfied and once the amounts are collected.
Revenue from the sale of a franchise is recognized when all material services and conditions have been satisfied, generally at the opening of the franchised center.
11
The Companys royalty revenue is recognized as earned in accordance with the specific terms of each agreement and to the extent no known issues involving collection exist. In the case when revenues are not likely to be collected, the Company establishes reserves for such amounts. Such reserves are based upon our historical collection experience with the various franchisees taking into consideration the financial stability of such franchisees.
Product services in the form of equipment and other marketing materials related sales are recognized upon delivery to the franchisees.
Retail revenues are realized from providing maintenance and repair services, as well as from the parts that are provided as part of that service to the general public, are recognized when the service is performed.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, requires that goodwill no longer be amortized, but instead be tested for impairment at least annually. Impairment testing is performed in the first quarter of each fiscal year. The Company engaged a valuation specialist in fiscal year 2007 to assist management with its test for impairment. The fair value of franchising operations was estimated utilizing a discounted cash flow approach that estimates revenue, driven by assumed market growth rates and appropriate discount rates. These estimates are consistent with the plans and estimates management uses to manage the underlying business. The fair value of the franchising operations exceeded its carrying value by a substantial margin. Based upon the above, management has concluded that the $8.7 million carrying value of goodwill was not impaired. There was additional goodwill of $230,000 associated with the purchase of the center during the second quarter that was not included in the annual impairment testing (see Note 4).
Income Taxes
The Company recognizes deferred income tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. Deferred tax liabilities and assets reflect the effects of tax losses and the future income tax effects of temporary differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and are measured using enacted tax rates that apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. A valuation allowance is established when management is not able to conclude that it is more likely than not that the assets will be realized in future years.
The Company regularly reviews the recoverability of its deferred tax assets and establishes a valuation allowance as deemed appropriate. As of March 31, 2007, the Company had a valuation allowance of $2.9 million against deferred tax assets.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (SFAS 159). This statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The objective is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. The fair value option established by this Statement permits all entities to choose to measure eligible items at fair value at specified election dates. A business entity shall report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. The fair value option may be applied instrument by instrument and is irrevocable. SFAS 159 is effective as of the beginning of an entitys first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of a fiscal year that begins on or before November 15, 2007, provided the entity also elects to apply the provisions of SFAS 157, Fair Value Measurements. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact this statement may have on our financial statements but does not intend to adopt early.
In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Current Year Misstatements. SAB No. 108 requires analysis of misstatements using both an income statement (rollover) approach and a balance sheet (iron curtain) approach in assessing materiality and provides for a one-time cumulative effect transition adjustment. SAB No. 108 is effective for our fiscal year 2007 annual financial statements. We are currently assessing the potential impact that the adoption of SAB No. 108 will have on our financial statements; the impact is not expected to be material.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value measurements, but provides guidance on how to measure fair value by providing a fair value hierarchy used to classify the source of the information. This statement is effective for the Company beginning July 1, 2008. We are currently assessing the potential impact that the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will have on our financial statements.
12
In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (FIN 48). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a companys financial statements in accordance with FAS 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. The requirements of FIN 48 are effective for our fiscal year beginning July 1, 2007. The Company is in the process of evaluating this guidance and therefore has not yet determined the impact that FIN 48 will have on our financial statements upon adoption.
Comparison of the three months ended March 31, 2007 to the three months ended March 31, 2006
Summary (in thousands)
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
||||||||
|
|
2007 |
|
% |
|
2006 |
|
% |
|
||
Automotive care franchising revenue |
|
$ |
3,034 |
|
92 |
|
$ |
2,860 |
|
97 |
|
Company-operated store retail revenue |
|
148 |
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Other |
|
98 |
|
3 |
|
103 |
|
3 |
|
||
Total revenues |
|
$ |
3,280 |
|
100 |
% |
$ |
2,963 |
|
100 |
% |
Automotive care franchising direct cost |
|
2,079 |
|
63 |
|
1,836 |
|
62 |
|
||
Company-operated store cost |
|
143 |
|
4 |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Other |
|
90 |
|
3 |
|
90 |
|
3 |
|
||
Total direct costs |
|
2,312 |
|
70 |
|
1,926 |
|
65 |
|
||
General and administrative expense |
|
818 |
|
25 |
|
779 |
|
26 |
|
||
Depreciation and amortization expense |
|
17 |
|
1 |
|
16 |
|
1 |
|
||
Operating income |
|
133 |
|
4 |
|
242 |
|
8 |
|
||
Other |
|
41 |
|
1 |
|
27 |
|
1 |
|
||
Earnings before taxes |
|
174 |
|
5 |
|
269 |
|
9 |
|
||
Provision for income taxes |
|
72 |
|
2 |
|
158 |
|
5 |
|
||
Net income |
|
102 |
|
3 |
|
111 |
|
4 |
|
||
Preferred stock dividends |
|
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
||
Net income applicable to common shareholders |
|
$ |
101 |
|
3 |
% |
$ |
110 |
|
4 |
% |
Revenue. Total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2007 was approximately $3.3 million, an increase of approximately $317,000, compared with total revenue of $3.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006.
Automotive care franchising revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2007 was approximately $3.0 million, an increase of approximately $174,000 or 6%, compared with automotive care revenue of $2.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006. This increase was primarily the result of an increase in franchise development revenue in the amount of approximately $110,000. Franchise development revenue increased due to the Company signing a master franchising agreement with Opal Marketing & Industry LLC (Opal Marketing), giving that company a license to open and operate Precision Tune Auto Care (PTAC) car care centers in Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Under the terms of the agreement, Opal Marketing was obligated to pay the Company $100,000 for these rights. The Company recognized $100,000 as income as all substantial obligations under that agreement have been fulfilled and the amount had been paid in full (see Note 5). Additionally, the Company signed a master franchise agreement with Alice Wu Hiu Mui and Chris Ng Wai-shun giving these individuals a license to open and operate PTAC care centers in the Peoples Republic of China. The territory within the Peoples Republic of China is specifically for the 5 provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujuan, Jiangxi, and Hainan. Under the terms of the agreement, Alice Wu Hiu Mui and Chris Ng Wai-shun are obligated to pay the Company $100,000 over the next four years. The Company recognized revenue of $10,000 as the Company had substantially fulfilled all required obligations and the amount had been paid (see Note 5). Additionally, automotive care franchising revenue increased due to an increase of approximately $62,000 in distribution and equipment sales.
Company-operated store retail revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2007 was $148,000. There was no comparable revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2006 (see Note 4).
13
The Company recognized revenue from foreign franchisee operations of $238,000 and $53,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The increase in revenue from foreign franchisee operation was primarily attributed to the franchise development revenue of $110,000 recognized from the signing of the master franchising agreements for Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and the provinces in the Peoples Republic of China (see Note 5).
Other revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2007 was $98,000, a decrease of approximately $5,000 or 5%, compared to $103,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2006. The decrease was primarily attributed to a decrease in training and rebate programs revenue of approximately $13,000 offset by an increase of approximately $8,000 from support fees associated with the point of sale system.
Direct Cost. Total direct cost for the three months ended March 31, 2007 totaled $2.3 million, an increase of $386,000 or 20%, compared with $1.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006.
Automotive care franchising direct cost for the three months ended March 31, 2007 totaled approximately $2.1 million, an increase of approximately $243,000, compared with automotive care direct cost of $1.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006. The increase was due to the Company terminating the area developer agreements for the Dallas, Texas and State of Florida markets in the amount of $285,000. This cost was offset by a decrease in area developer commission expense in the amount of approximately $33,000 due to the fact the Company supported the franchisees in these markets and kept one hundred percent of the royalty stream instead of splitting the royalties with an area developer (see Note 6).
Company-operated store cost for the three months ended March 31, 2007 was $143,000. There was no comparable expense for the three months ended March 31, 2006 (see Note 4).
Other direct cost for the three months ended March 31, 2007 totaled $90,000, which was comparable to the three months ended March 31, 2006.
General and Administrative Expense. General and administrative expense for the three months ended March 31, 2007 totaled approximately $818,000, an increase of $39,000 or 5%, compared with $779,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2006. In the quarter ending March 31, 2007, the Company recorded a pre-tax compensation expense of approximately $8,000 due to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) (see Note 2) and $23,000 of expenses relating to the company-operated store. There were no comparable expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2006.
Operating Income. The Company recorded operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2007 of approximately $133,000 compared with operating income of $242,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2006.
Other Income. The Company recorded other income of $41,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2007, which represents an increase in other income of approximately $14,000 or 52% compared to $27,000 in other income for the three months ended March 31, 2006. This increase is primarily due to an increase in interest income.
Income Taxes. The Companys effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 was approximately 40% and 59%, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate for quarter ending March 31, 2006 was due primarily to a one time adjustment to the cumulative deferred tax balances. There was no comparable adjustment in the quarter ending March 31, 2007.
Net Income Applicable to Common Shareholders and Earnings Per Share. The Company recorded net income applicable to common shareholders of $101,000, or $0.00 per basic share, for the three months ended March 31, 2007 compared to the net income applicable to common shareholders of $110,000, or $0.00 per basic share, for the three months ended March 31, 2006.
Comparison of the nine months ended March 31, 2007 to the nine months ended March 31, 2006
Summary (in thousands)
|
|
Nine Months Ended March 31, |
|
||||||||
|
|
2007 |
|
% |
|
2006 |
|
% |
|
||
Automotive care franchising revenue |
|
$ |
8,365 |
|
94 |
|
$ |
8,394 |
|
97 |
|
Company-operated store retail revenue |
|
277 |
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Other |
|
253 |
|
3 |
|
262 |
|
3 |
|
||
Total revenues |
|
$ |
8,895 |
|
100 |
% |
$ |
8,656 |
|
100 |
% |
Automotive care franchising direct cost |
|
5,724 |
|
64 |
|
5,269 |
|
61 |
|
||
Company-operated store cost |
|
266 |
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Other |
|
234 |
|
3 |
|
234 |
|
3 |
|
||
Total direct costs |
|
6,224 |
|
70 |
|
5,503 |
|
64 |
|
||
General and administrative expense |
|
2,357 |
|
26 |
|
2,106 |
|
24 |
|
||
Depreciation and amortization expense |
|
43 |
|
1 |
|
48 |
|
1 |
|
||
Operating income |
|
271 |
|
3 |
|
999 |
|
11 |
|
||
Other |
|
140 |
|
1 |
|
89 |
|
1 |
|
||
Earnings before taxes |
|
411 |
|
4 |
|
1,088 |
|
12 |
|
||
Provision for income taxes |
|
176 |
|
2 |
|
492 |
|
5 |
|
||
Net income |
|
235 |
|
2 |
|
596 |
|
7 |
|
||
Preferred stock dividends |
|
2 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
||
Net income applicable to common shareholders |
|
$ |
233 |
|
2 |
% |
$ |
594 |
|
7 |
% |
14
Revenue. Total revenue for the nine months ended March 31, 2007 was approximately $8.9 million, an increase of approximately $239,000 or 3%, compared with total revenue of approximately $8.7 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2006.
Automotive care franchising revenue for the nine months ended March 31, 2007 was approximately $8.4 million, which was comparable to the nine months ended March 31, 2006.
Company-operated store retail revenue for the nine months ended March 31, 2007 was $277,000. There was no comparable revenue for the nine months ended March 31, 2006 (see Note 4).
The Company recognized revenue from foreign franchisee operations of $370,000 and $217,000 for the nine months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The increase in revenue from foreign franchisee operation was primarily attributed to the franchise development revenue of $110,000 recognized from the signing of the master franchising agreements for Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain and for the provinces in the Peoples Republic of China (see Note 5). Additionally, there was an increase of approximately $26,000 in international royalties.
Other revenue for the nine months ended March 31, 2007 was $253,000, a decrease of approximately $9,000 or 3%, compared to $262,000 for the nine months ended March 31, 2006. The decrease was primarily attributed to a decrease in training and rebate programs revenue of approximately $43,000 offset by an increase of approximately $34,000 from support fees associated with the point of sale system.
Direct Cost. Total direct cost for the nine months ended March 31, 2007 totaled approximately $6.2 million, an increase of $721,000 or 13%, compared with approximately $5.5 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2006.
Automotive care franchising direct cost for the nine months ended March 31, 2007 totaled $5.7 million, an increase of $455,000, compared with approximately $5.3 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2006. The increase was due to the Company terminating the area developer agreements for the Dallas, Texas and State of Florida markets in the amount of $285,000 (see Note 6). Additionally, the Company incurred expenses of approximately $170,000 for the convention held in Orlando, Florida. There were no comparable costs for the nine months ended March 31, 2006.
Company-operated store cost for the nine months ended March 31, 2007 was $266,000. There was no comparable expense for the nine months ended March 31, 2006 (see Note 4).
Other direct cost for the nine months ended March 31, 2007 totaled $234,000, which was comparable to the nine months ended March 31, 2006.
General and Administrative Expense. General and administrative expense was approximately $2.4 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2007, an increase of $251,000 or 12%, compared with approximately $2.1 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2006. In the nine months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company recorded a benefit of approximately $23,000 and $207,000, respectively, related to variable accounting for certain outstanding stock options because the Companys stock price declined during the last nine months. In addition to the $184,000 difference, in the nine months ended March 31, 2006, the Company recorded a pre-tax compensation expense of approximately $37,000 due to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) (see Note 2) and $43,000 of expenses relating to the company-operated store. There were no comparable expenses for the nine months ended March 31, 2006.
Operating Income. The Company recorded operating income for the nine months ended March 31, 2007 of approximately $271,000 compared with operating income of $999,000 for the nine months ended March 31, 2006. As discussed previously, there were multiple variables that attributed to the decrease in operating income during the nine months ended March 31, 2007. The most significant variables were the expense incurred for the termination of the area developer agreements, the convention expense, and the impact of the difference in the benefit recorded related to variable accounting for stock options.
15
Other Income. The Company recorded other income of $140,000 for the nine months ended March 31, 2007, which represents an increase in other income of approximately $51,000 or 57%, compared to $89,000 in other income for the nine months ended March 31, 2006. This increase is primarily due to an increase in interest income.
Income Taxes. The Companys effective tax rate for the nine months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 was approximately 43% and 45%, respectively.
Net Income Applicable to Common Shareholders and Earnings Per Share. The Company recorded net income applicable to common shareholders of approximately $233,000 or $0.01 per basic share, for the nine months ended March 31, 2007 compared to the net income applicable to common shareholders of $594,000, or $0.02 per basic share, for the nine months ended March 31, 2006.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Sources and Uses of Cash
Cash at March 31, 2007 was $4.4 million. During the period, cash provided by operations was $364,000.
Cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended March 31, 2007 was $413,000. Cash used in investing activities during the nine months ended March 31, 2007 consisted of the purchase of property and equipment of $83,000 for use in the Companys franchise operations and $330,000 for the purchase of a company-operated store.
Cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended March 31, 2007 was $8,000. Cash used in financing activities during the nine months ended March 31, 2007 consisted primarily of the payments of dividends and a capital lease obligation.
Management believes that the Companys current cash balance, cash generated from operations, and the available $250,000 credit line will be sufficient to meet the Companys working capital needs, capital expenditures, and contractual obligations for fiscal year 2007. At March 31, 2007, the entire line of credit was available.
Debt Transactions
On February 28, 2007, the Company renewed the $250,000 line of credit with Chevy Chase Bank. The interest rate on this line of credit is indexed to the Prime Rate as published in The Wall Street Journal (8.25% at March 31, 2007) and the Company has pledged the assets of its wholly-owned subsidiaries as collateral. The Company has not borrowed against this line of credit.
Seasonality and Quarterly Fluctuations
Seasonal changes may impact various sectors of the Companys business differently and, accordingly, the Companys operations may be affected by seasonal trends in certain periods. In particular, severe weather in winter months can adversely affect the Company because such weather makes it difficult for consumers in affected parts of the country to travel to Precision Auto Care centers.
ITEM 3. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(c) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective. There have not been any changes in the Companys internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
The Company is involved in litigation. The details of the litigation are as follows:
Triton Commercial Building Contractors, Inc. v. Jeffrey Caldwell, RPM Solutions, Inc. and Precision Tune Auto Care, Inc., Common Pleas Court of Green County, OH (Civil Division), 2007CV0250, Filed: March 13, 2007.
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The plaintiff, Triton Commercial Building Contractors, Inc. (Triton), is in the business of constructing buildings for commercial use. Defendant Mr. Jeffrey Caldwell (Caldwell) is the President of RPM Solutions, Inc. (RPM). RPM is a Precision Tune Auto Care (PTAC) area developer and franchisee that operates several PTAC franchises in Ohio. Pursuant to executory contracts between RPM and Precision Franchising LLC (PFL), the franchisor of the Precision Tune Auto Care system, RPM has a duty to defend and indemnify PFL and its affiliates, including Precision Tune Auto Care, Inc., from claims of the type made by Triton.
Triton alleges that in October 2005 Caldwell approached Triton and requested that Triton construct a building for a PTAC franchise which Caldwell intended to rent from Triton. After Triton allegedly incurred significant costs, Caldwell informed Triton that he had engaged another contractor to construct a building for the PTAC franchise. Triton filed a complaint in the Common Pleas Court of Green County, Ohio on March 13, 2007 requesting judgment against Caldwell and Precision Tune Auto Care, Inc. in the amount of $136,000 plus punitive damages, interest, costs, attorneys fees, and any other legal or equitable relief the Court deems proper. PFL sent a letter to Caldwell and RPM advising them of their duty to indemnify Precision Tune Auto Care, Inc. Counsel has been retained by Caldwell to provide a defense to these claims. An Answer to the complaint was filed on April 10, 2007.
Precision Franchising LLC v. Brown, USDC ED VA (Alexandria Division), 1:07-cv-00095-GBL-TCB, filed January 30, 2007.
Defendant, Mr. William Brown, is a party to a Franchise Agreement with WEJAC Corporation that required Mr. Brown to operate a Precision Lube Express center located in Pennsylvania and to pay periodic fees in connection with the operation of such business. Mr. Brown ceased paying royalties but continued to operate a Precision Lube Express center in violation of the Franchise Agreement.
As the current owner of the trademark PRECISION LUBE EXPRESS and successor in interest to WEJACS Precision Lube Express Franchise Agreements, Precision Franchising LLC (PFL) filed a complaint for damages and injunctive relief on January 30, 2007. An amended complaint was filed on February 15, 2007 to include Mr. William Browns son, Mr. Mark Brown, who is currently operating the Precision Lube Express business. Messrs Brown and Brown have ceased using PFLs proprietary marks and trade dress. The parties are currently discussing a negotiated settlement.
Promotion Exchange, Inc. v. Precision Franchising LLC dba Precision Tune Auto Care, West District, West Los Angeles Courthouse, law06w02338, Judgment Entered: January 29, 2007.
Precision Franchising LLC (PFL) did not enter into any agreement with PEI. The plaintiff, Promotion Exchange, Inc. (PEI), is a marketing vendor retained by Mr. Jim Barger (Barger), or one of Bargers affiliated entities, to advertise in the Los Angeles, California area. Barger is an officer of affiliated entities (the Barger Entities) that own and operate both Precision Tune Auto Care franchise and area developer businesses. Pursuant to executory contracts between the Barger Entities and Precision Franchising LLC (PFL), the franchisor of the Precision Tune Auto Care system, the Barger Entities have a duty to defend and indemnify PFL from claims of the type made by PEI.
On January 30, 2007, PFL received notice of a default judgment entered against PFL in the amount of $2,100. No Barger Entity was named as a defendant in the suit. PFL never received notice of the complaint and did not become aware of the case until receipt of the entry of default judgment. PFL has contacted PEI to explain that the complaint was not properly served and that PFL is not a proper party to the suit. PEI has advised that it will not take steps to have the case against PFL dismissed. PFL expects the Barger Entities to resolve the outstanding default judgment PEI has obtained against PFL.
Precision Franchising LLC v. High Tech Tune I, Inc. and Jerry L. Yohey, Loudoun County Circuit Court, CL00032449-00, filed September 13, 2004.
The defendant, High Tech Tune I (High Tech), was a Precision Tune Auto Care (PTAC) franchisee located in Alabama. Defendant Mr. Jerry L. Yohey personally guaranteed High Techs Franchise Agreement and agreed to perform all of High Techs obligations under the Franchise Agreement. Mr. Yohey failed to pay operating and advertising fees, thus causing the premature termination of the Franchise Agreement. Mr. Yohey owes Precision Franchising LLC (PFL) $35,063.20 in unpaid operating fees, unpaid advertising fees, and lost future operating fees. Additionally, Mr. Yohey owes interest of at least $9,759.26. PFL filed a complaint against Mr. Yohey and High Tech on September 13, 2004 and both Mr. Yohey and High Tech were served. On October 18, 2004, Mr. Yohey appeared in court and PFL filed a motion for summary judgment. PFL has been unable to reach either Mr. Yohey or his counsel since October 18, 2004. On February 23, 2007, PFL filed a motion to remain on the Loudoun County Circuit Courts active docket. PFL filed a motion for default judgment on March 29, 2007. On April 6, 2007, judgment was entered against Mr. Yohey and High Tech.
Barras, et al. v. Precision Tune Auto Care, Inc., 16th Judicial District Court, St. Martin Parish, Louisiana, docket numbers 70616-F, 70629-B, 70628-B, 70630-D, filed May 18, 2006 (Barras) and May 24, 2006 (Escuriex, Berard-Linford, Bergeron). Served May 26, 2006 (Barras), May 30, 2006 (Berard-Linford, Bergeron), May 31, 2006 (Escuriex).
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On May 21, 2005, an automobile operated by Steven Berard (Berard), in which Andrew Barras, Jr. (Barras), Berards sister Stephanie Domingue (Domingue), and Windi Bergeron (Bergeron) were passengers, crossed into oncoming traffic and struck an automobile driven by Jennifer W. Escuriex (Escuriex). Domingue, Bergeron, and Escuriex were each injured (as well as four of Escuriexs passengers), while Barras and Berard were killed. The automobile operated by Berard was actually owned by Berards grandmother, Jacqueline Berard. On May 18, 2006, plaintiffs Andrew J. Barras, Sr. and Kathy T. Barras (the Barrases) filed a Petition for Damages against Precision Tune Auto Care, Inc. (PTAC) on behalf of the estate of their son Barras. PTAC is one of more than a dozen defendants; co-defendants include the State of Louisiana, Berard, Jacqueline A. Berard, Wal-Mart (as well as several subsidiaries thereof), Ford Motor Company, State Farm and TRW Automotive. The Barrases claim that PTAC was negligent in servicing, modifying, repairing, and/or inspecting Jacqueline Berards automobile, thereby making the accident and resulting death more likely. Although the exact amount sought is not specified in the Petition for Damages, the Barrases seek compensation for medical treatment, funeral expenses, and pain and suffering.
On May 24, 2006, Escuriex, Claudette Berard-Linford (Berard-Linford) (mother of Berard) on behalf of her son Berard and daughter Domingue, and Bergeron, each filed a Petition for Damages against PTAC. As in the Barras Petition for Damages, PTAC is one of more than dozen co-defendants. Escuriex, Berard-Linford, and Bergeron each claim that PTAC was negligent in servicing, testing and/or inspecting Jacqueline Berards automobile, thereby making the accident and resulting injuries more likely.
Plaintiffs seek compensation for medical treatment, physical and mental pain and suffering, disability, loss of society, past and future loss of income and earning capacity, and past and future loss of enjoyment of life (although no exact amount is specified in the Petition for Damages).
PTAC intends to vigorously defend the claims filed against it. At this time, there is no evidence that Jacqueline Berard had her vehicle serviced by a Precision Tune Auto Care franchise and, if she did, PTAC and the franchisee have an independent contractor relationship since PTAC does not in any way control the business operations of its franchisees. Furthermore, the franchisees insurance carrier has agreed to provide a defense and has retained counsel for that purpose. On July 13, 2006, PTAC filed its response to Bergeron and Berard-Linfords respective Petitions for Damages; on July 14, 2006, PTAC filed its response to Barrass Petition for Damages; On July 16, 2006, PTAC filed its response to Escuriexs Petition for Damages. In each case, PTAC denied the allegations asserted against it. The parties are currently conducting discovery. Depositions will take place on April 25, 2007 and PTAC will file a Motion for Summary Judgment within a few days of the depositions. On April 3, 2007, PTAC requested that Plaintiffs voluntarily dismiss PTAC as a party to this case. PTAC sent the Plaintiffs a petition to amend the complaint by dismissing PTAC as a party to the case. On April 17, 2007, Plaintiffs advised they will not sign the petition to amend the complaint until they have taken the deposition of PTACs franchisee. The deposition is scheduled for April 25, 2007.
Precision Franchising LLC v. James Barger, Robert Hedayati, Pacific Coast Precision, Inc., Pars Ventures, Inc., USDC ED VA (Alexandria District), 1:06cv01346, Filed: November 29, 2006
Defendants Pars Ventures, Inc. (Pars), James Barger (Barger) and Robert Hedayati (Hedayati) are parties to a Franchise Agreement with Precision Franchising LLC (PFL) to operate a Precision Tune Auto Care (PTAC) center located in Aliso Viejo, California. The Franchise Agreement prohibits Defendants Pars, Barger, and Hedayati from operating similar businesses to the franchised business at other locations. Defendant Pacific Coast Precision Inc. (PCPI) is party to an Area Development Agreement with PFL. The Area Development Agreement prohibits PCPI from infringing upon PFLs trademarks and trade dress, as well as from operating a similar business to the franchised business with the San Diego, Imperial, and Riverside counties of California.
Pars, Barger, Hedayati, and PCPI have been operating three locations in California using PFLs trademarks and trade dress without franchise agreements. PFL has repeatedly demanded that Pars, Barger, Hedayati and PCPI sign a franchise agreement for the three California locations without any response from Pars, Barger, Hedayati or PCPI. PFL filed a complaint against the Pars, Barger, Hedayati and PCPI on November 29, 2006. Pars and PCPI were served on December 6, 2006 and Hedayati and Barger were served on December 7, 2006. Answers to the complaint were due on December 26, 2006 and December 27, 2006, respectively. Pars, Barger, Hedayati and PCPI did not file an Answer; therefore, on January 8, 2007 an order was entered referring the case to a magistrate judge for default proceedings. The default judgment hearing was set for February 9, 2007 and continued until February 16, 2007. Plaintiffs report and recommendations regarding the motion for default judgment were entered by the magistrate judge on March 28, 2007. The magistrate judge recommended that default judgment be entered against Pars, Barger, Hedayati and PCPI in the amount of $136,825.72. Pars, Barger, Hedayati and PCPIs objections to the report and recommendations were due by April 11, 2007. PFL expects to obtain a default judgment against Pars, Barger, Hedayati and PCPI. The parties are currently discussing a settlement.
Precision Franchising LLC v. Chadwick A. Coombs and Evelyn Coombs, USDC ED VA (Alexandria District), 1:06cv1148, Filed: October 11, 2006.
Defendants are Precision Tune Auto Care (PTAC) franchisees (the Franchisees) whose Precision Tune Auto Care Franchise Agreement (the Franchise Agreement) expired on August 14, 2006. Per the Franchise Agreement, upon termination, Franchisees agreed to cease operating their franchised business and to cease using all of PTACs proprietary marks and trade dress.
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On August 28, 2006, PTAC sent a letter to Franchisees advising them that the Franchise Agreement terminated and that it must either be renewed or the Franchisees would be required to comply with all post-term covenants. On September 15, 2006, Franchisees responded by sending the lease to the formerly franchised location to PTAC and advised PTAC that they would vacate the premises. Franchisees advised PTAC that PTAC should lease the formerly franchised location. However, phone calls to the formerly franchised location revealed that Franchisees continued to operate an auto care center at the formerly franchised location until October 1, 2006. On October 1, 2006, Franchisees closed the formerly franchised location and opened an auto care center less than one mile from the formerly franchised location, in violation of the non-competition portion of their Franchise Agreement.
PTAC filed a complaint against the Franchisees on October 11, 2006 in the US District Court, Eastern District of Virginias Alexandria Division. PTAC is seeking damages, together with pre- and post-judgment interest, and attorneys fess and costs. PTAC also seeks a permanent injunction.
On October 30, 2006, Franchisees filed an answer to PTACs complaint and filed a counterclaim, as well as a motion to transfer the case to the Richmond Division of the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia and a motion to dismiss. On December 27, 2006, the judge ruled in favor of PTAC and denied the Franchisees motions to dismiss and to transfer. On February 7, 2007, PTAC filed a proposed discovery plan. An initial pretrial conference occurred on February 14, 2007 before a Magistrate Judge and a scheduling order was entered. Depositions are currently scheduled for May 7, 2007.
Shaw v. Precision Tune Auto Care and Mark Hall, State of South Carolina, County of Greenville, Court of Common Pleas, 13th Judicial Circuit, Case No.: 2006-CP-23-3737, filed and served 6/19/2006.
Plaintiff Tammy Shaw claims that the employees of Woodruff Road Tune, Inc. (Woodruff), a Precision Tune Auto Care franchisee, caused damage to her vehicle. The named defendant, Mark Hall, is an agent of Woodruff. Plaintiff seeks actual damages not to exceed $9,999.99, attorneys fees, and the costs of the action. Because Woodruff is contractually obligated to indemnify PTAC and because PTAC and Woodruff are independent contractors, PTAC does not expect to incur liability. PTAC sent to Woodruff on June 19, 2006 a letter demanding that Woodruff hold PTAC harmless for all claims asserted by Shaw. Accordingly, Woodruffs insurance carrier has retained counsel to defend both Woodruff and PTACs interests. On August 18, 2006, defendants filed their answer; each allegation was denied, and it was asserted that PTAC is not a proper defendant due to: (i) the independent contractor relationship between PTAC and Woodruff; and (ii) the fact that PTAC is merely a trademarked brand name and Precision Franchising LLC is the actual corporate entity.
United Bank, NA v. C. Eugene Deal, Miracle Partners, Inc., Star Auto Center, Inc., Common Pleas Court of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Case No. 01-CV0019, Filed January 11, 2001.
Miracle Partners, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, was party to a confessed judgment of approximately $1.3 million. The subsidiary is currently inactive and has no assets. As such, management believes this judgment will have no material impact on the Companys consolidated results of operations. Furthermore, the Company believes that it has a meritorious claim against Mr. Deal for misrepresentations made in connection with PACIs acquisition of Miracle Partners, Inc. in 1997 for all amounts covered by the judgment.
Lumnivision, S.A. de C.V. v. Praxis Afinaciones, S.A. de C.V., Third Civil Court, First Judicial District, Monterrey, Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.
Lumnivision filed suit against Praxis Afinaciones, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of PACI, seeking payment of 766,000 Mexican Pesos, plus interest at the rate of 5% per month, for services under a contract. Praxis Afinaciones denies the allegations and is defending the allegations in the lawsuit.
The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to other litigation in the ordinary course of business, including contract, franchisee and employment-related litigation. In the course of enforcing its rights under existing and former franchisee agreements, the Company is subject to complaints and letters threatening litigation concerning the interpretation and applicability of these agreements, particularly in cases involving defaults and terminations of franchises.
The Company does not believe that any of the above proceedings will result in material judgments against the Company. There can be no assurance, however, that these suits will ultimately be decided in its favor. Any one of these suits may result in a material judgment against the Company, which could cause material adverse consequences to its operations.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None.
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ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
None.
(a) Exhibits
10.1* |
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Renewal of Promissory Note dated March 1, 2005 between Precision Auto Care, Inc. and Chevy Chase Bank, F.S.B. |
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31.1* |
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Written statement of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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Written statement of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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32.1* |
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Written statement of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
* Filed herewith
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Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on May 9, 2007.
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Precision Auto Care, Inc. |
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/s/ Robert R. Falconi |
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Robert R. Falconi |
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President and Chief Executive Officer |
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(Duly Authorized Officer) |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
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/s/ Robert R. Falconi |
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Chief Executive Officer |
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/s/ Mark P. Francis |
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