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8-K - FORM 8-K - ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP INCa2017q48-k.htm


Exhibit 99.1
companylogoa15.jpg

Investors & Reporters May Contact:
Matt Pettoni
VP & Treasurer
(770) 418-8219
ir@asburyauto.com


 
ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP ANNOUNCES
2017 FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL-YEAR FINANCIAL RESULTS
Fourth quarter EPS of $2.03 per diluted share and
full year EPS of $6.62 per diluted share
Record fourth quarter adjusted EPS of $1.81 per diluted share
(a non-GAAP measure), up 16% over adjusted prior year EPS
Record full year 2017 adjusted EPS of $6.43 per diluted share
(a non-GAAP measure), up 6% over adjusted prior year EPS

DULUTH, GA, February 6, 2018 - Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: ABG), one of the largest automotive retail and service companies in the U.S., reported net income for the fourth quarter 2017 of $42.5 million ($2.03 per diluted share) compared to $67.1 million ($3.08 per diluted share) in the prior year quarter. It also reported adjusted net income (a non-GAAP measure) for the fourth quarter 2017 of $37.8 million ($1.81 per diluted share) compared to $34.0 million ($1.56 per diluted share) in the prior year quarter, a 16% increase in adjusted earnings per share.
Net income for the fourth quarter 2017 was adjusted for a $5.1 million pre-tax loss for franchise rights impairments ($0.15 per diluted share) and a $7.9 million benefit ($0.37 per diluted share) related to adjustments to deferred tax balances as a result of recent changes to the tax law. Net income for the fourth quarter 2016 was adjusted for a $45.5 million pre-tax gain on divestitures ($1.30 per diluted share); $6.6 million pre-tax legal settlements benefit ($0.19 per diluted share); $0.5 million pre-tax real estate related impairment charges ($0.01 per diluted share); and $0.9 million benefit from discrete tax items ($0.04 per diluted share).
As a result of recent changes to the tax law, we expect our effective tax rate to be between 25% and 26% in 2018, which is down from our prior guidance of approximately 38%.
“We closed out 2017 with a strong performance delivering 16% adjusted EPS growth in the quarter,” said David Hult, Asbury's President and Chief Executive Officer. “During 2017, in a declining SAAR environment, we expanded our dealership footprint, returned approximately $35 million of capital to our shareholders, maintained our industry leading operating margins, and grew adjusted EPS 6%. This performance is a direct result of our

1



team’s hard work, dedication, and commitment to continuous improvement. Going forward, we will continue to execute our two-part strategy: drive operational excellence and deploy capital to its highest returns.”
Fourth Quarter 2017 Operational Summary
Same store (a non-GAAP measure):
Total revenue flat; gross profit increased 2%
New vehicle revenue increased 2%; gross profit decreased 3%
Used vehicle retail revenue decreased 6%; gross profit decreased 10%
Finance and insurance revenue and gross profit increased 6%
Parts and service revenue increased 3%; gross profit increased 2%
Total store:
SG&A as a percentage of gross profit decreased 200 basis points to 67.3%
Adjusted income from operations (a non-GAAP measure) as a percentage of revenue was 4.7%
Adjusted diluted EPS (a non-GAAP measure) increased 16%
Acquisition Update:
In January 2018, we acquired a Honda franchise in Indianapolis, Indiana
For the full year 2017, the Company reported net income of $139.1 million ($6.62 per diluted share) compared to $167.2 million ($7.40 per diluted share) in the prior year period. Adjusted net income (a non-GAAP measure) for 2017 was $135.1 million ($6.43 per diluted share) compared to $137.3 million ($6.08 per diluted share) in the prior year period, a 6% increase in adjusted EPS.
Additional commentary regarding the fourth quarter and full-year results will be provided during the earnings conference call on February 6, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. The conference call will be simulcast live on the internet and can be accessed at www.asburyauto.com or www.ccbn.com. A replay will be available at these sites for 30 days.
In addition, a live audio of the call will be accessible to the public by calling (800) 239-9838 (domestic), or (323) 794-2551 (international); passcode - 2155173. Callers should dial in approximately 5 to 10 minutes before the call begins.
A conference call replay will be available two hours following the call for seven days, and can be accessed by calling (888) 203-1112 (domestic), or (719) 457-0820 (international); passcode - 2155173.
About Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.
Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. ("Asbury"), a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Duluth, GA, is one of the largest automotive retailers in the U.S.  Asbury currently operates 81 dealerships, consisting of 95 franchises, representing 29 domestic and foreign brands of vehicles.  Asbury also operates 24 collision repair centers.  Asbury offers customers an extensive range of automotive products and services, including new and used vehicle sales and related financing and insurance, vehicle maintenance and repair services, replacement parts and service contracts.


2



Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements other than historical fact, and may include statements relating to goals, plans, market conditions and projections regarding Asbury's financial position, liquidity, results of operations, market position and dealership portfolio, and other initiatives and future business strategy. These statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs and involve significant risks and uncertainties that may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in the statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, market factors, Asbury's relationships with, and the financial and operational stability of, vehicle manufacturers and other suppliers, acts of God or other incidents which may adversely impact supply from vehicle manufacturers and/or present retail sales challenges, risks associated with Asbury's indebtedness (including available borrowing capacity, compliance with its financial covenants and ability to refinance or repay such indebtedness, on favorable terms), Asbury's relationships with, and the financial stability of, its lenders and lessors, risks related to competition in the automotive retail and service industries, general economic conditions both nationally and locally, governmental regulations, legislation, adverse results in litigation and other proceedings, and Asbury's ability to execute its IT initiatives and other operational strategies, Asbury's ability to leverage gains from its dealership portfolio, Asbury's ability to capitalize on opportunities to repurchase its debt and equity securities or purchase properties that it currently leases, and Asbury's ability to stay within its targeted range for capital expenditures. There can be no guarantees that Asbury's plans for future operations will be successfully implemented or that they will prove to be commercially successful.
These and other risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements are and will be discussed in Asbury's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including its most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequently filed quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.


3



ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (In millions, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
 
For the Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
%
Change
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
REVENUE:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New vehicle
$
964.1

 
$
935.6

 
$
28.5

 
3
 %
Used vehicle:
 
 
 
 


 


Retail
389.6

 
420.3

 
(30.7
)
 
(7
)%
Wholesale
47.9

 
48.6

 
(0.7
)
 
(1
)%
     Total used vehicle
437.5

 
468.9

 
(31.4
)
 
(7
)%
Parts and service
196.6

 
193.6

 
3.0

 
2
 %
Finance and insurance, net
72.7

 
68.4

 
4.3

 
6
 %
TOTAL REVENUE
1,670.9

 
1,666.5

 
4.4

 
 %
GROSS PROFIT:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New vehicle
46.6

 
47.4

 
(0.8
)
 
(2
)%
Used vehicle:
 
 
 
 


 


Retail
26.7

 
29.6

 
(2.9
)
 
(10
)%
Wholesale
(0.2
)
 
(2.1
)
 
1.9

 
90
 %
     Total used vehicle
26.5

 
27.5

 
(1.0
)
 
(4
)%
Parts and service
122.6

 
121.3

 
1.3

 
1
 %
Finance and insurance, net
72.7

 
68.4

 
4.3

 
6
 %
TOTAL GROSS PROFIT
268.4

 
264.6

 
3.8

 
1
 %
OPERATING EXPENSES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative
180.5

 
183.3

 
(2.8
)
 
(2
)%
Depreciation and amortization
8.1

 
7.7

 
0.4

 
5
 %
Franchise rights impairment
5.1

 

 
5.1

 
 %
Other operating expense (income), net
0.6

 
(6.5
)
 
7.1

 
109
 %
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
74.1

 
80.1

 
(6.0
)
 
(7
)%
OTHER EXPENSES (INCOME):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Floor plan interest expense
5.5

 
4.9

 
0.6

 
12
 %
Other interest expense, net
13.8

 
13.1

 
0.7

 
5
 %
Swap interest expense
0.4

 
0.7

 
(0.3
)
 
(43
)%
Gain on divestitures

 
(45.5
)
 
45.5

 
100
 %
Total other expenses (income), net
19.7

 
(26.8
)
 
46.5

 
174
 %
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
54.4

 
106.9

 
(52.5
)
 
(49
)%
Income tax expense
11.9

 
39.8

 
(27.9
)
 
(70
)%
NET INCOME
$
42.5

 
$
67.1

 
$
(24.6
)
 
(37
)%
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic—
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
2.06

 
$
3.11

 
$
(1.05
)
 
(34
)%
Diluted—
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
2.03

 
$
3.08

 
$
(1.05
)
 
(34
)%
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
20.6

 
21.6

 
(1.0
)
 
(5
)%
Restricted stock
0.1

 
0.1

 

 
 %
Performance share units
0.2

 
0.1

 
0.1

 
100
 %
Diluted
20.9

 
21.8

 
(0.9
)
 
(4
)%


4



ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.
KEY OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS (In millions, except per unit data)
(Unaudited)
 
For the Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
%
Change
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
Unit sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New vehicle:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Luxury
6,408

 
6,406

 
2

 
 %
Import
15,181

 
14,652

 
529

 
4
 %
Domestic
4,602

 
4,693

 
(91
)
 
(2
)%
     Total new vehicle
26,191

 
25,751

 
440

 
2
 %
Used vehicle retail
17,822

 
19,881

 
(2,059
)
 
(10
)%
Used to new ratio
68.0
 %
 
77.2
 %
 
(920) bps

 

Average selling price
 
 
 
 
 
 


New vehicle
$
36,810

 
$
36,333

 
$
477

 
1
 %
Used vehicle retail
21,861

 
21,141

 
720

 
3
 %
Average gross profit per unit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New vehicle:
 
 
 
 


 


Luxury
$
3,777

 
$
3,590

 
$
187

 
5
 %
Import
922

 
1,099

 
(177
)
 
(16
)%
Domestic
1,825

 
1,769

 
56

 
3
 %
Total new vehicle
1,779

 
1,841

 
(62
)
 
(3
)%
Used vehicle
1,498

 
1,489

 
9

 
1
 %
Finance and insurance, net
1,652

 
1,499

 
153

 
10
 %
Front end yield (1)
3,317

 
3,186

 
131

 
4
 %
Gross margin
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New vehicle:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Luxury
7.0
 %
 
6.7
 %
 
30 bps

 
 
Import
3.2
 %
 
3.9
 %
 
(70) bps

 
 
Domestic
4.6
 %
 
4.6
 %
 
0 bps

 
 
Total new vehicle
4.8
 %
 
5.1
 %
 
(30) bps

 
 
Used vehicle retail
6.9
 %
 
7.0
 %
 
(10) bps

 
 
Parts and service
62.4
 %
 
62.7
 %
 
(30) bps

 
 
Total gross profit margin
16.1
 %
 
15.9
 %
 
20 bps

 
 
SG&A metrics
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rent expense
$
6.5

 
$
7.0

 
$
(0.5
)
 
(7
)%
Total SG&A as a percentage of gross profit
67.3
 %
 
69.3
 %
 
(200) bps

 
 
SG&A, excluding rent expense as a percentage of gross profit
64.8
 %
 
66.6
 %
 
(180) bps

 
 
Operating metrics
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from operations as a percentage of revenue
4.4
 %
 
4.8
 %
 
(40) bps

 
 
Income from operations as a percentage of gross profit
27.6
 %
 
30.3
 %
 
(270) bps

 
 
Adjusted income from operations as a percentage of revenue
4.7
 %
 
4.4
 %
 
30 bps

 
 
Adjusted income from operations as a percentage of gross profit
29.5
 %
 
28.0
 %
 
150 bps

 
 
Revenue mix
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New vehicle
57.7
 %
 
56.1
 %
 
 
 
 
Used vehicle retail
23.2
 %
 
25.3
 %
 
 
 
 
Used vehicle wholesale
2.9
 %
 
2.9
 %
 
 
 
 
Parts and service
11.8
 %
 
11.6
 %
 
 
 
 
Finance and insurance
4.4
 %
 
4.1
 %
 
 
 
 
     Total revenue
100.0
 %
 
100.0
 %
 
 
 
 
Gross profit mix
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New vehicle
17.4
 %
 
17.9
 %
 
 
 
 
Used vehicle retail
9.9
 %
 
11.2
 %
 
 
 
 
Used vehicle wholesale
(0.1
)%
 
(0.8
)%
 
 
 
 
Parts and service
45.7
 %
 
45.8
 %
 
 
 
 
Finance and insurance
27.1
 %
 
25.9
 %
 
 
 
 
     Total gross profit
100.0
 %
 
100.0
 %
 
 
 
 
_____________________________
(1)
Front end yield is calculated as gross profit from new vehicles, used retail vehicles and finance and insurance (net), divided by combined new and used retail unit sales.

5



ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.
SAME STORE OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS (In millions)
(Unaudited)
 
For the Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
%
Change
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New vehicle:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Luxury
$
347.9

 
$
336.6

 
$
11.3

 
3
 %
Import
423.5

 
403.1

 
20.4

 
5
 %
Domestic
165.0

 
174.3

 
(9.3
)
 
(5
)%
     Total new vehicle
936.4

 
914.0

 
22.4

 
2
 %
Used Vehicle:
 
 
 
 


 


Retail
376.4

 
400.9

 
(24.5
)
 
(6
)%
Wholesale
45.7

 
47.1

 
(1.4
)
 
(3
)%
     Total used vehicle
422.1

 
448.0

 
(25.9
)
 
(6
)%
Parts and service
193.1

 
187.7

 
5.4

 
3
 %
Finance and insurance
70.7

 
66.6

 
4.1

 
6
 %
Total revenue
$
1,622.3

 
$
1,616.3

 
$
6.0

 
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross profit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New vehicle:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Luxury
$
24.2

 
$
22.5

 
$
1.7

 
8
 %
Import
13.8

 
15.8

 
(2.0
)
 
(13
)%
Domestic
7.1

 
8.0

 
(0.9
)
 
(11
)%
     Total new vehicle
45.1

 
46.3

 
(1.2
)
 
(3
)%
Used Vehicle:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail
25.4

 
28.3

 
(2.9
)
 
(10
)%
Wholesale
(0.1
)
 
(1.5
)
 
1.4

 
93
 %
     Total used vehicle
25.3

 
26.8

 
(1.5
)
 
(6
)%
Parts and service:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Customer pay
67.3

 
64.8

 
2.5

 
4
 %
Warranty
19.7

 
19.0

 
0.7

 
4
 %
Wholesale parts
5.4

 
4.9

 
0.5

 
10
 %
     Parts and service, excluding reconditioning and preparation
92.4

 
88.7

 
3.7

 
4
 %
Reconditioning and preparation
27.9

 
29.1

 
(1.2
)
 
(4
)%
Total parts and service
120.3

 
117.8

 
2.5

 
2
 %
Finance and insurance
70.7

 
66.6

 
4.1

 
6
 %
Total gross profit
$
261.4

 
$
257.5

 
$
3.9

 
2
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SG&A expense
$
175.9

 
$
175.7

 
$
0.2

 
 %
SG&A expense as a percentage of gross profit
67.3
%
 
68.2
%
 
(90) bps

 
 
_____________________________
Same store amounts consist of information from dealerships for identical months in each comparative period, commencing with the first month we owned the dealership. Additionally, amounts related to divested dealerships are excluded from each comparative period.


6



ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.
SAME STORE OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
For the Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
%
Change
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
Unit sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New vehicle:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Luxury
6,408

 
6,322

 
86

 
1
 %
Import
14,922

 
14,381

 
541

 
4
 %
Domestic
4,054

 
4,460

 
(406
)
 
(9
)%
     Total new vehicle
25,384

 
25,163

 
221

 
1
 %
Used vehicle retail
17,149

 
18,816

 
(1,667
)
 
(9
)%
Used to new ratio
67.6
%
 
74.8
%
 
(720) bps

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average selling price
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New vehicle
$
36,889

 
$
36,323

 
$
566

 
2
 %
Used vehicle retail
21,949

 
21,306

 
643

 
3
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average gross profit per unit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New vehicle:
 
 
 
 


 


Luxury
$
3,777

 
$
3,559

 
$
218

 
6
 %
Import
925

 
1,099

 
(174
)
 
(16
)%
Domestic
1,751

 
1,794

 
(43
)
 
(2
)%
Total new vehicle
1,777

 
1,840

 
(63
)
 
(3
)%
Used vehicle retail
1,481

 
1,504

 
(23
)
 
(2
)%
Finance and insurance, net
1,662

 
1,514

 
148

 
10
 %
Front end yield (1)
3,320

 
3,211

 
109

 
3
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross margin
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New vehicle:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Luxury
7.0
%
 
6.7
%
 
30 bps

 
 
Import
3.3
%
 
3.9
%
 
(60) bps

 
 
Domestic
4.3
%
 
4.6
%
 
(30) bps

 
 
Total new vehicle
4.8
%
 
5.1
%
 
(30) bps

 
 
Used vehicle retail
6.7
%
 
7.1
%
 
(40) bps

 
 
Parts and service:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Parts and service, excluding reconditioning and preparation
47.9
%
 
47.3
%
 
60 bps

 
 
Parts and service, including reconditioning and preparation
62.3
%
 
62.8
%
 
(50) bps

 
 
Total gross profit margin
16.1
%
 
15.9
%
 
20 bps

 
 
_____________________________
Same store amounts consist of information from dealerships for identical months in each comparative period, commencing with the first month we owned the dealership. Additionally, amounts related to divested dealerships are excluded from each comparative period.

(1)
Front end yield is calculated as gross profit from new vehicles, used retail vehicles and finance and insurance (net), divided by combined new and used retail unit sales.

7



ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (In millions, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
 
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31,
 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
%
Change
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
REVENUE:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New vehicle
$
3,561.1

 
$
3,611.9

 
$
(50.8
)
 
(1
)%
Used vehicle:
 
 
 
 


 


Retail
1,635.3

 
1,675.0

 
(39.7
)
 
(2
)%
Wholesale
198.8

 
201.4

 
(2.6
)
 
(1
)%
     Total used vehicle
1,834.1

 
1,876.4

 
(42.3
)
 
(2
)%
Parts and service
786.1

 
778.5

 
7.6

 
1
 %
Finance and insurance, net
275.2

 
261.0

 
14.2

 
5
 %
TOTAL REVENUE
6,456.5

 
6,527.8

 
(71.3
)
 
(1
)%
GROSS PROFIT:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New vehicle
169.0

 
187.1

 
(18.1
)
 
(10
)%
Used vehicle:
 
 
 
 


 


Retail
121.1

 
131.0

 
(9.9
)
 
(8
)%
Wholesale
0.8

 
(3.7
)
 
4.5

 
122
 %
     Total used vehicle
121.9

 
127.3

 
(5.4
)
 
(4
)%
Parts and service
489.8

 
483.3

 
6.5

 
1
 %
Finance and insurance, net
275.2

 
261.0

 
14.2

 
5
 %
TOTAL GROSS PROFIT
1,055.9

 
1,058.7

 
(2.8
)
 
 %
OPERATING EXPENSES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative
729.7

 
732.5

 
(2.8
)
 
 %
Depreciation and amortization
32.1

 
30.7

 
1.4

 
5
 %
Franchise rights impairment
5.1

 

 
5.1

 
 %
Other operating expense (income), net
1.3

 
(2.3
)
 
3.6

 
157
 %
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
287.7

 
297.8

 
(10.1
)
 
(3
)%
OTHER EXPENSES (INCOME):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Floor plan interest expense
22.7

 
19.3

 
3.4

 
18
 %
Other interest expense, net
53.9

 
53.1

 
0.8

 
2
 %
Swap interest expense
2.0

 
3.1

 
(1.1
)
 
(35
)%
Gain on divestitures

 
(45.5
)
 
45.5

 
100
 %
Total other expenses (income), net
78.6

 
30.0

 
48.6

 
162
 %
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
209.1

 
267.8

 
(58.7
)
 
(22
)%
Income tax expense
70.0

 
100.6

 
(30.6
)
 
(30
)%
NET INCOME
$
139.1

 
$
167.2

 
$
(28.1
)
 
(17
)%
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic—
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
6.69

 
$
7.43

 
$
(0.74
)
 
(10
)%
Diluted—
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
6.62

 
$
7.40

 
$
(0.78
)
 
(11
)%
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
20.8

 
22.5

 
(1.7
)
 
(8
)%
Restricted stock
0.1

 

 
0.1

 
 %
Performance share units
0.1

 
0.1

 

 
 %
Diluted
21.0

 
22.6

 
(1.6
)
 
(7
)%



8



ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.
KEY OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS (In millions, except per unit data)
(Unaudited)
 
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31,
 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
%
Change
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
Unit sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New vehicle:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Luxury
22,525

 
23,875

 
(1,350
)
 
(6
)%
Import
58,685

 
58,466

 
219

 
 %
Domestic
18,765

 
20,019

 
(1,254
)
 
(6
)%
     Total new vehicle
99,975

 
102,360

 
(2,385
)
 
(2
)%
Used vehicle retail
76,929

 
79,259

 
(2,330
)
 
(3
)%
Used to new ratio
76.9
%
 
77.4
 %
 
(50) bps

 
 
Average selling price
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New vehicle
$
35,620

 
$
35,286

 
$
334

 
1
 %
Used vehicle retail
21,257

 
21,133

 
124

 
1
 %
Average gross profit per unit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New vehicle:
 
 
 
 


 


Luxury
$
3,503

 
$
3,535

 
$
(32
)
 
(1
)%
Import
968

 
1,178

 
(210
)
 
(18
)%
Domestic
1,775

 
1,688

 
87

 
5
 %
Total new vehicle
1,690

 
1,828

 
(138
)
 
(8
)%
Used vehicle
1,574

 
1,653

 
(79
)
 
(5
)%
Finance and insurance, net
1,556

 
1,437

 
119

 
8
 %
Front end yield (1)
3,196

 
3,189

 
7

 
 %
Gross margin
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New vehicle:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Luxury
6.6
%
 
6.7
 %
 
(10) bps

 
 
Import
3.5
%
 
4.3
 %
 
(80) bps

 
 
Domestic
4.6
%
 
4.6
 %
 
0 bps

 
 
Total new vehicle
4.7
%
 
5.2
 %
 
(50) bps

 
 
Used vehicle retail
7.4
%
 
7.8
 %
 
(40) bps

 
 
Parts and service
62.3
%
 
62.1
 %
 
20 bps

 
 
Total gross profit margin
16.4
%
 
16.2
 %
 
20 bps

 
 
SG&A metrics
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rent expense
$
26.7

 
$
29.9

 
$
(3.2
)
 
(11
)%
Total SG&A as a percentage of gross profit
69.1
%
 
69.2
 %
 
(10) bps

 
 
SG&A, excluding rent expense as a percentage of gross profit
66.6
%
 
66.4
 %
 
20 bps

 
 
Operating metrics
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from operations as a percentage of revenue
4.5
%
 
4.6
 %
 
(10
) bps
 
 
Income from operations as a percentage of gross profit
27.2
%
 
28.1
 %
 
(90) bps

 
 
Adjusted income from operations as a percentage of revenue
4.6
%
 
4.5
 %
 
10 bps

 
 
Adjusted income from operations as a percentage of gross profit
27.8
%
 
28.0
 %
 
(20) bps

 
 
Revenue mix
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New vehicle
55.2
%
 
55.3
 %
 
 
 
 
Used vehicle retail
25.2
%
 
25.7
 %
 
 
 
 
Used vehicle wholesale
3.1
%
 
3.1
 %
 
 
 
 
Parts and service
12.2
%
 
11.9
 %
 
 
 
 
Finance and insurance
4.3
%
 
4.0
 %
 
 
 
 
     Total revenue
100.0
%
 
100.0
 %
 
 
 
 
Gross profit mix
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New vehicle
16.0
%
 
17.7
 %
 
 
 
 
Used vehicle retail
11.4
%
 
12.2
 %
 
 
 
 
Used vehicle wholesale
0.1
%
 
(0.3
)%
 
 
 
 
Parts and service
46.4
%
 
45.7
 %
 
 
 
 
Finance and insurance
26.1
%
 
24.7
 %
 
 
 
 
     Total gross profit
100.0
%
 
100.0
 %
 
 
 
 
_____________________________
(1)
Front end yield is calculated as gross profit from new vehicles, used retail vehicles and finance and insurance (net), divided by combined new and used retail unit sales.

9



ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.
SAME STORE OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS (In millions)
(Unaudited)
 
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31,
 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
%
Change
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New vehicle:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Luxury
$
1,200.2

 
$
1,226.5

 
$
(26.3
)
 
(2
)%
Import
1,610.3

 
1,557.8

 
52.5

 
3
 %
Domestic
652.2

 
698.4

 
(46.2
)
 
(7
)%
     Total new vehicle
3,462.7

 
3,482.7

 
(20.0
)
 
(1
)%
Used Vehicle:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail
1,577.3

 
1,571.4

 
5.9

 
 %
Wholesale
190.5

 
192.3

 
(1.8
)
 
(1
)%
     Total used vehicle
1,767.8

 
1,763.7

 
4.1

 
 %
Parts and service
772.7

 
743.8

 
28.9

 
4
 %
Finance and insurance
266.9

 
249.1

 
17.8

 
7
 %
Total revenue
$
6,270.1

 
$
6,239.3

 
$
30.8

 
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross profit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New vehicle:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Luxury
$
79.0

 
$
82.4

 
$
(3.4
)
 
(4
)%
Import
56.3

 
67.0

 
(10.7
)
 
(16
)%
Domestic
28.7

 
31.9

 
(3.2
)
 
(10
)%
     Total new vehicle
164.0

 
181.3

 
(17.3
)
 
(10
)%
Used Vehicle:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail
115.4

 
123.0

 
(7.6
)
 
(6
)%
Wholesale
1.1

 
(2.9
)
 
4.0

 
NM

     Total used vehicle
116.5

 
120.1

 
(3.6
)
 
(3
)%
Parts and service:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Customer pay
267.2

 
257.3

 
9.9

 
4
 %
Warranty
80.5

 
71.4

 
9.1

 
13
 %
Wholesale parts
21.0

 
19.4

 
1.6

 
8
 %
     Parts and service, excluding reconditioning and preparation
368.7

 
348.1

 
20.6

 
6
 %
Reconditioning and preparation
112.0

 
114.7

 
(2.7
)
 
(2
)%
Total parts and service
480.7

 
462.8

 
17.9

 
4
 %
Finance and insurance
266.9

 
249.1

 
17.8

 
7
 %
Total gross profit
$
1,028.1

 
$
1,013.3

 
$
14.8

 
1
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SG&A expense
$
709.1

 
$
696.7

 
$
12.4

 
2
 %
SG&A expense as a percentage of gross profit
69.0
%
 
68.8
%
 
20 bps

 
 
_____________________________
Same store amounts consist of information from dealerships for identical months in each comparative period, commencing with the first month we owned the dealership. Additionally, amounts related to divested dealerships are excluded from each comparative period.

NMNot Meaningful











10



ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.
SAME STORE OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31,
 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
%
Change
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
Unit sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New vehicle:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Luxury
22,525

 
23,424

 
(899
)
 
(4
)%
Import
57,813

 
56,430

 
1,383

 
2
 %
Domestic
16,731

 
18,716

 
(1,985
)
 
(11
)%
     Total new vehicle
97,069

 
98,570

 
(1,501
)
 
(2
)%
Used vehicle retail
73,772

 
73,490

 
282

 
 %
Used to new ratio
76.0
%
 
74.6
%
 
140 bps

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average selling price
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New vehicle
$
35,673

 
$
35,332

 
$
341

 
1
 %
Used vehicle retail
21,381

 
21,383

 
(2
)
 
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average gross profit per unit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New vehicle:
 
 
 
 


 


Luxury
$
3,507

 
$
3,518

 
$
(11
)
 
 %
Import
974

 
1,187

 
(213
)
 
(18
)%
Domestic
1,715

 
1,704

 
11

 
1
 %
Total new vehicle
1,690

 
1,839

 
(149
)
 
(8
)%
Used vehicle retail
1,564

 
1,674

 
(110
)
 
(7
)%
Finance and insurance, net
1,562

 
1,448

 
114

 
8
 %
Front end yield (1)
3,198

 
3,216

 
(18
)
 
(1
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross margin
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New vehicle:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Luxury
6.6
%
 
6.7
%
 
(10) bps

 
 
Import
3.5
%
 
4.3
%
 
(80) bps

 
 
Domestic
4.4
%
 
4.6
%
 
(20) bps

 
 
Total new vehicle
4.7
%
 
5.2
%
 
(50) bps

 
 
Used vehicle retail
7.3
%
 
7.8
%
 
(50) bps

 
 
Parts and service:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Parts and service, excluding reconditioning and preparation
47.7
%
 
46.8
%
 
90 bps

 
 
Parts and service, including reconditioning and preparation
62.2
%
 
62.2
%
 
0 bps

 
 
Total gross profit margin
16.4
%
 
16.2
%
 
20 bps

 
 
_____________________________
Same store amounts consist of information from dealerships for identical months in each comparative period, commencing with the first month we owned the dealership. Additionally, amounts related to divested dealerships are excluded from each comparative period.

(1)
Front end yield is calculated as gross profit from new vehicles, used retail vehicles and finance and insurance (net), divided by combined new and used retail unit sales.


11



ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.
Additional Disclosures (In millions)
(Unaudited)
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
% Change
SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
4.7

  
$
3.4

  
$
1.3

 
38
 %
New vehicle inventory
646.5

  
720.6

  
(74.1
)
 
(10
)%
Used vehicle inventory
135.9

  
132.7

  
3.2

 
2
 %
Parts inventory
43.6

  
41.6

  
2.0

 
5
 %
Total current assets
1,302.1

  
1,332.4

  
(30.3
)
 
(2
)%
Floor plan notes payable
732.1

  
781.8

  
(49.7
)
 
(6
)%
Total current liabilities
1,058.2

  
1,104.9

  
(46.7
)
 
(4
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CAPITALIZATION:
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
Long-term debt (including current portion)
$
875.5

  
$
926.7

  
$
(51.2
)
 
(6
)%
Shareholders' equity
394.2

  
279.7

  
114.5

 
41
 %
Total
$
1,269.7

  
$
1,206.4

  
$
63.3

 
5
 %

 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
DAYS SUPPLY
 
 
 
New vehicle inventory
53

  
61

Used vehicle inventory
31

  
30

_____________________________
Days supply of inventory is calculated based on new and used inventory levels at the end of each reporting period and a 30-day historical cost of sales.











12



Brand Mix - New Vehicle Revenue by Brand-  
 
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Luxury:
 
 
 
Mercedes-Benz
7
%
 
7
%
Lexus
7
%
 
7
%
BMW
6
%
 
6
%
Acura
4
%
 
4
%
Infiniti
3
%
 
3
%
Other luxury
7
%
 
7
%
Total luxury
34
%
 
34
%
Imports:
 
 
 
Honda
18
%
 
17
%
Nissan
12
%
 
11
%
Toyota
11
%
 
12
%
Other imports
5
%
 
5
%
Total imports
46
%
 
45
%
Domestic:
 
 
 
Ford
11
%
 
13
%
Chevrolet
4
%
 
3
%
Dodge
3
%
 
3
%
Other domestics
2
%
 
2
%
Total domestic
20
%
 
21
%
Total New Vehicle Revenue
100
%
 
100
%
 








 

13



ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP INC.
Supplemental Disclosures
(Unaudited)


Non-GAAP Financial Disclosure and Reconciliation

In addition to evaluating the financial condition and results of our operations in accordance with GAAP, from time to time management evaluates and analyzes results and any impact on the Company of strategic decisions and actions relating to, among other things, cost reduction, growth, and profitability improvement initiatives, and other events outside of normal, or "core," business and operations, by considering certain alternative financial measures not prepared in accordance with GAAP. These measures include "Adjusted leverage ratio," "Adjusted income from operations," "Adjusted net income," " Adjusted operating margins," and "Adjusted diluted earnings per share ("EPS")." Further, management assesses the organic growth of our revenue and gross profit on a same store basis. We believe that our assessment on a same store basis represents an important indicator of comparative financial performance and provides relevant information to assess our performance at our existing locations. Same store amounts consist of information from dealerships for identical months in each comparative period, commencing with the first month we owned the dealership. Additionally, amounts related to divested dealerships are excluded from each comparative period. Non-GAAP measures do not have definitions under GAAP and may be defined differently by and not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. As a result, any non-GAAP financial measures considered and evaluated by management are reviewed in conjunction with a review of the most directly comparable measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. Management cautions investors not to place undue reliance on such non-GAAP measures, but also to consider them with the most directly comparable GAAP measures. In their evaluation of results from time to time, management excludes items that do not arise directly from core operations, or are otherwise of an unusual or non-recurring nature. Because these non-core, unusual or non-recurring charges and gains materially affect Asbury's financial condition or results in the specific period in which they are recognized, management also evaluates, and makes resource allocation and performance evaluation decisions based on, the related non-GAAP measures excluding such items. In addition to using such non-GAAP measures to evaluate results in a specific period, management believes that such measures may provide more complete and consistent comparisons of operational performance on a period-over-period historical basis and a better indication of expected future trends. Management discloses these non-GAAP measures, and the related reconciliations, because it believes investors use these metrics in evaluating longer-term period-over-period performance, and to allow investors to better understand and evaluate the information used by management to assess operating performance.



















14





The following tables provide reconciliations for our non-GAAP metrics:
 
For the Twelve Months Ended
 
December 31, 2017
 
September 30, 2017
 
(Dollars in millions)
Adjusted leverage ratio:
 
 
 
Long-term debt (including current portion)
$
875.5

 
$
915.7

 
 
 
 
Calculation of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"):
 
 
 
Net Income
$
139.1

 
$
163.7

 
 
 
 
Add:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
32.1

 
31.7

Income tax expense
70.0

 
97.8

Swap and other interest expense
55.9

 
55.8

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA")
$
297.1

 
$
349.0

 
 
 
 
Non-core items - (income) expense:
 
 
 
Franchise rights impairment
$
5.1

 
$

Real estate-related charges
2.9

 
3.4

Investment income
(0.8
)
 
(0.8
)
Legal settlements
(0.9
)
 
(7.5
)
Gain on divestitures

 
(45.5
)
  Total non-core items
6.3

 
(50.4
)
 
 
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA
$
303.4

 
$
298.6

 
 
 
 
Adjusted leverage ratio
2.9

 
3.1













15





 
For the Three Months Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In millions, except per share data)
Adjusted income from operations:
 
 
 
Income from operations
$
74.1

 
$
80.1

Franchise Right Impairment
5.1

 

Real estate-related charges

 
0.5

Legal settlements

 
(6.6
)
Adjusted income from operations
$
79.2

 
$
74.0

 
 
 
 
Adjusted net income:
 
 
 
Net income
$
42.5

 
$
67.1

 
 
 
 
Non-core items - (income) expense:
 
  
 
Franchise rights impairment
5.1

 

Legal settlements

 
(6.6
)
Real estate-related charges

 
0.5

Gain on divestitures

 
(45.5
)
Income tax (benefit) expense on non-core items above
(1.9
)
 
19.4

Discrete Tax Items
(7.9
)
 
(0.9
)
Total non-core items
(4.7
)
  
(33.1
)
Adjusted net income
$
37.8

  
$
34.0

 
 
 
 
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS):
 
 
 
Diluted EPS
$
2.03

 
$
3.08

 
 
 
 
Total non-core items
(0.22
)
 
(1.52
)
Adjusted diluted EPS
$
1.81

 
$
1.56

 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted
20.9
 
21.8




16



 
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In millions, except per share data)
Adjusted income from operations:
 
 
 
Income from operations
$
287.7

 
$
297.8

Franchise Right Impairment
5.1

 

Real estate-related charges
2.9

 
5.7

Investment income
(0.8
)
 

Legal settlements
(0.9
)
 
(6.6
)
Adjusted income from operations
$
294.0

 
$
296.9

 
 
 
 
Adjusted net income:
 
 
 
Net income
$
139.1

 
$
167.2

 
 
 
 
Non-core items - (income) expense:
 
  
 
Franchise rights impairment
5.1

 

Real estate-related charges
2.9

 
5.7

Investment income
(0.8
)
 

Legal settlements
(0.9
)
 
(6.6
)
Gain on Divestitures

 
(45.5
)
Income tax (benefit) expense on non-core items above
(2.4
)
 
17.4

Discrete Tax Items
(7.9
)
 
(0.9
)
Total non-core items
(4.0
)
  
(29.9
)
Adjusted net income
$
135.1

  
$
137.3

 
 
 
 
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS):
 
 
 
Diluted EPS
$
6.62

 
$
7.40

 
 
 
 
Total non-core items
(0.19
)
 
(1.32
)
Adjusted diluted EPS
$
6.43

 
$
6.08

 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted
21.0
 
22.6



17