UNITED STATES
 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 Washington, D.C. 20549
  FORM 10-K
 (Mark One)
 x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 For the fiscal year ended April 30, 2009
 OR
 o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  For the transition period from   to
 Commission file number 0-14939
  AMERICA’S CAR-MART, INC.
 (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
  Texas
63-0851141(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(IRS Employer Identification No)802 Southeast Plaza Avenue, Suite 200
Bentonville, Arkansas
72712(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
  (479) 464-9944
 (Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
 Title of each class
Name of exchange of which registeredCommon Stock, $.01 par value
NASDAQ Global Select Market
 
 Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act:
 None
  Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes  o  No  x
 Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes  oNo  x
 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post
such files).  Yes  No 
 Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. o
 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
(Check one):
 oLarge accelerated filer           Accelerated filer    x
 o    Non-accelerated filer                  Smaller reporting company    o
 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
 The aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates on October 31, 2008 was $164,729,610 (10,087,545 shares), based on the closing price of the registrant’s common stock of $16.33.
 There were 11,731,223 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding as of July 14, 2009.
  DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement to be furnished to stockholders in connection with its 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference in response to Part III of this report.
  
 PART I
 
 Forward-Looking Statements
 
 This Annual Report on Form 10-K and the documents incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K contains numerous “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These forward-looking statements address the Company’s future objectives,
plans and goals, as well as the Company’s intent, beliefs and current expectations regarding future operating performance, and can generally be identified by words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could, “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “foresee,” and other similar words or phrases.  Specific events addressed by these forward-looking statements include, but are
not limited to:
 
 •         new store openings;
 •         same store revenue growth;
 •         future revenue growth;
 •         receivables growth greater than revenue growth;
 •         gross margin percentages;
 •         interest rates;
 •         future credit losses;
 •         the Company’s business and growth strategies;
 •         financing the majority of growth from profits; and
 •         having adequate liquidity to satisfy its capital needs.
 
 These forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current estimates and assumptions and involve various risks and uncertainties.  As a result, you are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and that actual results could differ materially from those projected in
these forward-looking statements.  Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s projections include those risks described elsewhere in this report, as well as:
 
 • the availability of credit facilities to support the Company’s business;
 •         the Company’s ability to underwrite and collect its loans effectively;
 •         competition;
 •         dependence on existing management;
 • availability of quality vehicles at prices that will be affordable to customers;
 •         changes in lending laws or regulations; and
  2
 •         general economic conditions in the markets in which the Company operates, including but not limited to fluctuations in gas prices, grocery prices and employment levels.
 
 The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.  You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the dates on which they are made.
 
 Item 1.  Business
 
 Business and Organization
 
 America’s Car-Mart, Inc., a Texas corporation initially formed in 1981 (the “Company”), is the largest publicly held automotive retailer in the United States focused exclusively on the “Buy Here/Pay Here” segment of the used car market.  References to the Company typically include the Company’s
consolidated subsidiaries.  The Company’s operations are principally conducted through its two operating subsidiaries, America’s Car-Mart, Inc., an Arkansas corporation, (“Car-Mart of Arkansas”) and Colonial Auto Finance, Inc., an Arkansas corporation, (“Colonial”).  Collectively, Car-Mart of Arkansas and Colonial are referred to herein as “Car-Mart.”  The Company primarily sells older model used vehicles and provides financing for
substantially all of its customers. Many of the Company’s customers have limited financial resources and would not qualify for conventional financing as a result of limited credit histories or past credit problems.  As of April 30, 2009, the Company operated 93 stores located primarily in small cities throughout the South-Central United States.
 
 Business Strategy
 
 In general, it is the Company’s objective to continue to expand its Buy Here/Pay Here used car operation using the same business model that has been developed by Car-Mart over the last 28 years.  This business strategy focuses on:
 
 ·
Collecting Customer Accounts.  Collecting customer accounts is perhaps the single most important aspect of operating a Buy Here/Pay Here used car business and is a focal point for store level and corporate office personnel on a daily basis.  Periodically, the Company measures and
monitors the collection results of its stores using internally developed delinquency and account loss standards.  Substantially all associate incentive compensation is tied directly or indirectly to collection results.  Over the last five years, Car-Mart’s annual credit losses as a percentage of sales have ranged from a low of 20.1% in 2005 to a high of 29.1% in 2007 (average of 22.8%).  The Company believes that it can continue to be successful provided it maintains its credit
losses within or below its historical credit loss range.  See Item 1A. Risk Factors for further discussion.
 
 ·
Maintaining a Decentralized Operation.  The Company’s dealerships will continue to operate on a decentralized basis.  Each store is ultimately responsible for buying (via an assigned corporate office purchasing agent) and selling its own vehicles, making credit decisions
and collecting the loans it originates in accordance with established policies and procedures (pricing, credit scoring,  maximum loan terms and down-payment requirements as well as other customer profile data are all monitored centrally). Most customers make their payments in person at one of the Company’s dealerships.  This decentralized structure is complemented by the oversight and involvement of corporate office management and the maintenance of centralized financial controls, including
credit scoring, establishing standards for down-payments and contract terms as well as an internal compliance function.
  3
  ·
Expanding Through Controlled Organic Growth. The Company plans to continue to expand its operations by increasing revenues at existing dealerships and opening new dealerships. In fiscal 2007 and into fiscal 2008, the Company decided to slow down its new store openings until operational initiatives showed positive results. The focus had been on improving performance of existing dealerships prior to opening significant numbers of new stores. The Company acquired one existing
Buy Here/Pay Here dealership in March 2006 and another in May 2006 and may consider acquiring additional existing dealerships if conditions and terms are favorable. However, the Company will continue to view organic growth as its primary source for growth. Based on significant infrastructure investments made during the last two and one half years and the resulting favorable operating results in fiscal 2008 and 2009, the Company is once again looking to grow store count. Current plans are to finish fiscal 2010,
which ends on April 30, 2010, with approximately 98 locations and then add one store for every ten into the future. These plans, of course, are subject to change based on both internal and external factors.
 ·
Selling Basic Transportation.  The Company will continue to focus on selling basic and affordable transportation to its customers.  The Company’s average retail sales price was $9,056 in fiscal 2009.  By selling vehicles at this price point, the Company is able
to keep the terms of its installment sales contracts relatively short (overall portfolio weighted average of 27.6 months), while requiring relatively low payments.
 
 ·
Operating in Smaller Communities.  The majority of the Company’s dealerships are located in cities and towns with a population of 50,000 or less.  The Company believes that by operating in smaller communities it experiences better collection results.  Further, the
Company believes that operating costs, such as salaries, rent and advertising, are lower in smaller communities than in major metropolitan areas.
 
 ·
Enhanced Management Talent and Experience.  It has been the Company’s practice to try to hire honest and hardworking individuals to fill entry level positions, nurture and develop these associates, and attempt to fill the vast majority of its managerial positions from within the Company.  By
promoting from within, the Company believes it is able to train its associates in the Car-Mart way of doing business, maintain the Company’s unique culture and develop the loyalty of its associates by providing opportunity for advancement. However, the Company has recently focused, to a larger extent, on looking outside of the Company for associates possessing requisite skills who share the values and appreciate the Company’s unique culture developed over the years. The Company has been able to attract
quality individuals via its Manager in Training Program as well as other key areas such as Human Resources, Purchasing, Collections, Information Technology and Portfolio Analysis. Management has determined that it will be increasingly difficult to grow the Company without looking for outside talent.  The Company’s operating success, as well as the negative macro-economic issues, have been positive related to recruitment of outside talent and the Company currently expects this to continue.
 
 ·
Cultivating Customer Relationships.  The Company believes that developing and maintaining a relationship with its customers is critical to the success of the Company.  A large percentage of sales at mature stores are made to repeat customers, and the Company estimates an additional
10% to 15% of sales result from customer referrals.  By developing a personal relationship with its customers, the Company believes it is in a better position to assist a customer, and the customer is more likely to cooperate with the Company should the customer experience financial difficulty during the term of his or her installment loan with the Company.  The Company is able to cultivate these relationships as the majority of its customers make their payments in person at one of the Company’s
dealerships on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
  4
 Business Strengths
 
 The Company believes it possesses a number of strengths or advantages that distinguish it from most of its competitors.  These business strengths include:
 
 ·
Experienced and Motivated Management.The Company’s executive operating officers have an average tenure of over 20 years.  Several of Car-Mart’s store managers have been with the Company for more than 10 years.  Each store manager is compensated, at least
in part (some entirely), based upon the net income of his or her store.  A significant portion of the compensation of Car-Mart senior management is incentive based and tied to economic profit as opposed to earnings under generally accepted accounting standards.
 
 ·
Proven Business Practices.  The Company’s operations are highly structured.  While stores are operated on a decentralized basis, the Company has established policies, procedures and business practices for virtually every aspect of a store’s operations.  Detailed
on-line operating manuals are available to assist the store manager and office, sales and collections personnel in performing their daily tasks.  As a result, each store is operated in a uniform manner.  Further, corporate office personnel monitor the stores’ operations through weekly visits and a number of daily, weekly and monthly communications and reports.
 
 ·
Low Cost Operator.  The Company has structured its store and corporate office operations to minimize operating costs.  The number of associates employed at the store level is dictated by the number of active customer accounts each store services.  Associate compensation
is standardized for each store position.  Other operating costs are closely monitored and scrutinized.  Technology is utilized to maximize efficiency.  The Company believes its operating costs as a percentage of revenues, or per unit sold, are among the lowest in the industry.
 
 ·
Well Capitalized / Limited External Capital Required for Growth.  As of April 30, 2009, the Company’s debt to equity ratio was 0.19 to 1.0 (Revolving credit facilities and notes payable divided by Total Stockholders equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheet), which the Company believes
is lower than its competitors.  Further, the Company believes it can fund a significant amount of its planned growth from net income generated from operations.  Of the external capital that will be needed to fund growth, the Company plans to draw on its existing credit facilities, or renewals or replacements of those facilities.
 
 ·
Significant Expansion Opportunities.The Company generally targets smaller communities in which to locate its dealerships (i.e., populations from 20,000 to 50,000), but is also successful in larger cities such as Tulsa, Oklahoma, Lexington, Kentucky, Springfield, Missouri and Little Rock,
Arkansas.  The Company believes there are numerous suitable communities within the eight states and other contiguous states in which the Company currently operates to satisfy any anticipated store growth for the next several years. As previously discussed, the Company plans to finish fiscal 2010 with approximately 98 locations and then add one store for every ten going forward depending upon operational success. Existing stores will continue to be analyzed to ensure that they are producing desired results
and have potential to provide adequate returns on invested capital.
 
  5
 Operations
 
 ·
Store Organization.  Stores are operated on a decentralized basis.  Each store is responsible for buying (with the assistance of a corporate office buyer) and selling vehicles, making credit decisions, and servicing and collecting the installment loans it originates.  Stores
also maintain their own records and make daily deposits.  Store-level financial statements are prepared by the corporate office on a monthly basis.  Depending on the number of active customer accounts, a store may have as few as two or as many as 25 full-time associates employed at that location.  Associate positions at a large store may include a store manager, assistant store manager, manager trainee, office manager, assistant office manager, service manager, buyer, collections
personnel, salesmen and lot attendants.  Stores are generally open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  The Company has both regular and satellite stores.  Satellite stores are similar to regular stores, except that they tend to be smaller, sell fewer vehicles and their financial performance is not captured in a stand alone financial statement, but rather is included in the financial results of the sponsoring regular store.
 
 ·
Store Locations and Facilities.Below is a summary of stores opened during the fiscal years ended April 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007:
 
 Years Ended April 30,2009


2008


2007Stores at beginning of year


91



92



85New stores opened/acquired


2



3



7Stores closed


-



(4
)


-Stores at end of year


93



91



92
 
 Below is a summary of store locations by state as of April 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007:
 
 As of April 30,Stores by State

2009


2008


2007Arkansas


36



35



34Oklahoma


17



17



17Texas


13



13



16Kentucky


9



9



9Missouri


11



11



10Kansas


-



-



1Indiana


1



1



1Tennessee


1



1



1Alabama


5



4



3Total


93



91



92
 
 Stores are typically located in smaller communities.  As of April 30, 2009, approximately 70% of the Company’s stores were located in cities with populations of less than 50,000.  Stores are located on leased or owned property between one and three acres in size.  When opening a new store the Company
will typically use an existing structure on the property to conduct business, or purchase a modular facility while business at the new location develops.  Store facilities typically range in size from 1,500 to 5,000 square feet.
  6
 ·
Purchasing.The Company purchases vehicles primarily through wholesalers, new car dealers, individuals and from auctions. The majority of vehicle purchasing is performed by the Company’s buyers, although certain store managers are authorized
to purchase vehicles. On average, a buyer will purchase vehicles for three stores. Buyers report to the store manager, or managers, for whom they make purchases, and to a regional purchasing director. The regional purchasing directors report to the Vice President of Purchasing. The Company centrally monitors the quantity and quality of vehicles purchased and continuously compares the cost of vehicles purchased to outside valuation sources and holds responsible parties accountable for results.
 Generally, the Company’s buyers purchase vehicles between three and 10 years of age with 90,000 to 130,000 miles, and pay between $3,000 and $6,000 per vehicle. The Company focuses on providing basic transportation to its customers.  The Company generally does not purchase sports cars or luxury cars.  Some of
the more popular vehicles the Company sells include the Ford Taurus and Escort, Chevrolet Lumina and Cavalier, Dodge Neon, Pontiac Grand Am and Oldsmobile Cutlass.  The Company also sells a significant number of trucks and sport utility vehicles. Buyers inspect and test-drive almost every vehicle they purchase.  Buyers attempt to purchase vehicles that require little or no repair as the Company has limited facilities to repair or recondition vehicles.
 
 ·
Selling, Marketing and Advertising.  Stores generally maintain an inventory of 25 to 100 vehicles depending on the maturity of the dealership.  Inventory turns over approximately 10 to 12 times each year.  Selling is done principally by the store manager, assistant manager,
manager trainee or sales associate.  Sales associates are paid a commission for sales that they make in addition to an hourly wage.  Sales are made on an “as is” basis; however, customers are given an option to purchase a five month or 5,500 mile service contract for $395 which covers certain vehicle components and assemblies.  For covered components and assemblies, the Company coordinates service with third party service centers with which the Company typically has previously
negotiated labor rates and mark-up percentages on parts.  Substantially all of the Company’s customers elect to purchase a service contract when purchasing a vehicle. Additionally, the Company offers its customers a payment protection plan product. This product contractually obligates the Company to cancel the remaining principal outstanding for any loan where the vehicle has been totaled, as defined in the plan, or the vehicle has been stolen. This product is available in most of the states in
which the Company operates and substantially all customers elect to purchase this product when purchasing a vehicle in those states.
 
 The Company’s objective is to offer its customers basic transportation at a fair price and treat each customer in such a manner as to earn his or her repeat business.  The Company attempts to build a positive reputation in each community where it operates and generate new business from such reputation as well as from customer
referrals.  The Company estimates that approximately 10% to 15% of the Company’s sales result from customer referrals.  The Company recognizes repeat customers with silver, gold and platinum plaques representing the purchase of 5, 10 and 15 vehicles, respectively.  These plaques are prominently displayed at the dealership where the vehicles were purchased.  For mature dealerships, a large percentage of sales are to repeat customers.
 
 The Company primarily advertises in local newspapers, on the radio and television.  In addition, periodically the Company conducts promotional sales campaigns in order to increase sales.
 
 ·
Underwriting and Finance.  The Company provides financing to substantially all of its customers who purchase a vehicle at one of its stores.  The Company only provides financing to its customers for the purchase of its vehicles, and the Company does not provide any type of financing
to non-customers.  The Company’s installment sales contracts typically include down payments ranging from 0% to 17% (average of 7%), terms ranging from 12 months to 36 months
  7
  (average of 27.6 months), and annual interest charges ranging from 5.5% to 19% (average of 11.5% at April 30, 2009). The Company requires that payments be made on a weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly or monthly basis to coincide with the day the customer is paid by his or her employer.  Upon the customer and the Company reaching a preliminary agreement
as to financing terms, the Company obtains a credit application from the customer which includes information regarding employment, residence and credit history, personal references and a detailed budget itemizing the customer’s monthly income and expenses.  Certain information is then verified by Company personnel.  After the verification process, the store manager makes the decision to accept, reject or modify (perhaps obtain a greater down payment or require an acceptable co-buyer
or suggest a lower priced vehicle) the proposed transaction.  In general, the store manager attempts to assess the stability and character of the applicant.  The store manager who makes the credit decision is ultimately responsible for collecting the loan, and his or her compensation is directly related to the collection results of his or her store. The Company provides centralized support to the store manager in the form of a credit scoring system and other supervisory assistance to assist
with the credit decision. Credit quality is monitored centrally by corporate office personnel on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.
 
 ·
Collections.  All of the Company’s retail installment contracts are serviced by Company personnel at the store level.  The majority of the Company’s customers make their payments in person at the store where they purchased their vehicle, although some customers send
their payments through the mail.  Each store closely monitors its customer accounts using the Company’s proprietary receivables and collections software that stratifies past due accounts by the number of days past due. The Company also has a corporate collections team, led by the Director of Collections Practices and Review, that monitors policies, procedures and the status of accounts at the store level.  The Company believes that the timely response to past due accounts is critical
to its collections success.
 
 The Company has established standards with respect to the percentage of accounts one and two weeks past due, the percentage of accounts three or more weeks past due, and for larger stores, one and two weeks past due, 15 to 44 days past due and 45-plus days past due (delinquency standards), and the percentage of accounts where the vehicle
was repossessed or the account was charged off that month (account loss standard).
 
 The Company works very hard to keep its delinquency percentages low, and not to repossess vehicles. Accounts one day late are sent a notice in the mail. Accounts three days late are contacted by telephone. Notes from each telephone contact are electronically maintained in the Company’s computer system. If a customer becomes severely
delinquent in his or her payments, and management determines that timely collection of future payments is not probable, the Company will take steps to repossess the vehicle. The Company attempts to resolve payment delinquencies amicably prior to repossessing a vehicle. Periodically, the Company enters into contract modifications with its customers to extend the payment terms. The Company only enters into a contract modification or extension if it believes such action will increase the amount of monies the Company
will ultimately realize on the customer’s account. At the time of modification, the Company expects to collect amounts due including accrued interest at the contractual interest rate for the period of delay. Other than the extension of additional time, concessions are not granted to customers at the time of modifications. Modifications are minor and are made for pay-day changes, minor vehicle repairs and other reasons. For those vehicles that are repossessed, the majority are returned or surrendered by
the customer on a voluntary basis. Other repossessions are performed by Company personnel or third party repossession agents. Depending on the condition of a repossessed vehicle, it is either resold on a retail basis through a Company store, or sold for cash on a wholesale basis primarily through physical and/or on-line auctions.
   8
 ·
New Store Openings.  Senior management, with the assistance of the corporate office staff, will make decisions with respect to the communities in which to locate a new store and the specific sites within those communities.  New stores have historically been located in the general
proximity of existing stores to facilitate the corporate office’s oversight of the Company’s stores. The Company currently intends to add one new location for each 10 existing locations into the future, subject to favorable operating performance.
 
 The Company’s approach with respect to new store openings has been one of gradual development.  The manager in charge of a new store is normally a recently promoted associate who was an assistant manager at a larger store or a manager trainee.  The corporate office provides significant resources and support with
pre-opening and initial operations of new dealerships. The facility may be of a modular nature or an existing structure.  Historically, new stores have operated with a low level of inventory and personnel.  As a result of the modest staffing level, the new store manager performs a variety of duties (i.e., selling, collecting and administrative tasks) during the early stages of his or her store’s operations.  As the store develops and the customer base grows, additional staff
is hired. Recently, the Company has raised its volume expectation level of new locations somewhat as infrastructure improvements related to new store openings have improved.
 
 Typically, monthly sales levels at new stores are substantially less than sales levels at mature stores.  Over time, new stores gain recognition in their communities, and a combination of customer referrals and repeat business generally facilitate sales growth.  Sales growth at new stores can exceed 20% per year for
a number of years.  Historically, mature stores typically experience annual sales growth, but at a lower percentage than new stores. However, in 2007 the Company did experience a decrease in sales at mature stores as it focused on improving the quality of sales in response to increased credit losses.  In 2008, the historical sales trend returned as operational initiatives showed success and the Company was able to support higher sales levels as a result. Sales increased again in 2009 by 9.2%
mostly due to same store growth.
 
 New stores are generally provided with approximately $1 million to $1.5 million in capital from the corporate office during the first 12 to 24 months of operation.  These funds are used principally to fund receivables growth.  After this 12 to 24 month start-up period, new stores can typically become cash flow positive,
allowing for some continuing growth in receivables without additional capital from the corporate office. As these stores become cash flow positive a decision is made by senior management to either increase the investment due to favorable return rates on the invested capital, or to deploy capital elsewhere. This limitation of capital to new, as well as existing, stores serves as an important operating discipline.  Essentially, stores must be profitable in order to grow and typically, new stores are profitable
within the first year of opening.
 
 ·
Corporate Office Oversight and Management.  The corporate office, based in Bentonville, Arkansas, consists of area operations managers, regional vice presidents, regional purchasing directors, a vice president of purchasing, a sales director, a director of collections practices and review,
compliance auditors, a vice president of human resources, associate and management development personnel, accounting and management information systems personnel, administrative personnel and senior management.  The corporate office monitors and oversees store operations.  The Company’s stores transmit and submit operating and financial information and reports to the corporate office on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.  This information includes cash receipts and disbursements,
inventory and receivables levels and statistics, receivables agings and sales and account loss data.  The corporate office uses this information to compile Company-wide reports, plan store visits and prepare monthly financial statements.
  9
 Periodically, area operations managers, regional vice presidents, compliance auditors and senior management visit the Company’s stores to inspect, review and comment on operations.  The corporate office assists in training new managers and other store level associates.  Compliance auditors visit stores quarterly
to ensure policies and procedures are being followed and that the Company’s assets are being safe-guarded. In addition to financial results, the corporate office uses delinquency and account loss standards and a point system to evaluate a store’s performance. Also, bankrupt and legal action accounts and other accounts that have been written off at dealerships are handled by the corporate office in an effort to allow store personnel time to focus on more current accounts.
 
 The Company’s store managers meet monthly on an area, regional or Company-wide basis.  At these meetings, corporate office personnel provide training and recognize achievements of store managers.  Near the end of every fiscal year, the respective area operations manager, regional vice president and senior management
conduct “projection” meetings with each store manager.  At these meetings, the year’s results are reviewed and ranked relative to other stores, and both quantitative and qualitative goals are established for the upcoming year.  The qualitative goals may focus on staff development, effective delegation, and leadership and organization skills.  Quantitatively, the Company establishes unit sales goals and profit goals based on invested capital and, depending on the
circumstances, may establish delinquency, account loss or expense goals.
 
 The corporate office is also responsible for establishing policy, maintaining the Company’s management information systems, conducting compliance audits, orchestrating new store openings and setting the strategic direction for the Company.
 
 Each dealership is an operating segment with its results regularly reviewed by the Company’s chief operating decision maker in an effort to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and to assess its performance. Individual lots meet the aggregation criteria under SFAS 131, “Disclosures about Segments of
an Enterprise and Related Information.” The Company operates in the Buy Here/Pay Here segment of the used car market, also referred to as the Integrated Auto Sales and Finance industry.  In this industry, the nature of the sale and the financing of the transaction, financing processes, the type of customer and the methods used to distribute the Company’s products and services, including the actual servicing of the loans as well as the regulatory environment in which the Company operates
all have similar characteristics.  Each of our individual lots is similar in nature and only engages in the selling and financing of used vehicles. All individual lots have similar operating characteristics.  As such, individual lots have been aggregated into one reportable segment.
  Industry
 
 ·
Used Car Sales.  The market for used car sales in the United States is significant.  Used car retail sales typically occur through franchised new car dealerships that sell used cars or independent used car dealerships.  The Company operates in the Buy Here/Pay Here segment
of the independent used car sales and finance market.  Buy Here/Pay Here dealers sell and finance used cars to individuals with limited credit histories or past credit problems.  Buy Here/Pay Here dealers typically offer their customers certain advantages over more traditional financing sources, such as broader and more flexible underwriting guidelines, flexible payment terms (including scheduling payments on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to coincide with a customer’s payday), and the
ability to make payments in person, an important feature to individuals who may not have a checking account.
 
 ·
Used Car Financing.  The used automobile financing industry is served by traditional lending sources such as banks, savings and loans, and captive finance subsidiaries of automobile manufacturers, as well as by independent finance companies and Buy Here/Pay Here dealers.
  10
 Many loans that flow through the more traditional sources have historically ended up packaged in the securitization markets. Despite significant opportunities, many of the traditional lending sources do not consistently provide financing to individuals with limited credit histories or past credit problems.  Management believes traditional lenders
avoid this market because of its high credit risk and the associated collections efforts.  There has been a further constriction in the financing sources that exist for the sub-prime automobile market during most of fiscal 2009. Since the Company does not rely on securitizations as a financing source, it has been largely unaffected by the credit constrictions and has been able to continue to grow its revenue level and receivable base.
 
 Competition
 
 The used automotive retail industry is highly competitive and fragmented.  The Company competes principally with other independent Buy Here/Pay Here dealers, and to a lesser degree with (i) the used vehicle retail operations of franchised automobile dealerships, (ii) independent used vehicle dealers, and (iii) individuals who
sell used vehicles in private transactions.  The Company competes for both the purchase and resale of used vehicles.
 
 Management believes the principal competitive factors in the sale of its used vehicles include (i) the availability of financing to consumers with limited credit histories or past credit problems, (ii) the breadth and quality of vehicle selection, (iii) pricing, (iv) the convenience of a dealership’s location, (v) the option to purchase
a service contract and/or a payment protection plan, and (vi) customer service.  Management believes that its dealerships are competitive in each of these areas.
 
 Seasonality
 
 The Company’s third fiscal quarter (November through January) has historically been the slowest period for car and truck sales. Conversely, the Company’s first and fourth fiscal quarters (May through July and February through April) have historically been the busiest times for car and truck sales. Therefore, Car-Mart generally
realizes a higher proportion of its revenue and operating profit during the first and fourth fiscal quarters. However, in fiscal 2008 and 2009, tax refund anticipation sales began in early November and continued through January (the Company’s third fiscal quarter). The success of the tax refund anticipation sales effort led to higher sales levels during the third quarters of fiscal 2008 and 2009. The Company expects this trend to continue in future periods. If conditions arise that impair vehicle sales
during the first, third or fourth fiscal quarters, the adverse effect on the Company’s revenues and operating profit for the year could be disproportionately large.
  Regulation and Licensing
 
 The Company’s operations are subject to various federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations pertaining to the sale and financing of vehicles.  Under various state laws, the Company’s dealerships must obtain a license in order to operate or relocate.  These laws also regulate advertising and
sales practices.  The Company’s financing activities are subject to federal truth-in-lending and equal credit opportunity regulations as well as state and local motor vehicle finance laws, installment finance laws, usury laws and other installment sales laws.  Among other things, these laws require that the Company limit or prescribe terms of the contracts it originates, require specified disclosures to customers, restrict collections practices, limit the Company’s right to repossess
and sell collateral, and prohibit discrimination against customers on the basis of certain characteristics including age, race, gender and marital status.
  11
 The states in which the Company operates impose limits on interest rates the Company can charge on its loans. These limits are generally based on either (i) a specified margin above the federal primary credit rate, (ii) the age of the vehicle, or (iii) a fixed rate.  Management believes the Company is in compliance in all material
respects with all applicable federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations.  However, the adoption of additional laws, changes in the interpretation of existing laws, or the Company’s entrance into jurisdictions with more stringent regulatory requirements could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s used vehicle sales and finance business.
 
 Employees
 
 As of April 30, 2009, the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, employed approximately 915 persons full time. None of the Company's employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement and the Company believes that its relations with its employees are good.
 
 Available Information
 
 The Company’s website is located at www.car-mart.com.  The Company makes available on this website, free of charge, access to its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports, as well as proxy statements and other information the Company files
with, or furnishes to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company electronically submits this material to the SEC.  The information contained on the website or available by hyperlink from the website is not incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K or other documents the Company files with, or furnishes to, the SEC.
 
 Executive Officers
 
 The following table provides information regarding the executive officers of the Company as of April 30, 2009:
 
 Name
Age

Position with the CompanyTilman J. Falgout, III
60

Chairman of the Board, General Counsel and DirectorWilliam H. Henderson
45

Vice Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer  and DirectorEddie L. Hight
46

Chief Operating OfficerJeffrey A. Williams
46

Chief Financial Officer, Vice President Finance and Secretary
 
 Tilman J. Falgout, III has served as Chairman of the Board since May 2004, as General Counsel since 1995 and as a director of the Company since 1992.  From May 2002 until October 2007, Mr. Falgout served as Chief Executive Officer of the Company.  From July 1995
until May 2002, Mr. Falgout also served as Executive Vice President of the Company.  From 1978 through June 1995, Mr. Falgout was a partner in the law firm of Stumpf & Falgout, Houston, Texas.
 
 William H. Henderson has served as Vice Chairman of the Board since May 2004, as President of the Company since May 2002, and as Chief Executive Officer of the Company since October 2007.  Mr. Henderson has also served as a director of the Company since September 2002.  From
1999 until May 2002, Mr. Henderson served as Chief Operating Officer of Car-Mart.  From 1992 through 1998, Mr. Henderson served as General Manager of Car-Mart.  From 1987 to 1992, Mr. Henderson primarily held the positions of District Manager and Regional Manager at Car-Mart.
  12
 Eddie L. Highthas served as Chief Operating Officer of the Company since May 2002.  From 1984 until May 2002, Mr. Hight held a number of positions at Car-Mart including Store Manager and Regional Manager.
 
 Jeffrey A. Williams has served as Chief Financial Officer, Vice President Finance and Secretary of the Company since October 1, 2005. From October 2004 until his employment by the Company, he served as the Chief Financial Officer of Budgetext Corporation, a distributor of new and
used textbooks. From February 2004 to October 2004, Mr. Williams was the President and founder of Clearview Enterprises, LLC, a regional distributor of animal health products. From January 1999 to January 2004, Mr. Williams was Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Operations of Wynco, LLC, a nationwide distributor of animal health products.
 
 Item 1A.  Risk Factors
 
 The Company is subject to various risks, including the risks described below. The Company’s business, operating results, and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected by any of these risks. Additional risks not presently known to the Company or that the Company currently deems immaterial
may also impair its business and operations.
 
 Risks Related to the Used Automotive Retail and Finance Industry
  The Company may have a higher risk of delinquency and default than traditional lenders because it loans money to credit-impaired borrowers.
  Substantially all of Car-Mart’s automobile contracts involve loans made to individuals with impaired or limited credit histories, or higher debt-to-income ratios than permitted by traditional lenders.  Loans made to borrowers who are restricted in their ability to obtain financing
from traditional lenders generally entail a higher risk of delinquency, default and repossession, and higher losses than loans made to borrowers with better credit.  Delinquency interrupts the flow of projected interest income and repayment of principal from a loan, and a default can ultimately lead to a loss if the net realizable value of the automobile securing the loan is insufficient to cover the principal and interest due on the loan or the vehicle cannot be recovered.  The Company’s
profitability depends, in part, upon its ability to properly evaluate the creditworthiness of non-prime borrowers and efficiently service such loans.  Although the Company believes that its underwriting criteria and collection methods enable it to manage the higher risks inherent in loans made to non-prime borrowers, no assurance can be given that such criteria or methods will afford adequate protection against such risks.  If the Company experiences higher losses than anticipated, its financial
condition, results of operations and business prospects could be materially and adversely affected.
  The Company’s allowance for credit losses may not be sufficient to cover actual credit losses, which could adversely affect its financial condition and operating results.
  From time to time, the Company has to recognize losses resulting from the inability of certain borrowers to repay loans and the insufficient realizable value of the collateral securing loans.  The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses in an attempt to cover credit losses inherent in its loan portfolio.  Additional
credit losses will likely occur in the future and may occur at a rate greater than the Company has experienced to date.  The allowance for credit losses is based primarily upon historical credit loss experience, with consideration given to delinquency levels, collateral values, economic
  13
 conditions and underwriting and collections practices. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates of material factors that may be susceptible to significant change.  If the Company’s assumptions and judgments prove to be incorrect, its current allowance may not be sufficient and adjustments may
be necessary to allow for different economic conditions or adverse developments in its loan portfolio.
  A reduction in the availability or access to sources of inventory would adversely affect the Company’s business by increasing the costs of vehicles purchased.
  The Company acquires vehicles primarily through wholesalers, new car dealers, individuals and auctions.  There can be no assurance that sufficient inventory will continue to be available to the Company or will be available at comparable costs.  Any reduction in the availability of inventory or increases in the cost
of vehicles would adversely affect gross profit percentages as the Company focuses on keeping payments affordable to its customer base.  The Company could have to absorb cost increases. The overall new car sales volumes in the United States have decreased dramatically in the last several months and this could potentially have a significant negative effect on the supply of cars available to the Company in future periods.
  The used automotive retail industry is highly competitive and fragmented, which could result in increased costs to the Company for vehicles and adverse price competition.
  The Company competes principally with other independent Buy Here/Pay Here dealers, and to a lesser degree with (i) the used vehicle retail operations of franchised automobile dealerships, (ii) independent used vehicle dealers, and (iii) individuals who sell used vehicles in private transactions.  The Company competes for both
the purchase and resale of used vehicles. The Company’s competitors may sell the same or similar makes of vehicles that Car-Mart offers in the same or similar markets at competitive prices.  Increased competition in the market, including new entrants to the market, could result in increased wholesale costs for used vehicles and lower-than-expected vehicle sales and margins.  Further, if any of the Company’s competitors seek to gain or retain market share by reducing prices for
used vehicles, the Company would likely reduce its prices in order to remain competitive, which may result in a decrease in its sales and profitability and require a change in its operating strategies.
 
 The used automotive retail industry operates in a highly regulated environment with significant attendant compliance costs and penalties for non-compliance.
  The used automotive retail industry is subject to a wide range of federal, state, and local laws and regulations, such as local licensing requirements and laws regarding advertising, vehicle sales, financing, and employment practices.  Facilities and operations are also subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations
relating to environmental protection and human health and safety. The violation of these laws and regulations could result in administrative, civil, or criminal penalties against the Company, or in a cease and desist order.  As a result, the Company has incurred, and will continue to incur, capital and operating expenditures, and other costs in complying with these laws and regulations. Further, over the past several years, private plaintiffs and federal, state, and local regulatory and law enforcement
authorities have increased their scrutiny of advertising, sales, and finance and insurance activities in the sale of motor vehicles.
 
 Inclement weather can adversely impact the Company’s operating results.
  The occurrence of weather events, such as rain, snow, wind, storms, hurricanes, or other natural disasters, which adversely affect consumer traffic at the Company’s automotive dealerships, could negatively impact the Company’s operating results.
  14
 The severe downturn in recent global economic and market conditions could have adverse consequences for the used automotive retail industry in the future and may have greater consequences for the non-prime segment of the industry.
 
 In the normal course of business, the used automotive retail industry is subject to changes in regional U.S. economic conditions, including, but not limited to, interest rates, gasoline prices, inflation, personal discretionary spending levels, and consumer sentiment about the economy in general.  The recent severe downturn
and disruptions in global economic and market conditions could adversely affect consumer demand and/or increase the Company’s costs, resulting in lower profitability for the Company.  Due to the Company’s focus on non-prime borrowers, its actual rate of delinquencies, repossessions and credit losses on loans could be higher under adverse economic conditions than those experienced in the automotive retail finance industry in general.  The Company is unable to predict with certainty
the future impact which the most recent global economic conditions will have on consumer demand in our markets or on the Company’s costs.
 
 The recent volatility and disruption of the capital and credit markets, and adverse changes in the global economy, could have a negative impact on the Company’s ability to access the credit markets in the future and/or obtain credit on favorable terms.
 
 Recently, the capital and credit markets have become increasingly tight as a result of adverse economic conditions that have caused the failure and near failure of a number of large financial services companies.  While currently these conditions have not impaired the Company’s ability to access the credit markets and
finance its operations, there can be no assurance that there will not be a further deterioration in the financial markets.  If the capital and credit markets continue to experience crises and the availability of funds remains low, it is possible that the Company’s ability to access the capital and credit markets may be limited or available on less favorable terms at a time when the Company would like, or need, to do so, which could have an impact on the Company’s ability to refinance maturing
debt or react to changing economic and business conditions.  In addition, if current global economic conditions persist for an extended period of time or worsen substantially, the Company’s business may suffer in a manner which could cause the Company to fail to satisfy the financial and other restrictive covenants under its credit facilities.
 
 If an amendment to the Arkansas constitution is not approved by voters, a decrease in market interest rates will likely have an adverse effect on the Company’s profitability.
 
 The Company’s earnings are impacted by its net interest income, which is the difference between the income earned on interest-bearing assets and the interest paid on interest-bearing notes payable.  The Company’s finance receivables generally bear interest at fixed rates ranging from 5.5% to 19%, while its revolving
notes payable contain variable interest rates that fluctuate with market interest rates.  However, interest rates charged on finance receivables originated in the State of Arkansas have, until recently, been limited to the federal primary credit rate (currently .5%) plus 5%.  In recent years, the rate charged to Arkansas customers was as high as 11.25%, in August 2007.  Typically, the Company has charged interest on its Arkansas loans at or near the maximum rate allowed by law.  Thus,
while the interest rates charged on the Company’s loans do not fluctuate once established, new loans originated in Arkansas were set at a spread above the federal primary credit rate which does fluctuate.  At April 30, 2009, approximately 52% of the Company’s finance receivables were originated in Arkansas.  The long-term effect of decreases in the federal primary credit rate generally had a negative effect on the profitability of the Company because the amount of interest income
lost on Arkansas originated loans would likely exceed the amount of interest expense saved on the Company’s variable rate borrowings. Effective June 26, 2009, the Company began charging 12% on loans originated in Arkansas. This was due to the passage by the U.S. Congress of the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2009 which was signed into law on June
  15
 24, 2009. Within this legislation is a provision which allows the Company to charge up to 17% on loans to our customers in Arkansas. The legislation has a sunset clause and will expire on December 31, 2010. The sunset exists because Arkansas voters will be voting in November 2010 on a state constitutional amendment which will
effectively replace the federal legislation. Should Arkansas voters not approve the state constitutional amendment, the Company will again be subject to a maximum rate of the federal primary credit rate plus 5% effective January 1, 2011 for loans originated in Arkansas.
 
 Risks Related to the Company
  The Company’s business is geographically concentrated; therefore, the Company’s results of operations may be adversely affected by unfavorable conditions in its local markets.
  The Company’s performance is subject to local economic, competitive, and other conditions prevailing in the eight states where Car-Mart operates. The Company provides financing in connection with the sale of substantially all of its vehicles.  These sales are made primarily to customers residing in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas,
Kentucky and Missouri, with approximately 50% of revenues resulting from sales to Arkansas customers.  The Company’s current results of operations depend substantially on general economic conditions and consumer spending habits in these local markets.  Any decline in the general economic conditions or decreased consumer spending in these markets may have a negative effect on the Company’s results of operations.
  The Company’s success depends upon the continued contributions of its management teams and the ability to attract and retain qualified employees.
  The Company is dependent upon the continued contributions of its management teams.  Because the Company maintains a decentralized operation in which each store is responsible for buying and selling its own vehicles, making credit decisions and collecting loans it originates, the key employees at each store are important factors
in the Company’s ability to implement its business strategy.  Consequently, the loss of the services of key employees could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations. In addition, when the Company decides to open new stores, the Company will need to hire additional personnel. The market for qualified employees in the industry and in the regions in which Car-Mart operates is highly competitive and may subject the Company to increased labor costs during periods
of low unemployment.
  The Company’s business is dependent upon the efficient operation of its information systems.
  The Company relies on its information systems to manage its sales, inventory, consumer financing, and customer information effectively. The failure of the Company’s information systems to perform as designed, or the failure to maintain and continually enhance or protect the integrity of these systems, could disrupt the Company’s
business, impact sales and profitability, or expose the Company to customer or third-party claims.
  Changes in the availability or cost of capital and working capital financing could adversely affect the Company’s growth and business strategies.
  The Company generates cash from income from continuing operations.  The cash is primarily used to fund finance receivables growth, which have historically grown slightly faster than revenues.  To the extent finance receivables growth exceeds income from continuing operations, generally the Company increases its borrowings
under its revolving credit facilities to provide the cash necessary to make loans.  On a long-term basis, the Company expects its principal sources of liquidity to consist of income from continuing operations and borrowings under revolving credit facilities and/or fixed interest term loans.
  16
 Any adverse changes in the  Company’s ability to borrow under revolving credit facilities or fixed interest term loans, or any increase in the cost of such borrowings, would likely have a negative impact on the Company’s ability to finance receivables growth which would adversely affect the Company’s growth
and business strategies.
  Further, the Company’s current credit facilities contain various reporting and financial performance covenants. Any failure of the Company to comply with these covenants could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to implement its business strategy.
  The Company’s growth is dependent upon the availability of suitable lot sites.
  The Company leases a majority of the properties where its stores are located.  If and when the Company decides to open new stores, the inability to acquire suitable real estate, either through lease or purchase, at favorable terms could limit the expansion of the Company’s store base and could have a material adverse effect
on the Company’s expansion strategy and future operating results.
  The Company’s business is subject to seasonal fluctuations.
  The Company’s third fiscal quarter (November through January) has historically been the slowest period for car and truck sales. Conversely, the Company’s first and fourth fiscal quarters (May through July and February through April) have historically been the busiest times for car and truck sales. As a result, the Company generally
realizes a higher proportion of its revenue and operating profit during the first and fourth fiscal quarters. However, in fiscal 2008 and 2009, tax refund anticipation sales began at the beginning of the Company’s third quarter (early November) and continued through January. The success of the tax refund anticipation sales effort led to higher sales levels during the third quarter of fiscal 2008 and 2009. The Company expects this trend to continue in future periods. If conditions arise that impair vehicle
sales during the first, third or fourth fiscal quarters, the adverse effect on the Company’s revenues and operating profit for the year could be disproportionately large.
 
 Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments
 
 Not applicable.
 
 Item 2.     Properties
 
 As of April 30, 2009, the Company leased approximately 70% of its facilities, including dealerships and the Company’s corporate offices.  These facilities are located principally in the states of Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Kentucky and Missouri.  The Company’s corporate offices are located in approximately
12,000 square feet of leased space in Bentonville, Arkansas.  For additional information regarding the Company’s properties, see “Contractual Payment Obligations” and “Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements” under Item 7 of Part II.
 
 Item 3.     Legal Proceedings
 
 In the ordinary course of business, the Company has become a defendant in various types of legal proceedings.  While the outcome of these proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company does not expect the final outcome of any of these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on the
Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
  17
 Item 4.     Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
 
 No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders of the Company during the fourth quarter ended April 30, 2009.
 
 PART II
 
 Item 5.     Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
 General
 
 The Company's common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol CRMT.  The following table sets forth, by fiscal quarter, the high and low sales prices reported by NASDAQ for the Company's common stock for the periods indicated.
 Fiscal 2009

Fiscal 2008High

Low

High

LowFirst quarter

$
21.33


$
13.55


$
14.20


$
12.12Second quarter


23.12



12.04



12.96



10.50Third quarter


16.70



6.88



13.96



9.02Fourth quarter


17.01



8.79



14.71



10.53
 
 As of July 14, 2009, there were approximately 1,125 stockholders of record.  This number excludes stockholders holding the Company’s common stock as “beneficial owners” under nominee security position listings.
 
 Stockholder Return Performance Graph
 
 Set forth below is a line graph comparing the fiscal year end percentage change in the cumulative total stockholder return on the Company’s common stock to (i) the cumulative total return of the NASDAQ Market Index (U.S. companies), and (ii) the Hemscott Group 744 Index – Auto Dealerships (“Automobile Index”), for
the period of five fiscal years commencing on May 1, 2004 and ending on April 30, 2009.  The graph assumes that the value of the investment in the Company’s common stock and each index was $100 on April 30, 2004.
  
  18
 The dollar value at April 30, 2009 of $100 invested in the Company’s common stock on April 30, 2004 was $93.57, compared to $95.13 for the Automobile Index described above and $90.69 for the NASDAQ Market Index (U.S. Companies).
 
 Dividend Policy
 
 Since its inception the Company has paid no cash dividends on its common stock.  The Company currently intends for the foreseeable future to continue its policy of retaining earnings to finance future growth.  Payment of cash dividends in the future will be determined by the Company's Board of Directors and will depend
upon, among other things, the Company's future earnings, operations, capital requirements and surplus, general financial condition, contractual restrictions that may exist, and such other factors as the Board of Directors may deem relevant. Colonial’s revolving credit facility prohibits dividends to the Company and Car-Mart of Arkansas’s revolving credit facility limits dividends to the Company to 75% of Car-Mart of Arkansas’s net income.  As a result, the Company is limited in the
amount of cash dividends or other distributions it can make to its shareholders.
 
 Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
 The Company is authorized to repurchase up to 1 million shares of its common stock under the common stock repurchase program last amended and approved by the Board of Directors and announced on December 2, 2005. The following table sets forth information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of the Company of shares of the Company’s
common stock during the periods indicated:
 
 Period

Total Number
of Shares
Purchased


Average Price
Paid per Share


Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs (1)


Maximum Number
of Shares that may
yet be Purchased
under the Plans or
Programs (1)February 1, 2009 to February 28, 2009


-



-



-



606,059March 1, 2009 to March 31, 2009


83,498


$
11.83



83,498



522,561April 1, 2009 to April 30, 2009  (2)


11,845


$
16.22



-



522,561Total


95,343


$
12.38



83,498



522,561
 _________________________________
 
 (1)
The above described stock repurchase program has no expiration date.
 (2)
All of the shares repurchased during April 2009 were originally granted to employees as restricted stock pursuant to the Company’s Stock Incentive Plans.  Pursuant to the Stock Incentive Plans, all of these shares were surrendered by the employees in exchange for the Company’s agreement to pay federal and state withholding obligations resulting from the vesting of the restricted stock.  The repurchases reflected above were not made pursuant to a
publicly announced plan or program and do not reduce the number of shares that may yet be purchased under the Company’s publicly announced repurchase program.
  Item 6.  Selected Financial Data
 
 The financial data set forth below was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company and should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto, and the information contained in Item 7, “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
  19
 Years Ended April 30,(In thousands, except per share amounts)2009


2008


2007


2006


2005Revenues

$
298,966


$
274,631


$
240,334


$
234,207


$
204,788Net income

$
17,906


$
15,033


$
4,232


$
16,705


$
17,976Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations

$
1.52


$
1.26


$
0.35


$
1.39


$
1.49Total assets

$
219,624


$
200,589


$
173,598


$
177,613


$
143,668Total debt

$
29,839


$
40,337


$
40,829


$
43,588


$
29,145Stockholders’ equity

$
156,977


$
137,222


$
123,728


$
119,251


$
103,265Shares outstanding


11,729



11,688



11,875



11,848



11,844
 _________________________________
 
 Item 7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
 The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
 Overview
 
 America’s Car-Mart, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “Company”), is the largest publicly held automotive retailer in the United States focused exclusively on the “Buy Here/Pay Here” segment of the used car market.  References to the Company typically include the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries.  The
Company’s operations are principally conducted through its two operating subsidiaries, America’s Car-Mart, Inc., an Arkansas corporation (“Car-Mart of Arkansas”), and Colonial Auto Finance, Inc., an Arkansas corporation (“Colonial”).  Collectively, Car-Mart of Arkansas and Colonial are referred to herein as “Car-Mart.”  The Company primarily sells older model used vehicles and provides financing for substantially all of its customers. Many of
the Company’s customers have limited financial resources and would not qualify for conventional financing as a result of limited credit histories or past credit problems.  As of April 30, 2009, the Company operated 93 stores located primarily in small cities throughout the South-Central United States.
 
 Car-Mart has been operating since 1981.  Car-Mart has grown its revenues between approximately 3% and 21% per year over the last ten years (average 15%).  Historically, finance receivables have tended to grow slightly faster than revenues. In fiscal 2007, revenues increased 2.6% while finance receivables decreased 3.6%
due to higher charge offs experienced for the year. In fiscal 2008, revenues increased 14.3% and finance receivables principal increased 16.6%. After subtracting deferred revenue associated with the payment protection plan product, finance receivables increased 14% during fiscal 2008. In fiscal 2009, revenues increased 8.9% and finance receivables principal increased 11.1%. After subtracting deferred revenue associated with the payment protection plan product, finance receivables increased 9.8% during fiscal
2009. The difference for 2009 relates to lower net charge-offs and a slightly longer weighted average loan term due mostly to an increase in the average retail sales price. The average term for installment sales contracts at April 30, 2009 was relatively flat as compared to April 30, 2008 (27.6 months vs. 27.3 months).  Revenue growth results from same store revenue growth and the addition of new stores.  Going forward, it is anticipated that the historical experience of finance receivables
growing slightly faster than revenues will continue.
  20
 The Company’s primary focus is on collections.  Each store is responsible for its own collections with supervisory involvement of the corporate office.  Over the last five fiscal years, the Company’s credit losses as a percentage of sales have ranged between approximately 20.1% in 2005 and 29.1% in 2007
(average of 22.8%). Credit losses in fiscal 2007 (29.1%) were higher than the Company’s average over the last five years. Credit losses in fiscal 2007 were negatively affected by higher losses experienced during the Company’s second through fourth quarters (31.4%). The 2007 credit losses included an approximate $5 million pre-tax charge (2.3%) to increase the allowance for credit losses to 22% of the finance receivables principal balance from 19.2%. Credit losses were higher due to several factors
and included higher losses experienced in most of the dealerships, including mature dealerships, as the Company saw weakness in the performance of its portfolio as customers had difficulty making payments under the terms of their loans. Additionally, the Company’s rapid growth put stress on its infrastructure leading to operational difficulties resulting in higher losses. Credit losses in fiscal 2008 returned to a more historical level at 22% of sales as the Company continued to focus on its operational
initiatives, including credit and collections efforts.  In fiscal 2009, the Company continued to benefit from operational improvements despite negative macro-economic factors and experienced a reduction in credit losses to 21.5% of sales.
 
 The primary reason for the improvement in credit losses between periods relates to improvements the Company has made to its business practices, including better underwriting and better collection procedures. These improvements in business practices have lead to better collection results. Negative macro-economic issues do not always lead
to higher credit loss results for the Company, because the Company provides basic affordable transportation which in many cases is not a discretionary expenditure for customers. The Company has installed a proprietary credit scoring system which enables the Company to monitor the quality of loans on the front end. Corporate office personnel monitor scores and work with stores when the distribution of scores falls outside of prescribed thresholds.  Additionally, the Company has increased its investment
in the corporate infrastructure within the collection area, including the hiring of a Director of Collection Practices and Review, which is also having a positive effect on results by providing more and more timely oversight and providing for more accountability on a consistent basis. In addition, turnover at the store level for collection positions is down between years, which is having a positive effect on results. The Company believes that the proper execution of its business practices is the single most important
determinate of credit loss experience.
 
 The Company’s gross margins as a percentage of sales have been fairly consistent from year to year. Over the last five fiscal years, the Company’s gross margins as a percentage of sales have ranged between approximately 42% and 46%. Gross margin as a percentage of sales for fiscal 2009 was 43.0%. The Company’s gross margins
are based upon the cost of the vehicle purchased, with lower-priced vehicles typically having higher gross margin percentages. In recent years, the Company’s gross margins have been negatively affected by the increase in the average retail sales price (a function of a higher purchase price) and higher operating costs, mostly related to increased vehicle repair costs and higher fuel costs. Additionally, the percentage of wholesale
sales to retail sales, which relate for the most part to repossessed vehicles sold at or near cost, was higher in fiscal 2007 and during the first quarter of fiscal 2008 due to the increased level of repossession activity coupled with relatively flat retail sales levels. The Company expects that its gross margin percentage will not change significantly in the near term from its current level. 
 Hiring, training and retaining qualified associates are critical to the Company’s success.  The rate at which the Company adds new stores and is able to implement operating initiatives is limited by the number of trained managers and support personnel the Company has at its disposal.  Excessive turnover, particularly
at the store manager level, could impact the Company’s ability to add new stores and to meet operational initiatives.  The Company has added resources to recruit, train and develop personnel,
  21
 especially personnel targeted to fill store manager positions.  The Company expects to continue to invest in the development of its workforce in fiscal 2010 and beyond.
 
 Consolidated Operations
 (Operating Statement Dollars in Thousands)
 
 % Change2009


2008Years Ended April 30,


vs.


vs.


As a % of SalesOperating Statement:

2009


2008


2007


2008


2007


2009


2008


2007Revenues:Sales


273,340



250,337


$
216,898



9.2
%


15.4
%


100.0
%


100.0
%


100.0
%Interest income and other


25,626



24,294



23,436



5.5



3.7



9.4



9.7



10.8Total


298,966



274,631



240,334



8.9



14.3



109.4



109.7



110.8Costs and expenses:Cost of sales, excluding
depreciation shown below


155,668



144,537



125,073



7.7
%


15.6
%


57.0



57.7



57.7SG&A


51,133



47,263



41,778



8.2



13.1



18.7



18.9



19.3Provision for credit loss


58,807



55,046



63,077



6.8



(12.7
)


21.5



22.0



29.1Interest expense


4,006



2,947



3,728



35.9



(20.9
)


1.5



1.2



1.7Depreciation and amortization


1,395



1,148



994



21.5



15.5



.5



.5



.5Loss on lot closures


-



527



-















.2Total


271,009



251,468



234,650



7.8



7.2



99.1



100.5



108.2Pretax income


27,957


$
23,163


$
5,684



20.7



307.5



10.2



9.3



2.6Operating Data:Retail units sold


28,698



27,207



25,199



5.5
%


8.0
%Average stores in operation


93



93



90



(2.2
)


3.7Average units sold per store


309



293



281



7.2



4.3Average retail sales price

$
9,056


$
8,690


$
8,125



4.2



7.0Same store revenue growth


8.3
%


13.0
%


(3.2
%)Receivables average yield


11.4
%


12.7
%


12.5
%
 
 2009 Compared to 2008
 
 Revenues increased $24.3 million, or 8.9%, in fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008, principally as a result of (i) revenue growth from stores that operated a full 12 months in both periods ($20.9 million), (ii) stores opened during fiscal 2008 or stores that opened or closed a satellite location during fiscal 2009 or fiscal 2008 ($3.4
million), (iii) revenues from stores opened during fiscal 2009 ($.8 million) offset by a $.8 million decrease in revenues for a store that closed in fiscal 2008.
  Revenues increased 8.9% in fiscal 2009 as compared to revenue growth of 14.3% in fiscal 2008.  The increase in revenue for fiscal 2009 is attributable to (i) a 5.5% increase in retail unit volumes together with a 4.2% increase in the average unit sales price, (ii) a 5.5% increase in interest and other income, offset by a $460,000
decrease in wholesale sales.  Presently, the Company expects that its average retail sales price will increase in fiscal 2010, but at a rate less than increases seen in recent fiscal years.
 
 Cost of sales, as a percentage of sales, decreased to 57% in fiscal 2009 from 57.7% in fiscal 2008. The Company’s gross margins are based upon the cost of the vehicle purchased, with lower-priced vehicles typically having higher gross margin percentages. The Company’s gross margins had been negatively affected in recent history
by the increase in the average retail sales price (a function of a higher
  22
 purchase price) and to a lesser extent by higher operating costs, mostly related to increased vehicle repair costs and higher fuel costs. In fiscal 2009, gross margin percentages benefited from pricing efficiencies, lower wholesale sales and slightly lower operating expenses when compared to fiscal 2008. The consumer demand for vehicles
the Company purchases for resale remains high.  This high demand has been exacerbated by the decrease in domestic new car sales, which results in higher purchase costs for the Company.
 
 Selling, general and administrative expense, as a percentage of sales, decreased .2% to 18.7% in fiscal 2009 from 18.9% in fiscal 2008.  The percentage decrease was principally the result of higher sales levels as a large majority of the Company’s operating costs are more fixed in nature. In dollar terms, overall expenses
increased $3.9 million from fiscal 2008, which consisted primarily of increased payroll costs. At the corporate level, higher payroll costs were concentrated in the Human Resources, Information Technology and Collections areas. Human Resources includes the Company’s Manager in Training Program, the entry level point for future store managers. The Company significantly increased its investment in the Manager in Training program throughout fiscal 2009. Additionally, the Company increased its investment in
its training department during fiscal 2009 to ensure that associates possess the appropriate skills and are well trained in serving customers. At the store level, the Company made market-based pay adjustments for certain positions in an effort to reduce turnover and to attract qualified associates. The Company will continue to review its infrastructure to ensure it is adequate to support the Company’s growth.  Also, stock based compensation was $2.1 million in fiscal 2009 compared to $1.6 million
in fiscal 2008.
 
 Provision for credit losses, as a percentage of sales, decreased .5% to 21.5% in fiscal 2009 from 22.0% in fiscal 2008.  Credit losses in fiscal 2009 were positively affected by lower losses during the first three quarters of 2009 offset by a slightly higher loss rate for the fourth fiscal quarter (20.8% for the fourth quarter
of fiscal 2009 compared to 20.0% for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008). The Company is benefiting from better execution of its collection practices, which is offsetting negative macro-economic issues that were prevalent during most of fiscal 2009. Turnover at the store level for collection positions is down between years which is having a positive effect on results. Additionally, the Company has increased its investment in the corporate infrastructure within the collection area which is also having a positive
effect on results by providing more oversight and providing more accountability on a consistent basis. The Company believes that the proper execution of its business practices is the single most important determinate of credit loss experience.
 
 Interest expense (excluding the non-cash charge related to the change in fair value of the interest rate swap agreement) as a percentage of sales decreased  .3% to .9% for fiscal 2009 compared to 2008.  The decrease was attributable to lower average interest rates during fiscal year 2009 as well as a slight decrease
in average borrowings ($37.7 million for fiscal 2009 compared to $38.0 million for fiscal 2008).  The decrease in interest rates is attributable to decreases in the prime interest rate of the Company’s lender, as the interest rate under the Company’s revolving credit facilities fluctuate with the prime interest rate of its lender. 
 The Company has an interest rate swap agreement (the “Agreement”) which is not designated as a hedge by Company management; therefore, the gain (loss) of the Agreement is reported as a component of interest expense in earnings. The non-cash charge related to the Agreement was caused by a number of factors, including changes
in interest rates, amount of notional debt outstanding, and number of months until maturity. Because the Company intends to hold the interest rate swap until its maturity in May 2013, the charge, which resulted from a change in fair value, will reverse by the maturity date.
  The net loss for the Agreement reported in earnings as interest expense was $1.5 million for fiscal 2009.  The fair value of the Agreement is included in accrued liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated
  23
 Balance Sheet at $1.5 million.  The interest on the credit facilities, the net settlements under the interest rate swap, and the changes in the fair value of the Agreement are all reflected in Interest expense on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations.  Notwithstanding the Company’s intention
to hold the swap until maturity, pursuant to SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” changes in fair value of the Agreement will continue to be recognized quarterly as non-cash charges or gains, as the case may be.
 
 2008 Compared to 2007
 
 Revenues increased $34.3 million, or 14.3%, in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007, principally as a result of (i) revenue growth from stores that operated a full 12 months in both periods ($27.7 million), (ii) stores opened during fiscal 2007 or stores that opened or closed a satellite location during fiscal 2008 or fiscal 2007 ($6.7
million), (iii) revenues from stores opened during fiscal 2008 ($.6 million) offset by a $.7 million decrease in revenues for a store that closed in fiscal 2008.
 
 Revenues increased 14.3% in fiscal 2008 as compared to revenue growth of 2.6% in fiscal 2007.  The increase in revenue growth for fiscal 2008 is attributable to (i) an 8% increase in retail unit volumes in fiscal 2008 together with a 7% increase in the average unit sales price, (ii) a 3.7% increase in interest and other income,
and (iii) increased wholesale sales during fiscal 2008.
 
 Cost of sales, as a percentage of sales, was flat at 57.7% in fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007. The Company’s gross margins are based upon the cost of the vehicle purchased, with lower-priced vehicles typically having higher gross margin percentages. The Company’s gross margins have been negatively affected in recent years
by the increase in the average retail sales price (a function of a higher purchase price) and to a lesser extent by higher operating costs, mostly related to increased vehicle repair costs and higher fuel costs. Additionally, the percentage of wholesale sales was higher in fiscal 2008 and 2007 than in previous years, which has had a negative effect on overall gross margin percentages.  The consumer demand for vehicles the Company purchases for resale was high during fiscal 2008.  This high
demand was exacerbated by the decrease in domestic new car sales, which resulted in higher purchase costs for the Company.
 
 Selling, general and administrative expense, as a percentage of sales, decreased .4% to 18.9% in fiscal 2008 from 19.3% in fiscal 2007.  The percentage decrease was principally the result of higher sales levels as a large majority of the Company’s operating costs are more fixed in nature. In dollar terms, overall expenses
increased $5.5 million from fiscal 2007 which consisted primarily of increased payroll costs. Payroll costs increased due to the increase in incentive based compensation, which is tied to profitability. Also, stock based compensation was $1.6 million in fiscal 2008 compared to $533,000 in fiscal 2007. The Company also experienced an increase in store level expenditures associated with the opening and/or expansion of dealerships to support higher sales volumes. Additionally, the Company incurred
some increased costs associated with strengthening controls and enhancing the corporate infrastructure to improve efficiencies and allow for future growth. 
 Provision for credit losses, as a percentage of sales, decreased 7.1% to 22.0% in fiscal 2008 from 29.1% in fiscal 2007.  Credit losses in fiscal 2008 were positively affected by lower losses during the entire year at most stores.  The fiscal 2007 credit losses included an approximate $5 million pre-tax charge (2.3%)
which increased the allowance for credit losses to 22% of the finance receivable principal balance from 19.2%. Credit losses were higher in fiscal 2007 due to higher losses experienced in most of the stores, including mature stores, as customers had difficulty making payments under the terms of their loans. Additionally, significant negative external economic issues, including higher fuel prices, were prevalent throughout fiscal years 2007 and 2008.
  24
 Interest expense, as a percentage of sales, decreased .5% to 1.2% in fiscal 2008 from 1.7% in fiscal 2007.  The decrease was principally the result of lower average borrowing levels and lower average interest rates on the Company’s revolving credit facilities during fiscal 2008.
 
 In fiscal 2008, the Company incurred $527,000 in losses associated with the closure of four dealerships. One of the dealerships was in Kansas and the other three were satellite locations in Texas.
 
 The effective income tax rate in fiscal 2008 was 35.1%. This rate is lower than historical rates (excluding fiscal 2007) due to the distribution of profits among the Company’s operating subsidiaries.
 
 Financial Condition
 
 The following table sets forth the major balance sheet accounts of the Company at April 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007 (in thousands):
 
 April 30,2009


2008


2007Assets:Finance receivables, net

$
182,041


$
163,344


$
139,194Inventory


15,476



13,532



13,682Property and equipment, net


19,346



18,140



16,883Liabilities:Accounts payable and accrued liabilities


16,770



14,934



8,706Deferred payment protection plan revenue


7,353



4,631



-Deferred tax liabilities, net


8,377



3,465



335Revolving credit facilities & notes payable


29,839



40,337



40,829
 
 Historically, finance receivables have tended to grow slightly faster than revenue growth.  This has historically been due, to a large extent, to an increasing weighted average term necessitated by increases in the average retail sales price. In fiscal 2007, revenues increased 2.6% while finance receivables decreased 3.6% due
to higher charge offs experienced during that year. In fiscal 2008, revenues increased 14.3% and finance receivables principal increased 16.6%. After subtracting deferred revenue associated with the payment protection plan product, finance receivables increased 14% during fiscal 2008. In fiscal 2009, revenues increased 8.9% and finance receivables principal increased 11.1%. After subtracting deferred revenue associated with the payment protection plan product, finance receivables increased 9.8% during fiscal
2009. The difference for 2009 relates to lower net charge-offs and a slightly longer weighted average loan term due mostly to an increase in the average retail sales price. The average term for installment sales contracts at April 30, 2009 was relatively flat as compared to April 30, 2008 (27.6 months vs. 27.3 months).  Revenue growth results from same store revenue growth and the addition of new stores.  Going forward,
it is anticipated that the historical experience of finance receivables growing slightly faster than revenues will continue. In fiscal 2009, inventory increased 14.4% ($1.9 million) as compared to revenue growth of 8.9%.  The increase resulted from overall price increases for the type of vehicle the Company purchases for resale as well as the Company’s desire to offer a broad mixture and sufficient quantities to adequately serve its expanding
customer base. The Company will continue to manage inventory levels in the future to ensure adequate supply, in volume and mix, and to meet sales demand.
 
 Property and equipment, net increased $1.2 million in fiscal 2009 as the Company incurred expenditures related to new stores as well as to refurbish and expand a number of existing locations.
  25
 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities increased $1.8 million in fiscal 2009 due primarily to the $1.5 million liability related to the fair value of the Company’s interest rate swap agreement. At April 30, 2009 this liability is reflected in Accrued liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The interest rate swap agreement
did not exist at the end of fiscal 2008. Also, the unearned portion of the payment protection plan product, which was introduced in the first quarter of fiscal 2008, was $7.4 million at April 30, 2009, up from $4.6 million at April 30, 2008.
 
 Borrowings on the Company’s revolving credit facilities fluctuate primarily based upon a number of factors including (i) net income, (ii) finance receivables changes, (iii) income taxes, (iv) capital expenditures and (v) common stock repurchases.  Historically, income from continuing operations, as well as borrowings on
the revolving credit facilities, have funded the Company’s finance receivables growth and capital asset purchases. In fiscal 2009, the Company benefitted from a $4.9 million increase in deferred income taxes and a $4.2 million positive change in current income taxes, primarily related to refunds from prior year taxes paid.
 
 Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
 The following table sets forth certain historical information with respect to the Company’s Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands):
  Years Ended April 30,2009


2008


2007Operating activities:Net income

$
17,906


$
15,033


$
4,232Provision for credit losses


58,807



55,046



63,077Losses on claims for payment protection plan


4,061



1,871



-Depreciation and amortization


1,395



1,148



994Stock based compensation


2,112



1,600



533Unrealized loss for change in fair market value of interest rate swap


1,522



-



-Finance receivable originations


(252,879
)


(230,920
)


(196,200
)Finance receivable collections


149,357



129,232



124,092Inventory


20,024



20,249



16,811Current Income Taxes


4,161



(1,390
)


(3,695
)Deferred Income Taxes


4,912



3,130



(754
)Accrued Interest on Finance Receivables


55



(139
)


124Deferred payment protection plan revenue


2,722



4,631



-Accounts payable and accrued liabilities


1,214



3,690



(692
)Other


(1,091
)


(106
)


(213
)Total


14,278



3,075



8,309Investing activities:Purchase of property and equipment


(2,664
)


(2,559
)


(2,716
)Proceeds from sale of property and equipment


62



112



357Proceeds from sale of finance receivables related to lot closure


-



343Payment for business acquired


-



-



(460
)Total


(2,602
)


(2,104
)


(2,819
)Financing activities:Debt facilities, net


(10,498
)


(492
)


(2,759
)Change in cash overdrafts


(900
)


2,556



(2,441
)Purchase of common stock


(1,181
)


(3,538
)


(454
)Exercise of stock options and warrants, including
tax benefits and issuance of common stock


918



399



166Total


(11,661
)


(1,075
)


(5,488
)Cash provided by (used in) continuing operations

$
15


$
(104
)

$
2
 
 26
 The primary drivers of operating profits and cash flows include 1) top line sales 2) interest rates on finance receivables 3) gross profit percentages on vehicle sales and 4) credit losses. The Company generates cash flow from income from operations.  Historically, most or all of this cash is used to fund finance receivables
growth and capital expenditures.  To the extent finance receivables growth and capital expenditures exceeds income from operations, generally the Company increases its borrowings under its revolving credit facilities.  The majority of the Company’s growth has been self-funded.
 
 Cash flows from operations in fiscal 2009 were positively impacted by 1) higher sales levels and higher gross margin percentages on those sales, 2) lower credit losses as a percentage of sales, 3) improvements in current and deferred income taxes which resulted from the effect of the increase in finance receivables as well as refunds from
prior year taxes paid, 4) increases in liabilities for fiscal 2009 resulting from increased sales levels, the deferred payment protection plan revenue and the liability associated with the interest rate swap agreement, offset by 5) the net effect of other components of the change in finance receivables including originations, collections, inventory acquired in both repossessions and payment protections plan claims as well as the actual payment protection plan claims. Finance receivables, net, increased by $18.7
million during fiscal 2009.
 
 Cash flows from operations in 2008 were positively impacted by 1) higher sales levels with consistent gross margin percentages, 2) significantly lower credit losses, 3) improvements in current and deferred income taxes which resulted from the effect of an increase in the allowance for credit losses combined with a decrease in finance receivables
during fiscal 2007, 4) increases in liabilities for fiscal 2008 resulting from increased sales levels and deferred payment protection plan revenue, offset by 5) other components of the change in finance receivables including originations, collections, inventory acquired in both repossessions and payment protections plan claims as well as the actual payment protection plan claims. Finance receivables, net, increased by $24.2 million during fiscal 2008.
  The purchase price the Company pays for a vehicle has a significant effect on liquidity and capital resources. Several external factors can negatively affect the purchase cost of vehicles. Decreases in the overall volume of new car sales, particularly domestic brands, lead to decreased supply in the used car market. Also, the expansion
of the customer base due in part to constrictions in consumer credit, as well as general economic conditions, can have an overall effect on the demand for the type of vehicle the Company purchases for resale. Because the Company bases its selling price on the purchase cost for the vehicle, increases in purchase costs result in increased selling prices. As the selling price increases, it becomes more difficult to keep the gross profit percentage and loan term in line with historical results, because the Company’s
customers have limited incomes and their car payment must remain affordable within their individual budgets. The Company has seen increases in the purchase cost of vehicles and resulting increases in selling prices and terms over the last few years. Management does expect some continuing increases in vehicle purchase costs on a going-forward basis but at a decreasing rate. Management also expects the availability of consumer credit within the automotive industry to continue to be constricted when compared to
recent history and that this will continue to result in overall increases in demand for most, if not all, of the vehicles the Company purchases for resale.  The Company has devoted significant efforts to improve its purchasing processes to ensure adequate supply at appropriate prices. This is expected to result in gross margin percentages and overall loan terms remaining fairly consistent with recent experience but increasing
somewhat into the future.  In an effort to ensure an adequate supply of vehicles at appropriate prices, the Company has increased the level of accountability for its purchasing agents including the establishment of sourcing and pricing guidelines.  Additionally, the Company is expanding its efforts to purchase vehicles from individuals at the dealership level as well as via the internet. 
 Macro-economic factors can have a significant effect on credit losses and resulting liquidity. General inflation, particularly within staple items such as groceries and gasoline, as well as overall
  27
 unemployment levels can have a significant effect on collection results and ultimately credit losses. The Company has made improvements to its business processes within the last few years to strengthen controls and provide stronger infrastructure to support its collection efforts. With these improvements, the Company anticipates that
credit losses on a going-forward basis will be in the range of 21-23% of sales. However, significant negative macro-economic effects could cause actual results to differ from the anticipated range.
 
 The Company believes it will have adequate liquidity to continue to grow its revenues and to satisfy its capital needs for the foreseeable future.
 
 The Company has generally leased the majority of the properties where its stores are located.  As of April 30, 2009, the Company leased approximately 70% of its store properties.  The Company expects to continue to lease the majority of the properties where its stores are located.
 
 Car-Mart of Arkansas’ credit facilities limit distributions from Car-Mart of Arkansas to the Company beyond (i) the repayment of an intercompany loan ($10.0 million at April 30, 2009), and (ii) dividends equal to 75% of Car-Mart of Arkansas’ net income.  At April 30, 2009, the Company’s net assets (excluding
its $145 million equity investment in Car-Mart of Arkansas) consisted of $1,000 in cash, $3.3 million in other net assets and a $10.0 million receivable from Car-Mart of Arkansas.  As a result, the Company is limited in the amount of dividends or other distributions it can make to its shareholders without the consent of the Company’s lender.
 
 At April 30, 2009, the Company had $168,000 of cash on hand and an additional $30.6 million of availability under its revolving credit facilities (see Note F to the Consolidated Financial Statements).  On a short-term basis, the Company’s principal sources of liquidity include income from operations and borrowings under
its revolving credit facilities.  On a longer-term basis, the Company expects its principal sources of liquidity to consist of income from operations and borrowings under revolving credit facilities and/or fixed interest term loans.  Furthermore, while the Company has no specific plans to issue debt or equity securities, the Company believes, if necessary, it could raise additional capital through the issuance of such securities.
 
 The Company expects to use cash to (i) grow its finance receivables portfolio by a percentage that is slightly larger than the percentage that its revenues grow, (ii) purchase property and equipment of approximately $3 million in the next 12 months in connection with refurbishing existing stores and adding new stores, and (iii) reduce
debt to the extent excess cash is available.  In addition, occasionally the Company may use cash to repurchase its common stock.
 
 The Company’s revolving credit facilities mature in April 2010.  The Company expects that it will be able to renew or refinance its revolving credit facilities on or before the date they mature.  The Company believes it will have adequate liquidity to satisfy its capital needs for the foreseeable future.
 
 Contractual Payment Obligations
 
 The following is a summary of the Company’s contractual payment obligations as of April 30, 2009, including renewal periods under operating leases that are reasonably assured (in thousands):
  28
 Payments Due by PeriodContractual Obligations

Total


Less Than
1 Year


1-3 Years


3-5 Years


More Than
5 YearsRevolving lines of credit

$
20,911


$
20,911


$
-


$
-


$
-Notes payable


8,928



912



2,033



2,351



3,632Interest payments


2,784



609



1,010



692



473Operating leases


29,614



2,729



5,527



5,139



16,219Total

$
62,237


$
25,161


$
8,570


$
8,182


$
20,324
 
 We calculate estimated interest payments for the long term debt using the applicable rates and payment dates.  We typically expect to settle such interest payments with cash flows from operations and short-term borrowings.
 
 The above excludes estimated interest payments on the Company’s revolving line of credit.  The Company paid $1.3 million in interest payments on the revolving line of credit debt in fiscal 2009.
 
 The $29.6 million of operating lease commitments includes $4.4 million of non-cancelable lease commitments under the primary lease terms, and $25.2 million of lease commitments for renewal periods at the Company’s option that are reasonably assured.
 
 Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
 The Company has entered into operating leases for approximately 70% of its store and office facilities.  Generally these leases are for periods of three to five years and usually contain multiple renewal options.  The Company uses leasing arrangements to maintain flexibility in its store locations and to preserve capital.  The
Company expects to continue to lease the majority of its store and office facilities under arrangements substantially consistent with the past.  For the years ended April 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007, rent expense for all operating leases amounted to approximately $3.0 million, $2.7 million and $2.8 million, respectively.
 
 Other than its operating leases, the Company is not a party to any off-balance sheet arrangement that management believes is reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on the Company’s financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are material
to investors.
 
 Related Finance Company Contingency
 
 Car-Mart of Arkansas and Colonial do not meet the affiliation standard for filing consolidated income tax returns, and as such they file separate federal and state income tax returns.  Car-Mart of Arkansas routinely sells its finance receivables to Colonial at what the Company believes to be fair market value and is able to take
a tax deduction at the time of sale for the difference between the tax basis of the receivables sold and the sales price.  These types of transactions, based upon facts and circumstances, have been permissible under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) as described in the Treasury Regulations.  For financial accounting purposes, these transactions are eliminated in consolidation, and a deferred tax liability has been recorded for this timing difference.   The
sale of finance receivables from Car-Mart of Arkansas to Colonial provides certain legal protection for the Company’s finance receivables and, principally because of certain state apportionment characteristics of Colonial, also has the effect of reducing the Company’s overall effective state income tax rate by approximately 240 basis points.  The actual interpretation of the Treasury Regulations is in part a facts
  29
 and circumstances matter.  The Company believes it satisfies the material provisions of the Treasury Regulations.  Failure to satisfy those provisions could result in the loss of a tax deduction at the time the receivables are sold, and have the effect of increasing the Company’s overall effective income tax
rate as well as altering the timing of required tax payments.
 
 In May 2007, the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) concluded on the previously disclosed examinations of the Company’s tax returns for fiscal 2002 and certain items in subsequent years. The IRS concluded that the Company would not be assessed any additional taxes, penalties or interest related to the examinations.
The examinations focused on whether or not the Company satisfied the provisions of the Treasury Regulations which would entitle Car-Mart of Arkansas to a tax deduction at the time it sells its finance receivables to Colonial.  Based upon the favorable IRS conclusion, the Company recognized $500,000 of net income in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 for the elimination of associated income tax reserves.
 
 The IRS is currently auditing the 2007 income tax return for Colonial and the 2008 income tax return for Car-Mart of Arkansas.
 
 Critical Accounting Estimates
 
 The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions in determining the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and 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 the Company’s estimates.  The Company believes the most significant estimate made in the preparation of the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements relates to the determination of its allowance for credit losses, which is discussed below.  The Company’s accounting policies are discussed in Note B to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses on an aggregate basis at a level it considers sufficient to cover estimated losses in the collection of its finance receivables.  At April 30, 2009, the weighted average total loan term was 27.6 months with 19.5 months remaining. The reserve amount in the allowance for credit
losses at April 30, 2009, $49.3 million, was 22% of the principal balance in Finance receivables of $231.4 million, less unearned payment protection plan revenue of $7.4 million. The estimated reserve amount is the Company’s anticipated future net charge-offs for losses incurred through the balance sheet date. The allowance takes into account historical credit loss experience (both timing and severity of losses), with consideration given to recent credit loss trends and changes in loan characteristics (i.e.,
average amount financed, months outstanding at loss date, term and age of portfolio), delinquency levels, collateral values, economic conditions and underwriting and collection practices. The allowance for credit losses is reviewed at least quarterly by management with any changes reflected in current operations.  The calculation of the allowance for credit losses uses the following primary factors:
 
 ·
The number of units repossessed or charged-off as a percentage of total units financed over specific historical periods of time.
 
 ·
The average net repossession and charge-off loss per unit during the last eighteen months, segregated by the number of months since the loan origination date, and adjusted for the expected future average net charge-off loss per unit.  About 50% of the charge-offs that will ultimately occur in the portfolio are expected to occur within 10-11 months
following the balance sheet date.  The average age of an account at charge-off date is 11.5 months.
  30
 ·
The timing of repossession and charge-off losses relative to the date of sale (i.e., how long it takes for a repossession or charge-off to occur) for repossessions and charge-offs occurring during the last eighteen months.
 
 A point estimate is produced by this analysis which is then supplemented by any positive or negative subjective factors to arrive at an overall reserve amount that management considers to be a reasonable estimate of incurred losses that will be realized via actual charge-offs in the future. Although it is at least reasonably possible that
events or circumstances could occur in the future that are not presently foreseen which could cause actual credit losses to be materially different from the recorded allowance for credit losses, the Company believes that it has given appropriate consideration to all relevant factors and has made reasonable assumptions in determining the allowance for credit losses.  Periods of economic downturn do not necessarily lead to increased credit losses because the Company provides basic affordable transportation
to customers that, for the most part, do not have access to public transportation.  The effectiveness of the execution of internal policies and procedures within the collections area has historically had a more significant effect on collection results than macro-economic issues. A 1% change, as a percentage of Finance receivables, in the allowance for credit losses would equate to an approximate pre-tax charge of $2.2 million.
 
 At October 31, 2006 (the end of the Company’s 2007 second quarter), management increased the allowance for credit loss percentage from 19.2% to 22% due to higher credit loss experience and trends.  A change in accounting estimate was recognized to reflect the decision to increase the allowance for credit losses, resulting
in a pretax, non-cash charge of $5,271,000 for the Company’s second quarter of fiscal 2007.
 
 Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
 Occasionally, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) or other standard setting bodies which the Company adopts as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, the Company believes the impact of recently issued standards which are not yet effective will not
have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
 
 In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an Amendment of FASB Statement 115” (“SFAS 159.”)  The statement permits entities to choose to measure certain financial instruments and 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. Unrealized gains and losses on any items for which Car-Mart elects the fair value measurement option would be reported in earnings. SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The adoption of SFAS 159 did not have a material
impact on the Company’s financial statements.
 
 In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements” (SFAS 160”).  The objective of this statement is to improve the relevance, comparability, and transparency of the financial information that a reporting entity provides in its consolidated financial
statements.  Accordingly this statement requires the ownership interests in subsidiaries held by other parties other than the parent be clearly identified, labeled, and presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet within equity but separate from the parent’s and entities provide sufficient disclosures that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners.  This statement is effective for fiscal years and interim periods
within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  Upon adoption of SFAS 160, $100,000 of preferred
  31
 stock will be classified as non-controlling interest within equity and $400,000 of the preferred stock with a put will be classified in the mezzanine section. The dividends associated with the entire preferred stock will be recorded as a reduction to net income to arrive at net income attributable to the Company. The presentation of
the preferred stock will be applied retroactively for all periods presented upon adoption of SFAS 160.
 
 In March 2008, the FASB issued Statement 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 161”).  Due to the use and complexity of derivative instruments, there were concerns regarding the existing disclosure requirements in FASB 133.  Accordingly, this statement
requires enhanced disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities.  Entities will be required to provide enhanced disclosures about (i) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (ii) how derivative instruments and related hedging items are accounted for under FASB 133 and its related interpretations, and (iii) how derivative instruments and related hedging items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows.  This statement
is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008.  The Company does not believe the adoption of SFAS 161 will have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
 
 In May 2009, the FASB issued Statement 165, “Subsequent Events” (“SFAS 165”).  SFAS 165 was issued to establish general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued.  It sets forth the period after the
balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that occur for a potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements, the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements, and the disclosures than an entity should make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date.  The statement also introduces the concept of financial
statements “available to be issued.”  This statement is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009.  The Company does not believe that adoption of SFAS 165 will have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
 
 In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement 168, “The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” (“SFAS 168”).  The statement was issued to replace SFAS 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles”, and establish the
FASB Accounting Standards Codification as the source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB in the preparation of financial statements in conformity w/ generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).  Essentially, the GAAP hierarchy will be modified to only include 2 levels – authoritative and non-authoritative.  This statement is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009.  The
Company does not believe that adoption of SFAS 168 will have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
 
 Impact of Inflation
 
 Inflation has not historically been a significant factor impacting the Company’s results; however, recent purchase price increases for vehicles, most pronounced over the last three fiscal years, have had a negative effect on the Company’s gross profit percentages. This is due to the fact that the Company focuses on keeping
payments affordable to its customer base and at the same time ensuring that the term of the loan matches the economic life of the vehicle.
 
 Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 
 The Company is exposed to market risk on its financial instruments from changes in interest rates.  In particular, the Company has historically had exposure to changes in the federal primary credit
  32
 rate and has exposure to changes in the prime interest rate of its lender.  The Company does not use financial instruments for trading purposes but has entered into an interest rate swap agreement to manage interest rate risk.
 
 Interest rate risk.  The Company’s exposure to changes in interest rates relates primarily to its debt obligations.  The Company is exposed to changes in
interest rates as a result of its revolving credit facilities, and the interest rates charged to the Company under its credit facilities fluctuate based on its primary lender’s prime rate of interest.  To reduce its exposure to changes in interest rates the Company has entered into an interest rate swap agreement. The agreement was entered into generally to provide the Company with a fixed interest rate for a portion of its variable rate debt.  The notional amount of this swap agreement
is $20 million and it expires in May 2013. The Company may in the future enter into additional interest rate risk management arrangements for a portion of its outstanding debt.
  At April 30, 2009, the Company’s interest rate swap on $20 million of notional principal provides that the Company will pay monthly interest on the notional amount at a fixed rate of 6.68% and receive monthly interest on the notional amount at a floating rate based on the bank’s prime lending rate (3.25% at April
30, 2009). An average decrease in future interest rates of 100 basis points from the future rate at April 30, 2009, would have resulted in an additional expense, reflected within Interest expense on the Consolidated Statement of Operations, of approximately  $700,000 resulting from a change in fair value of the instrument. Also, the liability for the fair value of the swap agreement reflected within Accrued liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at April 30, 2009 would have increased by
approximately $700,000 to approximately $2.2 million.
  The Company had total indebtedness of $29.8 million outstanding at April 30, 2009. Of this amount, $911,000 (excluding the $20 million notional amount for the interest rate swap agreement) was variable rate debt under the credit facilities. The impact of a 1% increase in interest rates on this amount of debt would result in increased
annual interest expense of approximately $9,000 and a corresponding decrease in net income before income tax.
  The fair value of the interest rate swap agreement is based on quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. Substantially all of these inputs are observable in the marketplace throughout the full term of the derivative
instrument, can be derived from observable data, or supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace. The Company’s valuation models are primarily industry-standard models that consider various inputs including (a) quoted forward prices for commodities, (b) time value and (c) current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures. The Company utilizes its counterparties’ valuations to assess
the reasonableness of its prices and valuation techniques.
 
 The Company’s earnings are impacted by its net interest income, which is the difference between the income earned on interest-bearing assets and the interest paid on interest-bearing notes payable.  The Company’s finance receivables generally bear interest at fixed rates ranging from 5.5% to 19%, while its revolving
notes payable contain variable interest rates that fluctuate with market interest rates.  Effective June 26, 2009, the Company began charging 12% on loans originated in Arkansas. This was due to the passage by the U.S. Congress of the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2009 which was signed into law on June 24, 2009. Within this legislation is a provision which allows the Company to charge up to 17% on loans to customers in Arkansas. The legislation has a sunset clause and will expire on December 31,
2010. The sunset exists because Arkansas voters will be voting in November 2010 on a state constitutional amendment which will effectively replace the federal legislation. Should the Arkansas voters not approve the state constitutional amendment, the Company will again be subject to a maximum rate of the federal primary credit rate plus 5% effective January 1, 2011 for loans originated in Arkansas.
  33
 Prior to June 2009, interest rates charged on finance receivables originated in the State of Arkansas were limited to the federal primary credit rate (currently .5%) plus 5%.  The rate charged to Arkansas customers was 11.25% in August 2007.  Typically, the Company had charged interest on its Arkansas loans at
or near the maximum rate allowed by law.  Thus, while the interest rates charged on the Company’s loans do not fluctuate once established, new loans originated in Arkansas were set at a spread above the federal primary credit rate which does fluctuate.  At April 30, 2009, approximately 52% of the Company’s finance receivables were originated in Arkansas.  The long-term effect of decreases in the federal primary credit rate generally had a negative effect on the profitability
of the Company because the amount of interest income lost on Arkansas originated loans would likely exceed the amount of interest expense saved on the Company’s variable rate borrowings. The Company’s prior disclosures under Item 7A have included calculations of hypothetical increases or decreases in interest income resulting from changes in the federal primary discount rate due to the fact that interest rates charged on finance receivables originated in the State of Arkansas, until June 26, 2009,
were limited to the federal primary credit rate plus 5.0%. Since rates charged in Arkansas are no longer tied to the federal primary credit rate this presentation is no longer meaningful.
 
 Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
 The following financial statements and accountant’s report are included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
 
 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of April 30, 2009 and 2008
 
 Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended April 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007
 
 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended April 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007
 
 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended April 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007
 
 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
  34
 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
 
 Stockholders and Board of Directors
 America’s Car-Mart, Inc.
 
 We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of America’s Car-Mart, Inc. (a Texas corporation) and subsidiaries as of April 30, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows, and stockholders’ equity for each of the three years in the period ended April 30, 2009.These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
 We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement.An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.We believe that
our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
 In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of America’s Car-Mart, Inc. and subsidiaries as of April 30, 2009 and 2008, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 30,
2009 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
 We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), America’s Car-Mart, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of April 30, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated
Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO)and our report dated July 14, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion.
 
 /s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
 
 
 Tulsa, Oklahoma
 July 14, 2009
 
 
 
 
 
  35
 Consolidated Balance Sheets
 America’s Car-Mart, Inc.
 (Dollars in thousands)
 April 30, 2009


April 30, 2008Assets:Cash and cash equivalents

$
168


$
153Accrued interest on finance receivables


778



833Finance receivables, net


182,041



163,344Inventory


15,476



13,532Prepaid expenses and other assets


1,460



832Income taxes receivable, net


-



3,400Goodwill


355



355Property and equipment, net


19,346



18,140$
219,624


$
200,589Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:Accounts payable

$
3,928


$
3,871Deferred payment protection plan revenue


7,353



4,631Accrued liabilities


12,842



11,063Income taxes payable, net


308



-Deferred tax liabilities, net


8,377



3,465Revolving credit facilities and notes payable


29,839



40,337Total liabilities


62,647



63,367Commitments and contingenciesStockholders’ equity:Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, 1,000,000 sharesauthorized; none issued or outstanding


-



-Common stock, par value $.01 per share, 50,000,000 shares authorized;12,228,465 and 12,091,628 shares issued at April 30, 2009 and 2008


122



121Additional paid-in capital


40,313



37,284Retained earnings


123,213



105,307Treasury stock, at cost (499,284 and 403,941 shares at April 30, 2009 and 2008)


(6,671
)


(5,490
)Total stockholders’ equity


156,977



137,222$
219,624


$
200,589 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
  36
 Consolidated Statements of Operations
 America’s Car-Mart, Inc.
 (Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)
 
 Years Ended April 30,2009


2008


2007Revenues:Sales

$
273,340


$
250,337


$
216,898Interest and other income


25,626



24,294



23,436298,966



274,631



240,334Costs and expenses:Cost of sales, excluding depreciation shown below


155,668



144,537



125,073Selling, general and administrative


51,133



47,263



41,778Provision for credit losses


58,807



55,046



63,077Interest expense


4,006



2,947



3,728Depreciation and amortization


1,395



1,148



994 -Loss on lot closures


-



527



-271,009



251,468



234,650Income before taxes


27,957



23,163



5,684Provision for income taxes


10,051



8,130



1,452Net income

$
17,906


$
15,033


$
4,232Earnings per share:Basic

$
1.52


$
1.27


$
.36Diluted

$
1.52


$
1.26


$
.35Weighted average number of shares outstanding:Basic


11,747,183



11,825,657



11,850,247Diluted


11,806,732



11,907,321



11,953,987
 
 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
  37
 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 America’s Car-Mart, Inc.
 (In thousands)
 
 Years Ended April 30,2009


2008


2007Operating activities:Net income

$
17,906


$
15,033


$
4,232Adjustments to reconcile net income from operationsto net cash provided by operating activities:Provision for credit losses


58,807



55,046



63,077Losses on claims for payment protection plan


4,061



1,871



-Depreciation and amortization


1,395



1,148



994Loss (gain) on sale of property and equipment


(10
)


203



(82
)Stock based compensation


2,112



1,600



533Unrealized loss for change in fair value of interest rate swap


1,522



-



-Deferred income taxes


4,912



3,130



(754
)Changes in operating assets and liabilities:Finance receivable originations


(252,879
)


(230,920
)


(196,200
)Finance receivable collections


149,357



129,232



124,092Accrued interest on finance receivables


55



(139
)


124Inventory


20,024



20,249



16,811Prepaid expenses and other assets


(628
)


(232
)


(46
)Accounts payable and accrued liabilities


1,214



3,690



(692
)Deferred payment protection plan revenue


2,722



4,631



-Income taxes payable


4,161



(1,390
)


(3,695
)Excess tax benefit from share-based payments


(453
)


(77
)


(85
)Net cash provided by operating activities


14,278



3,075



8,309Investing activities:Purchase of property and equipment


(2,664
)


(2,559
)


(2,716
)Proceeds from sale of property and equipment


62



112



357Proceeds from sale of finance receivables related to lot closure


-



343



-Payment for business acquired


-



-



(460
)Net cash used in investing activities


(2,602
)


(2,104
)


(2,819
)Financing activities:Exercise of stock options and warrants


301



205



81Excess tax benefits from stock based compensation


453



77



85Issuance of common stock


164



117



-Purchase of common stock


(1,181
)


(3,538
)


(454
)Change in cash overdrafts


(900
)


2,556



(2,441
)Proceeds from notes payable


15



-



11,200Principal payments on notes payable


(836
)


(769
)


(682
)Proceeds from revolving credit facilities


90,015



78,405



68,456Payments on revolving credit facilities


(99,692
)


(78,128
)


(81,733
)Net cash used in financing activities


(11,661
)


(1,075
)


(5,488
)Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents


15



(104
)


2Cash and cash equivalents at:       Beginning of period


153



257



255End of period

$
168


$
153


$
257
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
  38
 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
 America’s Car-Mart, Inc.
 (Dollars in thousands)
 
 For the Years Ended April 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007Additional








TotalCommon Stock


Paid-In


Retained


Treasury


Stockholders’Shares


Amount


Capital


Earnings


Stock


EquityBalance at April 30, 2006


11,929,274


$
119


$
34,588


$
86,042


$
(1,498
)

$
119,251Stock options/warrants exercised


13,750



-



81



-



-



81Purchase of  30,000 treasury shares


-



-



-



-



(454
)


(454
)Tax benefit of options exercised


22,329



-



85



-



-



85Stock based compensation


20,605



1



532



-



-



533Net income


-



-



-



4,232



-



4,232Balance at April 30, 2007


11,985,958


$
120


$
35,286


$
90,274


$
(1,952
)

$
123,728Issuance of common stock


10,273



-



117



-



-



117Stock options/warrants exercised


55,898



1



204



-



-



205Purchase of 292,691 treasury shares


-



-



-



-



(3,538
)


(3,538
)Tax benefit of options exercised


-



-



77



-



-



77Stock based compensation


39,499



-



1,600



-



-



1,600Net income


-



-



-



15,033



-



15,033Balance at April 30, 2008


12,091,628


$
121


$
37,284


$
105,307


$
(5,490
)

$
137,222Issuance of common stock


11,517



-



164



-



-



164Stock options/warrants exercised


85,821



1



300



-



-



301Purchase of 95,343 treasury shares


-



-



-



-



(1,181
)


(1,181
)Tax benefit of options exercised


-



-



453



-



-



453Stock based compensation


39,499



-



2,112











2,112Net income


-



-



-



17,906







17,906Balance at April 30, 2009


12,228,465


$
122


$
40,313


$
123,213


$
(6,671
)

$
156,977
 
 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
  39
 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 America’s Car-Mart, Inc.
 
 
 A - Organization and Business
 
 America’s Car-Mart, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “Company”), is the largest publicly held automotive retailer in the United States focused exclusively on the “Buy Here/Pay Here” segment of the used car market.  References to the Company typically include the Company’s
consolidated subsidiaries.  The Company’s operations are principally conducted through its two operating subsidiaries, America’s Car-Mart, Inc., an Arkansas corporation (“Car-Mart of Arkansas”) and Colonial Auto Finance, Inc., an Arkansas corporation (“Colonial”).  Collectively, Car-Mart of Arkansas and Colonial are referred to herein as “Car-Mart.”  The Company primarily sells older model used vehicles and provides financing for substantially
all of its customers. Many of the Company’s customers have limited financial resources and would not qualify for conventional financing as a result of limited credit histories or past credit problems.  As of April 30, 2009, the Company operated 93 stores located primarily in small cities throughout the South-Central United States.
  B - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
 Principles of Consolidation
 
 The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of America’s Car-Mart, Inc. and its subsidiaries.  All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
  Segment Information
 
 Each dealership is an operating segment with its results regularly reviewed by the Company’s chief operating decision maker in an effort to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and to assess its performance. Individual lots meet the aggregation criteria under Statement of Financial Accounting
Standard (“SFAS”) 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.” The Company operates in the Buy Here/Pay Here segment of the used car market, also referred to as the Integrated Auto Sales and Finance industry.  In this industry, the nature of the sale and the financing of the transaction, financing processes, the type of customer and the methods used to distribute the Company’s products and services, including the actual servicing of the loans
as well as the regulatory environment in which the Company operates all have similar characteristics.  Each of our individual lots is similar in nature and only engages in the selling and financing of used vehicles. All individual lots have similar operating characteristics.  As such, individual lots have been aggregated into one reportable segment.
  Use of Estimates
 
 The preparation of 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 amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
  Concentration of Risk
 
 The Company provides financing in connection with the sale of substantially all of its vehicles.  These sales are made primarily to customers residing in Arkansas, Alabama, Oklahoma, Texas, Kentucky
  40
 and Missouri, with approximately 50% of revenues resulting from sales to Arkansas customers.  Periodically, the Company maintains cash in financial institutions in excess of the amounts insured by the federal government.  Car-Mart of Arkansas’ revolving credit facilities mature in April 2010.  The
Company expects that these credit facilities will be renewed or refinanced on or before the scheduled maturity dates.
  Restrictions on Subsidiary Distributions/Dividends
 
 Car-Mart of Arkansas’ revolving credit facilities limit distributions from Car-Mart of Arkansas to the Company beyond (i) the repayment of an intercompany loan ($10.0 million at April 30, 2009), and (ii) dividends equal to 75% of Car-Mart of Arkansas’ net income.  At April 30, 2009, the Company’s
assets (excluding its $145 million equity investment in Car-Mart of Arkansas) consisted of $1,000 in cash, $3.3 million in other net assets and a $10.0 million receivable from Car-Mart.  Thus, the Company is limited in the amount of dividends or other distributions it can make to its shareholders without the consent of the Company’s lender.
  Cash Equivalents
 
 The Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
  Finance Receivables, Repossessions and Charge-offs and Allowance for Credit Losses
 
 The Company originates installment sale contracts from the sale of used vehicles at its dealerships.  These installment sale contracts carry interest rates ranging from 5.5% to 19% using the simple effective interest method in compliance with SFAS 91, “Accounting for Nonrefundable Fees and Costs Associated
with Originating or Acquiring Loans and Initial Direct Costs of Leases”, including any deferred fees. Loan origination costs are not significant. The installment sale contracts are not pre-computed loans whereby borrowers are obligated to pay back principal plus the full amount of interest that will accrue over the entire term of the loan.  Finance receivables are collateralized by vehicles sold and consist of contractually scheduled
payments from installment contracts net of unearned finance charges and an allowance for credit losses.  Unearned finance charges represent the balance of interest receivable to be earned over the entire term of the related installment contract, less the earned amount ($778,000 and $833,000 at April 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively), and as such, has been reflected as a reduction to the gross contract amount in arriving at the principal balance in finance receivables. An
account is considered delinquent when a contractually scheduled payment has not been received by the scheduled payment date.  While the Company does not formally place loans on nonaccrual status, the immaterial amount of interest that may accrue after an account becomes delinquent up until the point of resolution via repossession or write-off, is reserved for against the accrued interest on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Delinquent loans are addressed and either made current by the customer, which
is the case in most situations, or the vehicle is repossessed or written off, if the collateral cannot be recovered quickly. Customer payments are set to match their pay-day with over 80% of payments due on either a weekly or bi-weekly basis. The frequency of the payment due dates combined with the declining value of collateral lead to prompt resolutions on problem accounts. Accounts are delinquent when the customer is one day or more behind on their
contractual payments.At April 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, 2.8% and 3.1% of the Company’s finance receivable balances were 30 days or more past due.
  The Company works very hard to keep its delinquency percentages low, and not to repossess vehicles.  Accounts one day late are sent a notice in the mail.  Accounts three days late are contacted by telephone.  Notes from each telephone contact are electronically maintained in the Company’s
computer system.  If a customer becomes severely delinquent in his or her payments, and management determines
  41
 that timely collection of future payments is not probable, the Company will take steps to repossess the vehicle.  The Company attempts to resolve payment delinquencies amicably prior to repossessing a vehicle.  Periodically, the Company enters into contract modifications with its customers to extend
the payment terms.  The Company only enters into a contract modification or extension if it believes such action will increase the amount of monies the Company will ultimately realize on the customer’s account. At the time of modification, the Company expects to collect amounts due including accrued interest at the contractual interest rate for the period of delay. Other than the extension of additional time, concessions are not granted to customers at the time of modifications. Modifications
are minor and are made for pay-day changes, minor vehicle repairs and other reasons.  For those vehicles that are repossessed, the majority are returned or surrendered by the customer on a voluntary basis.  Other repossessions are performed by Company personnel or third party repossession agents.  Depending on the condition of a repossessed vehicle, it is either resold on a retail basis through a Company store, or sold for cash on a wholesale basis primarily through physical and/or
on-line auctions.
  The Company takes steps to repossess a vehicle when the customer becomes delinquent in his or her payments, and management determines that timely collection of future payments is not probable.  Accounts are charged-off after the expiration of a statutory notice period for repossessed accounts, or when management
determines that the timely collection of future payments is not probable for accounts where the Company has been unable to repossess the vehicle.  For accounts with respect to which the vehicle was repossessed, the fair value of the repossessed vehicle is charged as a reduction of the gross finance receivable balance charged-off.  On average, accounts are approximately 56 days past due at the time of charge-off.  For previously charged-off accounts that are subsequently recovered,
the amount of such recovery is credited to the allowance for credit losses.
  The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses on an aggregate basis, as opposed to a loan-by-loan basis, at a level it considers sufficient to cover estimated losses in the collection of its finance receivables. In accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement No. 5,
“Accounting for Contingencies”, the Company accrues an estimated loss as it is probable that the entire amount will not be collected and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated in the aggregate.  The allowance for credit losses is based primarily upon historical credit loss experience, with consideration given to recent credit loss trends and changes in loan characteristics (i.e., average amount financed and term), delinquency levels, collateral values, economic conditions and
underwriting and collection practices.  The allowance for credit losses is periodically reviewed by management with any changes reflected in current operations.  Although it is at least reasonably possible that events or circumstances could occur in the future that are not presently foreseen which could cause actual credit losses to be materially different from the recorded allowance for credit losses, the Company believes that it has given appropriate consideration to all relevant factors
and has made reasonable assumptions in determining the allowance for credit losses.
  At October 31, 2006 (the end of the Company’s 2007 second quarter), management increased the allowance for credit loss percentage from 19.2% to 22% due to recent higher credit loss experience and trends.  A change in accounting estimate was recognized to reflect the decision to increase the allowance
for credit losses, resulting in a pretax, non-cash charge of $5.3 million for the Company’s second quarter of fiscal 2007.  No such charge was required in the third or fourth quarters of fiscal 2007, fiscal 2008, or fiscal 2009.
  The Company offers retail customers in most states the option of purchasing a payment protection plan product as an add-on to the installment sale contract.  This product contractually obligates the Company to cancel the remaining principal outstanding for any loan where the retail customer has totaled the
vehicle, as defined, or the vehicle has been stolen.  The Company periodically evaluates anticipated
  42
 losses to ensure that if anticipated losses exceed deferred payment protection plan revenues, an additional liability is recorded for such difference.  No such liability was required at April 30, 2009.
  Inventory
 
 Inventory consists of used vehicles and is valued at the lower of cost or market on a specific identification basis.  Vehicle reconditioning costs are capitalized as a component of inventory.  Repossessed vehicles are recorded at fair value, which approximates wholesale value.  The cost
of used vehicles sold is determined using the specific identification method.
  Goodwill
 
 Goodwill reflects the excess of purchase price over the fair value of specifically identified net assets purchased. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangibles” (“SFAS 142”), goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite
lives are not amortized but are subject to annual impairment tests. The impairment tests are based on the comparison of the fair value of the reporting unit to the carrying value of such unit. If the fair value of the reporting unit falls below its carrying value, goodwill is deemed to be impaired and a write-down of goodwill would be recognized.  There was no impairment of goodwill during fiscal years 2009, 2008 or 2007.
  Property and Equipment
 
 Property and equipment are stated at cost.  Expenditures for additions, renewals and improvements are capitalized.  Costs of repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.  Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated life of the improvement or the lease period.  The
lease period includes the primary lease term plus any extensions that are reasonably assured.  Depreciation is computed principally using the straight-line method generally over the following estimated useful lives:
  Furniture, fixtures and equipment
3 to  7 yearsLeasehold improvements
5 to 15 yearsBuildings and improvements
18 to 39 years
 
 Property and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows
expected to be generated by the asset.  If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying values of the impaired assets exceed the fair value of such assets.  Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.
  Cash Overdraft
 
 The Company’s primary disbursement bank account is set up to operate with a fixed $50,000 cash balance.  As checks are presented for payment, monies are automatically drawn against cash collections for the day and, if necessary, are drawn against one of its revolving credit facilities.  The
cash overdraft balance principally represents outstanding checks, net of any deposits in transit that as of the balance sheet date had not yet been presented for payment.
 
 Deferred Sales Tax
  43
 Deferred sales tax represents a sales tax liability of the Company for vehicles sold on an installment basis in the State of Texas.  Under Texas law, for vehicles sold on an installment basis, the related sales tax is due as the payments are collected from the customer, rather than at the time of sale.
 
 Income Taxes
 
 Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method.  Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply in the years in which these
temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
 
 Occasionally, the Company is audited by taxing authorities.  These audits could result in proposed assessments of additional taxes.  The Company believes that its tax positions comply in all material respects with applicable tax law.  However, tax law is subject to interpretation, and
interpretations by taxing authorities could be different from those of the Company, which could result in the imposition of additional taxes. The Internal Revenue Service is currently auditing the 2007 income tax return for Colonial and the 2008 income tax return for Car-Mart of Arkansas.
 
 The Company applies the provisions of FASB Interpretation 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes.” As required by Interpretation 48, which clarifies Statement 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, the Company recognizes the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining
that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit.  For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority.  The Company applies Interpretation 48 to all tax positions for which the statute of limitations remains open.  The Company has
no adjustments or unrecognized tax benefits as a result of the implementation of Interpretation 48.
 
 The Company is subject to income taxes in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions.  Tax regulations within each jurisdiction are subject to the interpretation of the related tax laws and regulations and require significant judgment to apply.  With few exceptions, the Company
is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for the years before 2006.
 
 The Company’s policy is to recognize accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in operating expenses. The Company had no accrued penalties and/or interest as of April 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
 Revenue Recognition
 
 Revenues are generated principally from the sale of used vehicles, which in most cases includes a service contract and a payment protection plan product, and interest income and late fees earned on finance receivables. Revenues are net of taxes collected from customers and remitted to government agencies.  Cost
of vehicle sales include costs incurred by the Company to prepare the vehicle for sale including license and title costs, gasoline, transport services and repairs.
  Revenues from the sale of used vehicles are recognized when the sales contract is signed, the customer has taken possession of the vehicle and, if applicable, financing has been approved.  Revenues from the sale of service contracts are recognized ratably over the five-month service contract period.  Service
contract related expenses are included in cost of sales. Payment protection plan revenues are initially deferred and then recognized to income using the “Rule of 78’s” interest method over the life of
  44
 the loan so that revenues are recognized in proportion to the amount of cancellation protection provided.  Payment protection plan related losses are included in cost of sales.  Interest income is recognized on all active finance receivable accounts using the simple effective interest method.
  Sales consists of the following for the years ended April 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007:
  Years Ended April 30,(In thousands)

2009


2008


2007Sales – used autos

$
241,723


$
222,772


$
195,722Wholesales – third party


13,451



13,911



12,156Service contract sales


10,274



10,044



9,020Payment protection plan revenue


7,892



3,610



-Total

$
273,340


$
250,337


$
216,898
 
 Active accounts include all accounts except those that have been paid-off or charged-off.  At April 30, 2009 and 2008, finance receivables more than 90 days past due were approximately $89,000 and $241,000, respectively. Late fee revenues totaled approximately $1.4 million for the fiscal years ending 2009
and 2007 and $1.3 million for fiscal 2008.  Late fee revenue is recognized when collected and reflected within interest and other income on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
  Advertising Costs
 
 Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and consist principally of radio, television and print media marketing costs.  Advertising costs amounted to $2.8 million, $2.9 million and $2.9 million for the years ended April 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
  Employee Benefit Plans
 
 The Company has 401(k) plans for all of its employees meeting certain eligibility requirements.  The plans provide for voluntary employee contributions and the Company matches 50% of employee contributions up to a maximum of 2% of each employee’s compensation.  The Company contributed approximately
$156,000, $153,000, and $156,000 to the plans for the years ended April 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
  The Company offers employees the right to purchase common shares at a 15% discount from market price under the 2006 Employee Stock Purchase Plan which was approved by shareholders in October 2006. The Company takes a charge to earnings for the 15% discount.  Amounts for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007 were
not material. A total of 200,000 shares were registered and 184,648 remain available for issuance at April 30, 2009.
  Earnings per Share
 
 Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net income by the average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted earnings per share takes into consideration the potentially dilutive effect of common stock equivalents, such as outstanding stock options and warrants, which if exercised
or converted into common stock would then share in the earnings of the Company.  In computing diluted earnings per share, the Company utilizes the treasury stock method and anti-dilutive securities are excluded.
  45
 Stock-based Compensation
 
 The Company applies the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 123R, “Share Based Payments” (“SFAS 123R”), which revises Statement 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” and supersedes APB Opinion 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.”  SFAS
123R requires the Company to recognize expense related to the fair value of stock-based compensation awards, including employee stock options.
 
 The Company recorded compensation cost for stock-based employee awards of $2.1million ($1.4 million after-tax) during the year ended April 30, 2009. The pre-tax amounts include $358,000 for restricted shares issued on May 1, 2006, $1.5 million for stock options granted during the year ended April 30, 2009, $268,000
for restricted shares issued on December 18, 2007 and $16,000 related to stock issued under the 2006 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.  The Company recorded compensation cost for stock-based employee awards of $1.6 million ($1.04 million after-tax) during the year ended April 30, 2008.  The pretax amounts include $358,000 for restricted shares issued on May 1, 2006, $823,000 for stock options granted during the year ended April 30, 2008, $403,000 for restricted shares issued on December 18, 2007
and $16,000 related to stock issued under the 2006 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.  The Company recorded compensation cost for stock based employee awards of $533,000 ($336,000 after-tax) during the year ended April 30, 2007.  The pretax amounts include $397,000 for restricted shares issued on May 1, 2006 and $136,000 for stock options granted in fiscal 2007.  Tax benefits were recognized for these costs at the Company’s overall expected effective tax rate.
  The fair value of options granted is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based on the weighted average assumptions in the table below.
  April 30, 2009


April 30, 2008


April 30, 2007Expected term (years)


5.0



6.9



4.8Risk-free interest rate


3.33
%


4.4
%


5.14
%Volatility


90
%


80
%


62
%Dividend yield


—



—



—
 
 The expected term of the options is based on evaluations of historical and expected future employee and director exercise behavior.  The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rates at the date of grant with maturity dates approximately equal to the expected life at the grant date.  Volatility
is based on historical volatility of the Company’s stock.  The Company has not historically issued any dividends and does not expect to do so in the foreseeable future.
  Stock Options
 
 On October 16, 2007, the shareholders of the Company approved the 2007 Stock Option Plan (the “2007 Plan”). The 2007 Plan provides for the grant of options to purchase up to an aggregate 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for grants to employees, directors and certain advisors of the Company
at a price not less than the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant and for periods not to exceed ten years. The shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2007 Plan may, at the election of the Company’s board of directors, be unissued shares or treasury shares, or shares purchased in the open market or by private purchase.
  The stockholders of the Company previously approved three stock option plans, including the 1986 Incentive Stock Option Plan ("1986 Plan"), the 1991 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan ("1991 Plan") and the 1997 Stock Option Plan (“1997 Plan”).  No additional option grants may be made under
  46
 the 1986, 1991 or 1997 Plans.  Outstanding options granted under the Company’s stock option plans expire in the calendar years 2009 through 2017.
  
 Plan1997


2007Minimum exercise price as a percentage of fair market value at date of grant


100%



100%Last expiration date for outstanding options

July 2, 2017


October 16, 2017Shares available for grant at April 30, 2009


0



640,000
 The grant-date fair value of options granted during fiscal years 2009 and 2008 was $201,000 and $3.4 million, respectively.  The aggregate intrinsic value of all outstanding options at April 30, 2009, 2008, and 2007 was $2 million, $2.1 million, and $1.5 million respectively. Of the 375,000 options granted
during fiscal 2008, 360,000 were granted to executive officers on October 16, 2007 upon the approval by shareholders of the 2007 Plan. The options were granted at fair market value on date of grant. The vesting of these options are set to vest in one third increments and is subject to the attainment of certain profitability goals over the three fiscal years ending April 30, 2010. As of April 30, 2009, the Company has $1.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested options granted under
the 2007 Plan.  At each period end, the Company will evaluate and estimate the likelihood of attaining the underlying performance goals and recognize compensation cost accordingly for the options that have performance criteria. These outstanding options have a weighted-average remaining vesting period of 1.0 year.
  The Company received cash from options exercised of $301,000, $205,000 and $81,000 in fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The impact of these cash receipts is included in financing activities in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
  The intrinsic value for options exercised was $1.3 million, $495,000, and $156,000 in fiscal years 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.
  Warrants
 
 During the year ended April 30, 2009, warrants for 18,750 shares were exercised with an intrinsic value of $60,000.  As of April 30, 2009, the Company had no remaining outstanding stock purchase warrants.
 
 Stock Incentive Plan
 
 The shareholders of the Company approved an amendment to the Company’s Stock Incentive Plan on October 16, 2007. The amendment increased from 100,000 to 150,000 the number of shares of common stock that may be issued under the Stock Incentive Plan.  For shares issued under the Stock Incentive Plan, the
associated compensation expense is generally recognized equally over the vesting periods established at the award date and is subject to the employee’s continued employment by the Company.  During fiscal 2008, 65,000 restricted shares were granted with a grant date fair value of $11.90 per share, the market price of the Company’s stock on the grant date.  During fiscal 2007, 57,500 restricted shares were granted with a grant date fair value of $20.07 per share, the market price
of the Company’s stock on the grant date.  Restricted shares issued under the Stock Incentive Plan had an initial weighted average vesting period of 2.6 years and began vesting on April 30, 2007. The following is a summary of the activity in the Company’s stock incentive plans during fiscal year April 30, 2009:
  47
 Number

Weighted
Averageof

Grant DateShares

Fair ValueUnvested shares at April 30, 2008


65,168

$

14.63Shares vested


(39,499
)


15.59Unvested shares at April 30, 2009


25,669

$

13.18
  The Company recorded a compensation cost of $627,000, $761,000, and $397,000 related to the Stock Incentive Plan during fiscal years 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.
 
 As of April 30, 2009, the Company has $182,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested awards granted under the Stock Incentive Plan, which the Company expects to recognize over a weighted-average remaining period of 1.3 years.  The fair value at vesting for awards under the stock incentive
plan was $616,000, $655,000, and $229,000 in fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007 respectively.
 
 There were no modifications to any of the Company’s outstanding share-based payment awards during fiscal 2009.
 
 Treasury Stock
 
 The Company purchased 95,343, 292,691, and 30,000 shares of its common stock to be held as treasury stock for a total cost of $1.2 million, $3.5 million, and $454,000 during 2009, 2008, and 2007 respectively. Treasury stock may be used for issuances under the Company’s stock option plan or for other general corporate
purposes.
  Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
 Occasionally, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) or other standard setting bodies which the Company adopts as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, the Company believes the impact of recently issued standards which are not
yet effective will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
 
 In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an Amendment of FASB Statement 115” (“SFAS 159.”)  The statement permits entities to choose to measure certain financial instruments and 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. Unrealized gains and losses on any items for which Car-Mart elects the fair value measurement option would be reported in earnings. SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The adoption of SFAS 159
did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
 
 In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements” (“SFAS 160”).  The objective of this statement is to improve the relevance, comparability, and transparency of the financial information that a reporting entity provides in
its consolidated financial statements.  Accordingly this statement requires the ownership interests in subsidiaries held by other parties other than the parent be clearly identified, labeled, and presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet within equity but separate from the parent’s and entities provide sufficient
  48
 disclosures that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners.  This statement is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  Upon adoption of SFAS 160, $100,000
of preferred stock will be classified as non-controlling interest within equity and $400,000 of the preferred stock with a put will be classified in the mezzanine section. The dividends associated with the entire preferred stock will be recorded as a reduction to net income to arrive at net income attributable to the Company. The presentation of the preferred stock will be applied retroactively for all periods presented upon adoption of SFAS 160.
 
 In March 2008, the FASB issued Statement 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 161”).  Due to the use and complexity of derivative instruments, there were concerns regarding the existing disclosure requirements in FASB 133.  Accordingly,
this statement requires enhanced disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities.  Entities will be required to provide enhanced disclosures about (i) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (ii) how derivative instruments and related hedging items are accounted for under FASB 133 and its related interpretations, and (iii) how derivative instruments and related hedging items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows.  This
statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008.  The Company does not believe the adoption of SFAS 161 will have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
 
 In May 2009, the FASB issued Statement 165, “Subsequent Events” (“SFAS 165”).  SFAS 165 was issued to establish general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued.  It sets forth
the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that occur for a potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements, the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements, and the disclosures tha an entity should make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date.  The statement also introduces
the concept of financial statements “available to be issued.”  This statement is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009.  The Company does not believe that adoption of SFAS 165 will have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
 
 In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement 168, “The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” (“SFAS 168”).  The statement was issued to replace SFAS 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles”,
and establish the FASB Accounting Standards Codification as the source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB in the preparation of financial statements in conformity w/ generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).  Essentially, the GAAP hierarchy will be modified to only include 2 levels – authoritative and non-authoritative.  This statement is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15,
2009.  The Company does not believe that adoption of SFAS 168 will have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
  49
 C - Finance Receivables, Net
 
 The Company originates installment sale contracts from the sale of used vehicles at its dealerships.  These installment sale contracts typically include interest rates ranging from 5.5% to 19% per annum, are collateralized by the vehicle sold and provide for payments over periods ranging from 12 to 36 months.  The
components of finance receivables as of April 30, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:
 Years Ended April 30,April 30,(In thousands)

2009


2008Gross contract amount

$
254,372


$
231,069Less unearned finance charges


(23,021
)


(22,916
)Principal balance


231,351



208,153Less allowance for credit losses


(49,310
)


(44,809
)Finance receivables, net

$
182,041


$
163,344
 Changes in the finance receivables, net balance for the years ended April 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:
  Years Ended April 30,(In thousands)

2009


2008


2007Balance at beginning of year

$
163,344


$
139,194


$
149,379Finance receivable originations


252,879



230,920



196,200Finance receivables from acquisition of business


11



-



354Finance receivable collections


(149,357
)


(129,232
)


(124,092
)Provision for credit losses


(58,807
)


(55,046
)


(63,077
)Lot closure


-



(522
)


-Losses on claims for payment protection plan


(4,061
)


(1,871
)


-Inventory acquired in repossessions and payment
protection plan claims


(21,968
)


(20,099
)


(19,570
)Balance at end of year

$
182,041


$
163,344


$
139,194
  Changes in the finance receivables allowance for credit losses for the years ended April 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:
  Years Ended April 30,(In thousands)

2009


2008


2007Balance at beginning of year

$
44,809


$
39,325


$
35,864Provision for credit losses


58,807



55,046



63,077Allowance related to acquisition of business, net change


(11
)


(236
)


(366
)Charge-offs, net of recovered collateral


(54,295
)


(49,326
)


(59,250
)Balance at end of year

$
49,310


$
44,809


$
39,325
 50
 The factors which influenced management’s judgment in determining the amount of the additions to the allowance charged to Provision for Credit Losses were:
  Actual charge-offs, net of recovered collateral, is the most important factor in determining the charges to the Provision for Credit Losses. This is due to the fact that once a loan becomes delinquent the account is either made current by the customer, the vehicle is repossessed or the account is written off, if the
collateral cannot be recovered.  Net charge-offs in 2007 were significantly higher than the Company had experienced in prior or subsequent years. This had the effect of higher additions to the allowance charged to the provision for 2007. Net charge-offs in 2008 were slightly higher than levels for 2009.
  Collections and delinquency levels have a significant effect on additions to the allowance and are reviewed frequently in determining the additions to the allowance charge to the provision. In 2007, collections as a percentage of average finance receivables were lower and delinquencies were higher contributing to the
higher additions to the allowance charged to the provision for 2007. Collections and delinquencies for 2008 and 2009 were fairly consistent.
  Macro-economic factors as well as proper execution of operational policies and procedures have a significant effect on additions to the allowance charged to the provision. Higher unemployment levels, higher gasoline prices and higher prices for staple items can have a significant effect. While macro-economic factors
were more favorable during 2007, operational difficulties that resulted from the Company’s growth contributed to higher additions to the allowance charged to the provision.
  D - Property and Equipment
 
 A summary of property and equipment as of April 30, 2009 and 2008 is as follows:
  April 30,(In thousands)

2009


2008Land

$
5,740


$
5,740Buildings and improvements


7,443



6,808Furniture, fixtures and equipment


4,816



4,295Leasehold improvements


6,558



5,213Less accumulated depreciation and amortization


(5,211
)


(3,916
)$
19,346


$
18,140
  E - Accrued Liabilities
 
 A summary of accrued liabilities as of April 30, 2009 and 2008 is as follows:
  April 30,(In thousands)

2009


2008Compensation

$
3,703


$
3,354Cash overdraft (see Note B)


1,656



2,556Deferred service contract revenue (see Note B)


2,465



2,295Deferred sales tax (see Note B)


1,224



1,035Subsidiary redeemable preferred stock (see Note I)


500



500Interest rate swap


1,522



-Interest


121



177Other


1,651



1,146$
12,842


$
11,063
 51
 F - Revolving Credit Facilities
 
 A summary of revolving credit facilities is as follows:
  Revolving Credit Facilities

(in thousands)Aggregate

Interest



Balance atPrimary Lender

Amount

Rate

Maturity

April 30, 2009


April 30, 2008Bank of Oklahoma

$51.5 million

Prime +/-

Apr  2010

$
20,911


$
30,587
 On December 12, 2008, the Company amended its revolving credit facilities. The amendments had the effect of increasing the total commitment by $1.5 million (to $51.5 million), extending the due date to April 30, 2010 and establishing an interest rate floor of 4.25%. In addition to the revolving credit facilities, the
Company has a $10 million term loan.  The term loan was funded in May 2006 and called for 120 consecutive and substantially equal installments beginning June 1, 2006.  The interest rate on the term loan is fixed at 7.33%.  The principal balance on the term loan was $7.9 million and $8.7 million at April 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The combined total for the Company’s revolving credit facilities and term loan is $61.5 million.
  The facilities are collateralized by substantially all the assets of Car-Mart, including finance receivables and inventory.  Interest is payable monthly under the revolving credit facilities at the bank’s prime lending rate less .25%, provided that interest shall not at any time be less than 4.25% per
annum. The effective rate at April 30, 2009 was 4.25% and was at the bank’s prime lending rate minus .25% at April 30, 2008 (4.75%). The facilities contain various reporting and performance covenants including (i) maintenance of certain financial ratios and tests, (ii) limitations on borrowings from other sources, (iii) restrictions on certain operating activities, and (iv) limitations on the payment of dividends or distributions to the Company.  The Company was in compliance with the covenants
at April 30, 2009.  The amount available to be drawn under the facilities is a function of eligible finance receivables and inventory. Based upon eligible finance receivables and inventory at April 30, 2009, Car-Mart could have drawn an additional $30.6 million under its facilities.
  The Company also has a $1.0 million term loan secured by the corporate aircraft.  The term loan is payable over 15 years and has a fixed interest rate of 5.79% at April 30, 2009.
  Interest Rate Swap Agreement
 
 On May 16, 2008, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement (“Agreement”) with its primary lender for a notional principal amount of $20 million.  The effective date of the Agreement was May 20, 2008.  The Agreement matures on May 31, 2013 and provides that the Company
will pay monthly interest on the notional amount at a fixed rate of 6.68% and receive monthly interest on the notional amount at a floating rate based on the bank’s prime lending rate. The Company entered into this Agreement to manage a portion of its interest rate exposure by effectively converting a portion of its variable rate debt into fixed rate debt.  The Agreement is not designated as a hedge by Company management; therefore, the gain (loss) on the Agreement is reported in earnings.  The
cumulative net loss for the Agreement reported in earnings as interest expense was $1.5 million for the year ended April 30, 2009.  The fair value of the Agreement is included in Accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet on April 30, 2009 at $1.5 million.  The interest on the credit facilities, the net settlements under the interest rate swap, and the changes in the fair value of the Agreement are all reflected in interest expense.  Notwithstanding the Company’s
intention to hold the swap until maturity, pursuant to SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” changes in fair value will continue to be recognized quarterly as non-cash charges or gains, as the case may be.
  52
 G – Fair Value Measurements
 
 The Company adopted SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” (“SFAS No. 157”) effective May 1, 2008 for financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis. SFAS No. 157 applies to all financial assets and financial liabilities that are being measured and reported on
a fair value basis. In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. 157-2, which delayed the effective date of SFAS No. 157 by one year for nonfinancial assets and liabilities. As defined in SFAS No. 157, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). SFAS No. 157 requires disclosure that establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure
about fair value measurements. The statement requires fair value measurements be classified and disclosed in one of the following categories:
  Level 1:                Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities. The Company considers active markets as
those in which transactions for the assets or liabilities occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.
  Level 2:                Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. This category
includes those derivative instruments that the Company values using observable market data. Substantially all of these inputs are observable in the marketplace throughout the full term of the derivative instrument, can be derived from observable data, or supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace. Level 2 instruments primarily include non-exchange traded derivatives such as over-the-counter commodity price swaps, investments and interest rate swaps. The Company’s
valuation models are primarily industry-standard models that consider various inputs including (a) quoted forward prices for commodities, (b) time value and (c) current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures. The Company utilizes its counterparties’ valuations to assess the reasonableness of its prices and valuation techniques.
  Level 3:                Measured based on prices or valuation models that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and less observable from objective sources (i.e., supported
by little or no market activity). Level 3 instruments primarily include derivative instruments, such as basis swaps, commodity price collars and floors, as well as investments. The Company’s valuation models are primarily industry-standard models that consider various inputs including (a) quoted forward prices for commodities, (b) time value, (c) volatility factors and (d) current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures. Although
the Company utilizes its counterparties’ valuations to assess the reasonableness of its prices and valuation techniques, it does not have sufficient corroborating market evidence to support classifying these assets and liabilities as Level 2.
  As required by SFAS No. 157, financial assets and liabilities are classified based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the valuation
of the fair value of assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. The following table summarizes the valuation of the Company’s financial instruments by SFAS No. 157 pricing levels as of April 30, 2009:
  Fair Value Measurements Using(In thousands)

(Level 1)


(Level 2)


(Level 3)Interest Rate Swap


-


$
(1,522
)


-
 53
 Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
 The table below summarizes information about the fair value of financial instruments included in the Company’s financial statements at April 30, 2009 and 2008:
  April 30, 2009


April 30, 2008Carrying


Fair


Carrying


Fair(In thousands)

Value


Value


Value


ValueCash

$
168


$
168


$
153


$
153Finance receivables, net


182,041



144,594



163,344



131,832Accounts payable


3,928



3,928



3,871



3,871Revolving credit facilities


20,911



20,911



30,587



30,587Notes payable


8,928



8,928



9,750



9,750
 
 Because no market exists for certain of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments and estimates regarding yield expectations of investors, credit risk and other risk characteristics, including interest rate and prepayment risk.  These estimates are subjective in nature and involve
uncertainties and matters of judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision.  Changes in assumptions could significantly affect these estimates.  The methodology and assumptions utilized to estimate the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows:
  Financial Instrument
Valuation MethodologyCash
The carrying amount is considered to be a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the short-term nature of the financial instrument.Finance receivables, net
The Company estimated the fair value of its receivables at what a third party purchaser might be willing to pay. The Company has had discussions with third parties and has recently bought and sold portfolios, and has had a recent third party appraisal that indicates a 37.5% discount to face would be a reasonable fair value in a negotiated
third party transaction.  The sale of finance receivables from Car-Mart of Arkansas to Colonial is at a 37.5% discount. For financial reporting purposes these sale transactions are eliminated. Since the Company does not intend to offer the receivables for sale to an outside third party, the expectation is that the book value at April 30, 2008, will be ultimately collected. By collecting the accounts internally the Company expects to realize more than a third party purchaser would expect to collect with
a servicing requirement and a profit margin included.Accounts payable
The carrying amount is considered to be a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the short-term nature of the financial instrument.Revolving credit facilities
The fair value approximates carrying value due to the variable interest rates charged on the borrowings.Notes payable
The fair value approximates carrying value due to the nature of the collateral and the fairly recent placement of the debt.
 
 H - Income Taxes
 
 The provision for income taxes for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was as follows:
  Years Ended April 30,(In thousands)

2009


2008


2007Provision for income taxesCurrent

$
5,139


$
5,000


$
2,206Deferred


4,912



3,130



(754
)$
10,051


$
8,130


$
1,452
  54
    Years Ended April 30,(In thousands)

2009


2008


2007Tax provision at statutory rate

$
9,505


$
8,091


$
1,938State taxes, net of federal benefit


820



56



13Reduction of tax reserves


-



-



(500
)Other, net


(274
)


(17
)


1$
10,051


$
8,130


$
1,452
 
 The effective income tax rate in 2007 was 26%. This tax rate resulted primarily from the elimination of $500,000 of tax reserves established in prior years for potential issues from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) examinations of the Company’s 2002 tax returns and certain items in subsequent years. The reserves were
eliminated based on a favorable audit determination from the IRS that the Company would not be assessed any additional taxes, penalties or interest related to the examinations. Also, the Company’s state income taxes for 2008 and 2007 were lower due to the distribution of taxable income among the Company’s operating subsidiaries.
  Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.  Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of April 30, 2009 and 2008 were
as follows:
  April 30,(In thousands)

2009


2008Deferred tax liabilities related to:Accrued liabilities

$
12,471


$
8,524Property and equipment


636



501Total


13,107



9,025Deferred tax assets related to:Accrued liabilities


1,752



1,553Inventory


634



638Share based compensation


900



414Interest rate swap


564



-Payment protection plan


281



-Tax carry-forwards


599



2,955Total


4,730



5,560Deferred tax liabilities, net

$
8,377


$
3,465
 At April 30, 2009, the tax carry-forwards represent various state deferred tax assets that expire in 2028. The Company utilized $6.2 million of tax loss carry forwards in 2009.
  55
 I - Capital Stock
 
 The Company is authorized to issue up to one million shares of $.01 par value preferred stock in one or more series having such respective terms, rights and preferences as are designated by the Board of Directors.  The Company has not issued any preferred stock.
  A subsidiary of the Company has issued 500,000 shares of $1.00 par value preferred stock which carries an 8% cumulative dividend.  Accumulated but undeclared dividends were $10,000 at April 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The Company’s subsidiary can redeem
the preferred stock at any time at par value plus any unpaid dividends.  After April 30, 2010, a holder of 400,000 shares of the subsidiary preferred stock can require the Company’s subsidiary to redeem such stock for $400,000 plus any unpaid dividends.  The subsidiary preferred stock is included in Accrued liabilities.  Preferred dividends are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
 
 SFAS 160 will be adopted by the Company in fiscal year 2010 and the Company will follow the requirements under SFAS 160 in the year of adoption and in all future periods.  Upon adoption of SFAS 160, $100,000 of the preferred stock will be classified as non-controlling interest within equity and $400,000 of the
preferred stock with a put will be classified in the mezzanine section. The dividends associated with the entire preferred stock will be recorded as a reduction to net income to arrive at net income attributable to America’s Car-Mart, Inc. The presentation of the preferred stock will be applied retroactively for all periods presented upon adoption of SFAS 160.
 
 J – Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
 
 Weighted average shares outstanding used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share were as follows for the years ended April 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007:
  Years Ended April 30,2009


2008


2007Average shares outstanding – basic


11,747,183



11,825,657



11,850,247Dilutive options and warrants


59,549



81,664



103,740Average shares outstanding – diluted


11,806,732



11,907,321



11,953,987Antidilutive securities not included:Options and warrants


470,266



216,209



88,500Restricted Stock


-



32,576



39,667
  K - Stock Options and Warrants
 
 Stock Options
 
 Since inception, the shareholders of the Company have approved three stock option plans including the 1986 Incentive Stock Option Plan ("1986 Plan"), the 1991 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan ("1991 Plan") and the 1997 Stock Option Plan (“1997 Plan”).  While previously granted options remain outstanding, no additional
option grants may be made under the 1986 and 1991 Plans.  The 1997 Plan sets aside 1,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for grants to employees, directors and certain advisors of the Company at a price not less than the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant and for periods not to exceed ten years.  At April 30, 2009 and 2008, there were no shares of common stock available for grant, respectively, under the 1997 Plan.  Options granted under the Company’s
stock option
  56
 plans expire in the calendar years 2009 through 2016.  The following is an aggregate summary of the activity in the Company’s stock option plans from April 30, 2006 to April 30, 2009:
  Number
of
Shares


Exercise
Price
per Share


Proceeds
on
Exercise


Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
per ShareOutstanding at April 30, 2006


287,295


$
3.67 to $23.75


$
2,980,839


$
10.38Granted


12,250


11.62 to 20.47



241,908



19.75Exercised


(13,750
)

3.67 to 11.83



(81,030
)


5.89Canceled


(11,250
)

19.83 to 22.17



(234,250
)


20.82Outstanding at April 30, 2007


274,545


$
3.67 to $23.75



2,907,467



10.59Granted


375,000


$
11.90 to 13.37



4,484,550



11.96Exercised


(55,898
)


3.67



(204,959
)


3.67Outstanding at April 30, 2008


593,647


$
3.67 to $23.75



7,187,058



12.11Granted


15,000



18.86



282,900



18.86Exercised


(82,000
)


3.67



(300,940
)


3.67Outstanding at April 30, 2009


526,647


$
3.67 to $23.75


$
7,169,018


$
13.61
 Options for 360,000 shares were granted to executive officers on October 16, 2007 but are not yet exercisable. The vesting of these options are set to vest in one third increments and are subject to the attainment of certain profitability goals over the three fiscal years ending April 30, 2010.  All other options are currently
exercisable.  A summary of stock options outstanding as of April 30, 2009 is as follows:
  Weighted
Average


WeightedRange of

Number


Remaining


AverageExercise Prices

of Shares


Contractual Life


Exercise Price$6.59 to $8.77


47,147



2.99


$
8.1411.62 to 23.75


479,500



7.95



14.15526,647



7.50


$
13.61
 
 A summary of exercisable stock options outstanding as of April 30, 2009 is as follows:
 
 Weighted
Average


WeightedRange of

Number


Remaining


AverageExercise Prices

of Shares


Contractual Life


Exercise Price$6.59 to $8.77


47,147



2.99


$
8.1411.62 to 23.75


119,500



6.38



20.93166,647



2.09


$
17.31
 
 L - Commitments and Contingencies
 
 Facility Leases
  57
 The Company leases certain dealership and office facilities under various non-cancelable operating leases.  Dealership leases are generally for periods from three to five years and contain multiple renewal options.  As of April 30, 2009, the aggregate rentals due under such leases, including renewal
options that are reasonably assured, were as follows:
  Years Ending

AmountApril 30,

(In thousands)2010

$
2,7292011


2,7762012


2,7512013


2,6632014


2,476Thereafter


16,219$
29,614
 
 The $29.6 million of lease commitments includes $4.4 million of non-cancelable lease commitments under the primary lease terms, and $25.2 million of lease commitments for renewal periods at the Company’s option that are reasonably assured.  For the years ended April 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007, rent expense for all operating
leases amounted to approximately $3.0 million, $2.7 million, and $2.8 million, respectively.
  Litigation
 
 In the ordinary course of business, the Company has become a defendant in various types of other legal proceedings.  The Company does not expect the final outcome of any of these actions, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, annual results of operations
or cash flows.  However, the results of legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, and an unfavorable resolution of one or more of these legal proceedings could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, annual results of operations or cash flows.
  Related Finance Company
 
 Car-Mart of Arkansas and Colonial do not meet the affiliation standard for filing consolidated income tax returns, as such they file separate federal and state income tax returns.  Car-Mart of Arkansas routinely sells its finance receivables to Colonial at what the Company believes to be fair market value and
is able to take a tax deduction at the time of sale for the difference between the tax basis of the receivables sold and the sales price.  These types of transactions, based upon facts and circumstances, have been permissible under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) as described in the Treasury Regulations.  For financial accounting purposes, these transactions are eliminated in consolidation, and a deferred tax liability has been recorded for this timing difference.  The
sale of finance receivables from Car-Mart of Arkansas to Colonial provides certain legal protection for the Company’s finance receivables and, principally because of certain state apportionment characteristics of Colonial, also has the effect of reducing the Company’s overall effective state income tax rate by approximately 240 basis points.  The actual interpretation of the Regulations is in part a facts and circumstances matter.  The Company believes it satisfies the material
provisions of the Regulations.  Failure to satisfy those provisions could result in the loss of a tax deduction at the time the receivables are sold, and have the effect of increasing the Company’s overall effective income tax rate as well as the timing of required tax payments.  The Internal Revenue Service is currently auditing the 2007 income tax return for Colonial and the 2008 income tax return for Car-Mart of Arkansas.
  58
 In May 2007, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) concluded on the previously disclosed examinations of the Company’s tax returns for fiscal 2002 and certain items in subsequent years. The IRS concluded that the Company would not be assessed any additional taxes, penalties or interest related to the
examinations. The examinations focused on whether or not the Company satisfied the provisions of the Treasury Regulations which would entitle Car-Mart of Arkansas to a tax deduction at the time it sells its finance receivables to Colonial.  Based upon the favorable IRS conclusion, the Company recognized $500,000 of net income in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 for the elimination of associated income tax reserves.
 
 M - Supplemental Cash Flow Information
 
 Supplemental cash flow disclosures for the years ended April 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:
  Years Ended April 30,(In thousands)

2009


2008


2007Supplemental disclosures:Interest paid

$
2,540


$
3,056


$
3,700Income taxes paid, net


978



6,391



5,856Non-cash transactions:Inventory acquired in repossessions and payment
protection plan claims

$
21,968


$
20,099


$
19,570
 
 N - Quarterly Results of Operations (unaudited)
 
 A summary of the Company’s quarterly results of operations for the years ended April 30, 2009 and 2008 is as follows (in thousands, except per share information):
  Year Ended April 30, 2009First


Second


Third


FourthQuarter


Quarter


Quarter


Quarter


TotalRevenues

$
75,661


$
71,983


$
73,452


$
77,870


$
298,966Gross profit


30,200



27,976



28,825



30,671



117,672Net income


5,281



3,871



3,635



5,119



17,906Earnings per share:Basic


.45



.33



.31



.43



1.52Diluted


.45



.33



.31



.43



1.52
 
 Year Ended April 30, 2008First


Second


Third


FourthQuarter


Quarter


Quarter


Quarter


TotalRevenues

$
58,707


$
68,243


$
71,139


$
76,542


$
274,631Gross profit


21,325



26,200



28,003



30,272



105,800Net income


2,141



3,466



3,378



6,048



15,033Earnings per share:Basic


.18



.29



.29



.52



1.27Diluted


.18



.29



.28



.51



1.26
 59
 Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
 
 None.
  Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures
 
 Disclosure Controls and Procedures
  Based on management’s evaluation (with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer), as of April 30, 2009, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive officer) and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer), to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
  Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
 Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability
of the Company’s financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
  Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to
future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
  Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of April 30, 2009. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations
of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
  Based on management’s assessment, management believes that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of April 30, 2009.
  The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm independently assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and has issued an attestation report on management’s assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. That report appears below.
  60
 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
 
 Stockholders and Board of Directors
 America’s Car-Mart, Inc.
 
 We have audited America’s Car-Mart, Inc. and subsidiaries’ (a Texas corporation) internal control over financial reporting as of April 30, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). America’s Car-Mart, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on America’s Car-Mart, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting based on our
audit.
 
 We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our
audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
 A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control
over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations
of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
 Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with
the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
 In our opinion, America’s Car-Mart, Inc. and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of April 30, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by
COSO.
 
 We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of America’s Car-Mart, Inc. and subsidiaries as of April 30, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and stockholders’
equity for each of the three years in the period ended April 30, 2009 and our report dated July 14, 2009expressed an unqualified opinion.
 
 /s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
 
 Tulsa, Oklahoma
 July 14, 2009
  61
 Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
 There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the Company’s last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s
internal control over financial reporting.
 
 Item 9B.  Other Information
 
 None.
  
 62
 PART III
 
 Except as to information with respect to executive officers which is contained in a separate heading under Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-K, the information required by Items 10 through 14 of this Form 10-K is, pursuant to General Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K, incorporated by reference herein from the Company's definitive proxy statement
to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A for the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in October 2009 (the “Proxy Statement”).  The Company will, within 120 days of the end of its fiscal year, file with the SEC a definitive proxy statement pursuant to Regulation 14A.
 
 Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
 
 The information required by this item will be contained in the Proxy Statement and such information is incorporated herein by reference.  Information regarding the executive officers of the Company is set forth under the heading "Executive Officers" in Part I, Item 1 of this report.
 
 Item 11.  Executive Compensation
 
 The information required by this item will be contained in the Proxy Statement and such information is incorporated herein by reference.
 
 Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
 
 The information required by this item will be contained in the Proxy Statement and such information is incorporated herein by reference.  The following table provides information as of April 30, 2009 with respect to the Company’s equity compensation plans:
 
 Plan Category

Number of Securities to
be Issued upon
Exercise of
Outstanding  Options,
Warrants and Rights

Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding  Options,
Warrants and Rights

Number of Securities
Remaining Available for
Future Issuance under
Equity Compensation
PlansEquity compensation plans:Approved by security holders

526,647

$ 13.61

640,000
 
 Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
 
 The information required by this item will be contained in the Proxy Statement and such information is incorporated herein by reference.
 
 Item 14.  Principal Accounting Fees and Services
 
 The information required by this item will be contained in the Proxy Statement and such information is incorporated herein by reference.
  63
 PART IV
 
 Item 15.   Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
 
 (a)1.           Financial Statements
 
 The following financial statements and accountant’s report are included in Item 8 of this report:
 
 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of April 30, 2009 and 2008
 
 Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended April 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007
 
 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended April 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007
 
 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended April 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007
 
 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 (a)2.           Financial Statement Schedules
 
 The financial statement schedules are omitted since the required information is not present, or is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedules, or because the information required is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto.
 
 (a)3.           Exhibits
 
 The exhibits listed in the accompanying Exhibit Index (following the Signature section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K) are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
 (b)               The exhibits are listed in the accompanying Exhibit Index (following the Signatures section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K).
 
 (c)                Refer to Item 15(a)2 above.
 
 64
 SIGNATURES
 
 Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 AMERICA’S CAR-MART, INC.
 
 Dated:                      July 14, 2009                                           
    By:  /s/ William H. Henderson
 William H. Henderson
 President and Chief Executive Officer
 (Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 Dated:                      July 14, 2009                                                By:  /s/
Jeffrey A. Williams
 Jeffrey A. Williams
 Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer
 (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
 Signature
Title
Date*
Tilman J. Falgout, III
Chairman of the Board,
General Counsel and Director
July 14, 2009*
William H. Henderson
Vice Chairman of the Board,
President, Chief Executive Officer
and Director
July 14, 2009*
Jeffrey A. Williams
Vice Chairman Finance,
Chief Financial Officer
and Secretary
July 14, 2009*
J. David Simmons
Director
July 14, 2009*
Daniel J. Englander
Director
July 14, 2009*
William M. Sams
Director
July 14, 2009*
William A. Swanston
Director
July 14, 2009* By    /s/ Jeffrey A. Williams
Jeffrey A. Williams
As Attorney-in-Fact
Pursuant to Powers of
Attorney filed herewith
 65
 Exhibit
Number

Description of Exhibit3.1

Articles of Incorporation of the Company, as amended. (Incorporated by reference toExhibits 4.1-4.8 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the SEC on November 16, 2005 (File No. 333-129727))3.2

Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company dated December 4, 2007.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2007 filed with the SEC on December 7, 2007)4.1

Specimen stock certificate. (Incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 1994 (File No. 000-14939))4.2

Amended and Restated Agented Revolving Credit Agreement, dated June 23, 2005, among Colonial Auto Finance, Inc., as borrower, Bank of Arkansas, N.A., Great Southern Bank, Arvest Bank, First State Bank, Bank of Oklahoma, N.A., and Liberty Bank of Arkansas and one or more additional lenders to be determined at a later date, Bank of Arkansas,
N.A., as agent for the banks and Bank of Oklahoma, N.A., as the paying agent. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 29, 2005)4.2.1

First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Agented Revolving Credit Agreement, dated September 30, 2005, among Colonial Auto Finance, Inc., as borrower, Bank of Arkansas, N.A., Great Southern Bank, First State Bank, Bank of Oklahoma, N.A., First State Bank of Northwest Arkansas and Sovereign Bank and one or more additional lenders to be determined
at a later date, and Bank of Arkansas, N.A., as agent for the banks.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 6, 2005)4.2.2

Third Amendment to the Amended and Restated Agented Revolving Credit Agreement, dated February 24, 2006, among Colonial Auto Finance, Inc., as borrower, Bank of Arkansas, N.A., Great Southern Bank, First State Bank, First State Bank of Northwest Arkansas , Sovereign Bank and Enterprise Bank & Trust and one or more additional lenders to
be determined at a later date, and Bank of Arkansas, N.A., as agent for the banks. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 27, 2006)4.2.3

Fourth Amendment to the Amended and Restated Agented Revolving Credit Agreement, dated April 28, 2006, among Colonial Auto Finance, Inc., as borrower, Bank of Arkansas, N.A., Great Southern Bank, First State Bank, First State Bank of Northwest Arkansas, Sovereign Bank, Enterprise Bank & Trust, and Commerce Bank, N.A. and one or more additional
lenders to be determined at a later date, and Bank of Arkansas, N.A., as agent for the banks.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 3, 2006)4.2.4

Fifth Amendment to Amended and Restated Agented Revolving Credit Agreement, dated March 8, 2007 (effective December 31, 2006), among Colonial Auto Finance, Inc., as borrower, Bank of Arkansas, N.A., Great Southern Bank, First State Bank, First State Bank of Northwest Arkansas, Enterprise Bank & Trust, Sovereign Bank, Commerce Bank, N.A.
and Bank of Arkansas, N.A. as agent for the banks.(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 2007 filed with the SEC on March 12, 2007)
 66
  Exhibit
Number

Description of Exhibit4.2.5

Sixth Amendment to Amended and Restated Agented Revolving Credit Agreement, dated May 16, 2008, among Colonial Auto Finance, Inc., as borrower, Bank of Arkansas, N.A., Great Southern Bank, First State Bank, First State Bank of Northwest Arkansas, Enterprise Bank & Trust, Sovereign Bank, Commerce Bank, N.A. and Bank of Arkansas, N.A. as
agent for the banks. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 21, 2008)4.2.6

Guaranty Agreement dated March 8, 2007 (effective December 31, 2006), among America’s Car-Mart, Inc., an Arkansas corporation, and Bank of Arkansas, N.A., as lender. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 2007 filed with the SEC on March 12, 2007)4.2.7

Seventh Amendment to Amended and Restated Agented Revolving Credit Agreement, dated December 15, 2008, among Colonial Auto Finance, Inc., as borrower, Bank of Arkansas, N.A., Arvest Bank, First State Bank of Northwest Arkansas, Enterprise Bank and Trust, Citizen’s Bank and Trust Company, and Commerce Bank, N.A., as lender. (Incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 15, 2008)4.2.8

Promissory Note dated December 15, 2008 between Colonial Auto Finance, Inc. and Bank of Arkansas, N.A., as lender. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 15, 2008)4.2.9

Promissory Note dated December 15, 2008 between Colonial Auto Finance, Inc. and Commerce Bank, N.A., as lender. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 15, 2008)4.2.10

Promissory Note dated December 15, 2008 between Colonial Auto Finance, Inc. and Enterprise Bank and Trust, as lender. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 15, 2008)4.2.11

Promissory Note dated December 15, 2008 between Colonial Auto Finance, Inc. and First State Bank of Northwest Arkansas, as lender. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 15, 2008)4.2.12

Promissory Note dated December 15, 2008 between Colonial Auto Finance, Inc. and Arvest Bank, as lender. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 15, 2008)4.2.13

Promissory Note dated December 15, 2008 among Colonial Auto Finance, Inc. and Citizens Bank and Trust Company, as lender. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 15, 2008)4.2.14

Eighth Amendment to Amended and Restated Agented Revolving Credit Agreement, dated February 28, 2009, among Colonial Auto Finance, Inc., as borrower, Bank of Arkansas, N.A., First State Bank of Northwest Arkansas, Enterprise Bank and Trust, Arvest Bank, Citizens Bank and Trust Company, and Commerce Bank, N.A., as lender.  (Incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 2008 filed with the SEC on March 9, 2009.)
 67
 Exhibit
Number

Description of Exhibit4.3

Revolving Credit Agreement, dated June 23, 2005, among America’s Car-Mart, Inc., an Arkansas corporation, and Texas Car-Mart, Inc., a Texas corporation, as borrowers, and Bank of Oklahoma, N.A., as lender. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 29, 2005)4.3.1

Second Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement, dated September 30, 2005, among America’s Car-Mart, Inc., an Arkansas corporation, and Texas Car-Mart, Inc., a Texas corporation, as borrowers, and Bank of Oklahoma, N.A., as lender. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the
SEC on October 6, 2005)4.3.2

Third Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement, dated April 28, 2006, among America’s Car-Mart, Inc., an Arkansas corporation, and Texas Car-Mart, Inc., a Texas corporation, as borrowers, and Bank of Oklahoma, N.A., as lender.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed
with the SEC on May 3, 2006)4.3.3

Fourth Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement, dated March 8, 2007 (effective December 31, 2006), among America’s Car-Mart, Inc. an Arkansas corporation, and Texas Car-Mart, Inc., a Texas corporation, as borrowers, and Bank of Oklahoma, N.A., as lender. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 2007 filed with the SEC on March 12, 2007)4.3.4

Fifth Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement, dated May 16, 2008, among America's Car-Mart, Inc., an Arkansas corporation, and Texas Car-Mart, Inc., a Texas corporation, as borrowers, and Bank of Oklahoma, N.A., as lender. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May
21, 2008)4.3.5

Sixth Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement, dated December 15, 2008, among America’s Car-Mart Inc., an Arkansas corporation, and Texas Car-Mart, Inc., as borrowers, and Bank of Oklahoma, N.A., as lender. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 15, 2008)4.3.6

Promissory Note dated December 15, 2008 among America’s Car-Mart Inc., an Arkansas corporation, and Texas Car-Mart, Inc., as borrowers, and Bank of Oklahoma, N.A., as lender. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 15, 2008.)4.4

International Swap Dealers Association, Inc. Master Agreement, Schedule to the Master Agreement and Credit Support Annex dated May 15, 2008 among America's Car-Mart, Inc., Texas Car-Mart, Inc., Colonial Finance, Inc. and Bank of Oklahoma, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed
with the SEC on May 21, 2008)10.1*

1997 Stock Option Plan.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the SEC on October 22, 1997 (File No. 333-38475)
 68
 Exhibit
Number

Description of Exhibit10.2*

2005 Restricted Stock Plan.  (Incorporated by reference to Appendix B to the Company's Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on August 29, 2005)10.2.1*

Amendment to 2005 Restricted Stock Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2006 filed with the SEC on December 11, 2006 (File No. 000-14939))10.2.2*

Amendment to Stock Incentive Plan (also known as the 2005 Restricted Stock Plan) (Incorporated by reference to Appendix B to the Company’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on August 28, 2007)10.3*

Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Company and certain officers and directors of the Company.  (Incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 1993 (File No. 000-14939))10.4*

Employment Agreement, dated May 1, 2006, between America’s Car-Mart, Inc, an Arkansas corporation, and Tilman J. Falgout, III.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2006 filed with
the SEC on July 14, 2006)10.4.1*

Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement, effective as of August 27, 2007, between America’s Car-Mart, Inc., an Arkansas corporation, and Tilman J. Falgout, III. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2007 filed with the SEC on December 7, 2007)10.5*

Employment Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2007, between America’s Car-Mart, Inc., an Arkansas corporation, and William H. Henderson.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2007 filed with the SEC on December 7, 2007)10.6*

Employment Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2007, between America’s Car-Mart, Inc., an Arkansas corporation, and Eddie L. Hight.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2007 filed with the SEC on December 7, 2007)10.7*

Employment Agreement, dated May 1, 2007, between America’s Car-Mart, Inc., an Arkansas corporation, and Jeffrey A. Williams.   (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2007 filed with the SEC on December 7, 2007)10.8*

2007 Stock Option Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on August 28, 2007)10.9*

Form of Option Agreement for 2007 Stock Option Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2007 filed with the SEC on December 7, 2007)
 69
 Exhibit
Number

Description of Exhibit14.1

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2004 filed with the SEC on July 8, 2004)21.1

Subsidiaries of America’s Car-Mart, Inc.23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.24.1

Power of Attorney of William H. Henderson.24.2

Power of Attorney of Tilman J. Falgout, III.24.3

Power of Attorney of J. David Simmons.24.4

Power of Attorney of William A. Swanston.24.5

Power of Attorney of William M. Sams.24.6

Power of Attorney of Daniel J. Englander.31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act.32.1

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Exchange Act and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 *
Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement covering executive officers or directors of the Company.
 70