GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE INC - FORM 10-Q

Attached files

file	filename
EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE INC	exhibit3223rdqtr2017.htm
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE INC	exhibit3213rdqtr2017.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE INC	exhibit3123rdqtr2017.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE INC	exhibit3113rdqtr2017.htm

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q



þ	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017



¨	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission File Number: 1-13461

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Delaware		76-0506313
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

	800 Gessner, Suite 500 Houston, Texas 77024 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
	(713) 647-5700 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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 þ 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 þ No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):



Large accelerated filer	þ		¨	Accelerated filer

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

			¨	Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if that registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

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

As of October 27, 2017, the registrant had 20,859,019 shares of common stock, par value $0.01, outstanding.

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS




PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements	3
	Cautionary Statement about Forward-Looking Statements	35
Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	37
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	79
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	81

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	82
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	82
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	82
Item 6.	Exhibits	82
SIGNATURE		84

Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS



		September 30, 2017			December 31, 2016
		(Unaudited)
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	66,883		$	20,992
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net		288,200			269,508
Accounts and notes receivable, net		187,672			173,364
Inventories, net		1,651,789			1,651,815
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		38,111			34,908
Total current assets		2,232,655			2,150,587
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net		1,269,397			1,125,883
GOODWILL		914,224			876,763
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS		294,120			284,876
OTHER ASSETS		20,598			23,794
Total assets		$	4,730,994		$	4,461,903

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Floorplan notes payable - credit facility and other		$	1,077,287		$	1,136,654
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility		(46,248		)	(59,626		)
Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates		399,804			392,661
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates		(22,000		)	(25,500		)
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing		80,996			72,419
Current liabilities from interest rate risk management activities		823			3,941
Accounts payable		436,851			356,099
Accrued expenses		208,770			176,469
Total current liabilities		2,136,283			2,053,117
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities		1,292,689			1,212,809
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES		181,244			161,502
LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES		16,157			20,470
OTHER LIABILITIES		93,474			83,805
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000 shares authorized; 25,523 and 25,663 issued, respectively		255			257
Additional paid-in capital		288,970			290,899
Retained earnings		1,141,066			1,053,301
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(126,415		)	(146,944		)
Treasury stock, at cost; 4,661 and 4,258 shares, respectively		(292,729		)	(267,313		)
Total stockholders’ equity		1,011,147			930,200
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	4,730,994		$	4,461,903

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

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GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017			2016			2017			2016
	(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts)
REVENUES:
New vehicle retail sales	$	1,710,241		$	1,587,952		$	4,496,222		$	4,538,562
Used vehicle retail sales	743,038			702,620			2,089,914			2,106,569
Used vehicle wholesale sales	104,827			104,218			308,361			302,089
Parts and service sales	343,193			319,676			994,522			950,341
Finance, insurance and other, net	110,993			108,710			314,297			316,419
Total revenues	3,012,292			2,823,176			8,203,316			8,213,980
COST OF SALES:
New vehicle retail sales	1,621,909			1,507,517			4,263,752			4,305,252
Used vehicle retail sales	695,915			656,652			1,952,873			1,963,136
Used vehicle wholesale sales	105,012			106,077			308,713			302,551
Parts and service sales	158,036			146,262			458,144			437,153
Total cost of sales	2,580,872			2,416,508			6,983,482			7,008,092
GROSS PROFIT	431,420			406,668			1,219,834			1,205,888
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES	328,327			299,006			916,674			891,692
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE	15,059			12,891			42,758			38,067
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS	9,526			10,855			9,526			12,812
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS	78,508			83,916			250,876			263,317
OTHER EXPENSE:
Floorplan interest expense	(13,491		)	(11,135		)	(38,659		)	(33,737		)
Other interest expense, net	(17,874		)	(17,094		)	(52,188		)	(50,729		)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	47,143			55,687			160,029			178,851
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES	(17,262		)	(20,321		)	(57,076		)	(62,614		)
NET INCOME	$	29,881		$	35,366		$	102,953		$	116,237
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE	$	1.43		$	1.65		$	4.85		$	5.23
Weighted average common shares outstanding	20,222			20,568			20,475			21,355
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE	$	1.43		$	1.65		$	4.85		$	5.22
Weighted average common shares outstanding	20,225			20,578			20,480			21,364
CASH DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE	$	0.24		$	0.23		$	0.72		$	0.68

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

Table of Contents

GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017			2016			2017			2016
	(Unaudited, in thousands)
NET INCOME	$	29,881		$	35,366		$	102,953		$	116,237
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	8,399			(6,341		)	16,998			(10,254		)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate risk management activities:
Unrealized gain (loss) arising during the period, net of tax benefit (provision) of $154, $(713), $1,462 and $9,345, respectively	(257		)	1,188			(2,437		)	(15,575		)
Reclassification adjustment for loss included in interest expense, net of tax provision of $1,027, $1,267, $3,581 and $3,822, respectively	1,711			2,112			5,968			6,367
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate risk management activities, net of tax	1,454			3,300			3,531			(9,208		)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAXES	9,853			(3,041		)	20,529			(19,462		)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	$	39,734		$	32,325		$	123,482		$	96,775

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

Table of Contents

GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY



	Common Stock					Additional Paid-in Capital			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Treasury Stock
	Shares		Amount			Additional Paid-in Capital			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Treasury Stock			Total
	(Unaudited, in thousands)
BALANCE, December 31, 2016	25,663		$	257		$	290,899		$	1,053,301		$	(146,944	)	$	(267,313	)	$	930,200
Net income	—		—			—			102,953			—			—			102,953
Other comprehensive income, net	—		—			—			—			20,529			—			20,529
Acquisition of treasury stock	—		—			—			—			—			(42,084		)	(42,084		)
Net issuance of treasury shares to employee stock compensation plans	(140	)	(2		)	(16,502		)	—			—			16,668			164
Stock-based compensation	—		—			14,573			—			—			—			14,573
Cash dividends, net of estimated forfeitures relative to participating securities	—		—			—			(15,188		)	—			—			(15,188		)
BALANCE, September 30, 2017	25,523		$	255		$	288,970		$	1,141,066		$	(126,415	)	$	(292,729	)	$	1,011,147

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

Table of Contents

GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017			2016
	(Unaudited, in thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$	102,953		$	116,237
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	42,758			38,067
Deferred income taxes	16,102			14,347
Asset impairments	9,526			12,812
Stock-based compensation	14,606			14,879
Amortization of debt discount and issue costs	2,852			2,783
Gain on disposition of assets	(848		)	(1,812		)
Other	(548		)	1,039
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	85,163			78,905
Accounts and notes receivable	(8,892		)	370
Inventories	68,454			60,839
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables	(15,273		)	49,581
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(2,297		)	17,957
Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	(5,164		)	(19,064		)
Deferred revenues	475			(328		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	309,867			386,612
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received	(109,082		)	(57,327		)
Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment	5,133			23,072
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate	(144,310		)	(125,692		)
Other	1,526			2,924
Net cash used in investing activities	(246,733		)	(157,023		)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other	5,053,598			5,040,726
Repayments on credit facility - floorplan line and other	(5,108,475		)	(5,147,766		)
Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line	68,085			220,020
Repayments on credit facility - acquisition line	(35,576		)	(220,020		)
Borrowings on other debt	126,316			37,786
Principal payments on other debt	(88,701		)	(31,832		)
Borrowings on debt related to real estate, net of debt issue costs	39,031			42,654
Principal payments on debt related to real estate	(21,269		)	(18,845		)
Employee stock purchase plan purchases, net of employee tax withholdings	4,196			1,452
Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date	(40,094		)	(127,606		)
Tax effect from stock-based compensation	—			(148		)
Dividends paid	(15,221		)	(15,054		)
Other	—			(3,420		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(18,110		)	(222,053		)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH	867			2,345
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	45,891			9,881
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	20,992			13,037
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	$	66,883		$	22,918
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate, accrued in accounts payable	$	10,364		$	19,920

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

Table of Contents

GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Business and Organization

Group 1 Automotive, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is a leading operator in the automotive retailing industry with business activities in 15 states in the United States of America ("U.S."), 28 towns in the United Kingdom ("U.K.") and four states in Brazil. Group 1 Automotive, Inc. and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to as the "Company" in these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company, through its regions, sells new and used cars and light trucks; arranges related vehicle financing; sells service and insurance contracts; provides automotive maintenance and repair services; and sells vehicle parts. As of September 30, 2017, the Company’s U.S. retail network consisted of 115 dealerships within the following states: Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas. The President of U.S. Operations reports directly to the Company's Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for the overall performance of the U.S. region, as well as for overseeing the market directors and dealership general managers. In addition, as of September 30, 2017, the Company had two international regions: (a) the U.K., which consisted of 43 dealerships and (b) Brazil, which consisted of 16 dealerships. The operations of the Company's international regions are structured similar to the U.S. region, each with a regional vice president reporting directly to the Company's Chief Executive Officer.

The Company's operating results are generally subject to seasonal variations, as well as changes in the economic environment. This seasonality is generally attributable to consumer buying trends and the timing of manufacturer new vehicle model introductions. In addition, in some regions of the U.S., vehicle purchases decline during the winter months due to inclement weather. As a result, U.S. revenues and operating income are typically lower in the first and fourth quarters and higher in the second and third quarters. For the U.K., the first and third quarters tend to be stronger, driven by the vehicle license plate change months of March and September. For Brazil, the Company expects higher volumes in the third and fourth calendar quarters. The first quarter in Brazil is generally the weakest, driven by more consumer vacations and activities associated with Carnival. Other factors unrelated to seasonality, such as changes in economic conditions, manufacturer incentive programs, severe weather events and changes in current exchange rates may exaggerate seasonal or cause counter-seasonal fluctuations in the Company's revenues and operating income.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("U.S. GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments of a normal and recurring nature considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included in the accompanying unaudited condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Due to seasonality and other factors, the results of operations for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that will be realized for any other interim period or for the entire fiscal year. For further information, refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (“2016 Form 10-K”).

All business acquisitions completed during the periods presented have been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting, and their results of operations are included from the effective dates of the closings of the acquisitions. The allocations of purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are assigned and recorded based on estimates of fair value and are subject to change within the purchase price allocation period (generally one year from the respective acquisition date). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Business Segment Information

The Company has three reportable segments: the U.S., which includes the activities of the Company's corporate office, the U.K. and Brazil. The reportable segments are the business activities of the Company for which discrete financial information is available and for which operating results are regularly reviewed by its chief operating decision maker to allocate resources and assess performance. The Company's chief operating decision maker is its Chief Executive Officer. See Note 14, "Segment Information," for additional details regarding the Company's reportable segments.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. The amendments in the accounting standard

Table of Contents GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

replaced the lower of cost or market test with a lower of cost and net realizable value test. The amendments in this ASU were to be applied prospectively and were effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company adopted ASU 2015-11 during the first quarter of 2017. The adoption of this ASU did not materially impact its consolidated financial statements or results of operations.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The amendment addresses several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including: income tax consequences; classification of awards as either equity or liabilities; and classification on the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 during the first quarter of 2017. The adoption of this ASU did not materially impact its consolidated financial statements or results of operations.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) that amends the accounting guidance on revenue recognition. The amendments in this ASU are intended to provide a framework for addressing revenue issues, improve comparability of revenue recognition practices, and improve disclosure requirements. This ASU sets forth a five-step model for determining when and how revenue is recognized. Under the model, an entity will be required to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount reflecting the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The amendments in this accounting standard update are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The standard can be adopted either retrospectively to each reporting period presented or as a cumulative effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. To assess the impact of the ASU, the Company established an internal implementation team to review its current accounting policies and practices, identify all material revenue streams, assess the impact of the ASU on its material revenue streams and identify potential differences with current policies and practices.

The team has identified the Company’s material revenue streams to be the sale of new and used vehicles; arrangement of associated vehicle financing; the sale of service and insurance contracts; the performance of vehicle maintenance and repair services; and the sale of vehicle parts. The team has reviewed a sample of contracts and other related documents associated with each revenue stream. The team does not anticipate any changes to the timing of revenue recognition for the sale of new and used vehicles. The team is currently evaluating the constraint factors for a portion of the transaction price for certain service and insurance contracts. The new standard requires that an estimate of variable consideration, subject to a constraint, be included in the transaction price and recognized when or as the performance obligation is satisfied. In the event variable consideration is considered fully constrained, recognition will occur once the uncertainties associated with the constraint are determined to be resolved. However, in the event the team's evaluation determines the variable consideration is not fully constrained, revenue would be subject to accelerated recognition under the new standard. As it relates to vehicle maintenance and repair services, the Company currently recognizes revenue once the repair service is completed. The team is currently assessing whether revenue will be recognized over time as the services are performed, under the new standard.

The Company’s implementation team is in the final stages of evaluating the additional disclosure requirements of the ASU, as well as the change, if any, to the Company’s underlying accounting and financial reporting systems and processes necessary to support the recognition and disclosure requirements. The Company expects to identify and implement the necessary changes, if any, during the fourth quarter of 2017. At this time, based on this review, the Company does not expect the adoption to materially impact its consolidated financial statements. The Company will adopt the amendments of this ASU during the first fiscal quarter of 2018, using the modified retrospective approach with a cumulative effect adjustment as of the date of adoption.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The amendments in this ASU relate to the accounting for leasing transactions. This standard requires a lessee to record on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. In addition, this standard requires both lessees and lessors to disclose certain key information about lease transactions. This standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that adoption will have on its consolidated balance sheet and statement of income. However, the Company expects that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have a significant impact on its consolidated balance sheet, as currently approximately half of its real estate is rented, not owned, via operating leases. Adoption of this ASU is required to be done using a modified retrospective approach.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The amendment replaces the current incurred loss impairment methodology of recognizing credit losses when a loss is probable, with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to assess credit loss estimates. The standard will be effective for fiscal

Table of Contents GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for periods after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements or results of operations, but does not expect the amendments in this ASU to materially impact its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. The amendment addresses several specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash, a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF"). The amendments require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this ASU do not provide a definition of restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. The amendments in this update clarify the definition of a business in order to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The amendments in this ASU should be applied prospectively and are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact on its consolidated financial statements as it will depend on the facts and circumstances of any specific future transactions.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-03, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections (Topic 250) and Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Announcements at the September 22, 2016 and November 17, 2016 EITF Meetings. The amendments in this update require the disclosure of the impact that a recently issued ASU will have on the financial statements of a registrant when such standards are to be adopted in a future period. The SEC staff views that a registrant should evaluate ASU's that have not yet been adopted to determine the appropriate financial statement disclosures about the potential material effects of those ASU's on the financial statements when adopted. The Company does not expect the amendments in this ASU to materially impact its consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The amendment eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Instead, entities will record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit's carrying amount over its fair value. The amendments in this update should be applied prospectively and are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Earlier application is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting. The amendments in this update provide clarity and reduce both diversity in practice and cost and complexity when applying the guidance of Topic 718 to a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. Under the new guidance, an entity will not apply modification accounting to a share-based payment award if all of the following are the same immediately before and after the change: 1) the award's fair value (or calculated value or intrinsic value, if those measurement methods are used), 2) the award's vesting conditions, and 3) the award's classification as an equity or liability instrument. The amendments in this ASU should be applied prospectively and are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact on its consolidated financial statements as it will depend on the facts and circumstances of any specific future transactions.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 715): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. The amendments in this update better align an entity's risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results. The guidance eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness and generally requires the entire change in the fair value of a hedging instrument to be presented in

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the same income statement line as the hedged item. The guidance also eases the administrative burden of hedge documentation requirements and assessing hedge effectiveness. The amendments to cash flow and net investment hedge relationships should be applied using a modified retrospective approach while the presentation and disclosure requirements are applied prospectively, effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.

2. ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company acquired 12 U.K. dealerships, inclusive of 14 franchises, and opened one dealership for one awarded franchise in the U.K. In addition, the Company acquired three dealerships in the U.S., inclusive of four franchises, and opened one dealership for one awarded franchise in the U.S. and added motorcycles to an existing BMW dealership in Brazil. Aggregate consideration paid for these dealerships totaled $120.2 million, including the associated real estate and goodwill. Also included in the consideration paid was $11.2 million of cash received in the acquisition of the dealerships. The purchase prices have been allocated based upon the consideration paid and the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition dates. The allocation of the purchase prices are preliminary and based on estimates and assumptions that are subject to change within the purchase price allocation periods (generally one year from the respective acquisition date). In addition, during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company disposed of two dealerships in Brazil representing two franchises.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company acquired 12 U.K. dealerships, inclusive of 15 franchises. The Company also acquired one dealership and opened two dealerships in Brazil for one acquired and one previously awarded franchise. Aggregate consideration paid for these dealerships totaled $61.2 million, including the associated real estate and goodwill, as well as $3.9 million of cash received in the acquisition of the dealerships. The purchase prices were allocated based upon the consideration paid and the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition dates. In addition, during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company disposed of four U.S. dealerships and four dealerships in Brazil. As a result of these U.S. and Brazil dispositions, a net pretax gain of $1.8 million and a net pretax loss of $0.8 million, respectively, were recognized for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

3. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

The periodic interest rates of the Revolving Credit Facility (as defined in Note 8, “Credit Facilities”) and certain variable-rate real estate related borrowings in the U.S. are indexed to the one-month London Inter Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), plus an associated company credit risk rate. In order to minimize the earnings variability related to fluctuations in these periodic interest rates, the Company employs an interest rate hedging strategy, whereby it enters into arrangements with various financial institutional counterparties with investment grade credit ratings, swapping its variable interest rate exposure for a fixed interest rate over terms not to exceed the related variable-rate debt.

The Company presents the fair value of all interest rate derivative instruments on its Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company measures the fair value of its interest rate derivative instruments utilizing an income approach valuation technique, converting future amounts of cash flows to a single present value in order to obtain a transfer exit price within the bid and ask spread that is most representative of the fair value of its derivative instruments. In measuring fair value, the Company utilizes the option-pricing Black-Scholes present value technique for all of its derivative instruments. This option-pricing technique utilizes a one-month LIBOR forward yield curve, obtained from an independent external service provider, matched to the identical maturity term of the instrument being measured. Observable inputs utilized in the income approach valuation technique incorporate identical contractual notional amounts, fixed coupon rates, periodic terms for interest payments and contract maturity. The fair value estimate of the interest rate derivative instruments also considers the credit risk of the Company for instruments in a liability position or the counterparty for instruments in an asset position. The credit risk is calculated by using the spread between the one-month LIBOR yield curve and the relevant average 10 and 20-year rate according to Standard and Poor’s. The Company has determined the valuation measurement inputs of these derivative instruments to maximize the use of observable inputs that market participants would use in pricing similar or identical instruments and market data obtained from independent sources, which is readily observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the derivative instrument. Further, the valuation measurement inputs minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Accordingly, the Company has classified the derivatives within Level 2 of the hierarchy framework as described by Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 820, Fair Value Measurement.

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The related gains or losses on these interest rate derivative instruments are deferred in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. These deferred gains and losses are recognized in income in the period in which the related items being hedged are recognized in expense. However, to the extent that the change in value of a derivative contract does not perfectly offset the change in the value of the items being hedged, that ineffective portion is immediately recognized in other income or expense. Monthly contractual settlements of these swap positions are recognized as floorplan or other interest expense in the Company’s accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. All of the Company’s interest rate derivative instruments are designated as cash flow hedges. As of September 30, 2017, all of the Company’s derivative instruments that were in effect were determined to be effective. The Company had no gains or losses related to ineffectiveness or amounts excluded from effectiveness testing recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 or 2016, respectively.

The Company held interest rate derivative instruments in effect as of September 30, 2017 of $823.9 million in notional value that fixed its underlying one-month LIBOR at a weighted average rate of 2.5%. The Company records the majority of the impact of the periodic settlements of these swaps as a component of floorplan interest expense. For the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the impact of the Company’s interest rate hedges in effect increased floorplan interest expense by $2.3 million and $2.8 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the impact of the Company’s interest rate hedges in effect increased floorplan interest expense by $8.0 million and $8.4 million, respectively. Total floorplan interest expense, inclusive of the aforementioned impact of the Company's interest rate hedges, was $13.5 million and $11.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $38.7 million and $33.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

In addition to the $823.9 million of swaps in effect as of September 30, 2017, the Company held 12 additional interest rate derivative instruments with forward start dates between December 2017 and December 2020 and expiration dates between December 2020 and December 2030. The aggregate notional value of these 12 forward-starting swaps was $625.0 million, and the weighted average interest rate was 2.2%. The combination of the interest rate derivative instruments currently in effect and these forward-starting derivative instruments is structured such that the notional value in effect at any given time through December 2030 does not exceed $918.4 million, which is less than the Company's expectation for variable-rate debt outstanding during such period.

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company reflected liabilities from interest rate risk management activities of $17.0 million and $24.4 million, respectively, in its Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition, as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company reflected $7.7 million and $9.5 million, respectively, of assets from interest rate risk management activities in Other Assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss at September 30, 2017 and 2016 were accumulated unrealized losses, net of income taxes, totaling $5.8 million and $28.7 million, respectively, related to these interest rate derivative instruments.

The following table presents the impact during the current and comparative prior year periods for the Company's interest rate derivative instruments on its Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Balance Sheets.



	Amount of Unrealized Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Nine Months Ended September 30,
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship	2017			2016
	(In thousands)
Interest rate derivative instruments	$	(2,437	)	$	(15,575	)

	Amount of Loss Reclassified from Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Statements of Operations
Location of Loss Reclassified from Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Statements of Operations	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017			2016
	(In thousands)
Floorplan interest expense	$	(7,995	)	$	(8,414	)
Other interest expense	(1,554		)	(1,775		)

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The amount of loss expected to be reclassified out of other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings as additional floorplan interest expense or other interest expense in the next twelve months is $9.5 million.

4. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

The Company provides stock-based compensation benefits to employees and non-employee directors pursuant to its 2014 Long Term Incentive Plan (the "Incentive Plan"), as well as to employees pursuant to its Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended (the "Purchase Plan", formerly named the 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan).

2014 Long Term Incentive Plan

The Incentive Plan provides for the grant of options (including options qualified as incentive stock options under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and options that are non-qualified), restricted stock, performance awards, bonus stock, and phantom stock to the Company's employees, consultants, non-employee directors and officers. The Incentive Plan expires on May 21, 2024. The terms of the awards (including vesting schedules) are established by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. As of September 30, 2017, there were 1,074,695 shares available for issuance under the Incentive Plan.

Restricted Stock Awards

Under the Incentive Plan, the Company grants to non-employee directors and certain employees restricted stock awards or, at their election, restricted stock units at no cost to the recipient. Restricted stock awards qualify as participating securities as each award contains non-forfeitable rights to dividends. As such, the two-class method is required for the computation of earnings per share. See Note 5, “Earnings Per Share,” for further details. Restricted stock awards are considered outstanding at the date of grant but are subject to vesting periods upon issuance of up to five years. Restricted stock units are considered vested at the time of issuance. However, since they convey no voting rights, they are not considered outstanding when issued. Restricted stock units settle in cash upon the termination of the grantees’ employment or directorship. In the event an employee or non-employee director terminates his or her employment or directorship with the Company prior to the lapse of the restrictions, the shares, in most cases, will be forfeited to the Company. The Company issues new shares or treasury shares, if available, when restricted stock vests. Compensation expense for restricted stock awards is calculated based on the market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant and recognized over the requisite service period. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of valuation and reduce expense ratably over the vesting period. This estimate is adjusted annually based on the extent to which actual or expected forfeitures differ from the previous estimate.

A summary of the restricted stock awards as of September 30, 2017, along with the changes during the nine months then ended, is as follows:



	Awards		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at December 31, 2016	850,422		$	67.25
Granted	205,789		75.04
Vested	(252,015	)	70.55
Forfeited	(93,818	)	68.67
Nonvested at September 30, 2017	710,378		$	68.16

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The Purchase Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 4.5 million shares of common stock and provides that no options to purchase shares may be granted under the Purchase Plan after May 19, 2025. The Purchase Plan is available to all employees of the Company and its participating subsidiaries and is a qualified plan as defined by Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code. At the end of each fiscal quarter (the “Option Period”) during the term of the Purchase Plan, employees can acquire shares of common stock from the Company at 85% of the fair market value of the common stock on the first or the last day of the Option Period, whichever is lower. As of September 30, 2017, there were 1,166,445 shares available for issuance under the Purchase Plan. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company issued 96,098 and 125,154 shares, respectively, of common stock to employees participating in the Purchase Plan. With respect to shares issued under the Purchase Plan, the Company's Board of Directors has authorized specific share repurchases to fund the shares issuable under the Purchase Plan.

The weighted average per share fair value of employee stock purchase rights issued pursuant to the Purchase Plan was $16.69 and $13.05 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The fair value of stock purchase

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rights is calculated using the grant date stock price, the value of the embedded call option and the value of the embedded put option.

Stock-Based Compensation

Total stock-based compensation cost was $4.1 million and $4.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $14.6 million and $14.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Cash received from Purchase Plan purchases was $5.5 million and $5.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

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5. EARNINGS PER SHARE

The two-class method is utilized for the computation of the Company's earnings per share (“EPS”). The two-class method requires a portion of net income to be allocated to participating securities, which are unvested awards of share-based payments with non-forfeitable rights to receive dividends or dividend equivalents. The Company’s restricted stock awards are participating securities. Income allocated to these participating securities is excluded from net earnings available to common shares, as shown in the table below. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income available to basic common shares by the weighted average number of basic common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income available to diluted common shares by the weighted average number of dilutive common shares outstanding during the period.

The following table sets forth the calculation of EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017		2016		2017		2016
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding	20,222		20,568		20,475		21,355
Dilutive effect of employee stock purchases, net of assumed repurchase of treasury stock	3		10		5		9
Weighted average dilutive common shares outstanding	20,225		20,578		20,480		21,364
Basic:
Net Income	$	29,881	$	35,366	$	102,953	$	116,237
Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities	1,024		1,427		3,660		4,652
Earnings available to basic common shares	$	28,857	$	33,939	$	99,293	$	111,585
Basic earnings per common share	$	1.43	$	1.65	$	4.85	$	5.23
Diluted:
Net Income	$	29,881	$	35,366	$	102,953	$	116,237
Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities	1,023		1,426		3,659		4,651
Earnings available to diluted common shares	$	28,858	$	33,940	$	99,294	$	111,586
Diluted earnings per common share	$	1.43	$	1.65	$	4.85	$	5.22

6. INCOME TAXES

The Company is subject to U.S. federal income taxes and income taxes in numerous U.S. states. In addition, the Company is subject to income tax in the U.K. and Brazil relative to its foreign subsidiaries. The Company's effective income tax rate of 36.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was more than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35.0%, due primarily to the taxes provided for in U.S. state jurisdictions, valuation allowances provided for net operating losses and other deferred tax assets in certain U.S. states and in Brazil and unrecognized tax benefits with respect to uncertain tax positions, partially offset by income generated in the U.K., which is taxed at a lower statutory rate. The Company's effective income tax rate of 35.7% of pretax income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, was more than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35.0%, as taxes provided for in the U.S. state jurisdictions and valuation allowances provided for net operating losses and other deferred tax assets in certain U.S. states and in Brazil and unrecognized tax benefits with respect to uncertain tax positions, were substantially offset by (a) income generated in the U.K., which is taxed at a lower statutory rate, (b) the tax impact of dealership dispositions in Brazil, and (c) excess tax deductions for restricted stock resulting from the adoption of ASU 2016-09 during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company's effective tax rate increased to 36.6% and 35.7%, respectively, as compared to 36.5% and 35.0% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. This increase was primarily due to the mix effect resulting from taxes provided for in foreign jurisdictions, changes to valuation allowances provided for net operating losses and other deferred tax assets in certain U.S. states and in Brazil and unrecognized tax benefits with respect to uncertain tax positions during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, partially offset by excess tax deductions for restricted stock resulting from the adoption of ASU 2016-09 during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as well as the tax impact of dealership dispositions in Brazil during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

As of September 30, 2017, the Company recorded $1.2 million unrecognized tax benefits, including $0.2 million of related interest and penalty. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had no unrecognized tax benefits with respect to uncertain

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tax positions and did not incur any interest and penalties. Consistent with prior treatment of tax related assessments, the Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense.

The Company's taxable years 2013 and subsequent remain open for examination in the U.S. The Company's taxable years 2015 and subsequent remain open in the U.K. and taxable years 2012 and subsequent remain open in Brazil.

7. DETAIL OF CERTAIN BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS

Accounts and notes receivable consisted of the following:



	September 30, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(unaudited)
	(In thousands)
Amounts due from manufacturers	$	111,768	$	95,754
Parts and service receivables	38,523		35,318
Finance and insurance receivables	23,681		24,866
Other	16,643		20,322
Total accounts and notes receivable	190,615		176,260
Less allowance for doubtful accounts	2,943		2,896
Accounts and notes receivable, net	$	187,672	$	173,364

Inventories consisted of the following:



	September 30, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(unaudited)
	(In thousands)
New vehicles	$	1,095,792	$	1,156,383
Used vehicles	344,271		294,812
Rental vehicles	138,501		131,080
Parts, accessories and other	81,912		77,762
Total inventories	1,660,476		1,660,037
Less lower of cost or net realizable value allowance	8,687		8,222
Inventories, net	$	1,651,789	$	1,651,815

New, used and rental vehicles are valued at the lower of specific cost or net realizable value and are removed from inventory using the specific identification method. Parts and accessories are valued at lower of cost (determined on either a first-in, first-out or an average cost basis) or net realizable value.

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Property and equipment consisted of the following:



	Estimated Useful Lives in Years	September 30, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(unaudited)
		(dollars in thousands)
Land	—	$	448,554	$	400,163
Buildings	25 to 50	669,416		553,961
Leasehold improvements	varies	181,336		170,060
Machinery and equipment	7 to 20	116,174		100,164
Furniture and fixtures	3 to 10	99,880		87,691
Company vehicles	3 to 5	11,691		11,632
Construction in progress	—	44,323		66,658
Total		1,571,374		1,390,329
Less accumulated depreciation		301,977		264,446
Property and equipment, net		$	1,269,397	$	1,125,883

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company incurred $71.0 million of capital expenditures for the construction of new or expanded facilities and the purchase of equipment and other fixed assets in the maintenance of the Company’s dealerships and facilities, excluding $15.9 million of capital expenditures accrued as of December 31, 2016. As of September 30, 2017, the Company had accrued $10.4 million of capital expenditures. In addition, the Company purchased real estate (including land and buildings) during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 associated with existing dealership operations totaling $67.8 million. And, in conjunction with the acquisition of dealerships and franchises in the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company acquired $29.2 million of real estate and other property and equipment.

8. CREDIT FACILITIES

In the U.S., the Company has a $1.8 billion revolving syndicated credit arrangement that matures on June 17, 2021 and is comprised of 24 financial institutions, including six manufacturer-affiliated finance companies (“Revolving Credit Facility”). The Company also has a $300.0 million floorplan financing arrangement (“FMCC Facility”) with Ford Motor Credit Company (“FMCC”) for financing of new Ford vehicles in the U.S. and other floorplan financing arrangements with several other automobile manufacturers for financing of a portion of its U.S. rental vehicle inventory. In the U.K., the Company has financing arrangements with BMW Financial Services NA, LLC ("BMWFS"), Volkswagen Finance, Toyota Motor Credit Corporation, FMCC and a third-party financial institution for financing of its new, used and rental vehicles. In Brazil, the Company has financing arrangements for new, used, and rental vehicles with several financial institutions, most of which are manufacturer affiliated. Within the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, Floorplan notes payable - credit facility and other primarily reflects amounts payable for the purchase of specific new, used and rental vehicle inventory (with the exception of new and rental vehicle purchases financed through lenders affiliated with the respective manufacturer) whereby financing is provided by the Revolving Credit Facility. Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates reflects amounts related to the purchase of vehicles whereby financing is provided by the FMCC Facility, the financing of a portion of the Company's rental vehicles in the U.S., as well as the financing of new, used, and rental vehicles with manufacturer affiliates in both the U.K. and Brazil. Payments on the floorplan notes payable are generally due as the vehicles are sold. As a result, these obligations are reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as current liabilities.

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Revolving Credit Facility

The Company's Revolving Credit Facility provides a total borrowing capacity of $1.8 billion and expires on June 17, 2021. The Revolving Credit Facility consists of two tranches, providing a maximum of $1.75 billion for U.S. vehicle inventory floorplan financing (“Floorplan Line”), as well as a maximum of $360.0 million and a minimum of $50.0 million for working capital and general corporate purposes, including acquisitions (“Acquisition Line”). The capacity under these two tranches can be re-designated within the overall $1.8 billion commitment, subject to the aforementioned limits. Up to $125.0 million of the Acquisition Line can be borrowed in either euros or British pound sterling. The Revolving Credit Facility can be expanded to a maximum commitment of $2.1 billion, subject to participating lender approval. The Floorplan Line bears interest at rates equal to the LIBOR plus 125 basis points for new vehicle inventory and the LIBOR plus 150 basis points for used vehicle inventory. The Acquisition Line bears interest at the LIBOR plus 150 basis points plus a margin that ranges from zero to 100 basis points, depending on the Company's total adjusted leverage ratio, for borrowings in U.S. dollars and a LIBOR equivalent plus 125 to 250 basis points, depending on the Company's total adjusted leverage ratio, on borrowings in euros or British pound sterling. The Floorplan Line requires a commitment fee of 0.15% per annum on the unused portion. Amounts borrowed by the Company under the Floorplan Line for specific vehicle inventory are to be repaid upon the sale of the vehicle financed, and in no case is a borrowing for a vehicle to remain outstanding for greater than one year. The Acquisition Line also requires a commitment fee ranging from 0.20% to 0.45% per annum, depending on the Company’s total adjusted leverage ratio, based on a minimum commitment of $50.0 million less outstanding borrowings. In conjunction with the Revolving Credit Facility, the Company has $4.5 million of related unamortized costs as of September 30, 2017, which are included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets and Other Assets on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and amortized over the term of the facility.

After considering the outstanding balance of $1,017.2 million at September 30, 2017, the Company had $422.8 million of available floorplan borrowing capacity under the Floorplan Line. Included in the $422.8 million available borrowings under the Floorplan Line was $46.2 million of immediately available funds. The weighted average interest rate on the Floorplan Line was 2.5% and 2.0% as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, excluding the impact of the Company’s interest rate derivative instruments. With regards to the Acquisition Line, there were $33.5 million borrowings outstanding as of September 30, 2017 and no borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2016. After considering $29.3 million of outstanding letters of credit and other factors included in the Company’s available borrowing base calculation, there was $297.1 million of available borrowing capacity under the Acquisition Line as of September 30, 2017. The amount of available borrowing capacity under the Acquisition Line is limited from time to time based upon certain debt covenants.

All of the U.S. dealership-owning subsidiaries are co-borrowers under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Company’s obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility are secured by essentially all of the Company's U.S. personal property (other than equity interests in dealership-owning subsidiaries), including all motor vehicle inventory and proceeds from the disposition of dealership-owning subsidiaries, excluding inventory financed directly with manufacturer-affiliates and other third-party financing institutions. The Revolving Credit Facility contains a number of significant covenants that, among other things, restrict the Company’s ability to make disbursements outside of the ordinary course of business, dispose of assets, incur additional indebtedness, create liens on assets, make investments and engage in mergers or consolidations. The Company is also required to comply with specified financial tests and ratios defined in the Revolving Credit Facility, such as the fixed charge coverage and total adjusted leverage ratios. Further, the Revolving Credit Facility restricts the Company’s ability to make certain payments, such as dividends or other distributions of assets, properties, cash, rights, obligations or securities (“Restricted Payments”). The Restricted Payments cannot exceed the sum of $208.5 million plus (or minus if negative) (a) one-half of the aggregate consolidated net income for the period beginning on April 1, 2014 and ending on the date of determination and (b) the amount of net cash proceeds received from the sale of capital stock after June 2, 2014 and ending on the date of determination less (c) cash dividends and share repurchases after June 2, 2014 (“Credit Facility Restricted Payment Basket”). For purposes of the calculation of the Credit Facility Restricted Payment Basket, net income represents such amounts per the Consolidated Financial Statements adjusted to exclude the Company’s foreign operations, non-cash interest expense, non-cash asset impairment charges, and non-cash stock-based compensation. As of September 30, 2017, the Credit Facility Restricted Payment Basket totaled $134.4 million. The Company was in compliance with all applicable covenants and ratios under the Revolving Credit Facility as of September 30, 2017.

Ford Motor Credit Company Facility

The FMCC Facility provides for the financing of, and is collateralized by, the Company’s Ford new vehicle inventory in the U.S., including affiliated brands. This arrangement provides for $300.0 million of floorplan financing and is an evergreen arrangement that may be canceled with 30 days' notice by either party. As of September 30, 2017, the Company had an outstanding balance of $131.7 million under the FMCC Facility with an available floorplan borrowing capacity of $168.3 million. Included in the $168.3 million available borrowings under the FMCC Facility was $22.0 million of immediately

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available funds. This facility bears interest at a rate of Prime plus 150 basis points minus certain incentives. The interest rate on the FMCC Facility was 5.75% before considering the applicable incentives as of September 30, 2017.

Other Credit Facilities

The Company has credit facilities with BMWFS, Volkswagen Finance, Toyota Motor Credit Corporation, FMCC and a third-party financial institution for the financing of new, used and rental vehicle inventories related to its U.K. operations. These facilities are denominated in British pound sterling and are evergreen arrangements that may be canceled with notice by either party and bear interest at a base rate, plus a surcharge that varies based upon the type of vehicle being financed. As of September 30, 2017, borrowings outstanding under these facilities totaled $123.1 million, with annual interest rates charged on borrowings outstanding under these facilities, after the grace period of zero to 30 days, ranging from 1.25% to 3.95%.

The Company has credit facilities with financial institutions in Brazil, most of which are affiliated with the manufacturers, for the financing of new, used and rental vehicle inventories related to its Brazilian operations. These facilities are denominated in Brazilian real and have renewal terms ranging from one month to twelve months. They may be canceled with notice by either party and bear interest at a benchmark rate, plus a surcharge that varies based upon the type of vehicle being financed. As of September 30, 2017, borrowings outstanding under these facilities totaled $22.5 million, with annual interest rates charged on borrowings outstanding under these facilities, after the grace period of zero to 90 days, ranging from 12.67% to 18.86%.

Excluding rental vehicles financed through the Revolving Credit Facility, financing for U.S. rental vehicles is typically obtained directly from the automobile manufacturers. These financing arrangements generally require small monthly payments and mature in varying amounts over a period of two years. Rental vehicles are typically transferred to used vehicle inventory when they are removed from service and repayment of the borrowing is required at that time. As of September 30, 2017, borrowings outstanding under these rental vehicle facilities totaled $114.3 million, with interest rates that vary up to 5.75%.

9. LONG-TERM DEBT

The Company carries its long-term debt at face value, net of applicable discounts and capitalized debt issuance costs. Long-term debt consisted of the following:



	September 30, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(dollars in thousands)
5.00% Senior Notes (aggregate principal of $550,000 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016)	$	541,658	$	540,465
5.25% Senior Notes (aggregate principal of $300,000 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016)	296,009		295,591
Acquisition Line	33,508		—
Real Estate Related and Other Long-Term Debt	411,439		385,358
Capital lease obligations related to real estate, maturing in varying amounts through June 2034 with a weighted average interest rate of 9.4% and 9.9%, respectively	52,738		47,613
	1,335,352		1,269,027
Less current maturities of long-term debt	42,663		56,218
	$	1,292,689	$	1,212,809

Included in current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, was $38.3 million and $16.2 million, respectively, of short-term financing that was due within one year.

5.00% Senior Notes

On June 2, 2014, the Company issued $350.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 5.00% senior notes due 2022 ("5.00% Notes"). Subsequently, on September 9, 2014, the Company issued an additional $200.0 million of 5.00% Notes at a discount of 1.5% from face value. The 5.00% Notes will mature on June 1, 2022 and pay interest semiannually, in arrears, in cash on each June 1 and December 1, beginning December 1, 2014. On or after June 1, 2017, the Company may redeem some or all of the 5.00% Notes at specified prices, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Company may be required to purchase the 5.00% Notes if it sells certain assets or triggers the change in control provisions defined in the 5.00% Notes indenture. The 5.00% Notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank equal in right of payment to all of the Company's existing and future senior unsecured debt and senior in right of payment to all of its future subordinated debt. The 5.00% Notes are guaranteed by substantially all of the Company's U.S. subsidiaries. The U.S. subsidiary guarantees rank equally in the right of payment to all of the Company's U.S. subsidiary guarantor’s existing and future subordinated debt. In addition, the 5.00% Notes are

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

structurally subordinated to the liabilities of its non-guarantor subsidiaries and are subject to customary covenants, including a restricted payment basket and debt limitations. The restricted payment basket calculation under the terms of the 5.00% Notes is the same as under the Credit Facility Restricted Payment Basket. The 5.00% Notes were registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission in June 2015. The 5.00% Notes are presented net of unamortized underwriters' fees, discount and debt issuance costs, which are being amortized over a period of eight years in conjunction with the term of the 5.00% Notes, of $8.3 million as of September 30, 2017.

5.25% Senior Notes

On December 8, 2015, the Company issued 5.25% senior unsecured notes with a face amount of $300.0 million due to mature on December 15, 2023 (“5.25% Notes”). The 5.25% Notes pay interest semiannually, in arrears, in cash on each June 15 and December 15, beginning June 15, 2016. Using proceeds of certain equity offerings, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the 5.25% Notes prior to December 15, 2018, subject to certain conditions, at a redemption price equal to 105% of principal amount of the 5.25% Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest. Otherwise, the Company may redeem some or all of the 5.25% Notes prior to December 15, 2018 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 5.25% Notes redeemed, plus an applicable make-whole premium, and plus accrued and unpaid interest. On or after December 15, 2018, the Company may redeem some or all of the 5.25% Notes at specified prices, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Company may be required to purchase the 5.25% Notes if it sells certain assets or triggers the change in control provisions defined in the 5.25% Notes indenture. The 5.25% Notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank equal in right of payment to all of the Company’s existing and future senior unsecured debt and senior in right of payment to all of its future subordinated debt. The 5.25% Notes are guaranteed by substantially all of the Company’s U.S. subsidiaries. The U.S. subsidiary guarantees rank equally in the right of payment to all of the Company’s U.S. subsidiary guarantor’s existing and future subordinated debt. In addition, the 5.25% Notes are structurally subordinated to the liabilities of its non-guarantor subsidiaries and are subject to customary covenants, including a restricted payment basket and debt limitations. The restricted payment basket calculation under the terms of the 5.25% Notes is the same as under the Credit Facility Restricted Payment Basket. The 5.25% Notes are presented net of unamortized underwriters' fees and debt issuance costs, which are being amortized over a period of eight years in conjunction with the term of the 5.25% Notes, of $4.0 million as of September 30, 2017.

Acquisition Line

See Note 8, "Credit Facilities," for further discussion on the Company's Revolving Credit Facility and Acquisition Line.

Real Estate Related and Other Long-Term Debt

The Company, as well as certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, has entered into separate term mortgage loans in the U.S. with three of its manufacturer-affiliated finance partners, Toyota Motor Credit Corporation, BMWFS and FMCC, as well as several third-party financial institutions. These mortgage loans may be expanded for borrowings related to specific buildings and/or properties and are guaranteed by the Company. Each mortgage loan was made in connection with, and is secured by mortgage liens on, the real property owned by the Company that is mortgaged under the loans. The mortgage loans bear interest at fixed rates between 3.00% and 4.69%, and at variable indexed rates plus a spread between 1.50% and 2.50% per annum. The mortgage loans consist of 56 term loans for an aggregate principal amount of $371.8 million. As of September 30, 2017, borrowings outstanding under these mortgage loans totaled $318.5 million, with $29.4 million classified as a current maturity of long-term debt. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company made additional net borrowings and principal payments of $10.2 million and $13.7 million, respectively. These mortgage loans are presented net of unamortized underwriters' fees, discount and debt issuance costs, which are being amortized over the terms of the mortgage loans, of $0.6 million as of September 30, 2017. The agreements provide for monthly payments based on 15 or 20-year amortization schedules and mature between November 2017 and December 2024. These mortgage loans are cross-collateralized and cross-defaulted with the mortgages of each respective financial institution.

The Company has entered into 16 separate term mortgage loans in the U.K. with other third-party financial institutions which are secured by the Company’s U.K. properties. These mortgage loans (collectively, “U.K. Notes”) are denominated in British pound sterling and are being repaid in monthly installments that will mature by September 2034. As of September 30, 2017, borrowings under the U.K. Notes totaled $80.4 million, with $7.4 million classified as a current maturity of long-term debt in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company made additional borrowings and principal payments of $28.9 million and $3.9 million, respectively, associated with the U.K. Notes.

In addition to the real estate related and other long-term debt, the Company also has two short-term revolving working capital loan agreements and an unsecured loan agreement with third-party financial institutions in the U.K. and U.S., respectively. As of September 30, 2017, short-term borrowings under the U.K. and U.S. third-party loans totaled $13.2 million and $25.1 million, respectively, and are included in current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company made additional borrowings of $5.1 million and $25.1 million under the U.K. and U.S. third-party loans, respectively, and no principal payments.

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The Company has a separate term mortgage loan in Brazil with a third-party financial institution (the "Brazil Note"). The Brazil Note is denominated in Brazilian real and is secured by one of the Company’s Brazilian properties, as well as a guarantee from the Company. The Brazil Note is being repaid in monthly installments that will mature by April 2025. As of September 30, 2017, borrowings under the Brazil Note totaled $3.6 million, with $0.3 million classified as a current maturity of long-term debt in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company made no additional borrowings and made principal payments of $0.4 million associated with the Brazil Note.

The Company also has a working capital loan agreement with a third-party financial institution in Brazil. The principal balance on this loan is due by February 2020 with interest only payments being made quarterly until the due date. As of September 30, 2017, borrowings outstanding under the Brazilian third-party loan totaled $7.0 million, which are classified as long-term debt in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company made no additional borrowings or principal payments.

Fair Value of Long-Term Debt

The Company's outstanding 5.00% Notes had a fair value of $570.5 million and $548.4 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The Company's outstanding 5.25% Notes had a fair value of $304.4 million and $297.0 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The Company's fixed interest rate borrowings included in real estate related and other long-term debt totaled $88.4 million and $93.9 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The fair value of such fixed interest rate borrowings was $88.6 million and $94.5 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The fair value estimates are based on Level 2 inputs of the fair value hierarchy available as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The Company determined the estimated fair value of its long-term debt using available market information and commonly accepted valuation methodologies. Considerable judgment is required in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, these estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company, or holders of the instruments, could realize in a current market exchange. The use of different assumptions and/or estimation methodologies could have a material effect on estimated fair values. The carrying value of the Company’s variable rate debt approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of the interest rates.

10. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received in the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date; requires disclosure of the extent to which fair value is used to measure financial and non-financial assets and liabilities, the inputs utilized in calculating valuation measurements, and the effect of the measurement of significant unobservable inputs on earnings, or changes in net assets, as of the measurement date; and establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy based upon the transparency of inputs utilized in the measurement and valuation of financial assets or liabilities as of the measurement date:

•Level 1 — unadjusted, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;

•Level 2 — quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, and inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable market data by correlation; and

•Level 3 — unobservable inputs based upon the reporting entity’s internally developed assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, accounts and notes receivable, investments in debt and equity securities, accounts payable, credit facilities, long-term debt and interest rate derivative instruments. The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable, and credit facilities approximate their carrying values due to the short-term nature of these instruments and/or the existence of variable interest rates. The Company evaluated its assets and liabilities for those that met the criteria of the disclosure requirements and fair value framework of ASC 820 and identified demand obligations, interest rate derivative instruments, and investment balances in certain financial institutions as having met such criteria.

The Company periodically invests in unsecured, corporate demand obligations with manufacturer-affiliated finance companies, which bear interest at a variable rate and are redeemable on demand by the Company. Therefore, the Company has classified these demand obligations as cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company determined that the valuation measurement inputs of these instruments include inputs other than quoted market prices, that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable data by correlation. Accordingly, the Company has classified these instruments within Level 2 of the hierarchy framework.

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In addition, the Company maintains an investment balance with certain of the financial institutions in Brazil that provide credit facilities for the financing of new, used and rental vehicle inventories. The investment balances bear interest at a variable rate and are redeemable by the Company in the future under certain conditions. The Company has classified these investment balances as long-term assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company determined that the valuation measurement inputs of these instruments include inputs other than quoted market prices, that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable data by correlation. Accordingly, the Company has classified these instruments within Level 2 of the hierarchy framework.

The Company's derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair market value. See Note 3, "Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities" for further details regarding the Company's derivative financial instruments. See Note 9, "Long-term Debt" for details regarding the fair value of the Company's long-term debt.

Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value, within Level 2 of the hierarchy framework, in the accompanying balance sheets as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, were as follows:



	As of September 30, 2017		As of December 31, 2016
	(In thousands)
Assets:
Investments	$	708	$	3,254
Demand obligations	13		12
Interest rate derivative financial instruments	7,701		9,484
Total	$	8,422	$	12,750
Liabilities:
Interest rate derivative financial instruments	$	16,979	$	24,411
Total	$	16,979	$	24,411

11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

From time to time, the Company’s dealerships are named in various types of litigation involving customer claims, employment matters, class action claims, purported class action claims, as well as claims involving the manufacturer of automobiles, contractual disputes and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business. Due to the nature of the automotive retailing business, the Company may be involved in legal proceedings or suffer losses that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business. In the normal course of business, the Company is required to respond to customer, employee and other third-party complaints. Amounts that have been accrued or paid related to the settlement of litigation are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. In addition, the manufacturers of the vehicles that the Company sells and services have audit rights allowing them to review the validity of amounts claimed for incentive, rebate or warranty-related items and charge the Company back for amounts determined to be invalid payments under the manufacturers’ programs, subject to the Company’s right to appeal any such decision. Amounts that have been accrued or paid related to the settlement of manufacturer chargebacks of recognized incentives and rebates are included in cost of sales in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations, while such amounts for manufacturer chargebacks of recognized warranty-related items are included as a reduction of Revenues in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Legal Proceedings

In late June 2016, Volkswagen agreed to pay up to an aggregate of $14.7 billion to settle claims stemming from the diesel emissions scandal, including claims from customers and automotive dealers. In October 2016, the Company received notification from Volkswagen that it is entitled to receive, in the aggregate, approximately $13.2 million in connection with the Company's current and prior ownership of seven Volkswagen dealerships in the U.S. The Company accepted and executed the offer in the fourth quarter of 2016 and received half of the compensation in a lump sum amount in January 2017 with the remaining amount to be paid over 18 months. The Company has received eight of the remaining 18 monthly installments as of September 30, 2017. The Company recognized the entire settlement as an offset to Selling, General and Administrative Expenses ("SG&A") in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2016. Also, in conjunction with the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal, Volkswagen agreed in March 2017 to settle allegations of damages by the Company relative to its three Audi branded dealerships. The Company received the cash and recognized the settlement as an offset to SG&A in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

Currently, the Company is not party to any legal proceedings that, individually or in the aggregate, are reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows, including

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class action lawsuits. However, the results of current, or future, matters cannot be predicted with certainty, and an unfavorable resolution of one or more of such matters could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows.

Other Matters

The Company, acting through its subsidiaries, is the lessee under many real estate leases that provide for the use by the Company’s subsidiaries of their respective dealership premises. Pursuant to these leases, the Company’s subsidiaries generally agree to indemnify the lessor and other parties from certain liabilities arising as a result of the use of the leased premises, including environmental liabilities, or a breach of the lease by the lessee. Additionally, from time to time, the Company enters into agreements in connection with the sale of assets or businesses in which it agrees to indemnify the purchaser, or other parties, from certain liabilities or costs arising in connection with the assets or business. Also, in the ordinary course of business in connection with purchases or sales of goods and services, the Company enters into agreements that may contain indemnification provisions. In the event that an indemnification claim is asserted, liability would be limited by the terms of the applicable agreement.

From time to time, primarily in connection with dealership dispositions, the Company’s subsidiaries sublet to the dealership purchaser the subsidiaries’ interests in any real property leases associated with such dealerships and continue to be primarily obligated on the lease. In these situations, the Company’s subsidiaries retain primary responsibility for the performance of certain obligations under such leases. To the extent that the Company remains primarily responsible under such leases, a quantification of such lease obligations is included in the Company's disclosure of future minimum lease payments for non-cancelable operating leases in Note 18, "Operating Leases" to "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of the 2016 Form 10-K.

In certain instances, also in connection with dealership dispositions, the Company’s subsidiaries assign to the dealership purchaser the subsidiaries’ interests in any real property leases associated with such dealerships. The Company’s subsidiaries may retain secondary responsibility for the performance of certain obligations under such leases to the extent that the assignee does not perform, if such performance is required following the assignment of the lease. Additionally, the Company and its subsidiaries may remain subject to the terms of a guaranty made by the Company and its subsidiaries in connection with such leases. In these circumstances, the Company generally has indemnification rights against the assignee in the event of non-performance under these leases, as well as certain defenses. The Company and its subsidiaries also may be called on to perform other obligations under these leases, such as environmental remediation of the leased premises or repair of the leased premises upon termination of the lease. However, potential environmental liabilities are generally known at the time of the sale of the dealership if not previously remediated. The Company does not have any known material environmental commitments or contingencies and presently has no reason to believe that it or its subsidiaries will be called on to so perform. Although not estimated to be material, the Company’s exposure under these leases is difficult to estimate and there can be no assurance that any performance of the Company or its subsidiaries required under these leases would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, or cash flows.

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12. INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS AND GOODWILL

The following is a roll-forward of the Company’s intangible franchise rights and goodwill accounts by reportable segment:



	Intangible Franchise Rights
	U.S.			U.K.		Brazil		Total
	(In thousands)
BALANCE, December 31, 2016	$	260,534		$	17,337	$	7,005	$	284,876
Additions through acquisitions	8,035			8,762		—		16,797
Impairments	(9,526		)	—		—		(9,526		)
Currency translation	—			1,771		202		1,973
BALANCE, September 30, 2017	$	259,043		$	27,870	$	7,207	$	294,120



	Goodwill
	U.S.			U.K.		Brazil			Total
	(In thousands)
BALANCE, December 31, 2016	$	805,935		$	57,054	$	13,774		$	876,763		⁽¹⁾
Additions through acquisitions	29,171			3,737		95			33,003
Disposals	—			—		(933		)	(933		)
Currency translation	—			5,008		401			5,409
Tax adjustments	(18		)	—		—			(18		)
BALANCE, September 30, 2017	$	835,088		$	65,799	$	13,337		$	914,224		⁽¹⁾

⁽¹⁾Net of accumulated impairment of $97.8 million.

The Company evaluates intangible franchise rights and goodwill assets for impairment annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate possible impairment. During the three months ended September 30, 2017, the Company identified circumstances indicating possible impairment of some individual franchise rights, requiring a quantitative assessment. The Company did not identify any such circumstances relative to the goodwill for each of its reporting units. Based on the results of the Company's assessment, the Company determined that the fair value of the franchise rights on one of its U.S. dealerships was below its respective carrying value, resulting in franchise asset impairment charges of $9.5 million. This was recognized as an asset impairment in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations during the three months ended September 30, 2017.

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13. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

Changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:



	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
	Accumulated foreign currency translation loss			Accumulated loss on interest rate swaps			Total
	(In thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2016	$	(137,613	)	$	(9,331	)	$	(146,944	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:
Pre-tax	16,998			(3,899		)	13,099
Tax effect	—			1,462			1,462
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to:
Floorplan interest expense (pre-tax)	—			7,995			7,995
Other interest expense (pre-tax)	—			1,554			1,554
Tax effect	—			(3,581		)	(3,581		)
Net current period other comprehensive income	16,998			3,531			20,529
Balance, September 30, 2017	$	(120,615	)	$	(5,800	)	$	(126,415	)



	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
	Accumulated foreign currency translation loss			Accumulated loss on interest rate swaps			Total
	(In thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2015	$	(118,532	)	$	(19,452	)	$	(137,984	)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications:
Pre-tax	(10,254		)	(24,920		)	(35,174		)
Tax effect	—			9,345			9,345
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to:
Floorplan interest expense (pre-tax)	—			8,414			8,414
Other interest expense (pre-tax)	—			1,775			1,775
Tax effect	—			(3,822		)	(3,822		)
Net current period other comprehensive loss	(10,254		)	(9,208		)	(19,462		)
Balance, September 30, 2016	$	(128,786	)	$	(28,660	)	$	(157,446	)

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14. SEGMENT INFORMATION

As of September 30, 2017, the Company had three reportable segments: (1) the U.S., (2) the U.K., and (3) Brazil. Each of the reportable segments is comprised of retail automotive franchises, which sell new and used cars and light trucks; arranges related vehicle financing; sells service and insurance contracts; provides automotive maintenance and repair services; and sells vehicle parts. The vast majority of the Company's corporate activities are associated with the operations of the U.S. operating segment and therefore the corporate financial results are included within the U.S. reportable segment.

Reportable segment revenue, income (loss) before income taxes, (provision) benefit for income taxes and net income (loss) were as follows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:



	Three Months Ended September 30, 2017											Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
	U.S.			U.K.			Brazil		Total			U.S.			U.K.			Brazil		Total
	(In thousands)											(In thousands)
Total revenues ⁽¹⁾	$	2,301,959		$	590,726		$	119,607	$	3,012,292		$	6,393,368		$	1,478,156		$	331,792	$	8,203,316
Income before income taxes	41,133			5,435			575		47,143			142,808			15,745			1,476		160,029
(Provision) benefit for income taxes	(16,258		)	(1,105		)	101		(17,262		)	(54,301		)	(2,781		)	6		(57,076		)
Net income ⁽²⁾	24,875			4,330			676		29,881			88,507			12,964			1,482		102,953

⁽¹⁾ Includes the impact of chargeback reserves for finance and insurance revenues associated with catastrophic events of $6.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, in the U.S. segment.

⁽²⁾Includes the following, after tax: loss due to catastrophic events of $9.0 million and $9.4 million, inclusive of the finance and insurance chargeback reserve noted above, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, in the U.S. segment and asset impairment charges of $5.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, in the U.S. segment.



	Three Months Ended September 30, 2016												Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
	U.S.			U.K.			Brazil			Total			U.S.			U.K.			Brazil			Total
	(In thousands)												(In thousands)
Total revenues	$	2,274,723		$	435,976		$	112,447		$	2,823,176		$	6,563,739		$	1,335,663		$	314,578		$	8,213,980
Income (loss) before income taxes	52,619			3,922			(854		)	55,687			164,607			17,371			(3,127		)	178,851
(Provision) benefit for income taxes	(19,722		)	(702		)	103			(20,321		)	(61,406		)	(3,458		)	2,250			(62,614		)
Net income (loss) ⁽¹⁾	32,897			3,220			(751		)	35,366			103,201			13,913			(877		)	116,237

⁽¹⁾ Includes the following, after tax: asset impairment charges of $6.7 million and $7.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, in the U.S. segment; loss due to catastrophic events of $0.3 million and $3.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, in the U.S. segment; gain on real estate and dealership transactions of $0.7 million and $1.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, in the U.S. segment; and foreign deferred income tax benefit of $1.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 in the Brazil segment.

Reportable segment total assets as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, were as follows:



	As of September 30, 2017
	U.S.		U.K.		Brazil		Total
	(In thousands)
Total assets	$	3,890,087	$	698,103	$	142,804	$	4,730,994



	As of December 31, 2016
	U.S.		U.K.		Brazil		Total
	(In thousands)
Total assets	$	3,855,701	$	482,937	$	123,265	$	4,461,903

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15. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The following tables include condensed consolidating financial information as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, for Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s (as issuer of the 5.00% Notes) guarantor subsidiaries and non-guarantor subsidiaries (representing foreign entities). The condensed consolidating financial information includes certain allocations of balance sheet, statement of operations and cash flows items that are not necessarily indicative of the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of these entities had they operated on a stand-alone basis. In accordance with Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X, condensed consolidated financial statements of non-guarantors are not required. The Company has no assets or operations independent of its subsidiaries. Obligations under the 5.00% Notes are fully and unconditionally and jointly and severally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by the Company’s current wholly owned domestic subsidiaries and certain of the Company’s future domestic subsidiaries, with the exception of the Company’s “minor” subsidiaries (as defined by Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X). There are no significant restrictions on the ability of the Company or subsidiary guarantors for the Company to obtain funds from its subsidiary guarantors by dividend or loan. None of the subsidiary guarantors’ assets represent restricted assets pursuant to SEC Rule 4-08(e)(3) of Regulation S-X.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

September 30, 2017



	Group 1 Automotive, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Elimination			Total Company
	(Unaudited, in thousands)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	8,646		$	58,237	$	—		$	66,883
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net	—			213,638			74,562		—			288,200
Accounts and notes receivable, net	—			139,013			48,659		—			187,672
Intercompany accounts receivable	33,508			12,451			—		(45,959		)	—
Inventories, net	—			1,334,340			317,449		—			1,651,789
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	216			6,157			31,738		—			38,111
Total current assets	33,724			1,714,245			530,645		(45,959		)	2,232,655
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	—			1,086,863			182,534		—			1,269,397
GOODWILL	—			835,089			79,135		—			914,224
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS	—			259,043			35,077		—			294,120
INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES	2,971,551			—			—		(2,971,551		)	—
OTHER ASSETS	—			12,408			8,190		—			20,598
Total assets	$	3,005,275		$	3,907,648		$	835,581	$	(3,017,510	)	$	4,730,994

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other	$	—		$	1,063,464		$	13,823	$	—		$	1,077,287
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility	—			(46,248		)	—		—			(46,248		)
Floorplan notes payable — manufacturer affiliates	—			267,990			131,814		—			399,804
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	—			(22,000		)	—		—			(22,000		)
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing	25,054			34,403			21,539		—			80,996
Current liabilities from interest rate risk management activities	—			823			—		—			823
Accounts payable	—			214,278			222,573		—			436,851
Intercompany accounts payable	972,583			—			45,959		(1,018,542		)	—
Accrued expenses	—			176,196			32,574		—			208,770
Total current liabilities	997,637			1,688,906			468,282		(1,018,542		)	2,136,283
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities	871,175			327,132			94,382		—			1,292,689
LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES	—			16,157			—		—			16,157
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES	(1,100		)	264,501			11,317		—			274,718
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Group 1 stockholders’ equity	1,137,563			2,583,535			261,600		(2,971,551		)	1,011,147
Intercompany note receivable	—			(972,583		)	—		972,583			—
Total stockholders’ equity	1,137,563			1,610,952			261,600		(1,998,968		)	1,011,147
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	3,005,275		$	3,907,648		$	835,581	$	(3,017,510	)	$	4,730,994

Table of Contents GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

December 31, 2016



	Group 1 Automotive, Inc.		Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Elimination		Total Company
	(In thousands)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—	$	8,039	$	12,953	$	—	$	20,992
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net	—		241,097		28,411

GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE INC - FORM 10-Q - November 2, 2017

Attached files