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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-K

___________________

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

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Fiscal Year Ended: December 31, 2014

OR

   [ ]     TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

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)

 

541-776-6401 

(Registrant’s telephone number including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class		Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A common stock, without par value		New York Stock Exchange

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

(Title of Class)

__________ _________

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act: Yes [X] No[ ]

 

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act: [ ]

 

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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K, or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]

 

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 definition of “accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer [X] Accelerated filer [ ] 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 ]

 

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was approximately $2,214,824,000 computed by reference to the last sales price ($94.07) as reported by the New York Stock Exchange for the Registrant’s Class A common stock, as of the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter (June 30, 2014).

 

The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant’s common stock as of March 2, 2015 was: Class A: 23,688,437 shares and Class B: 2,562,231 shares.

 

Documents Incorporated by Reference

The Registrant has incorporated into Part III of Form 10-K, by reference, portions of its Proxy Statement for its 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

 

LITHIA MOTORS, INC.

2014 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

			Page
	PART I
Item 1.	Business		2
Item 1A.	Risk Factors		11
Item 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments		27
Item 2.	Properties		27
Item 3.	Legal Proceedings		27
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosure		27
	PART II
Item 5.	Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities		27
Item 6.	Selected Financial Data		30
Item 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		31
Item 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		61
Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data		62
Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure		62
Item 9A.	Controls and Procedures		62
Item 9B.	Other Information		63
	PART III
Item 10.	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance		64
Item 11.	Executive Compensation		64
Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters		64
Item 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence		65
Item 14.	Principal Accountant Fees and Services		65
	PART IV
Item 15.	Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules		65
Signatures			68

 

 

PART I

 

Item 1. Business

 

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this Annual Report, including in the sections entitled “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Business” 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 terms. Examples of forward-looking statements in this Form 10-K include, among others, statements we make regarding:

●

Future market conditions;

●

Expected operating results, such as improved store performance, maintaining incremental throughput above 50% and increasing same store finance and insurance revenue per unit;

●

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

●

Anticipated ability to remain in compliance with the financial and restrictive covenants in our credit facility and other debt agreements;

●

Anticipated availability of liquidity from our unfinanced operating real estate;

●

Anticipated levels of capital expenditures in the future; and

●

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

 

The forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and situations that may cause our actual results to materially differ from the results expressed or implied by these statements. Some of those important factors are discussed in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors, Part II and in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and, from time to time, in our other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

 

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. 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 March 2, 2015, we offered 30 brands of new vehicles and all brands of used vehicles in 130 stores in the United States and online at Lithia.com and DCHauto.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 dealerships are located across the United States. We seek domestic, import and luxury franchises in cities ranging from mid-sized regional markets to metropolitan markets. We evaluate all brands for expansion opportunities provided the market is large enough to support adequate new vehicle sales to justify the required capital investment.

 

  

The following table sets forth information about stores that were part of our continuing operations as of December 31, 2014:

 

State		Number of Stores				Percent of 2014 Revenue
Texas			17				20.7	%
Oregon			24				20.2
California			30				15.8
Montana			8				7.3
Washington			7				6.8
Alaska			9				6.6
New Jersey			10				5.0
Nevada			4				4.2
Idaho			5				3.9
Iowa			5				3.9
North Dakota			3				1.9
Hawaii			3				1.5
New Mexico			2				1.3
New York			3				0.9
Total			130				100.0	%

 

Business Strategy and Operations

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 customers personal, convenient, flexible personalized service combined with the large company advantages of selection, competitive pricing, broad access to financing, and 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, and regional accounting processing centers, we seek to gain economies of scale from our dealership network.

 

We offer a variety of luxury, import and domestic new vehicle brands and models, reducing our dependence on any one manufacturer and our susceptibility to changing consumer preferences. Encompassing economy and luxury cars, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), crossovers, minivans and trucks, we believe our brand mix is well-suited to what customers demand in the markets we serve. Our new vehicle unit mix of 46% import, 43% domestic and 11% luxury aligns similarly with national market share, which was 48%, 45% and 7%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

We have centralized many administrative functions to streamline store level operations. Accounts payable, accounts receivable, credit and collections, accounting and taxes, payroll and benefits, information technology, legal, human resources, personnel development, treasury, cash management, advertising and marketing are all centralized at our corporate headquarters. The reduction of administrative functions at our stores allows our local managers to focus on customer-facing opportunities to generate increased revenues and gross profit. Our operations are supported by our dedicated training and personnel development program, which shares best practices across our dealership network and seeks to develop our store management talent.

 

Operations are structured to promote an entrepreneurial environment at the dealership level. Each store’s general manager and department managers, with assistance from regional and corporate management, are responsible for developing retail plans that perform in their stores. They are the leaders in driving dealership operations, personnel development, manufacturer relationships, store culture and financial performance.

 

 

During 2014, we focused on the following areas to achieve our mission:

●

increasing revenues in all business lines;

●

capturing a greater percentage of overall new vehicle sales in our local markets;

●

capitalizing on a used vehicle market that is approximately three times larger than the new vehicle market by increasing sales of manufacturer certified pre-owned used vehicles; late model, lower-mileage vehicles; and value autos, which are older, higher mileage vehicles;

●

growing our service, body and parts revenues as units in operation increase;

●

leveraging our cost structure;

●

diversifying our franchise mix through acquisitions;

●

integrating acquired stores to achieve targeted returns;

●

increasing our return to investors through dividends and strategic share buy backs;

●

investing in our existing stores to increase profits; and

●

increasing leveragability of the balance sheet to prepare for future expansion opportunities.

 

We believe we can leverage our cost structure as sales levels improve and we integrate acquired stores into our network. In 2014, we purchased 35 stores, including 27 stores on October 1, 2014 through the acquisition of DCH Auto Group (USA), and opened one franchise. We expect these acquisitions to add over $2.7 billion in revenues. Our acquisition targets typically have higher expenses as a percentage of gross profit than our existing store base. Due to the number of acquisitions and their relative size in 2014, our selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expense as a percentage of gross profit increased to 68.4% in 2014 from 67.7% in 2013. Adjusting for non-core items in both 2014 and 2013, our adjusted SG&A expense as a percentage of gross profit in 2014 was 67.7%, compared to 67.2% in 2013. See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for more details.

 

We are targeting SG&A as a percentage of gross profit in the lower 70% range, for the full year of 2015, primarily due to the inclusion of a full year of DCH Auto Group’s operations in our results. Over time, we seek to reduce this percentage to the upper 60% range, a goal we set in the second half of 2013 and achieved during the first three quarters of 2014.

 

We monitor how efficiently we leverage our cost structure by evaluating throughput, which is calculated as the percentage of incremental gross profit dollars we retain after deducting increases in SG&A expense. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, our incremental throughput was 29.4% and 41.4%, respectively. Adjusting for non-core items, our adjusted throughput in 2014 was 30.5% and in 2013 was 46.2%. See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for additional information.

 

Throughput contributions for newly opened or acquired stores are on a “first dollar” basis for the first twelve months of operations and typically reduce overall throughput. In the first year of 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 35 stores and opened one new store in 2014. In 2013, we acquired six stores and opened one new store. Adjusting to exclude these locations and other non-core adjustments, our throughput contribution on a same store basis was 42.9% and 51.4% for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We continue to target a same store throughput contribution of 45% to 50% in 2015.

 

We continuously evaluate our portfolio of franchises to balance our brand mix, minimize exposure to any one franchise and achieve financial returns. In the past three years we acquired or opened 48 stores. Additionally, we divest stores that are not meeting our financial return requirements or other performance expectations. Divestiture activity generated $17.2 million during the past three years as we sold three stores.

 

 

 

New Vehicles

In 2014, we sold 91,104 new vehicles, generating 24% of our gross profit for the year. New vehicle sales have the potential to create incremental profit opportunities through manufacturer incentives, resale of trade-in vehicles, sale of third-party financing, vehicle service and insurance contracts, and future service and repair work.

 

In 2014, we represented 30 domestic and import brands ranging from economy to luxury cars, SUVs, crossovers, minivans and light trucks.

 

Manufacturer		Percent of 2014 New Vehicle Revenue				Percent of 2014 New Vehicle Gross Profit
Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram			26.6	%			23.3	%
Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, Buick			14.3				16.0
Toyota, Scion			13.4				12.0
Honda, Acura			10.5				11.6
BMW, MINI			9.7				11.7
Subaru			6.6				3.7
Ford, Lincoln			6.1				5.5
Mercedes, smart			3.4				5.0
Nissan			2.7				2.9
Volkswagen, Audi			2.6				3.2
Hyundai			1.9				2.8
Kia			0.8				0.7
Lexus			0.6				0.5
Porsche			0.4				0.7
Mazda			0.2				0.2
Mitsubishi			0.1				0.1
Fiat			0.1				0.1
Volvo			*				*
Total			100.0	%			100.0	%

 

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* Less than 0.1%

 

We purchase our new car inventory directly from manufacturers, who generally allocate new vehicles to stores based on availability, monthly sales and market area. Accordingly, we rely on the manufacturers to provide us with vehicles that meet consumer demand at suitable locations, with appropriate quantities and prices. However, if high demand vehicles, or vehicles with certain option configurations are in short supply, we exchange vehicles with other automotive retailers and between our own stores to accommodate customer demand and to balance inventory.

 

Used Vehicles

At each new vehicle store, we also sell used vehicles. In 2014, retail used vehicle sales generated 22% of our gross profit.

 

Our used vehicle operations give us an opportunity to:

●

generate sales to customers unable or unwilling to purchase a new vehicle;

●

generate sales of vehicle brands other than the store’s new vehicle franchise(s);

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increase vehicle sales by aggressively pursuing customer trade-ins; and

●

increase finance and insurance revenues and service and parts sales.

 

We classify our used vehicles in three categories: manufacturer certified pre-owned used vehicles; late model, lower-mileage vehicles; and value autos. We offer manufacturer certified pre-owned used vehicles at most of our franchised dealerships. These vehicles undergo additional reconditioning and receive an extended factory-provided warranty. Late model, lower-mileage vehicles are reconditioned and offer a Lithia certified warranty. Value autos are older, higher mileage vehicles that undergo a safety check and a lesser degree of reconditioning. Value autos are offered to customers who desire a less expensive vehicle or a lower monthly payment.

 

 

We acquire our used vehicles through customer trade-ins, purchases from non-Lithia stores, independent vehicle wholesalers and private parties, and at closed auctions.

 

Our near-term goal for used vehicles is to retail an average of 75 units per store per month. In 2014, our stores sold an average of 56 retail used units per month. We believe used vehicles represent a significant area for organic growth. As new vehicle sales growth rates return to historical levels and we continue our focus on growing used retail sales, we believe our long-term target is achievable.

 

Wholesale transactions result from vehicles we have acquired via trade-in from customers or vehicles we have attempted to sell via retail that we elect to dispose of due to inventory age or other factors. As part of our used vehicle strategy, we have concentrated on directing more lower-priced, older vehicles to retail sale rather than wholesale disposal.

 

Vehicle Financing, Service Contracts and Other Products

As part of the vehicle sales process, we assist in arranging customer financing options as well as offer extended warranties, insurance contracts and vehicle and theft protection products. The sale of these items generated 23% of our gross profit.

 

We believe that arranging financing is an important part of our ability to sell vehicles and related products and services. Our sales personnel and finance and insurance managers receive training in securing customer financing and possess extensive knowledge of available financing alternatives. We attempt to arrange financing for every vehicle we sell and we offer customers financing on a “same day” basis, giving us an advantage, particularly over smaller competitors who do not generate enough sales to attract our breadth of finance sources.

 

We earn a commission on each finance, service and insurance contract we write and subsequently sell to a third-party. We normally arrange financing for customers by selling the contracts to outside sources on a non-recourse basis to avoid the risk of default.

 

We arranged financing on 78% of the vehicles we sold during 2014 and 2013. Our presence in multiple markets and changes in technology surrounding the credit application process have allowed us to utilize a larger network of lenders across a broader geographic area. Additionally, we continue to see the availability of consumer credit expand with lenders increasing the loan-to-value amount available to most customers. These shifts afford us the opportunity to sell additional or more comprehensive products, while remaining within a loan-to-value framework acceptable to our retail customer lenders.

 

We also market third-party extended warranty contracts, insurance contracts and vehicle and theft protection products to our customers. These products and services yield higher profit margins than vehicle sales and contribute significantly to our profitability. Extended warranty and service contracts for vehicles provide coverage for certain repairs beyond the duration or scope of the manufacturer’s warranty. We believe the sale of extended warranties, service contracts and vehicle and theft protection products increases our service and parts business. Additionally, these products build a customer base for future repair work to our locations.

 

When customers finance an automobile purchase, we offer them life, accident and disability insurance coverage, as well as guaranteed auto protection (“gap”) coverage that provides protection from loss incurred by the difference in the amount owed and the amount received under a comprehensive insurance claim. We receive a commission on each policy sold.

 

 

We offer a lifetime lube, oil and filter (“LOF”) service, which, in 2014, was purchased by 35% of our total new and used vehicle buyers. This service, where customers prepay for their LOF services, helps us retain customers by building customer loyalty and provides opportunities for selling additional routine maintenance items and generating repeat service business. In 2014, we sold an average of $50 of additional maintenance on each lifetime LOF service we performed.

 

Service, Body and Parts

In 2014, our service, body and parts operations generated 30% of our gross profit. Our service, body and parts operations are an integral part of establishing customer loyalty and contribute significantly to our overall revenue and profits. We provide parts and service for the new vehicle brands sold by our stores, as well as service most other makes and models.

 

The service and parts business provides important repeat revenues to our stores, which we seek to grow organically. Customer pay revenues represent sales for vehicle maintenance and service performed on other makes and models, as well as vehicles that have fallen outside of the manufacturer warranty coverage period. We believe increasing our product and service offerings for customers differentiates us. More diversified services with access to a variety of parts enable us to provide a better experience for our customers. Our service and parts revenues benefit from the increases we have seen in new vehicle sales over the last few years as there are a greater number of late model vehicles in operation, which tend to visit franchised dealership locations more frequently than older vehicles due to the manufacturer warranty period. Additionally, certain franchises provide routine maintenance, such as oil changes, for two to four years after a vehicle is sold, which provides for future warranty work.

 

We focus on growing our customer pay business and market our parts and service products by notifying owners when their vehicles are due for periodic service. This encourages preventive maintenance rather than post-breakdown repairs. The number of customers who purchase our lifetime LOF service helps to improve customer loyalty and provides opportunities for repeat parts and service business.

 

Revenues from the service and parts departments are particularly important during economic downturns, when owners tend to repair their existing vehicles rather than buy new vehicles. This partially mitigates the effects of a drop in new vehicle sales that may occur in a recessionary economic environment.

 

We believe body shops provide an attractive opportunity to grow our business, and we continue to evaluate potential locations to expand. We currently operate 18 collision repair centers: five in Texas; five in Oregon; two in Idaho; and one each in Alaska, Washington, Montana, Iowa, Nevada and New Jersey.

 

Segments

We report three business segments: Domestic, Import and Luxury. For certain financial information by segment, see Notes 1 and 19 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report.

 

Marketing

We emphasize customer satisfaction and we realize that customer retention is critical to our success. We want our customers’ experiences to be satisfying so that they refer us to their families and friends. We utilize an owner marketing strategy consisting of database analysis, email, traditional mail and phone contact to maintain regular communication and solicit feedback.

 

 

To increase awareness and traffic at our stores, we use a combination of traditional, digital and social media to reach potential customers. Total advertising expense, net of manufacturer credits, was $46.7 million in 2014, $39.6 million in 2013 and $31.9 million in 2012. In 2014, approximately 38% of those funds were spent in traditional media and 62% were spent in digital and owner communications and other media outlets. In all of our communications, we seek to convey the promise of a positive customer experience, competitive pricing and wide selection.

 

Certain advertising and marketing expenditures are offset by manufacturer cooperative programs which require us to submit requests for reimbursement to manufacturers for qualifying advertising expenditures. These advertising credits are not tied to specific vehicles and are earned as qualifying expenses are incurred. These reimbursements are recognized as a reduction of advertising expense. Manufacturer cooperative advertising credits were $16.3 million in 2014, $11.8 million in 2013 and $9.6 million in 2012.

 

Many people now shop online before visiting our stores. We maintain websites for all of our stores and corporate sites (Lithia.com and DCHAuto.com) to generate customer leads for our stores.

 

Our websites enable our customers to:

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locate our stores and identify the new vehicle brands sold at each store;

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search new and pre-owned vehicle inventory;

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view current pricing and specials;

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calculate payments for purchase or lease;

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obtain a value for their vehicle to trade or sell to us;

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submit credit applications;

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shop for and order manufacturers’ vehicle parts;

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schedule service appointments; and

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provide feedback about their experience.

 

We also maintain mobile versions of our websites and a mobile application in anticipation of greater adoption of mobile technology. Mobile traffic now accounts for 29% of our web traffic and all of the sites utilize responsive technology to enhance mobile and tablet usage.

 

We post our inventory on major new and used vehicle listing services (cars.com, autotrader.com, kbb.com, edmunds.com, eBay, craigslist, etc.) to reach online shoppers. We also employ search engine optimization, search engine marketing and online display advertising (including re-targeting) to reach more online prospects. 

 

Social influence marketing represents a cost-effective method to enhance our corporate reputation and our stores’ reputations, and increase vehicle sales and service. We deploy tools and training to our employees in ways that will help us listen to our customers and create more advocates for Lithia.

 

We also encourage our stores to give back to their local communities through financial and non-financial participation in local charities and events. Through Lithia4Kids and DCH Teen Safe Driving Foundation, our initiatives to increase employee volunteerism and community involvement, we focus the impact of our contributions on projects that support opportunities and the safety and development of young people.

 

Franchise Agreements

Each of our stores operates under a separate agreement (“Franchise Agreement”) with the manufacturer of the new vehicle brand it sells.

 

Typical automobile Franchise Agreements specify the locations within a designated market area at which the store may sell vehicles and related products and perform approved services. The designation of such areas and the allocation of new vehicles among stores are at the discretion of the manufacturer. Franchise Agreements do not, however, guarantee exclusivity within a specified territory.

 

 

A Franchise Agreement may impose requirements on the store with respect to:

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facilities and equipment;

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inventories of vehicles and parts;

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minimum working capital;

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training of personnel; and

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performance standards for market share and customer satisfaction.

 

Each manufacturer closely monitors compliance with these requirements and requires each store to submit monthly financial statements. Franchise Agreements also grant a store the right to use and display manufacturers’ trademarks, service marks and designs in the manner approved by each manufacturer.

 

We have determined the useful life of a Franchise Agreement is indefinite, even though certain Franchise Agreements are renewed after one to six years. In our experience, agreements are routinely renewed without substantial cost and there are legal remedies to help prevent termination. Certain Franchise Agreements have no termination date. In addition, state franchise laws protect franchised automotive retailers. Under certain laws, a manufacturer may not terminate or fail to renew a franchise without good cause or prevent any reasonable changes in the capital structure or financing of a store.

 

The typical Franchise Agreement provides for early termination or non-renewal by the manufacturer upon:

●

a change of management or ownership without manufacturer consent;

●

insolvency or bankruptcy of the dealer;

●

death or incapacity of the dealer/manager;

●

conviction of a dealer/manager or owner of certain crimes;

●

misrepresentation of certain sales or inventory information by the store, dealer/manager or owner to the manufacturer;

●

failure to adequately operate the store;

●

failure to maintain any license, permit or authorization required for the conduct of business;

●

poor market share; or

●

low customer satisfaction index scores.

 

Franchise Agreements generally provide for prior written notice before a franchise may be terminated under most circumstances. We also sign master framework agreements with most manufacturers that impose additional requirements. See Item 1A, “Risk Factors.”

 

Competition

The retail automotive business is highly competitive. Currently, there are approximately 17,800 dealers in the United States, many of whom are independent stores managed by individuals, families or small retail groups. We compete primarily with other automotive retailers, both publicly- and privately-held.

 

Vehicle manufacturers have designated specific marketing and sales areas within which only one dealer of a vehicle brand may operate. In addition, our Franchise Agreements typically limit our ability to acquire multiple dealerships of a given brand within a particular market area. Certain state franchise laws also restrict us from relocating our dealerships, or establishing new dealerships of a particular brand, within any area that is served by another dealer with the same brand. To the extent that a market has multiple dealers of a particular brand, as certain markets we operate in do, we are subject to significant intra-brand competition.

 

We are larger and have more financial resources than most private automotive retailers with which we currently compete in the majority of our regional markets. We compete directly with retailers with similar or greater resources in markets such as metropolitan New York, the greater Los Angeles area, Seattle, Washington; Spokane, Washington; Anchorage, Alaska; Portland, Oregon and the San Francisco Bay Area, California. If we enter other new markets, we may face competitors that are larger or have access to greater financial resources. We do not have any cost advantage in purchasing new vehicles from manufacturers. We rely on advertising and merchandising, pricing, our customer guarantees and sales model, our sales expertise, service reputation and the location of our stores to sell new vehicles.

 

 

Regulation

 

Automotive and Other Laws and Regulations

We operate in a highly regulated industry. A number of state and federal laws and regulations affect our business. In every state in which we operate, we must obtain various licenses to operate our businesses, including dealer, sales and finance and insurance licenses issued by state regulatory authorities. Numerous laws and regulations govern our business, including those relating to our sales, operations, financing, insurance, advertising and employment practices. These laws and regulations include state franchise laws and regulations, consumer protection laws, privacy laws, escheatment laws, anti-money laundering laws and federal and state wage-hour, anti-discrimination and other employment practices laws.

 

Our financing activities with customers are subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations. In 2013 and 2014, there was an increase in activity related to oversight of consumer lending by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which has broad regulatory powers. The CFPB does not have direct authority over automotive dealers; however, its regulation of larger automotive finance companies and other financial institutions could affect our financing activities. Claims arising out of actual or alleged violations of law may be asserted against us or our stores by individuals, a class of individuals, or governmental entities. These claims may expose us to significant damages or other penalties, including revocation or suspension of our licenses to conduct store operations and fines.

 

The vehicles we sell are subject to rules and regulations of various federal and state regulatory agencies.

 

Environmental, Health, and Safety Laws and Regulations

Our operations involve the use, handling, storage and contracting for recycling and/or disposal of materials such as motor oil and filters, transmission fluids, antifreeze, refrigerants, paints, thinners, batteries, cleaning products, lubricants, degreasing agents, tires and fuel. Consequently, our business is subject to a complex variety of federal, state and local requirements that regulate the environment and public health and safety.

 

Most of our stores use above ground storage tanks, and, to a lesser extent, underground storage tanks, primarily for petroleum-based products. Storage tanks are subject to periodic testing, containment, upgrading and removal under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and its state law counterparts. Clean-up or other remedial action may be necessary in the event of leaks or other discharges from storage tanks or other sources. In addition, water quality protection programs under the federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act), the Safe Drinking Water Act and comparable state and local programs govern certain discharges from our operations. Similarly, certain air emissions from operations, such as auto body painting, may be subject to the federal Clean Air Act and related state and local laws. Health and safety standards promulgated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the United States Department of Labor and related state agencies also apply.

 

Certain stores may become a party to proceedings under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, or CERCLA, typically in connection with materials that were sent to former recycling, treatment and/or disposal facilities owned and operated by independent businesses. The remediation or clean-up of facilities where the release of a regulated hazardous substance occurred is required under CERCLA and other laws.

 

 

We incur certain costs to comply with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations in the ordinary course of our business. We do not anticipate, however, that the costs of such compliance will have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition, although such outcome is possible given the nature of our operations and the extensive environmental, public health and safety regulatory framework. We may become aware of minor contamination at certain of our facilities, and we conduct investigations and remediation at properties as needed. In certain cases, the current or prior property owner may conduct the investigation and/or remediation or we have been indemnified by either the current or prior property owner for such contamination. We do not currently expect to incur significant costs for the remediation. However, no assurances can be given that material environmental commitments or contingencies will not arise in the future, or that they do not already exist but are unknown to us.

 

Employees

As of December 31, 2014, we employed approximately 8,827 persons on a full-time equivalent basis.

 

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. 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.

 

Available Information and NYSE Compliance

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). You may inspect and copy our reports, proxy statements, and other information filed with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the Public Reference Room. The SEC maintains an Internet Web site at http://www.sec.gov where you may access copies of our SEC filings. We also make available free of charge, on our website at www.lithia.com, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed electronically with the SEC. The information found on our website is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. You may also obtain copies of these reports by contacting Investor Relations at 877-331-3084.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

You should carefully consider the risks described below before making an investment decision. The risks described below are not the only ones facing our company. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations.

 

Risks related to our business

 

Our business will be harmed if overall consumer demand suffers from a severe or sustained downturn.

 

Our business is heavily dependent on consumer demand and preferences. A downturn in overall levels of consumer spending may materially and adversely affect our revenues. Retail vehicle sales are cyclical and historically have experienced periodic downturns characterized by oversupply and weak demand. These cycles are often dependent on general economic conditions and consumer confidence, as well as the level of discretionary personal income and credit availability. Economic conditions may be anemic for an extended period of time, or deteriorate in the future. This would have a material adverse effect on our retail business, particularly sales of new and used automobiles.

 

 

Our business may be adversely affected by unfavorable conditions in our local markets, even if those conditions are not prominent nationally.

 

Our performance is subject to local economic, competitive and other conditions prevailing in our various geographic areas. Our dealerships are currently located in limited markets in 14 states, with sales in the top three states accounting for approximately 57% of our revenue in 2014. Our results of operations, therefore, depend substantially on general economic conditions and consumer spending levels in those markets and could be materially adversely affected to the extent these markets experience sustained economic downturns regardless of improvements in the U.S. economy overall.

 

Increasing competition among automotive retailers reduces our profit margins on vehicle sales and related businesses. Further, the use of the Internet in the car purchasing process could materially adversely affect us.

 

Automobile retailing is a highly competitive business. Our competitors include publicly and privately-owned dealerships, of which certain competitors are larger and have greater financial and marketing resources than we have. Many of our competitors sell the same or similar makes of new and used vehicles that we offer in our markets at competitive prices. We do not have any cost advantage in purchasing new vehicles from manufacturers due to the volume of purchases or otherwise.

 

Our finance and insurance business and other related businesses, which have higher margins than sales of new and used vehicles, are subject to strong competition from various financial institutions and others.

 

The Internet has become a significant part of the sales process in our industry. Customers are using the Internet to compare pricing for vehicles and related finance and insurance services, which may further reduce margins for new and used vehicles and profits for related finance and insurance services. If Internet new vehicle sales are allowed to be conducted without the involvement of franchised dealers, our business could be materially adversely affected. In addition, other franchise groups have aligned themselves with services offered on the Internet or are investing heavily in the development of their own Internet capabilities, which could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

 

Our Franchise Agreements do not grant us the exclusive right to sell a manufacturer’s product within a given geographic area. Our revenues or profitability could be materially adversely affected if any of our manufacturers award franchises to others in the same markets where we operate or if existing franchised dealers increase their market share in our markets.

 

In addition, we may face increasingly significant competition as we strive to gain market share through acquisitions or otherwise. Our operating margins may decline over time as we expand into markets where we do not have a leading position.

 

 

Increasing fuel prices change consumer demand. Significant increases in fuel prices can be expected to reduce vehicle sales.

 

Historically, in times of rapid increase in crude oil and fuel prices, sales of vehicles have dropped, particularly in the short term, as the economy slows, consumer confidence wanes and fuel costs become more prominent to the consumer’s buying decision. In sustained periods of higher fuel costs, consumers who do purchase vehicles tend to prefer smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles (which typically have lower margins) or hybrid vehicles (which can be in limited supply during these periods).

 

Additionally, a significant portion of our new vehicle revenue and gross profit is derived from domestic manufacturers. These manufacturers have historically sold a higher percentage of trucks and SUVs than import or luxury brands. They may, therefore, experience a more significant decline in sales in the event that fuel prices increase.

 

A decline of available financing in the lending market has adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, our vehicle sales volume.

 

A significant portion of vehicle buyers finance their purchases of automobiles. Sub-prime lenders have historically provided financing for consumers who, for a variety of reasons, including poor credit histories and lack of down payment, do not have access to more traditional finance sources. If lenders tighten their credit standards or there is a decline in the availability of credit in the lending market, the ability of these consumers to purchase vehicles could be limited, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

 

Adverse conditions affecting one or more key manufacturers may negatively affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

 

We depend on our manufacturers to provide a supply of vehicles which supports expected sales levels. If manufacturers are unable to supply the needed level of vehicles, our financial performance may be adversely impacted.

 

We are subject to a concentration of risk in the event of financial distress, including potential reorganization or bankruptcy, of a major vehicle manufacturer. We purchase substantially all of our new vehicles from various manufacturers or distributors at the prevailing prices available to all franchised dealers. Our sales volume could be materially adversely impacted by the manufacturers’ or distributors’ inability to supply our stores with an adequate supply of vehicles.

 

In the event of a manufacturer or distributor bankruptcy, we could be held liable for damages related to product liability claims, intellectual property suits or other legal actions. These legal actions are typically directed towards the vehicle manufacturer and it is customary for manufacturers to indemnify us from exposure related to any judgments associated with the claims. However, if damages could not be collected from the manufacturer or distributor, we could be named in lawsuits and judgments could be levied against us.

 

There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully address the risks described above or those of the current economic circumstances and sales environment. 

 

Our success depends in large part upon the overall demand for the particular lines of vehicles that each of our stores sell and the ability of the manufacturers to continue to deliver high quality, defect-free vehicles.

 

Demand for our primary manufacturers’ vehicles, as well as the financial condition, management, marketing, production and distribution capabilities of these manufacturers, can significantly affect our business. Events that adversely affect a manufacturer’s ability to timely deliver new vehicles may adversely affect us by reducing our supply of popular new vehicles and leading to lower sales in our stores during those periods than would otherwise occur. We depend on our manufacturers to deliver high-quality, defect-free vehicles. If manufacturers experience quality issues, our financial performance may be adversely impacted. In addition, the discontinuance of a particular brand could negatively impact our revenues and profitability.

 

 

Many new manufacturers are entering the automotive industry. New companies have raised capital to produce fully electric vehicles or to license battery technology to existing manufacturers. Tesla has demonstrated the ability to successfully introduce electric vehicles to the marketplace. Foreign manufacturers from China and India are producing significant volumes of new vehicles and are entering the U.S. and selecting partners to distribute their products. Because the automotive market in the U.S. is mature and the overall level of new vehicle sales may not increase in the coming years, the success of new competitors will likely be at the expense of other, established brands. This could have a material adverse impact on our success in the future.

 

Vehicle manufacturers would be adversely affected by economic downturns or recessions, adverse fluctuations in currency exchange rates, significant declines in the sales of their new vehicles, increases in interest rates, declines in their credit ratings, port closures, labor strikes or similar disruptions (including within their major suppliers), supply shortages or rising raw material costs, rising employee benefit costs, adverse publicity that may reduce consumer demand for their products, product defects, vehicle recall campaigns, litigation, poor product mix or unappealing vehicle design, or other adverse events. These and other risks could materially adversely affect any manufacturer and limit its ability to profitably design, market, produce or distribute new vehicles, which, in turn, could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. In February 2015, for example, Honda and other manufacturers announced they would curtail car production in North America due to parts shortages caused by port closures and work slowdowns on the West Coast; if these continue and a materially lower number of Hondas are manufactured, our supply and sales of Hondas may materially decrease.

 

Additionally, federal and certain state laws mandate minimum levels of vehicle fuel economy and establish emission standards. These levels and standards could be increased in the future, including the required use of renewable energy sources. Such laws often increase the costs of new vehicles, which would be expected to reduce demand. Further, changes in these laws could result in fewer vehicles available for sale by manufacturers unwilling or unable to comply with the higher standards.

 

If manufacturers or distributors discontinue or change sales incentives, warranties and other promotional programs, our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows may be materially adversely affected.

 

We depend upon the manufacturers and distributors for sales incentives, warranties and other programs that are intended to promote new vehicle sales or supplement dealer income. Manufacturers and distributors routinely make changes to their incentive programs. Key incentive programs include:

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customer rebates;

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dealer incentives on new vehicles;

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special financing rates on certified, pre-owned cars;

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below-market financing on new vehicles and special leasing terms; and

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sponsorship of used vehicle sales by authorized new vehicle dealers.

 

Our financial condition could be materially adversely impacted by a discontinuation or change in our manufacturers’ or distributors’ incentive programs. In addition, certain manufacturers use a dealership’s manufacturer-determined customer satisfaction index, or “CSI”, score as a factor governing participation in incentive programs. To the extent we do not meet minimum score requirements, we may be precluded from receiving certain incentives, which could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

 

 

 

The ability of our stores to make new vehicle sales depends in large part upon the manufacturers and, therefore, any disruption or change in our relationships could impact our business. 

 

We depend on the manufacturers to provide us with a desirable mix of new vehicles. The most popular vehicles usually produce the highest profit margins and are frequently in short supply. If we cannot obtain sufficient quantities of the most popular models, our profitability may be adversely affected. Sales of less desirable models may reduce our profit margins.

 

Each of our stores operates pursuant to a Franchise Agreement with each of the respective manufacturers for which it serves as franchisee. Manufacturers exert significant control over our stores through the terms and conditions of their franchise agreements. Such agreements contain provisions for termination or non-renewal for a variety of causes, including service retention, facility compliance, customer satisfaction and sales and financial performance. From time to time, certain of our stores have failed to comply with certain provisions of their franchise agreements, and we cannot assure you that our stores will be able to comply with these provisions in the future. In addition, actions taken by a manufacturer to exploit its bargaining position in negotiating the terms of renewals of franchise agreements or otherwise could also have a material adverse effect on our revenues and profitability. If a manufacturer terminates or fails to renew one or more of our significant franchise agreements or a large number of our franchise agreements, such action could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

 

Our Franchise Agreements also specify that, except in certain situations, we cannot operate a franchise by another manufacturer in the same building as the manufacturer’s franchised store. This may require us to build new facilities at a significant cost. Moreover, our manufacturers generally require that the store meet defined image standards. These commitments could require us to make significant capital expenditures.

 

Manufacturer stock ownership restrictions may impair our ability to maintain or renew franchise agreements or issue additional equity.

 

Certain of our Franchise Agreements prohibit transfers of ownership interests of a store or, in selected cases, its parent. The most prohibitive restriction which could be imposed by various manufacturers, including Honda/Acura, Hyundai, Mazda and Nissan, provides that, under certain circumstances, we may lose a franchise if a person or entity acquires an ownership interest in us above a specified level (ranging from 20% to 50% depending on the particular manufacturer’s restrictions and falling as low as 5% if another vehicle manufacturer is the entity acquiring the ownership interest) without the approval of the applicable manufacturer. Other restrictions in certain Franchise Agreements with manufacturers, including Ford, GM, Honda/Acura and Toyota, provide that a change in control in the Company without prior consent is a violation of our franchise or dealer framework agreement. Transactions in our stock by our stockholders or prospective stockholders are generally outside of our control and may result in the termination or non-renewal of one or more of our franchises or impair our ability to negotiate new franchise agreements for dealerships we desire to acquire in the future, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. These restrictions may also prevent or deter a prospective acquirer from acquiring control of us or otherwise adversely affect the market price of our Class A common stock or limit our ability to restructure our debt obligations.

 

 

 

If state dealer laws are repealed or weakened, our dealerships will be more susceptible to termination, non-renewal or renegotiation of their franchise agreements. Additionally, federal bankruptcy law can override protections afforded under state dealer laws.

 

State dealer laws generally provide that a manufacturer may not terminate or refuse to renew a franchise agreement unless it has first provided the dealer with written notice setting forth good cause and stating the grounds for termination or non-renewal. Certain state dealer laws allow dealers to file protests or petitions or attempt to comply with the manufacturer’s criteria within the notice period to avoid the termination or non-renewal. If dealer laws are repealed in the states where we operate, manufacturers may be able to terminate our franchises without providing advance notice, an opportunity to cure or a showing of good cause. Without the protection of state dealer laws, it may also be more difficult to renew our franchise agreements upon expiration or on terms acceptable to us.

 

In addition, these laws restrict the ability of automobile manufacturers to directly enter the retail market in the future. If manufacturers obtain the ability to directly retail vehicles and do so in our markets, such competition could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

 

As evidenced by the bankruptcy proceedings of both Chrysler and GM in 2009, state dealer laws do not afford continued protection from manufacturer terminations or non-renewal of franchise agreements. No assurances can be given that a manufacturer will not seek protection under bankruptcy laws, or that, in this event, they will not seek to terminate franchise rights held by us.

 

Import product restrictions and foreign trade risks may impair our ability to sell foreign vehicles profitably.

 

A significant portion of the vehicles we sell, as well as certain major components of such vehicles, are manufactured outside the United States. Accordingly, we are affected by import and export restrictions of various jurisdictions and are dependent, to a certain extent, on general socio-economic conditions in, and political relations with, a number of foreign countries. Additionally, fluctuations in currency exchange rates may increase the price and adversely affect our sales of vehicles produced by foreign manufacturers. Imports into the United States may also be adversely affected by increased transportation costs and tariffs, quotas or duties, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

 

Environmental, health or safety regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows or cause us to incur significant expenditures.

 

We are subject to various federal, state and local environmental, health and safety regulations that govern items such as the generation, storage, handling, use, treatment, recycling, transportation, disposal and remediation of hazardous material and the emission and discharge of hazardous material into the environment. Under certain environmental regulations or pursuant to signed private contracts, we could be held responsible for all of the costs relating to any contamination at our present, or our previously owned, facilities, and at third party waste disposal sites. We are aware of minor contamination at certain of our facilities, and we routinely conduct investigations and/or remediation at certain properties. The current level of contamination is such that we do not expect to incur significant costs for the remediation. In certain cases, the current or prior property owner is conducting the investigation and/or remediation or we have been indemnified by either the current or prior property owner for such contamination. There can be no assurance that these owners will remediate, or continue to remediate, these properties or pay, or continue to pay, pursuant to these indemnities. We are also required to obtain permits from governmental authorities for certain operations. If we violate or fail to fully comply with these regulations or permits, we could be fined or otherwise sanctioned by regulators.

 

 

Environmental, health and safety regulations are becoming increasingly stringent. There can be no assurance that the cost of compliance with these regulations will not result in a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. Further, no assurances can be given that additional environmental, health or safety matters will not arise or new conditions or facts will not develop in the future at our currently or formerly owned or operated facilities, or at sites that we may acquire in the future, which will require us to incur significant expenditures.

 

With the breadth of our operations and volume of consumer and financing transactions, compliance with the many applicable federal and state laws and regulations cannot be assured. New regulations are enacted on an ongoing basis. These regulations may impact our profitability and require continuous training and vigilance. Fines, judgments and administrative sanctions can be severe.

 

We are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations in each of the 14 states where we have stores. New laws and regulations are enacted on an ongoing basis. With the number of stores we operate, the number of personnel we employ and the large volume of transactions we handle, it is likely that technical mistakes will be made. These regulations affect our profitability and require ongoing training. Current practices in stores may become prohibited. We are responsible for ensuring that continued compliance with laws is maintained. If there are unauthorized activities, the state and federal authorities have the power to impose civil penalties and sanctions, suspend or withdraw dealer licenses or take other actions. These actions could materially impair our activities or our ability to acquire new stores in those states where violations occurred. Further, private causes of action on behalf of individuals or a class of individuals could result in significant damages or injunctive relief.

 

Compliance with the variety of federal, state and local regulations cannot be assured. Claims may arise out of actual or alleged violations of these various laws and regulations which may be asserted against us through class actions or by governmental entities in civil or criminal investigations and proceedings.

 

We may be involved in legal proceedings arising from the conduct of our business, including litigation with customers, employee-related lawsuits, class actions, purported class actions and actions brought by governmental authorities. Claims arising out of actual or alleged violations of law may be asserted against us or any of our dealers by individuals, either individually or through class actions, or by governmental entities in civil or criminal investigations and proceedings. Such actions may expose us to substantial monetary damages and legal defense costs, injunctive relief, criminal and civil fines and penalties and damage our reputation and sales.

 

Governmental regulations related to fuel economy standards and greenhouse gases may have an adverse impact on the ability of vehicle manufacturers to cost-effectively produce vehicles or design vehicles desired by customers. These regulations may also impact our ability to sell these vehicles at affordable prices.

 

Federal regulations around fuel economy standards and “greenhouse gas” emissions have continued to increase. New requirements may adversely affect any manufacturer’s ability to profitably design, market, produce and distribute vehicles that comply with such regulations. We could be adversely impacted in our ability to market and sell these vehicles at affordable prices and in our ability to finance these inventories. These regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

 

 

Government regulations and compliance costs may adversely affect our business, and the failure to comply could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

 

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 regulate the conduct of our business, including:

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motor vehicle and retail installment sales practices;

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leasing;

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sales of finance, insurance and vehicle protection products;

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consumer credit;

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deceptive trade practices;

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consumer protection;

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consumer privacy;

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money laundering;

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advertising;

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land use and zoning;

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health and safety; and

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employment practices.

 

In every state where 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 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 practices, and heightened focus on these arrangements may affect our relationships and agreements, including our indemnification obligations, with lenders. The level of commissions paid by lenders to us for arranging financing may change due to this bulletin. These factors could adversely affect our business.

 

The vehicles we sell are also subject to the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, the Magnuson-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.

 

 

 

Breaches in our data security systems or in systems used by our vendor partners, including cyber-attacks or unauthorized data distribution by employees or affiliated vendors, could disrupt our operations or result in the loss or misuse of customers’ proprietary information.

 

Our information technology systems are important to operating our business efficiently. We employ systems and websites that allow for the secure storage and transmission of customers’ proprietary information. The failure of our information technology systems to perform as we anticipate could disrupt our business and could expose us to a risk of loss or misuse of this information, litigation and potential liability.

 

Our information technology systems, and those of our vendors, may be vulnerable to data protection breaches and cyber-attacks beyond our control and we may not have the resources or technical sophistication to anticipate or prevent rapidly evolving types of cyber-attacks. We invest in security technology to protect our data and business processes against these risks. We also purchase insurance to mitigate the potential financial impact of these risks. Despite these precautions, we cannot assure that a breach will not occur and any breach or successful attack could have a negative impact on our operations or business reputation.

 

Our ability to increase revenues through acquisitions depends on our ability to acquire and successfully integrate additional stores.

 

General

The U.S. automobile industry is considered a mature industry in which minimal growth is expected in unit sales of new vehicles. Accordingly, a principal component of our growth in sales is to make acquisitions in our existing markets and in new geographic markets. To complete the acquisition of additional stores, we need to successfully address each of the following challenges.

 

Limitations on our capital resources

The acquisition of additional stores will require substantial capital investment. Limitations on our capital resources would restrict our ability to complete new acquisitions.

 

We have financed our past acquisitions from a combination of the cash flow from our operations, borrowings under our credit arrangements, issuances of our common stock and proceeds from private debt offerings. The use of any of these financing sources could have the effect of reducing our earnings per share. We may not be able to obtain financing in the future due to the market price of our Class A common stock and overall market conditions. Furthermore, using cash to complete acquisitions could substantially limit our operating or financial flexibility.

 

Substantially all of the assets of our dealerships are pledged to secure the indebtedness under our credit facility and our other floor plan financing indebtedness. These pledges may limit our ability to borrow from other sources in order to fund our acquisitions.

 

Manufacturers

We are required to obtain consent from the applicable manufacturer prior to the acquisition of a franchised store. In determining whether to approve an acquisition, a manufacturer considers many factors, including our financial condition, ownership structure, the number of stores currently owned and our performance with those stores. Obtaining manufacturer approval of acquisitions also takes a significant amount of time, typically 60 to 90 days. We cannot assure you that manufacturers will approve future acquisitions timely, if at all, which could significantly impair the execution of our acquisition strategy.

 

 

Most major manufacturers have now established limitations or guidelines on the:

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number of such manufacturers’ stores that may be acquired by a single owner;

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number of stores that may be acquired in any market or region;

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percentage of market share that may be controlled by one automotive retailer group;

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ownership of stores in contiguous markets;

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performance requirements for existing stores; and

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frequency of acquisitions.

 

In addition, such manufacturers generally require that no other manufacturers’ brands be sold from the same store location, and many manufacturers have site control agreements in place that limit our ability to change the use of the facility without their approval.

 

A manufacturer also considers our past performance as measured by the Minimum Sales Responsibility (“MSR”) scores, CSI scores and Sales Satisfaction Index (“SSI”) scores at our existing stores. At any point in time, certain stores may have scores below the manufacturers’ sales zone averages or have achieved sales below the targets manufacturers have set. Our failure to maintain satisfactory scores and to achieve market share performance goals could restrict our ability to complete future store acquisitions.

 

Acquisition risks

We will face risks commonly encountered with growth through acquisitions. These risks include, without limitation:

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failing to assimilate the operations and personnel of acquired dealerships;

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strain on our existing systems, procedures, structures and personnel;

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failing to achieve predicted sales levels;

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incurring significantly higher capital expenditures and operating expenses, which could substantially limit our operating or financial flexibility;

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entering new, unfamiliar markets;

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encountering undiscovered liabilities and operational difficulties at acquired dealerships;

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disrupting our ongoing business;

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diverting our management resources;

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failing to maintain uniform standards, controls and policies;

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impairing relationships with employees, manufacturers and customers as a result of changes in management;

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incurring increased expenses for accounting and computer systems, as well as integration difficulties;

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failing to obtain a manufacturer’s consent to the acquisition of one or more of its dealership franchises or renew the franchise agreement on terms acceptable to us;

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incorrectly valuing entities to be acquired; and

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Incurring additional facility renovation costs or other expenses required by the manufacturer.

 

In addition, we may not adequately anticipate all of the demands that growth will impose on our systems, procedures and structures.

 

Consummation and competition

We may not be able to complete future acquisitions at acceptable prices and terms or identify suitable candidates. In addition, increased competition in the future for acquisition candidates could result in fewer acquisition opportunities for us and higher acquisition prices. The magnitude, timing, pricing and nature of future acquisitions will depend upon various factors, including:

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the availability of suitable acquisition candidates;

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competition with other dealer groups for suitable acquisitions;

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the negotiation of acceptable terms with the seller and with the manufacturer;

●

our financial capabilities and ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms;

●

our stock price;

●

our ability to maintain required financial covenant levels after the acquisition; and

●

the availability of skilled employees to manage the acquired businesses.

 

 

Operating and financial condition

Although we conduct what we believe to be a prudent level of investigation, an unavoidable level of risk remains regarding the actual operating condition of acquired stores and we may not have an accurate understanding of each acquired store’s financial condition and performance. Similarly, most of the dealerships we acquire do not have financial statements audited or prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. We may not have an accurate understanding of the historical financial condition and performance of our acquired businesses. Until we assume control of the business, we may not be able to ascertain the actual value or understand the potential liabilities of the acquired businesses and their earnings potential. These risks may not be adequately mitigated by the indemnification obligations we negotiated with sellers.

 

Limitations on our capital resources

We make a substantial capital investment when we acquire dealerships. We finance these acquisitions with cash flows from our operations, borrowings under our credit arrangements, proceeds from mortgage financing and the issuance of shares of Class A common stock. The size of our recent acquisition activity magnifies risks associated with debt service obligations. These risks include potential lower earnings per share, our inability to pay dividends and potential negative impacts to the debt covenants we negotiated under our credit agreement. If we fail to meet the covenants in our credit facility, or if some other event occurs that results in a default or an acceleration of our repayment obligations under our credit agreements, we may not be able to refinance our debt on terms acceptable to us or at all. Furthermore, using cash to complete acquisitions could substantially limit our operating or financial flexibility.

 

We are subject to substantial risk of loss under our various self-insurance programs including property and casualty, open lot vehicle coverage, workers’ compensation and employee medical coverage.

 

We have a significant concentration of our property values at each dealership location, including vehicle and parts inventories and our facilities. Natural disasters, severe weather, such as wind or hail storms, or extraordinary events subject us to property loss and business interruption. Illegal or unethical conduct by employees, customers, vendors and unaffiliated third parties can also impact our business. Other potential liabilities arising out of our operations may involve claims by employees, customers or third parties for personal injury or property damage and potential fines and penalties in connection with alleged violations of regulatory requirements.

 

Under our self-insurance programs, we retain various levels of aggregate loss limits, per claim deductibles and claims-handling expenses. Costs in excess of these retained risks may be insured under various contracts with third-party insurance carriers. As of December 31, 2014, we had total reserve amounts associated with these programs of $23.2 million. The level of risk we retain may change in the future as insurance market conditions or other factors affecting the economics of our insurance purchasing change. Although we believe we have sufficient insurance, we cannot assure that we will not be exposed to uninsured or underinsured losses that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

 

Indefinite-lived intangible assets, which consist of goodwill and franchise value, comprise a meaningful portion of our total assets ($350.3 million, or 12% of our total assets, at December 31, 2014). We must assess our indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually, which may result in a non-cash write-down of franchise rights or goodwill.

 

Indefinite-lived intangible assets are subject to impairment assessments at least annually (or more frequently when events or circumstances indicate that an impairment may have occurred) by applying a fair-value based test. Our principal intangible assets are goodwill and our rights under our Franchise Agreements with vehicle manufacturers. The risk of impairment charges associated with goodwill increases if there are declines in our market capitalization, profitability or cash flows. The risk of impairment charges associated with franchise value increases if operating losses are suffered at those stores, if a manufacturer files for bankruptcy or if the stores are closed. Impairment charges result in non-cash write-downs of the affected franchise values or goodwill. Furthermore, impairment charges could have an adverse impact on our ability to satisfy the financial ratios or other covenants under our debt agreements and could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

 

Our indebtedness and lease obligations could materially adversely affect our financial health, limit our ability to finance future acquisitions and capital expenditures and prevent us from fulfilling our financial obligations. Much of our debt has a variable interest rate component that may significantly increase our interest costs in a rising rate environment.

 

Our indebtedness and lease obligations could have important consequences to us, including the following:

●

limitations on our ability to make acquisitions;

●

impaired ability to obtain additional financing for acquisitions, capital expenditures, working capital or general corporate purposes;

●

reduced funds available for our operations and other purposes, as a larger portion of our cash flow from operations would be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness; and

●

exposure to the risk of increasing interest rates as certain borrowings are, and will continue to be, at variable rates of interest.

 

In addition, our loan agreements contain covenants that limit our discretion with respect to business matters, including incurring additional debt, acquisition activity or disposing of assets. Other covenants are financial in nature, including current ratio, fixed charge coverage and leverage ratio calculations. A breach of any of these covenants could result in a default under the applicable agreement. In addition, a default under one agreement could result in a default and acceleration of our repayment obligations under the other agreements under the cross-default provisions in such other agreements.

 

Certain debt agreements contain subjective acceleration clauses based on a lender deeming itself insecure or if a “material adverse change” in our business has occurred. If these clauses are implicated, and the lender declares that an event of default has occurred, the outstanding indebtedness would likely be immediately due and owing. 

 

If these events were to occur, we may not be able to pay our debts or borrow sufficient funds to refinance them. Even if new financing were available, it may not be on terms acceptable to us. As a result of this risk, we could be forced to take actions that we otherwise would not take, or not take actions that we otherwise might take, in order to comply with these agreements.

 

 

Additionally, our real estate debt generally has a five to ten-year term, after which the debt needs to be renewed or replaced. A decline in the appraised value of real estate or a reduction in the loan-to-value lending ratios for new or renewed real estate loans could result in our inability to renew maturing real estate loans at the debt level existing at maturity, or on terms acceptable to us, requiring us to find replacement lenders or to refinance at lower loan amounts.

 

As of December 31, 2014, including the effect of interest rate swaps, approximately 84.5% of our total debt was variable rate. The majority of our variable rate debt is indexed to the one-month LIBOR rate. The current interest rate environment is at historically low levels, and interest rates will likely increase in the future. In the event interest rates increase, our borrowing costs may increase substantially. Additionally, fixed rate debt that matures may be renewed at interest rates significantly higher than current levels. As a result, this could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

 

We have a significant relationship with a third-party warranty insurer and administrator. This third-party is the obligor of service warranty policies sold to our customers. Additionally, we have agreements in place that allow for future income based on the claims experience on policies sold to our customers. 

 

We sell service warranty policies to our customers issued by a third-party obligor. We receive additional fee income if actual claims are less than the amounts reserved for anticipated claims and the costs of administration and administrator profit.  

 

A decline in the financial health of the third-party insurer could jeopardize the claims reserves held by the administrator, and prevent us from collecting the experience payments anticipated to be earned in future years. While the amount we receive varies annually, the loss of this income could negatively impact our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Further, the inability of the insurer to honor service warranty claims would likely result in reputational risk to us and might result in claims to cover any default by the insurer.

 

The loss of key personnel or the failure to attract additional qualified management personnel could adversely affect our operations and growth.

 

Our success depends to a significant degree on the efforts and abilities of our senior management, particularly Bryan B. DeBoer, our Director, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Christopher S. Holzshu, our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Further, we have identified Bryan B. DeBoer in most of our store franchise agreements as the individual who controls the franchises and upon whose financial resources and management expertise the manufacturers may rely when awarding or approving the transfer of any franchise. If we lose these key personnel, our business may suffer.

 

In addition, as we expand, we will need to hire additional managers and other employees. The market for qualified employees in the industry and in the regions in which we operate, particularly for general managers and sales and service personnel, is highly competitive and may subject us to increased labor costs during periods of low unemployment. The loss of the services of key employees or the inability to attract additional qualified managers could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. In addition, the lack of qualified managers or other employees employed by potential acquisition candidates may limit our ability to consummate future acquisitions.

 

  

The sole voting control of our company is currently held by Sidney B. DeBoer, who may have interests different from our other shareholders. Further, 1.8 million shares of the 2.6 million shares of our Class B common stock held by Lithia Holding Company, LLC (“Lithia Holding”) are pledged to secure indebtedness of Lithia Holding. The failure to repay the indebtedness could result in the sale of such shares and the loss of such control, which may violate agreements with certain manufacturers.

 

Sidney B. DeBoer, our Founder and Executive Chairman, is the sole managing member of Lithia Holdings, which holds all of the outstanding shares of our Class B common stock. A holder of Class B common stock is entitled to ten votes for each share held, while a holder of Class A common stock is entitled to one vote per share held. On most matters, the Class A and Class B common stock vote together as a single class. As of March 2, 2015, Lithia Holding controlled, and Mr. DeBoer had the authority to vote, approximately 52% of the aggregate number of votes eligible to be cast by shareholders for the election of directors and most other shareholder actions. In addition, Mr. DeBoer may prevent a change in control of our Company and make certain transactions more difficult or impossible. The interest of Mr. DeBoer may not always coincide with our interests as a Company or the interest of other shareholders. Accordingly, Mr. DeBoer could cause us to enter into transactions or agreement that other shareholders would not approve or make decisions with which other shareholders may disagree.

 

Lithia Holding has pledged 1.8 million shares of our Class B common stock to secure a loan from U.S. Bank National Association. If Lithia Holding is unable to repay the loan, the bank could foreclose on the Class B common stock, which would result in the automatic conversion of such shares to Class A common stock and a change in control of our Company. If this change is not consented to by the manufacturers, we would have a technical violation under most of the dealer sales and service agreements held by us. In addition, the market price of our Class A common stock could decline if the bank foreclosed on the pledged stock and subsequently sold such stock in the open market.

 

Risks related to investing in our Class A common stock

 

Future sales of our Class A common stock in the public market could adversely impact the market price of our Class A common stock.

 

As of March 2, 2015, we had 2,592,302 shares of Class A common stock reserved for issuance under our equity plans (including our employee stock purchase plan). As of March 2, 2015, a total of 575,350 shares related to outstanding restricted stock, restricted stock units and options (with the options having a weighted average exercise price of $6.79 per share and options to purchase 6,834 shares being exercisable). In addition, we had 2,562,231 shares of Class B common stock outstanding convertible into 2,562,231 shares of Class A common stock.

 

In the future, we may issue additional shares of our Class A common stock to raise capital or effect acquisitions. We cannot predict the size of future sales or issuance or the effect, if any, they may have on the market price of our Class A common stock. The sale of substantial amounts of Class A common stock, or the perception that such sales may occur, could adversely affect the market price of our Class A common stock and impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional equity securities, or to sell equity at a price acceptable to us.

 

 

Volatility in the market price and trading volume of our Class A common stock could adversely impact the value of the shares of our Class A common stock.

 

The stock market in recent years has experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of companies like ours. These broad market factors may materially reduce the market price of our Class A common stock, regardless of our operating performance. The market price of our Class A common stock, which has experienced large price and volume fluctuations over the last five years, could continue to fluctuate significantly for many reasons, including in response to the risks described herein or for reasons unrelated to our operations, such as:

●

reports by industry analysts;

●

changes in financial estimates by securities analysts or us, or our inability to meet or exceed securities analysts’, investors’ or our own estimates or expectations;

●

actual or anticipated sales of common stock by existing shareholders or us;

●

capital commitments;

●

additions or departures of key personnel;

●

developments in our business or in our industry;

●

a prolonged downturn in our industry;

●

general market conditions, such as interest or foreign exchange rates, commodity and equity prices, availability of credit, asset valuations and volatility;

●

changes in global financial and economic markets;

●

armed conflict, war or terrorism;

●

regulatory changes affecting our industry generally or our business and operations in particular;

●

changes in market valuations of other companies in our industry;

●

the operating and securities price performance of companies that investors consider to be comparable to us; and

●

announcements of strategic developments, acquisitions and other material events by us, our competitors or our suppliers.

 

Oregon law and our Restated Articles of Incorporation may impede or discourage a takeover, which could impair the market price of our Class A common stock.

 

We are an Oregon corporation, and certain provisions of Oregon law and our Restated Articles of Incorporation may have anti-takeover effects. These provisions could delay, defer or prevent a tender offer or takeover attempt that a shareholder might consider to be in his or her best interest. These provisions may also affect attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the shares held by shareholders, and may make removal of the incumbent management and directors more difficult, which, under certain circumstances, could reduce the market price of our Class A common stock.

 

Our issuance of preferred stock could adversely affect holders of Class A common stock.

 

Our Board of Directors is authorized to issue a series of preferred stock without any action on the part of our holders of Class A common stock. Our Board of Directors also has the power, without shareholder approval, to set the terms of any such series of preferred stock that may be issued, including voting powers, preferences over our Class A common stock with respect to dividends or if we voluntarily or involuntarily dissolve or distribute our assets, and other terms. If we issue preferred stock in the future that has preference over our Class A common stock with respect to the payment of dividends or upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, or if we issue preferred stock with voting rights that dilute the voting power of our Class A common stock, the rights of holders of our Class A common stock or the price of our Class A common stock could be adversely affected.

 

Our business is seasonal, and events occurring during seasons in which revenues are typically higher may disproportionately affect our results of operations and financial condition.

 

Historically, our sales have been lower during 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. More recently our franchise diversification and cost controls have moderated this seasonality. However, if conditions occur during the second or third quarters that weaken automotive sales, such as severe weather in the geographic areas in which our dealerships operate, war, high fuel costs, depressed economic conditions including unemployment or weakened consumer confidence or similar adverse conditions, our revenues for the year may be disproportionately adversely affected.

 

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

 

None.

 

Item 2. Properties

 

Our stores and other facilities consist primarily of automobile showrooms, display lots, service facilities, collision repair and paint shops, supply facilities, automobile storage lots, parking lots and offices located in the states listed under the caption Overview in Item 1. We believe our facilities are currently adequate for our needs and are in good repair. Some of our facilities do not currently meet manufacturer image or size requirements and we are actively working to find a mutually acceptable outcome in terms of timing and overall cost. We own our corporate headquarters in Medford, Oregon, a corporate building in South Amboy, New Jersey and certain other properties used in operations. Certain of these properties are mortgaged. We also lease certain properties, providing future flexibility to relocate our retail stores as demographics, economics, traffic patterns or sales methods change. Most leases provide us the option to renew the lease for one or more lease extension periods. We also hold certain vacant dealerships and undeveloped land for future expansion.

 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

 

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 will have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows, we cannot predict this with certainty.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosure

 

Not applicable.

 

PART II

 

Item 5.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

Stock Prices and Dividends

Our Class A common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol LAD. The following table presents the high and low sale prices for our Class A common stock, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape for each of the quarters in 2013 and 2014:

 

2013		High				Low
First quarter		$	47.63			$	37.54
Second quarter			57.04				42.03
Third quarter			73.58				53.60
Fourth quarter			74.94				60.45
2014
First quarter		$	69.68			$	53.57
Second quarter			94.31				64.37
Third quarter			97.20				75.21
Fourth quarter			90.44				63.05

 

 

The number of shareholders of record and approximate number of beneficial holders of Class A common stock as of March 2, 2015 was 605 and 51,052, respectively. All shares of Lithia’s Class B common stock are held by Lithia Holding Company, LLC. Sidney B. DeBoer, as Manager of Lithia Holding Company, L.L.C., has the authority to vote all of the issued and outstanding shares of our Class B common stock.

 

Dividends declared on our Class A and Class B common stock during 2012, 2013 and 2014 were as follows:

 

Quarter declared:		Divdend amount per share				Total amount of dividend (in thousands)
2012
First quarter		$	0.07			$	1,815
Second quarter			0.10				2,583
Third quarter			0.10				2,545
Fourth quarter(1)			0.20				5,123
2013
First quarter		$	-			$	-
Second quarter			0.13				3,356
Third quarter			0.13				3,363
Fourth quarter			0.13				3,366
2014
First quarter		$	0.13			$	3,378
Second quarter			0.16				4,179
Third quarter			0.16				4,174
Fourth quarter			0.16				4,198

 

(1) In November 2012, we paid dividends of $2.5 million that had been declared in October 2012. An additional dividend payment of $2.6 million was declared and paid in December 2012 in lieu of the dividend typically declared and paid in March of the following year.

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

Information regarding securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans is included in Item 12.

 

Repurchases of Equity Securities

We made the following repurchases of our common stock during the fourth 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 plan
October 1 – October 31			143,833				66.80				143,833				1,664,453
November 1 – November 30			9,396				74.67				9,396				1,520,620
December 1 – December 31			11,000				82.95				11,000				1,511,224
Total			164,229								164,299				1,500,224

 

(1) In 2011 and 2012, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to a total of 3,000,000 shares of our Class A common stock. Through December 31, 2014, we have repurchased 1,499,776 shares at an average price of $31.19 per share. This authority to repurchase shares does not have an expiration date nor a maximum aggregate dollar amount for repurchases.

 

 

Stock Performance Graph

The following line-graph shows the annual percentage change in the cumulative total returns for the past five years on an assumed $100 initial investment and reinvestment of dividends, on (a) Lithia Motors, Inc.’s Class A common stock; (b) the Russell 2000; and (c) an auto peer group index composed of Penske Automotive Group, AutoNation, Sonic Automotive, Group 1 Automotive and Asbury Automotive Group, the only other comparable publicly traded automobile dealerships in the United States as of December 31, 2014. The peer group index utilizes the same methods of presentation and assumptions for the total return calculation as does Lithia Motors and the Russell 2000. All companies in the peer group index are weighted in accordance with their market capitalizations.

 

 

 

 

		Base
		Period				Indexed Returns for the Year Ended
Company/Index		12/31/2009				12/31/2010				12/31/2011				12/31/2012				12/31/2013				12/31/2014
Lithia Motors, Inc.		$	100.00			$	176.64			$	274.22			$	478.42			$	893.38			$	1,124.79
Auto Peer Group			100.00				139.26				172.28				214.32				290.19				345.44
Russell 2000			100.00				126.81				121.52				141.43				196.34				205.96

 

 

 

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

 

You should read the Selected Financial Data in conjunction with Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto and other financial information contained elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The results of operations for stores classified as discontinued operations have been presented on a comparable basis for all periods presented.

 

(In thousands, except per share amounts)		Year Ended December 31,
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:		2014				2013				2012				2011				2010
Revenues:
New vehicle		$	3,077,670			$	2,256,598			$	1,847,603			$	1,391,375			$	1,020,883
Used vehicle retail			1,362,481				1,032,224				833,484				678,571				558,105
Used vehicle wholesale			195,699				158,235				139,237				128,329				103,817
Finance and insurance			190,381				139,007				112,234				84,130				64,217
Service, body and parts			512,124				383,483				347,703				315,958				277,945
Fleet and other			51,971				36,202				36,226				34,383				11,655
Total revenues		$	5,390,326			$	4,005,749			$	3,316,487			$	2,632,746			$	2,036,622
Gross Profit:
New vehicle		$	198,184			$	151,118			$	134,447			$	107,150			$	83,646
Used vehicle retail			179,253				150,858				121,721				98,214				78,795
Used vehicle wholesale			3,646				2,711				1,414				597				703
Finance and insurance			190,381				139,007				112,234				84,130				64,217
Service, body and parts			249,736				185,570				168,070				152,220				133,942
Fleet and other			2,122				1,689				1,414				2,973				1,643
Total gross profit		$	823,322			$	630,953			$	539,300			$	445,284			$	362,946
Operating income (1)		$	231,899			$	183,518			$	148,369			$	110,818			$	46,470
Income from continuing operations before income taxes(1)		$	210,495			$	165,788			$	128,457			$	88,270			$	22,212
Income from continuing operations(1)		$	135,540			$	105,214			$	79,395			$	55,210			$	13,587
Basic income per share from continuing operations		$	5.19			$	4.08			$	3.09			$	2.10			$	0.52
Basic income per share from discontinued operations			0.12				0.03				0.04				0.14				0.01
Basic net income per share		$	5.31			$	4.11			$	3.13			$	2.24			$	0.53
Shares used in basic per share			26,121				25,805				25,696				26,230				26,062
Diluted income per share from continuing operations		$	5.14			$	4.02			$	3.03			$	2.07			$	0.52
Diluted income per share from discontinued operations			0.12				0.03				0.04				0.14				0.00
Diluted net income per share		$	5.26			$	4.05			$	3.07			$	2.21			$	0.52
Shares used in diluted per share							26,191				26,170				26,664				26,729
Cash dividends declared per common share(2)		$	0.61			$	0.39			$	0.47			$	0.26			$	0.15

 

 

(In thousands)		As of December 31,
Consolidated Balance Sheets Data:		2014				2013				2012				2011				2010
Working capital		$	172,909			$	209,038			$	211,905			$	191,607			$	162,675
Inventories			1,249,659				859,019				723,326				506,484				415,228
Total assets			2,880,932				1,725,121				1,492,702				1,146,133				971,676
Floor plan notes payable			1,178,679				713,855				581,584				343,940				251,257
Long-term debt, including current maturities			640,978				252,554				295,058				286,874				280,774
Total stockholders’ equity			673,105				534,722				428,101				367,121				320,217

 

(1)

Includes $1.9 million, $0.1 million, $1.4 million and $15.3 million of non-cash charges related to asset impairments for the years ended 2014, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. No non-cash charges related to asset impairments or terminated construction projects were recorded in 2013. See Notes 1, 4 and 18 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

(2)	In November 2012, we paid dividends of $2.5 million that had been declared in October 2012. An additional dividend payment of $2.6 million was declared and paid in December 2012 in lieu of the dividend typically declared and paid in March of the following year.

 

 

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

You should read the following discussion in conjunction with Item 1. “Business,” Item 1A. “Risk Factors” and our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto.

 

Overview

We are a leading operator of automotive franchises and retailer of new and used vehicles and services. As of March 2, 2015, we offered 30 brands of new vehicles and all brands of used vehicles in 130 stores in the United States and online at Lithia.com and DCHauto.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.

 

We believe that the fragmented nature of the automotive dealership sector provides us with the opportunity to achieve growth through consolidation. In 2014, the top ten automotive retailers represented 6% of the stores in the United States. Our dealerships are located across the United States. We seek domestic, import and luxury franchises in cities ranging from mid-sized regional markets to metropolitan markets. We evaluate all brands for expansion opportunities provided the market is large enough to support adequate new vehicle sales to justify the required capital investment. Our acquisition strategy has been to acquire dealerships at prices that meet our internal investment targets and, through the application of our centralized operating structure, leverage costs and improve store profitability. We believe our disciplined approach and the current economic environment provides us with attractive acquisition opportunities.

 

We also believe that we can continue to improve operations at our existing stores. By promoting entrepreneurial leadership within our general and department managers, we strive for continuous improvement to drive sales and capture market share in our local markets. Our goal is to retail an average of 75 used vehicles per store per month and we believe we can make additional improvements in our used vehicle sales performance by offering lower-priced value vehicles and selling brands other than the new vehicle franchise at each location. Our service, body and parts operations provide important repeat business for our stores. We continue to grow this business through increased marketing efforts, competitive pricing on routine maintenance items and diverse commodity product offerings. In 2014, we continued to experience organic growth and profitability through increasing market share and maintaining a lean cost structure, while adding significant revenue to our base through acquisitions.

 

As sales volume increases and we gain leverage in our cost structure, we anticipate targeting SG&A as a percentage of gross profit in the lower 70% range. As we focus on maintaining discipline in controlling costs, in 2015 we continue to target retaining, on a same store basis, 50% of each incremental gross profit dollar after deducting SG&A expense.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires us to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and reported amounts of revenues and expenses at the date of the financial statements. Certain accounting policies require us to make difficult and subjective judgments on matters that are inherently uncertain. The following accounting policies involve critical accounting estimates because they are particularly dependent on assumptions made by management. While we have made our best estimates based on facts and circumstances available to us at the time, different estimates could have been used in the current period. Changes in the accounting estimates we used are reasonably likely to occur from period to period, which may have a material impact on the presentation of our financial condition and results of operations.

 

 

Our most critical accounting estimates include those related to goodwill and franchise value, long-lived assets, deferred taxes, equity-method investment associated with new markets tax credits, service contracts and other insurance contracts, and lifetime lube, oil and filter contracts and self-insurance programs. We also have other key accounting policies for valuation of accounts receivable, expense accruals and revenue recognition. However, these policies either do not meet the definition of critical accounting estimates described above or are not currently material items in our financial statements. We review our estimates, judgments and assumptions periodically and reflect the effects of revisions in the period that they are deemed to be necessary. We believe that these estimates are reasonable. However, actual results could differ materially from these estimates.

 

Goodwill and Franchise Value

We are required to test our goodwill and franchise value for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if conditions indicate that an impairment may have occurred. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level. Our reporting units are individual retail automotive franchises as this is the level at which discrete financial information is available and for which operating results are regularly reviewed by our chief operating decision maker to allocate resources and assess performance. We have the option to qualitatively or quantitatively assess goodwill for impairment and, in 2014, evaluated our goodwill using a quantitative assessment process. We test goodwill for impairment using the Adjusted Present Value method (“APV”) to estimate the fair value of our reporting unit. Under the APV method, future cash flows are based on recently prepared budget forecasts and business plans and are used to estimate the future economic benefits that the reporting unit will generate. An estimate of the appropriate discount rate is utilized to convert the future economic benefits to their present value equivalent.

 

The quantitative goodwill impairment test is a two-step process. The first step identifies potential impairments by comparing the calculated fair value of a reporting unit with its book value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying amount, goodwill is not impaired and the second step is not necessary. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, the second step includes determining the implied fair value in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination is determined. The implied fair value of goodwill is then compared with the carrying amount to determine if an impairment loss should be recorded.

 

As of December 31, 2014, we had $199.4 million of goodwill on our balance sheet. The first step of our annual goodwill impairment analysis, which we perform as of October 1 of each year, did not result in an indication of impairment in 2014, 2013 or 2012.

 

We have determined the appropriate unit of accounting for testing franchise rights for impairment is on an individual store basis. We have the option to qualitatively or quantitatively assess indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. In 2014, we evaluated our indefinite-lived intangible assets using a quantitative assessment process. We estimate the fair value of our franchise rights primarily using the Multi-Period Excess Earnings (“MPEE”) model. The forecasted cash flows used in the MPEE model contain inherent uncertainties, including significant estimates and assumptions related to growth rates, margins, general operating expenses, and cost of capital. We use primarily internally-developed forecasts and business plans to estimate the future cash flows that each franchise will generate. We have determined that only certain cash flows of the store are directly attributable to the franchise rights. We estimate the appropriate interest rate to discount future cash flows to their present value equivalent taking into consideration factors such as a risk-free rate, a peer group average beta, an equity risk premium and a small stock risk premium.

 

We also may use a market approach to determine the fair value of our franchise rights. These market data points include our acquisition and divestiture experience and third-party broker estimates.

 

As of December 31, 2014, we had $150.9 million of franchise value on our balance sheet associated with 91 stores. No individual store accounted for more than 5% of our total franchise value as of December 31, 2014. Our impairment testing of franchise value did not indicate any impairment in 2014, 2013 or 2012.

 

 

We are subject to financial statement risk to the extent that our goodwill or franchise rights become impaired due to decreases in the fair value. A future decline in performance, decreases in projected growth rates or margin assumptions or changes in discount rates could result in a potential impairment, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial position and results of operations. Furthermore, if a manufacturer becomes insolvent, we may be required to record a partial or total impairment on the franchise value related to that manufacturer. No individual manufacturer accounted for more than 28% of our total franchise value as of December 31, 2014.

 

See Notes 1 and 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

 

Long-Lived Assets

We estimate the depreciable lives of our property and equipment, including leasehold improvements, and review each asset group for impairment when events or circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. We determined an asset group is comprised of the long-lived assets used in the operations of an individual store.

 

We determine a triggering event has occurred by reviewing store forecasted and historical financial performance. An asset group is evaluated for recoverability if it has an operating loss in the current year and two of the prior three years. Additionally, we may judgmentally evaluate an asset group if its financial performance indicates it may not support the carrying amount of the long-lived assets. If a store meets these criteria, we estimate the projected undiscounted cash flows for each asset group based on internally developed forecasts. If the undiscounted cash flows are lower than the carrying value of the asset group, we determine the fair value of the asset group based on additional market data, including recent experience in selling similar assets.

 

We hold certain property for future development or investment purposes. If a triggering event is deemed to have occurred, we evaluate the property for impairment by comparing its estimated fair value based on listing price less costs to sell and other market data, including similar property that is for sale or has been recently sold, to the current carrying value. If the carrying value is more than the estimated fair value, an impairment is recorded.

 

Although we believe our property and equipment and assets held and used are appropriately valued, the assumptions and estimates used may change and we may be required to record impairment charges to reduce the value of these assets. A future decline in store performance, decrease in projected growth rates or changes in other operating assumptions could result in an impairment of long-lived asset groups, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial position and results of operations.

 

In 2012, we determined triggering events had occurred associated with certain property held for future development or investment purchases. As a result, we performed impairment testing on those specific long-lived assets and recorded impairments related to long-lived assets of $0.1 million in 2012.  

 

We did not record any impairments related to long-lived assets in 2014 or 2013.

 

See Notes 1 and 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

 

Deferred Taxes

As of December 31, 2014, we had deferred tax assets of $65.5 million, net of valuation allowance of $8.7 million, and deferred tax liabilities of $110.9 million. The principal components of our deferred tax assets are related to goodwill, allowances and accruals, capital loss carryforwards, deferred revenue and cancellation reserves. The principal components of our deferred tax liabilities are related to depreciation on property and equipment, inventories and goodwill.

 

 

We consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. We consider the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities (including the impact of available carryback and carryforward periods), projected future taxable income, and tax-planning strategies in making this assessment.

 

Based upon the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, and our projections of future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, we believe it is more likely than not that we will realize the benefits of the unreserved deductible differences.

 

As of December 31, 2014, we had an $8.7 million valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets. This valuation allowance is mainly associated with losses from the sale of corporate entities. As these amounts are characterized as capital losses, we evaluated the availability of projected capital gains and determined that it is unlikely these amounts will be fully utilized. If we are unable to meet the projected taxable income levels utilized in our analysis, and depending on the availability of feasible tax planning strategies, we might record an additional valuation allowance on a portion or all of our deferred tax assets in the future.

 

Equity-Method Investment Associated with New Markets Tax Credits

As of December 31, 2014, we had a $33.3 million equity investment in a limited liability company managed by U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation. This investment will generate new market tax credits under the New Markets Tax Credit Program (“NMTC Program”). The NMTC Program was established by Congress in 2000 to spur new or increased investments into operating businesses and real estate projects located in low-income communities. The transaction obligates us to make $37.1 million of equity contributions to the entity over a two-year period ending in October 2016.

 

While U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation exercises management control over the limited liability company, due to the economic interest we hold in the entity, we determined the appropriate accounting for our ownership portion of the entity was under the equity method of accounting. Periodically, we evaluate the equity investment for indication of loss resulting from an other than temporary decline. As a result, the investment impacts both our operational results and our tax expense line items in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

In 2014, we determined triggering events had occurred associated with certain equity-method investments. As a result, we performed impairment testing on those investments and recorded asset impairments totaling $1.9 million. We also recorded non-cash interest expense related to the discounted fair value of future equity contributions of $0.2 million, a $1.2 million charge to other income, net for our portion of the investment’s operating losses and a tax benefit of $6.5 million.

 

See Notes 1, 12 and 18 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

 

Service Contracts and Other Insurance Contracts

We receive commissions from the sale of vehicle service contracts and certain other insurance contracts. The contracts are sold through unrelated third parties, but we may be charged back for a portion of the commissions in the event of early termination of the contracts by customers. We sell these contracts on a straight commission basis; in addition, we participate in future underwriting profit pursuant to retrospective commission arrangements, which are recognized as income upon receipt.

 

We record commissions at the time of sale of the vehicles, net of an estimated liability for future charge-backs. We have established a reserve for estimated future charge-backs based on an analysis of historical charge-backs in conjunction with estimated lives of the applicable contracts. If future cancellations are different than expected, we could have additional expense related to the cancellations in future periods, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial position and results of operations.

 

 

At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the reserve for future cancellations totaled $26.8 million and $18.2 million, respectively, and is included in accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. A 10% increase in expected cancellations would result in an additional reserve of $2.7 million.

 

Lifetime Lube, Oil and Filter Contracts

We retain the obligation for lifetime lube, oil and filter service contracts sold to our customers and assumed the liability of certain existing lifetime, lube, oil and filter contracts. Payments we receive upon sale of the lifetime oil contracts are deferred and recognized in revenue over the expected life of the service agreement to best match the expected timing of the costs to be incurred to perform the service. We estimate the timing and amount of future costs for claims and cancellations related to our lifetime lube, oil and filter contracts using historical experience rates and estimated future costs.

 

If our estimates of future costs to perform under the contracts exceed the existing deferred revenue, we would record a reserve for the additional expected cost. The estimate of future costs to perform under the contract are mainly dependent on our estimated number of oil changes to be performed over a vehicle’s life and our assumptions about future costs expected to be incurred. Significant increases to either of these assumptions could have a material adverse impact on our financial position and results of operations.

 

At December 31, 2014, the deferred revenue related to these self-insured contracts was $63.4 million.

 

Self-Insurance Programs

We self-insure a portion of our property and casualty insurance, vehicle open lot coverage, medical insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. We engage third-parties to assist in estimating the loss exposure related to the self-retained portion of the risk associated with these insurances. Additionally, we analyze our historical loss and claims trends associated with these programs. The maximum exposure on any single claim under our property and casualty insurance, medical insurance and workers’ compensation insurance is $1 million. There is no limit on our exposure to wind and hail storms for our vehicle open lot coverage. Although we believe we have sufficient insurance, exposure to uninsured or underinsured losses may result in the recognition of additional charges, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial position and results of operations.

 

At December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had liabilities associated with these programs of $23.2 million and $12.0 million, respectively, recorded as a component of accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

Results of Continuing Operations

For the year ended December 31, 2014, we reported income from continuing operations, net of tax, of $135.5 million, or $5.14 per diluted share. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, we reported income from continuing operations, net of tax, of $105.2 million, or $4.02 per diluted share, and $79.4 million, or $3.03 per diluted share, respectively.

 

Discontinued Operations

We early adopted the amendment to the accounting guidance related to discontinued operations in the third quarter of 2014. 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. As a result, we determined that individual stores which meet the criteria for held for sale after our adoption date will no longer qualify for classification as discontinued operations. We had previously reclassified a store’s operations to discontinued operations in our Consolidated Statements of Operations, on a comparable basis for all periods presented, provided we did not expect to have any significant continuing involvement in the store’s operations after its disposal.

 

 

We realized income from discontinued operations, net of income tax expense, of $3.2 million, $0.8 million and $1.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. See Notes 1 and 15 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

 

Key Performance Metrics

Certain key performance metrics for revenue and gross profit were as follows for 2014, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):

 

2014		Revenues				Percent of Total Revenues				Gross Profit				Gross Profit Margin				Percent of Total Gross Profit
New vehicle		$	3,077,670				57.1	%		$	198,184				6.4	%			24.1	%
Used vehicle retail			1,362,481				25.3				179,253				13.2				21.8
Used vehicle wholesale			195,699				3.6				3,646				1.9				0.4
Finance and insurance(1)			190,381				3.5				190,381				100.0				23.1
Service, body and parts			512,124				9.5				249,736				48.8				30.3
Fleet and other			51,971				1.0				2,122				4.1				0.3
		$	5,390,326				100.0	%		$	823,322				15.3	%			100.0	%

 

2013		Revenues				Percent of Total Revenues				Gross Profit				Gross Profit Margin				Percent of Total Gross Profit
New vehicle		$	2,256,598				56.3	%		$	151,118				6.7	%			24.0	%
Used vehicle retail			1,032,224				25.8				150,858				14.6				23.9
Used vehicle wholesale			158,235				3.9				2,711				1.7				0.4
Finance and insurance(1)			139,007				3.5				139,007				100.0				22.0
Service, body and parts			383,483				9.6				185,570				48.4				29.4
Fleet and other			36,202				0.9				1,689				4.7				0.3
		$	4,005,749				100.0	%		$	630,953				15.8	%			100.0	%

 

2012		Revenues				Percent of Total Revenues				Gross Profit				Gross Profit Margin				Percent of Total Gross Profit
New vehicle		$	1,847,603				55.7	%		$	134,447				7.3	%			24.9	%
Used vehicle retail			833,484				25.1				121,721				14.6				22.6
Used vehicle wholesale			139,237				4.2				1,414				1.0				0.3
Finance and insurance(1)			112,234				3.4				112,234				100.0				20.8
Service, body and parts			347,703				10.5				168,070				48.3				31.1
Fleet and other			36,226				1.1				1,414				3.9				0.3
		$	3,316,487				100.0	%		$	539,300				16.3	%			100.0	%

 

(1)

Commissions reported net of anticipated cancellations.

 

Same Store Operating Data

We believe that same store comparisons are an important indicator of our financial performance. Same store measures demonstrate our ability to profitably grow our existing locations. As a result, same store measures have been integrated into the discussion below.

 

Same store measures reflect results for stores that were operating in each comparison period, and only includes the months when operations occurred in both periods. For example, a store acquired in August 2013 would be included in same store operating data beginning in September 2014, after its first full complete comparable month of operation. The operating results for the same store comparisons would include results for that store in September through December of each year.   

 

 

New Vehicle Revenue and Gross Profit

 

		Year Ended December 31,								Increase				% Increase
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)		2014				2013				(Decrease)				(Decrease)
Reported
Revenue		$	3,077,670			$	2,256,598			$	821,072				36.4	%
Gross profit		$	198,184			$	151,118			$	47,066				31.1
Gross margin			6.4	%			6.7	%		(30)bp(1)
Retail units sold			91,104				66,857				24,247				36.3
Average selling price per retail unit		$	33,782			$	33,753			$	29				0.1
Average gross profit per retail unit		$	2,175			$	2,260			$	(85	)			(3.8	)
Same store
Revenue		$	2,501,956			$	2,252,242			$	249,714				11.1	%
Gross profit		$	163,611			$	150,879			$	12,732				8.4
Gross margin			6.5	%			6.7	%		(20)bp(1)
Retail units sold			72,177				66,703				5,474				8.2
Average selling price per retail unit		$	34,664			$	33,765			$	899				2.7
Average gross profit per retail unit		$	2,267			$	2,262			$	5				0.2

 

 

		Year Ended December 31,								Increase				% Increase
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)		2013				2012				(Decrease)				(Decrease)
Reported
Revenue		$	2,256,598			$	1,847,603			$	408,995				22.1	%
Gross profit		$	151,118			$	134,447			$	16,671				12.4
Gross margin			6.7	%			7.3	%		(60)bp(1)
Retail units sold			66,857				55,666				11,191				20.1
Average selling price per retail unit		$	33,753			$	33,191			$	562				1.7
Average gross profit per retail unit		$	2,260			$	2,415			$	(155	)			(6.4	)
Same store
Revenue		$	2,143,952			$	1,842,354			$	301,598				16.4	%
Gross profit		$	143,144			$	133,965			$	9,179				6.9
Gross margin			6.7	%			7.3	%		(60)bp(1)
Retail units sold			63,384				55,505				7,879				14.2
Average selling price per retail unit		$	33,825			$	33,193			$	632				1.9
Average gross profit per retail unit		$	2,258			$	2,414			$	(156	)			(6.5	)

 

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

 

New vehicle sales improved primarily due to volume growth as year-over-year same store sales volume increased 8.2% in 2014 compared to 2013. This growth was in addition to the 14.2% year-over-year same store sales volume increase experienced in 2013 compared to 2012. Same store unit sales increased in all categories in 2014 compared to 2013 as well as in 2013 compared to 2012 as follows:

 

		2014 compared to 2013				2013 compared to 2012				National growth in 2014 compared to 2013
Domestic brand same store unit sales growth			8.7	%			11.8	%			6.0	%
Import brand same store unit sales growth			7.0	%			17.5	%			5.6	%
Luxury brand same store unit sales growth			10.2	%			15.0	%			6.6	%
Overall			8.2	%			14.2	%

 

We continue to focus on increasing our share of overall new vehicle sales within our markets. In 2014, this rate of growth was slower than in 2013 as it was off of a higher overall base as national new vehicle sales volumes have been increasing over the last several years.

 

 

Recovery in some of our specific markets behaved differently than the national average. Certain of our markets saw an increase in local market sales volumes exceeding the national average, while others continued to lag behind the national average due to differing levels of economic recovery in different parts of the country, including economic activity and regional employment levels recovering at different rates. As of the end of 2014, we believe approximately one third of our markets continue to be below the pre-recessionary vehicle registration levels experienced in 2006.

 

In addition to the increases in unit volume, increases of 2.7% and 1.9%, respectively, in 2014 compared to 2013 and in 2013 compared to 2012, in the average selling prices contributed to the overall increases in same store new vehicle revenue.

 

New vehicle gross profit dollars increased 31.1% in 2014 compared to 2013. On a same store basis, gross profit increased 8.4% in 2014 compared to 2013. These increases were primarily due to a greater number of vehicles sold.

 

We focus on gross profit dollars earned per unit, not a gross margin percentage. With our volume-based strategy, on a same store basis, the average gross profit per new retail unit increased just $5.00, or 0.2%, in 2014 compared to 2013. We believe our volume-based strategy creates additional used vehicle trade-in opportunities, finance and insurance sales and future service work, which will generate incremental business in future periods that will more than offset the limited growth in new vehicle gross profit per unit that has occurred with the pursuit of this strategy.

 

New vehicle sales improved throughout 2014 compared to 2013 primarily due to an overall market recovery. Additionally, we increased our share of vehicle sales in several of our markets in 2014.

 

Used Vehicle Retail Revenue and Gross Profit

 

		Year Ended December 31,								Increase				% Increase
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)		2014				2013				(Decrease)				(Decrease)
Reported
Retail revenue		$	1,362,481			$	1,032,224			$	330,257				32.0	%
Retail gross profit		$	179,253			$	150,858			$	28,395				18.8
Retail gross margin			13.2	%			14.6	%		(140)bp
Retail units sold			71,674				57,061				14,613				25.6	%
Average selling price per retail unit		$	19,009			$	18,090			$	919				5.1
Average gross profit per retail unit		$	2,501			$	2,644			$	(143	)			(5.4	)
Same store
Retail revenue		$	1,181,168			$	1,031,101			$	150,067				14.6	%
Retail gross profit		$	158,350			$	150,715			$	7,635				5.1
Retail gross margin			13.4	%			14.6	%		(120)bp
Retail units sold			61,561				56,997				4,564				8.0	%
Average selling price per retail unit		$	19,187			$	18,090			$	1,097				6.1
Average gross profit per retail unit		$	2,572			$	2,644			$	(72	)			(2.7	)

 

  

		Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)		2013				2012				Increase				% Increase
Reported
Retail revenue		$	1,032,224			$	833,484			$	198,740				23.8	%
Retail gross profit		$	150,858			$	121,721			$	29,137				23.9
Retail gross margin			14.6	%			14.6	%			-
Retail units sold			57,061				47,965				9,096				19.0
Average selling price per retail unit		$	18,090			$	17,377			$	713				4.1
Average gross profit per retail unit		$	2,644			$	2,538			$	106				4.2
Same store
Retail revenue		$	981,643			$	829,876			$	151,767				18.3	%
Retail gross profit		$	144,942			$	121,319			$	23,623				19.5
Retail gross margin			14.8	%			14.6	%		10bp
Retail units sold			54,337				47,752				6,585				13.8
Average selling price per retail unit		$	18,066			$	17,379			$	687				4.0
Average gross profit per retail unit		$	2,667			$	2,541			$	126				5.0

  

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-model vehicles with lower mileage; and value autos, or vehicles with over 80,000 miles. Additionally, our volume-based strategy for new vehicle sales increases the organic opportunity to convert vehicles acquired via trade to retail used vehicle sales.

 

Same store sales increased in all three categories of used vehicles as follows:

 

		2014 compared to 2013				2013 compared to 2012
Certified pre-owned vehicles			24.5	%			29.6	%
Core vehicles			11.8	%			18.1	%
Value autos			8.5	%			6.7	%
Overall			14.6	%			13.8	%

 

On average, in 2014, each of our stores sold 56 retail used vehicle units per month, compared to 53 retail used vehicle units per store per month in 2013. We continue to target increasing sales to 75 units per store per month.

 

Used retail vehicle gross profit dollars increased 18.8% in 2014 compared to 2013. On a same store basis, gross profit increased 5.1% in 2014 compared to 2013. These increases were primarily due to volume growth, partially offset by decreases in the average gross profit per unit sold. The volume growth was driven by a larger number of late model vehicles being available in the marketplace compared to the prior few years. Vehicle production levels were cut significantly in the 2009 and 2010 model years, and as production increased in subsequent years, a greater number of vehicles are available due to the natural trade cycle and more lease returns. Similar to new vehicle sales, we focus on gross profit dollars earned per unit, not on gross margin percentage, in evaluating our sales performance. Gross profit per unit was lower in 2014 than in 2013 primarily due to shift in mix to more late model vehicles due to the increase in supply noted above. These vehicles are more homogenous in nature and typically are more commoditized relative to older cars that have a wider variety of mileage and condition, allowing more gross profit to be earned per vehicle due to their unique nature.

 

Used vehicle retail unit sales increased in 2013 compared to 2012 as we increased both our volume of sales and the average gross profit per unit sold. These improvements were a result of efforts to grow our overall used vehicle unit sales per store, coupled with an improving used vehicle market relative to 2012, and a strategic shift to continue to sell older used vehicles which tend to have higher gross margins due to the more heterogeneous nature of vehicles in this category which allow less comparison shopping by consumers and command higher prices due to shortage of supply.

 

 

Used Vehicle Wholesale Revenue and Gross Profit

 

		Year Ended December 31,								Increase				% Increase
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)		2014				2013				(Decrease)				(Decrease)
Reported
Wholesale revenue		$	195,699			$	158,235			$	37,464				23.7	%
Wholesale gross profit		$	3,646			$	2,711			$	935				34.5
Wholesale gross margin			1.9	%			1.7	%		20bp
Wholesale units sold			27,918				22,086				5,832				26.4
Average selling price per wholesale unit		$	7,010			$	7,164			$	(154	)			(2.2	)
Average gross profit per retail unit		$	131			$	123			$	8				6.5
Same store
Wholesale revenue		$	172,585			$	158,210			$	14,375				9.1	%
Wholesale gross profit		$	3,728			$	2,823			$	905				32.1
Wholesale gross margin			2.2	%			1.8	%		40bp
Wholesale units sold			23,582				22,085				1,497				6.8
Average selling price per wholesale unit		$	7,319			$	7,164			$	155				2.2
Average gross profit per retail unit		$	158			$	128			$	30				23.4

 

		Year Ended December 31,								Increase				% Increase
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)		2013				2012				(Decrease)				(Decrease)
Reported
Wholesale revenue		$	158,235			$	139,237			$	18,998				13.6	%
Wholesale gross profit		$	2,711			$	1,414			$	1,297				91.7
Wholesale gross margin			1.7	%			1.0	%		70bp
Wholesale units sold			22,086				19,144				2,942				15.4
Average selling price per wholesale unit		$	7,164			$	7,273			$	(109	)			(1.5	)
Average gross profit per retail unit		$	123			$	74			$	49				66.2
Same store
Wholesale revenue		$	149,951			$	138,540			$	11,411				8.2	%
Wholesale gross profit		$	2,750			$	1,463			$	1,287				88.0
Wholesale gross margin			1.8	%			1.1	%		70bp
Wholesale units sold			21,049				19,047				2,002				10.5
Average selling price per wholesale unit		$	7,124			$	7,274			$	(150	)			(2.1	)
Average gross profit per retail unit		$	131			$	77			$	54				70.1

 

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. We generated wholesale gross profit of $3.6 million, $2.7 million and $1.4 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

 

Finance and Insurance

 

		Year Ended December 31,												%
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)		2014				2013				Increase				Increase
Reported
Revenue		$	190,381			$	139,007			$	51,374				37.0	%
Average finance and insurance per retail unit		$	1,170			$	1,122			$	48				4.3	%
Same store
Revenue		$	161,205			$	138,850			$	22,355				16.1	%
Average finance and insurance per retail unit		$	1,205			$	1,122			$	83				7.4	%

 

		Year Ended December 31,												%
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)		2013				2012				Increase				Increase
Reported
Revenue		$	139,007			$	112,234			$	26,773				23.9	%
Average finance and insurance per retail unit		$	1,122			$	1,083			$	39				3.6	%
Same store
Revenue		$	133,269			$	111,902			$	21,367				19.1	%
Average finance and insurance per retail unit		$	1,132			$	1,084			$	48				4.4	%

 

The increases in finance and insurance sales in 2014 compared to 2013 and in 2013 compared to 2012 were driven by increased vehicle sales volume and higher average selling prices per retail unit. Trends in penetration rates are detailed below:

 

		2014				2013				2012
Finance and insurance			78%				78%				76%
Service contracts			43				42				41
Lifetime lube, oil and filter contracts			35				36				35

 

We believe the availability of credit is one of the key indicators of our ability to retail automobiles, as we arrange financing on almost 80% of the vehicles we sell and believe a significant amount of the vehicles we do not arrange financing for are financed elsewhere. To evaluate the availability of credit, we categorize our customers based on their Fair, Isaac and Company (FICO) credit score. The distribution by credit score for the customers we arranged financing for was as follows:

 

		FICO Score Range				2014				2013				2012
Prime		680 and above					70.3%				70.3%				70.1%
Non-prime			620-679				18.1				18.4				18.3
Sub-prime		619 or less					11.6				11.3				11.6

 

We continued to see the availability of consumer credit expand in 2014 compared to 2013 and in 2013 compared to 2012 with lenders increasing the average loan-to-value amount available to most customers.

 

 

 

Service, Body and Parts Revenue and Gross Profit

 

		Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)		2014				2013				Increase				% Increase
Reported
Customer pay		$	285,337			$	214,173			$	71,164				33.2	%
Warranty			96,308				62,580				33,728				53.9
Wholesale parts			87,519				70,655				16,864				23.9
Body shop			42,960				36,075				6,885				19.1
Total service, body and parts		$	512,124			$	383,483			$	128,641				33.5	%
Service, body and parts gross profit		$	249,736			$	185,570			$	64,166				34.6	%
Service, body and parts gross margin			48.8	%			48.4	%		40bp
Same store
Customer pay		$	233,086			$	213,754			$	19,332				9.0	%
Warranty			76,925				62,448				14,477				23.2
Wholesale parts			76,116				70,451				5,665				8.0
Body shop			39,849				36,075				3,774				10.5
Total service, body and parts		$	425,976			$	382,728			$	43,248				11.3	%
Service, body and parts gross profit		$	206,939			$	185,268			$	21,671				11.7	%
Service, body and parts gross margin			48.6	%			48.4	%		20bp

 

 

		Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)		2013				2012				Increase				% Increase
Reported
Customer pay		$	214,173			$	196,077			$	18,096				9.2	%
Warranty			62,580				52,713				9,867				18.7
Wholesale parts			70,655				64,139				6,516				10.2
Body shop			36,075				34,774				1,301				3.7
Total service, body and parts		$	383,483			$	347,703			$	35,780				10.3	%
Service, body and parts gross profit		$	185,570			$	168,070			$	17,500				10.4	%
Service, body and parts gross margin			48.4	%			48.3	%		10bp
Same store
Customer pay		$	205,472			$	195,295			$	10,177				5.2	%
Warranty			59,746				52,437				7,309				13.9
Wholesale parts			68,573				63,992				4,581				7.2
Body shop			36,075				34,769				1,306				3.8
Total service, body and parts		$	369,866			$	346,493			$	23,373				6.7	%
Service, body and parts gross profit		$	178,784			$	167,438			$	11,346				6.8	%
Service, body and parts gross margin			48.3	%			48.3	%		0bp

 

Our service, body and parts sales grew in all areas in 2014 compared to 2013 and in 2013 compared to 2012. There are more late-model vehicles in operation as new vehicle sales volumes have been increasing since 2010. We believe this will benefit our service, body and parts sales 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 through our marketing efforts. We increased our same store customer pay business 9.0% in 2014 compared to 2013 and by 5.2% in 2013 compared to 2012.

 

 

Same store warranty sales increased 23.2% in 2014 compared to 2013 and 13.9% in 2013 compared to 2012. Significant vehicle recalls in 2014 by several franchises, including General Motors, Chrysler and Toyota, contributed to the increase in warranty sales in 2014 compared to 2013. Import and luxury warranty work was positively affected in 2013 compared to 2012 due to recalls of such vehicles during 2013. Additionally, we continue to see increases due to the growing numbers of vehicles in operation. Routine maintenance, such as oil changes, offered by certain franchises, including BMW, Toyota and General Motors, for two to four years after a vehicle is sold, provides for future work. Increases in same-store warranty work by category were as follows:

 

		2014 compared to 2013				2013 compared to 2012
Domestic			12.6	%			4.8	%
Import			7.1	%			25.7	%
Luxury			12.9	%			18.3	%

 

Wholesale parts represented 17.9% of our same store service, body and parts revenue mix in 2014 compared to 18.4% in 2013. Wholesale parts grew 8.0% and 7.2%, respectively, on a same store basis in 2014 compared to 2013 and in 2013 compared to 2012. We believe these increases are a function of targeting fleet and mechanical wholesale accounts.

 

Body shop represented 9.4% of our same store service, body and parts revenue mix in both 2014 and 2013. Body shop same store sales grew 10.5% and 3.8%, respectively, in 2014 compared to 2013 and in 2013 compared to 2012. These increases were primarily due to obtaining additional direct repair relationships with insurance companies and certain personnel changes we made in 2014 that increased productivity and volume.

 

Same store service, body and parts gross profit increased 11.7% and 6.8%, respectively, in 2014 compared to 2013 and in 2013 compared to 2012. We believe these increases were in line with our same store revenue growth. Our same store gross margins were consistent in 2014 compared to 2013 and in 2013 compared to 2012 as margin pressures in our body shop sales were outpaced by the growth in our warranty sales, which command a higher overall average margin when compared to body shop sales.

 

Segments

Certain financial information by segment basis is as follows:

 

		Year Ended December 31,								Increase				% Increase
(Dollars in thousands)		2014				2013				Decrease)				(Decrease)
Revenues:
Domestic		$	2,569,904			$	2,147,417			$	422,487				19.7	%
Import			1,889,166				1,223,861				665,305				54.4
Luxury			926,804				629,521				297,283				47.2
			5,385,874				4,000,799				1,385,075				34.6
Corporate and other			4,452				4,950				(498	)			(10.1	)
		$	5,390,326			$	4,005,749			$	1,384,577				34.6

 

		Year Ended December 31,								Increase				% Increase
(Dollars in thousands)		2013				2012				Decrease)				(Decrease)
Revenues:
Domestic		$	2,147,417			$	1,832,040			$	315,377				17.2	%
Import			1,223,861				976,706				247,155				25.3
Luxury			629,521				498,429				131,092				26.3
			4,000,799				3,307,175				693,624				21.0
Corporate and other			4,950				9,312				(4,362	)			(46.8	)
		$	4,005,749			$	3,316,487			$	689,262				20.8

 

 

		Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)		2014				2013				Increase				% Increase
Segment income*:
Domestic		$	96,358			$	84,352			$	12,006				14.2	%
Import			49,940				40,390				9,550				23.6
Luxury			24,540				16,128				8,412				52.2
			170,838				140,870				29,968				21.3
Corporate and other			39,657				24,918				14,739				59.2
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		$	210,495			$	165,788			$	44,707				27.0

 

		Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)		2013				2012				Increase				% Increase
Segment income*:
Domestic		$	84,352			$	69,234			$	15,118				21.8	%
Import			40,390				30,776				9,614				31.2
Luxury			16,128				11,273				4,855				43.1
			140,870				111,283				29,587				26.6
Corporate and other			24,918				17,174				7,744				45.1
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		$	165,788			$	128,457			$	37,331				29.1

 

*Segment income is defined as operating income less floor plan interest expense.

 

		Year Ended December 31,								Increase				% Increase
		2014				2013				(Decrease)				(Decrease)
Retail new vehicle unit sales:
Domestic			39,158				33,985				5,173				15.2	%
Import			41,570				25,940				15,630				37.6
Luxury			10,570				7,037				3,533				50.2
			91,298				66,962				24,336				36.3
Allocated to management			(194	)			(105	)			(89	)			(84.8	)
			91,104				66,857				24,247				36.3

 

		Year Ended December 31,								Increase				% Increase
		2013				2012				(Decrease)				(Decrease)
Retail new vehicle unit sales:
Domestic			33,985				29,566				4,419				14.9	%
Import			25,940				20,555				5,385				26.2
Luxury			7,037				5,630				1,407				25.0
			66,962				55,751				11,211				20.1
Allocated to management			(105	)			(85	)			(20	)			(23.5	)
			66,857				55,666				11,191				20.1

 

  

Domestic

A summary of financial information for our Domestic segment follows:

 

		Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)		2014				2013				Increase				% Increase
Revenue		$	2,569,904			$	2,147,417			$	422,487				19.7	%
Segment income		$	96,358			$	84,352			$	12,006				14.2
Retail new vehicle unit sales			39,158				33,985				5,173				15.2

 

		Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)		2013				2012				Increase				% Increase
Revenue		$	2,147,417			$	1,832,040			$	315,377				17.2	%
Segment income		$	84,352			$	69,234			$	15,118				21.8
Retail new vehicle unit sales			33,985				29,566				4,419				14.9

 

Improvements in our Domestic operating results in 2014 compared to 2013 and in 2013 compared to 2012 were primarily a result of the improvements in all revenue categories as discussed above, overall improvements in the economy and growth in overall market share by Chrysler, which represents 54% of our Domestic segment revenue. Chrysler share increased to 12.6% in 2014, compared to 11.5% in 2013 and 11.4% in 2012.

 

Import

A summary of financial information for our Import segment follows:

 

		Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)		2014				2013				Increase				% Increase
Revenue		$	1,889,166			$	1,223,861			$	665,305				54.4	%
Segment income		$	49,940			$	40,390			$	9,550				23.6
Retail new vehicle unit sales			41,570				25,940				15,630				37.6

 

		Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)		2013				2012				Increase				% Increase
Revenue		$	1,223,861			$	976,706			$	247,155				25.3	%
Segment income		$	40,390			$	30,776			$	9,614				31.2
Retail new vehicle unit sales			25,940				20,555				5,385				26.2

 

Improvements in our Import operating results in 2014 compared to 2013 and in 2013 compared to 2012 were primarily a result of the improvements in all revenue categories as discussed above, overall improvements in the economy and a strategic focus to diversify our dependence on Domestic brands through the acquisition of Import branded stores. We added 21 import locations in 2014 and five import locations in 2013. As of December 31, 2014, Honda and Toyota were our largest manufacturers, representing 23% and 18% of new vehicle unit sales in the fourth quarter of 2014, respectively.

 

Luxury

A summary of financial information for our Luxury segment follows:

 

		Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)		2014				2013				Increase				% Increase
Revenue		$	926,804			$	629,521			$	297,283				47.2	%
Segment income		$	24,540			$	16,128			$	8,412				52.2
Retail new vehicle unit sales			10,570				7,037				3,533				50.2

 

 

		Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)		2013				2012				Increase				% Increase
Revenue		$	629,521			$	498,429			$	131,092				26.3	%
Segment income		$	16,128			$	11,273			$	4,855				43.1
Retail new vehicle unit sales			7,037				5,630				1,407				25.0

 

Improvements in our Luxury operating results in 2014 compared to 2013 and in 2013 compared to 2012 were primarily a result of the improvements in all revenue categories as discussed above, overall improvements in the economy and a strategic focus to diversify our dependence on Domestic brands through the acquisition of Luxury branded stores. We added six luxury locations in 2014 and one luxury location in 2013.

 

See Note 19 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.

 

Asset Impairment Charges 

Asset impairments recorded as a component of continuing operations consist of the following (in thousands):

 

		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
Asset impairments		$	1,853			$	-			$	115

 

During 2014, we recorded impairment charges associated with our equity-method investment in an entity that participates in the NMTC Program. The equity-method investment generates operating losses on a quarterly basis and, accordingly, we will be required to assess the investment for other than temporary impairment on a quarterly basis. The investment provides a return in the form of tax credits. We recorded a reduction to income tax provision of $2.2 million related to tax credits under the NMTC Program in 2014. The resulting impact is a net benefit.

 

During 2012, we recorded impairment charges associated with certain properties. As the expected future use of these facilities changed, the long-lived assets were tested for recoverability. As a result, we determined the carrying value exceeded the fair value of these properties and asset impairment charges were recorded.

 

See Notes 1, 4, 12 and 18 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

 

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.

 

		Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)		2014				2013				Increase				% Increase
Personnel		$	374,757			$	278,497			$	96,260				34.6	%
Advertising			46,652				39,598				7,054				17.8
Rent			17,230				13,962				3,268				23.4
Facility costs			33,762				24,443				9,319				38.1
Other			90,806				70,900				19,906				28.1
Total SG&A		$	563,207			$	427,400			$	135,807				31.8

 

		Year Ended December 31,								Increase
As a % of gross profit		2014				2013				(Decrease)
Personnel			45.5	%			44.1	%		140 bp
Advertising			5.7				6.3				(60	)
Rent			2.1				2.2				(10	)
Facility costs			4.1				3.9				20
Other			11.0				11.2				(20	)
Total SG&A			68.4	%			67.7	%		70 bp

 

  

		Year Ended December 31,								Increase				% Increase
(Dollars in thousands)		2013				2012				(Decrease)				(Decrease)
Personnel		$	278,497			$	243,249			$	35,248				14.5	%
Advertising			39,598				31,913				7,685				24.1
Rent			13,962				15,162				(1,200	)			(7.9	)
Facility costs			24,443				24,172				271				1.1
Other			70,900				59,192				11,708				19.8
Total SG&A		$	427,400			$	373,688			$	53,712				14.4

 

		Year Ended December 31,								Increase
As a % of gross profit		2013				2012				(Decrease)
Personnel			44.1	%			45.1	%		(100) bp
Advertising			6.3				5.9				40
Rent			2.2				2.8				(60	)
Facility costs			3.9				4.5				(60	)
Other			11.2				11.0				20
Total SG&A			67.7	%			69.3	%		(160) bp

 

SG&A expense increased $135.8 million in 2014 compared to 2013, primarily due to increased variable costs associated with increased sales volume and store count. Additionally, during the first quarter of 2014, we recorded non-core charges of $3.9 million related to an incremental increase 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. We also recorded non-core charges of $1.9 million related to the acquisition of DCH Auto Group during 2014.

 

SG&A expense increased $53.7 million in 2013 compared to 2012. These increases were primarily driven by increased variable costs associated with improved sales and increases in advertising as we focused on gaining market share. Additionally, in 2013, we recorded a $6.2 million expense in other associated with a non-core legal reserve related to the settlement of a claim filed in 2006. This was offset by a $2.5 million non-core gain on the sale of property, which was recorded as a component of facility costs.

 

SG&A as a percentage of gross profit was 68.4% in 2014 compared to 67.7% in 2013 and 69.3% in 2012. Excluding the non-core charges described above, SG&A expense as a percentage of gross profit was 67.7% in 2014 compared to 67.2% in 2013 and 69.4% in 2012. See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for more details. Due to the full year effect of the integration of DCH Auto Group, we expect SG&A expense to increase compared to our core operations. Therefore, we anticipate SG&A as a percentage of gross profit in the lower 70% range in 2015.

 

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.

 

		Year Ended December 31,												% of Change in
(Dollars in thousands)		2014				2013				Change				Gross Profit
Gross profit		$	823,322			$	630,953			$	192,369				100.0	%
SG&A expense			(563,207	)			(427,400	)			(135,807	)			(70.6	)
Throughput contribution										$	56,562				29.4	%

 

		Year Ended December 31,												% of Change in
(Dollars in thousands)		2013				2012				Change				Gross Profit
Gross profit		$	630,953			$	539,300			$	91,653				100.0	%
SG&A expense			(427,400	)			(373,688	)			(53,712	)			(58.6	)
Throughput contribution										$	37,941				41.4	%

 

 

Throughput contributions for newly opened or acquired stores reduce overall throughput due to the fact that, in the first year of operation, a store’s throughput is equal to the inverse of their 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 35 stores and opened one new store in 2014 and acquired six stores and opened one new store in 2013. Adjusting for these locations and the non-core adjustments discussed above, our throughput contribution on a same store basis was 42.9% in 2014 compared to 51.4% in 2013. 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 trade name, customer lists and non-compete agreements.

 

		Year Ended December 31,												%
(Dollars in thousands)		2014				2013				Increase				Increase
Depreciation and amortization		$	26,363			$	20,035			$	6,328				31.6	%

 

		Year Ended December 31,												%
(Dollars in thousands)		2013				2012				Increase				Increase
Depreciation and amortization		$	20,035			$	17,128			$	2,907				17.0	%

 

Depreciation and amortization increased $6.3 million in 2014 compared to 2013, and $2.9 million in 2013 compared to 2012, as we purchased previously leased facilities, acquired facilities with acquisitions, 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. Capital expenditures totaled $86.0 million and $50.0 million, respectively, in 2014 and 2013.

 

Operating Income

Operating income as a percentage of revenue, or operating margin, was as follows:

 

		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
Operating margin			4.3	%			4.6	%			4.5	%
Operating margin adjusted for non-core charges(1)			4.4	%			4.7	%			4.5	%

 

(1)	See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for additional information.

 

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 increased $1.5 million in 2014 compared to 2013. Changes in the average outstanding balances on our floor plan facilities increased the expense $4.4 million, changes in the interest rates on our floor plan facilities decreased the expense $2.2 million and the maturity of three interest rate swaps decreased the expense $0.7 million during 2014 compared to 2013.

 

Floor plan interest expense decreased $0.4 million in 2013 compared to 2012. Changes in the average outstanding balances on our floor plan facilities increased the expense $2.6 million, changes in the interest rates on our floor plan facilities decreased the expense $0.7 million and the maturity of three interest rate swaps decreased the expense $2.3 million.

 

 

Floor plan assistance is provided by manufacturers to support store financing of new vehicle inventory. Under accounting standards, floor plan assistance is recorded as a component of new vehicle gross profit when the 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.

 

		Year Ended December 31,								Increase
(Dollars in thousands)		2014				2013				(Decrease)				% Increase
Floor plan interest expense (new vehicles)		$	13,861			$	12,373			$	1,488				12.0	%
Floor plan assistance (included as an offset to cost of sales)			(28,748	)			(20,967	)			7,781				37.1
Net new vehicle carrying costs (benefit)		$	(14,887	)		$	(8,594	)		$	6,293				73.2	%

 

		Year Ended December 31,								Increase				% Increase
(Dollars in thousands)		2013				2012				(Decrease)				(Decrease)
Floor plan interest expense (new vehicles)		$	12,373			$	12,816			$	(443	)			(3.5	)%
Floor plan assistance (included as an offset to cost of sales)			(20,967	)			(16,633	)			4,334				26.1
Net new vehicle carrying costs (benefit)		$	(8,594	)		$	(3,817	)		$	4,777				125.2	%

 

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.

 

		Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)		2014				2013				Increase				% Increase
Mortgage interest		$	7,540			$	6,519			$	1,021				15.7	%
Other interest			3,609				1,916				1,693				88.4
Capitalized interest			(407	)			(85	)			322				378.8
Total other interest expense		$	10,742			$	8,350			$	2,392				28.6	%

 

		Year Ended December 31,								Increase				% Increase
(Dollars in thousands)		2013				2012				(Decrease)				(Decrease)
Mortgage interest		$	6,519			$	8,148			$	(1,629	)			(20.0	)%
Other interest			1,916				1,767				149				8.4
Capitalized interest			(85	)			(294	)			(209	)			(71.1	)
Total other interest expense		$	8,350			$	9,621			$	(1,271	)			(13.2	)%

 

For 2014 compared to 2013, total other interest increased $2.4 million primarily due to an increase in other interest related to higher volumes of borrowing on our credit facility and higher mortgage interest following the financing of several locations to fund the DCH Auto Group acquisition, partially offset by increased capitalized interest.

 

For 2013 compared to 2012, total other interest decreased $1.3 million primarily due to net mortgage reductions of $28.1 million in 2013. In addition, we refinanced mortgages at lower interest rates, which lowered interest expense. Total other interest expense also decreased due to lower volumes of borrowing on our credit facility.

 

 

Other Income, net

Other income, net primarily includes interest income and the gains and losses related to an equity-method investment.

 

		Year Ended December 31,												%
(Dollars in thousands)		2014				2013				Increase				Increase
Other income, net		$	3,199			$	2,993			$	206				6.9	%

 

		Year Ended December 31,												%
(Dollars in thousands)		2013				2012				Increase				Increase
Other income, net		$	2,993			$	2,525			$	468				18.5	%

 

The increases in 2014 compared to 2013 and in 2013 compared to 2012 were primarily due to higher interest income associated with increased auto loan receivables. In 2014, this increase in other income, net was offset by operating losses of $1.2 million recognized related to our equity-method investment with U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation.

 

Income Tax Provision

Our effective income tax rate was 35.6% in 2014, 36.5% in 2013 and 38.2% in 2012. Our statutory federal income tax rate is 35.0% and our state income tax rate is currently 3.8%, which varies with the mix of states where our stores are located. 

 

The 2014 effective income tax rate was positively affected by new markets tax credits that are generated through our equity-method investment with U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation. Excluding the non-core tax attributes associated with the treatment of the tax credits generated through this investment and adjusting for other non-core items, our effective income tax rate was 38.6% in 2014. See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for more details.

 

In 2013, we experienced beneficial tax treatment associated with certain state tax credits, capital gains and tax benefits associated with the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, which was enacted at the beginning of 2013. Excluding the non-core tax attributes associated with the treatment of our capital gains and adjusting for other non-core items, our effective income tax rate was 38.2% in 2013. See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for more details.

 

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 the 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 measure from our Consolidated Statements of Operations (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

		Year ended December 31, 2014
		As reported				Reserve Adjustments				Acquisition expenses				Equity-method Investment				Tax attributes				Adjusted
Asset impairments		$	1,853			$	-			$	-			$	(1,853	)		$	-			$	-
Selling, general and administrative			563,207				(3,931	)			(1,865	)			-				-				557,411
Income from operations			231,899				3,931				1,865				1,853				-				239,548
Other income, net			3,199				-				-				1,160				-				4,359
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		$	210,495			$	3,931			$	1,865			$	3,013				-			$	219,304
Income tax provision			(74,955	)			(1,545	)			(720	)			(6,506	)			(867	)			(84,593	)
Income from continuing operations, net of income tax		$	135,540			$	2,386			$	1,145			$	(3,493	)			(867	)		$	134,711
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations		$	5.14			$	0.09			$	0.04			$	(0.13	)			(0.03	)		$	5.11
Diluted share count			26,382

 

		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		As reported				Disposal Gain				Reserve adjustments				Tax attribute				Adjusted
Selling, general and administrative		$	427,400			$	2,531				(6,153	)		$	-			$	423,778
Operating income		$	183,518			$	(2,531	)			6,153			$	-			$	187,140
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		$	165,788			$	(2,531	)			6,153			$	-			$	169,410
Income tax provision			(60,574	)			968				(2,353	)			(2,832	)			(64,791	)
Income from continuing operations, net of income tax		$	105,214			$	(1,563	)			3,800			$	(2,832	)		$	104,619
Diluted income per share from continuing operations		$	4.02			$	(0.06	)			0.14			$	(0.11	)		$	3.99
Diluted share count			26,191

 

 

 

		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		As reported				Asset impairment and disposal gain				Equity investment				Tax attribute				Adjusted
Asset impairments		$	115			$	(115	)		$	-			$	-			$	-
Selling, general and administrative		$	373,688			$	739			$	-			$	-			$	374,427
Income from operations		$	148,369			$	(624	)		$	-			$	-			$	147,745
Other income, net		$	2,525			$	-			$	(244	)		$	-			$	2,281
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		$	128,457			$	(624	)		$	(244	)		$	-			$	127,589
Income tax provision			(49,062	)			244				95				(1,440	)			(50,163	)
Income from continuing operations, net of income tax		$	79,395			$	(380	)		$	(149	)		$	(1,440	)		$	77,426
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax			967				(172	)			-				-				795
Net income		$	80,362			$	(552	)		$	(149	)		$	(1,440	)		$	78,221
Diluted income per share from continuing operations		$	3.03			$	(0.01	)		$	(0.01	)		$	(0.05	)		$	2.96
Diluted income per share from discontinued operations			0.04				(0.01	)			-				-				0.03
Diluted net income per share		$	3.07			$	(0.02	)		$	(0.01	)		$	(0.05	)		$	2.99
Diluted share count			26,170

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We manage our liquidity and capital resources to fund our operating, investing and financing activities. We rely primarily on cash flows from operations and borrowings under our credit agreements as the main sources for liquidity. We use those funds to invest in capital expenditures, increase working capital and fulfill contractual obligations. Funds remaining after these uses are used for acquisitions, debt retirement, cash dividends and share repurchases.

 

Available Sources

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

 

		As of December 31,								Increase				% Increase
		2014				2013				(Decrease)				(Decrease)
Cash and cash equivalents		$	29,898			$	23,686			$	6,212				26.2	%
Available credit on the Credit Facility			70,391				159,596				(89,205	)			(55.9	)
Total current available funds			100,289				183,282				(82,993	)			(45.3	)
Estimated funds from unfinanced real estate			109,434				135,749				(26,315	)			(19.4	)
Total estimated available funds		$	209,723			$	319,031			$	(109,308	)			(34.3	)%

 

 

Cash flows generated by operating activities and from our credit facility are our most significant sources of liquidity. We also have the ability to raise funds through mortgaging real estate. As of December 31, 2014, our unencumbered owned operating real estate had a book value of $145.9 million. Assuming we can obtain financing on 75% of this value, we estimate we could have obtained additional funds of approximately $109.4 million at December 31, 2014; however, no assurances can be provided that the appraised value of these properties will match or exceed their book values 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 and the sale of store sales or other assets. We 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 with terms acceptable to us.

 

Information about our cash flows, by category, are presented in our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The following table summarizes our cash flows:

 

		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		$	30,319			$	32,059			$	(212,476	)
Net cash used in investing activities			(736,332	)			(130,322	)			(98,997	)
Net cash provided by financing activities			712,225				79,110				333,461

 

Operating Activities

Cash provided by operating activities for 2014 compared to 2013 decreased $1.7 million. This decrease was primarily driven by higher levels of new vehicle inventory, both due to increased sales rates and the addition of a number of stores to our organization.

 

Borrowings from and repayments to our syndicated lending group related to our new vehicle inventory floor plan financing are presented as financing activity. Additionally, cash generated from the financing of new vehicles purchased as part of an acquisition are included as a financing activity. 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 and excluding cash activity associated with acquired inventory. Adjusted net cash provided by operating activities is presented below:

 

		Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)		2014				2013				Change
Net cash provided by operating activities – as reported		$	30,319			$	32,059			$	(1,740	)
Add: Net borrowings on floor plan notes payable, non-trade			440,341				128,636				311,705
Less: Borrowings on floor plan notes payable, non-trade associated with acquired new vehicle inventory			(257,363	)			(25,148	)			(232,215	)
Net cash provided by operating activities – adjusted		$	213,297			$	135,547			$	77,750

 

		Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)		2013				2012				Change
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities – as reported		$	32,059			$	(212,476	)		$	244,535
Add: Net borrowings on floor plan notes payable, non-trade			128,636				348,477				(219,841	)
Less: Borrowings on floor plan notes payable, non-trade associated with acquired new vehicle inventory			(25,148	)			(13,744	)			(11,404	)
Net cash provided by operating activities - adjusted		$	135,547			$	122,257			$	13,290

 

Inventories are the most significant component of our cash flow from operations. As of December 31, 2014, our new vehicle days supply was 62, or 12 days lower than our days supply as of December 31, 2013. Our days supply of used vehicles was 53 days as of December 31, 2014, or 10 days lower than our days supply as of December 31, 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.

 

 

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $736.3 million and $130.3 million, respectively, for 2014 and 2013. Cash flows from investing activities relate primarily to capital expenditures and acquisition activity.

 

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

 

		Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)		2014				2013				Increase
Capital expenditures		$	85,983			$	50,025			$	35,958
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired			659,634				81,105				578,529

 

		Year Ended December 31,								Increase
(Dollars in thousands)		2013				2012				(Decrease)
Capital expenditures		$	50,025			$	64,584			$	(14,559	)
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired			81,105				44,716				36,389

 

Capital expenditures

Capital expenditures consisted of the following:

 

		Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)		2014				2013				2012
Post-acquisition capital improvements		$	20,760			$	12,170			$	6,939
Facilities for open points			6,700				5,640				9,766
Purchases of previously leased facilities			25,082				6,894				20,041
Existing facility improvements			19,813				13,773				19,786
Maintenance			13,628				11,548				8,052
Total capital expenditures		$	85,983			$	50,025			$	64,584

 

Many manufacturers provide assistance in the form of additional vehicle incentives if facilities meet manufacturer image standards and requirements. We expect that 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. We acquired 35 stores and opened one store in 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 six stores, and opened one store and one stand-alone body shop in 2013. We acquired four stores in 2012.

 

 

We are able to subsequently floor new vehicle inventory acquired as part of an acquisition; however, the cash generated by this transaction is recorded as borrowings on floor plan notes payable, non-trade. Adjusted net cash paid for acquisition is presented below:

 

		Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)		2014				2013				Change
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired		$	659,634			$	81,105			$	578,529
Less: Borrowings on floor plan notes payable, non-trade associated with acquired new vehicle inventory			(257,363	)			(25,148	)			(232,215	)
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired – adjusted		$	402,271			$	55,957			$	346,314

 

		Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)		2013				2012				Change
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired		$	81,105			$	44,716			$	36,389
Less: Borrowings on floor plan notes payable, non-trade associated with acquired new vehicle inventory			(25,148	)			(13,744	)			(11,404	)
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired – adjusted		$	55,957			$	30,972			$	24,985

 

We have strict capital investment criteria in evaluating all potential transactions, primarily associated with return on assets and return on our net equity investment.

 

 

Financing Activities

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities, adjusted for borrowing on floor plan facilities: non-trade was as follows:

 

		Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)		2014				2013				2012
Cash provided by financing activities, as reported		$	712,225			$	79,110			$	333,461
Less: cash provided by borrowings of floor plan notes payable: non-trade			(440,341	)			(128,636	)			(348,477	)
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities, as adjusted		$	271,884			$	(49,526	)		$	(15,016	)

 

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

 

		Year Ended December 31,								Increase
(Dollars in thousands)		2014				2013				(Decrease)
Net borrowings (repayments) on lines of credit		$	183,769			$	(14,355	)		$	198,124
Principal payments on long-term debt, unscheduled			-				(25,770	)			(25,770	)
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt			124,902				4,720				120,182
Repurchases of common stock			(22,968	)			(7,903	)			15,065
Dividends paid			(15,929	)			(10,085	)			5,844

 

		Year Ended December 31,								Increase
(Dollars in thousands)		2013				2012				(Decrease)
Net borrowings on lines of credit		$	(14,355	)		$	12,354			$	(26,709	)
Principal payments on long-term debt, unscheduled			(25,770	)			(40,765	)			(14,995	)
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt			4,720				42,333				(37,613	)
Repurchases of common stock			(7,903	)			(23,279	)			(15,376	)
Dividends paid			(10,085	)			(12,066	)			(1,981	)

 

Borrowing and Repayment Activity

During 2014, we had net borrowings of $183.8 million associated with our used vehicle financing facility and our revolving line of credit, primarily related to the DCH auto acquisition completed in the fourth quarter of 2014. 

 

During 2013, we had a net repayment of $14.4 million associated with our used vehicle financing facility and our revolving line of credit. Additionally, we strategically paid off $25.8 million in outstanding mortgages and had proceeds from mortgage financing of $4.7 million. This activity extended our near-term maturities and reduced our interest expense.

 

We increased our leverage ratio in 2014 due to the investment in the DCH Auto Group acquisition. As of December 31, 2014 our debt to total capital ratio, excluding floor plan notes payable, was 48.7% compared to 32.0% as of December 31, 2013.

 

Equity Transactions

Under the share repurchase program authorized by our Board of Directors and repurchases associated with stock compensation activity, we repurchased 226,729 shares of common stock at an average price of $70.52 per share in 2014. As of December 31, 2014, we had 1,500,224 shares available for repurchase under the plan. The plan does not have an expiration date and we may continue to repurchase shares from time to time as conditions warrant.

 

  

For the period January 1, 2014 through December 31, 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
August 2014			0.16				4,174
November 2014			0.16				4,198

 

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

 

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 December 31, 2014				Remaining Available as of December 31, 2014
Floor plan note payable: non-trade		$	1,137,632			$	107,476	(1)(4)
Floor plan notes payable			41,047				-
Used vehicle inventory financing facility			134,000				449	(2)
Revolving lines of credit			134,769				69,942	(2),(3)
Real estate mortgages			334,443				-
Other debt			37,766				-
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale			4,892				-	(4)
Total debt		$	1,822,549			$	177,867

 

(1)

As of December 31, 2014, we had a $1.25 billion new vehicle floor plan commitment as part of our credit facility.

(2)

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

(3)

Available credit is based on the borrowing base amount effective as of December 31, 2014. This amount is reduced by $5.0 million for outstanding letters of credit.

(4)

As of December 31, 2014, an additional $4.9 million of floor plan notes payable outstanding on our new vehicle floor plan commitment was recorded as liabilities related to assets held for sale.

 

Credit Facility

On October 1, 2014 and in connection with our acquisition of the DCH Auto Group, we completed a $1.7 billion revolving syndicated credit facility. This syndicated credit facility is comprised of 16 financial institutions, including seven manufacturer-affiliated finance companies. Our credit facility provides for up to $1.25 billion in new vehicle inventory floor plan financing, up to $150 million in used vehicle inventory floor plan financing and a maximum of $300 million in revolving financing for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions and working capital. This credit facility may be expanded to $1.85 billion total availability, subject to lender approval.

 

We may request a reallocation of any unused portion of our credit facility provided that the used vehicle inventory floor plan commitment does not exceed $250 million, the revolving financing commitment does not exceed $300 million, and the sum of those commitments plus the new vehicle inventory floor plan financing commitment does not exceed the total aggregate financing commitment. All borrowings from, and repayments to, our lending group are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as financing activities.

 

The new vehicle floor plan commitment is collateralized by our new vehicle inventory. Our used vehicle inventory financing facility is collateralized by our used vehicle inventory that has been in stock for less than 180 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 December 31, 2014, we had no balances in our PR accounts.

 

If the outstanding principal balance on our new vehicle inventory floor plan commitment, plus requests on any day, exceeds 95% of the loan commitment, a portion of the revolving line of credit must be reserved. The reserve amount is equal to the lesser of $15.0 million or the maximum revolving line of credit commitment less the outstanding balance on the line less outstanding letters of credit. The reserve amount will decrease the revolving line 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, with the rate of one-month LIBOR plus 1.25% for new vehicle floor plan financing, one-month LIBOR plus 1.50% for used vehicle floor plan financing; and a variable interest rate on the revolving financing ranging from the one-month LIBOR plus 1.25% to 2.50%, depending on our leverage ratio. The annual interest rate associated with our new vehicle floor plan commitment, excluding the effects of our interest rate swaps, was 1.4% at December 31, 2014. The annual interest rate associated with our used vehicle inventory financing facility and our revolving line of credit was 1.7% and 2.2%, respectively, at December 31, 2014.

 

Under the terms of our credit facility 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 December 31, 2014
Current ratio		Not less than 1.20 to 1			1.16 to 1
Fixed charge coverage ratio		Not less than 1.20 to 1			3.30 to 1
Leverage ratio		Not more than 5.00 to 1			2.21 to 1
Funded debt restriction		Not to exceed $600 million		$374.0 million

 

As of December 31, 2014, we were not in compliance with the current ratio covenant as required under our credit facility. Primarily as a result of certain mortgage loans not closing in 2014 as we anticipated, coupled with higher than expected new vehicle inventory levels at the end of the year, our current ratio covenant calculation was 1.16 to 1. We requested and received a waiver from our lender group for the covenant as of December 31, 2014, and amended the agreement to reduce the current ratio covenant requirement to 1.10 to 1 for the first quarter of 2015 and beyond. 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. A breach would also trigger cross-defaults under other debt agreements.

 

 

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 variable interest rates on these floor plan notes payable commitments vary by manufacturer. At December 31, 2014, $41.0 million was outstanding on these arrangements. Borrowings from, and repayments to, manufacturer-affiliated finance companies are classified as operating activities in 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 5.0% at December 31, 2014. The mortgages are payable in various installments through October 2034. As of December 31, 2014, we had fixed interest rates on 66% of our outstanding mortgage debt.

 

Our other debt includes capital leases, sellers’ notes and our equity contribution obligations associated with the new markets tax credit equity investment. The interest rates associated with our other debt ranged from 2.0% to 9.4% at December 31, 2014. This debt, which totaled $37.8 million at December 31, 2014, is due in various installments through May 2019.

 

Contractual Payment Obligations

A summary of our contractual commitments and obligations as of December 31, 2014, was as follows (in thousands):

 

		Payments Due By Period
Contractual Obligation		Total				2015				2016 and 2017				2018 and 2019				2020 and beyond
New vehicle floor plan commitment(1)		$	1,137,632			$	1,137,632			$	-			$	-			$	-
Floor plan notes payable(1)			41,047				41,047				-				-				-
Used vehicle inventory financing facility			134,000				-				-				134,000				-
Revolving lines of credit			134,769				1,769				-				133,000				-
Liabilities related to assets held for sale			4,892				4,892
Real estate debt, including interest			400,723				25,389				85,552				85,314				204,468
Other debt, including capital leases and interest			40,773				17,234				17,873				3,683				1,983
Charge-backs on various contracts			26,762				15,232				10,483				1,025				22
Operating leases(2)			195,510				24,354				44,377				35,636				91,143
Fixed rate payments on interest rate swaps			1,982				1,397				585				-				-
		$	2,118,090			$	1,268,946			$	158,870			$	392,658			$	297,616

 

(1)	Amounts for floor plan notes payable, the used vehicle inventory financing facility and the revolving line of credit do not include estimated interest payments. See Notes 1 and 6 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

(2)	Amounts for operating lease commitments do not include sublease income, and certain operating expenses such as maintenance, insurance and real estate taxes. See Note 7 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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.

 

  

Inflation and Changing Prices

Inflation and changing prices did not have a material impact on our revenues or income from continuing operations in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

 

Selected Consolidated Quarterly Financial Data

The following tables set forth our unaudited quarterly financial data^{(1) (2)}.

 

2014 (in thousands, except per share data )		Three Months Ended,
		March 31				June 30				September 30				December 31
Revenues:
New vehicle		$	579,522			$	694,484			$	732,121			$	1,071,543
Used vehicle retail			301,893				310,475				340,522				409,591
Used vehicle wholesale			42,693				44,286				48,853				59,867
Finance and insurance			39,631				43,838				46,855				60,057
Service, body and parts			104,617				114,337				120,772				172,398
Fleet and other			9,750				14,382				7,988				19,851
Total revenues			1,078,106				1,221,802				1,297,111				1,793,307
Cost of sales			906,045				1,029,502				1,099,271				1,532,186
Gross profit			172,061				192,300				197,840				261,121
Asset impairments			-				-				-				1,853
Selling, general and administrative			121,829				125,463				131,627				184,288
Depreciation and amortization			5,507				5,825				6,067				8,964
Operating income			44,725				61,012				60,146				66,016
Floor plan interest expense			(2,984	)			(3,215	)			(3,127	)			(4,535	)
Other interest expense			(1,974	)			(1,869	)			(2,051	)			(4,848	)
Other, net			937				1,146				1,027				89
Income from continuing operations before income taxes			40,704				57,074				55,995				56,722
Income tax provision			(16,010	)			(21,904	)			(21,458	)			(15,583	)
Income before discontinued operations			24,694				35,170				34,537				41,139
Discontinued operations, net of tax			40				3,139				-				1
Net income		$	24,734			$	38,309			$	34,537			$	41,140
Basic income per share from continuing operations		$	0.95			$	1.35			$	1.32			$	1.57
Basic income per share from discontinued operations			-				0.12				-				-
Basic net income per share		$	0.95			$	1.47			$	1.32			$	1.57
Diluted income per share from continuing operations		$	0.94			$	1.34			$	1.31			$	1.56
Diluted income per share from discontinued operations			-				0.11				-				-
Diluted net income per share		$	0.94			$	1.45			$	1.31			$	1.56

 

(1) Quarterly data may not add to yearly totals due to rounding.

 

(2) Certain reclassifications of amounts previously reported have been made to the quarterly financial data to maintain consistency and comparability between periods presented.

 

 

 

2013 (in thousands, except per share data )		Three Months Ended,
		March 31				June 30				September 30				December 31
Revenues:
New vehicle		$	493,441			$	569,487			$	604,135			$	589,535
Used vehicle retail			239,228				258,465				280,734				253,797
Used vehicle wholesale			39,506				37,691				43,396				37,642
Finance and insurance			31,663				34,218				37,132				35,994
Service, body and parts			90,440				94,462				97,784				100,797
Fleet and other			8,802				14,182				6,109				7,109
Total revenues			903,080				1,008,505				1,069,290				1,024,874
Cost of sales			756,642				848,672				903,901				865,581
Gross profit			146,438				159,833				165,389				159,293
Selling, general and administrative			101,131				109,283				108,570				108,416
Depreciation and amortization			4,721				4,899				5,099				5,316
Operating income			40,586				45,651				51,720				45,561
Floor plan interest expense			(3,449	)			(3,036	)			(2,909	)			(2,979	)
Other interest expense			(2,361	)			(1,941	)			(1,933	)			(2,115	)
Other, net			801				584				835				773
Income from continuing operations before income taxes			35,577				41,258				47,713				41,240
Income tax provision			(13,695	)			(15,977	)			(16,822	)			(14,080	)
Income before discontinued operations			21,882				25,281				30,891				27,160
Discontinued operations, net of tax			173				274				127				212
Net income		$	22,055			$	25,555			$	31,018			$	27,372
Basic income per share from continuing operations		$	0.85			$	0.98			$	1.20			$	1.05
Basic income per share from discontinued operations			0.01				0.01			__ -					0.01
Basic net income per share		$	0.86			$	0.99			$	1.20			$	1.06
Diluted income per share from continuing operations		$	0.84			$	0.97			$	1.18			$	1.03
Diluted income per share from discontinued operations			0.01				0.01				-				0.01
Diluted net income per share		$	0.85			$	0.98			$	1.18			$	1.04

 

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Variable Rate Debt

Our credit facility, other floor plan notes payable and certain real estate mortgages are structured as variable rate debt. The interest rates on our variable rate debt are tied to either the one-month LIBOR or the prime rate. These debt obligations, therefore, expose us to variability in interest payments due to changes in these rates. Certain floor plan debt is based on open-ended lines of credit tied to each individual store from the various manufacturer finance companies.

 

Our variable-rate floor plan notes payable, variable rate mortgage notes payable and other credit line borrowings subject us to market risk exposure. At December 31, 2014, we had $1.6 billion outstanding under such agreements at a weighted average interest rate of 1.6% per annum. A 10% increase in interest rates, or 16 basis points, would increase annual interest expense by approximately $1.6 million, net of tax, based on amounts outstanding at December 31, 2014.

 

Fixed Rate Debt

The fair value of our long-term fixed interest rate debt is subject to interest rate risk. Generally, the fair value of fixed interest rate debt will increase as interest rates fall because we would expect to be able to refinance for a lower rate. Conversely, the fair value of fixed interest rate debt will decrease as interest rates rise. The interest rate changes affect the fair value but do not impact earnings or cash flows.

 

At December 31, 2014, we had $257.8 million of long-term fixed interest rate debt outstanding and recorded on the balance sheet, with maturity dates between November 2016 and October 2034. Based on discounted cash flows using current interest rates for comparable debt, we have determined that the fair value of this long-term fixed interest rate debt was approximately $270.8 million at December 31, 2014.

 

 

Hedging Strategies

We believe it may be prudent to limit the variability of a portion of our interest payments. Accordingly, from time to time we have entered into interest rate swaps to manage the variability of our interest rate exposure, thus leveling a portion of our interest expense in a changing rate environment.

 

We have effectively changed the variable-rate cash flow exposure on a portion of our floor plan debt to fixed-rate cash flows by entering into receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swaps. Under the interest rate swaps, we receive variable interest rate payments and make fixed interest rate payments, thereby creating fixed rate floor plan debt.

 

We do not enter into derivative instruments for any purpose other than to manage interest rate exposure. That is, we do not engage in interest rate speculation using derivative instruments. Typically, we designate all interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges.

 

As of December 31, 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 December 31, 2014, the one-month LIBOR rate was 0.17% per annum, as reported in the Wall Street Journal.

 

The fair value of our interest rate swap agreement represents the estimated receipts or payments that would be made to terminate the agreement. These amounts related to our cash flow hedges are recorded as deferred gains or losses in our Consolidated Balance Sheets with the offset recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax. At December 31, 2014, the fair value of all of our agreements was a liability of $1.8 million. The estimated amount expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next twelve months was $1.1 million at December 31, 2014.

 

Risk Management Policies

We assess interest rate cash flow risk by identifying and monitoring changes in interest rate exposures that may adversely impact expected future cash flows and by evaluating hedging opportunities. Our policy is to manage this risk through a mix of fixed rate and variable rate debt structures and interest rate swaps.

 

We maintain risk management controls to monitor interest rate cash flow attributable to both our outstanding and forecasted debt obligations, as well as our offsetting hedge positions. The risk management controls include assessing the impact to future cash flows of changes in interest rates.

 

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Financial Data

 

The financial statements and notes thereto required by this item begin on page F-1 as listed in Item 15 of Part IV of this document. Quarterly financial data for each of the eight quarters in the two-year period ended December 31, 2014 is included in Item 7.

 

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 

None.

 

Item 9A. 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 Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 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.

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014. In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

 

In accordance with guidance issued by the SEC, companies are permitted to exclude acquisitions from their final assessment of internal controls over financial reporting during the year of the acquisition while integrating the acquired operations. Management’s evaluation of internal control over financial reporting excludes the operations of the 35 acquisitions completed in 2014. These acquisitions represent approximately 22% of consolidated total assets and approximately 14% of consolidated revenues for the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

Based on our assessment, our management concluded that, as of December 31, 2014, our internal control over financial reporting was effective.

 

KPMG LLP, our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, has issued an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, which is included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

 

Item 9B. Other Information

 

None.

 

  

PART III

 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 

Information required by this item will be included under the captions Election of Directors, Current Directors and Nominees, Non-Director Executive Officers, Certain Relationships and Transactions with Related Persons, Board Committees, Director Independence, 2014 Board and Committee Composition, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, Named Executive Officers and Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance in our Proxy Statement for our 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and, upon filing, is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 11. Executive Compensation

 

The information required by this item will be included under the captions Compensation of Directors, Non-Employee Director Stock Ownership Policy; Hedging and Pledging Restrictions, Compensation Committee Report, Compensation Discussion and Analysis, Compensation Philosophy and Objectives, Compensation Elements and Emphasis on Performance, Our Process for Determining Compensation, Additional Compensation Policies, Independent Compensation Consultant and Peer Group Comparison, Other Compensation-Related Considerations, 2014 Executive Compensation by Element, Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table for 2014, Outstanding Equity Awards at Year End 2014, Option Exercises and Stock Vested for 2014, Nonqualified Deferred Compensation for 2014, Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control, and Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation in our Proxy Statement for our 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and, upon filing, is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

The following table summarizes equity securities authorized for issuance as of December 31, 2014.

 

Plan Category		Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants  and rights (a)				Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b)				Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (c) (3)
Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders			471,592	(1)		$	6.79	(2)			2,143,881
Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders			-				-				-
Total			471,592	(1)		$	6.79	(2)			2,143,881

 

(1)	Includes option exercisable for 6,834 shares of Class A common stock and 464,758 restricted stock units.

(2)	There is no exercise price associated with our restricted stock units. The total weighted average exercise price is shown with respect to options only.

(3)	Includes 1,604,410 shares available pursuant to our 2013 Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan and 539,471 shares available pursuant to our Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

 

The additional information required by this item will be included under the caption Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management in our Proxy Statement for our 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and, upon filing, is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

 

The information required by this item will be included under the captions Certain Relationships and Transactions with Related Persons and Director Independence in our Proxy Statement for our 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and, upon filing, is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

Information required by this item will be included under the caption Fees Paid to KPMG LLP Related to Fiscal Years 2014 and 2013 and Pre-Approval Policies in our Proxy Statement for our 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and, upon filing, is incorporated herein by reference.

 

PART IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

Financial Statements and Schedules

The Consolidated Financial Statements, together with the report thereon of KPMG LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, are included on the pages indicated below:

 

	Page
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	F-1, F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013	F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012	F-4
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012	F-5
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012	F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012	F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	F-8

 

There are no schedules required to be filed herewith.

 

Exhibit Index

The following exhibits are filed herewith. An asterisk (*) beside the exhibit number indicates the exhibits containing a management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

Exhibit	Description
2.1	Stock Purchase Agreement between Lithia Motors, Inc. and DCH Auto Group (USA) Limited dated June 14, 2014 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed October 3, 2014)
2.1.1	First Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement between Lithia Motors, Inc. and DCH Auto Group (USA) Limited effective July 15, 2014 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 2.2 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014)
2.1.2	Second Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement between Lithia Motors, Inc. and DCH Auto Group (USA) Limited effective November 13, 2014
3.1	Restated Articles of Incorporation of Lithia Motors, Inc., as amended May 13, 1999 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s 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 the Company’s Form 8-K filed August 26, 2013)
10.1*	2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2009 annual meeting of shareholders filed on March 20, 2009)

 

 

Exhibit	Description
10.1.1*	Amendment 2014-1 to the Lithia Motors, Inc. 2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
10.2*	Lithia Motors, Inc. 2013 Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed May 2, 2013)
10.2.1*	RSU Deferral Plan (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.3.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011)
10.2.2*	Amendment to RSU Deferral Plan
10.2.3*	Restricted Stock Unit (RSU) Deferral Election Form
10.3*	Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Performance and Time Vesting) (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013)
10.3.1*	Form of Restated Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Long Term Performance Vesting)
10.3.2*	Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Time Vesting) (for mid-level executives) (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013)
10.3.3*	Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Time Vesting) (for non-employee directors) (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013)
10.3.4*	Form of Restated Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Performance and Time Vesting)
10.3.5*	Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Time Vesting) (for non-employee directors)
10.3.6*	Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Time Vesting) (non-executives, time-vesting)
10.3.7*	Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (2015 Performance- and Time-vesting) (for Senior Executives)
10.3.8*	Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (2015 Long-term Performance-vesting)
10.3.9*	Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (2015 Time-vesting)
10.4*	Lithia Motors, Inc. 2013 Discretionary Support Services Variable Performance Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed May 2, 2013)
10.5*	Form of Outside Director Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Agreement (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.20 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005)
10.6*	Executive Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Agreement between the Company and M. L. Dick Heimann dated December 31, 2009 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed January 5, 2010)
10.7	Amended and Restated Loan Agreement among Lithia Motors, Inc., the subsidiaries of Lithia Motors, Inc. listed on the signature pages of the agreement or that thereafter become borrowers thereunder, the lenders party thereto from time to time, and U.S. Bank National Association (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed October 3, 2014)
10.8*	Amended and Restated Split-Dollar Agreement (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.17 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012)
10.9*	Terms of Amended Employment and Change in Control Agreement between Lithia Motors, Inc. and Sidney B. DeBoer dated January 15, 2009 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.22 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008) (1)
10.10*	Form of Indemnity Agreement for each Named Executive Officer (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed May 29, 2009)

 

 

Exhibit	Description
10.11*	Form of Indemnity Agreement for each non-management Director (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed May 29, 2009)
10.12*	Executive Management Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation and Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.22 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010)
10.12.1*	Form of Executive Management Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation and Long-Term Incentive Plan – Notice of Discretionary Contribution Award for Sidney DeBoer (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.22.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010)
10.12.2*	Form of Executive Management Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation and Long-Term Incentive Plan – Notice of Discretionary Contribution Award (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.22.2 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010)
10.13*	Employment Agreement with Executive Vice President Brad Gray dated March 1, 2012 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012)
10.13.1*	Amendment to Terms of Employment Agreement with Brad Gray dated April 30, 2013 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.23 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013)
10.14*	Form of Amended Employment and Change in Control Agreement dated February 22, 2013 between the Company and Bryan B. DeBoer (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.24 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012) (2)
10.15*	Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement between Lithia Real Estate, Inc. and Dick Heimann dated October 25, 2013 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2013)
12	Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges
21	Subsidiaries of Lithia Motors, Inc.

 

23	Consent of KPMG LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
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.

 

(1)	A substantially similar agreement exists between Lithia Motors, Inc. and M.L. Dick Heimann.

(2)	Substantially similar agreements exist between Lithia Motors, Inc. and each of Scott Hillier, Christopher S. Holzshu and John F. North III.

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Date: March 2, 2015	LITHIA MOTORS, INC.
	By:	/s/ Bryan B. DeBoer
		Bryan B. DeBoer
		Director, President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated on March 2, 2015:

 

 

Signature		Title
/s/ Bryan B. DeBoer		Director, President and Chief Executive Officer
Bryan B. DeBoer		(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Christopher S. Holzshu		Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
Christopher S. Holzshu		(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ John F. North III		Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
John F. North III		(Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/ Sidney B. DeBoer		Director and Executive Chairman
Sidney B. DeBoer
/s/ M.L. Dick Heimann		Director and Vice Chairman
M.L. Dick Heimann
/s/ Thomas Becker		Director
Thomas Becker
/s/ Susan O. Cain		Director
Susan O. Cain
/s/ Kenneth E. Roberts		Director
Kenneth E. Roberts
/s/ William J. Young		Director
William J. Young

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Lithia Motors, Inc.:

 

We have audited the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets of Lithia Motors, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related Consolidated Statements of Operations, Comprehensive Income, Changes in Stockholders’ Equity, and Cash Flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014. These Consolidated Financial Statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these Consolidated Financial Statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the Consolidated Financial Statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Lithia Motors, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Lithia Motors, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 2, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company has changed its method for reporting discontinued operations as of September 2014.

 

/s/ KPMG LLP

 

Portland, Oregon
March 2, 2015

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Lithia Motors, Inc.:

 

We have audited Lithia Motors, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Lithia Motors, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

In our opinion, Lithia Motors, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

 

Lithia Motors, Inc. completed the acquisition of 35 stores during 2014 and, as permitted, management elected to exclude all of these acquisitions from its assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014. The total assets of these 35 acquisitions represented approximately 22% of consolidated total assets as of December 31, 2014 and approximately 14% of consolidated revenues for the year ended December 31, 2014. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of Lithia Motors, Inc. also excluded an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of these 35 acquisitions.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Consolidated Balance Sheets of Lithia Motors, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related Consolidated Statements of Operations, Comprehensive Income, Changes in Stockholders’ Equity, and Cash Flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014, and our report dated March 2, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion on those Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

/s/ KPMG LLP

 

Portland, Oregon
March 2, 2015

 

 

LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands)

 

		December 31,
		2014				2013
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	29,898			$	23,686
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,191 and $173			295,379				170,519
Inventories, net			1,249,659				859,019
Deferred income taxes			-				1,548
Other current assets			32,010				15,251
Assets held for sale			8,563				11,526
Total Current Assets			1,615,509				1,081,549
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $117,679 and $106,871			816,745				481,212
Goodwill			199,375				49,511
Franchise value			150,892				71,199
Deferred income taxes			-				10,256
Other non-current assets			98,411				31,394
Total Assets		$	2,880,932			$	1,725,121
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current Liabilities:
Floor plan notes payable		$	41,047			$	18,789
Floor plan notes payable: non-trade			1,137,632				695,066
Current maturities of long-term debt			31,912				7,083
Trade payables			70,853				51,159
Accrued liabilities			153,661				94,143
Deferred income taxes			2,603				-
Liabilities related to assets held for sale			4,892				6,271
Total Current Liabilities			1,442,600				872,511
Long-term debt, less current maturities			609,066				245,471
Deferred revenue			54,403				44,005
Deferred income taxes			42,795				-
Other long-term liabilities			58,963				28,412
Total Liabilities			2,207,827				1,190,399
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 23,671 and 23,329			276,058				268,255
Class B common stock - no par value; authorized 25,000 shares; issued and outstanding 2,562 and 2,562			319				319
Additional paid-in capital			29,775				22,598
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(926	)			(1,538	)
Retained earnings			367,879				245,088
Total Stockholders' Equity			673,105				534,722
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity		$	2,880,932			$	1,725,121

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands)

 

		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
Revenues:
New vehicle		$	3,077,670			$	2,256,598			$	1,847,603
Used vehicle retail			1,362,481				1,032,224				833,484
Used vehicle wholesale			195,699				158,235				139,237
Finance and insurance			190,381				139,007				112,234
Service, body and parts			512,124				383,483				347,703
Fleet and other			51,971				36,202				36,226
Total revenues			5,390,326				4,005,749				3,316,487
Cost of sales:
New vehicle			2,879,486				2,105,480				1,713,156
Used vehicle retail			1,183,228				881,366				711,763
Used vehicle wholesale			192,053				155,524				137,823
Service, body and parts			262,388				197,913				179,633
Fleet and other			49,849				34,513				34,812
Total cost of sales			4,567,004				3,374,796				2,777,187
Gross profit			823,322				630,953				539,300
Asset impairments			1,853				-				115
Selling, general and administrative			563,207				427,400				373,688
Depreciation and amortization			26,363				20,035				17,128
Operating income			231,899				183,518				148,369
Floor plan interest expense			(13,861	)			(12,373	)			(12,816	)
Other interest expense			(10,742	)			(8,350	)			(9,621	)
Other income, net			3,199				2,993				2,525
Income from continuing operations before income taxes			210,495				165,788				128,457
Income tax provision			(74,955	)			(60,574	)			(49,062	)
Income from continuing operations, net of income tax			135,540				105,214				79,395
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax			3,180				786				967
Net income		$	138,720			$	106,000			$	80,362
Basic income per share from continuing operations		$	5.19			$	4.08			$	3.09
Basic income per share from discontinued operations			0.12				0.03				0.04
Basic net income per share		$	5.31			$	4.11			$	3.13
Shares used in basic per share calculations			26,121				25,805				25,696
Diluted income per share from continuing operations		$	5.14			$	4.02			$	3.03
Diluted income per share from discontinued operations			0.12				0.03				0.04
Diluted net income per share		$	5.26			$	4.05			$	3.07
Shares used in diluted per share calculations			26,382				26,191				26,170

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(In thousands)

 

		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
Net income		$	138,720			$	106,000			$	80,362
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax expense of $380, $668 and $1,175			612				1,077				1,893
Comprehensive income		$	139,332			$	107,077			$	82,255

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity

(In thousands)

 

		Common Stock																Additional				Accumulated Other Compre-								Total Stock-
		Class A								Class B								Paid-In				hensive				Retained				holders'
		Shares				Amount				Shares				Amount				Capital				Loss				Earnings				Equity
Balance at December 31, 2011			22,195			$	279,366				3,762			$	468			$	10,918			$	(4,508	)		$	80,877			$	367,121
Net income			-				-				-				-				-				-				80,362				80,362
Gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax expense of $1,175			-				-				-				-				-				1,893				-				1,893
Issuance of stock in connection with employee stock plans			647				8,652				-				-				-				-				-				8,652
Issuance of restricted stock to employees			3				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Repurchase of Class A common stock			(929	)			(23,279	)			-				-				-				-				-				(23,279	)
Class B common stock converted to Class A common stock			1,000				125				(1,000	)			(125	)			-				-				-				-
Compensation for stock and stock option issuances and excess tax benefits from option exercises			-				3,937				-				-				1,481				-				-				5,418
Dividends paid			-				-				-				-				-				-				(12,066	)			(12,066	)
Balance at December 31, 2012			22,916				268,801				2,762				343				12,399				(2,615	)			149,173				428,101
Net income			-				-				-				-				-				-				106,000				106,000
Gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax expense of $668			-				-				-				-				-				1,077				-				1,077
Issuance of stock in connection with employee stock plans			283				5,149				-				-				-				-				-				5,149
Issuance of restricted stock to employees			117				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Repurchase of Class A common stock			(187	)			(7,903	)			-				-				-				-				-				(7,903	)
Class B common stock converted to Class A common stock			200				24				(200	)			(24	)			-				-				-				-
Compensation for stock and stock option issuances and excess tax benefits from option exercises			-				2,184				-				-				10,199				-				-				12,383
Dividends paid			-				-				-				-				-				-				(10,085	)			(10,085	)
Balance at December 31, 2013			23,329				268,255				2,562				319				22,598				(1,538	)			245,088				534,722
Net income			-				-				-				-				-				-				138,720				138,720
Gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax expense of $380			-				-				-				-				-				612				-				612
Issuance of stock in connection with employee stock plans			118				4,590				-				-				-				-				-				4,590
Issuance of stock in connection with acquisitions			269				19,736				-				-				-				-				-				19,736
Issuance of restricted stock to employees			288				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Repurchase of Class A common stock			(333	)			(22,968	)			-				-				-				-				-				(22,968	)
Compensation for stock and stock option issuances and excess tax benefits from option exercises			-				6,445				-				-				7,177				-				-				13,622
Dividends paid			-				-				-				-				-				-				(15,929	)			(15,929	)
Balance at December 31, 2014			23,671			$	276,058				2,562			$	319			$	29,775			$	(926	)		$	367,879			$	673,105

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 

(In thousands)

 

		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income		$	138,720			$	106,000			$	80,362
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Asset impairments			1,853				-				115
Depreciation and amortization			26,363				20,035				17,128
Depreciation and amortization within discontinued operations			-				-				186
Stock-based compensation			7,436				6,565				3,116
(Gain) loss on disposal of other assets			271				(2,339	)			(747	)
(Gain) loss from disposal activities within discontinued operations			(5,744	)			-				621
Deferred income taxes			13,355				14,477				14,172
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements			(6,186	)			(5,994	)			(2,802	)
(Increase) decrease (net of acquisitions and dispositions):
Trade receivables, net			(59,474	)			(37,370	)			(33,704	)
Inventories			(76,002	)			(106,896	)			(230,442	)
Other assets			(31,182	)			(5,655	)			(10,370	)
Increase (decrease) (net of acquisitions and dispositions):
Floor plan notes payable			(647	)			5,300				(82,109	)
Trade payables			(3,105	)			8,480				8,001
Accrued liabilities			(13,472	)			12,304				10,538
Other long-term liabilities and deferred revenue			38,133				17,152				13,459
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities			30,319				32,059				(212,476	)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Principal payments received on notes receivable			2,882				91				946
Capital expenditures			(85,983	)			(50,025	)			(64,584	)
Proceeds from sales of assets			4,896				4,632				6,027
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired			(659,634	)			(81,105	)			(44,716	)
Cash paid for other investments			(9,110	)			(3,915	)			(3,288	)
Proceeds from sales of stores			10,617				-				6,618
Net cash used in investing activities			(736,332	)			(130,322	)			(98,997	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings on floor plan notes payable: non-trade			440,341				128,636				348,477
Borrowings on lines of credit			1,435,144				800,000				592,623
Repayments on lines of credit			(1,251,375	)			(814,355	)			(580,269	)
Principal payments on long-term debt, scheduled			(8,666	)			(7,100	)			(8,347	)
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital leases, other			-				(25,770	)			(40,765	)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt			124,902				4,720				42,333
Proceeds from issuance of common stock			4,590				4,973				8,652
Repurchase of common stock			(22,968	)			(7,903	)			(23,279	)
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements			6,186				5,994				2,802
Decrease in restricted cash			-				-				3,300
Dividends paid			(15,929	)			(10,085	)			(12,066	)
Net cash provided by financing activities			712,225				79,110				333,461
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			6,212				(19,153	)			21,988
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year			23,686				42,839				20,851
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		$	29,898			$	23,686			$	42,839
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for interest		$	24,638			$	21,002			$	22,976
Cash paid during the period for income taxes, net			63,827				42,682				36,579
Supplemental schedule of non-cash activities:
Debt issued or acquired in connection with acquisitions		$	55,693			$	-			$	2,609
Floor plan debt acquired in connection with acquisitions			24,686				-				-
Floor plan debt paid in connection with store disposals			3,311				-				6,712
Issuance of Class A common stock in connection with acquisitions			19,736				-				-

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(1)           Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Organization and Business

We are a leading operator of automotive franchises and a retailer of new and used vehicles and related services. As of December 31, 2014, we offered 30 brands of new vehicles and all brands of used vehicles in 129 stores in the United States and online at Lithia.com and DCHauto.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 dealerships are located across the United States. We seek domestic, import and luxury franchises in cities ranging from mid-sized regional markets to metropolitan markets. We evaluate all brands for expansion opportunities provided the market is large enough to support adequate new vehicle sales to justify the required capital investment.

 

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements reflect the results of operations, the financial position and the cash flows for Lithia Motors, Inc. and its directly and indirectly wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

We early adopted the amendment to the accounting guidance related to discontinued operations in the third quarter of 2014. 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. As a result, we determined that individual stores which met the criteria for held for sale after our adoption date would no longer qualify for classification as discontinued operations. We had previously reclassified a held for sale store’s operations to discontinued operations in our Consolidated Statements of Operations, on a comparable basis for all periods presented, provided we did not expect to have any significant continuing involvement in the store’s operations after its disposal. See Note 15.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are defined as cash on hand and cash in bank accounts without restrictions.

 

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable include amounts due from the following:

 

●

various lenders for the financing of vehicles sold;

●

customers for vehicles sold and service and parts sales;

●

manufacturers for factory rebates, dealer incentives and warranty reimbursement; and

●

insurance companies and other miscellaneous receivables.

 

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. 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. See Note 2.

 

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of market value or cost, using a pooled approach for vehicles and the specific identification method for parts. Certain acquired inventories are valued using the last-in first-out (LIFO) method. The LIFO reserve associated with this inventory as of December 31, 2014 was immaterial. The cost of new and used vehicle inventories includes the cost of any equipment added, reconditioning and transportation.

 

 

Manufacturers reimburse us for holdbacks, floor plan interest assistance and advertising assistance, which are reflected as a reduction in the carrying value of each vehicle purchased. We recognize advertising assistance, floor plan interest assistance, holdbacks, cash incentives and other rebates received from manufacturers that are tied to specific vehicles as a reduction to cost of sales as the related vehicles are sold.

 

Parts are valued at lower of market value or cost using a specific identification method. Parts purchase discounts that we receive from the manufacturer are reflected as a reduction in the carrying value of the parts purchased from the manufacturer and are recognized as a reduction to cost of goods sold as the related inventory is sold. See Note 3.

 

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated over their estimated useful lives on the straight-line basis. Leasehold improvements made at the inception of the lease or during the term of the lease are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the life of the improvement or the remaining term of the lease.

 

The range of estimated useful lives is as follows:

 

			Years
Buildings and improvements			5-40
Service equipment			5-15
Furniture, office equipment, signs and fixtures			3-10

 

The cost for maintenance, repairs and minor renewals is expensed as incurred, while significant remodels and betterments are capitalized. In addition, interest on borrowings for major capital projects, significant remodels and betterments are capitalized. Capitalized interest becomes a part of the cost of the depreciable asset and is depreciated according to the estimated useful lives as previously stated. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recorded capitalized interest of $0.4 million, $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

 

When an asset is retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any gain or loss is credited or charged to income from continuing operations.

 

Leased property meeting certain criteria is capitalized and the present value of the related lease payments is recorded as a liability. Amortization of capitalized leased assets is computed on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, unless the lease transfers title or it contains a bargain purchase option, in which case, it is amortized over the asset’s useful life, and is included in depreciation expense.

 

Long-lived assets held and used by us are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable. We consider several factors when evaluating whether there are indications of potential impairment related to our long-lived assets, including store profitability, overall macroeconomic factors and the impact of our strategic management decisions. If recoverability testing is performed, we evaluate assets to be held and used by comparing the carrying amount of an asset to future net undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset, including its disposition. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets is recognized as a charge to income from continuing operations. See Note 4.

 

Franchise Value

We enter into agreements (“Franchise Agreements”) with the manufacturers. Franchise value represents a right received under Franchise Agreements with manufacturers and is identified on an individual store basis.

 

  

We evaluated the useful lives of our Franchise Agreements based on the following factors:

 

●

certain of our Franchise Agreements continue indefinitely by their terms;

●

certain of our Franchise Agreements have limited terms, but are routinely renewed without substantial cost to us;

●

other than franchise terminations related to the unprecedented reorganizations of Chrysler and General Motors, and allowed by bankruptcy law, we are not aware of manufacturers terminating Franchise Agreements against the wishes of the franchise owners in the ordinary course of business. A manufacturer may pressure a franchise owner to sell a franchise when the owner is in breach of the franchise agreement over an extended period of time;

●

state dealership franchise laws typically limit the rights of the manufacturer to terminate or not renew a franchise;

●

we are not aware of any legislation or other factors that would materially change the retail automotive franchise system; and

●

as evidenced by our acquisition and disposition history, there is an active market for most automotive dealership franchises within the United States. We attribute value to the Franchise Agreements acquired with the dealerships we purchase based on the understanding and industry practice that the Franchise Agreements will be renewed indefinitely by the manufacturer.

 

Accordingly, we have determined that our Franchise Agreements will continue to contribute to our cash flows indefinitely and, therefore, have indefinite lives.

 

As an indefinite-lived intangible asset, franchise value is tested for impairment at least annually, and more frequently if events or circumstances indicate the carrying value may exceed fair value. The impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets requires the comparison of estimated fair value to carrying value. An impairment charge is recorded to the extent the fair value is less than the carrying value. We have the option to qualitatively or quantitatively assess indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. We evaluated our indefinite-lived intangible assets using a quantitative assessment process. We have determined the appropriate unit of accounting for testing franchise value for impairment is on an individual store basis.

 

We test our franchise value for impairment on October 1 of each year. The quantitative assessment uses a multi-period excess earnings (“MPEE”) model to estimate the fair value of our franchises. We have determined that only certain cash flows of the store are directly attributable to franchise rights. Future cash flows are based on recently prepared operating forecasts and business plans to estimate the future economic benefits that the store will generate. Operating forecasts and cash flows include estimated revenue growth rates that are calculated based on management’s forecasted sales projections and on the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics for historical consumer price index data. Additionally, we use a contributory asset charge to represent working capital, personal property and assembled workforce costs. A discount rate is utilized to convert the forecasted cash flows to their present value equivalent. The discount rate applied to the future cash flows factors an equity market risk premium, small stock risk premium, an average peer group beta and a risk-free interest rate. See Note 5.

 

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired which is not allocable to separately identifiable intangible assets. Other identifiable intangible assets, such as franchise rights, are separately recognized if the intangible asset is obtained through contractual or other legal right or if the intangible asset can be sold, transferred, licensed or exchanged.

 

Goodwill is not amortized but tested for impairment at least annually, and more frequently if events or circumstances indicate the carrying value of the reporting unit more likely than not exceeds fair value. We have the option to qualitatively or quantitatively assess goodwill for impairment and in 2014 evaluated our goodwill using a quantitative assessment process. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the operating unit level. Our operating units are individual retail automotive stores as this is the level at which discrete financial information is available and for which operating results are regularly reviewed by our chief operating decision maker to allocate resources and assess performance.

 

 

We test our goodwill for impairment on October 1 of each year. We used an Adjusted Present Value (“APV”) method, a fair-value based test, to indicate the fair value of our reporting units. Under the APV method, future cash flows based on recently prepared operating forecasts and business plans are used to estimate the future economic benefits generated by the reporting unit. Operating forecasts and cash flows include estimated revenue growth rates based on management’s forecasted sales projections and on U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics for historical consumer price index data. A discount rate is utilized to convert the forecasted cash flows to their present value equivalent representing the indicated fair value of our reporting unit. The discount rate applied to the future cash flows factors an equity market risk premium, small stock risk premium, an average peer group beta and a risk-free interest rate. We compare the indicated fair value of our reporting unit to our market capitalization, including consideration of a control premium. The control premium represents the estimated amount an investor would pay to obtain a controlling interest. We believe this reconciliation is consistent with a market participant perspective.

 

The quantitative impairment test of goodwill is a two-step process. The first step identifies potential impairment by comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit with its book value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying amount, goodwill is not impaired and the second step is not necessary. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, the second step includes determining the implied fair value in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination is determined. The implied fair value of goodwill is then compared with the carrying amount of goodwill to determine if an impairment loss is necessary. See Note 5.

 

Equity-Method Investments

We own investments in certain partnerships which we account for under the equity method. These investments are included as a component of other non-current asstes in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We determined that we lack certain characteristics to direct the operations of the businesses and, as a result, do not qualify to consolidate these investments. Activity related to our equity-method investments is recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Operations as follows:

 

●

the change in fair value is reflected as an asset impairment:

●

our portion of the operating gains and losses is included as a component of other income, net;

●

the amortization related to the discounted fair value of future equity contributions is amortized over the life of the investments as non-cash interest expense; and

●

tax benefits and credits are reflected as a component of income tax provision.

 

See Notes 12 and 18.

 

Periodically whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of assets may be impaired, we evaluate the equity investments for indications of loss resulting from an other than temporary decline. If the equity investment is determined to be impaired, the amount by which the investment basis exceeds the fair value of the investment is recognized as a charge to income from continuing operations. See Note 18.

 

Advertising

We expense production and other costs of advertising as incurred as a component of selling, general and administrative expense. Additionally, manufacturer cooperative advertising credits for qualifying, specifically-identified advertising expenditures are recognized as a reduction of advertising expense.

 

Advertising expense, net of manufacturer cooperative advertising credits, was $46.7 million, $39.6 million and $31.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Manufacturer cooperative advertising credits were $16.3 million, $11.8 million and $9.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

Contract Origination Costs

Contract origination commissions paid to our employees directly related to the sale of our self-insured lifetime lube, oil and filter service contracts are deferred and charged to expense in proportion to the associated revenue to be recognized.

 

 

Legal Costs

We are a party to numerous legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business. We accrue for certain legal costs, including attorney fees and potential settlement claims related to various legal proceedings that are estimable and probable. See Note 7.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

Compensation costs associated with equity instruments exchanged for employee and director services are measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, with estimated forfeitures considered, and recognized as an expense on the straight-line basis over the individual’s requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the equity award). If there is a performance-based element to the award, the expense is recognized based on the estimated attainment level, estimated time to achieve the attainment level and/or the vesting period. See Note 10.

 

We estimate the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes valuation model. This valuation model takes into account the exercise price of the award, as well as a variety of significant assumptions. We believe that the valuation technique and the approach utilized to develop the underlying assumptions are appropriate in calculating the fair values of our stock options. Estimates of fair value are not intended to predict actual future events or the value ultimately realized by persons who receive equity awards. The fair value of non-vested stock awards is based on the intrinsic value on the date of grant as if the stock award was vested.

 

Shares to be issued upon the exercise of stock options and the vesting of stock awards will come from newly issued shares.

 

Income and Other Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

 

When there are situations with uncertainty as to the timing of the deduction, the amount of the deduction, or the validity of the deduction, we adjust our financial statements to reflect only those tax positions that are more-likely-than-not to be sustained. Positions that meet this criterion are measured using the largest benefit that is more than 50% likely to be realized. Interest and penalties are recorded as income tax provision in the period incurred or accrued when related to an uncertain tax position. See Note 13.

 

We account for all taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are directly imposed on a revenue-producing transaction (i.e., sales, use, value-added) on a net (excluded from revenues) basis. 

 

Concentration of Risk and Uncertainties

We purchase substantially all of our new vehicles and inventory from various manufacturers at the prevailing prices charged by auto makers to all franchised dealers. Our overall sales could be impacted by the auto manufacturers’ inability or unwillingness to supply dealerships with an adequate supply of popular models.

 

We depend on our manufacturers to provide a supply of vehicles which supports expected sales levels. In the event that manufacturers are unable to supply the needed level of vehicles, our financial performance may be adversely impacted.

 

We depend on our manufacturers to deliver high-quality, defect-free vehicles. In the event that manufacturers experience future quality issues, our financial performance may be adversely impacted.

 

 

We are subject to a concentration of risk in the event of financial distress, including potential reorganization or bankruptcy, of a major vehicle manufacturer. Our sales volume could be materially adversely impacted by the manufacturers’ or distributors’ inability to supply the stores with an adequate supply of vehicles. We also receive incentives and rebates from our manufacturers, including cash allowances, financing programs, discounts, holdbacks and other incentives. These incentives are recorded as accounts receivable in our Consolidated Balance Sheets until payment is received. Our financial condition could be materially adversely impacted by the manufacturers’ or distributors’ inability to continue to offer these incentives and rebates at substantially similar terms, or to pay our outstanding receivables.

 

We enter into Franchise Agreements with the manufacturers. The Franchise Agreements generally limit the location of the dealership and provide the auto manufacturer approval rights over changes in dealership management and ownership. The auto manufacturers are also entitled to terminate the Franchise Agreement if the dealership is in material breach of the terms. Our ability to expand operations depends, in part, on obtaining consents of the manufacturers for the acquisition of additional dealerships. See also “Goodwill” and “Franchise Value” above.

 

We have a credit facility with a syndicate of 16 financial institutions, including seven manufacturer-affiliated finance companies. Several of these financial institutions also provide mortgage financing. This credit facility is the primary source of floor plan financing for our new vehicle inventory and also provides used vehicle financing and a revolving line of credit. The term of the facility extends through September 2019. At maturity, our financial condition could be materially adversely impacted if lenders are unable to provide credit that has typically been extended to us or with terms unacceptable to us. Our financial condition could be materially adversely impacted if these providers incur losses in the future or undergo funding limitations.

 

We anticipate continued organic growth and growth through acquisitions. This growth will require additional credit which may be unavailable or with terms unacceptable to us. If these events were to occur, we may not be able to borrow sufficient funds to facilitate our growth.

 

Financial Instruments, Fair Value and Market Risks

The carrying amounts of cash equivalents, accounts receivable, trade payables, accrued liabilities and short-term borrowings approximate fair value because of the short-term nature and current market rates of these instruments.

 

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information about the financial instrument. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates. See Note 12.

 

We have variable rate floor plan notes payable, mortgages and other credit line borrowings that subject us to market risk exposure. At December 31, 2014, we had $1.6 billion outstanding in variable rate debt. These borrowings had interest rates ranging from 1.4% to 3.0% per annum. An increase or decrease in the interest rates would affect interest expense for the period accordingly.

 

The fair value of long-term, fixed interest rate debt is subject to interest rate risk. Generally, the fair value of fixed interest rate debt will increase as interest rates fall because we could refinance for a lower rate. Conversely, the fair value of fixed interest rate debt will decrease as interest rates rise. The interest rate changes affect the fair value, but do not impact earnings or cash flows. We monitor our fixed interest rate debt regularly, refinancing debt that is materially above market rates if permitted. See Note 12.

 

  

We are also subject to market risk from changing interest rates. From time to time, we reduce our exposure to this market risk by entering into interest rate swaps and designating the swaps as cash flow hedges. We are generally exposed to credit or repayment risk based on our relationship with the counterparty to the derivative financial instrument. We minimize the credit or repayment risk on our derivative instruments by entering into transactions with institutions whose credit rating is Aa or higher. See Note 11.

 

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes to financial statements. Changes in such estimates may affect amounts reported in future periods.

 

Estimates are used in the calculation of certain reserves maintained for charge-backs on estimated cancellations of service contracts; life, accident and disability insurance policies; finance fees from customer financing contracts and uncollectible accounts receivable.

 

We also use estimates in the calculation of various expenses, accruals and reserves, including anticipated losses related to workers’ compensation insurance, anticipated losses related to self-insurance components of our property and casualty and medical insurance, self-insured lifetime lube, oil and filter service contracts, discretionary employee bonuses, warranties provided on certain products and services, legal reserves and stock-based compensation. We also make certain estimates regarding the assessment of the recoverability of long-lived assets, indefinite-lived intangible assets and deferred tax assets.

 

We offer a limited warranty on the sale of most retail used vehicles. This warranty is based on mileage and time. We also offer a mileage and time based warranty on parts used in our service repair work and on tire purchases. The cost that may be incurred for these warranties is estimated at the time the related revenue is recorded. A reserve for these warranty liabilities is estimated based on current sales levels, warranty experience rates and estimated costs per claim. The annual activity for reserve increases and claims are immaterial. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the accrued warranty balance was $0.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively.

 

Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed

We estimate the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination using various assumptions. The most significant assumptions used relate to determining the fair value of property and equipment and intangible franchise rights.

 

We estimate the fair value of property and equipment based on a market valuation approach. We use prices and other relevant information generated primarily by recent market transactions involving similar or comparable assets, as well as our historical experience in divestitures, acquisitions and real estate transactions. Additionally, we may use a cost valuation approach to value long-lived assets when a market valuation approach is unavailable. Under this approach, we determine the cost to replace the service capacity of an asset, adjusted for physical and economic obsolescence. When available, we use valuation inputs from independent valuation experts, such as real estate appraisers and brokers, to corroborate our estimates of fair value.

 

We use an MPEE model to determine the fair value of intangible franchise rights as discussed above under “Franchise Value.”

 

We use a relief-from-royalty method to determine the fair value of a trade name. Future cost saving associated with owning, rather than licensing, a trade name is estimated based on a royalty rate and management’s forecasted sales projections. The discount rate applied to the future cost savings factors an equity market risk premium, small stock risk premium, an average peer group beta, a risk-free interest rate and a premium for forecast risk.

 

  

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from the sale of a vehicle is recognized when a contract is signed by the customer, financing has been arranged or collectability is reasonably assured and the delivery of the vehicle to the customer is made. We do not allow the return of new or used vehicles, except where mandated by state law.

 

Revenue from parts and service is recognized upon delivery of the parts or service to the customer. We allow for customer returns on sales of our parts inventory up to 30 days after the sale. Most parts returns generally occur within one to two weeks from the time of sale, and are not significant.

 

Finance fees earned for notes placed with financial institutions in connection with customer vehicle financing are recognized, net of estimated charge-backs, as finance and insurance revenue upon acceptance of the credit by the financial institution and recognition of the sale of the vehicle.

 

Insurance income from third party insurance companies for commissions earned on credit life, accident and disability insurance policies sold in connection with the sale of a vehicle are recognized, net of anticipated cancellations, as finance and insurance revenue upon execution of the insurance contract and recognition of the sale of the vehicle.

 

Commissions from third party service contracts are recognized, net of anticipated cancellations, as finance and insurance revenue upon sale of the contracts and recognition of the sale of the vehicle. We also participate in future underwriting profit, pursuant to retrospective commission arrangements, which is recognized in income as earned.

 

Revenue related to self-insured lifetime lube, oil and filter service contracts is deferred and recognized based on expected future claims for service. The expected future claims experience is evaluated periodically to ensure it remains appropriate given actual claims history. 

 

Segment Reporting

While we have determined that each individual store is an operating segment, we have aggregated our operating segments into three reportable segments based on their economic similarities: Domestic, Import and Luxury.

 

Our Domestic segment is comprised of retail automotive franchises that sell new vehicles manufactured by Chrysler, General Motors and Ford. Our Import segment is comprised of retail automotive franchises that sell new vehicles manufactured primarily by Honda, Toyota, Subaru, Nissan and Volkswagen. Our Luxury segment is comprised of retail automotive franchises that sell new vehicles manufactured primarily by BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus. The franchises in each segment also sell used vehicles, parts and automotive services, and automotive finance and insurance products.

 

Corporate and other is comprised of our stand-alone collision center; unallocated corporate overhead expenses, such as corporate personnel costs, certain interest expense and depreciation expense, and retrospective commissions for certain finance and insurance transactions that we arrange under agreements with third parties.

 

We define our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) to be certain members of our executive management group. In the current year, we re-evaluated our approach for determining our operating segements. Historical and forecasted operational performance is evaluated on a store-by-store basis and on a consolidated basis by the CODM. We derive the operating results of the segments directly from our internal management reporting system. The accounting policies used to derive segment results are substantially the same as those used to determine our consolidated results. Management measures the performance of each operating segment based on several metrics, including earnings from operations. Management uses these results, in part, to evaluate the performance of, and to allocate resources to, each of the operating segments.

 

 

(2)           Accounts Receivable

 

Accounts receivable consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

December 31,		2014				2013
Contracts in transit		$	162,785			$	85,272
Trade receivables			37,194				23,154
Vehicle receivables			34,876				23,606
Manufacturer receivables			56,008				31,662
Auto loan receivables			25,424				11,438
Other receivables			4,554				5,622
			320,841				180,754
Less: Allowances			(3,130	)			(546	)
Less: Long-term portion of accounts receivable, net			(22,332	)			(9,689	)
Total accounts receivable, net		$	295,379			$	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 an offset to 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.

 

(3)           Inventories

 

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

 

December 31,		2014				2013
New vehicles		$	958,876			$	657,043
Used vehicles			240,908				167,814
Parts and accessories			49,875				34,162
Total inventories		$	1,249,659			$	859,019

 

The new vehicle inventory cost is generally reduced by manufacturer holdbacks and incentives, while the related floor plan notes payable are reflective of the gross cost of the vehicle. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the carrying value of inventory had been reduced by $12.3 million and $6.0 million, respectively, for assistance received from manufacturers as discussed in Note 1.

 

 

(4)           Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

December 31,		2014				2013
Land		$	263,328			$	146,126
Building and improvements			475,149				316,261
Service equipment			60,644				42,980
Furniture, office equipment, signs and fixtures			100,163				73,565
			899,284				578,932
Less accumulated depreciation			(117,679	)			(106,871	)
			781,605				472,061
Construction in progress			35,140				9,151
		$	816,745			$	481,212

 

Long-Lived Asset Impairment Charges

In 2012, triggering events were determined to have occurred related to certain properties due to changes in the expected future use. As a result of these events, we tested certain long-lived assets for recovery. Based on these tests, we recorded an asset impairment charge of $0.1 million in 2012 in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. We did not record asset impairment charges associated with our long-lived assets in 2014 and 2013.

 

(5)           Goodwill and Franchise Value

 

The following is a roll-forward of goodwill (in thousands):

 

		Domestic				Import				Luxury				Consolidated
Balance as of December 31, 2012(1)		$	16,132			$	8,715			$	7,200			$	32,047
Additions through acquisitions			6,416				8,082				2,966				17,464
Balance as of December 31, 2013(1)			22,548				16,797				10,166				49,511
Additions through acquisitions			68,463				62,804				18,597				149,864
Balance as of December 31, 2014(1)		$	91,011			$	79,601			$	28,763			$	199,375

 

(1)

Net of accumulated impairment losses of $299.3 million recorded during the year ended December 31, 2008.

 

The following is a roll-forward of franchise value (in thousands):

 

		Franchise Value
Balance as of December 31, 2012		$	62,429
Additions through acquisitions			8,770
Balance as of December 31, 2013			71,199
Additions through acquisitions			80,233
Transfers to assets held for sale			(540	)
Balance as of December 31, 2014		$	150,892

 

(6)           Credit Facilities and Long-Term Debt

 

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

 

December 31,		2014				2013
New vehicle floor plan commitment (1) (2)		$	1,137,632			$	695,066
Floor plan notes payable (2)			41,047				18,789
Total floor plan debt			1,178,679				713,855
Used vehicle inventory financing facility			134,000				85,000
Revolving lines of credit			134,769				-
Real estate mortgages			334,443				164,827
Other debt			37,766				2,727
Total debt		$	1,819,657			$	966,409

  

(1)

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had a new vehicle floor plan commitment of $1.25 billion and $700 million, respectively, as part of our credit facility.

(2)

At December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had an additional $4.9 and $4.8 million of floor plan notes payable outstanding, respectively, on our new vehicle floor plan commitment recorded as liability related to assets held for sale. Additionally, at December 31, 2013, we had $1.5 million of floor plan notes payable on vehicles designated as service loaners recorded as liabilities related to assets held for sale.

 

 

 

Credit Facility

On October 1, 2014, we completed a $1.7 billion revolving syndicated credit facility. This syndicated credit facility is comprised of 16 financial institutions, including seven manufacturer-affiliated finance companies. Our credit facility provides for up to $1.25 billion in new vehicle inventory floor plan financing, up to $150 million in used vehicle inventory floor plan financing and a maximum of $300 million in revolving financing for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions and working capital. This credit facility may be expanded to $1.85 billion total availability, subject to lender approval.

 

We may request a reallocation of any unused portion of our credit facility provided that the used vehicle inventory floor plan commitment does not exceed $250 million, the revolving financing commitment does not exceed $300 million, and the sum of those commitments plus the new vehicle inventory floor plan financing commitment does not exceed the total aggregate financing commitment. All borrowings from, and repayments to, our lending group are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as financing activities.

 

The new vehicle floor plan commitment is collateralized by our new vehicle inventory. Our used vehicle inventory financing facility is collateralized by our used vehicle inventory that has been in stock for less than 180 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 December 31, 2014, we did not have any amounts deposited in our PR accounts.

 

If the outstanding principal balance on our new vehicle inventory floor plan commitment, plus requests on any day, exceeds 95% of the loan commitment, a portion of the revolving line of credit must be reserved. The reserve amount is equal to the lesser of $15.0 million or the maximum revolving line of credit commitment less the outstanding balance on the line less outstanding letters of credit. The reserve amount will decrease the revolving line 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, with the rate of one-month LIBOR plus 1.25% for new vehicle floor plan financing, one-month LIBOR plus 1.50% for used vehicle floor plan financing; and a variable interest rate on the revolving financing ranging from the one-month LIBOR plus 1.25% to 2.50%, depending on our leverage ratio. The annual interest rate associated with our new vehicle floor plan commitment, excluding the effects of our interest rate swaps, was 1.4% at December 31, 2014. The annual interest rate associated with our used vehicle inventory financing facility and our revolving line of credit was 1.7% and 2.2%, respectively, at December 31, 2014.

 

Under the terms of our credit facility 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 December 31, 2014
Current ratio		Not less than 1.20 to 1			1.16 to 1
Fixed charge coverage ratio		Not less than 1.20 to 1			3.30 to 1
Leverage ratio		Not more than 5.00 to 1			2.21 to 1
Funded debt restriction (millions)		Not to exceed $600		$374.0

 

As of December 31, 2014, we were not in compliance with the current ratio covenant as required under our credit facility. In February 2015, we requested and received a waiver from our lender group for the covenant as of December 31, 2014, and amended the agreement to reduce the covenant to 1.10 to 1 for the first quarter of 2015 and beyond. 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. A breach would also trigger cross-defaults under other debt agreements.

 

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. At December 31, 2014, $41.0 million was outstanding on these agreements at interest rates rangng from 2.4% to 3.0%. Borrowings from, and repayments to, manufacturer-affiliated finance companies are classified as operating activities in 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 5.0% at December 31, 2014. The mortgages are payable in various installments through October 2034. As of December 31, 2014, we had fixed interest rates on 66% of our outstanding mortgage debt.

 

Our other debt includes capital leases, sellers’ notes and our equity contribution obligations associated with the new markets tax credit equity investment. The interest rates associated with our other debt ranged from 2.0% to 9.4% at December 31, 2014. This debt, which totaled $37.8 million at December 31, 2014, is due in various installments through May 2019.

 

Future Principal Payments

The schedule of future principal payments on long-term debt as of December 31, 2014 was as follows (in thousands):

 

Year Ending December 31,
2015		$	31,912
2016			70,620
2017			11,691
2018			30,083
2019			308,636
Thereafter			188,036
Total principal payments		$	640,978

 

  

(7)           Commitments and Contingencies

 

Leases

We lease certain facilities under non-cancelable operating and capital leases. These leases expire at various dates through 2066. Certain lease commitments contain fixed payment increases at predetermined intervals over the life of the lease, while other lease commitments are subject to escalation clauses of an amount equal to the increase in the cost of living based on the “Consumer Price Index - U.S. Cities Average - All Items for all Urban Consumers” published by the U.S. Department of Labor, or a substantially equivalent regional index. Lease expense related to operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease.

 

The minimum lease payments under our operating and capital leases after December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):

 

Year Ending December 31,
2015		$	24,623
2016			23,486
2017			21,310
2018			19,108
2019			19,231
Thereafter			91,145
Total minimum lease payments			198,903
Less: sublease rentals			(10,715	)
		$	188,188

 

Rent expense, net of sublease income, for all operating leases was $17.2 million, $14.0 million and $15.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These amounts are included as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

In connection with dispositions of dealerships, we occasionally assign or sublet our interests in any real property leases associated with such dealerships to the purchaser. We often retain responsibility for the performance of certain obligations under such leases to the extent that the assignee or sublessee does not perform. Additionally, we may remain subject to the terms of any guarantees and have correlating indemnification rights against the assignee or sublessee in the event of non-performance, as well as certain other defenses. We may also be called upon to perform other obligations under these leases, such as environmental remediation of the premises or repairs upon termination of the lease. We currently have no reason to believe that we will be called upon to perform any such services; however, there can be no assurance that any future performance required by us under these leases will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

 

Certain of our facilities where a lease obligation still exists have been vacated for business reasons. In these instances, we make efforts to find qualified tenants to sublease the facilities and assume financial responsibility. However, due to the specific nature and size of our dealership facilities, tenants are not always available or the amount tenants are willing to pay does not recover the full lease obligation. When an exposure exists related to vacating certain leases, liabilities are accrued to reflect our estimate of future lease obligations, net of estimated sublease income.

 

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures were $86.0 million, $50.0 million and $64.6 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Capital expenditures in 2014 were 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.

 

Charge-Backs for Various Contracts

We have recorded a liability of $26.8 million as of December 31, 2014 for our estimated contractual obligations related to potential charge-backs for vehicle service contracts, lifetime oil change contracts and other various insurance contracts that are terminated early by the customer. We estimate that the charge-backs will be paid out as follows (in thousands):

 

Year Ending December 31,
2015		$	15,232
2016			7,576
2017			2,907
2018			828
2019			197
Thereafter			22
Total		$	26,762

 

Lifetime Lube, Oil and Filter Contracts

We retain the obligation for lifetime lube, oil and filter service contracts sold to our customers and assumed the liability of certain existing lifetime lube, oil and filter contracts. These amounts are recorded as deferred revenues. At the time of sale, we defer the full sale price and recognize the revenue based on the rate we expect future costs to be incurred. As of December 31, 2014, we had a deferred revenue balance of $63.4 million associated with these contracts and estimate the deferred revenue will be recognized as follows (in thousands):

 

Year Ending December 31,
2015		$	13,065
2016			10,191
2017			8,119
2018			6,730
2019			5,610
Thereafter			19,637
Total		$	63,352

 

The current portion of this deferred revenue balance is recorded as a component of accrued liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

We periodically evaluate the estimated future costs of these assumed contracts and record a charge if future expected claim and cancellation costs exceed the deferred revenue to be recognized. As of December 31, 2014, we had a reserve balance of $3.4 million recorded as a component of accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The charges associated with this reserve were recognized in 2011 and earlier.

 

Self-insurance Programs

We self-insure a portion of our property and casualty insurance, vehicle open lot coverage, medical insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. Third-parties are engaged to assist in estimating the loss exposure related to the self-retained portion of the risk associated with these insurances. Additionally, we analyze our historical loss and claims experience to estimate the loss exposure associated with these programs. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had liabilities associated with these programs of $23.2 million and $12.0 million, respectively, recorded as a component of accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

  

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 will have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows, we cannot predict this with certainty.

 

(8)           Stockholders’ Equity

 

Class A and Class B Common Stock

The shares of Class A common stock are not convertible into any other series or class of our securities. Each share of Class B common stock, however, is freely convertible into one share of Class A common stock at the option of the holder of the Class B common stock. All shares of Class B common stock shall automatically convert to shares of Class A common stock (on a share-for-share basis, subject to adjustment) on the earliest record date for an annual meeting of our stockholders on which the number of shares of Class B common stock outstanding is less than 1% of the total number of shares of common stock outstanding. Shares of Class B common stock may not be transferred to third parties, except for transfers to certain family members and in other limited circumstances.

 

Holders of Class A common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record and holders of Class B common stock are entitled to ten votes for each share held of record. The Class A common stock and Class B common stock vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to shareholders.

 

Repurchases of Class A Common Stock

In August 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 2,000,000 shares of our Class A common stock and, on July 20, 2012, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of 1,000,000 additional shares of our Class A common stock. Through December 31, 2014, we had purchased 1,499,776 shares under this program at an average price of $31.19 per share. As of December 31, 2014, 1,500,224 shares remained available for purchase pursuant to this program. These plans do not have an expiration date and we may continue to repurchase shares from time to time as conditions warrant.

 

The following is a summary of our repurchases in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

 

Year Ended December 31,		2014				2013				2012
Shares repurchased (1)			226,729				127,900				848,092
Total purchase price (in thousands)		$	15,990			$	5,213			$	20,698
Average purchase price per share		$	70.52			$	40.76			$	24.41

 

(1)

Includes only shares repurchased under repurchase plans. An additional 106,772, 59,721 and 80,687 shares were repurchased in association with tax withholdings on the exercise of stock options in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

  

Dividends

For the period January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2014, we declared and paid dividends on our Class A and Class B Common Stock as follows:

 

Quarter declared		Dividend amount per Class A and Class B share				Total amount of dividend (in thousands)
2012
First quarter		$	0.07			$	1,815
Second quarter			0.10				2,583
Third quarter			0.10				2,545
Fourth quarter(1)			0.20				5,123
2013
First quarter		$	-			$	-
Second quarter			0.13				3,356
Third quarter			0.13				3,363
Fourth quarter			0.13				3,366
2014
First quarter		$	0.13			$	3,378
Second quarter			0.16				4,179
Third quarter			0.16				4,174
Fourth quarter			0.16				4,198

 

(1)

In November 2012, we paid dividends of $2.5 million that had been declared in October 2012. An additional dividend payment of $2.6 million was declared and paid in December 2012 in lieu of the dividend typically declared and paid in March of the following year.

 

Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

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

 

Year Ended December 31,		2014				2013				2012			Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statement of Operations
Loss on cash flow hedges		$	(488	)		$	(740	)		$	(1,413	)	Floor plan interest expense
Income tax benefits			187				283				541		Income tax provision
Loss on cash flow hedges, net		$	(301	)		$	(457	)		$	(872	)

 

See Note 11 for more details regarding our derivative contracts.

 

(9)           401(k) Profit Sharing, Deferred Compensation and Long-Term Incentive Plans

 

We have a defined contribution 401(k) plan and trust covering substantially all full-time employees. The annual contribution to the plan is at the discretion of our Board of Directors. Contributions of $3.2 million, $2.1 million and $1.9 million were recognized for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Employees may contribute to the plan if they meet certain eligibility requirements.

 

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 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.

 

The following is a summary related to our LTIP:

 

Year Ended December 31,		2014				2013				2012
Compensation expense (in millions)			1.9				1.4				1.2
Total discretionary contribution (in millions)			2.4				2.1				1.9
Guaranteed annual return			5.25	%			5.25	%			5.90	%

 

 

As of December 31, 2014, the balance due to participants was $14.2 million and was included as a component of other long-term liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

(10)         Stock-Based Compensation

 

2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The 2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “2009 ESPP”) allows for the issuance of 1,500,000 shares of our Class A common stock. The 2009 ESPP is intended to qualify as an “Employee Stock Purchase Plan” under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.

 

Eligible employees are entitled to defer up to 10% of their base pay for the purchase of stock, up to $25,000 of fair market value of our Class A common stock annually. The purchase price is equal to 85% of the fair market value at the end of the purchase period. During 2014, a total of 64,817 shares were purchased under the 2009 ESPP at a weighted average price of $67.56 per share, which represented a weighted average discount from the fair market value of $11.92 per share. As of December 31, 2014, 539,471 shares remained available for purchase under the 2009 ESPP.

 

Compensation expense related to our 2009 ESPP is calculated based on the 15% discount from the per share market price on the date of grant.

 

2013 Stock Incentive Plan

Our 2013 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, (the “2013 Plan”) allows for stock appreciation rights, qualified stock options and for the granting of up to a total of 3.8 million nonqualified stock options and shares of restricted stock to our officers, key employees, directors and consultants. Our plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors and permits accelerated vesting of outstanding awards upon the occurrence of certain changes in control. As of December 31, 2014, 1,604,410 shares of Class A common stock were available for future grants. As of December 31, 2014, there were no stock appreciation rights, qualified stock options or shares of restricted stock outstanding.

 

Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”)

RSU grants vest over a period up to four years from the date of grant. RSU activity under our stock incentive plans was as follows:

 

		Non-vested stock units				Weighted average grant date fair value
Balance, December 31, 2013			677,358			$	25.10
Granted			84,955				68.99
Vested			(288,042	)			45.20
Forfeited			(9,513	)			35.01
Balance, December 31, 2014			464,758			$	36.33

 

We granted 51,343 time-vesting RSUs to members of our Board of Directors and employees in 2014. Each grant entitles the holder to receive shares of our Class A common stock upon vesting. A quarter of the RSUs vest on each of the four anniversaries of the grant date for employees and vests quarterly for our Board of Directors, over their service period.

 

Certain key employees were granted 33,612 performance and time-vesting RSUs in 2014. The maximum target level was attained and 100% of the shares were earned and will vest over the service period. 

 

Stock Options

Stock options become exercisable over a period of up to five years from the date of grant with expiration dates up to ten years from the date of grant and at exercise prices of not less than market value, as determined by the Board of Directors. Beginning in 2004, the expiration date of options granted was reduced to six years.

 

 

Option activity under our stock incentive plans was as follows:

 

		Shares subject to options				Weighted average exercise price				Aggregate intrinsic value (millions)				Weighted average remaining contractual term (years)
Balance, December 31, 2013			58,884			$	6.53			$	3.7				0.7
Granted			-
Forfeited			-
Expired			-
Exercised			(52,050	)			6.50
Balance, December 31, 2014			6,834			$	6.79			$	0.5				0.8
Exercisable, December 31, 2014			6,834			$	6.79			$	0.5				0.8

 

Stock-Based Compensation

As of December 31, 2014, unrecognized stock-based compensation related to outstanding, but unvested stock options and RSUs was $7.9 million, which will be recognized over the remaining weighted average vesting period of 1.5 years.

 

Certain information regarding our stock-based compensation was as follows:

 

Year Ended December 31,		2014				2013				2012
Per share intrinsic value of non-vested stock granted		$	68.99			$	43.13			$	23.82
Weighted average per share discount for compensation expense recognized under the 2009 ESPP			11.92				8.81				4.29
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised (millions)			3.1				8.7				7.2
Fair value of non-vested stock that vested during the period (millions)			18.9				8.4				3.5
Stock-based compensation recognized in results of operations, as a component of selling, general and administrative expense - excludes compensation expense related to an option granted to one of our executives. (millions)			7.4				6.6				3.1
Tax benefit recognized in Consolidated Statements of Operations (millions)			2.6				2.3				1.0
Cash received from options exercised and shares purchased under all share-based arrangements (millions)			4.9				5.2				8.8
Tax deduction realized related to stock options exercised (millions)			8.4				6.5				4.1

 

(11)         Derivative Financial Instruments

 

From 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 December 31, 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 December 31, 2014, the one-month LIBOR rate was 0.17% 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. See Note 12.

 

The estimated amount that we expect to reclassify from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income within the next twelve months is $1.1 million at December 31, 2014.

 

 

 

At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the fair value of our derivative instruments was included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows (in thousands):

 

Balance Sheet Information		Fair Value of Liability Derivatives
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments		Location in Balance Sheet		December 31, 2014
Interest Rate Swap Contract		Accrued liabilities		$	1,194
		Other long-term liabilities			556
				$	1,750

 

Balance Sheet Information		Fair Value of Liability Derivatives
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments		Location in Balance Sheet		December 31, 2013
Interest Rate Swap Contract		Accrued liabilities		$	1,215
		Other long-term liabilities			1,685
				$	2,900

 

The effect of derivative instruments in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 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)
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014					Floor plan					Floor plan
Interest rate swap contract		$	505		Interest expense		$	(488	)	Interest expense		$	(732	)
For the Year Ended December 31, 2013					Floor plan					Floor plan
Interest rate swap contracts		$	1,005		Interest expense		$	(740	)	Interest expense		$	(1,235	)
For the Year Ended December 31, 2012					Floor plan					Floor plan
Interest rate swap contracts		$	1,655		Interest expense		$	(1,413	)	Interest expense		$	(2,900	)

 

 

(12)         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, 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 methodology is 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.

 

We estimate the value of our equity-method investment that is recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis based on a market valuation approach. We use prices and other relevant information generated primarily by recent market transactions involving similar or comparable assets. As these valuations contain unobservable inputs, we classified the measurement of fair value of our equity-method investment as Level 3.

 

There were no changes to our valuation techniques during the year ended December 31, 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 December 31, 2014		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
Measured on a recurring basis:
Derivative contract, net		$	-			$	(1,750	)		$	-
Measured on a non-recurring basis:
Equity-method investment		$	-			$	-			$	33,282

 

Fair Value at December 31, 2013		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
Measured on a recurring basis:
Derivative contract, net		$	-			$	(2,900	)		$	-

 

We did not have any assets measured at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis at December 31, 2013.

 

 

Based on operating losses recognized by the equity-method investment, we determined that an impairment of our investment had occurred. Accordingly, we performed a fair value calculation for this investment and determined that a $1.9 million impairment was required to be recorded as asset impairments in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. See Note 18.

 

See Note 11 for more details regarding our derivative contracts.

 

Fair Value Disclosures for Financial Assets and Liabilities

We have fixed rate debt and calculate the estimated fair value of our fixed rate debt using a discounted cash flow 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 December 31, 2014, this debt had maturity dates between November 2016 and October 2034. A summary of the aggregate carrying values and fair values of our long-term fixed interest rate debt is as follows (in thousands):

 

December 31,		2014				2013
Carrying value		$	257,780			$	132,616
Fair value			270,781				126,786

 

We believe the carrying value of our variable rate debt approximates fair value.

 

(13)         Income Taxes

 

Income Tax Provision

Income tax provision from continuing operations was as follows (in thousands):

 

Year Ended December 31,		2014				2013				2012
Current:
Federal		$	56,342			$	46,727			$	31,438
State			7,944				5,539				3,626
			64,286				52,266				35,064
Deferred:
Federal			10,433				9,010				10,888
State			236				(702	)			3,110
			10,669				8,308				13,998
Total		$	74,955			$	60,574			$	49,062

 

At December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had income taxes receivable of $5.6 million and $3.4 million, respectively, included as a component of other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

The reconciliation between amounts computed using the federal income tax rate of 35% and our income tax provision from continuing operations for 2014, 2013 and 2012 is shown in the following tabulation (in thousands):

 

Year Ended December 31,		2014				2013				2012
Federal tax provision at statutory rate		$	73,673			$	58,026			$	44,723
State taxes, net of federal income tax benefit			6,526				3,141				4,772
Non-deductible expenses			3,188				1,010				618
Permanent differences related to the employee stock purchase program			68				55				52
Net change in valuation allowance			(4,121	)			(554	)			(1,200	)
General business credits			(4,002	)			(440	)			-
Other			(377	)			(664	)			97
Income tax provision		$	74,955			$	60,574			$	49,062

 

 

  

Deferred Taxes

Individually significant components of the deferred tax assets and (liabilities) are presented below (in thousands):

 

December 31,		2014				2013
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred revenue and cancellation reserves		$	31,539			$	22,356
Allowances and accruals, including state tax carryforward amounts			28,553				17,561
Interest on derivatives			678				1,113
Credits and other			-				1,937
Goodwill			2,668				10,331
Capital loss carryforward			10,711				10,893
Valuation allowance			(8,663	)			(11,087	)
Total deferred tax assets			65,486				53,104
Deferred tax liabilities:
Inventories			(19,356	)			(6,722	)
Goodwill			(21,320	)			-
Property and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation			(67,271	)			(32,563	)
Prepaid expenses and other			(2,936	)			(2,015	)
Total deferred tax liabilities			(110,883	)			(41,300	)
Total		$	(45,397	)		$	11,804

 

We consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. We consider the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities (including the impact of available carryback and carryforward periods), projected future taxable income and tax-planning strategies in making this assessment.

 

As of December 31, 2014, we had an $8.7 million valuation allowance recorded associated with our deferred tax assets. The majority of this allowance is associated with capital losses from the sale of corporate entities in prior years. The valuation allowance decreased $2.4 million in the current year. Of this decrease, $4.1 million was primarily a result of our equity investment in a partnership with U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation. See also Note 18. This decrease was offset by certain state net operating losses (“NOL”) acquired as part of the acquisition of DCH for which we determined it is more likely than not that the benefit from certain state NOL carryforwards will not be realized. In recognition of this risk, we recorded a valuation allowance of $1.7 million on the deferred tax assets relating to these state NOL carryforwards.

 

As of the end of 2014, we evaluated the availability of projected capital gains and determined that it continues to be unlikely the remaining capital loss carryforward would be fully utilized. We will continue to evaluate if it is more likely than not that we will realize the benefits of these deductible differences. However, additional valuation allowance amounts could be recorded in the future if estimates of taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced.

 

At December 31, 2014, we had a number of state tax carryforward amounts totaling approximately $2.0 million, tax affected, with expiration dates through 2034. We believe that it is more likely than not that the benefit from certain state NOL carryforwards will not be realized. In recognition of this risk, we have provided a valuation allowance of $1.6 million on the deferred tax assets relating to these state NOL carryforwards.

 

Unrecognized Tax Benefits

The following is a reconciliation of our unrecognized tax benefits (in thousands):

 

Balance, December 31, 2013		$	-
Acquired with acquisition			1,495
Balance, December 31, 2014		$	1,495

 

 

The unrecognized tax benefit recorded was acquired as part of the acquisition of DCH. We have recorded a tax indemnification asset related to the unrecognized tax benfit as we determined the amount would be recoverable from the seller. We do not expect a material change in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits in the next twelve months. Unrecognized tax benefit is included as a component of other long-term liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We did not have any activity during 2013 or 2012 related to unrecognized tax benefits.

 

Open tax years at December 31, 2014 included the following:

 

Federal			2011-2014
14 states			2009-2014

 

(14)         Acquisitions

 

In 2014, we completed the following acquisitions, which contributed revenues of $724.4 million and earnings of $9.3 million for the year ended December 31, 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 Beaverton GMC Buick and Portland Cadillac in Portland, Oregon.

●

On July 28, 2014, we acquired Bellingham GMC Buick in Bellingham, Washington.

●

On October 1, 2014, we completed the purchase of all of the issued and outstanding shares of the capital stock of DCH, which includes 27 stores located in New York, New Jersey and California.

●

On October 6, 2014, we acquired Harris Nissan in Clovis, California.

 

We completed the following acquisitions in 2013:

 

●

On June 10, 2013, we acquired OB Salem Auto Group, Inc. in Salem, Oregon, including BMW, Honda and Volkswagen franchises.

●

On October 7, 2013, we acquired Stockton Nissan Kia in Stockton, California.

●

On October 24, 2013, we acquired Fresno Lincoln Volvo in Fresno, California.

●

On November 1, 2013, we acquired Howard’s Body Shop in Klamath Falls, Oregon.

●

On November 4, 2013, we acquired Geweke Motors, Inc. a Toyota Scion store in Lodi, California.

●

On December 2, 2013, we acquired Diablo Subaru in Walnut Creek, California.

 

We completed the following acquisitions in 2012:

 

●

On April 30, 2012, we acquired Bellingham Chevrolet and Cadillac in Bellingham, Washington.

●

On June 12, 2012, we acquired Fairbanks GMC Buick in Fairbanks, Alaska.

●

On August 27, 2012, we acquired Killeen Chevrolet in Killeen, Texas.

●

On October 23, 2012, we acquired Bitterroot Toyota in Missoula, Montana.

 

All acquisitions were accounted for as 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.

 

  

The following table summarizes the consideration paid in cash and equity securities for our acquisitions and the amount of identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date (in thousands):

 

Consideration paid for year ended December 31,		DCH				All other acquisitions				Total 2014				2013
Cash paid, net of cash acquired		$	569,995			$	89,639			$	659,634			$	81,105
Equity securities issued			19,736				-				19,736				-
		$	589,731			$	89,639			$	679,370			$	81,105

 

Assets acquired and liabilities assumed for year ended December 31,		DCH				All other acquisitions				Total 2014				2013
Trade receivables, net		$	63,888			$	-			$	63,888			$	-
Inventories			265,378				48,662				314,040				30,624
Franchise value			72,856				7,377				80,233				8,770
Property, plant and equipment			256,122				17,395				273,517				24,741
Other assets			20,313				531				20,844				264
Floor plan notes payable			(24,686	)			-				(24,686	)			-
Debt and capital lease obligations			(52,532	)			(3,161	)			(55,693	)			(37	)
Deferred taxes, net			(49,651	)			-				(49,651	)			-
Other liabilities			(92,863	)			(123	)			(92,986	)			(721	)
			458,825				70,681				529,506				63,641
Goodwill			130,906				18,958				149,864				17,464
		$	589,731			$	89,639			$	679,370			$	81,105

 

We account for franchise value as an indefinite-lived intangible asset. We expect $70.2 million of the goodwill recognized to be deductible for tax purposes. In 2014, we recorded $1.9 million in acquisition expenses as a component of selling, general and administrative exenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. We did not have any material acquisition-related expenses in 2013 or 2012.

 

The following unaudited pro forma summary presents consolidated information as if the 2014, and 2013 acquisitions had occurred on January 1 of the prior year (in thousands, except for per share amounts):

 

Year Ended December 31,		2014				2013
Revenue		$	7,153,497			$	6,488,280
Income from continuing operations, net of tax			148,119				125,958
Basic income per share from continuing operations, net of tax			5.67				4.88
Diluted income per share from continuing operations, net of tax			5.61				4.81

 

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.

 

(15)         Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale

 

We classify an asset group as held for sale 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 as follows:

 

●

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.

 

 

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. We early adopted this guidance in the third quarter of 2014 and, as a result, determined that individual stores which met the criteria for held for sale after our adoption date would no longer qualify for classification as discontinued operations. We had previously reclassified a store’s operations to discontinued operations in our Consolidated Statements of Operations, on a comparable basis for all periods presented, provided we did not expect to have any significant continuing involvement in the store’s operations after its disposal.

 

On May 1, 2014, we completed the sale of one store which had been classified as held for sale since October 2012. This store’s operations have been reclassified to discontinued operations in our Consolidated Statement of Operations, on a comparable basis for all periods presented.

 

In September 2014, we determined two operating stores met the criteria to be classified as held for sale. One of the stores was under contract to sell and the other was being actively marketed for sale by us and third party brokers. These long-lived assets are a component of our Import segment.

 

As of December 31, 2014, we have two stores classified as held for sale. Assets held for sale included the following (in thousands):

 

December 31,		2014				2013
Inventories		$	6,284			$	8,260
Property, plant and equipment			1,739				1,194
Intangible assets			540				2,072
		$	8,563			$	11,526

 

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

 

December 31,		2014				2013
Floor plan notes payable		$	4,892			$	6,271

 

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. Interest expense included as a component of discontinued operations was as follows (in thousands):

 

 

Year Ended December 31,		2014				2013				2012
Floor plan interest		$	32			$	117			$	217
Other interest			8				21				69
Total interest		$	40			$	138			$	286

 

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

 

Year Ended December 31,		2014				2013				2012
Revenue		$	12,569			$	38,978			$	82,150
Pre-tax gain (loss) from discontinued operations		$	(467	)		$	1,310			$	2,186
Net gain (loss) on disposal activities			5,744				-				(621	)
			5,277				1,310				1,565
Income tax expense			(2,097	)			(524	)			(598	)
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax expense		$	3,180			$	786			$	967
Goodwill and other intangible assets disposed of		$	211			$	-			$	169

 

The net gain on disposal activities in 2014 included a $6.8 million gain related to the disposal of goodwill and other intangible assets.

 

 

(16)         Related Party Transactions

 

Sale of Nissan, Volkswagen and BMW Stores

On March 27, 2012, we completed the sale of an 80% interest in our Nissan, Volkswagen and BMW stores in Medford, Oregon to Dick Heimann, a director and our Vice Chairman. We received proceeds of $9.6 million, of which $2.9 million was received in cash and $6.7 million was received through the payoff of floor plan financing. The sale of the 80% interest in the stores resulted in a gain of $0.7 million and was recorded as a component of selling, general and administrative expense in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

The Nissan and Volkswagen stores were purchased for the book value of the inventory as defined by the original terms of an option agreement provided to Mr. Heimann in 2009. The price of the intangible assets of $1.2 million was based on the fair value of the intangible assets related to the BMW store. We corroborated the fair value of the BMW store’s intangible assets with independent third party broker opinions and financial projections using a fair value income approach.

 

When we sold the three stores, we entered into a shared service agreement with the stores. This agreement allows the stores to lease our employees, use the Lithia name, utilize accounting support functions and receive consulting services. The services provided and the costs of the services are structured the same as the shared services provide to our wholly owned stores.

 

We retained a 20% interest in the stores as of the transaction date. We determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of the stores and the risk and rewards associated with our investment are based on ownership percentages. We determined we maintained significant influence over the operations. As a result, our 20% interest is accounted for under the equity method. We recorded the equity investment at fair value of $0.8 million as of the transaction date, which resulted in a gain of $0.2 million. The gain was recorded as a component of other income, net in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. We determined the fair value of our equity investment based on independent third party broker opinions and financial projections using a fair value income approach.

 

As of December 31, 2014, the carrying value of our equity investment was $1.2 million and was recorded as a component of other non-current assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

Sale of Land

In the fourth quarter of 2013, we completed the sale of land in Medford, Oregon to Dick Heimann for $4.2 million. Mr. Heimann intends to relocate the stores he purchased in 2012 to this location. We determined the fair value of the land based on a third party appraisal for the property. The sale resulted in a gain of $2.5 million, recorded as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

(17)         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 must 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 stockholders. 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 contractual 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 years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

Year Ended December 31,		2014								2013								2012
Basic EPS		Class A				Class B				Class A				Class B				Class A				Class B
Numerator:
Income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders		$	122,246			$	13,294			$	94,532			$	10,682			$	69,069			$	10,326
Distributed income applicable to common stockholders			(14,367	)			(1,562	)			(9,061	)			(1,024	)			(10,497	)			(1,569	)
Basic undistributed income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders		$	107,879			$	11,732			$	85,471			$	9,658			$	58,572			$	8,757
Denominator:
Weighted average number of shares out-standing used to calculate basic income per share			23,559				2,562				23,185				2,620				22,354				3,342
Basic income from continuing operations per share applicable to common stockholders		$	5.19			$	5.19			$	4.08			$	4.08			$	3.09			$	3.09
Basic distributed income per share applicable to common stockholders			(0.61	)			(061	)			(0.39	)			(0.39	)			(0.47	)			(0.47	)
Basic undistributed income from continuing operations per share applicable to common stockholders		$	4.58			$	4.58			$	3.69			$	3.69			$	2.62			$	2.62

 

  

Year Ended December 31,		2014								2013								2012
Diluted EPS		Class A				Class B				Class A				Class B				Class A				Class B
Numerator:
Distributed income applicable to common stockholders		$	14,367			$	1,562			$	9,061			$	1,024			$	10,497			$	1,569
Reallocation of distributed income as a result of conversion of dilutive stock options			15				(15	)			15				(15	)			28				(28	)
Reallocation of distributed income due to conversion of Class B to Class A			1,547				-				1,009				-				1,541				-
Diluted distributed income applicable to common stockholders		$	15,929			$	1,547			$	10,085			$	1,009			$	12,066			$	1,541
Undistributed income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders		$	107,879			$	11,732			$	85,471			$	9,658			$	58,572			$	8,757
Reallocation of undistributed income as a result of conversion of dilutive stock options			116				(116	)			142				(142	)			159				(159	)
Reallocation of undistributed income due to conversion of Class B to Class A			11,616				-				9,516				-				8,598				-
Diluted undistributed income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders		$	119,611			$	11,616			$	95,129			$	9,516			$	67,329			$	8,598

 

Denominator:
Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate basic income per share			23,559				2,562				23,185				2,620				22,354				3,342
Weighted average number of shares from stock options			261				-				386				-				474				-
Conversion of Class B to Class A			2,562				-				2,620				-				3,342				-
Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate diluted income per share			26,382				2,562				26,191				2,620				26,170				3,342

 

Year Ended December 31,		2014								2013								2012
Diluted EPS		Class A				Class B				Class A				Class B				Class A				Class B
Diluted income from continuing operations per share available to common stockholders		$	5.14			$	5.14			$	4.02			$	4.02			$	3.03			$	3.03
Diluted distributed income from continuing operations per share applicable to common stockholders			(0.61	)			(0.61	)			(0.39	)			(0.39	)			(0.47	)			(0.47	)
Diluted undistributed income from continuing operations per share applicable to common stockholders		$	4.53			$	4.53			$	3.63			$	3.63			$	2.56			$	2.56
Antidilutive Securities:
Shares issuable pursuant to stock options not included since they were antidilutive			13				-				16				-				45				-

 

 

 

(18)         Equity-Method Investment

 

In October 2014, we acquired a 99.9% membership interest related to a partnership with U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation. This investment generates new markets tax credits under the New Markets Tax Credit Program (“NMTC Program”). The NMTC Program was established by Congress in 2000 to spur new or increased investments into operating businesses and real estate projects located in low-income communities. While U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation exercises management control over the partnership, due to the economic interest we hold in the entity, we determined the appropriate accounting for our ownership portion of the partnership was under the equity method. The transaction obligates us to make $37.1 million of equity contributions to the entity over a two-year period ending October 2016, $4.1 million of which had been contributed as of December 31, 2014.

 

As of December 31, 2014, the carrying value of this equity-method investment was $33.3 million and was recorded as a component of other non-current assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The present value of our obligation associated with future equity contributions of $32.2 million was recorded as a component of accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

The following amounts related to this equity-method investment were recorded in our Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands):

 

Year Ended December 31,		2014
Asset impairments to write investment down to fair value		$	1,853
Our portion of the partnership’s operating losses			1,160
Non-cash interest expense related to the amortization of the discounted fair value of future equity contributions			152
Tax benefits and credits generated			6,506

 

(19)         Segments

 

Certain financial information on a segment basis is as follows (in thousands):

 

Year Ended December 31,		2014				2013				2012
Revenues:
Domestic		$	2,569,904			$	2,147,417			$	1,832,040
Import			1,889,166				1,223,861				976,706
Luxury			926,804				629,521				498,429
			5,385,874				4,000,799				3,307,175
Corporate and other			4,452				4,950				9,312
		$	5,390,326			$	4,005,749			$	3,316,487
Segment income*:
Domestic		$	96,358			$	84,352			$	69,234
Import			49,940				40,390				30,776
Luxury			24,540				16,128				11,273
			170,838				140,870				111,283
Corporate and other			39,657				24,918				17,174
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		$	210,495			$	165,788			$	128,457
*Segment income is defined as operating income less floor plan interest expense.
Floor plan interest expense:
Domestic		$	17,895			$	15,254			$	12,334
Import			9,396				6,444				3,521
Luxury			5,098				3,931				2,483
			32,389				25,629				18,338
Corporate and other			(18,528	)			(13,256	)			(5,522	)
		$	13,861			$	12,373			$	12,816

 

 

December 31,		2014				2013
Total assets:
Domestic		$	831,574			$	648,426
Import			696,162				308,591
Luxury			405,222				218,557
Corporate and other			947,974				549,547
		$	2,880,932			$	1,725,121

 

(20)         Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued accounting standards update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” 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. We are evaluating the effect this amendment will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures and believe the financial impact will not differ significantly from our current revenue recognition practices. We have not yet selected a transition method nor have we determined the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting.

 

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, “Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718).” ASU 2014-12 addresses accounting for share-based payments when the terms of an award provide that a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period. ASU 2014-12 indicates that, in such situations, the performance target should be treated as a performance condition and, accordingly, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. Instead, compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved. ASU 2014-12 is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-12 to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In November 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-16, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815).” ASU 2014-16 addresses whether the host contract in a hybrid financial instrument issued in the form of a share should be accounted for as debt or equity. ASU 2014-16 is effective for annual periods and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. We do not currently have issued, nor are we investors in, hybrid financial instruments. Accordingly, we do not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-16 to have any effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

(21)         Subsequent Event

 

Common Stock Dividend

On February 23, 2015, our Board of Directors approved a dividend of $0.16 per share on our Class A and Class B common stock related to our fourth quarter 2014 financial results. The dividend will total approximately $4.2 million and will be paid on March 27, 2015 to shareholders of record on March 13, 2014.

 

 

 

 

 

 

F-37