UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q


 

(Mark One)

 

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended SeptemberJune 30, 20132014

OR

[ ] 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:001-14733

 


 

LITHIA MOTORS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Oregon

 

93-0572810

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

   

150 N. Bartlett Street, Medford, Oregon

 

97501

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:541-776-6401

 


 

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 [ ]

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [X] No [ ]

 

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. Large accelerated filer [X] Accelerated filer [ ] Accelerated filer [X]

Non-accelerated filer [ ] (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)     Smaller reporting company [ ]

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [ ] No [X]

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

Class A common stock without par value

 

23,327,27923,545,648

Class B common stock without par value

 

2,562,231

(Class)

 

(Outstanding at October 25, 2013)August 8, 2014)

 

 

 

 



 
 

 

 

LITHIA MOTORS, INC.

FORM 10-Q

INDEX 

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Page

Item 1.

Financial Statements

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) – SeptemberJune 30, 20132014 and December 31, 20122013

2

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) – Three and NineSix Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20132014 and 20122013

3

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) – Three and NineSix Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20132014 and 20122013

4

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) – NineSix Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20132014 and 20122013

5

Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

6

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

19

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

3740

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

3740

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 
   

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

3840

   

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

3841

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

41

   

Item 6.

Exhibits

41

   

Signatures

42

  

 

 

LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

June 30,

  

December 31,

 
 

September 30,

2013

  

December 31,

2012

  

2014

  

2013

 

Assets

                

Current Assets:

                

Cash and cash equivalents

 $16,093  $42,839  $28,203  $23,686 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtfulaccounts of $153 and $336

  140,086   133,149 

Accounts receivable, net

  191,228   170,519 

Inventories, net

  755,698   723,326   981,223   859,019 

Deferred income taxes

  1,999   3,832   222   1,548 

Other current assets

  9,477   17,484   12,028   15,251 

Assets held for sale

  11,845   12,579   -   11,526 

Total Current Assets

  935,198   933,209   1,212,904   1,081,549 
                

Property and equipment, net of accumulateddepreciation of $104,105 and $97,883

  452,367   425,086 

Property and equipment, net of accumulateddepreciation of $113,594 and $106,871

  528,254   481,212 

Goodwill

  40,313   32,047   65,004   49,511 

Franchise value

  66,465   62,429   77,728   71,199 

Deferred income taxes

  15,826   17,123   14,624   10,256 

Other non-current assets

  29,009   22,808   41,613   31,394 

Total Assets

 $1,539,178  $1,492,702  $1,940,127  $1,725,121 
                
                

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

                

Current Liabilities:

                

Floor plan notes payable

 $19,221  $13,454  $20,598  $18,789 

Floor plan notes payable: non-trade

  569,027   568,130   806,684   695,066 

Current maturities of long-term debt

  7,066   8,182   7,578   7,083 

Trade payables

  48,645   41,589   56,384   51,159 

Accrued liabilities

  94,678   81,602   112,742   94,143 

Liabilities related to assets held for sale

  7,403   8,347   -   6,271 

Total Current Liabilities

  746,040   721,304   1,003,986   872,511 
                

Long-term debt, less current maturities

  218,172   286,876   260,835   245,471 

Deferred revenue

  40,774   33,589   48,918   44,005 

Other long-term liabilities

  27,063   22,832   34,537   28,412 

Total Liabilities

  1,032,049   1,064,601   1,348,276   1,190,399 
                

Stockholders' Equity:

                

Preferred stock - no par value; authorized15,000 shares; none outstanding

  -   - 

Class A common stock - no par value;authorized 100,000 shares; issued andoutstanding 23,310 and 22,916

  267,004   268,801 

Class B common stock - no par value; authorized 25,000 shares; issued andoutstanding 2,562 and 2,762

  319   343 

Preferred stock - no par value; authorized15,000 shares; none outstanding

  -   - 

Class A common stock - no par value;authorized 100,000 shares; issued andoutstanding 23,544 and 23,329

  266,172   268,255 

Class B common stock - no par value;authorized 25,000 shares; issued andoutstanding 2,562 and 2,562

  319   319 

Additional paid-in capital

  20,401   12,399   26,045   22,598 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

  (1,677)  (2,615)  (1,259)  (1,538)

Retained earnings

  221,082   149,173   300,574   245,088 

Total Stockholders' Equity

  507,129   428,101   591,851   534,722 

Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

 $1,539,178  $1,492,702  $1,940,127  $1,725,121 

 

See accompanying condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended September 30,

  

Three Months Ended June 30,

  

Six Months Ended June 30,

 
 

2013

  

2012

  

2013

  

2012

  

2014

  

2013

  

2014

  

2013

 

Revenues:

                                

New vehicle

 $604,135  $491,846  $1,667,063  $1,340,731  $694,484  $569,487  $1,274,006  $1,062,928 

Used vehicle retail

  280,734   227,157   778,427   625,117   310,475   258,465   612,368   497,693 

Used vehicle wholesale

  43,396   35,006   120,593   103,469   44,286   37,691   86,979   77,197 

Finance and insurance

  37,132   30,929   103,013   82,989   43,838   34,218   83,469   65,881 

Service, body and parts

  97,784   89,038   282,686   258,038   114,337   94,462   218,954   184,902 

Fleet and other

  6,109   4,550   29,093   28,770   14,382   14,182   24,132   22,984 

Total revenues

  1,069,290   878,526   2,980,875   2,439,114   1,221,802   1,008,505   2,299,908   1,911,585 

Cost of sales:

                                

New vehicle

  565,549   456,753   1,555,042   1,241,820   648,490   530,699   1,188,988   989,493 

Used vehicle retail

  239,093   193,885   662,920   532,577   266,408   219,572   527,505   423,827 

Used vehicle wholesale

  42,686   35,042   118,214   102,812   42,782   36,996   84,144   75,528 

Service, body and parts

  50,793   46,033   145,223   133,224   58,155   47,769   111,940   94,430 

Fleet and other

  5,780   4,303   27,816   27,741   13,667   13,636   22,970   22,036 

Total cost of sales

  903,901   736,016   2,509,215   2,038,174   1,029,502   848,672   1,935,547   1,605,314 

Gross profit

  165,389   142,510   471,660   400,940   192,300   159,833   364,361   306,271 

Asset impairments

  -   -   -   115 

Selling, general and administrative

  108,570   95,132   318,984   276,561   125,463   109,283   247,292   210,414 

Depreciation and amortization

  5,099   4,351   14,719   12,687   5,825   4,899   11,332   9,620 

Operating income

  51,720   43,027   137,957   111,577   61,012   45,651   105,737   86,237 

Floor plan interest expense

  (2,909)  (3,370)  (9,394)  (9,326)  (3,215)  (3,036)  (6,199)  (6,485)

Other interest expense

  (1,933)  (2,125)  (6,235)  (7,382)  (1,869)  (1,941)  (3,843)  (4,302)

Other income, net

  835   453   2,220   1,770   1,146   584   2,083   1,385 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

  47,713   37,985   124,548   96,639   57,074   41,258   97,778   76,835 

Income tax provision

  (16,822)  (14,893)  (46,494)  (36,908)  (21,904)  (15,977)  (37,914)  (29,672)

Income from continuing operations, net of income tax

  30,891   23,092   78,054   59,731   35,170   25,281   59,864   47,163 

Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax

  127   151   574   799   3,139   274   3,179   447 

Net income

 $31,018  $23,243  $78,628  $60,530  $38,309  $25,555  $63,043  $47,610 
                                

Basic income per share from continuing operations

 $1.19  $0.91  $3.03  $2.32  $1.35  $0.98  $2.30  $1.83 

Basic income per share from discontinued operations

  0.01   0.00   0.02   0.03   0.12   0.01   0.12   0.02 

Basic net income per share

 $1.20  $0.91  $3.05  $2.35  $1.47  $0.99  $2.42  $1.85 
                                

Shares used in basic per share calculations

  25,866   25,469   25,776   25,730   26,119   25,782   26,047   25,730 
                                

Diluted income per share from continuing operations

 $1.18  $0.89  $2.98  $2.28  $1.34  $0.97  $2.27  $1.81 

Diluted income per share from discontinued operations

  -   0.01   0.03   0.03   0.11   0.01   0.12   0.01 

Diluted net income per share

 $1.18  $0.90  $3.01  $2.31  $1.45  $0.98  $2.39  $1.82 
                                

Shares used in diluted per share calculations

  26,237   25,947   26,159   26,203   26,331   26,134   26,326   26,120 

 

See accompanying condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended September 30,

  

Three Months Ended June 30,

  

Six Months Ended June 30,

 
 

2013

  

2012

  

2013

  

2012

  

2014

  

2013

  

2014

  

2013

 

Net income

 $31,018  $23,243  $78,628  $60,530  $38,309  $25,555  $63,043  $47,610 

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

                                

Gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax expenseof $58, $301, $582, and $791, respectively

  94   484   938   1,274 

Gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax expenseof $81, $209, $174, and $524 respectively

  130   338   279   844 

Comprehensive income

 $31,112  $23,727  $79,566  $61,804  $38,439  $25,893  $63,322  $48,454 

 

See accompanying condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

  

Six Months Ended June 30,

 
 

2013

  

2012

  

2014

  

2013

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

                

Net income

 $78,628  $60,530  $63,043  $47,610 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

                

Asset impairments

  -   115 

Depreciation and amortization

  14,719   12,687   11,332   9,620 

Depreciation and amortization within discontinued operations

  -   186 

Stock-based compensation

  4,161   2,329   3,259   2,603 

Loss (gain) on disposal of other assets

  107   (378)

Loss on disposal of other assets

  62   33 

Gain on sale of franchise

  (5,744)  - 

Deferred income taxes

  8,504   6,851   2,840   825 

Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements

  (5,956)  (1,629)  (6,058)  (5,408)

(Increase) decrease (net of acquisitions and dispositions):

                

Trade receivables, net

  (6,937)  (29,160)  (20,709)  (10,684)

Inventories

  (18,187)  (158,186)  (77,300)  (48,899)

Other current assets

  5,464   3,169   1,360   5,980 

Other non-current assets

  (3,804)  (4,346)  (7,311)  (3,394)

Increase (decrease) (net of acquisitions and dispositions):

                

Floor plan notes payable, net

  5,721   (93,975)  368   3,384 

Trade payables

  4,848   5,381   1,411   2,078 

Accrued liabilities

  13,099   10,164   17,594   8,812 

Other long-term liabilities and deferred revenue

  12,307   9,927   11,659   11,889 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

  112,674   (176,335)  (4,194)  24,449 
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

                

Principal payments received on notes receivable

  88   79   -   61 

Capital expenditures

  (33,803)  (34,966)  (35,230)  (22,107)

Proceeds from sales of assets

  474   6,025   103   420 

Payments for life insurance policies

  (2,508)  (1,908)  (3,454)  (2,566)

Cash paid for acquisitions

  (31,786)  (31,376)  (79,482)  (31,786)

Proceeds from sales of stores

  -   2,901 

Cash from dispositions

  10,617   - 

Net cash used in investing activities

  (67,535)  (59,245)  (107,446)  (55,978)
                

Cash flows from financing activities:

                

Borrowings on floor plan notes payable: non-trade, net

  2,685   272,760   112,910   5,989 

Borrowings on lines of credit

  499,000   365,623   578,000   358,000 

Repayments on lines of credit

  (542,446)  (356,791)  (567,000)  (327,318)

Principal payments on long-term debt, scheduled

  (5,375)  (5,889)  (3,693)  (3,667)

Principal payments on long-term debt and capital leases, other

  (25,770)  (37,366)  -   (25,770)

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

  4,720   14,169   5,392   4,721 

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

  3,967   4,600   2,253   2,843 

Repurchase of common stock

  (7,903)  (20,606)  (10,206)  (7,903)

Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements

  5,956   1,629   6,058   5,408 

Dividends paid

  (6,719)  (6,943)  (7,557)  (3,356)

Change in restricted cash

  -   3,300 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

  (71,885)  234,486 

Net cash provided by financing activities

  116,157   8,947 
                

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents

  (26,746)  (1,094)  4,517   (22,582)
                

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

  42,839   20,851   23,686   42,839 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 $16,093  $19,757  $28,203  $20,257 
                
                

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

                

Cash paid during the period for interest

 $15,988  $17,316  $10,218  $10,989 

Cash paid during the period for income taxes, net

  25,880   25,814   23,444   16,111 
                

Supplemental schedule of non-cash activities:

                

Floor plan debt paid in connection with store disposals

  -   6,712 

Acquisition of assets with capital leases

  -   2,609 

Debt issued in connection with acquisitions

  3,161   - 

Floorplan debt paid in connection with dealership disposals

  3,311   - 

 

See accompanying condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Note 1. Interim Financial Statements

 

Basis of Presentation

These condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contain unaudited information as of SeptemberJune 30, 20132014 and for the three- and nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20132014 and 2012.2013. The unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations for reporting on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, certain disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for annual financial statements are not included herein. In management’s opinion, these unaudited financial statements reflect all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the information when read in conjunction with our 20122013 audited Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes thereto. The financial information as of December 31, 20122013 is derived from our 20122013 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The interim condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto included in our 20122013 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

 

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications of amounts previously reported have been made to the accompanying consolidated financial statements to maintain consistency and comparability between periods presented.

 

These reclassifications had no impact on previously reported net income.

 

Note 2. Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

 

September 30,
2013

  

December 31,

2012

  

June 30,
2014

  

December 31,

2013

 

Contracts in transit

 $66,516  $65,597  $99,390  $85,272 

Trade receivables

  33,252   25,885   24,960   23,154 

Vehicle receivables

  22,308   21,298   25,728   23,606 

Manufacturer receivables

  25,098   25,658   33,852   31,662 

Auto loan receivables

  17,828  $11,438 

Other receivables

  5,573   5,622 
  147,174   138,438   207,331   180,754 

Less: Allowance

  (153)  (336)  (805)  (546)

Less: Long-term portion of accounts receivable, net

  (6,935)  (4,953)  (15,298)  (9,689)

Total accounts receivable, net

 $140,086  $133,149  $191,228  $170,519 

Accounts receivable classifications include the following:

Contracts in transit are receivables from various lenders for the financing of vehicles that we have arranged on behalf of the customer and are typically received within five to ten days of selling a vehicle.

Trade receivables are comprised of amounts due from customers, lenders for the commissions earned on financing and third parties for commissions earned on service contracts and insurance products.

Vehicle receivables represent receivables for the portion of the vehicle sales price paid directly by the customer.

Manufacturer receivables represent amounts due from manufacturers including holdbacks, rebates, incentives and warranty claims.

Auto loan receivables include amounts due from customers related to retail sales of vehicles and certain finance and insurance products.


Interest income on auto loan receivables is recognized based on the contractual terms of each loan and is accrued until repayment, charge-off or repossession. Direct costs associated with loan originations are capitalized and expensed as interest income is recognized on the loans. All other receivables are recorded at invoice and do not bear interest until they are 60 days past due.

The allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based on our historical write-off experience and is reviewed monthly. Consideration is given to recent delinquency trends and recovery rates. Account balances are charged against the allowance after all appropriate means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. The annual activity for charges and subsequent recoveries is immaterial.

 

The long-term portion of accounts receivable was included as a component of other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

Note 3. Inventories

The components of inventory consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

  

September 30,
2013

  

December 31,

2012

 

New vehicles

 $565,017  $563,275 

Used vehicles

  158,156   130,529 

Parts and accessories

  32,525   29,522 

Total inventories

 $755,698  $723,326 


  

June 30,
2014

  

December 31,

2013

 

New vehicles

 $741,220  $657,043 

Used vehicles

  203,645   167,814 

Parts and accessories

  36,358   34,162 

Total inventories

 $981,223  $859,019 

 

Note 4. Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

Goodwill

  

Goodwill

 

Balance as of December, 31, 2011, gross

 $318,224 

Balance as of December, 31, 2012, gross

 $331,313 

Accumulated impairment loss

  (299,266)  (299,266)

Balance as of December 31, 2011, net

  18,958 

Additions through acquisitions

  13,710 

Goodwill allocated to dispositions

  (621)

Balance as of December 31, 2012, net

  32,047   32,047 

Additions through acquisitions

  8,266   17,464 

Balance as of September 30, 2013, net

 $40,313 

Balance as of December 31, 2013, net

  49,511 

Additions through acquisition

  15,493 

Balance as of June 30, 2014, net

 $65,004 

 

NoteNote 5.5. Commitments and Contingencies

 

Litigation

We are party to numerous legal proceedings arising in the normal course of our business. Although we do not anticipate that the resolution of legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business or the proceedings described below will have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows, we cannot predict this with certainty.


Alaska Consumer Protection Act Claims

In December 2006, a class action suit was filed against us (Jackie Neese, et al vs. Lithia Chrysler Jeep of Anchorage, Inc,Inc., et al, Case No. 3AN-06-13341 CI), and in April 2007, a second caseclass action suit (Jackie Neese, et al vs. Lithia Chrysler Jeep of Anchorage, Inc, et al, Case No. 3AN-06-4815 CI) was filed against us, in the Superior Court for the State of Alaska, Third Judicial District at Anchorage. These suits were subsequently consolidated. In the suits,consolidated suit, plaintiffs alleged that we, through our Alaska dealerships, engaged in three practices that purportedly violate Alaska consumer protection laws: (i) charging customers dealer fees and costs (including document preparation fees) not disclosed in the advertised price, (ii) failing to disclose the acquisition, mechanical and accident history of used vehicles or whether the vehicles were originally manufactured for sale in a foreign country, and (iii) engaging in deception, misrepresentation and fraud by providing to customers financing from third parties without disclosing that we receive a fee or discount for placing that loan. The suit sought statutory damages of $500 for each violation or three times plaintiff’s actual damages, whichever was greater, and attorney fees and costs.

 

In June 2013June2013, the parties agreed to mediate the claims. The mediation resulted in a settlement agreement withthat received the plaintiffs under whichfinal approval of the Court on December 11, 2013.  Under the settlement agreement, we estimate we willagreed to reimburse plaintiffs’ legal fees and to pay $3.8(i) $450 in the form of cash and vouchers to valid claimants and (ii) $3,000 for each claim representative. The majority of cash and vouchers have been mailed.

We have recorded expenses of $6.7 million to settle all claims against us and to pay plaintiffs’ legal fees. The estimated payment assumes a participation rate by eligible class members based on historically experienced claim rates. An increased claim rate would resultfees.Of this amount, $0.7 million in additional payments. The estimated settlement amountexpense was recorded in the six months ended June 30, 2014, as a component of selling, general and administrative expense in our Consolidated Statements of OperationsOperations. As of June 30, 2014, the liability for unused vouchers, assuming an expected redemption rate, was $1.3 million and as of September 30, 2013, was includedis recorded as a component of accrued liabilities in ouron the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The settlement is subject to court approval and we cannot assureSheet. We believe that the court will approve the settlement.these estimates are reasonable; however, actual cost could differ materially.


 

Note 6. Stockholders’ Equity

 

Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive loss was as follows (in thousands):

 

 

Three Months

Ended
September

30, 2013

  

Nine Months

Ended
September

30, 2013

 

Affected Line Item in the

Consolidated Statements

of Operations

 

Three Months

Ended
June 30, 2014

  

Six Months

Ended
June 30, 2014

 

AffectedLine Item in the

Consolidated Statements

of Operations

Loss on cash flow hedges

 $(134) $(606)

Floor plan interest expense

 $(118) $(252)

Floor plan interest expense

Income Taxes

  51   232 

Income tax provision

Taxes

  45   96 

Income tax provision

Loss on cash flow hedges, net

 $(83) $(374)  $(73) $(156) 

See Note 9 for more details regarding our derivative contracts.

Share Repurchases

In August 2011 and 2012, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 2,000,000a total of 3,000,000 shares of our Class A common stock.On July 20, 2012, our Board of Directors authorizedstock.In the repurchase of 1,000,000 additional shares of our Class A common stock. We did not repurchase any shares of our Class A common stock during the third quarter of 2013. In the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2013,2014, we repurchased 127,90045,000 shares at an average price of $40.76$71.73 per share, for a total of $5.2$3.2 million. Through SeptemberJune 30, 2013,2014, we have repurchased 1,273,0471,318,047 shares and 1,726,9531,681,953 shares remained available for repurchase. This authority to repurchase shares does not have an expiration date and we may continue to repurchase shares from time to time as conditions warrant.

 

In addition, we repurchased 59,721106,772 shares during the first quartersix months of 20132014 at an average price of $45.04,$65.36, for a total of $2.7$7.0 million, related to tax withholdings associated with the vesting of restricted stock units.

 


Dividends

Dividends paid on our Class A and Class B common stock in the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20132014 were as follows:

 

Quarter paid:

 

Dividend

amount per

share

  

Total amount of

dividend (in

thousands)

 

First quarter

 $*  $* 

Second quarter

  0.13   3,356 

Third quarter

  0.13   3,363 

* A dividend of $0.10 per share was paid in December 2012 related to our fourth quarter 2012 financial results in lieu of the dividend typically declared and paid in March of the following year. Accordingly, we did not pay dividends on our Class A and Class B common stock during the first quarter of 2013.

Quarter paid:

 

Dividend

amount per

share

  

Total amount of

dividend (in

thousands)

 

First quarter

 $0.13  $3,378 

Second quarter

  0.16   4,179 

 

See Note 1314 for a discussion of a dividend related to our thirdsecond quarter 20132014 financial results.

Note 7. Deferred Compensation and Long-Term Incentive Plan

We offer a deferred compensation and long-term incentive plan (the “LTIP”) to provide certain employees the ability to accumulate assets for retirement on a tax-deferredtax deferred basis. We may make discretionary contributions to the LTIP. Discretionary contributions vest between one and seven years based on the employee’s age and position. Additionally, a participant may defer a portion of his or her compensation and receive the deferred amount upon certain events, including termination or retirement.

 


In the first nine months of 2013,2014, we made discretionary contributions of $2.1 million to the LTIP. Participants will receive a guaranteed return of 5.25% in 2013.2014. We recognized compensation expense related to the LTIP as follows (in thousands):

 

  

Three Months Ended

September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
  

2013

  

2012

  

2013

  

2012

 

Compensation expense

 $357  $299  $1,042  $876 
  

Three Months Ended

June 30,

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 
  

2014

  

2013

  

2014

  

2013

 

Compensation expense

 $377  $352  $1,077  $686 

 

As of SeptemberJune 30, 20132014 and December 31, 2012,2013, the balance due to participants was $6.3$9.4 million and $3.6$7.1 million, respectively, and was included as a component of other long-term liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

Note 8. Fair Value Measurements

Factors used in determining the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities are summarized into three broad categories:

 

Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities;

 

Level 2 – other significant observable inputs, including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment spreads and credit risk; and

 

Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs, including our own assumptions in determining fair value.

 

The inputs or methodology used for valuing financial assets and liabilities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in them.

We use the income approach to determine the fair value of our interest rate swap using observable Level 2 market expectations at each measurement date and an income approach to convert estimated future cash flows to a single present value amount (discounted) assuming that participants are motivated, but not compelled, to transact. Level 2 inputs for the swap valuation are limited to quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets (specifically futures contracts on LIBOR for the first two years) and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (specifically LIBOR cash and swap rates and credit risk at commonly quoted intervals). Mid-market pricing is used as a practical expedient for fair value measurements. Key inputs, including the cash rates for very short-term borrowings, futures rates for up to two years and LIBOR swap rates beyond the derivative maturity are used to predict future reset rates to discount those future cash flows to present value at the measurement date.

 


Inputs are collected from Bloomberg on the last market day of the period. The same method isperiod and used to determine the rate used to discount the future cash flows. The valuation of the interest rate swap also takes into consideration our own, as well as the counterparty’s, risk of non-performance under the contract.

 

There were no changes to our valuation techniques during the nine-monthsix-month period ended SeptemberJune 30, 2013.2014.


Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value

Following are the disclosures related to our assets and (liabilities) that are measured at fair value (in thousands):

 

Fair Value at September 30, 2013

 

Level 1

  

Level 2

  

Level 3

 

Measured on a recurring basis:

            

Derivative contracts, net

 $-  $(3,166) $- 

Fair Value at June 30, 2014

 

Level 1

  

Level 2

  

Level 3

 

Measured on a recurring basis:

            

Derivative contract, net

 $-  $(2,375) $- 

 

Fair Value at December 31, 2012

 

Level 1

  

Level 2

  

Level 3

 

Measured on a recurring basis:

            

Derivative contracts, net

 $-  $(4,679) $- 

Fair Value at December 31, 2013

 

Level 1

  

Level 2

  

Level 3

 

Measured on a recurring basis:

            

Derivative contract, net

 $-  $(2,900) $- 

 

See Note 9 for more details regarding our derivative contracts.

Fair Value Disclosures for Financial Assets and Liabilities

We determined the carrying value of cash equivalents, accounts receivable, trade payables, accrued liabilities and short-term borrowings approximate their fair values because of the short-term nature of their terms and current market rates of these instruments. We believe the carrying value of our variable rate debt approximates fair value.

 

We have fixed-rate debt and calculate the estimated fair value of our fixed-rate debt using a discounted cash flow method.methodology. Using estimated current interest rates based on a similar risk profile and duration (Level 2), the fixed cash flows are discounted and summed to compute the fair value of the debt. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2013,2014, this debt had maturity dates between November 2016 and May 2031. A summary of the aggregate carrying values and fair values of our long-term fixed-interest rate debt is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

September 30,
2013

  

December 31,

2012

  

June 30,
2014

  

December 31,

2013

 

Carrying value

 $133,994  $130,469  $138,283  $132,616 

Fair value

  135,010   134,688   135,762   126,786 

 

Note 9. Derivative Financial InstrumentsInstrument

WeFrom time to time, we enter into interest rate swaps to fix a portion of our interest expense. We do not enter into derivative instruments for any purpose other than to manage interest rate exposure to fluctuations in the one-month LIBOR benchmark. That is, we do not engage in interest rate speculation using derivative instruments.

 

As of SeptemberJune 30, 2013,2014, we had a $25 million interest rate swap outstanding with U.S. Bank Dealer Commercial Services. This interest rate swap matures on June 15, 2016 and has a fixed rate of 5.587% per annum. The variable rate on the interest rate swap is the one-month LIBOR rate. At SeptemberJune 30, 2013,2014, the one-month LIBOR rate was 0.18%0.15% per annum, as reported in the Wall Street Journal.

 

Typically, we designate all interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges and, accordingly, we record the change in fair value for the effective portion of these interest rate swaps in comprehensive income rather than net income until the underlying hedged transaction affects net income. If a swap is no longer designated as a cash flow hedge and the forecasted transaction remains probable or reasonably possible of occurring, the gain or loss recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss is recognized in income as the forecasted transaction occurs. If the forecasted transaction is probable of not occurring, the gain or loss recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss is recognized in income immediately. The estimated amount that we expect to reclassify from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income within the next twelve months is $1.2 million at SeptemberJune 30, 2013.2014.

 

 

At SeptemberJune 30, 20132014 and December 31, 2012,2013, the fair value of our derivative instrumentsinstrument was included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows (in thousands):

 

Balance Sheet Information

 

Fair Value of Liability Derivatives

  Fair Value of Liability Derivatives 

Derivatives Designated as Hedging

Instruments

 

Location in Balance

Sheet

 

September 30,

2013

  

Location in Balance

Sheet

 

June 30,

2014

 
            

Interest Rate Swap Contracts

 

Accrued liabilities

 $1,217 

Interest Rate Swap Contract

 

Accrued liabilities

 $1,228 
 

Other long-term liabilities

  1,949  

Other long-term liabilities

  1,147 
   $3,166    $2,375 

Balance Sheet Information

 

Fair Value of Liability Derivatives

  Fair Value of Liability Derivatives 

Derivatives Designated as Hedging

Instruments

 

Location in Balance

Sheet

 

December 31,

2012

  

Location in Balance

Sheet

 

December 31,

2013

 
            

Interest Rate Swap Contracts

 

Accrued liabilities

 $1,839 

Interest Rate Swap Contract

 

Accrued liabilities

 $1,215 
 

Other long-term liabilities

  2,840  

Other long-term liabilities

  1,685 
   $4,679    $2,900 

 

The effect of derivative instruments on our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three-and nine-monththree- and six-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20132014 and 20122013 was as follows (in thousands):

 

Derivatives in Cash

Flow Hedging

Relationships

 

Amount of

 Gain

Recognized

in

Accumulated

OCI (Effective

Portion)

 

Location of

Loss

Reclassified

from

Accumulated

OCI into Income

(Effective

Portion)

 

Amount of Loss

Reclassified

from

Accumulated

OCI into Income

(Effective

Portion)

 

Location of

Loss

Recognized in

Income on

Derivative

(Ineffective

Portion and

Amount

Excluded from

Effectiveness

Testing)

 

Amount of

Loss

Recognized in

Income on

Derivative

(Ineffective

Portion and

Amount

Excluded from

Effectiveness

Testing)

  

Amount of

Gain

Recognized

in

Accumulated

OCI (Effective

Portion)

 

Location of

Loss

Reclassified

from

Accumulated

OCI into

Income

(Effective

Portion)

 

Amount of Loss

Reclassified

from

Accumulated

OCI into Income

(Effective

Portion)

 

Location of

Loss

Recognizedin

Income on

Derivative

(Ineffective

Portion and

Amount

Excluded from

Effectiveness

Testing)

 

Amount of

Loss

Recognized in

Income on

Derivative

(Ineffective

Portion and

Amount

Excluded from

Effectiveness

Testing)

 
                            

Three Months Ended

September 30, 2013

    

    

    

Three Months Ended

June 30, 2014

    

 

    

 

    
Interest Rate Swap Contract  93 Floor plan
interest
expense
 (118

Floor plan
interest
expense

 (188)
              

Three Months Ended

June 30, 2013

    

 

    

 

    

Interest Rate Swap Contracts

 $18 

Floor plan

interest expense

 $(134)

Floor plan

interestexpense

 $(173) $381 

Floor plan
interest
expense

 $(166)Floor plan
 interest
expense
 $(296)
              

Three Months Ended

September 30, 2012

    

 

    

    

Interest Rate Swap Contracts

 $476 

Floor plan

interest expense

 $(309)

Floor plan

interestexpense

 $(788)

   

 

 

Derivatives in Cash

Flow Hedging

Relationships

 

Amount of

Gain

Recognized

in

Accumulated

OCI (Effective

Portion)

 

Locationof

Loss

Reclassified

from

Accumulated

OCI into Income

(Effective

Portion)

 

Amount of Loss

Reclassified

from

Accumulated

OCI into Income

(Effective

Portion)

 

Location of

Loss

Recognizedin

Income on

Derivative

(Ineffective

Portion and

Amount

Excluded from

Effectiveness

Testing)

 

Amount of

Loss

Recognized in

Income on

Derivative

(Ineffective

Portion and

Amount

Excluded from

Effectiveness

Testing)

  

Amount of

Gain

Recognized

in

Accumulated

OCI (Effective

Portion)

 

Location of

Loss

Reclassified

from

Accumulated

OCI into

Income

(Effective

Portion)

 

Amount of Loss

Reclassified

from

Accumulated

OCI into Income

(Effective

Portion)

 

Location of

Loss

Recognizedin

Income on

Derivative

(Ineffective

Portion and

Amount

Excluded from

Effectiveness

Testing)

 

Amount of

Loss

Recognized in

Income on

Derivative

(Ineffective

Portion and

Amount

Excluded from

Effectiveness

Testing)

 
                            

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 2013

    

    

    

Six Months Ended

June 30, 2014

    

 

    

 

    
Interest Rate Swap Contract $201 Floor plan
 interest
expense
 $(252)Floor plan
 interest
expense
 $(359)
              

Six Months Ended

June 30, 2013

    

 

    

 

    

Interest Rate Swap Contracts

 $914 

Floor plan

interest expense

 $(606)

Floor plan

interest expense

 $(1,064) $896 Floor plan
 interest
expense
 $(472)Floor plan
interest
expense
 $(890)
              

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 2012

    

    

    

Interest Rate Swap Contracts

 $998 

Floor plan

interest expense

 $(1,067)

Floor plan

interest expense

 $(2,172)

 

See also Note 8.

 

Note 10. Acquisitions

OnIn the first six months of 2014, we completed the following acquisitions, which contributed revenues of $53.3 million for the six months ended June 10, 2013, we acquired the inventory, property, equipment and intangible assets and assumed certain liabilities of OB Salem Auto Group, Inc. in Salem, Oregon from Michael O’Brien including BMW, Honda and Volkswagen franchises.30, 2014:

On January 31, 2014, we acquired Island Honda in Kahului, Hawaii.

On February 3, 2014, we acquired Stockton Volkswagen in Stockton, California.

On March 5, 2014, we acquired Honolulu Buick GMC Cadillac and Honolulu Volkswagen in Honolulu, Hawaii.

On April 1, 2014, we acquired Corpus Christi Ford in Corpus Christi, Texas.

On June 11, 2014, we acquired Portland GMC Buick and Portland Cadillac in Portland, Oregon.

 

The acquisition wasAll acquisitions were accounted for usingas business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. The results of operations of the acquired stores are included in our Consolidated Financial Statements from the date of acquisition.

No portion of the purchase price was paid with our equity securities. The following table summarizes the consideration paid for the acquisitionacquisitions and the amount of identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date (in thousands):

  

Consideration

 

Cash paid, net of cash acquired

 $79,482 

Debt issued

  3,161 
  $82,643 

 

  

Consideration

 

Cash paid, net of cash acquired

 $31,786 
  

Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed

 

Inventories

 $42,997 

Franchise value

  6,529 

Property, plant and equipment

  17,302 

Other assets

  430 

Other liabilities

  (108)
   67,150 

Goodwill

  15,493 
  $82,643 

 

  

Assets

Acquired and

Liabilities

Assumed

 

Inventories

 $15,198 

Franchise value

  4,036 

Property, plant and equipment

  4,697 

Other assets

  122 

Other liabilities

  (533)
   23,520 

Goodwill

  8,266 
  $31,786 

In the first quarter of 2014, we assumed a contract associated with an acquisition and determined the remaining term would not provide economic benefit. As a result, we recorded costs of $1.4 million associated with the contract. For the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2014, we recorded acquisition expense of $0.2 million. This amount is included as a component of selling, general and administrative expense in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. We did not have any material acquisition-related expenses in 2013.

 

We account for franchise value as an indefinite-lived intangible asset. We expect the full amount of the goodwill recognized to be deductible for tax purposes.

 

This acquired company contributed revenues and earnings of $26.8 million and $286,000, respectively, for the period from acquisition to September 30, 2013.


The following unaudited pro forma summary presents consolidated information as if all acquisitions in the three- and nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20122013 and 20132014 had occurred on January 1, 20122013 (in thousands, except for per share amounts):

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

2013

  

2012

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

2014

  

2013

 

Revenue

 $1,069,290  $909,029  $1,232,950  $1,113,612 

Income from continuing operations, net of tax

  30,891   23,409   35,504   26,447 

Basic income per share from continuing operations, net of tax

  1.19   0.92   1.36   1.03 

Diluted income per share from continuing operations, net of tax

  1.18   0.90   1.35   1.01 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

2013

  

2012

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

2014

  

2013

 

Revenue

 $3,019,726  $2,548,136  $2,353,299  $2,115,438 

Income from continuing operations, net of tax

  78,500   60,777   60,732   49,405 

Basic income per share from continuing operations, net of tax

  3.05   2.36   2.33   1.92 

Diluted income per share from continuing operations, net of tax

  3.00   2.32   2.31   1.89 

 

These amounts have been calculated by applying our accounting policies and estimates. The results of the acquired stores have been adjusted to reflect the following: depreciation on a straight-line basis over the expected lives for property, plant and equipment; accounting for inventory on a specific identification method; and recognition of interest expense for real estate financing related to stores where we purchased the facility. No nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the acquisitions are included in the reported pro forma revenues and earnings.

 

Note 11.11. Discontinued Operations

We classify a store as discontinued operations if the location has been sold, we have ceased operations at that location or the store meets the criteria required by U.S. generally accepted accounting standards:

 

our management team, possessing the necessary authority, commits to a plan to sell the store;

 

the store is available for immediate sale in its present condition;

 

an active program to locate buyers and other actions that are required to sell the store are initiated;

 

a market for the store exists and we believe its sale is likely within one year;

 

active marketing of the store commences at a price that is reasonable in relation to the estimated fair market value; and

 

our management team believes it is unlikely changes will be made to the plan or the plan to dispose of the store will be withdrawn.

 

We reclassify the store’s operations to discontinued operations in our Consolidated Statements of Operations, on a comparable basis for all periods presented, provided we do not expect to have any significant continuing involvement in the store’s operations after its disposal.

 


One

On May 1, 2014, we completed the sale of our stores,one store which had been classified as held for sale in the fourth quartersince October 2012. As of 2012, continues to meet the criteria for classification of its assets and related liabilitiesJune 30, 2014, we have no stores or properties classified as held for sale and its associated operating results are classified as discontinued operations as of September 30, 2013.sale.

 

Actual floor plan interest expense for the store classified as discontinued operations is directly related to the store’s new vehicles. Interest expense related to our used vehicle inventory financing and revolving line of credit is allocated based on the working capital level of the store. For the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, interest expense included as a component of discontinued operations was immaterial.


 

Certain financial information related to discontinued operations was as follows (in thousands):

 

  

Three Months Ended

September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
  

2013

  

2012

  

2013

  

2012

 

Revenue

 $8,712  $24,409  $27,590  $69,838 
                 

Pre-tax gain from discontinued operations

 $236  $657  $929  $1,685 

Loss on disposal activities

  -   (397)  -   (397)
   236   260   929   1,288 

Income tax expense

  (109)  (109)  (355)  (489)

Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax expense

 $127  $151  $574  $799 

Cash generated from disposal activities

 $-  $-  $-  $2,901 

Floor plan debt paid in connection with disposal activities

 $-  $-  $-  $6,712 

Assets held for sale included the following (in thousands):

  

September 30, 2013

  

December 31, 2012

 

Inventories

 $8,597  $9,412 

Property, plant and equipment

  1,177   1,102 

Intangible assets

  2,071   2,065 
  $11,845  $12,579 

Liabilities related to assets held for sale included the following (in thousands):

  

September 30, 2013

  

December 31, 2012

 

Floor plan notes payable

 $7,403  $8,347 
  

Three Months Ended

June 30,

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 
  

2014

  

2013

  

2014

  

2013

 

Revenue

 $3,920  $10,078  $12,569  $18,878 
                 

Pre-tax income (loss) from discontinued operations

 $(532) $409  $(467) $693 

Net gain on disposal activities

  5,744   -   5,744   - 
   5,212   409   5,277   693 

Income tax expense

  (2,073)  (135)  (2,098)  (246)

Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax expense

 $3,139  $274  $3,179  $447 

Goodwill and other intangible assets disposed of

  221   -   221   - 

Cash generated from disposal activities

  10,617   -   10,617   - 

Floor plan debt paid in connection with disposal activities

  3,311   -   3,311   - 

 

Note 12. Net Income Per Share of Class A and Class B Common Stock

We compute net income per share of Class A and Class B common stock using the two-class method. Under this method, basic net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period excluding unvested common shares subject to repurchase or cancellation. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares and, if dilutive, potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares consist of the incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and unvested restricted shares subject to repurchase or cancellation. The dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and other grants is reflected in diluted earnings per share by application of the treasury stock method. The computation of the diluted net income per share of Class A common stock assumes the conversion of Class B common stock, while the diluted net income per share of Class B common stock does not assume the conversion of those shares.

 

Except with respect to voting and transfer rights, the rights of the holders of our Class A and Class B common stock are identical. Our Restated Articles of Incorporation require that the Class A and Class B common stock share equally in any dividends, liquidation proceeds or other distribution with respect to our common stock and the Articles of Incorporation can only be amended by a vote of the shareholders. Additionally, Oregon law provides that amendments to our Articles of Incorporation, which would have the effect of adversely altering the rights, powers or preferences of a given class of stock, must be approved by the class of stock adversely affected by the proposed amendment. As a result, the undistributed earnings for each year are allocated based on the participation rights of the Class A and Class B common shares as if the earnings for the year had been distributed. Because the liquidation and dividend rights are identical, the undistributed earnings are allocated on a proportionate basis.

 

 

 

Following is a reconciliation of the income from continuing operations and weighted average shares used for our basic earnings per share (“EPS”) and diluted EPS for the three- and nine-monththree-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20132014 and 20122013 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

2013

  

2012

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

2014

  

2013

 

Basic EPS from Continuing

Operations

 

Class A

  

Class B

  

Class A

  

Class B

  

Class A

  

Class B

  

Class A

  

Class B

 

Numerator:

                                

Income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders

 $27,831  $3,060  $20,073  $3,019  $31,720  $3,450  $22,734  $2,547 

Distributed income applicable to common stockholders

  (3,030)  (333)  (2,212)  (333)  (3,769)  (410)  (3,018)  (338)

Basic undistributed income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders

 $24,801  $2,727  $17,861  $2,686  $27,951  $3,040  $19,716  $2,209 
                                

Denominator:

                                

Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate basic income per share

  23,304   2,562   22,139   3,330   23,557   2,562   23,185   2,597 
                                

Basic income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders

 $1.19  $1.19  $0.91  $0.91  $1.35  $1.35  $0.98  $0.98 

Basic distributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders

  (0.13)  (0.13)  (0.10)  (0.10)  (0.16)  (0.16)  (0.13)  (0.13)

Basic undistributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders

 $1.06  $1.06  $0.81  $0.81  $1.19  $1.19  $0.85  $0.85 


Three Months EndedJune 30,

 

2014

  

2013

 

Diluted EPS from Continuing Operations

 

Class A

  

Class B

  

Class A

  

Class B

 

Numerator:

                

Distributed income applicable to common stockholders

 $3,769  $410  $3,018  $338 

Reallocation of distributed income as a result of conversion of dilutive stock options

  3   (3)  5   (5)

Reallocation of distributed income due to conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding

  407   -   333   - 

Diluted distributed income applicable to common stockholders

 $4,179  $407  $3,356  $333 

Undistributed income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders

 $27,951  $3,040  $19,716  $2,209 

Reallocation of undistributed income as a result of conversion of dilutive stock options

  25   (25)  30   (30)

Reallocation of undistributed income due to conversion of Class B to Class A

  3,015   -   2,179   - 

Diluted undistributed income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders

 $30,991  $3,015  $21,925  $2,179 
                 

Denominator:

                

Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate basic income per share from continuing operations

  23,557   2,562   23,185   2,597 

Weighted average number of shares from stock options

  212   -   352   - 

Conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding

  2,562   -   2,597   - 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate diluted income per share from continuing operations

  26,331   2,562   26,134   2,597 
                 

Diluted income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders

 $1.34  $1.34  $0.97  $0.97 

Diluted distributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders

  (0.16)  (0.16)  (0.13)  (0.13)

Diluted undistributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders

 $1.18  $1.18  $0.84  $0.84 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

2014

  

2013

 

Diluted EPS

 

Class A

  

Class B

  

Class A

  

Class B

 

Antidilutive Securities

               

Shares issuable pursuant to stock options not included since they were antidilutive

  12   -   18   - 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

2013

  

2012

 

Diluted EPS from Continuing

Operations

 

Class A

  

Class B

  

Class A

  

Class B

 

Numerator:

                

Distributed income applicable to common stockholders

 $3,030  $333  $2,212  $333 

Reallocation of distributed income as a result of conversion of dilutive stock options

  5   (5)  6   (6)

Reallocation of distributed income due to conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding

  328   -   327   - 

Diluted distributed income applicable to common stockholders

 $3,363  $328  $2,545  $327 

Undistributed income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders

 $24,801  $2,727  $17,861  $2,686 

Reallocation of undistributed income as a result of conversion of dilutive stock options

  39   (39)  49   (49)

Reallocation of undistributed income due to conversion of Class B to Class A

  2,688   -   2,637   - 

Diluted undistributed income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders

 $27,528  $2,688  $20,547  $2,637 
                 

Denominator:

                

Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate basic income per share from continuing operations

  23,304   2,562   22,139   3,330 

Weighted average number of shares from stock options

  371   -   478   - 

Conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding

  2,562   -   3,330   - 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate diluted income per share from continuing operations

  26,237   2,562   25,947   3,330 
                 

Diluted income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders

 $1.18  $1.18  $0.89  $0.89 

Diluted distributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders

  (0.13)  (0.13)  (0.10)  (0.10)

Diluted undistributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders

 $1.05  $1.05  $0.79  $0.79 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

2013

  

2012

 

Diluted EPS

 

Class A

  

Class B

  

Class A

  

Class B

 

Antidilutive Securities

                

Shares issuable pursuant to stock options not included since they were antidilutive

  14   -   -   - 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

2014

  

2013

 

Basic EPS from Continuing Operations

 

Class A

  

Class B

  

Class A

  

Class B

 

Numerator:

                

Income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders

 $53,976  $5,888  $42,254  $4,909 

Distributed income applicable to common stockholders

  (6,814)  (743)  (3,007)  (349)

Basic undistributed income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders

 $47,162  $5,145  $39,247  $4,560 
                 

Denominator:

                

Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate basic income per share

  23,485   2,562   23,052   2,678 
                 

Basic income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders

 $2.30  $2.30  $1.83  $1.83 

Basic distributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders

  (0.29)  (0.29)  (0.13)  (0.13)

Basic undistributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders

 $2.01  $2.01  $1.70  $1.70 

  

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

2013

  

2012

 

Basic EPS from Continuing

Operations

 

Class A

  

Class B

  

Class A

  

Class B

 

Numerator:

                

Income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders

 $70,063  $7,991  $51,525  $8,206 

Distributed income applicable to common stockholders

  (6,031)  (688)  (5,989)  (954)

Basic undistributed income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders

 $64,032  $7,303  $45,536  $7,252 
                 

Denominator:

                

Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate basic income per share

  23,137   2,639   22,195   3,535 
                 

Basic income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders

 $3.03  $3.03  $2.32  $2.32 

Basic distributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders

  (0.26)  (0.26)  (0.27)  (0.27)

Basic undistributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders

 $2.77  $2.77  $2.05  $2.05 

Six Months EndedJune 30,

 

2014

  

2013

 

Diluted EPS from Continuing Operations

 

Class A

  

Class B

  

Class A

  

Class B

 

Numerator:

                

Distributed income applicable to common stockholders

 $6,814  $743  $3,007  $349 

Reallocation of distributed income as a result of conversion of dilutive stock options

  8   (8)  5   (5)

Reallocation of distributed income due to conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding

  735   -   344   - 

Diluted distributed income applicable to common stockholders

 $7,557  $735  $3,356  $344 

Undistributed income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders

 $47,162  $5,145  $39,247  $4,560 

Reallocation of undistributed income as a result of conversion of dilutive stock options

  55   (55)  69   (69)

Reallocation of undistributed income due to conversion of Class B to Class A

  5,090   -   4,491   - 

Diluted undistributed income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders

 $52,307  $5,090  $43,807  $4,491 
                 

Denominator:

                

Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate basic income per share from continuing operations

  23,485   2,562   23,052   2,678 

Weighted average number of shares from stock options

  279   -   390   - 

Conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding

  2,562   -   2,678   - 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate diluted income per share from continuing operations

  26,326   2,562   26,120   2,678 
                 

Diluted income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders

 $2.27  $2.27  $1.81  $1.81 

Diluted distributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders

  (0.29)  (0.29)  (0.13)  (0.13)

Diluted undistributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders

 $1.98  $1.98  $1.68  $1.68 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

2014

  

2013

 

Diluted EPS

 

Class A

  

Class B

  

Class A

  

Class B

 

Antidilutive Securities

                

Shares issuable pursuant to stock options not included since they were antidilutive

  14   -   19   - 

  

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

2013

  

2012

 

Diluted EPS from Continuing

Operations

 

Class A

  

Class B

  

Class A

  

Class B

 

Numerator:

                

Distributed income applicable to common stockholders

 $6,031  $688  $5,989  $954 

Reallocation of distributed income as a result of conversion of dilutive stock options

  10   (10)  17   (17)

Reallocation of distributed income due to conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding

  678   -   937   - 

Diluted distributed income applicable to common stockholders

 $6,719  $678  $6,943  $937 

Undistributed income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders

 $64,032  $7,303  $45,536  $7,252 

Reallocation of undistributed income as a result of conversion of dilutive stock options

  107   (107)  130   (130)

Reallocation of undistributed income due to conversion of Class B to Class A

  7,196   -   7,122   - 

Diluted undistributed income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders

 $71,335  $7,196  $52,788  $7,122 
                 

Denominator:

                

Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate basic income per share from continuing operations

  23,137   2,639   22,195   3,535 

Weighted average number of shares from stock options

  383   -   473   - 

Conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding

  2,639   -   3,535   - 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate diluted income per share from continuing operations

  26,159   2,639   26,203   3,535 
                 

Diluted income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders

 $2.98  $2.98  $2.28  $2.28 

Diluted distributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders

  (0.26)  (0.26)  (0.26)  (0.26)

Diluted undistributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders

 $2.72  $2.72  $2.02  $2.02 

Note 13.Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued an accounting standard update that amends the accounting guidance related to discontinued operations. This amendment defines discontinued operations as a component or group of components that is disposed of or is classified as held for sale and represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. This amendment also introduces new disclosures for disposals. The amendments in this accounting standard update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014 and applies to new disposals and new classifications of disposal groups as held for sale after the effective date. The accounting standard update is expected to result in fewer disposals being presented as discontinued operations and, because the guidance relates to presentation and disclosure requirements, will not affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

2013

  

2012

 

Diluted EPS

 

Class A

  

Class B

  

Class A

  

Class B

 

Antidilutive Securities

                

Shares issuable pursuant to stock options not included since they were antidilutive

  17   -   90   - 

On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standard update which amends the accounting guidance related to revenues. This amendment will replace most of the existing revenue recognition guidance when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the effect this amendment will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.


 

Note 13.14. Subsequent Events

AcquisitionsAcquisition

On October 7, 2013,July 28, 2014, we acquired the inventory, equipment real estate and intangible assets of and assumed certain liabilities related to, Stockton Nissan KiaBellingham Buick GMC in Stockton, California, from Stockton Automotive Development, LLC and Fresno Automotive Development, LP.Bellingham, Washington. We paid $18.9$1.7 million in cash for this acquisition.

On October 24, 2013, we acquired the inventory, equipment, real estate and intangible assets of, and assumed certain liabilities related to, Fresno Lincoln Volvo in Fresno, California, from Robert B. Kopf, Inc. and R & V Wilson, Inc. We paid $8.5 million in cash for this acquisition.

As of October 25, 2013, the initial accounting for determining the acquisition-date fair value for each major class of assets acquired, including goodwill, and liabilities assumed was not yet complete for these acquisitions.

Common Stock Dividend

On OctoberJuly 21, 2013,2014, our Board of Directors approved a dividend of $0.13$0.16 per share on our Class A and Class B Commoncommon stock related to our thirdsecond quarter 20132014 financial results. The dividend will total approximately $3.4$4.2 million and will be paid on NovemberAugust 22, 20132014 to shareholders of record on NovemberAugust 8, 2013.2014.

Related Party Transaction

On October 25, 2013, we entered into an agreement for the sale of 11.9 acres of unimproved land in Medford, Oregon for an aggregate price of $4.1 million with Dick Heimann, a director and our Vice Chairman. The land is part of a planned auto mall at which several dealerships, including Lithia-owned stores, will be relocated. Mr. Heimann plans to relocate the Medford BMW, Nissan and Volkswagen stores, which are 80% owned by him and 20% owned by Lithia, to this new location. We used an independent appraisal to determine the sale price for the unimproved land. The transaction will result in a gain to the Company of $2.5 million.

The terms of the transaction were reviewed and approved by the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors which determined that the transaction would benefit Lithia by attracting more potential purchasers to a single location and was on terms no less favorable to Lithia than the terms we could have obtained from an unaffiliated party.

 

Item 2.     Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors

Certain statements under the sections entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Form 10-Q constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Generally, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “project,” “outlook,” “target,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “seek,” “expect,” “plan,” “intend,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “likely,” “goal,” “strategy,” “future,” “maintain,” and “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Examples of forward-looking statements in this Form 10-Q include, among others, statements we make regarding:

Future market conditions.

Expected operating results, such as maintaining SG&A as a percentage of gross profit in the mid to upper 60% range and targeting incremental throughput of 50% on a same store basis.

The increase in our annual revenues and earnings per share that we estimate will result from the dealerships that we acquired and from the DCH Auto Group transaction.


Our belief that the DCH Auto Group transaction will close early in the fourth quarter.

Anticipated availability of liquidity from our unfinanced operating real estate.

Anticipated levels of capital expenditures in the future.

Our strategies for customer retention, growth, market position, financial results and risk management.

The forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and situations that may cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these statements. ImportantCertain important factors that could cause actual results to differ from our expectations are discussed in Part II - Other Information, Item 1A in this Form 10-Q and in the Risk Factors section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as supplemented and amended from time to time in Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 


By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events that depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. While we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.achievements, and our actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity and development of the industries in which we operate may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements in this Form 10-Q. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement.

 

Overview

We are a leading operator of automotive franchises and a retailer of new and used vehicles and related services. As of October 25, 2013,August 8, 2014, we offer 2829 brands of new vehicles and all brands of used vehicles in 93101 stores in the United States and onlineat Lithia.com.We sell new and used cars and replacement parts; provide vehicle maintenance, warranty, paint and repair services; arrange related financing; and sell service contracts, vehicle protection products and credit insurance.

 

Our mission statement is: “Driven by our employees and preferred by our customers, Lithia is the leading automotive retailer in each of our markets.” We offer our customers personal, convenient, flexible, hometownpersonalized service combined with the large company advantages of selection, competitive pricing, broad access to financing, consistent service, competence and guarantees.warranties. We strive for diversification in our products, services, brands and geographic locations to insulate us from market risk and to maintain profitability. We have developed a centralized support structure to reduce store level administrative functions. This allows store personnel to focus on providing a positive customer experience. With our management information systems and centrally-performed administrative functions in Medford, Oregon, we seek to gain economies of scale from our dealership network.

 

Results of Continuing Operations

For the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20132014 and 2012,2013, we reported income from continuing operations, net of tax, of $30.9$35.2 million, or $1.18$1.34 per diluted share, and $23.1$25.3 million, or $0.89$0.97 per diluted share, respectively.

 

For the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20132014 and 2012,2013, we reported income from continuing operations, net of tax, of $78.1$59.9 million, or $2.98$2.27 per diluted share, and $59.7$47.2 million, or $2.28$1.81 per diluted share, respectively.


 

Discontinued Operations

ResultsThe results of operations for stores sold, closed or held for sale qualifying for reclassification under the applicable accounting guidance, are presented as discontinued operations for all periods in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.Operations if they qualify for reclassification under the applicable accounting guidance. As a result, our results from continuing operations are presented on a comparable basis.basis for all periods.

 

IncomeWe realized income from discontinued operations, net of tax, for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2014 and 2013, of $3.1 million and 2012 totaled $127,000 and $151,000,$274,000, respectively. Income from discontinued operations, net of tax, for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2014 and 2013 totaled $3.2 million and 2012 totaled $574,000 and $799,000,$447,000, respectively. See Note 11 of the Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.


 

Key Revenue and Gross Profit Metrics

Key performance metrics for revenue and gross profit were as follows for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20132014 and 20122013 (dollars in thousands):

 

Three months ended
September 30, 2013

 

Revenues

  

Percent of

Total

Revenues

  

Gross

Profit

  

Gross

Profit

Margin

  

Percent of

Total

Gross Profit

 

Three months ended
June 30, 2014

 

Revenues

  

Percent of

Total

Revenues

  

Gross

Profit

  

Gross

Profit

Margin

  

Percent of

Total

Gross Profit

 

New vehicle

 $604,135   56.5%  $38,586   6.4%  23.3%  $694,484   56.8% $45,994   6.6%  23.9%

Used vehicle retail

  280,734   26.3   41,641   14.8   25.2   310,475   25.4   44,067   14.2   22.9 

Used vehicle wholesale

  43,396   4.1   710   1.6   0.4   44,286   3.6   1,504   3.4   0.8 

Finance and insurance(1)

  37,132   3.5   37,132   100.0   22.5   43,838   3.6   43,838   100.0   22.8 

Service, body and parts

  97,784   9.1   46,991   48.1   28.4   114,337   9.4   56,182   49.1   29.2 

Fleet and other

  6,109   0.5   329   5.4   0.2   14,382   1.2   715   5.0   0.4 
 $1,069,290   100.0%  $165,389   15.5%  100.0%  $1,221,802   100.0% $192,300   15.7%  100.0%

 

Three months ended
September 30, 2012

 

Revenues

  

Percent of

Total

Revenues

  

Gross

Profit

  

Gross

Profit

Margin

  

Percent of

Total

Gross Profit

 

Three months ended
June 30, 2013

 

Revenues

  

Percent of

Total

Revenues

  

Gross

Profit

  

Gross

Profit

Margin

  

Percent of

Total

Gross Profit

 

New vehicle

 $491,846   56.0%  $35,093   7.1%  24.6%  $569,487   56.5% $38,788   6.8%  24.3%

Used vehicle retail

  227,157   25.9   33,272   14.6   23.3   258,465   25.6   38,893   15.0   24.3 

Used vehicle wholesale

  35,006   4.0   (36)  (0.1)  0.0   37,691   3.7   695   1.8   0.4 

Finance and insurance(1)

  30,929   3.5   30,929   100.0   21.7   34,218   3.4   34,218   100.0   21.4 

Service, body and parts

  89,038   10.1   43,005   48.3   30.2   94,462   9.4   46,693   49.4   29.2 

Fleet and other

  4,550   0.5   247   5.4   0.2   14,182   1.4   546   3.8   0.4 
 $878,526   100.0%  $142,510   16.2%  100.0%  $1,008,505   100.0% $159,833   15.8%  100.0%

 

Nine months ended
September 30, 2013

 

Revenues

  

Percent of

Total

Revenues

  

Gross

Profit

  

Gross

Profit

Margin

  

Percent of

Total

Gross Profit

 

Six months ended
June 30, 2014

 

Revenues

  

Percent of

Total

Revenues

  

Gross

Profit

  

Gross

Profit

Margin

  

Percent of

Total

Gross Profit

 

New vehicle

 $1,667,063   55.9%  $112,021   6.7%  23.8%  $1,274,006   55.4% $85,018   6.7%  23.3%

Used vehicle retail

  778,427   26.1   115,507   14.8   24.5   612,368   26.6   84,863   13.9   23.3 

Used vehicle wholesale

  120,593   4.0   2,379   2.0   0.5   86,979   3.8   2,835   3.3   0.8 

Finance and insurance(1)

  103,013   3.5   103,013  ��100.0   21.8   83,469   3.6   83,469   100.0   22.9 

Service, body and parts

  282,686   9.5   137,463   48.6   29.1   218,954   9.5   107,014   48.9   29.4 

Fleet and other

  29,093   1.0   1,277   4.4   0.3   24,132   1.1   1,162   4.8   0.3 
 $2,980,875   100.0%  $471,660   15.8%  100.0%  $2,299,908   100.0% $364,361   15.8%  100.0%

 

Nine months ended
September 30, 2012

 

Revenues

  

Percent of

Total

Revenues

  

Gross

Profit

  

Gross

Profit

Margin

  

Percent of

Total

Gross Profit

 

Six months ended
June 30, 2013

 

Revenues

  

Percent of

Total

Revenues

  

Gross

Profit

  

Gross

Profit

Margin

  

Percent of

Total

Gross Profit

 

New vehicle

 $1,340,731   55.0%  $98,911   7.4%  24.7%  $1,062,928   55.6% $73,435   6.9%  24.0%

Used vehicle retail

  625,117   25.6   92,540   14.8   23.1   497,693   26.0   73,866   14.8   24.1 

Used vehicle wholesale

  103,469   4.2   657   0.6   0.2   77,197   4.0   1,669   2.2   0.6 

Finance and insurance(1)

  82,989   3.4   82,989   100.0   20.7   65,881   3.5   65,881   100.0   21.5 

Service, body and parts

  258,038   10.6   124,814   48.4   31.1   184,902   9.7   90,472   48.9   29.5 

Fleet and other

  28,770   1.2   1,029   3.6   0.2   22,984   1.2   948   4.1   0.3 
 $2,439,114   100.0%  $400,940   16.4%  100.0%  $1,911,585   100.0% $306,271   16.0%  100.0%

(1)Commissions reported net of anticipated cancellations.


 

Same Store Operating Data

We believe that same store comparisons are a keyan important indicator of our financial performance. Same store metricsmeasures demonstrate our ability to profitably grow our revenue in ourbusiness at existing locations. As a result, same store comparisonsmeasures have been integrated into the discussion below.

 

A sameSame store metric representsmeasures reflect results for stores that were operating during the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013,in each comparison period and only includesinclude the months when operations occuroccurred in both comparable periods. For example, a store acquired in July 2012May 2013 would be included in same store operating data beginning in August 2013,June 2014, after its first full complete comparable month of operation, andoperation. The second quarter operating results for the same store comparisons would include results for that store in only the period of AugustJune for both comparable periods.


New Vehicle Revenue and Gross Profit

 

Three Months Ended

September 30,

  

Increase

  

% Increase

  

Three Months Ended

June 30,

  

Increase

  

% Increase

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

2013

  

2012

  

(Decrease)

  

(Decrease)

  

2014

  

2013

  

(Decrease)

  

(Decrease)

 

Reported

                                

Revenue

 $604,135  $491,846  $112,289   22.8% $694,484  $569,487  $124,997   21.9%

Gross profit

 $38,586  $35,093  $3,493   10.0  $45,994  $38,788  $7,206   18.6 

Gross margin

  6.4%  7.1%  

(70)

bp(1)      6.6%  6.8% 

(20)bp(1)

     
                                

Retail units sold

  18,109   14,841   3,268   22.0   20,446   17,024   3,422   20.1 

Average selling price per retail unit

 $33,361  $33,141  $220   0.7  $33,967  $33,452  $515   1.5 

Average gross profit per retail unit

 $2,131  $2,365  $(234)  (9.9) $2,250  $2,278  $(28)  (1.2)
                

Same store

                

Revenue

 $632,785  $566,862  $65,923   11.6%

Gross profit

 $41,711  $38,588  $3,123   8.1 

Gross margin

  6.6%  6.8% 

(20)bp

     
                

Retail units sold

  18,379   16,937   1,442   8.5 

Average selling price per retail unit

 $34,430  $33,469  $961   2.9 

Average gross profit per retail unit

 $2,269  $2,278  $(9)  (0.4)

 

Same store

                

Revenue

 $569,744  $492,063  $77,681   15.8%

Gross profit

 $35,995  $35,107  $888   2.5 

Gross margin

  6.3%  7.1%  

(80)

bp    
                 

Retail units sold

  17,048   14,846   2,202   14.8 

Average selling price per retail unit

 $33,420  $33,144  $276   0.8 

Average gross profit per retail unit

 $2,111  $2,365  $(254)  (10.7)

(1)A basis point is equal to 1/100th100th of one percent.

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

  

Increase

  

% Increase

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

2014

  

2013

  

(Decrease)

  

(Decrease)

 

Reported

                

Revenue

 $1,274,006  $1,062,928  $211,078   19.9%

Gross profit

 $85,018  $73,435  $11,583   15.8 

Gross margin

  6.7%  6.9% 

(20)bp(1)

     
                 

Retail units sold

  37,720   31,744   5,976   18.8 

Average selling price per retail unit

 $33,775  $33,484  $291   0.9 

Average gross profit per retail unit

 $2,254  $2,313  $(59)  (2.6)
                 

Same store

                

Revenue

 $1,175,760  $1,060,303  $115,457   10.9%

Gross profit

 $78,404  $73,235  $5,169   7.1 

Gross margin

  6.7%  6.9% 

(20)bp

     
                 

Retail units sold

  34,323   31,657   2,666   8.4 

Average selling price per retail unit

 $34,256  $33,493  $763   2.3 

Average gross profit per retail unit

 $2,284  $2,313  $(29)  (1.3)

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

  

Increase

  

% Increase

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

2013

  

2012

  

(Decrease)

  

(Decrease)

 

Reported

                

Revenue

 $1,667,063  $1,340,731  $326,332   24.3%

Gross profit

 $112,021  $98,911  $13,110   13.3 

Gross margin

  6.7%  7.4%  

(70

)bp    
                 

Retail units sold

  49,853   40,953   8,900   21.7 

Average selling price per retail unit

 $33,440  $32,738  $702   2.1 

Average gross profit per retail unit

 $2,247  $2,415  $(168)  (7.0)

Same store

                

Revenue

 $1,585,504  $1,336,187  $249,317   18.7%

Gross profit

 $105,498  $98,458  $7,040   7.2 

Gross margin

  6.7%  7.4%  

(70

)bp    
                 

Retail units sold

  47,411   40,816   6,595   16.2 

Average selling price per retail unit

 $33,442  $32,737  $705   2.2 

Average gross profit per retail unit

 $2,225  $2,412  $(187)  (7.8)

New vehicle sales improved primarily due to volume growth as same store unit sales increased 14.8%8.5% and 16.2%8.4%, respectively, in the three- and nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20132014 compared to the same periods in 2012.2013. The number of new vehicles sold in the U.S. during the first three and ninesix months of 20132014 grew approximately 9.1%4.2% compared to the same period of 2013.


During the three- and 8.0%, respectively,six-month periods ended June 30, 2014, same store unit sales increased in all three categories of new vehicles compared to the same periods of 2012.2013:

Our domestic brand same store unit sales grew 7.2% and 8.1%, respectively, compared to national domestic unit sales growth of 5.6% and 3.4%, respectively.

Our import brand same store unit sales grew 9.6% and 8.7%, respectively. National import brand unit sales grew 7.4% and 4.6%, respectively.

Our luxury brand same store unit sales grew 11.2% and 9.3%, respectively, compared to national luxury brand unit sales of 10.6% and 6.8%, respectively.

 

GrowthRecovery from the recession in our domestic and import brand sales has outpacedspecific markets is different than the growth experienced nationally. Our domestic brand same store unit sales grew 12.5% and 14.5%, respectively, while same store unit sales for import brands grew 19.7% and 19.4%, respectively, for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 compared to the same periods in 2012. Sales of our luxury brands remained consistent with national growth in the third quarter of 2013 and outpaced national growth in the first nine months of 2013. Same store unit sales for our luxury brands grew 9.1% and 12.8%, respectively, for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 compared to the same periods in 2012. We continue to focus on increasing our share of overall new vehicle sales within our markets. Additionally, certainaverage. Certain of our markets have seensaw an increase in local market sales volumes exceedingthat exceeded the national average, while others continued to lag behind the national average. As of the most recent data available, six of the twelve states we operate in, representing approximately 53% of our revenues for the six month period ended June 30, 2014, continue to be below the pre-recessionary vehicle registration levels experienced in 2006.


New vehicle gross profit dollars increased 10.0%18.6% and 13.3%15.8%, respectively, for the three- and nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20132014 compared to the same periods of 2012.2013. On a same store basis, gross profit increased 2.5%8.1% and 7.2%7.1%, respectively, for the three- and nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 2013.2014. These increases were due to a greater number of vehicles sold, slightly offset by lower gross profit per unit and lower gross margin.margins.

 

We focus on gross profit dollars earned per unit, not aon gross margin percentage. On a same store basis, the average gross profit per new retail unit decreased $254$9 and $187,$29, respectively, for the three- and nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20132014 compared to the same periods of 2012. These decreases were2013. This decrease was primarily due to the strategic decision to increase market share through lower retail pricing. Additionally, certain manufacturer incentives are tied to increases in units sold per store, and, given consecutive years of significant unit sales increases, these objectives have been more difficult to achieve in 2013 than in prior years, resulting in lower total incentive dollars earned.

 

We believe increasingIncreasing new unit sales creates additional used vehicle trade-in opportunities, finance and insurance sales and future service work. We believe the incremental business generated in future periods will more than offset the lower new vehicle gross profit per unit that has occurred with the pursuit of our volume-based strategy.

Used Vehicle Retail Revenue and Gross Profit

  

Three Months Ended

September 30,

         

(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

2013

  

2012

  

Increase

  

% Increase

 

Reported

                

Retail revenue

 $280,734  $227,157  $53,577   23.6%

Retail gross profit

 $41,641  $33,272  $8,369   25.2 

Retail gross margin

  14.8%  14.6%  

20

bp    
                 

Retail units sold

  15,496   13,211   2,285   17.3 

Average selling price per retail unit

 $18,117  $17,195  $922   5.4 

Average gross profit per retail unit

 $2,687  $2,519  $168   6.7 

 

Three Months Ended

June 30,

  

Increase

  

% Increase

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

2014

  

2013

  

(Decrease)

  

(Decrease)

 

Reported

                

Retail revenue

 $310,475  $258,465  $52,010   20.1%

Retail gross profit

 $44,067  $38,893  $5,174   13.3 

Retail gross margin

  14.2%  15.0% 

(80)bp

     
                

Retail units sold

  16,086   14,074   2,012   14.3 

Average selling price per retail unit

 $19,301  $18,365  $936   5.1 

Average gross profit per retail unit

 $2,739  $2,763  $(24)  (0.9)
                

Same store

                                

Retail revenue

 $265,734  $227,311  $38,423   16.9% $285,555  $257,754  $27,801   10.8%

Retail gross profit

 $39,766  $33,312  $6,454   19.4  $41,011  $38,799  $2,212   5.7 

Retail gross margin

  15.0%  14.7%  

30

bp      14.4%  15.1% 

(70)bp

     
                                

Retail units sold

  14,690   13,223   1,467   11.1   14,709   14,033   676   4.8 

Average selling price per retail unit

 $18,089  $17,191  $898   5.2  $19,414  $18,368  $1,046   5.7 

Average gross profit per retail unit

 $2,707  $2,519  $188   7.5  $2,788  $2,765  $23   0.8 

  

 

 

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

         

(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

2013

  

2012

  

Increase

  

% Increase

 

Reported

                

Retail revenue

 $778,427  $625,117  $153,310   24.5%

Retail gross profit

 $115,507  $92,540  $22,967   24.8 

Retail gross margin

  14.8%  14.8%  

0

bp    
                 

Retail units sold

  43,231   36,022   7,209   20.0 

Average selling price per retail unit

 $18,006  $17,354  $652   3.8 

Average gross profit per retail unit

 $2,672  $2,569  $103   4.0 

 

Six Months Ended

June 30,

  

Increase

  

% Increase

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

2014

  

2013

  

(Decrease)

  

(Decrease)

 

Reported

                

Retail revenue

 $612,368  $497,693  $114,675   23.0%

Retail gross profit

 $84,863  $73,866  $10,997   14.9 

Retail gross margin

  13.9%  14.8% 

(90)bp

     
                

Retail units sold

  32,402   27,735   4,667   16.8 

Average selling price per retail unit

 $18,899  $17,945  $954   5.3 

Average gross profit per retail unit

 $2,619  $2,663  $(44)  (1.7)
                

Same store

                                

Retail revenue

 $739,487  $622,080  $117,407   18.9% $570,759  $496,982  $73,777   14.8%

Retail gross profit

 $110,616  $92,251  $18,365   19.9  $79,820  $73,765  $6,055   8.2 

Retail gross margin

  15.0%  14.8%  

20

bp      14.0%  14.8% 

(80)bp

     
                                

Retail units sold

  41,197   35,841   5,356   14.9   29,964   27,694   2,270   8.2 

Average selling price per retail unit

 $17,950  $17,357  $593   3.4  $19,048  $17,945  $1,103   6.1 

Average gross profit per retail unit

 $2,685  $2,574  $111   4.3  $2,664  $2,664  $-   - 

 

Used vehicle retail sales are a strategic focus for organic growth. We offer three categories of used vehicles: manufacturer certified pre-owned vehicles; core vehicles, or late modelthree-to-seven-year-old vehicles with lower-mileage;below certain mileage limitations; and value autos, or older vehicles with over 80,000 miles.higher mileage. Additionally, our volume-based strategy for new vehicle sales increases the organic opportunity to convert vehicles acquired via trade to retail used vehicle sales.

 

During the three- and nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 2013,2014, sales increased in all three categories of used vehicles compared to the same periods of 2012:2013:

 

Same store unit sales for manufacturer certified pre-owned vehicles increased 24.3%11.3% and 31.0%19.0%, respectively.

 

Same store unit sales for the corelate model, lower-mileage vehicle category increased 8.3%2.7% and 7.5%5.2%, respectively.

 

Same store unit sales for the value auto category increased 8.7%4.1% and 20.1%6.7%, respectively.

 

OurSame store used vehicle retail used-to-new vehicle sales ratio was 0.9:1revenue grew 10.8% and 14.8%, respectively, for the three- and nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 2013 and 2012. 2014 compared to the same periods of 2013. An increasing supply of late model vehicles caused our certified pre-owned segment to grow more quickly than the other categories, resulting in revenue outpacing unit growth.

On average, each of our stores currently sells approximately 5755 retail used vehicle units per month, and wecompared to 51 in the same period of 2013. We target increasing average sales to 75 units per month.

 

Used retail vehicle gross profit dollars increased 25.2%13.3% and 24.8%14.9%, respectively, for the three- and nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20132014 compared to the same periods of 2012.2013. On a same store basis, gross profit increased 19.4%5.7% and 19.9%8.2%, respectively, for the three- and nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20132014 compared to the same periods of 2012.2013. These increases were related to both volume growth and increasesoffset by a decrease in the average gross profit per unit sold.margins as growth in certified pre-owned vehicles, which have a lower gross margin percentage, outpaced growth in our other used vehicle categories. Similar to new vehicle sales, we focus on gross profit dollars earned per unit, not on gross margin percentage, in evaluating our sales performance.

 

 

Used Vehicle Wholesale Revenue and Gross Profit

  

Three Months Ended

September 30,

         

(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

2013

  

2012

  

Increase

  

% Increase

 

Reported

                

Wholesale revenue

 $43,396  $35,006  $8,390   24.0%

Wholesale gross profit

 $710  $(36) $746   

NM

 

Wholesale gross margin

  1.6%  (0.1)%  

170

bp    
                 

Wholesale units sold

  6,059   5,142   917   17.8 

Average selling price per wholesale unit

 $7,162  $6,808  $354   5.2 

Average gross profit per retail unit

 $117  $(7) $124   

NM

 

  

Three Months Ended

June 30,

         

(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

2014

  

2013

  

Increase

  

% Increase

 

Reported

                

Wholesale revenue

 $44,286  $37,691  $6,595   17.5%

Wholesale gross profit

 $1,504  $695  $809   116.4 

Wholesale gross margin

  3.4%  1.8% 

160bp

     
                 

Wholesale units sold

  6,047   5,241   806   15.4 

Average selling price per wholesale unit

 $7,324  $7,192  $132   1.8 

Average gross profit per retail unit

 $249  $133  $116   87.2 
                 

Same store

                

Wholesale revenue

 $41,937  $37,692  $4,245   11.3%

Wholesale gross profit

 $1,444  $748  $696   93.0 

Wholesale gross margin

  3.4%  2.0% 

140bp

     
                 

Wholesale units sold

  5,649   5,241   408   7.8 

Average selling price per wholesale unit

 $7,424  $7,192  $232   3.2 

Average gross profit per retail unit

 $256  $143  $113   79.0 

 

Same store

                

Wholesale revenue

 $41,371  $35,084  $6,287   17.9%

Wholesale gross profit

 $642  $(32) $674   NM 

Wholesale gross margin

  1.6%  (0.1)%  

170

bp    
                 

Wholesale units sold

  5,783   5,148   635   12.3 

Average selling price per wholesale unit

 $7,154  $6,815  $339   5.0 

Average gross profit per retail unit

 $111  $(6) $117   NM 

NM – not meaningful

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

  

Increase

  

% Increase

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

2013

  

2012

  

(Decrease)

  

(Decrease)

 

Reported

                

Wholesale revenue

 $120,593  $103,469  $17,124   16.5%

Wholesale gross profit

 $2,379  $657  $1,722   262.1 

Wholesale gross margin

  2.0%  0.6%  140bp    
                 

Wholesale units sold

  16,624   14,135   2,489   17.6 

Average selling price per wholesale unit

 $7,254  $7,320  $(66)  (0.9)

Average gross profit per retail unit

 $143  $46  $97   210.9 

 

Six Months Ended

June 30,

         

(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

2014

  

2013

  

Increase

  

% Increase

 

Reported

                

Wholesale revenue

 $86,979  $77,197  $9,782   12.7%

Wholesale gross profit

 $2,835  $1,669  $1,166   69.9 

Wholesale gross margin

  3.3%  2.2% 

110bp

     
                

Wholesale units sold

  11,900   10,565   1,335   12.6 

Average selling price per wholesale unit

 $7,309  $7,307  $2   - 

Average gross profit per retail unit

 $238  $158  $80   50.6 
                

Same store

                                

Wholesale revenue

 $113,417  $102,892  $10,525   10.2% $83,060  $77,172  $5,888   7.6%

Wholesale gross profit

 $2,402  $712  $1,690   237.4  $2,758  $1,781  $977   54.9 

Wholesale gross margin

  2.1%  0.7%  140bp      3.3%  2.3% 

100bp

     
                                

Wholesale units sold

  15,752   14,046   1,706   12.1   11,200   10,564   636   6.0 

Average selling price per wholesale unit

 $7,200  $7,325  $(125)  (1.7) $7,416  $7,305  $111   1.5 

Average gross profit per retail unit

 $152  $51  $101   198.0  $246  $169  $77   45.6 

 

Wholesale transactions are vehicles we have purchased from customers or vehicles we have attempted to sell via retail that we elect to dispose of due to inventory age or other factors. Wholesale vehicles are typically sold at or near inventory cost and do not comprise a meaningful component of our gross profit.

Finance and Insurance

  

Three Months Ended

June 30,

      

%

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

2014

  

2013

  

Increase

  

Increase

 

Reported

                

Revenue

 $43,838  $34,218  $9,620   28.1%

Average finance and insurance per retail unit

 $1,200  $1,100  $100   9.1%
                 

Same store

                

Revenue

 $39,892  $34,139  $5,753   16.9%

Average finance and insurance per retail unit

 $1,206  $1,102  $104   9.4%

  

 

 

Finance and Insurance

  

Three Months Ended

September 30,

      

%

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

2013

  

2012

  

Increase

  

Increase

 

Reported

                

Revenue

 $37,132  $30,929  $6,203   20.1%

Average finance and insurance per retail unit

 $1,105  $1,103  $2   0.2%
                 

Same store

                

Revenue

 $35,110  $30,003  $5,107   17.0%

Average finance and insurance per retail unit

 $1,106  $1,069  $37   3.5%

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

      

%

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

      

%

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

2013

  

2012

  

Increase

  

Increase

  

2014

  

2013

  

Increase

  

Increase

 

Reported

                                

Revenue

 $103,013  $82,989  $20,024   24.1% $83,469  $65,881  $17,588   26.7%

Average finance and insurance per retail unit

 $1,107  $1,078  $29   2.7% $1,190  $1,108  $82   7.4%
                                

Same store

                                

Revenue

 $97,671  $80,983  $16,688   20.6% $77,322  $65,810  $11,512   17.5%

Average finance and insurance per retail unit

 $1,102  $1,056  $46   4.4% $1,203  $1,109  $94   8.5%

 

The increases in finance and insurance sales were driven by increased vehicle sales volume and higher retail prices in the three- and nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20132014 compared to the same periods of 2012. The availability of consumer credit continued to expand through the first nine months of 2013 with lenders increasing the average loan-to-value amount available to most customers. Additionally, we increased our penetration rate2013. Penetration rates on arranging financing for our customers and the sale of extended service contracts.contracts also increased. As a result, our average finance and insurance revenue per retail unit increased. We continue to see the availability of consumer credit expand in 2014 with lenders increasing the average loan-to-value amount available to most customers.

 

Penetration rates for specific categories of products were as follows:

 

  

Three Months Ended

September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
  

2013

  

2012

  

2013

  

2012

 

Arranged financing

  79%   77%   78%   76% 

Service contracts

  42   41   42   41 

Lifetime oil change and filter

  36   35   36   36 
  

Three Months Ended

June 30,

  

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 
  

2014

  

2013

  

2014

  

2013

 

Finance and insurance

  80%  78%  79%  77%

Service contracts

  43   42   43   42 

Lifetime lube, oil and filter contracts

  36   37   37   36 

 


 

Service, Body and Parts Revenue and Gross Profit

 

Three Months Ended

September 30,

  

Increase

      

Three Months Ended

June 30,

  

Increase

     

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2013

  

2012

  

(Decrease)

  

% Increase

  

2014

  

2013

  

(Decrease)

  

% Increase

 

Reported

                                

Customer pay

 $55,194  $50,736  $4,458   8.8%  $64,331  $53,243  $11,088   20.8%

Warranty

  15,716   13,491   2,225   16.5   19,908   15,707   4,201   26.7 

Wholesale parts

  17,949   16,101   1,848   11.5   19,950   16,916   3,034   17.9 

Body shop

  8,925   8,710   215   2.5   10,148   8,596   1,552   18.1 

Total service, body and parts

 $97,784  $89,038  $8,746   9.8%  $114,337  $94,462  $19,875   21.0%
                                

Service, body and parts gross profit

 $46,991  $43,005  $3,986   9.3%  $56,182  $46,693  $9,489   20.3%

Service, body and parts gross margin

  48.1%  48.3%  (20)bp      49.1%  49.4% 

(30)bp

     
               

Same store

                

Customer pay

 $58,109  $52,932  $5,177   9.8%

Warranty

  17,980   15,627   2,353   15.1 

Wholesale parts

  18,257   16,879   1,378   8.2 

Body shop

  9,424   8,596   828   9.6 

Total service, body and parts

 $103,770  $94,034  $9,736   10.4%
                

Service, body and parts gross profit

 $50,988  $46,452  $4,536   9.8%

Service, body and parts gross margin

  49.1%  49.4% 

(30)bp

     

 

Same store

                

Customer pay

 $52,655  $50,713  $1,942   3.8% 

Warranty

  14,920   13,488   1,432   10.6 

Wholesale parts

  17,438   16,078   1,360   8.5 

Body shop

  8,925   8,710   215   2.5 

Total service, body and parts

 $93,938  $88,989  $4,949   5.6% 
                 

Service, body and parts gross profit

 $44,281  $42,034  $2,247   5.3% 

Service, body and parts gross margin

  47.1%  47.2%  (10)bp    

 

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

         

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2013

  

2012

  

Increase

  

% Increase

 

Reported

                

Customer pay

 $157,753  $145,570  $12,183   8.4% 

Warranty

  45,764   39,052   6,712   17.2 

Wholesale parts

  52,215   47,921   4,294   9.0 

Body shop

  26,954   25,495   1,459   5.7 

Total service, body and parts

 $282,686  $258,038  $24,648   9.6% 
                 

Service, body and parts gross profit

 $137,463  $124,814  $12,649   10.1% 

Service, body and parts gross margin

  48.6%  48.4%  20bp    

 

Six Months Ended

June 30,

  

Increase

     

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2014

  

2013

  

(Decrease)

  

% Increase

 

Reported

                

Customer pay

 $121,160  $102,561  $18,599   18.1%

Warranty

  37,826   30,047   7,779   25.9 

Wholesale parts

  39,744   34,266   5,478   16.0 

Body shop

  20,224   18,028   2,196   12.2 

Total service, body and parts

 $218,954  $184,902  $34,052   18.4%
                

Service, body and parts gross profit

 $107,014  $90,472  $16,542   18.3%

Service, body and parts gross margin

  48.9%  48.9%  -     
                

Same store

                                

Customer pay

 $151,530  $144,774  $6,756   4.7%  $111,382  $102,252  $9,130   8.9%

Warranty

  43,846   38,778   5,068   13.1   34,793   29,967   4,826   16.1 

Wholesale parts

  50,800   47,740   3,060   6.4   37,023   34,230   2,793   8.2 

Body shop

  26,954   25,490   1,464   5.7   19,501   18,028   1,473   8.2 

Total service, body and parts

 $273,130  $256,782  $16,348   6.4%  $202,699  $184,477  $18,222   9.9%
                                

Service, body and parts gross profit

 $130,208  $121,537  $8,671   7.1%  $98,906  $90,277  $8,629   9.6%

Service, body and parts gross margin

  47.7%  47.3%  40bp      48.8%  48.9% 

(10)bp

     

 

Our service, body and parts sales grew in all areas in the three- and nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20132014 compared to the prior year periods. same periods of 2013. There are more late model vehicles in operation as new vehicle sales volumes have been increasing since 2010. We believe our sales in this area may increase in the coming years as more late model vehicles require repairs and maintenance.

We focus on retaining customers by offering competitively priced routine maintenance and increasing our marketing efforts. We increased our same store customer pay business 3.8%9.8% and 4.7%8.9%, respectively, in the three- and nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20132014 compared to the same periods in 2012.2013.

 

In the three- and nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20132014 compared to the same periods of 2012,2013, same store warranty sales increased 10.6%15.1% and 13.1%16.1%, respectively. Domestic brandIn 2014, several franchises, including General Motors, Chrysler and Toyota, have announced significant vehicle recalls. These recalls have increased warranty work increased 3.3% and 1.8%, import warranty work increased 24.6% and 24.6%, and luxury warranty work increased 10.9% and 20.7%, respectively. Import and luxury warranty work increased primarilysales. Additionally, we continue to see increases due to recent recalls on certain modelsthe growing numbers of vehicles in 2013. Additionally, certain import and luxury franchises include routineoperation. Routine maintenance, such as oil changes, offered by certain franchises including BMW, Toyota and General Motors for two to four years after a new vehicle is sold, which is included asprovides for future work. Domestic brand warranty work. As a result, increasing new vehicle unit saleswork increased 37.6% and 33.1%, respectively, and import warranty work increased 6.7% and 7.0%, respectively, in these franchises also contributedthe three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 compared to the period-over-period increases insame periods of 2013. Luxury warranty revenue.work decreased 4.2% for the three-month period ended June 30, 2014 compared to the same period of 2013, and increased 2.4% for the six-month period ended June 30, 2014 compared to the same period of 2013.


 

Wholesale parts represented 18.6%17.6% and 18.3% of our same store service, body and parts revenue mix in the first three and ninesix months of 2013,2014 and 18.1%17.9% and 18.6% in the first three and ninesix months of 2012, respectively.2013. Wholesale parts grew 8.5% and 6.4%, respectively,8.2% in the first three and ninesix months of 20132014 compared to the same periods of 2012.2013. We believe this increase is a function of targeting fleet and mechanical wholesale accounts.

 

Body shop represented 9.5%9.1% and 9.9%9.6% of our same store service, body and parts revenue mix in the first three and ninesix months of 2013,2014, and 9.8%9.1% and 9.9%9.8% in the first three and ninesix months of 2012, respectively.2013. Body shop grew 2.5%9.6% and 5.7%, respectively,8.2% in the first three and ninesix months of 20132014 compared to the same periods of 2012.2013. This increase is a result of obtaining additional direct repair relationships with insurance companies and certain personnel changes we made in 2014 that increased productivity and volume.


 

Service, body and parts gross profit increased 9.3%20.3% and 10.1%, respectively,18.3% for the three- and nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20132014 compared to the same periods of 2012. On a2013, which is in line with our revenue growth. Our gross margins were consistent in the first three and six months of 2014 compared to the same store basis, gross profit increased 5.3% and 7.1%, respectively, for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30,of 2013. These increases were mainly due to sales growth in all service, body and parts areas.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expense (“SG&A”)

SG&A includes salaries and related personnel expenses, advertising (net of manufacturer cooperative advertising credits), rent, facility costs, and other general corporate expenses.

 

 

Three Months Ended

September 30,

  

Increase

  

% Increase

  

Three Months Ended

June 30,

  

Increase

  

% Increase

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2013

  

2012

  

(Decrease)

  

(Decrease)

  

2014

  

2013

  

(Decrease)

  

(Decrease)

 

Personnel

 $70,676  $62,258  $8,418   13.5%  $85,332  $70,692  $14,640   20.7%

Advertising

  10,762   8,868   1,894   21.4   10,374   9,700   674   6.9 

Rent

  3,421   3,646   (225)  (6.2)   3,757   3,324   433   13.0 

Facility costs

  6,222   6,021   201   3.3   7,301   6,658   643   9.7 

Other

  17,489   14,339   3,150   22.0   18,699   18,909   (210)  (1.1)

Total SG&A

 $108,570  $95,132  $13,438   14.1%  $125,463  $109,283  $16,180   14.8%

 

 

Three Months Ended

September 30,

  

Increase

  

Three Months Ended

June 30,

  

Increase

 

As a % of gross profit

 

2013

  

2012

  

(Decrease)

  

2014

  

2013

  

(Decrease)

 

Personnel

  42.7%  43.7%  (100)bp  44.4%  44.2% 

20 bp

 

Advertising

  6.5   6.2   30   5.4   6.1   (70)

Rent

  2.1   2.6   (50)  2.0   2.1   (10)

Facility costs

  3.8   4.2   (40)  3.8   4.2   (40)

Other

  10.5   10.1   40   9.6   11.8   (220)

Total SG&A

  65.6%  66.8%  (120)bp  65.2%  68.4% 

(320) bp

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

  

Increase

  

% Increase

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

         

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2013

  

2012

  

(Decrease)

  

(Decrease)

  

2014

  

2013

  

Increase

  

% Increase

 

Personnel

 $208,500  $181,749  $26,751   14.7%  $166,008  $137,824  $28,184   20.4%

Advertising

  29,364   22,956   6,408   27.9   20,059   18,602   1,457   7.8 

Rent

  10,473   11,381   (908)  (8.0)   7,318   7,053   265   3.8 

Facility costs

  19,548   17,903   1,645   9.2   14,885   13,327   1,558   11.7 

Other

  51,099   42,572   8,527   20.0   39,022   33,608   5,414   16.1 

Total SG&A

 $318,984  $276,561  $42,423   15.3%  $247,292  $210,414  $36,878   17.5%

 


 

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

  

Increase

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

  

Increase

 

As a % of gross profit

 

2013

  

2012

  

(Decrease)

  

2014

  

2013

  

(Decrease)

 

Personnel

  44.2%  45.3%  (110)bp   45.6%  45.0% 

60 bp

 

Advertising

  6.2   5.7   50   5.5   6.1   (60)

Rent

  2.2   2.8   (60)   2.0   2.3   (30)

Facility costs

  4.1   4.5   (40)   4.1   4.3   (20)

Other

  10.9   10.7   20   10.7   11.0   (30)

Total SG&A

  67.6%  69.0%  (140)bp   67.9%  68.7% 

(80) bp

 

 

SG&A expense increased $13.4$16.2 and $36.9 million and $42.4 million, respectively, in the three- and nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20132014 compared to the same periods in 2012. These increases were2013. SG&A as a percentage of gross profit was 65.2% and 68.4%, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, and 67.9% and 68.7%, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.

The increase in SG&A expense was primarily driven by increased variable costs associated with improved sales and increasesan increase in advertising asstore count. Additionally, during the first quarter of 2014, we focused on gaining market share. Additionally, duringrecorded non-core charges of $3.9 million related to a reserve associated with a lawsuit filed in 2006 and settled in 2013, a charge for a hailstorm and a reserve for a contract assumed in an acquisition. In the second quarter of 2013,2014, we recorded a $3.8non-core charges of $0.2 million expense associated with a non-core legal reserve related to acquisition expenses for the settlement of a claim filed in 2006.pending combination with DCH Auto Group.

 


SG&A expense adjusted for non-core charges was as follows (in thousands):

  

Three Months Ended

June 30,

         

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2014

  

2013

  

Increase

  

% Increase

 

Personnel

 $85,332  $70,692  $14,640   20.7%

Advertising

  10,374   9,700   674   6.9 

Rent

  3,757   3,324   433   13.0 

Facility costs

  7,301   6,658   643   9.7 

Adjusted other

  18,536   15,096   3,440   22.8 

Adjusted total SG&A

 $125,300  $105,470  $19,830   18.8%

  

Three Months Ended

June 30,

  

Increase

 

As a % of gross profit

 

2014

  

2013

  

(Decrease)

 

Personnel

  44.4%  44.2% 

20 bp

 

Advertising

  5.4   6.1   (70)

Rent

  2.0   2.1   (10)

Facility costs

  3.8   4.2   (40)

Adjusted other

  9.6   9.4   20 

Adjusted total SG&A

  65.2%  66.0% 

(80) bp

 

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

         

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2014

  

2013

  

Increase

  

% Increase

 

Personnel

 $166,008  $137,824  $28,184   20.4%

Advertising

  20,059   18,602   1,457   7.8 

Rent

  7,318   7,053   265   3.8 

Facility costs

  14,885   13,326   1,559   11.7 

Adjusted other

  34,928   29,796   5,132   17.2 

Adjusted total SG&A

 $243,198  $206,601  $36,597   17.7%

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

  

Increase

 

As a % of gross profit

 

2014

  

2013

  

(Decrease)

 

Personnel

  45.6%  45.0% 

60 bp

 

Advertising

  5.5   6.1   (60)

Rent

  2.0   2.3   (30)

Facility costs

  4.1   4.4   (30)

Adjusted other

  9.5   9.7   (20)

Adjusted total SG&A

  66.7%  67.5% 

(80) bp

 

Excluding the non-core charges of $0.2 million and $4.1 million, adjusted SG&A as a percentage of gross profit was 65.6%65.2% and 66.8%66.7%, respectively, for the three and six months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2013 and 2012, and 67.6% and 69.0%, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012. Excluding the non-core legal reserve, SG&A as a percentage of gross profit was 66.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.2014. See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for more details. As sales volume increases and we gainfurther leverage in our cost structure, we anticipate maintaining SG&A as a percentage of gross profit in the mid to upper 60% range.


 

We also measure the leverage of our cost structure by evaluating throughput, which is the incremental percentage of gross profit retained after deducting SG&A expense.

 

 

Three Months Ended

September 30,

      

% of

Change in

  

Three Months Ended

June 30,

      

% of

Change in

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2013

  

2012

  

Change

  

Gross Profit

  

2014

  

2013

  

Change

  

Gross Profit

 

Gross profit

 $165,389  $142,510  $22,879   100.0% $192,300  $159,833  $32,467   100.0%

SG&A expense

  (108,570)  (95,132)  (13,438)  (58.7)  (125,463)  (109,283)  (16,180)  (49.8)

Throughput contribution

         $9,441   41.3%         $16,287   50.2%

 

  

Three Months Ended

September 30,

      

% of

Change in

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2012

  

2011

  

Change

  

Gross Profit

 

Gross profit

 $142,510  $118,798  $23,712   100.0%

SG&A expense

  (95,132)  (83,135)  (11,997)  (50.6)

Throughput contribution

         $11,715   49.4%

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

      

% of

Change in

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2013

  

2012

  

Change

  

Gross Profit

 

Gross profit

 $471,660  $400,940  $70,720   100.0%

SG&A expense

  (318,984)  (276,561)  (42,423)  (60.0)

Throughput contribution

         $28,297   40.0%

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

      

% of

Change in

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2012

  

2011

  

Change

  

Gross Profit

 

Gross profit

 $400,940  $332,431  $68,509   100.0%

SG&A expense

  (276,561)  (238,332)  (38,229)  (55.8)

Throughput contribution

         $30,280   44.2%


  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

      

% of

Change in

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2014

  

2013

  

Change

  

Gross Profit

 

Gross profit

 $364,361  $306,271  $58,090   100.0%

SG&A expense

  (247,292)  (210,414)  (36,878)  (63.5)

Throughput contribution

         $21,212   36.5%

 

Throughput, adjustedexcluding non-core charges, was 38.9% and 37.0% for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2014. These non-core items includingcharges were $0.2 million and $4.1 million, respectively, for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and $3.8 million legal reserve recorded in the second quarter of 2013, was 46.4% for the nine-month periodthree- and six-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 2013. See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for more details.

 

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

      

% of

Change in

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2013

  

2012

  

Change

  

Gross Profit

 

Gross profit

 $471,660  $400,940  $70,720   100.0%

Adjusted SG&A expense

  (315,172)  (277,300)  (37,872)  (53.6)

Adjusted throughput contribution

         $32,848   46.4%

Throughput contributions for newly opened or acquired stores are on a “first dollar” basis forreduce overall throughput as in the first twelve monthsyear of operations. operation, a store’s throughput is equal to the inverse of its SG&A as a percentage of gross profit. For example, a store which achieves SG&A as a percentage of gross profit of 70% will have throughput of 30% in the first year of operation.

We acquired fourthirteen stores and opened onetwo new storestores since the thirdfirst quarter of 2012.2013. Adjusting for these locations and the non-core legal reserve,adjustments discussed above, our throughput contribution on a same store basis was estimated at 41.4%50.5% and 49.6%, respectively,45.7% for the three- and nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 2013. Lower gross margins, increased advertising spend and periodic adjustments to certain reserve accounts contributed to the shortfall in our throughput objective.2014. We continue to target a same store throughput contribution of approximately 50%.

Depreciation and Amortization 

Depreciation and amortization is comprised of depreciation expense related to buildings, significant remodels or improvements, furniture, tools, equipment and signage and amortization of certain intangible assets, including customer lists and non-compete agreements.

 

 

Three Months Ended

September 30,

      

%

  

Three Months Ended

June 30,

      

%

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2013

  

2012

  

Increase

  

Increase

  

2014

  

2013

  

Increase

  

Increase

 

Depreciation and amortization

 $5,099  $4,351  $748   17.2% $5,825  $4,899  $926   18.9%

 

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

      

%

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

      

%

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2013

  

2012

  

Increase

  

Increase

  

2014

  

2013

  

Increase

  

Increase

 

Depreciation and amortization

 $14,719  $12,687  $2,032   16.0% $11,332  $9,620  $1,712   17.8%

 

Depreciation and amortization for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20132014, increased compared to the same periods of 20122013 as we purchased previously leased facilities, built new facilities subsequent to the acquisition of stores and invested in improvements at our facilities and replacement of equipment. These investments increase the amount of depreciable assets and amortizable expenses. In the full year of 2013 and the first ninesix months of 2013,2014, we had capital expenditures of $33.8$50.0 million and in the full year of 2012, we had capital expenditures of $64.6 million.$35.2 million, respectively. 

 


Operating Income

Operating income was 4.8%5.0% and 4.9%4.5% of revenue for the three-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20132014 and 2012,2013, respectively. Operating income as a percentage of revenue was 4.6% and 4.5% for the nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20132014 and 2012.2013. Operating margin adjusted for non-core charges was 5.0% and 4.8% for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2014. See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for more details. We continue to focus on cost control, which allows us to leverage our cost structure in an environment of improving sales.

 

Floor Plan Interest Expense and Floor Plan Assistance

Floor plan interest expense decreased $0.5increased $0.2 million in the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20132014 compared to the same period of 2012.2013. Changes in the average outstanding balances on our floor plan facilities increased the expense $0.2$0.9 million, changes in the interest rates on our floor plan facilities increased the expense $0.1 million and the maturity of three interest rate swaps decreased the expense $0.8$0.6 million and interest rate swap activity decreased the expense $0.1 million during the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20132014 compared to the same period of 2012.2013.


 

Floor plan interest expense increased $0.1decreased $0.3 million in the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20132014 compared to the same period of 2012.2013. Changes in the average outstanding balances on our floor plan facilities increased the expense $2.2$1.5 million, changes in the interest rates on our floor plan facilities decreased the expense $0.5$1.1 million and the maturity of three interest rate swaps further decreased the expense $1.6$0.7 million during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20132014 compared to the same period of 2012.2013.

Floor plan assistance is provided by manufacturers to support store financing of new vehicle inventory. FloorUnder accounting standards, floor plan assistance is recorded as a component of new vehicle gross profit when athe specific vehicle is sold. However, because manufacturers provide this assistance to offset inventory carrying costs, we believe a comparison of floor plan interest expense to floor plan assistance is a useful measure of the efficiency of our new vehicle sales relative to stocking levels.

 

The following tables detail the carrying costs for new vehicles and include new vehicle floor plan interest net of floor plan assistance earned.

 

 

Three Months Ended

September 30,

      

%

  

Three Months Ended

June 30,

      

%

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2013

  

2012

  

Change

  

Change

  

2014

  

2013

  

Change

  

Change

 

Floor plan interest expense (new vehicles)

 $2,909  $3,370  $(461)  (13.7)% $3,215  $3,036  $179   5.9%

Floor plan assistance (included as an offset to cost of sales)

  (5,666)  (4,401)  1,265   28.7   (6,806)  (5,354)  1,452   27.1 

Net new vehicle carrying costs

 $(2,757) $(1,031) $1,726   167.4% $(3,591) $(2,318) $1,273   (54.9)%

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

      

%

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

      

%

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2013

  

2012

  

Change

  

Change

  

2014

  

2013

  

Change

  

Change

 

Floor plan interest expense (new vehicles)

 $9,394  $9,326  $68   0.7% $6,199  $6,485  $(286)  (4.4)%

Floor plan assistance (included as an offset to cost of sales)

  (15,431)  (12,231)  3,200   26.2   (12,424)  (9,765)  2,659   27.2 

Net new vehicle carrying costs

 $(6,037) $(2,905) $3,132   107.8% $(6,225) $(3,280) $2,945   (89.8)%


Other Interest Expense

Other interest expense includes interest on debt incurred related to acquisitions, real estate mortgages, our used vehicle inventory financing facility and our revolving line of credit.

 

 

Three Months Ended

September 30,

  

Increase

  

% Increase

  

Three Months Ended

June 30,

  

Increase

  

% Increase

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2013

  

2012

  

(Decrease)

  

(Decrease)

  

2014

  

2013

  

(Decrease)

  

(Decrease)

 

Mortgage interest

 $1,523  $1,868  $(345)  (18.5)% $1,446  $1,505  $(59)  (3.9)%

Other interest

  431   320   111   34.7   523   451   72   16.0 

Capitalized interest

  (21)  (63)  (42)  (66.7)  (100)  (15)  85   566.7 

Total other interest expense

 $1,933  $2,125  $(192)  (9.0)% $1,869  $1,941  $(72)  (3.7)%

 

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

      

%

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

  

Increase

  

% Increase

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2013

  

2012

  

Decrease

  

Decrease

  

2014

  

2013

  

(Decrease)

  

(Decrease)

 

Mortgage interest

 $5,014  $6,330  $(1,316)  (20.8)% $3,004  $3,491  $(487)  (14.0)%

Other interest

  1,277   1,307   (30)  (2.3)  969   846   123   14.5 

Capitalized interest

  (56)  (255)  (199)  (78.0)  (130)  (35)  95   271.4 

Total other interest expense

 $6,235  $7,382  $(1,147)  (15.5)% $3,843  $4,302  $(459)  (10.7)%

 

Total otherOther interest expense decreased $0.2 million$0.1 and $1.1$0.5 million, respectively, in the first three and ninesix months of 20132014 compared to the same periods of 2012.2013. In the full year of 2012 and first nine months of 2013, we had net mortgage reductions of $1.5used excess cash to pay off $25.8 million and $26.4 million, respectively,in mortgages, which contributed to the decrease. In addition, we refinanced mortgages at lower interest rates, which lowered interest expense. Total otherOther interest expense also decreasedincreased due to lowerhigher volumes of borrowing on our credit facility.facility, offset by an increase in capitalized interest.


 

Other Income, Net

Other income, net primarily includes interest income and the gains related to an equity investment. Other income, net was $0.8$1.1 million and $0.5$0.6 million for the three-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 2014 and 2013, and 2012, and $2.2$2.1 million and $1.8$1.4 million for the nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20132014 and 2012,2013, respectively.

 

Income Tax Expense 

Our effective income tax rate was 35.3%38.4% and 37.3%, respectively,38.8% for the three- and nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20132014 compared to 39.2%38.7% and 38.2%38.6%, respectively, in the comparable periods of 2012. Our effective income tax rate in the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 benefitted from the recognition of non-core tax attributes as well as tax benefits associated with the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 enacted at the beginning of 2013. Excluding the non-core tax attributes and adjusting for other non-core items, our effective income tax rate was 37.9% and 38.6%, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013. See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for more details. For the full year of 2013,2014, we anticipateforecast our income tax rate willto be approximately 37.8%39.0%.

 

Non-GAAP Reconciliations

We believe each of the non-GAAP financial measures below improves the transparency of our disclosures, provides a meaningful presentation of our results from core business operations because they exclude adjustments for items not related to our ongoing core business operations and other non-cash adjustments, and improves the period-to-period comparability of our results from the core business operations. Our management uses these measures in conjunction with GAAP financial measures to assess our business, including our compliance with covenants in our credit facility and in communications with our Board of Directors concerning financial performance. These measures should not be considered an alternative to GAAP measures.


 

The following tables reconcile certain reported non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP measuresmeasure from our Consolidated Statements of Operations (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts): for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2013:

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2013

  

Three Months Ended June 30, 2014

 
 

As reported

  

Acquisition

expenses

  

Tax

attributes

  

Adjusted

 

Selling, general and administrative

 $125,463  $(163) $-  $125,300 
                

Income from operations

  61,012   163   -   61,175 
 

As reported

  

Tax

attribute

  

Adjusted

                 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 $47,713  $-  $47,713  $57,074  $163  $-  $57,237 

Income tax expense

  (16,822)  (1,284)  (18,106)  (21,904)  (63)  (73)  (22,040)

Net income from continuing operations

 $30,891  $(1,284) $29,607  $35,170  $100  $(73) $35,197 
                            

Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations

 $1.18  $(0.05) $1.13 

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations

 $1.34  $-  $-  $1.34 

Diluted share count

  26,237           26,331             

  

Three Months Ended June 30, 2013

 
  

As reported

  

Legal

accrual

adjustment

  

Tax

attribute

  

Adjusted

 

Selling, general and administrative

 $109,283  $(3,813) $-  $105,470 
                 

Income from operations

 $45,651  $3,813  $-  $49,464 
                 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 $41,258  $3,813  $-  $45,071 

Income tax expense

  (15,977)  (1,484)  (228)  (17,689)

Net income from continuing operations

 $25,281  $2,329  $(228) $27,382 
                 

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations

 $0.97  $0.09  $(0.01) $1.05 

Diluted share count

  26,134             

  

 

 

  

Six Months Ended June 30, 2014

 
  

As reported

  

Reserve

adjustments

  

Acquisition

expenses

  

Tax attribute

  

Adjusted

 

Selling, general and administrative

 $247,292  $(3,931) $(163) $-  $243,198 
                     

Income from operations

  105,737   3,931   163   -   109,831 
                     

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 $97,778  $3,931  $163  $-  $101,872 

Income tax expense

  (37,914)  (1,545)  (63)  (73)  (39,595)

Net income from continuing operations

 $59,864  $2,386  $100  $(73) $62,277 
                     

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations

 $2.27  $0.09  $-  $-  $2.36 

Diluted share count

  26,326                 

 

  

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013

 
  

As reported

  

Legal accrual

adjustments

  

Tax

attribute

  

Adjusted

 

Selling, general and administrative

 $318,984  $(3,813) $-  $315,171 
                 

Operating income

 $137,957  $3,813  $-  $141,770 
                 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 $124,548  $3,813  $-  $128,361 

Income tax provision

  (46,494)  (1,484)  (1,512)  (49,490)

Income from continuing operations, net of income tax

 $78,054  $2,329  $(1,512) $78,871 
                 

Diluted income per share from continuing operations

 $2.98  $0.09  $(0.05) $3.02 

Diluted share count

  26,159             

  

Six months ended June 30, 2013

 
  

As reported

  

Legal accrual adjustment

  

Tax attribute

  

Adjusted

 

Selling, general and administrative

 $210,414  $(3,813) $-  $206,601 
                 

Income from operations

 $86,237  $3,813  $-  $90,050 
                 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 $76,835  $3,813  $-  $80,648 

Income tax expense

  (29,672)  (1,484)  (228)  (31,384)

Net income from continuing operations

 $47,163  $2,329  $(228) $49,264 
                 

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations

 $1.81  $0.09  $(0.01) $1.89 

Diluted share count

  26,120             

  

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012

 
  

As reported

  

Asset

impairment

and disposal

gain

  

Equity

investment

  

Tax

attribute

  

Adjusted

 

Asset impairments

 $115  $(115) $-  $-  $- 

Selling, general and administrative

 $276,561  $739  $-  $-  $277,300 
                     

Operating income

 $111,577  $(624) $-  $-  $110,953 
                     

Other income, net

 $1,770  $-  $(244) $-  $1,526 
                     

Income from continuing operations before
income taxes

 $96,639  $(624) $(244) $-  $95,771 

Income tax provision

  (36,908)  244   95   (1,066)  (37,635)

Income from continuing operations, net of income tax

 $59,731  $(380) $(149) $(1,066) $58,136 
                     

Diluted income per share from continuing operations

 $2.28  $(0.01) $(0.01) $(0.04) $2.22 

Diluted share count

  26,203                 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We manage our liquidity and capital resources to fund capital expenditures, working capital requirementsour operating, investing and contractual obligations. Additionally, we use capital resources to fund cash dividend payments, share repurchases and acquisitions.

Available Sources

financing activities. We have reliedrely primarily on cash flows from operations and borrowings under our credit agreements financing of real estateas the main sources for liquidity. We use those funds to invest in capital expenditures, increase working capital and the proceeds from equityfulfill contractual obligations. Funds remaining after these uses are used for acquisitions, debt retirement, cash dividends and debt offerings to finance operations and expansion. Historically, we have also been able to raise capital through the sale of assets and sale of stores.share repurchases.

Based on these factors and our normal operational cash flow, we believe we have sufficient availability to accommodate both our short- and long-term capital needs.


Available Sources

Below is a summary of our available funds (in thousands):

 

  

As of
September 30,

2013

  

As of

December 31,

2012

  

Increase

(Decrease)

  

% Increase

(Decrease)

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 $16,093  $42,839  $(26,746)  (62.4)%

Available credit on the credit facility

  165,101   120,536   44,565   37.0 

Total available funds

 $181,194  $163,375  $17,819   10.9%
  

As of June 30,

  

Increase

  

%

Increase

 
  

2014

  

2013

  

(Decrease)

  

(Decrease)

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 $28,203  $20,257  $7,946   39.2%

Available credit on the Credit Facility

  83,980   90,983   (7,003)  (7.7)

Total current available funds

 $112,183  $111,240  $943   0.8%

Estimated funds from unfinanced real estate

  161,842   122,808   39,034   31.8 

Total estimated available funds

 $274,025  $234,048  $39,977   17.1%


Our cash flows generated by operating activities and our credit facility are our most significant sources of liquidity. We have a $1.0 billion revolving syndicated credit facility that matures in December 2018. This facility provides new vehicle inventory floor plan financing, used vehicle inventory financing and a revolving line of credit for general corporate purposes.

 

We also have the ability to raise funds through the financing of owned operatingmortgaging real estate. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2013,2014, our unfinancedunencumbered owned operating real estate had a book value of $160.1$215.8 million. Assuming we can obtain financing on 75% of this value, we estimate we could have obtained additional funds of approximately $120.1$161.8 million at SeptemberJune 30, 2013;2014; however, no assurances can be provided thatprovidedthat the appraised value of this property will match or exceed its book value or that this capital source will be available on terms acceptable to us.

 

In addition to the above sources of liquidity, potential sources include the placement of subordinated debentures or loans, the sale of equity securities additional store salesand the sale of stores or additional other asset sales.assets. We will evaluate all of these options and may select one or more of them depending on overall capital needs and the availability and cost of capital, although no assurances can be provided that these capital sources will be available in sufficient amounts or onwith terms acceptable to us.

Information about our cash flows, by category, is presented in our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The following table summarizes our cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

  

Increase

 
  

2014

  

2013

  

(Decrease)

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 $(4,194) $24,449  $(28,643)

Net cash used in investing activities

  (107,446)  (55,978)  (51,468)

Net cash provided by financing activities

  116,157   8,947   107,210 

Operating Activities

Compared to the same period of 2013, cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2014 decreased $28.6 million.

Borrowings from and repayments to our syndicated lending group related to our new vehicle inventory floor plan financing are presented as financing activities. To better understand the impact of changes in inventory and the associated financing, we also consider our net cash provided by operating activities adjusted to include cash activity associated with our new vehicle credit facility.

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

  

Increase

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2014

  

2013

  

(Decrease)

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities – as reported

 $(4,194) $24,449  $(28,643)

Add: Net borrowings on floor plan notes payable, non-trade

  112,910   5,989   106,921 

Net cash provided by operating activities – adjusted

 $108,716  $30,438  $78,278 

Adjusted net cash provided by operating activities increased $78.3 million in the first six months of 2014 compared to the same periods of 2013, primarily driven by increased net borrowings on floor plan notes payable.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $107.4 million and $56.0 million for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013. Cash flows from investing activities relate primarily to capital expenditures, acquisition and divestiture activity and sales of property and equipment.


Below are highlights of significant activity related to our cash flows from investing activities:

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

     

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2014

  

2013

  

Increase

 

Capital expenditures

 $(35,230) $(22,107) $13,123 

Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired

  (79,482)  (31,786)  47,696 

 

Capital expenditures

Below is a summary of our capital expenditure activities:

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

2014

  

 

2013

 

Post-acquisition capital improvements

 $4,201  $2,695 

Facilities for open points

  3,031   2,949 

Purchases of previously leased facilities

  17,124   6,774 

Existing facility improvements

  6,134   4,322 

Maintenance

  4,740   5,367 

Total capital expenditures

 $35,230  $22,107 

We expect to make capital expenditures in 2014 of approximately $110 million for a combined Lithia/DCH organization related to capital improvements at recently acquired stores, purchases of land for expansion of existing stores, facility image improvements, purchases of store facilities, purchases of previously leased facilities and replacement of equipment.

Many manufacturers provide assistance in the form of additional vehicle incentives if facilities meet image standards and requirements. Certain facility upgrades and remodels will generate additional manufacturer incentive payments.

We expect to make a portion of our future capital expenditures to upgrade facilities that we recently acquired. This additional capital investment is contemplated in our initial evaluation of the investment return metrics applied to each acquisition and is usually associated with manufacturer image standards and requirements.

Acquisitions

We focus on acquiring stores at opportunistic purchase prices that meet our return thresholds and strategic objectives. Additionally, we have a pending combination with a partner to expand our footprint and future growth opportunities.

We acquired seven stores in the first six months of 2014. These acquisitions diversify our brand and geographic mix as we continue to evaluate our portfolio to minimize exposure to any one manufacturer and achieve financial returns. We acquired three stores in the first six months of 2013.

In June 2014, we also entered into a definitive agreement with DCH Auto Group Limited to acquire 100 percent of the outstanding shares of DCH Auto Group Inc., one of the 10 largest dealer groups in the country. The purchase price is equal to a fixed payment for goodwill and the tangible net work of DCH as of the closing date, which we estimate will be approximately $362.5 million, to be paid with approximately $340 million in cash and $22.5 million payable in shares of our Class A Common Stock. In 2013, DCH sold approximately 50,000 new vehicle units and 23,400 used vehicle retail units. We estimate the DCH stores will generate approximately $2.3 billion in annualized revenue with a projected full year earnings impact of $0.65 to $0.75 per share.


The transaction is expected to be funded through the expansion of Lithia's existing credit facility by $600 million, mortgage financing of $200 million, and available cash flows from operations. After financing the DCH combination, we expect our year-end leverage ratio to be approximately 1.8 times net debt to EBITDA, excluding floorplan debt. The acquisition of DCH is targeted to close in the fourth quarter of 2014, and is subject to customary closing conditions, including our receipt of adequate financing to complete the purchase, regulatory approvals and required auto manufacturer approvals. See our Form 8-K dated June 15, 2014 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 16, 2014 for more information.

We follow disciplined capital investment metrics in evaluating all potential transactions.

Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities totaled $116.2 million and $8.9 million for six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Cash flows from financing activities relate to debt issuances, repayments and recurring monthly payments as well as equity transactions.

Below are highlights of significant activity related to our cash flows from financing activities, excluding net borrowings on floor plan notes payable, non-trade, which are discussed above:

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

  

Increase

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2014

  

2013

  

(Decrease)

 

Net borrowings (repayments) on lines of credit

 $11,000  $30,682  $(19,682)

Principal payments on long-term debt, unscheduled

  -   (25,770)  (25,770)

Repurchases of common stock

  (10,206)  (7,903)  2,303 

Dividends paid

  (7,557)  (3,356)  4,201 

Borrowing and Repayment Activity

During the six-months ended June 30, 2014, we had net borrowings of $11.0 million associated with our used vehicle financing facility and our revolving line of credit. These borrowings primarily related to the funding of our acquisition activity. In the first six months of 2013, we strategically paid off $25.8 million in outstanding mortgages.

We continue to deleverage our balance sheet, which provides us with liquidity that can be deployed in future periods if accretive opportunities arise. As of June 30, 2014 our debt to total capital ratio, excluding floor plan notes payable, was 31.2% compared to 38.7% as of June 30, 2013.

Equity Transactions

Under the share repurchase program authorized by our Board of Directors and repurchases associated with stock compensation activity, we repurchased 151,772 shares of our Class A common stock at an average price of $67.24 per share in the first six months of 2014.

In the first six months of 2014, we declared and paid dividends on our Class A and Class B common stock as follows:

Dividend paid:

 

Dividend

amount per

share

  

Total amount of

dividend (in

thousands)

 

March 2014

 $0.13  $3,378 

May 2014

  0.16   4,179 

Management evaluates performance and makes a recommendation to the Board of Directors on dividend payments on a quarterly basis.


Inventories

As of June 30, 2014, our new vehicle days supply was 71, or five days lower than our days supply as of June 30, 2013. Our days supply of used vehicles was 60 days as of June 30, 2014, or nine days higher than our days supply as of June 30, 2013. We calculate days supply of inventory based on current inventory levels, excluding in-transit vehicles, and a 30-day historical cost of sales level. We have continued to focus on managing our unit mix and maintaining an appropriate level of new and used vehicle inventory.

Summary of Outstanding Balances on Credit Facilities and Long-Term Debt

Below is a summary of our outstanding balances on credit facilities and long-term debt (in thousands):

 

 

Outstanding as of

September 30,

2013

  

Remaining

Availableas of

September 30,

2013

  

Outstanding as ofJune 30, 2014

  

Remaining

Available as of

June 30, 2014

 

New vehicle floor plan commitment

 $569,027  $- (1),(4) $806,684  $8,316(1)

Floor plan notes payable

  19,221   - (4)  20,598   - 

Used vehicle inventory financing facility

  55,909   24,091 (3)  96,000   4,000(3)

Revolving line of credit

  -   141,010 (2),(3)  -   79,980(2),(3)

Real estate mortgages

  166,544   -   166,718   - 

Other debt

  2,785   -   5,695   - 

Liabilities associated with assets held for sale

  7,403   - (4)

Total debt

 $820,889  $165,101  $1,095,695  $92,890 

 

(1)

We haveAs of June 30, 2014, we had a $575$815 million new vehicle floor plan commitment as part of our credit facility.

(2)

Available credit is based on the borrowing base amount effective as of SeptemberJune 30, 2013.2014. This amount is reduced by $4.0$5.0 million for outstanding letters of credit.

(3)

The amount available on the credit facility is limited based on a borrowing base calculation and fluctuates monthly.

(4)

As of September 30, 2013, an additional $6.0 million of floor plan notes payable outstanding on our new vehicle floor plan commitment and $1.4 million of floor plan notes payable on vehicles designated as service loaners were recorded as liabilities related to assets held for sale.

Credit Facility

We have an $800 milliona $1.0 billion revolving credit facility, maturing December 2018, with a syndicate of 1013 financial institutions, including fourseven manufacturer-affiliated finance companies. This financing commitment is comprised of $575 million inOur credit facility provides a new vehicle inventory floor plan financing, $80 million incommitment, a used vehicle inventory financing facility and $145 million on a revolving line of credit for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions and working capital. This credit facility may be expanded to $1.25 billion total availability, subject to lender approval.

We may request a reallocation of up to $250 million of any unused portion of our credit facility as long as no event of default has occurred. A reallocation may be requested monthly and cannot result in a change in either our used vehicle inventory financing facility or the revolving line of credit exceeding the lesser of 20% of the aggregate commitment or $200 million. All borrowings from, and repayments to, our syndicated lending group are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as financing activities.

 


The new vehicle floor plan financing commitment is collateralized by our new vehicle inventory. Our used vehicle inventory financing facility is collateralized by our used vehicle inventory that ishas been in stock for less than 180 days old.days. Our revolving line of credit is secured by our outstanding receivables related to vehicle sales, unencumbered vehicle inventory, other eligible receivables, parts and accessories and equipment.

We have the ability to deposit up to $50 million in cash in Principal Reduction “PR” accounts associated with our new vehicle inventory floor plan commitment. The PR accounts are recognized as offsetting credits against outstanding amounts on our new vehicle floor plan commitment and would reduce interest expense associated with the outstanding principal balance. As of June 30, 2014, we had no amounts deposited in our PR accounts.


If the outstanding principal balance on our new vehicle inventory floor plan facility,commitment, plus requests on any day, exceeds 95% of the loan commitment, a portion of the revolving loan commitmentline of credit must be reserved. The reserve amount is equal to the lesser of $15.0 million or the maximum revolving loanline of credit commitment less the outstanding balance on the loanline less outstanding letters of credit. The reserve amount will decrease the revolving loanline of credit availability and may be used to repay the new vehicle floor plan commitment balance.

 

The interest rate on the credit facility varies based on the type of debt and the calculated leverage ratio, with the rate ranging from the one-month LIBOR plus 1.5%1.25% to the one-month LIBOR plus 2.5%. The annual interest rate associated with our new vehicle floor plan commitment, excluding the effects of our interest rate swaps, was 1.7%1.4% at SeptemberJune 30, 2013.2014. The annual interest rate associated with our used vehicle inventory financing facility and our revolving line of credit was 1.9%1.7% and 1.4%, respectively, at SeptemberJune 30, 2013.2014.

 

Our financial covenants related to this credit facility include maintaining a current ratio of not less than 1.20x, a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.20x, a leverage ratio of not more than 5.0x and funded debt of not more than $375 million.

Floor Plan Notes Payable

We have floor plan agreements with manufacturer-affiliated finance companies for vehicles that are designated for use as service loaners. The interest rates on these floor plan notes payable commitments vary by manufacturer and are variable rates. Borrowings from, and repayments to, the manufacturer-affiliated finance companies are classified as operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Real Estate Mortgages and Other Debt

We have mortgages associated with our owned real estate. Interest rates related to this debt ranged from 1.7% to 4.4% at September 30, 2013. The mortgages are payable in various installments through May 2031. As of September 30, 2013, we had fixed interest rates on 79% of our outstanding mortgage debt.

Our other debt includes various notes, capital leases and obligations assumed as a result of acquisitions and other agreements and had interest rates that ranged from 2.0% to 9.0% at September 30, 2013. This debt, which totaled $2.8 million at September 30, 2013, is due in various installments through May 2019.

Debt Covenants

Under the terms of our credit facility and other debt agreements, we are subject to financial covenants and restrictive covenants that limit or restrict our incurring additional indebtedness, making investments, selling or acquiring assets and granting security interests in our assets.

 

Under our credit facility, we are required to maintain the ratios detailed in the following table:

 

Debt Covenant Ratio

 

Requirement

 

As of September 30, 2013

 

Current ratio

 

Not less than 1.20 to 1

  1.44to1

Fixed charge coverage ratio

 

Not less than 1.20 to 1

  3.54 to1

Leverage ratio

 

Not more than 5.00 to 1

  1.48 to1

Funded debt restriction (million)

 

Not to exceed $375 million

  

$169.3

 


Debt Covenant Ratio

Requirement

As of June 30, 2014

Current ratio

Not less than 1.20 to 1

1.29 to 1

Fixed charge coverage ratio

Not less than 1.20 to 1

4.22 to 1

Leverage ratio

Not more than 5.00 to 1

1.29 to 1

Funded debt restriction (in millions)

Not to exceed $375

$172.4

 

We expect to remain in compliance with the financial and restrictive covenants in our credit facility and other debt agreements. However, no assurances can be provided that we will continue to remain in compliance with the financial and restrictive covenants.

 

If we do not meet the financial and restrictive covenants and are unable to remediate or cure the condition or obtain a waiver from our lenders, a breach would give rise to remedies under the agreement, the most severe of which is the termination of the agreement and acceleration of the amounts owed. WeA breach would also would trigger cross-defaults under other debt agreements.

 

InventoriesFloor Plan Notes Payable

We calculate days supplyhave floor plan agreements with manufacturer-affiliated finance companies for vehicles that are designated for use as service loaners. The variable interest rates on these floor plan notes payable commitments vary by manufacturer. At June 30, 2014, $20.6 million was outstanding on these arrangements. Borrowings from, and repayments to, manufacturer-affiliated finance companies are classified as operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of inventory based on current inventory levels, excluding in-transit vehicles, and a 30-day historical cost of sales level. As of September 30, 2013, our new vehicle days supply was 76, or one day higher than our days supply as of September 30, 2012. Our days supply of used vehicles was 52 as of September 30, 2013, or two days higher than our days supply level as of September 30, 2012. We have continued to focus on managing our unit mix and maintaining an appropriate level of new and used vehicle inventory.

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures were $33.8million and $35.0million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.We anticipate approximately $55 million in capital expenditures for 2013. This amount is associated with image improvements, purchases of store facilities, purchases of previously leased facilities and replacement of equipment.

Many manufacturers provide assistance in the form of additional vehicle incentives if facilities meet image standards and requirements. We believe it is an attractive time to invest in facility upgrades and remodels that will generate additional manufacturer incentive payments. Also, tax laws allowing accelerated deductions for capital expenditures reduce the overall investment needed and encourage accelerated project timelines.

If we undertake a significant capital commitment in the future, we expect to pay for the commitment out of existing cash balances, construction financing and borrowings on our credit facility. Upon completion of the projects, we believe we would have the ability to secure long-term financing and general borrowings from third party lenders for 70% to 90% of the amounts expended, although no assurances can be provided that these financings will be available to us in sufficient amounts or on terms acceptable to us.Cash Flows.

 

DividendsReal Estate Mortgages and Other Debt

Management evaluates performance and makes a recommendationWe have mortgages associated with our owned real estate. Interest rates related to the Boardthis debt ranged from 1.7% to 4.4% at June 30, 2014. The mortgages are payable in various installments through May 2031. As of DirectorsJune 30, 2014, we had fixed interest rates on dividend payments on a quarterly basis. A dividend payment was paid in December 2012 in lieu80% of the dividend typically declared and paid in March of the following year. Accordingly, we did not pay dividends on our Class A and Class B common stock during the first quarter of 2013. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we paid dividends on our Class A and Class B common stock of $6.7 million.outstanding mortgage debt.

 

Our Boardother debt includes capital leases and had interest rates that ranged from 2.0% to 9.4% at June 30, 2014. This debt, which totaled $5.7 million at June 30, 2014, is due in various installments through January 2024.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 13 of Directors approved a dividend of $0.13 per sharethe Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on our Class A and Class B common stock related to our third quarter 2013 financial results. The dividend will total approximately $3.4 million and will be paid on November 22, 2013 to shareholders of record on November 8, 2013.

Common Stock Repurchases

In August 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 2,000,000 shares of our Class A common stock. On July 20, 2012, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of 1,000,000 additional shares of our Class A common stock. We did not repurchase any shares of our Class A common stock during the third quarter of 2013. In the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we repurchased 127,900 shares at an average price of $40.76 per share, for a total of $5.2 million. Through September 30, 2013, we have repurchased 1,273,047 shares and 1,726,953 shares remained available for repurchase. This authority to repurchase shares does not have an expiration date and we may continue to repurchase shares from time to time as conditions warrant.Form 10-Q.

 

 

 

In addition, we repurchased 59,721 shares during the first quarter of 2013 at an average price of $45.04, for a total of $2.7 million, related to tax withholdings associated with the vesting of restricted stock units.

Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates

There have been no material changes in our the critical accounting policies and use of estimates as described in our 20122013 Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 22, 2013. 21, 2014. 

Seasonality and Quarterly Fluctuations

Historically, our sales have been lower in the first and fourth quarters of each year due to consumer purchasing patterns during the holiday season, inclement weather in certain of our markets and the reduced number of business days during the holiday season. As a result, financial performance is expected to be lower during the first and fourth quarters than during the second and third quarters of each fiscal year. However, more recently, our franchise diversification and cost control efforts have moderated the significance of our seasonality. We believe that interest rates, levels of consumer debt, consumer confidence and manufacturer sales incentives, as well as general economic conditions, also contribute to fluctuations in sales and operating results.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

 

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

There have been no material changes in our reported market risks or risk management policies since the filingend of our 2012preceding fiscal year, as discussed in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 22, 2013.21, 2014.

 

Item 4.Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management evaluated, with the participation and under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and that such information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

 


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Legal Proceedings

 

Except as disclosed in Note 5 of the Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, there have been no new proceedings or material changes to proceedings previously disclosed in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.10-K. The information in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the legal proceedings disclosed in that report, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 22, 2013.21, 2014.


 

Item 1A.Risk Factors

 

Except for the risk factor set forth below, thereThere have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.10-K. The information belowin this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the risk factors and information disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012,that report, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 22, 2013.21, 2014.

Item 2.

Government regulationsUnregistered Sales of Equity Securities and compliance costs may adversely affect our business, and the failure to comply could have a material adverse effect on our resultsUse of operations.Proceeds

 

We are, and expect to continue to be, subject to a wide range of federal, state and local laws and regulations, including local licensing requirements. These laws regulaterepurchased the conductfollowing shares of our business, including:Class A common stock during the second quarter of 2014:

  

Total number

of shares

purchased

  

Average

price paid

per share

  

Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plan(1)

  

Maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans

 

April 1 to April 30

  11,000  $68.55   11,000   1,700,953 

May 1 to May 31

  10,500   75.12   10,500   1,690,453 

June 1 to June 30

  8,553   84.45   8,500   1,681,953 

Total

  30,053   75.37   30,000   1,681,953 

 

(1)

motor vehicleIn 2011 and retail installment sales practices;

leasing;

sales2012, our Board of finance, insurance and vehicle protection products;

consumer credit;

deceptive trade practices;

consumer protection;

consumer privacy;

money laundering;

advertising;

land use and zoning;

health and safety; and

employment practices.Directors authorized the repurchase of up to a total of 3,000,000 shares of our Class A common stock. Through June 30, 2014, we have repurchased 1,318,047 shares at an average price of $25.81 per share. This authority to repurchase shares does not have an expiration date nor a maximum aggregate dollar amount for repurchases.

In every state in which we operate, we must obtain certain licenses issued by state authorities to operate our businesses, including dealer, sales, finance and insurance-related licenses. State laws also regulate our advertising, operating, financing, employment and sales practices. Other laws and regulations include state franchise laws and regulations and other extensive laws and regulations applicable to new and used automobile dealers. In some states, some of our practices must be approved by regulatory agencies which have broad discretion. The enactment of new laws and regulations that materially impair or restrict our sales, finance and insurance or other operations could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and prospects.


Our financing activities are subject to federal truth-in-lending, consumer leasing and equal credit opportunity laws and regulations, as well as state and local motor vehicle finance laws, installment finance laws, insurance laws, usury laws and other installment sales laws and regulations. Some states regulate finance, documentation and administrative fees that may be charged in connection with vehicle sales. Claims arising out of actual or alleged violations of law may be asserted against us or our dealerships by individuals or governmental entities and may expose us to significant damages or other penalties, including revocation or suspension of our licenses to conduct dealership operations and fines. In recent years, private plaintiffs and state attorneys general in the United States have increased their scrutiny of advertising, sales, and finance and insurance activities in the sale and leasing of motor vehicles. These activities have led many lenders to limit the amounts that may be charged to customers as fee income for these activities. If these or similar activities were to significantly restrict our ability to generate revenue from arranging financing for our customers, we could be adversely affected.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which has broad regulatory powers. Although the CFPB may not exercise its authority over an automotive dealer that is predominantly engaged in the sale and servicing of motor vehicles, the leasing and servicing of motor vehicles, or both, the Dodd-Frank Act and future regulatory actions by this bureau could lead to additional, indirect regulation of automotive dealers through its regulation of automotive finance companies and other financial institutions, and it could affect our arrangements with lending sources.

In March 2013, the CFPB issued a bulletin suggesting that auto dealers who arrange credit through outside parties may be participating in a credit decision such that they are subject to the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, including its anti-discrimination provisions. In particular, the CFPB highlighted that the payment to a dealer of the excess of the interest rate the dealer negotiates with the customer over the rate at which the lender is willing to provide financing may encourage pricing disparities on the basis of race, national origin, or potentially other prohibited bases. This bulletin may affect the willingness of outsider lenders to continue these lending practices, and heightened focus on these arrangements may affect our relationships and agreements, including our indemnification obligations, with lenders, which could adversely affect our business.

Our operations are also subject to the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, the Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards promulgated by the United States Department of Transportation and various state motor vehicle regulatory agencies. The imported automobiles we purchase are subject to U.S. customs duties and, in the ordinary course of our business, we may, from time to time, be subject to claims for duties, penalties, liquidated damages or other charges.

If we or any of our employees at any individual dealership violate or are alleged to violate laws and regulations applicable to them or protecting consumers generally, we could be subject to individual claims or consumer class actions, administrative, civil or criminal investigations or actions and adverse publicity. Such actions could expose us to substantial monetary damages and legal defense costs, injunctive relief and criminal and civil fines and penalties, including suspension or revocation of our licenses and franchises to conduct dealership operations.

Likewise, employees and former employees are protected by a variety of employment-related laws and regulations relating to, among other things, wages and discrimination. Allegations of a violation could subject us to individual claims or consumer class actions, administrative investigations or adverse publicity. Such actions could expose us to substantial monetary damages and legal defense costs, injunctive relief and civil fines and penalties, and damage our reputation and sales.


Environmental laws and regulations govern, among other things, discharges into the air and water, storage of petroleum substances and chemicals, the handling and disposal of wastes and remediation of contamination arising from spills and releases. In addition, we may also have liability in connection with materials that were sent to third-party recycling, treatment and/or disposal facilities under federal and state statutes. These federal and state statutes impose liability for investigation and remediation of contamination without regard to fault or the legality of the conduct that contributed to the contamination. Similar to many of our competitors, we have incurred and expect to continue to incur capital and operating expenditures and other costs in complying with such federal and state statutes. In addition, we may be subject to broad liabilities arising out of contamination at our currently and formerly owned or operated facilities, at locations to which hazardous substances were transported from such facilities, and at such locations related to entities formerly affiliated with us. Although for some such potential liabilities we believe we are entitled to indemnification from other entities, we cannot assure you that such entities will view their obligations as we do or will be able or willing to satisfy them. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations, or significant additional expenditures required to maintain compliance therewith, may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and prospects.

A significant judgment against us, the loss of a significant license or permit or the imposition of a significant fine could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and future prospects. We further expect that, from time to time, new laws and regulations, particularly in the labor, employment, environmental and consumer protection areas will be enacted, and compliance with such laws, or penalties for failure to comply, could significantly increase our costs.


Item 6.Exhibits

 

The following exhibits are filed herewith and this list is intended to constitute the exhibit index:

2.1*

Stock Purchase Agreement, dated June 14, 2014, between Lithia Motors, Inc. and DCH Auto Group (USA) Limited.

2.2

First Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement, effective July 15, 2014, between Lithia Motors, Inc. and DCH Auto Group (USA) Limited.

3.1

 

Restated Articles of Incorporation of Lithia Motors, Inc., as amended May 13, 1999 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.1 to our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999).

3.2

 

2013 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Lithia Motors, Inc. (incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K dated August 20, 2013 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 26, 2013).

10.1

Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement between Lithia Real Estate, Inc. and Dick Heimann dated October 25, 2013,

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

32.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

32.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

101.INS

 

XBRL Instance Document.

101.SCH

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

101.CAL

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

101.DEF

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

101.LAB

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

101.PRE

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

* Portion of this exhibit were omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment that has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

 

Date: October 25, 2013August 8, 2014                     

LITHIA MOTORS, INC.

By:/s/ Christopher S. Holzshu

Christopher S. Holzshu

Senior Vice President,

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

(Principal Financial Officer)

By: /s/ John F. North III

John F. North III

Vice President and

Corporate Controller

(Principal Accounting Officer)

 

 

 42