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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 June 30, 2003
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: 000-21789


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.)
     
360 E. Jackson Street, Medford, Oregon   97501
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 541-776-6899


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 is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [X]     No [  ]

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   14,570,134
Class B common stock without par value   3,762,231
(Class)   (Outstanding at August 7, 2003)



 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT 10.4
EXHIBIT 10.5
EXHIBIT 31.1
EXHIBIT 31.2
EXHIBIT 32.1
EXHIBIT 32.2


Table of Contents

LITHIA MOTORS, INC.
FORM 10-Q
INDEX

                 
            Page
           
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.  
Financial Statements
       
       
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets – June 30, 2003 (unaudited) and December 31, 2002
    2  
       
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations – Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 (unaudited)
    3  
       
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Six Months Ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 (unaudited)
    4  
       
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
    5  
Item 2.  
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
    10  
Item 3.  
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
    17  
Item 4.  
Controls and Procedures
    17  
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 4.  
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
    18  
Item 6.  
Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
    19  
Signatures     20  

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Table of Contents

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)

                       
          June 30,   December 31,
          2003   2002
         
 
          (Unaudited)        
Assets
               
Current Assets:
               
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 55,010     $ 15,932  
 
Contracts in transit
    48,284       41,493  
 
Trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $591 and $455
    43,159       40,680  
 
Notes receivable, current portion, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $94 and $247
    172       167  
 
Inventories, net
    468,201       445,908  
 
Vehicles leased to others, current portion
    6,266       5,341  
 
Prepaid expenses and other
    4,280       5,707  
 
Deferred income taxes
    3,228       550  
 
 
   
     
 
     
Total Current Assets
    628,600       555,778  
Land and buildings, net of accumulated depreciation of $4,560 and $3,618
    128,881       118,696  
Equipment and other, net of accumulated depreciation of $17,539 and $14,602
    63,455       58,215  
Notes receivable, less current portion
    768       881  
Vehicles leased to others, less current portion
    13       19  
Goodwill, net
    199,269       185,212  
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $340 and $330
    25,970       20,985  
Other non-current assets
    1,878       2,263  
 
 
   
     
 
     
Total Assets
  $ 1,048,834     $ 942,049  
 
 
   
     
 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
               
Current Liabilities:
               
 
Flooring notes payable
  $ 409,792     $ 364,635  
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
    4,854       4,466  
 
Trade payables
    24,088       19,445  
 
Accrued liabilities
    52,694       40,924  
 
 
   
     
 
     
Total Current Liabilities
    491,428       429,470  
Used Vehicle Flooring
    60,028       63,000  
Real Estate Debt, less current maturities
    82,961       73,798  
Other Long-Term Debt, less current maturities
    53,857       30,914  
Deferred Revenue
    960       1,617  
Other Long-Term Liabilities
    7,581       9,581  
Deferred Income Taxes
    17,795       13,676  
 
 
   
     
 
     
Total Liabilities
    714,610       622,056  
 
 
   
     
 
Stockholders’ Equity:
               
 
Preferred stock - no par value; authorized 15,000 shares; none outstanding
           
 
Class A common stock - no par value; authorized 100,000 shares; issued and outstanding 14,468 and 14,299
    205,516       203,577  
 
Class B common stock - no par value authorized 25,000 shares; issued and outstanding 3,762 and 3,762
    468       468  
 
Additional paid-in capital
    1,010       929  
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (2,990 )     (2,517 )
 
Retained earnings
    130,220       117,536  
 
 
   
     
 
   
Total Stockholders’ Equity
    334,224       319,993  
 
 
   
     
 
   
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
  $ 1,048,834     $ 942,049  
 
 
   
     
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance sheets.

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LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

                                     
        Three months ended June 30,   Six months ended June 30,
       
 
        2003   2002   2003   2002
       
 
 
 
Revenues:
                               
 
New vehicle sales
  $ 381,622     $ 300,605     $ 705,070     $ 568,422  
 
Used vehicle sales
    196,320       185,660       373,306       368,972  
 
Service, body and parts
    64,361       54,995       124,112       107,033  
 
Finance and insurance
    23,364       20,247       44,578       38,079  
 
Fleet and other
    1,867       22,811       3,945       26,210  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
   
Total revenues
    667,534       584,318       1,251,011       1,108,716  
Cost of sales
    561,572       491,436       1,052,616       932,187  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
Gross profit
    105,962       92,882       198,395       176,529  
Selling, general and administrative
    83,550       73,540       161,612       141,276  
Depreciation - buildings
    481       627       940       1,058  
Depreciation and amortization - other
    1,957       1,268       3,785       2,505  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
   
Income from operations
    19,974       17,447       32,058       31,690  
Other income (expense):
                               
 
Floorplan interest expense
    (3,839 )     (2,882 )     (7,541 )     (5,219 )
 
Other interest expense
    (1,586 )     (1,464 )     (2,996 )     (3,056 )
 
Other expense, net
    (280 )     (177 )     (452 )     (82 )
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
    (5,705 )     (4,523 )     (10,989 )     (8,357 )
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
Income before income taxes
    14,269       12,924       21,069       23,333  
Income tax expense
    5,750       4,989       8,385       9,007  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
Net income
  $ 8,519     $ 7,935     $ 12,684     $ 14,326  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
Basic net income per share
  $ 0.47     $ 0.44     $ 0.70     $ 0.87  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
Shares used in basic net income per share
    18,228       17,919       18,181       16,456  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
Diluted net income per share
  $ 0.46     $ 0.43     $ 0.69     $ 0.85  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
Shares used in diluted net income per share
    18,379       18,454       18,326       16,927  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

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LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

                         
            Six months ended June 30,
           
            2003   2002
           
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
 
Net income
  $ 12,684     $ 14,326  
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows provided by operating activities:
               
     
Depreciation and amortization
    4,725       3,563  
     
Compensation expense related to stock option issuances
    102       82  
     
Gain on sale of assets
    (874 )     (156 )
     
Loss on sale of vehicles leased to others
    52       72  
     
Gain on sale of franchise
    (275 )     (50 )
     
Deferred income taxes
    1,750       576  
     
Equity in loss of affiliate
          (2 )
     
(Increase) decrease, net of effect of acquisitions:
               
       
Trade and installment contract receivables, net
    (2,445 )     (4,507 )
       
Contracts in transit
    (6,791 )     (702 )
       
Inventories
    9,034       (80,857 )
       
Prepaid expenses and other
    1,561       1,277  
       
Other noncurrent assets
    375       (324 )
     
Increase (decrease), net of effect of acquisitions:
               
       
Floorplan notes payable
    21,404       81,465  
       
Trade payables
    4,609       4,414  
       
Accrued liabilities
    10,213       3,923  
       
Other long-term liabilities and deferred revenue
    (2,856 )     59  
 
 
   
     
 
       
   Net cash provided by operating activities
    53,268       23,159  
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
 
Notes receivable issued
    (61 )     (102 )
 
Principal payments received on notes receivable
    240       1,045  
 
Capital expenditures:
               
   
Non-financeable
    (2,997 )     (2,301 )
   
Financeable
    (10,873 )     (15,128 )
 
Proceeds from sale of assets
    215       1,178  
 
Expenditures for vehicles leased to others
    (3,512 )     (4,935 )
 
Proceeds from sale of vehicles leased to others
    386       900  
 
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired
    (29,280 )     (62,002 )
 
Cash from sales of franchises
    252       535  
 
 
   
     
 
       
   Net cash used in investing activities
    (45,630 )     (80,810 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
 
Net borrowings (repayments) on lines of credit
    25,613       (21,000 )
 
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital leases
    (1,334 )     (5,980 )
 
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
    5,243       10,585  
 
Repurchase of common stock
    (215 )      
 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
    2,133       80,106  
 
Redemption of Series M Preferred Stock
          (4,355 )
 
 
   
     
 
       
   Net cash provided by financing activities
    31,440       59,356  
 
 
   
     
 
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
    39,078       1,705  
Cash and cash equivalents:
               
 
Beginning of period
    15,932       18,814  
 
 
   
     
 
 
End of period
  $ 55,010     $ 20,519  
 
 
   
     
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

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LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

Note 1. Basis of Presentation

The financial information included herein as of June 30, 2003 and for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 is unaudited; however, such information reflects all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods. The financial information as of December 31, 2002 is derived from our 2002 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 2002 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.

Note 2. Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of market value or cost, using the specific identification method for vehicles and the first-in first-out (FIFO) method of accounting for parts (collectively, the FIFO method). Detail of inventory is as follows (in thousands):

                 
    June 30,   December 31,
    2003   2002
   
 
New and program vehicles
    373,020     $ 340,457  
Used vehicles
    75,035       85,170  
Parts and accessories
    20,146       20,281  
 
   
     
 
 
  $ 468,201     $ 445,908  
 
   
     
 

Note 3. Stock-Based Compensation

We account for stock options using the intrinsic value method as prescribed by Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” Pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 148 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure,” which we adopted in December 2002, we have computed, for pro forma disclosure purposes, the impact on net income and net income per share as if we had accounted for our stock-based compensation plans in accordance with the fair value method prescribed by SFAS No. 123 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” as follows (in thousands):

                   
Three Months Ended June 30,   2003   2002

 
 
Net income, as reported
  $ 8,519     $ 7,935  
Add – Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of related tax effects
    25       26  
Deduct - total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under the fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects
    (484 )     (504 )
 
   
     
 
Net income, pro forma
  $ 8,060     $ 7,457  
 
   
     
 
Basic net income per share:
               
 
As reported
  $ 0.47     $ 0.44  
 
   
     
 
 
Pro forma
  $ 0.44     $ 0.42  
 
   
     
 
Diluted net income per share:
               
 
As reported
  $ 0.46     $ 0.43  
 
   
     
 
 
Pro forma
  $ 0.44     $ 0.40  
 
   
     
 

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Six Months Ended June 30,   2003   2002

 
 
Net income, as reported
  $ 12,684     $ 14,326  
Add – Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of related tax effects
    49       52  
Deduct - total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under the fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects
    (899 )     (1,008 )
 
   
     
 
Net income, pro forma
  $ 11,834     $ 13,370  
 
   
     
 
Basic net income per share:
               
 
As reported
  $ 0.70     $ 0.87  
 
   
     
 
 
Pro forma
  $ 0.65     $ 0.81  
 
   
     
 
Diluted net income per share:
               
 
As reported
  $ 0.69     $ 0.85  
 
   
     
 
 
Pro forma
  $ 0.65     $ 0.79  
 
   
     
 

To determine the fair value of stock-based awards granted, we used the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the following weighted average assumptions:

                   
Three and Six Months Ended June 30,   2003   2002

 
 
Risk-free interest rate
    2.5% - 3.0%       4.0%  
Expected dividend yield
    0%       0%  
Expected lives - 2001 Plan
    7.7-8years       8years  
 
- Purchase Plan
    3 months       3 months  
Expected volatility
    46.24% – 46.79%       46.80%  

Note 4. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information is as follows (in thousands):

                 
    Six Months Ended June 30,
   
    2003   2002
   
 
Cash paid during the period for income taxes
  $ 41     $ 3,451  
Cash paid during the period for interest
    10,191       8,247  
Assets acquired through real estate exchange
    1,946        

Note 5. Earnings Per Share

Following is a reconciliation of basic earnings per share (“EPS”) and diluted EPS (in thousands, except per share amounts).

                                                 
Three Months Ended June 30,   2003   2002

 
 
                    Per                   Per
                    Share                   Share
    Income   Shares   Amount   Income   Shares   Amount
   
 
 
 
 
 
Basic EPS
                                               
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 8,519       18,228     $ 0.47     $ 7,935       17,919       0.44  
 
                   
                     
 
Diluted EPS
                                               
Effect of dilutive stock options
          151                     535          
 
           
                     
         
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 8,519       18,379     $ 0.46     $ 7,935       18,454       0.43  
 
                   
                     
 
                                                 
Six Months Ended June 30,   2003   2002

 
 
                    Per                   Per
                    Share                   Share
    Income   Shares   Amount   Income   Shares   Amount
   
 
 
 
 
 
Basic EPS
                                               
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 12,684       18,181     $ 0.70     $ 14,326       16,456     $ 0.87  
 
                   
                     
 
Diluted EPS
                                               
Effect of dilutive stock options
            145                     471          
 
           
                     
         
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 12,684       18,326     $ 0.69     $ 14,326       16,927     $ 0.85  
 
                   
                     
 

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Potentially dilutive securities that are not included in the diluted EPS calculations because they would be antidilutive are as follows:

                                 
    Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30,
   
 
    2003   2002   2003   2002
   
 
 
 
Stock options
    1,017,863       10,000       1,021,292       10,000  

Note 6. Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income includes the fair value of cash flow hedging instruments that are reflected in shareholders’ equity instead of net income. The following table sets forth the calculation of comprehensive income for the periods indicated (in thousands):

                                 
    Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30,
   
 
    2003   2002   2003   2002
   
 
 
 
Net income
  $ 8,519     $ 7,935     $ 12,684     $ 14,326  
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net, subsequently realized
    5       1       (6 )     3  
Cash flow hedges:
                               
Net derivative losses, net of tax effect of $617, $548, $998 and $515, respectively
    (927 )     (874 )     (1,515 )     (822 )
Reclassification adjustment, net of tax effect of $(378), $(235), $(693) and $(468), respectively
    549       374       1,048       745  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Total comprehensive income
  $ 8,146     $ 7,436     $ 12,211     $ 14,252  
 
   
     
     
     
 

Note 7. Acquisitions

The following acquisitions were made in the first six months of 2003. See Note 12 Subsequent Events for an acquisition that occurred in August 2003.

    In February 2003, we acquired Richardson Chevrolet in Salinas, California, which has anticipated 2003 annual revenues of approximately $35.0 million. This store has been renamed Chevrolet of Salinas.
 
    In March 2003, we acquired Pacific Hyundai of Anchorage, Alaska, which has anticipated 2003 revenues of approximately $10.0 million. The store has been renamed Lithia Hyundai of Anchorage.
 
    In March 2003, we acquired Randy Hansen Chevrolet of Twin Falls, Idaho, which has anticipated 2003 annual revenues of approximately $30.0 million. The store has been renamed Chevrolet, Cadillac, Suzuki of Twin Falls.
 
    In April 2003, we acquired Grizzly Chrysler Dodge of Missoula, Montana, which has anticipated 2003 revenues of approximately $25.0 million. The store has been renamed Lithia Auto Center of Missoula.
 
    In May 2003, we acquired Expressway Dodge of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, which has anticipated 2003 revenues of approximately $40.0 million. The store has been renamed Lithia Dodge of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
 
    In June 2003, we acquired Montana Dodge of Billings, Montana, which has anticipated 2003 revenues of approximately $35.0 million. The store has been renamed Lithia Dodge of Billings, Montana.

The above acquisitions were accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Pro forma results of operations assuming the above acquisitions occurred at the beginning of the respective periods are as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

                                 
    Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30,
   
 
    2003   2002   2003   2002
   
 
 
 
Total revenues
  $ 681,973     $ 602,505     $ 1,313,834     $ 1,203,395  
Net income
    8,713       8,048       13,219       14,838  
Basic earnings per share
    0.48       0.45       0.73       0.90  
Diluted earnings per share
    0.47       0.44       0.72       0.88  

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There are no future contingent payouts related to any of the above acquisitions and no portion of the purchase price was paid with our equity securities. The purchase price for the above acquisitions was allocated as follows (in thousands):

           
Inventory
  $ 30,693  
Other current assets
    151  
Property and equipment
    6,224  
Goodwill
    12,268  
Other intangible assets – franchise value
    4,995  
 
   
 
 
Total assets acquired
    54,331  
Flooring notes payable
    25,055  
Other current liabilities
    130  
 
   
 
 
Total liabilities acquired
    25,185  
 
   
 
Net assets acquired
  $ 29,146  
 
   
 

Within one year from the purchase date, we may update the value allocated to purchased assets and the resulting goodwill balances for new information received regarding the valuation of such assets. We anticipate that approximately 100% of the goodwill acquired in the above acquisitions will be deductible for tax purposes over the period of 15 years.

Note 8. DaimlerChrysler Agreement

In February 2003 we entered into a working capital and used vehicle flooring credit facility with DaimlerChrysler Services North America LLC totaling up to $200 million, which expires in February 2006, with interest due monthly.

The credit line with DaimlerChrysler Services is cross-collateralized and secured by cash and cash equivalents, new and used vehicle and parts inventories, accounts receivable, intangible assets and equipment. We pledged to DaimlerChrysler Services the stock of all of our subsidiaries except entities operating BMW, Honda, Nissan or Toyota stores.

The financial covenants in the agreement with DaimlerChrysler Services require us to maintain compliance with, among other things, (i) a specified current ratio; (ii) a specified fixed charge coverage ratio; (iii) a specified interest coverage ratio; (iv) a specified adjusted leverage ratio; and (v) certain working capital levels. We were in compliance with these covenants at June 30, 2003.

Our previous facility with Ford Motor Credit Company was terminated and paid off on February 25, 2003.

Note 9. U.S. Bank Agreement Amendment

In April 2003, our U.S. Bank N.A. agreement was amended to provide for a $35.0 million revolving line of credit for leased vehicles and equipment purchases, which expires January 31, 2005. Previously, the amount available under this line of credit was $27.5 million and it expired January 31, 2004.

Note 10. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2002, the FASB approved SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.” SFAS No. 146 addresses the financial accounting and reporting for obligations associated with an exit activity, including restructuring, or with a disposal of long-lived assets. Exit activities include, but are not limited to, eliminating or reducing product lines, terminating employees and contracts and relocating plant facilities or personnel. SFAS No. 146 specifies that a company will record a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity only when that liability is incurred and can be measured at fair value. Therefore, commitment to an exit plan or a plan of disposal expresses only management’s intended future actions and, therefore, does not meet the requirement for recognizing a liability and the related expense. SFAS No. 146 is effective prospectively for exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002, with earlier adoption encouraged. The adoption of SFAS No. 146 on January 1, 2003 did not have any effect on our financial position or results of operations.

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The FASB’s Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) finalized EITF 00-21 “Accounting for Multiple Element Arrangements” in November 2002. EITF 00-21 requires arrangements with multiple elements to be broken out as separate units of accounting based on their relative fair values. Revenue for a separate unit of accounting should be recognized only if the amount due can be reliably measured and the earnings process is substantially complete. Any units that can not be separated must be accounted for as a combined unit. Our accounting policy is consistent with EITF 00-21 and therefore, the adoption on January 1, 2003 did not have any effect on our financial position or results of operations.

In March 2003, the EITF issued EITF 02-16 “Accounting by a Customer (Including a Reseller) for Certain Consideration Received from a Vendor.” EITF 02-16 primarily applies to floorplan interest credits and advertising credits received by us from auto manufacturers and specifies the timing of and appropriate classification of such items in our statement of operations. We recognize floorplan interest credits and advertising credits that are tied to specific vehicles as a reduction to the carrying value of the specific inventory and ultimately as a reduction to cost of goods sold as related vehicles are sold and we recognize other advertising credits as a credit to advertising expense. The adoption of EITF 02-16 on January 1, 2003 resulted in the reclassification of certain expenses, but did not have any effect on our net income or financial position (see Note 11).

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” SFAS No. 149 addresses certain accounting issues related to hedging activity and derivative instruments embedded in other contracts. In general, the amendments require contracts with comparable characteristics to be accounted for similarly. In addition, SFAS No. 149 provides guidance as to when a financing component of a derivative must be given special reporting treatment in the statement of cash flows. SFAS No. 149 is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003. We are currently evaluating the effects of SFAS No. 149, but do not expect that the adoption of SFAS No. 149 will have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.

In May 2003, the FASB approved SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity.” SFAS No. 150 establishes standards for how to classify and measure financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It requires financial instruments that fall within its scope to be classified as liabilities. SFAS No. 150 is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003 and, for pre-existing financial instruments, as of July 1, 2003. We do not have any financial instruments that fall under the guidance of SFAS No. 150 and, therefore, the adoption will not have any effect on our financial position or results of operations.

Note 11. Reclassifications

In the fourth quarter of 2002, we reclassified documentation fees from finance and insurance income to new and used vehicle revenue, as appropriate, in order to bring our reporting in line with industry practice. The resulting effect was a reduction of approximately $100 per vehicle of finance and insurance income and an increase in new and retail used vehicle gross margins of between 20 and 50 basis points. Accordingly, the finance and insurance sales per retail unit, revenue by product line and gross margin percentage disclosures have been recalculated for the first three quarters of 2002. Net income was not affected by this reclassification.

Pursuant to EITF 02-16 “Accounting by a Customer (Including a Reseller) for Certain Consideration Received from a Vendor,” in the second quarter of 2003 we began classifying advertising credits that are tied to specific vehicles as a reduction to cost of goods sold as related vehicles are sold. Accordingly, $1.1 million of credits included in selling, general and administrative costs in the first quarter of 2003 were reclassified as a credit to cost of sales for that period. Net income was not affected by this reclassification.

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Note 12. Subsequent Events

Quarterly Dividend

In July 2003, our Board of Directors approved a dividend of $0.07 per share for the second quarter of 2003. The dividend will be paid on August 22, 2003 to shareholders of record on August 8, 2003. We anticipate recommending to the Board of Directors the approval of a cash dividend each quarter.

Acquisition

The following acquisition was made subsequent to June 30, 2003:

    In August 2003, we acquired Sutherland Motors, Inc. in Spokane, Washington, which has anticipated 2003 revenues of approximately $20.0 million. The store has been renamed Mercedes Benz of Spokane.

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

Forward Looking Statements and Risk Factors

Some of the statements in this Form 10-Q constitute forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “intend,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” and “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. 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. Some of the important factors that could cause actual results to differ from our expectations are discussed in Exhibit 99.3 to our 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

General

We are a leading operator of automotive franchises and retailer of new and used vehicles and services. As of August 8, 2003, we offered 24 brands of new vehicles through 140 franchises in 76 stores in the western United States and over the Internet. As of August 8, 2003, we operate 16 stores in Oregon, 12 in California, 11 in Washington, 7 in Texas, 7 in Idaho, 7 in Colorado, 5 in Nevada, 3 in South Dakota, 3 in Alaska, 2 in Nebraska, 2 in Montana and 1 in Oklahoma. We sell new and used cars and light trucks; sell replacement parts; provide vehicle maintenance, warranty, paint and repair services; and arrange related financing and insurance for our automotive customers. Over 75% of our stores are located in cities where our store does not compete directly with any other franchised dealers selling the same brand in that city.

During an economic downturn, customers tend to shift towards the purchase of more reasonably priced new vehicle models or used vehicles. Many customers decide to delay purchasing a new vehicle and instead repair existing vehicles. In addition, manufacturers typically offer increased dealer and customer incentives during an economic downturn in order to support new vehicle sales volume. These factors generally lead to less volatility in earnings for automobile retailers than for automobile manufacturers.

Historically, new vehicle sales have accounted for approximately 50% of our total revenues but less than 30% of total gross profit. The most recent three-month period was characterized by a very strong incentive environment, which led to higher than normal new vehicle sales for the period. We emphasize sales of higher margin products, which generate over 70% of our gross profits.

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Our revenues and gross profit by product line were as follows:

                         
    Percent of   Gross   Percent of Total
Three Months Ended June 30, 2003   Total Revenues   Margin   Gross Profit
 
 
 
New vehicles
    57.2 %     7.8 %     28.1 %
Retail used vehicles(1)
    24.4       13.8       21.2  
Service, body and parts
    9.6       46.9       28.5  
Finance and insurance(2)
    3.5       99.6       22.0  
Fleet and other
    0.3       22.5       0.4  
                         
    Percent of   Gross   Percent of Total
Three Months Ended June 30, 2002   Total Revenues   Margin   Gross Profit
 
 
 
New vehicles
    51.4 %     8.8 %     28.6 %
Retail used vehicles(1)
    26.5       12.7       21.1  
Service, body and parts
    9.4       48.5       28.7  
Finance and insurance(2)
    3.5       99.2       21.6  
Fleet and other
    3.9       0.5       0.1  
                         
    Percent of   Gross   Percent of Total
Six Months Ended June 30, 2003   Total Revenues   Margin   Gross Profit
 
 
 
New vehicles
    56.4 %     7.6 %     27.1 %
Retail used vehicles(1)
    24.6       13.4       20.8  
Service, body and parts
    9.9       47.3       29.6  
Finance and insurance(2)
    3.6       99.7       22.4  
Fleet and other
    0.3       17.5       0.3  
                         
    Percent of   Gross   Percent of Total
Six Months Ended June 30, 2002   Total Revenues   Margin   Gross Profit
 
 
 
New vehicles
    51.3 %     8.6 %     27.8 %
Retail used vehicles(1)
    27.5       12.6       21.8  
Service, body and parts
    9.7       48.2       29.2  
Finance and insurance(2)
    3.4       99.4       21.4  
Fleet and other
    2.4       1.7       0.2  


(1)   Excludes wholesale used vehicle sales, representing 5.0%, 5.3%, 5.2% and 5.7% of total revenues, respectively, and a negative gross margin contribution of 0.5%, 0.7%, 0.8% and 1.3%, respectively, for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2003 and 2002.
 
(2)   Reported net of administration fees and anticipated cancellations.

The following table sets forth selected condensed financial data, expressed as a percentage of total revenues for the periods indicated.

                                     
        Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30,
       
 
Lithia Motors, Inc. (1)   2003   2002   2003   2002

 
 
 
 
Revenues:
                               
 
New vehicles
    57.2 %     51.4 %     56.4 %     51.3 %
 
Used vehicles
    29.4       31.8       29.8       33.2  
 
Service, body and parts
    9.6       9.4       9.9       9.7  
 
Finance and insurance
    3.5       3.5       3.6       3.4  
 
Fleet and other
    0.3       3.9       0.3       2.4  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
   
Total revenues
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Gross profit
    15.9       15.9       15.9       15.9  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    12.5       12.6       12.9       12.7  
Depreciation and amortization
    0.4       0.3       0.4       0.3  
Income from operations
    3.0       3.0       2.6       2.9  
Floorplan interest expense
    0.6       0.5       0.6       0.5  
Other interest expense
    0.2       0.3       0.2       0.3  
Income before taxes
    2.1       2.2       1.7       2.1  
Income tax expense
    0.9       0.9       0.7       0.8  
Net income
    1.3 %     1.4 %     1.0 %     1.3 %

(1) The percentages may not add due to rounding.

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Results of Operations

                                     
        Three Months Ended                
        June 30,           %
       
  Increase   Increase
(Dollars in thousands)   2003   2002   (Decrease)   (Decrease)
 
 
 
 
Revenues:
                               
 
New vehicle sales
  $ 381,622     $ 300,605     $ 81,017       27.0 %
 
Used vehicle sales
    196,320       185,660       10,660       5.7  
 
Service, body and parts
    64,361       54,995       9,366       17.0  
 
Finance and insurance
    23,364       20,247       3,117       15.4  
 
Fleet and other
    1,867       22,811       (20,944 )     (91.8 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
   
Total revenues
    667,534       584,318       83,216       14.2  
Cost of sales
    561,572       491,436       70,136       14.3  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Gross profit
    105,962       92,882       13,080       14.1  
Selling, general and administrative
    83,550       73,540       10,010       13.6  
Depreciation and amortization
    2,438       1,895       543       28.7  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Income from operations
    19,974       17,447       2,527       14.5  
Floorplan interest expense
    3,839       2,882       957       33.2  
Other interest expense
    1,586       1,464       122       8.3  
Other expense, net
    280       177       103       58.2  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Income before income taxes
    14,269       12,924       1,345       10.4  
Income tax expense
    5,750       4,989       761       15.3  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Net income
  $ 8,519     $ 7,935     $ 584       7.4 %
 
   
     
     
     
 
                                 
    Three Months Ended                
    June 30,           %
   
  Increase   Increase
    2003   2002   (Decrease)   (Decrease)
   
 
 
 
New units sold
    14,431       11,861       2,570       21.7 %
Average selling price per new vehicle
  $ 26,445     $ 25,344     $ 1,101       4.3  
Used units sold - retail
    11,073       10,580       493       4.7  
Average selling price per retail used vehicle
  $ 14,694     $ 14,619     $ 75       0.5  
Used units sold – wholesale
    6,989       6,151     $ 838       13.6  
Average selling price per wholesale used vehicle
  $ 4,810     $ 5,039     $ (229 )     (4.5 )
Finance and insurance sales per retail unit
  $ 916     $ 902     $ 14       1.6 %
                                     
        Six Months Ended                
        June 30,           %
       
  Increase   Increase
(Dollars in thousands)   2003   2002   (Decrease)   (Decrease)
 
 
 
 
Revenues:
                               
 
New vehicle sales
  $ 705,070     $ 568,422     $ 136,648       24.0 %
 
Used vehicle sales
    373,306       368,972       4,334       1.2  
 
Service, body and parts
    124,112       107,033       17,079       16.0  
 
Finance and insurance
    44,578       38,079       6,499       17.1  
 
Fleet and other
    3,945       26,210       (22,265 )     (84.9 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
   
Total revenues
    1,251,011       1,108,716       142,295       12.8  
Cost of sales
    1,052,616       932,187       120,429       12.9  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Gross profit
    198,395       176,529       21,866       12.4  
Selling, general and administrative
    161,612       141,276       20,336       14.4  
Depreciation and amortization
    4,725       3,563       1,162       32.6  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Income from operations
    32,058       31,690       368       1.2  
Floorplan interest expense
    7,541       5,219       2,322       44.5  
Other interest expense
    2,996       3,056       (60 )     (2.0 )
Other expense, net
    452       82       370       451.2  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Income before income taxes
    21,069       23,333       (2,264 )     (9.7 )
Income tax expense
    8,385       9,007       (622 )     (6.9 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Net income
  $ 12,684     $ 14,326     $ (1,642 )     (11.5 )%
 
   
     
     
     
 

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    Six Months Ended                
    June 30,           %
   
  Increase   Increase
    2003   2002   (Decrease)   (Decrease)
   
 
 
 
New units sold
    27,052       22,277       4,775       21.4 %
Average selling price per new vehicle
  $ 26,064     $ 25,516     $ 548       2.1  
Used units sold - retail
    21,079       20,944       135       0.6  
Average selling price per retail used vehicle
  $ 14,584     $ 14,548     $ 36       0.2  
Used units sold – wholesale
    13,340       12,257       1,083       8.8  
Average selling price per wholesale used vehicle
  $ 4,939     $ 5,245       (306 )     (5.8 )
Finance and insurance sales per retail unit
  $ 926     $ 881     $ 45       5.1 %

Revenues. Total revenues increased 14.2% in the second quarter of 2003 compared to the second quarter of 2002 as a result of acquisitions and 5.7% same store retail sales growth. Total revenues increased 12.8% in the first six months of 2003 compared to the first six months of 2002 as a result of acquisitions and 3.0% same store retail sales growth. We achieved same store new vehicle sales growth of 13.3% and 10.7%, respectively, in the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2003 compared to the same periods of 2002. This compares favorably to an industry decline in new vehicle sales of 0.6% and 2.3%, respectively, for the same periods of 2003 compared to 2002. Same store finance and insurance sales growth was 6.0% and 6.7%, respectively, for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2003 compared to the same periods of 2002. These increases were offset by decreases in same store used vehicle sales of 7.3% and 10.7%, respectively, for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2003 compared to the same periods of 2002. Same store parts and service revenues also decreased 0.3% and 1.4%, respectively, for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2003 compared to the same periods of 2002.

Slowing economies in our markets and higher than normal new vehicle inventories at the end of 2002, coupled with a strong new vehicle incentive environment, spurred our aggressive approach to new vehicle sales in the first and second quarters of 2003. We have utilized an aggressive company-wide marketing campaign based on the “Driving America” theme that is aimed at increasing market share by competitively pricing new vehicles in order to secure a long-term customer base for future parts and service business and repeat and referral business. The used vehicle business was weak in the first half of 2003 due to competition from highly incentivized new vehicles within the overall weaker total vehicle market. However, in the second quarter of 2003, the used vehicle business stabilized and demonstrated improvement throughout the quarter. The service and parts business has been negatively impacted in the past couple of years by substantial improvements in the quality of domestic vehicles, resulting in less warranty work, offset in part by increases in the customer pay portion of the business.

Penetration rates for certain products were as follows:

                                 
    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    June 30,   June 30,
   
 
    2003   2002   2003   2002
   
 
 
 
Finance and insurance
    76 %     73 %     77 %     73 %
Service contract
    41       41       41       40  
Lifetime oil and filter
    34       30       34       30  

During the first two quarters of 2003, manufacturers offered, and are continuing to offer, incentives, including low interest rates and rebates, in order to attract new vehicle buyers. The availability of cash rebates and zero percent and low interest rate financing have enhanced our ability to sell finance, warranty and insurance products and services.

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Gross Profit. Gross profit increased due to increased total revenues. Certain incentives and rebates received from manufacturers, including floorplan interest credits and advertising credits that are tied to specific vehicles are recorded as a reduction to cost of goods sold at the time of vehicle sale. Gross profit margins achieved were as follows:

                         
    Three Months Ended June 30,        
   
  Lithia
    2003   2002   Margin Change*
   
 
 
New vehicles
    7.8 %     8.8 %     (100 )bp
Retail used vehicles
    13.8       12.7       110  
Service and parts
    46.9       48.5       (160 )
Finance and insurance
    99.6       99.2       40  
Overall
    15.9       15.9        
                         
    Six Months Ended June 30,        
   
  Lithia
    2003   2002   Margin Change*
   
 
 
New vehicles
    7.6 %     8.6 %     (100 )bp
Retail used vehicles
    13.4       12.6       80  
Service and parts
    47.3       48.2       (90 )
Finance and insurance
    99.7       99.4       30  
Overall
    15.9       15.9        


*   “bp” stands for basis points (one hundred basis points equals one percent).

Our overall gross profit margin was the same in the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2003 compared to the same periods of 2002. However, our overall gross profit margin was negatively affected by the following factors:

    A significant shift towards our lowest margin new vehicle business as a result of the strong incentive environment;
 
    Lower floorplan interest credits from the manufacturers on new vehicles due to lower market rates; and
 
    Aggressive pricing of new vehicles in order to gain market share, which resulted in lower new vehicle margins.

These factors were offset by an increase in the gross margins achieved on our retail used vehicle sales and on our finance and insurance products in the first two quarters of 2003 compared to 2002.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense. Selling, general and administrative expense includes salaries and related personnel expenses, facility lease expense, advertising, legal, accounting, professional services and general corporate expenses. Selling, general and administrative expense increased due to increased selling, or variable, expenses related to the increase in revenues and the number of locations. As a percentage of revenue, selling, general and administrative expense decreased 10 basis points and increased 20 basis points, respectively, in the three and six months ended June 30, 2003 compared to the same periods of 2002. The increase as a percentage of revenue in the six month period is due partially to higher advertising and sales compensation expenses related to our aggressive new vehicle marketing.

Income from Operations. Operating margins were flat in the three months ended June 30, 2003 compared to the same period of 2002 and decreased 30 basis points in the six month period ended June 30, 2003 compared to the six month period ended June 30, 2002. The decrease in the six month period is due to increased operating expenses as a percentage of revenue as discussed above.

Floorplan Interest Expense. The increases in floorplan interest expense in the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2003 compared to the same periods of 2002 are primarily due to an approximately $876,000 and $1.85 million, respectively, increase in expense as a result of an increase in the average outstanding balances of our floorplan facilities, mainly due to acquisitions. In addition, increased expense from interest rate swaps was responsible for $317,000 and $527,000, respectively,

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of the increase. These increases were offset in part by a decrease in the LIBOR rate in the first six months of 2003 compared to the first six months of 2002.

Other Interest Expense. Other interest expense includes interest on debt incurred related to acquisitions, real estate mortgages, our used vehicle line of credit and equipment related notes. Lower interest rates in the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2003 compared to the same periods of 2002 decreased other interest expense by $275,000 and $553,000, respectively. Increases in the average outstanding balances in the 2003 periods compared to the 2002 periods resulted in increases to other interest expense of $397,000 and $493,000, respectively.

Income Tax Expense. Our effective tax rate was 39.8% in the first six months of 2003 compared to 38.6% in the first six months of 2002. Our effective tax rate may be affected in the future by the mix of asset acquisitions compared to corporate acquisitions, as well as by the mix of states where our stores are located.

Net Income. Net income as a percentage of revenue decreased 10 basis points and 30 basis points, respectively, for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2003 compared to the same periods of 2002 as a result of the higher operating expenses, higher floorplan interest expense and an increased effective tax rate.

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 and the reduced number of business days during the holiday season. As a result, financial performance may be lower during the first and fourth quarters than during the other quarters of each fiscal year. We believe that interest rates, levels of consumer debt and consumer confidence, as well as general economic conditions, also contribute to fluctuations in sales and operating results. Historically, the timing, performance and frequency of acquisitions have been the largest contributor to fluctuations in our operating results from quarter to quarter.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our principal needs for capital resources are to finance acquisitions and capital expenditures, as well as for working capital. We have relied primarily upon internally generated cash flows from operations, borrowings under our credit agreements and the proceeds from public equity offerings to finance operations and expansion. We believe that our available cash, cash equivalents, available lines of credit and cash flows from operations will be sufficient to meet our anticipated operating expenses and capital requirements for at least twelve months from June 30, 2003.

In July 2003, our Board of Directors approved a dividend of $0.07 per share for the second quarter of 2003. The dividend will total approximately $1.0 million and will be paid on August 22, 2003 to shareholders of record on August 8, 2003. We anticipate recommending to the Board of Directors the approval of a cash dividend each quarter.

Our inventories increased to $468.2 million at June 30, 2003 from $445.9 million at December 31, 2002 due primarily to acquisitions. Accordingly, our new and used flooring notes payable increased to $469.8 million at June 30, 2003 from $427.6 million at December 31, 2002. Despite the overall increase in inventories, our days supply of new vehicles decreased by approximately 20 days at June 30, 2003 compared to December 31, 2002 and decreased by approximately 10 days compared to March 31, 2003. Our used vehicle inventories are at historically low levels for this time of year compared to the last five years. We believe that our new and used vehicle inventories are at appropriate levels going into the third quarter. The third quarter typically represents the strongest sales environment of the year.

Primarily as a result of the acquisition of six stores in the first six months of 2003, our goodwill and other intangibles increased $19.0 million to $225.2 million at June 30, 2003 compared to $206.2 million at December 31, 2002.

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In June 2000, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 1,000,000 shares of our Class A common stock. Through July 2003, we have purchased a total of 59,400 shares under this program and may continue to do so from time to time in the future as conditions warrant.

In February 2003 we entered into a working capital and used vehicle flooring credit facility with DaimlerChrysler Services North America LLC totaling up to $200 million, which expires in February 2006, with interest due monthly.

Our previous facility with Ford Motor Credit Company was terminated and paid off on February 25, 2003.

The credit line with DaimlerChrysler Services is cross-collateralized and secured by cash and cash equivalents, new and used vehicle and parts inventories, accounts receivable, intangible assets and equipment. We pledged to DaimlerChrysler Services the stock of all of our subsidiaries except entities operating BMW, Honda, Nissan or Toyota stores.

The financial covenants in our agreement with DaimlerChrysler Services require us to maintain compliance with, among other things, (i) a specified current ratio; (ii) a specified fixed charge coverage ratio; (iii) a specified interest coverage ratio; (iv) a specified adjusted leverage ratio; and (v) certain working capital levels. At June 30, 2003, we were in compliance with all of the covenants of this agreement.

Toyota Motor Credit Corporation, Ford Motor Credit and General Motors Acceptance Corporation have agreed to floor all of our new vehicles for their respective brands with DaimlerChrysler Services serving as the primary lender for substantially all other brands. These new vehicle lines are secured by new vehicle inventory of the relevant brands.

We also have a real estate line of revolving credit with Toyota Motor Credit totaling $40 million, which expires in May 2005. This line of credit is secured by the real estate financed under this line of credit.

In April 2003, our U.S. Bank N.A. agreement was amended to provide for a $35.0 million revolving line of credit for leased vehicles and equipment purchases, which expires January 31, 2005. Previously, the amount available under this line of credit was $27.5 million and it expired January 31, 2004.

Interest rates on all of the above facilities ranged from 2.62% to 3.87% at June 30, 2003. Amounts outstanding on the lines at June 30, 2003 together with amounts remaining available under such lines were as follows (in thousands):

                 
    Outstanding at   Remaining Availability as
    June 30, 2003   of June 30, 2003
   
 
New and program vehicle lines
  $ 409,792     $   *
Working capital and used vehicle line
    76,000       117,000 **
Real estate line
    19,674       20,326  
Equipment/leased vehicle line
    35,000        
 
   
     
 
 
  $ 540,466     $   *
 
   
     
 


*   There are no formal limits on the new and program vehicle lines with certain lenders.
 
**   As limited by the terms of the line regarding the borrowing base.

At June 30, 2003, our long-term debt and lease commitments were as follows (in thousands):

                         
    Long-term                
Year Ending December 31,   debt   Leases   Total

 
 
 
2003
  $ 2,998     $ 10,276     $ 13,274  
2004
    4,268       19,821       24,089  
2005
    39,015       19,564       58,579  
2006
    79,724       18,751       98,475  
2007
    3,742       17,728       21,470  
Thereafter
    71,953       70,940       142,893  
 
   
     
     
   
Total
  $ 201,700     $ 157,080     $ 358,780  
 
   
     
     
 

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At June 30, 2003, we had capital commitments of approximately $14.7 million for the construction of three new store facilities, additions to three existing facilities and the remodel of four facilities. The three new store facilities will be a Ford store in Boise, Idaho, a body shop in Boise, Idaho and a Hyundai store in Anchorage, Alaska. We have already incurred $6.4 million for these commitments and anticipate incurring $12.8 million during the remaining two quarters of 2003 and the remaining $1.9 million in 2004. We expect to pay for the construction out of existing cash balances until completion of the projects, at which time we anticipate securing long-term financing and general borrowings from third party lenders for 70% to 90% of the amounts expended.

Critical Accounting Policies

We reaffirm our critical accounting policies as described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2003.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 10 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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 filing of our 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2003.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management has evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of our President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Based on that evaluation, our President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported in a timely manner, and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There has been 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.

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

The annual meeting of the shareholders of the Company was held on May 15, 2003, at which the following actions were approved:

  1.   To elect the following persons to serve as directors of Lithia Motors, Inc. until the next annual meeting of shareholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified:

                         
            No. of Shares   No. of Shares
Name           Voting For   Withheld Voting

         
 
Sidney B. DeBoer
  Class A     9,280,158       99,904  
 
  Class B     3,762,231        
M. L. Dick Heimann
  Class A     9,280,157       99,905  
 
  Class B     3,762,231        
Thomas Becker
  Class A     9,206,257       173,805  
 
  Class B     3,762,231        
R. Bradford Gray
  Class A     9,311,557       68,505  
 
  Class B     3,762,231        
Phillip J. Romero
  Class A     9,311,557       68,505  
 
  Class B     3,762,231        
Gerald F. Taylor
  Class A     9,311,257       68,805  
 
  Class B     3,762,231        
William J. Young
  Class A     9,311,258       68,804  
 
  Class B     3,762,231        

  2.   To approve the adoption of the amendment to and restatement of the 2001 Stock Option Plan in the form of the 2003 Stock Incentive Plan:

                                 
    Number of           Number of   Number of
    Shares Voting   Number of Shares   Shares   Broker
    For   Voting Against   Abstaining   Non-Votes
   
 
 
 
Class A
    7,203,735       2,176,324       3        
Class B
    3,762,231                    

  3.   To approve an amendment to the Lithia Motors, Inc. 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan to increase the number of shares issuable under the plan:

                                 
    Number of           Number of   Number of
    Shares Voting   Number of Shares   Shares   Broker
    For   Voting Against   Abstaining   Non-Votes
   
 
 
 
Class A
    9,191,204       188,857       1        
Class B
    3,762,231                    

  4.   To approve the Lithia Motors, Inc. Executive Bonus Plan:

                                 
    Number of           Number of   Number of
    Shares Voting   Number of Shares   Shares   Broker
    For   Voting Against   Abstaining   Non-Votes
   
 
 
 
Class A
    9,138,450       241,015       597        
Class B
    3,762,231                    

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Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a) Exhibits

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

  3.1   Restated Articles of Incorporation (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Form 10-K filed March 30, 2000 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
  3.2   Bylaws (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Form S-1, Registration Statement No. 333-14031, as declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 18, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
  10.1   Second Amendment, dated April 2, 2003, to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated December 28, 2001, between Lithia Financial Corporation, Lithia Motors, Inc., Lithia Aircraft, Inc. and Lithia SALMIR, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association. Incorporated by reference to Lithia Motors, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2003 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 15, 2003.
 
  10.2   2003 Stock Incentive Plan (Filed as Exhibit 99.1 to Form 8-K filed April 28, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
  10.3   Executive Bonus Plan (filed as Exhibit 99.2 to Form 8-K filed April 28, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
  10.4   1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended.
 
  10.5   Modification No. 1 dated June 16, 2003 to Amended and Restated Revolving Loan and Security Agreement and Notes Secured by Deed of Trust.
 
  31.1   Certification of Sidney B. DeBoer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
  31.2   Certification of Jeffrey B. DeBoer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
  32.1   Certification of Sidney B. DeBoer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
  32.2   Certification of Jeffrey B. DeBoer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

(b) Reports on Form 8-K

The following reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarter ended June 30, 2003:

    Dated and filed April 9, 2003 pursuant to Item 9. Regulation FD Disclosure regarding an investor presentation to be made;
 
    Dated and filed April 25, 2003 pursuant to Item 9. Regulation FD Disclosure regarding financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2003; and
 
    Dated and filed April 28, 2003 pursuant to Item 5. Other Events and Regulation FD Disclosure regarding the upcoming mailing of Lithia’s proxy materials to shareholders for its 2003 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and the filing of copies of Lithia’s 2003 Stock Incentive Plan and Executive Bonus Plan, both of which were being voted on at the 2003 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

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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: August 14, 2003 LITHIA MOTORS, INC.
     
  By /s/ SIDNEY B. DEBOER
   
  Sidney B. DeBoer
  Chairman of the Board,
  Chief Executive Officer and Secretary
  (Principal Executive Officer)
   
  By /s/ JEFFREY B. DEBOER
   
  Jeffrey B. DeBoer
  Senior Vice President and
  Chief Financial Officer
  (Principal Financial Officer)

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