Bluegreen Vacations Corporation (NYSE: BXG) ("Bluegreen" or the “Company") today reported its third quarter 2019 financial results.

3Q19 Highlights:

  • Net income attributable to shareholders was $20.3 million, compared to $20.5 million in the prior year quarter.
  • Earnings per Share (“EPS”) of $ 0.27 during both the third quarter of 2019 and the prior year quarter.
  • Adjusted EBITDA increased by 5.9% to $37.0 million, compared to $34.9 million in the prior year quarter.
  • Total revenue of $205.9 million, compared to $202.2 million in the prior year quarter.
  • System-wide Sales of Vacation Ownership Interests (“VOIs”) of $170.4 million, compared to $173.3 million in the prior year quarter.

“We are pleased to see an improvement in year over year adjusted EBITDA, driven by a better than expected gross profit margin, as we reestablish our marketing channels with our long-time partner Bass Pro Shops,” said Shawn B. Pearson, Chief Executive Officer and President. “We are in 68 Bass Pro stores and have expanded our marketing operations into seven Cabela’s stores. As we previously disclosed, our intention is to be in at least 15 Cabela’s stores by the end of 2019, an additional 30 stores by the end of 2020 and an additional 15 stores by the end of 2021. We are focused on growing sales through the Bass Pro/Cabela’s relationship and our Choice Hotels alliance and are seeking to build on these sales channels with new partners whose customers share similar demographics in order to realize our goal of achieving future VOI sales growth. Additionally, we have enhanced our management team with a focus on improving the critical sales, marketing and administrative functions.”

Mr. Pearson continued, “Bluegreen has had both challenges and opportunities this year that we believe will strengthen the organization over time. We continue to be focused on enhancing our relationship with our owners and delivering exceptional vacation experiences. We also remain focused on addressing our default rate, including continuing to aggressively deal with timeshare exit firms, and executing on our initiatives to help our 219,000 owners continue to enjoy their Bluegreen vacations. However, notwithstanding our efforts, after several quarters of improvement in our average annual default rate, we saw an increase in defaults in the third quarter driven by heightened exit firm activity in Missouri, in part, we believe, due to the negative publicity at the beginning of the quarter relating to the now-resolved disruption of our relationship with Bass Pro. Nevertheless, we believe we are tracking within the range of our expected annual provision for loan losses. As we look ahead, we believe that the groundwork laid and changes we have made in the last nine months will position Bluegreen for improved earnings growth in the future.”

Financial Results

(dollars in millions, except per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

2019

 

2018

 

Change

 

2019

 

2018

 

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenue

$

205.9

 

$

202.2

 

1.8

%

 

$

570.3

 

$

564.7

 

1.0

%

Income before non-controlling interest and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

provision for income taxes

$

30.4

 

$

32.5

 

(6.7)

%

 

$

42.5

 

$

102.7

 

(58.6)

%

Net income attributable to shareholders

$

20.3

 

$

20.5

 

(0.8)

%

 

$

24.3

 

$

68.2

 

(64.4)

%

Earnings per share basic and diluted

$

0.27

 

$

0.27

 

-

%

 

$

0.33

 

$

0.91

 

(63.7)

%

Adjusted EBITDA

$

37.0

 

$

34.9

 

5.9

%

 

$

91.8

 

$

110.1

 

(16.6)

%

Capital-light revenue(1) as a percentage of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

total revenue

 

71.0%

 

 

69.2%

 

180

bp

 

 

69.1%

 

 

71.1%

 

(200)

bp

(1) Bluegreen's "capital-light" revenue includes revenue from the sales of VOIs under fee-based sales and marketing arrangements, just-in-time inventory acquisition arrangements, and secondary market arrangements, as well as other fee-based services revenue and cost reimbursements revenue.

Total revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2019 increased 1.8% to $205.9 million, from $202.2 million in the prior year period, as growth in resort operations and club management revenue and interest income were partially offset by a decrease in sales of VOIs and fee-based service commission revenue, as discussed more fully under “Segment Results” below. Adjusted EBITDA increased 5.9% to $37.0 million in the third quarter of 2019 from $34.9 million in the third quarter of 2018, primarily due to lower cost of VOIs sold and higher profits from the Company’s Resort Operations and Club Management Segment, partially offset by higher net carrying cost of inventory, higher provision for loan losses, and higher selling and marketing expense.

Additionally, the Company believes that named hurricanes adversely impacted Adjusted EBITDA during the third quarters of 2019 and 2018 by an estimated $2.2 million and $2.3 million, respectively.

Segment Results

Sales of VOIs and Financing Segment

(dollars in millions, except per guest and per transaction amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

2019

 

2018

 

Change

 

2019

 

2018

 

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

System-wide sales of VOIs

$

170.4

 

$

173.3

 

(1.7)

%

 

$

463.6

 

$

478.1

 

(3.0)

%

Segment adjusted EBITDA

$

42.5

 

$

44.9

 

(5.4)

%

 

$

109.8

 

$

136.9

 

(19.8)

%

Guest tours

 

65,875

 

 

66,434

 

(0.8)

%

 

 

179,180

 

 

182,183

 

(1.6)

%

Average sales price per transaction

$

14,799

 

$

15,988

 

(7.4)

%

 

$

15,290

 

$

15,576

 

(1.8)

%

Sales to tour conversion ratio

 

17.6%

 

 

16.5%

 

110

bp

 

 

17.0%

 

 

17.0%

 

bp

Sales volume per guest ("VPG")

$

2,609

 

$

2,636

 

(1.0)

%

 

$

2,605

 

$

2,647

 

(1.6)

%

Selling and marketing expenses, as a

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

% of system-wide sales of VOIs

 

51.3%

 

 

49.0%

 

230

bp

 

 

50.8%

 

 

48.9%

 

190

bp

Provision for loan losses

 

19.8%

 

 

17.0%

 

280

bp

 

 

17.5%

 

 

15.5%

 

200

bp

Cost of VOIs sold

 

4.7%

 

 

15.9%

 

(1,120)

bp

 

 

9.4%

 

 

10.2%

 

(80)

bp

 

System-wide sales of VOIs

During the third quarter of 2019, system-wide sales of VOIs were $170.4 million, compared to $173.3 million in the third quarter of 2018. While the Company improved its sales-to-tour conversion ratio by 110 basis points to 17.6%, the decrease in sales was primarily driven by a decrease in the average sales volume per guest (“VPG”) and a decrease in guest tours. The Company believes these decreases were due in part to disruptions in staffing and operations at certain of its sales offices related to the issues with Bass Pro which were resolved in June 2019. Package sales volumes in the third quarter of 2019 increased approximately 8% compared to the third quarter of 2018 following a 7% increase in the first half of the year, and these increases are expected to result in increased guest tours over the next six to 18 months.

Sales mix for the third quarter of 2019 was weighted toward sales to existing owners at 53% of VOIs sold, compared to 51% in the comparable prior year quarter.

Fee-based sales commission revenue was $60.5 million in the third quarter of 2019, compared to $61.6 million in the third quarter of 2018. This decrease was a result of lower sales of third-party VOI inventory, due to lower system-wide sales as described above.

Provision for Loan Losses

Provision for loan losses was 19.8% of gross VOI sales for the third quarter of 2019, compared to 17.0% in the prior year third quarter. As previously disclosed, the Company’s default rates in recent years have been adversely impacted by the actions of “timeshare exit firms” which encourage VOI owners to become delinquent and ultimately default on their obligations. Defaults associated with such actions in the third quarter of 2019 were up 61% compared to the third quarter of 2018 and up 26% compared to the second quarter of 2019. The increase in such defaults were primarily driven by higher attorney default activity at the Company’s resorts and owners located in Missouri, where we believe certain attorneys are currently targeting Bluegreen customers. The Company continues to pursue its strategy to address this issue. The Company’s provision for loan losses is expected to range between 17% and 20% for the remainder of 2019.

Cost of VOIs Sold

In the third quarter of 2019, cost of VOIs sold represented 4.7% of sales of VOIs compared to 15.9% in the third quarter of 2018. Cost of VOIs sold as a percentage of sales of VOIs varies between periods based on the relative costs of the specific VOIs sold in each period and the size of the point packages of the VOIs sold. During 2019, we acquired more Secondary Market VOI inventory compared to the 2018 period due to a temporary suspension of Secondary Market VOI inventory purchases in September 2018, in connection with a computer system conversion involving the Company’s sales and inventory process. In addition, during the third quarter of 2019, cost of sales benefited from sales of relatively lower cost VOIs as compared to the 2018 period where sales were of relatively higher cost VOIs, highlighted by a 67% reduction during the 2019 period in the sale of VOIs acquired “just-in-time” which typically have the highest cost. Cost of VOIs sold is expected to return to a more normalized range of between 10% to 15% for the remainder of 2019.

Net Carrying Cost of Inventory

The carrying cost of VOI inventory was $9.2 million and $7.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, which was partially offset by rental and sampler revenues of $3.3 million and $4.3 million, respectively. The increase in net carrying costs of VOI inventory was primarily related to our acquisition of the Éilan Hotel and Spa during April 2018, increased maintenance fees and developer subsidies associated with our increase in VOI inventory, decreased rentals of developer inventory and decreased net operating profits from Bluegreen’s sampler program. The Company believes that these higher net carrying costs will continue for the rest of 2019 and into 2020.

Sales and Marketing

Selling and marketing expense increased to 51% of system-wide sales of VOIs during the third quarter of 2019 as compared to 49% during the third quarter of 2018. The increase in selling and marketing expenses as a percentage of system-wide sales of VOIs is primarily attributable to higher costs per guest tour and a lower VPG, due in part to decreased sales.

The Company is continuing to explore opportunities to increase sales both through existing sales channels as well as through business development efforts with new prospective marketing partners, particularly ones targeted toward its preferred, middle-America demographic. An initiative with NASCAR is in its early stages and there is no assurance it will be successful but is a prime example of how the Company is seeking to explore new affiliations that it hopes will provide remarkable experiences for its owners and allow it to test new venues for vacation package sales. In addition, the Company is excited to welcome Dusty Tonkin to the executive team as Bluegreen’s new Chief Sales Officer and congratulates Ahmad Wardak on his promotion to Chief Marketing Officer. Bluegreen believes that it has the right team in place to expand its marketing programs and achieve higher sales growth rates over time. Please see Management Updates below for more information about these recent enhancements to the executive team.

Resort Operations and Club Management Segment

(dollars in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

2019

 

2018

 

% Change

 

2019

 

2018

 

% Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Resort operations and club management revenue

$

50.6

 

$

44.5

 

13.7

%

 

$

142.6

 

$

127.3

 

12.1

%

Segment adjusted EBITDA

$

14.6

 

$

12.2

 

19.4

%

 

$

42.4

 

$

38.0

 

11.3

%

Resorts managed

 

49

 

 

49

 

%

 

 

49

 

 

49

 

%

In the third quarter of 2019, resort operations and club management revenue increased by $6.1 million, or 13.7%, to $50.6 million from the prior year quarter. Further, Segment adjusted EBITDA grew by 19.4% to $14.6 million. The increases were driven primarily by the full period of management fees in 2019 related to managed resorts added during 2018 and increases in other fee-based services.

Balance Sheet and Liquidity

As of September 30, 2019, unrestricted cash and cash equivalents totaled $183.2 million. Bluegreen had availability of approximately $131.2 million under its receivable-backed purchase and credit facilities and corporate credit line as of September 30, 2019, subject to eligible collateral and the terms of the facilities, as applicable. Excluding receivable-backed notes payable, the Company’s net debt-to-EBITDA ratio as of September 30, 2019 was 0.06.

As previously disclosed, on October 23, 2019, the Company refinanced and expanded its syndicated corporate credit line from a $100 million facility to a $225 million facility. The new facility includes a $100 million term loan, which was fully funded at closing, as well as a $125 million revolver, with only $30 million borrowed under the revolving line at closing. The interest rate on the new facility varies with the Company’s leverage and ranges from LIBOR plus 200 bps to LIBOR plus 2.50%, which is a significant reduction from the rates in effect for the previous facility. Proceeds from the new line were used to repay the existing corporate credit line and other debt and are expected to be used for general corporate purposes going forward.

Free cash flow, which the Company defines as cash flow from operating activities, less capital expenditures, was $31.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, compared to $21.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. Cash flows in the 2019 period reflected decreased spending on the acquisition and development of inventory and property and equipment and reduced income tax payments, partially offset by the $20.0 million payment to Bass Pro in June 2019.

Management Updates

Recently the Company made several changes and additions to its management team as it seeks to enhance its growth and increase shareholder value. These included:

Chief Financial Officer: Following the retirement of Anthony M. Puleo, Raymond S. Lopez was appointed as CFO. Mr. Lopez served as Chief Accounting Officer of the Company from 2005 through 2015 and as Controller from 2004 to 2005. He steps in as CFO with a thorough understanding of the Company’s business, lending relationships and strategic initiatives.

Chief Marketing Officer: Ahmad M. Wardak, who has been with the Company for 16 years, was appointed Chief Marketing Officer. As Chief Marketing Officer, Mr. Wardak is overseeing all aspects of the Company’s marketing operations and customer care.

Chief Administrative Officer: Susan Saturday returned to the Company as Chief Administrative Officer, after previously being with the Company for 28 years. Ms. Saturday is providing oversight to the functions of human resources, information technology, development services, resort operations and club management.

Chief Sales Officer: Dusty Tonkin was recently appointed the Company’s new Chief Sales Officer. As Chief Sales Officer, Mr. Tonkin will oversee Bluegreen Vacations’ field sales and marketing operations. He will be integral in or efforts to grow the Company’s VOI sales as well as leading all sales-focused strategic initiatives. Mr. Tonkin is a seasoned sales executive who has worked in the vacation ownership industry for more than 24 years.

Dividend

On October 30, 2019, Bluegreen’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly common stock cash dividend of $0.13 per share. The dividend is payable on November 27, 2019 to shareholders of record as of the close of trading on November 13, 2019.

Outlook

As the Company has previously communicated, it anticipates that 2019 and the first half of 2020 will be a period of rebuilding to position the Company for future growth, in large part due to the length of the Bass Pro dispute and its impact on the Company’s operations. It expects that the gap in Bass Pro package sales will have an adverse impact on sales during this period. In addition, the Company anticipates continued compression in its operating margins, primarily as a result of the provision for loan losses, cost of VOIs sold, the net carrying cost of inventory and higher marketing costs associated with the anticipated growth in package sales which it believes should drive additional revenue over time.

The Company is encouraged by its forward prospects as it reestablishes its presence in Bass Pro stores and move forward with the Cabela’s expansion, as well as opportunities to augment and diversify its existing channels for lead generation.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations of management and can be identified by the use of words such as “believe,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates,” “expects,” and other words and phrases of similar impact. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control, that may cause actual results or performance to differ from those set forth or implied in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks relating to our ability to achieve increases in VOI sales including new owner sales; our ability to successfully implement our strategic plans and initiatives, generate earnings and long-term growth; risks that our current or future marketing alliances, if any, will not contribute to growth or be profitable; the risk that our business relationship with Bass Pro under the revised terms of our marketing agreement with Bass Pro may not be as profitable as under the prior terms, or at all, or otherwise result in the benefits anticipated; risks that our anticipated expansion into Cabela’s stores will not be in the number or in the time frames indicated, or at all; risks that the increases in package sales may not continue and may not result in increased guest tours in the timeframe anticipated or at all; risks that dividend payments will not continue at current or previous levels, if at all; risks that the Company’s costs, including costs of VOIs sold, and provision for loan losses will not be within the expected ranges; risks that the Company’s efforts to address the increase in default rates may not be successful and default rates may exceed the Company’s expectations; risks that management changes may not lead to the benefits anticipated; risks related to our indebtedness; and the additional risks and uncertainties described in Bluegreen's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, those described in the “Risk Factors” section of Bluegreen’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 and those described in Bluegreen’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2019, which is expected to be filed on or about October 31, 2019. Bluegreen cautions that the foregoing factors are not exclusive. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement, which speaks only as of the date made. Bluegreen does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to update or supplement any forward-looking statements.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company refers to certain non-GAAP financial measures in this press release, including system-wide sales of VOIs, Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow. Please see the supplemental tables and definitions attached herein for additional information and reconciliation of such non-GAAP financial measures.

About Bluegreen Vacations Corporation

Bluegreen Vacations Corporation (NYSE: BXG) is a leading vacation ownership company that markets and sells vacation ownership interests (VOIs) and manages resorts in top leisure and urban destinations. The Bluegreen Vacation Club is a flexible, points-based, vacation ownership plan with approximately 219,000 owners, 69 Club and Club Associate Resorts and access to more than 11,350 other hotels and resorts through partnerships and exchange networks as of September 30, 2019. Bluegreen Vacations also offers a portfolio of comprehensive, fee-based resort management, financial, and sales and marketing services, to or on behalf of third parties. Bluegreen is approximately 90% owned by BBX Capital Corporation (NYSE: BBX) (OTCQX: BBXTB), a diversified holding company. For further information, visit www.BluegreenVacations.com.

About BBX Capital Corporation

BBX Capital Corporation (NYSE: BBX) (OTCQX: BBXTB), is a Florida-based diversified holding company whose activities include its approximate 90% ownership interest in Bluegreen Vacations Corporation (NYSE: BXG) as well as its real estate and middle market divisions. For additional information, please visit www.BBXCapital.com.

 
 

BLUEGREEN VACATIONS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except for per share data)

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

For the Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross sales of VOIs

 

$

82,729

 

 

$

85,151

 

 

$

225,834

 

 

$

231,338

 

 

Estimated uncollectible VOI notes receivable

 

 

(16,411

)

 

 

(14,453

)

 

 

(39,483

)

 

 

(35,926

)

 

Sales of VOIs

 

 

66,318

 

 

 

70,698

 

 

 

186,351

 

 

 

195,412

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fee-based sales commission revenue

 

 

60,478

 

 

 

61,641

 

 

 

161,033

 

 

 

167,581

 

 

Other fee-based services revenue

 

 

33,744

 

 

 

31,057

 

 

 

94,015

 

 

 

89,472

 

 

Cost reimbursements

 

 

21,111

 

 

 

16,900

 

 

 

58,705

 

 

 

47,157

 

 

Interest income

 

 

22,081

 

 

 

21,531

 

 

 

65,964

 

 

 

63,771

 

 

Other income, net

 

 

2,146

 

 

 

378

 

 

 

4,228

 

 

 

1,269

 

 

Total revenue

 

 

205,878

 

 

 

202,205

 

 

 

570,296

 

 

 

564,662

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of VOIs sold

 

 

3,121

 

 

 

11,237

 

 

 

17,541

 

 

 

19,838

 

 

Cost of other fee-based services

 

 

23,746

 

 

 

19,937

 

 

 

66,538

 

 

 

53,983

 

 

Cost reimbursements

 

 

21,111

 

 

 

16,900

 

 

 

58,705

 

 

 

47,157

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

117,159

 

 

 

112,407

 

 

 

355,041

 

 

 

315,535

 

 

Interest expense

 

 

10,388

 

 

 

9,208

 

 

 

29,955

 

 

 

25,470

 

 

Total costs and expenses

 

 

175,525

 

 

 

169,689

 

 

 

527,780

 

 

 

461,983

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before non-controlling interest and provision for income taxes

 

 

30,353

 

 

 

32,516

 

 

 

42,516

 

 

 

102,679

 

 

Provision for income taxes

 

 

7,778

 

 

 

8,443

 

 

 

9,124

 

 

 

24,997

 

 

Net income

 

 

22,575

 

 

 

24,073

 

 

 

33,392

 

 

 

77,682

 

 

Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest

 

 

2,248

 

 

 

3,585

 

 

 

9,095

 

 

 

9,509

 

 

Net income attributable to Bluegreen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vacations Corporation shareholders

 

$

20,327

 

 

$

20,488

 

 

$

24,297

 

 

$

68,173

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Bluegreen Vacations Corporation shareholders

 

$

20,327

 

 

$

20,488

 

 

$

24,297

 

 

$

68,173

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

BLUEGREEN VACATIONS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

For the Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

 

Earnings per share attributable to Bluegreen Vacations Corporation shareholders - Basic and diluted

 

$

0.27

 

$

0.27

 

$

0.33

 

$

0.91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted

 

 

74,446

 

 

74,734

 

 

74,446

 

 

74,734

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash dividends declared per share

 

$

0.17

 

$

0.15

 

$

0.51

 

$

0.45

 
 

BLUEGREEN VACATIONS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands)

 

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

 

2019

 

2018

Operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

33,392

 

 

$

77,682

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

14,069

 

 

 

11,852

 

(Gain) on disposal of property and equipment

 

 

(1,926

)

 

 

Provision for loan losses

 

 

39,462

 

 

 

35,866

 

(Benefit) provision for deferred income taxes

 

 

(6,563

)

 

 

2,730

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes receivable

 

 

(46,001

)

 

 

(48,492

)

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

 

(10,769

)

 

 

(23,386

)

Inventory

 

 

(12,672

)

 

 

(23,405

)

Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other, and deferred income

 

 

41,333

 

 

 

12,895

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

50,325

 

 

 

45,742

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

 

(18,502

)

 

 

(24,347

)

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

 

 

3,249

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(15,253

)

 

 

(24,347

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from borrowings collateralized by notes receivable

 

 

79,168

 

 

 

114,756

 

Payments on borrowings collateralized by notes receivable

 

 

(102,631

)

 

 

(103,578

)

Proceeds from borrowings collateralized

 

 

 

 

 

 

by line-of-credit facilities and notes payable

 

 

20,386

 

 

 

50,042

 

Payments under line-of-credit facilities and notes payable

 

 

(35,731

)

 

 

(36,717

)

Payments of debt issuance costs

 

 

(255

)

 

 

(385

)

Distributions to non-controlling interest

 

 

 

 

(4,900

)

Dividends paid

 

 

(37,967

)

 

 

(33,631

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

 

(77,030

)

 

 

(14,413

)

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

 

(41,958

)

 

 

6,982

 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

 

 

273,134

 

 

 

243,349

 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

 

$

231,176

 

 

$

250,331

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental schedule of operating cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized

 

$

26,067

 

 

$

22,437

 

Income taxes paid

 

$

15,200

 

 

$

22,856

 

Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition of inventory, property, and equipment for notes payable

 

$

 

$

24,258

 

 
 

BLUEGREEN VACATIONS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except for per share data)

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

2019

 

2018

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

183,207

 

$

219,408

Restricted cash ($19,185 and $28,400 in VIEs at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively)

 

 

47,969

 

 

53,726

Notes receivable, net ($299,374 and $341,975 in VIEs at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively)

 

 

445,706

 

 

439,167

Inventory

 

 

346,821

 

 

334,149

Prepaid expenses

 

 

14,672

 

 

10,097

Other assets

 

 

55,783

 

 

49,796

Operating lease assets

 

 

22,372

 

 

Intangible assets, net

 

 

61,535

 

 

61,845

Loan to related party

 

 

80,000

 

 

80,000

Property and equipment, net

 

 

102,764

 

 

98,279

Total assets

 

$

1,360,829

 

$

1,346,467

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

21,011

 

$

19,515

Accrued liabilities and other

 

 

112,982

 

 

80,364

Operating lease liabilities

 

 

23,542

 

 

Deferred income

 

 

20,323

 

 

16,522

Deferred income taxes

 

 

84,493

 

 

91,056

Receivable-backed notes payable - recourse

 

 

94,904

 

 

76,674

Receivable-backed notes payable - non-recourse (in VIEs)

 

 

341,856

 

 

382,257

Lines-of-credit and notes payable

 

 

119,045

 

 

133,391

Junior subordinated debentures

 

 

71,883

 

 

71,323

Total liabilities

 

 

890,039

 

 

871,102

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders' Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 74,445,923 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018

 

 

744

 

 

744

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

270,369

 

 

270,369

Retained earnings

 

 

144,971

 

 

158,641

Total Bluegreen Vacations Corporation shareholders' equity

 

 

416,084

 

 

429,754

Non-controlling interest

 

 

54,706

 

 

45,611

Total shareholders' equity

 

 

470,790

 

 

475,365

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

 

$

1,360,829

 

$

1,346,467

 
 

BLUEGREEN VACATIONS CORPORATION
ADJUSTED EBITDA RECONCILIATION

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,

(in thousands)

 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

Net income attributable to shareholders

 

$

20,327

 

 

$

20,488

 

 

$

24,297

 

 

$

68,173

 

Net income attributable to the non-controlling interest in Bluegreen/Big Cedar Vacations

 

 

2,248

 

 

 

3,585

 

 

 

9,095

 

 

 

9,509

 

Adjusted EBITDA attributable to the non-controlling interest in Bluegreen/Big Cedar Vacations

 

 

(2,364

)

 

 

(3,637

)

 

 

(9,339

)

 

 

(9,521

)

(Gain) loss on assets held for sale

 

 

(166

)

 

 

18

 

 

 

(2,146

)

 

 

9

 

Add: depreciation and amortization

 

 

3,585

 

 

 

3,169

 

 

 

10,453

 

 

 

9,087

 

Less: interest income (other than interest earned on VOI notes receivable)

 

 

(1,799

)

 

 

(1,407

)

 

 

(5,437

)

 

 

(4,222

)

Add: interest expense - corporate and other

 

 

5,326

 

 

 

4,207

 

 

 

14,564

 

 

 

11,136

 

Add: franchise taxes

 

 

112

 

 

 

56

 

 

 

171

 

 

 

180

 

Add: provision for income taxes

 

 

7,778

 

 

 

8,443

 

 

 

9,124

 

 

 

24,997

 

Add: severance

 

 

1,924

 

 

 

 

 

1,924

 

 

 

751

 

Add: Bass Pro settlement

 

 

 

 

 

 

39,121

 

 

 

Total Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

36,971

 

 

$

34,922

 

 

$

91,827

 

 

$

110,099

 

 
 

BLUEGREEN VACATIONS CORPORATION
SEGMENT ADJUSTED EBITDA SUMMARY

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,

(in thousands)

 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

Adjusted EBITDA - sales of VOIs and financing

 

$

42,492

 

 

$

44,927

 

 

$

109,777

 

 

$

136,908

 

Adjusted EBITDA - resort operations and club management

 

 

14,588

 

 

 

12,214

 

 

 

42,358

 

 

 

38,041

 

Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA

 

 

57,080

 

 

 

57,141

 

 

 

152,135

 

 

 

174,949

 

Less: corporate and other

 

 

(20,109

)

 

 

(22,219

)

 

 

(60,308

)

 

 

(64,850

)

Total Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

36,971

 

 

$

34,922

 

 

$

91,827

 

 

$

110,099

 

 
 

BLUEGREEN VACATIONS CORPORATION
SALES OF VOIs AND FINANCING SEGMENT- ADJUSTED EBITDA

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

Amount

 

% of
System-
wide sales
of VOIs (5)

 

Amount

 

% of
System-
wide sales
of VOIs (5)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Developed VOI sales (1)

 

$

87,863

 

 

52

%

 

$

90,596

 

 

52

%

Secondary Market sales

 

 

72,081

 

 

42

 

 

 

54,300

 

 

31

 

Fee-Based sales

 

 

87,646

 

 

51

 

 

 

88,155

 

 

51

 

JIT sales

 

 

4,505

 

 

3

 

 

 

13,591

 

 

8

 

Less: Equity trade allowances (6)

 

 

(81,720

)

 

(48

)

 

 

(73,336

)

 

(42

)

System-wide sales of VOIs

 

 

170,375

 

 

100

%

 

 

173,306

 

 

100

%

Less: Fee-Based sales

 

 

(87,646

)

 

(51

)

 

 

(88,155

)

 

(51

)

Gross sales of VOIs

 

 

82,729

 

 

49

 

 

 

85,151

 

 

49

 

Provision for loan losses (2)

 

 

(16,411

)

 

(20

)

 

 

(14,453

)

 

(17

)

Sales of VOIs

 

 

66,318

 

 

39

 

 

 

70,698

 

 

41

 

Cost of VOIs sold (3)

 

 

(3,121

)

 

(5

)

 

 

(11,237

)

 

(16

)

Gross profit (3)

 

 

63,197

 

 

95

 

 

 

59,461

 

 

84

 

Fee-Based sales commission revenue (4)

 

 

60,478

 

 

69

 

 

 

61,641

 

 

70

 

Financing revenue, net of financing expense

 

 

15,008

 

 

9

 

 

 

15,043

 

 

9

 

Other income, net

 

 

537

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

0

 

Other fee-based services, title operations and other, net

 

 

1,847

 

 

1

 

 

 

2,264

 

 

1

 

Net carrying cost of VOI inventory

 

 

(5,878

)

 

(3

)

 

 

(2,908

)

 

(2

)

Selling and marketing expenses

 

 

(87,358

)

 

(51

)

 

 

(84,955

)

 

(49

)

General and administrative expenses - sales and marketing

 

 

(7,440

)

 

(4

)

 

 

(7,225

)

 

(4

)

Operating profit - sales of VOIs and financing

 

 

40,391

 

 

24

%

 

 

43,321

 

 

25

%

Add: Depreciation and amortization

 

 

1,507

 

 

 

 

 

1,606

 

 

 

Add: severance

 

 

594

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA - sales of VOI and financing

 

$

42,492

 

 

 

 

$

44,927

 

 

 

 
 

BLUEGREEN VACATIONS CORPORATION
SALES OF VOIs AND FINANCING SEGMENT- ADJUSTED EBITDA

 

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

Amount

 

% of
System-
wide sales
of VOIs (5)

 

Amount

 

% of
System-
wide sales
of VOIs (5)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Developed VOI sales (1)

 

$

255,288

 

 

55

%

 

$

218,842

 

 

46

%

Secondary Market sales

 

 

184,571

 

 

40

 

 

 

185,847

 

 

38

 

Fee-Based sales

 

 

237,793

 

 

51

 

 

 

246,773

 

 

52

 

JIT sales

 

 

9,157

 

 

2

 

 

 

32,274

 

 

7

 

Less: Equity trade allowances (6)

 

 

(223,182

)

 

(48

)

 

 

(205,625

)

 

(43

)

System-wide sales of VOIs

 

 

463,627

 

 

100

%

 

 

478,111

 

 

100

%

Less: Fee-Based sales

 

 

(237,793

)

 

(51

)

 

 

(246,773

)

 

(52

)

Gross sales of VOIs

 

 

225,834

 

 

49

 

 

 

231,338

 

 

48

 

Provision for loan losses (2)

 

 

(39,483

)

 

(17

)

 

 

(35,926

)

 

(16

)

Sales of VOIs

 

 

186,351

 

 

40

 

 

 

195,412

 

 

41

 

Cost of VOIs sold (3)

 

 

(17,541

)

 

(9

)

 

 

(19,838

)

 

(10

)

Gross profit (3)

 

 

168,810

 

 

91

 

 

 

175,574

 

 

90

 

Fee-Based sales commission revenue (4)

 

 

161,033

 

 

68

 

 

 

167,581

 

 

68

 

Financing revenue, net of financing expense

 

 

45,101

 

 

10

 

 

 

44,965

 

 

9

 

Other income, net

 

 

537

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

0

 

Other fee-based services, title operations and other, net

 

 

5,260

 

 

1

 

 

 

5,771

 

 

1

 

Net carrying cost of VOI inventory

 

 

(18,853

)

 

(4

)

 

 

(7,075

)

 

(1

)

Selling and marketing expenses

 

 

(235,580

)

 

(51

)

 

 

(233,961

)

 

(49

)

General and administrative expenses - sales and
marketing

 

 

(60,823

)

 

(13

)

 

 

(20,869

)

 

(4

)

Operating profit - sales of VOIs and financing

 

 

65,485

 

 

14

%

 

 

131,986

 

 

28

%

Add: Depreciation and amortization

 

 

4,577

 

 

 

 

 

4,922

 

 

 

Add: severance

 

 

594

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Add: Bass Pro Settlement

 

 

39,121

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA - sales of VOIs and financing

 

$

109,777

 

 

 

 

$

136,908

 

 

 

(1) Developed VOI sales represent sales of VOIs acquired or developed by us as part of our developed VOI business. Developed VOI sales do not include Secondary Market sales, Fee-Based sales or JIT sales.

(2) Percentages for provision for loan losses are calculated as a percentage of gross sales of VOIs, which excludes Fee-Based sales (and not as a percentage of system-wide sales of VOIs).

(3) Percentages for costs of VOIs sold and gross profit are calculated as a percentage of sales of VOIs (and not as a percentage of system-wide sales of VOIs).

(4) Percentages for Fee-Based sales commission revenue are calculated as a percentage of Fee-Based sales (and not as a percentage of system-wide sales of VOIs).

(5) Represents the applicable line item, calculated as a percentage of system-wide sales of VOIs, unless otherwise indicated in the above footnotes.

(6) Equity trade allowances are amounts granted to customers upon trading in their existing VOIs in connection with the purchase of additional VOIs.

 
 

BLUEGREEN VACATIONS CORPORATION
SALES OF VOIs AND FINANCING SEGMENT
SALES AND MARKETING DATA

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

2019

 

2018

 

% Change

 

2019

 

2018

 

% Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of sales offices at period-end

 

 

26

 

 

 

25

 

 

4

 

 

 

26

 

 

 

25

 

 

4

 

Number of active sales arrangements with third-party clients at period-end

 

 

15

 

 

 

15

 

 

 

 

15

 

 

 

15

 

 

Total number of VOI sales transactions

 

 

11,613

 

 

 

10,955

 

 

6

 

 

 

30,530

 

 

 

30,959

 

 

(1

)

Average sales price per transaction

 

$

14,799

 

 

$

15,988

 

 

(7

)

 

$

15,290

 

 

$

15,576

 

 

(2

)

Number of total guest tours

 

 

65,875

 

 

 

66,434

 

 

(1

)

 

 

179,180

 

 

 

182,183

 

 

(2

)

Sale-to-tour conversion ratio–total marketing guests

 

 

17.6

%

 

 

16.5

%

 

7

 

 

 

17.0

%

 

 

17.0

%

 

Number of new guest tours

 

 

40,914

 

 

 

42,118

 

 

(3

)

 

 

109,451

 

 

 

113,621

 

 

(4

)

Sale-to-tour conversion ratio–new marketing guests

 

 

14.4

%

 

 

13.9

%

 

4

 

 

 

14.0

%

 

 

14.5

%

 

(3

)

Percentage of sales to existing owners

 

 

52.5

%

 

 

50.7

%

 

4

 

 

 

53.9

%

 

 

51.0

%

 

6

 

Average sales volume per guest

 

$

2,609

 

 

$

2,636

 

 

(1

)

 

$

2,605

 

 

$

2,647

 

 

(2

)

 
 

BLUEGREEN VACATIONS CORPORATION
RESORT OPERATIONS AND CLUB MANAGEMENT SEGMENT- ADJUSTED EBITDA

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,

(in thousands)

 

2019

 

 

 

2018

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

2018

 

 

Resort operations and club management revenue

 

$

50,566

 

 

 

 

$

44,466

 

 

 

 

$

142,628

 

 

 

 

$

127,274

 

 

 

Resort operations and club management expense

 

 

(36,537

)

 

 

 

 

(32,702

)

 

 

 

 

(101,558

)

 

 

 

 

(90,481

)

 

 

Operating profit - resort operations and club management

 

 

14,029

 

 

28

%

 

 

11,764

 

 

26

%

 

 

41,070

 

 

29

%

 

 

36,793

 

 

29

%

Add: Depreciation

 

 

321

 

 

 

 

 

450

 

 

 

 

 

1,050

 

 

 

 

 

1,248

 

 

 

Add: severance

 

 

238

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

238

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA - resort operations and club management

 

$

14,588

 

 

 

 

$

12,214

 

 

 

 

$

42,358

 

 

 

 

$

38,041

 

 

 

 
 

BLUEGREEN VACATIONS CORPORATION
CORPORATE AND OTHER - ADJUSTED EBITDA

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,

(in thousands)

 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

General and administrative expenses - corporate and other

 

$

(22,388

)

 

$

(20,262

)

 

$

(59,145

)

 

$

(60,723

)

Adjusted EBITDA attributable to the non-controlling interest in Bluegreen/Big Cedar Vacations

 

 

(2,364

)

 

 

(3,637

)

 

 

(9,339

)

 

 

(9,521

)

Other income, net

 

 

1,609

 

 

 

378

 

 

 

3,691

 

 

 

1,269

 

Add: Financing revenue - corporate and other

 

 

2,038

 

 

 

1,522

 

 

 

5,979

 

 

 

4,490

 

Less: Interest income (other than interest earned on VOI notes receivable)

 

 

(1,799

)

 

 

(1,407

)

 

 

(5,437

)

 

 

(4,222

)

Franchise taxes

 

 

112

 

 

 

56

 

 

 

171

 

 

 

180

 

(Gain) Loss on assets held for sale

 

 

(166

)

 

 

18

 

 

 

(2,146

)

 

 

9

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

1,757

 

 

 

1,113

 

 

 

4,826

 

 

 

2,917

 

Severance

 

 

1,092

 

 

 

 

 

1,092

 

 

 

751

 

Corporate and other

 

$

(20,109

)

 

$

(22,219

)

 

$

(60,308

)

 

$

(64,850

)

 
 

BLUEGREEN VACATIONS CORPORATION
FREE CASH FLOW RECONCILIATION

 

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

(in thousands)

 

2019

 

2018

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

50,325

 

 

$

45,742

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

 

(18,502

)

 

 

(24,347

)

Free Cash Flow

 

$

31,823

 

 

$

21,395

 

 
 

BLUEGREEN VACATIONS CORPORATION
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

(in thousands)

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

2018

Financing Interest Income

 

$

20,043

 

 

$

20,009

 

 

 

$

59,985

 

 

$

59,281

 

Financing Interest Expense

 

 

(5,062

)

 

 

(5,001

)

 

 

 

(15,391

)

 

 

(14,334

)

Non-Financing Interest Income

 

 

2,038

 

 

 

1,522

 

 

 

 

5,979

 

 

 

4,490

 

Non-Financing Interest Expense

 

 

(5,326

)

 

 

(4,207

)

 

 

 

(14,564

)

 

 

(11,136

)

Mortgage Servicing Income

 

 

1,588

 

 

 

1,454

 

 

 

 

4,621

 

 

 

4,369

 

Mortgage Servicing Expense

 

 

(1,561

)

 

 

(1,419

)

 

 

 

(4,114

)

 

 

(4,351

)

Title Revenue

 

 

3,425

 

 

 

3,491

 

 

 

 

9,194

 

 

 

9,355

 

Title Expense

 

 

(1,241

)

 

 

(1,227

)

 

 

 

(3,550

)

 

 

(3,584

)

 
 

BLUEGREEN VACATIONS CORPORATION
SYSTEM-WIDE SALES OF VOIs RECONCILIATION

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,

(in thousands)

 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

Gross sales of VOIs

 

$

82,729

 

$

85,151

 

$

225,834

 

$

231,338

Add: Fee-Based sales

 

 

87,646

 

 

88,155

 

 

237,793

 

 

246,773

System-wide sales of VOIs

 

$

170,375

 

$

173,306

 

$

463,627

 

$

478,111

 
 

BLUEGREEN VACATIONS CORPORATION
TRAILING TWELVE MONTH ADJUSTED EBITDA
(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

For the Twelve Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2019

Net income attributable to shareholders

 

$

44,086

 

Net income attributable to the non-controlling interest in Bluegreen/Big Cedar Vacations

 

 

11,976

 

Adjusted EBITDA attributable to the non-controlling interest in Bluegreen/Big Cedar Vacations

 

 

(12,286

)

Gain on assets held for sale

 

 

(2,152

)

Add: depreciation and amortization

 

 

13,758

 

Less: interest income (other than interest earned on VOI notes receivable)

 

 

(7,259

)

Add: interest expense - corporate and other

 

 

18,623

 

Add: franchise taxes

 

 

190

 

Add: provision for income taxes

 

 

12,668

 

Add: severance

 

 

4,823

 

Add: Bass Pro settlement

 

 

39,121

 

Total Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

123,548

 

 
 

BLUEGREEN VACATIONS CORPORATION

DEFINITIONS

Principal Components Affecting our Results of Operations

Principal Components of Revenue

Fee-Based Sales. Represent sales of third-party VOIs where we are paid a commission.

JIT Sales. Represent sales of VOIs acquired from third parties in close proximity to when we intend to sell such VOIs.

Secondary Market Sales. Represent sales of VOIs acquired from HOAs or other owners, typically in connection with HOA maintenance fee defaults. This inventory is generally purchased at a greater discount to retail price compared to developed VOI sales and JIT sales.

Developed VOI Sales. Represent sales of VOIs in resorts that we have developed or acquired (not including inventory acquired through JIT and secondary market arrangements).

Financing Revenue. Represents revenue from the financing of VOI sales, which includes interest income and loan servicing fees. This also includes fees from certain third-party developers for providing mortgage servicing of loans granted by them to purchasers of their VOIs.

Resort Operations and Club Management Revenue. Represents recurring fees from managing the Vacation Club and transaction fees for certain resort amenities and certain member exchanges. We also earn recurring management fees under our management agreements with HOAs for day-to-day management services, including oversight of housekeeping services, maintenance, and certain accounting and administrative functions.

Other Fee-Based Services. Represents revenue earned from various other services that produce recurring, predictable and long-term revenue, such as title services.

Principal Components of Expenses

Cost of VOIs Sold. Represents the cost at which our owned VOIs sold during the period were relieved from inventory. In addition to inventory from our VOI business, our owned VOIs also include those that were acquired by us under JIT and secondary market arrangements. Compared to the cost of our developed VOI inventory, VOIs acquired in connection with JIT arrangements typically have a relatively higher associated cost of sales as a percentage of sales while those acquired in connection with secondary market arrangements typically have a lower cost of sales as a percentage of sales as secondary market inventory is generally obtained from HOAs at a significant discount to retail price. Cost of VOIs sold as a percentage of sales of VOIs varies between periods based on the relative costs of the specific VOIs sold in each period and the size of the point packages of the VOIs sold (primarily due to offered volume discounts, and taking into account consideration of cumulative sales to existing owners). Additionally, the effect of changes in estimates under the relative sales value method, including estimates of projected sales, future defaults, upgrades and incremental revenue from the resale of repossessed VOI inventory, are reflected on a retrospective basis in the period the change occurs. Cost of sales will typically be favorably impacted in periods where a significant amount of secondary market VOI inventory is acquired or actual defaults and equity trades are higher and the resulting change in estimate is recognized. While we believe that there is additional inventory that can be obtained through the secondary market at favorable prices to us in the future, there can be no assurance that such inventory will be available as expected.

Net Carrying Cost of VOI Inventory. Represents the maintenance fees and developer subsidies for unsold VOI inventory paid or accrued to the HOAs that maintain the resorts. We attempt to offset this expense, to the extent possible, by generating revenue from renting our VOIs and by utilizing the inventory in our sampler programs. We net such revenue from this expense item.

Selling and Marketing Expense. Represents costs incurred to sell and market VOIs, including costs relating to marketing and incentive programs, tours, and related wages and sales commissions. Revenue from vacation package sales are netted against selling and marketing expenses.

Financing Expense. Represents financing interest expense related to our receivable-backed debt, amortization of the related debt issuance costs and other expenses incurred in providing financing and servicing loans, including administrative costs associated with mortgage servicing activities for our loans and the loans of certain third-party developers. Mortgage servicing activities include, amongst other things, payment processing, reporting and collection services.

Resort Operations and Club Management Expense. Represents costs incurred to manage resorts and the Vacation Club, including payroll and related costs and other administrative costs to the extent not reimbursed by the Vacation Club or HOAs.

General and Administrative Expense. Primarily represents compensation expense for personnel supporting our business and operations, professional fees (including consulting, audit and legal fees), and administrative and related expenses.

Key Business and Financial Metrics and Terms Used by Management

Sales of VOIs. Represent sales of our owned VOIs, including developed VOIs and those acquired through JIT and secondary market arrangements, reduced by equity trade allowances and an estimate of our provision for loan losses. In addition to the factors impacting system-wide sales of VOIs, sales of VOIs are impacted by the proportion of system-wide sales of VOIs sold on behalf of third-parties on a commission basis, which are not included in sales of VOIs.

System-wide Sales of VOIs. Represents all sales of VOIs, whether owned by us or a third party immediately prior to the sale. Sales of VOIs owned by third parties are transacted as sales of VOIs in our Vacation Club through the same selling and marketing process we use to sell our VOI inventory. We consider system-wide sales of VOIs to be an important operating measure because it reflects all sales of VOIs by our sales and marketing operations without regard to whether we or a third party owned such VOI inventory at the time of sale. System-wide sales of VOIs is not a recognized term under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to sales of VOIs or any other measure of financial performance derived in accordance with GAAP or to any other method of analyzing our results as reported under GAAP.

Guest Tours. Represents the number of sales presentations given at our sales centers during the period.

Sale to Tour Conversion Ratio. Represents the rate at which guest tours are converted to sales of VOIs and is calculated by dividing the number of sales transactions by the number of guest tours.

Average Sales Volume Per Guest (“VPG”). Represents the sales attributable to each guest tour at our sales locations and is calculated by dividing VOI sales by guest tours. We consider VPG to be an important operating measure because it measures the effectiveness of our sales process, combining the average transaction price with the sale-to-tour conversion ratio.

Adjusted EBITDA. We define Adjusted EBITDA as earnings, or net income (loss), before taking into account interest income (excluding interest earned on VOI notes receivable), interest expense (excluding interest expense incurred on debt secured by our VOI notes receivable), income and franchise taxes, loss (gain) on assets held for sale, depreciation and amortization, amounts attributable to the non-controlling interest in Bluegreen/Big Cedar Vacations (in which we own a 51% interest), and items that we believe are not representative of ongoing operating results, including $39.1 million of expenses incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 in connection with the Bass Pro Settlement. For purposes of the Adjusted EBITDA calculation, no adjustments were made for interest income earned on our VOI notes receivable or the interest expense incurred on debt that is secured by such notes receivable because they are both considered to be part of the operations of our business.

We consider our total Adjusted EBITDA and our Segment Adjusted EBITDA to be an indicator of our operating performance, and it is used by us to measure our ability to service debt, fund capital expenditures and expand our business. Adjusted EBITDA is also used by companies, lenders, investors and others because it excludes certain items that can vary widely across different industries or among companies within the same industry. For example, interest expense can be dependent on a company’s capital structure, debt levels and credit ratings. Accordingly, the impact of interest expense on earnings can vary significantly among companies. The tax positions of companies can also vary because of their differing abilities to take advantage of tax benefits and because of the tax policies of the jurisdictions in which they operate. As a result, effective tax rates and provision for income taxes can vary considerably among companies. Adjusted EBITDA also excludes depreciation and amortization because companies utilize productive assets of different ages and use different methods of both acquiring and depreciating productive assets. These differences can result in considerable variability in the relative costs of productive assets and the depreciation and amortization expense among companies.

Adjusted EBITDA is not a recognized term under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) or any other measure of financial performance or liquidity, including cash flow, derived in accordance with GAAP, or to any other method or analyzing our results as reported under GAAP. The limitations of using Adjusted EBITDA as an analytical tool include, without limitation, that Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect (i) changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs; (ii) our interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments on our indebtedness (other than as noted above); (iii) our tax expense or the cash requirements to pay our taxes; (iv) historical cash expenditures or future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments; or (v) the effect on earnings or changes resulting from matters that we consider not to be indicative of our future operations or performance. Further, although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements. In addition, our definition of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to definitions of Adjusted EBITDA or other similarly titled measures used by other companies.

Free Cash Flow. Defined as cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures for property and equipment. We consider free cash flow to be a useful supplemental measure of our ability to generate cash flow from operations and is a supplemental measure of liquidity. Free cash flow should not be considered as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. Our computation of free cash flow may differ from the methodology utilized by other companies. Investors are cautioned that the items excluded from free cash flow are a significant component in understanding and assessing Company’s financial performance.