UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

x

 

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

 

 

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2006

 

 

 

OR

 

 

 

o

 

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

 

For the transition period from           to           

 

Commission file number: 001-31262

 


 

ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

01-0609375

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

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

 

 

 

622 Third Avenue, 37th Floor

 

 

New York, New York

 

10017

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

(212) 885-2500

(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 x   No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:

Large Accelerated Filer  o                          Accelerated Filer  x                          Non-Accelerated Filer  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes  o    No  x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: The number of shares of common stock outstanding as of November 3, 2006, was 33,442,119 (net of 1,537,576 treasury shares).

 




ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.
INDEX

 

PART I — Financial Information

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

 

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005

3

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006 and 2005

4

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006 and 2005

5

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

6

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

24

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

 

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

25

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

50

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

50

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART II — Other Information

 

 

 

 

 

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

52

 

 

Signatures

53

 

 

Index to Exhibits

54

 

2




PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)

 

 

September 30,
2006

 

December 31,
2005

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

133,475

 

$

57,194

 

Contracts-in-transit

 

95,222

 

122,250

 

Accounts receivable (net of allowance of $690 and $1,216, respectively)

 

152,039

 

167,203

 

Inventories

 

715,458

 

709,791

 

Deferred income taxes

 

19,825

 

19,825

 

Prepaid and other current assets

 

59,698

 

57,419

 

Assets held for sale

 

12,451

 

51,498

 

Total current assets

 

1,188,168

 

1,185,180

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net

 

201,053

 

193,457

 

GOODWILL

 

449,785

 

457,405

 

OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS

 

91,741

 

94,758

 

Total assets

 

$

1,930,747

 

$

1,930,800

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Floor plan notes payable—manufacturer affiliated

 

$

293,928

 

$

204,044

 

Floor plan notes payable—non-manufacturer affiliated

 

319,446

 

410,338

 

Current maturities of long-term debt

 

26,263

 

24,522

 

Accounts payable

 

64,610

 

72,432

 

Accrued liabilities

 

93,756

 

100,043

 

Liabilities associated with assets held for sale

 

 

26,847

 

Total current liabilities

 

798,003

 

838,226

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LONG-TERM DEBT

 

456,283

 

472,427

 

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

 

44,055

 

44,287

 

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

 

30,090

 

28,094

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 14)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $.01 par value per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized

 

 

 

Common stock, $.01 par value per share, 90,000,000 shares authorized, 34,921,981 and 34,435,252 shares issued, including shares held in treasury, respectively

 

349

 

344

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

427,535

 

417,055

 

Retained earnings

 

191,073

 

148,986

 

Treasury stock, at cost; 1,537,576 and 1,586,587 shares held, respectively

 

(14,567

)

(15,032

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(2,074

)

(3,587

)

Total shareholders’ equity

 

602,316

 

547,766

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

1,930,747

 

$

1,930,800

 

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

3




ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

 

 

For the Three Months
Ended September 30,

 

For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

REVENUES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New vehicle

 

$

913,194

 

$

891,491

 

$

2,652,347

 

$

2,535,068

 

Used vehicle

 

394,402

 

360,029

 

1,137,069

 

1,028,901

 

Parts, service and collision repair

 

171,652

 

165,126

 

513,576

 

474,798

 

Finance and insurance, net

 

41,198

 

40,133

 

120,042

 

114,687

 

Total revenues

 

1,520,446

 

1,456,779

 

4,423,034

 

4,153,454

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COST OF SALES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New vehicle

 

848,979

 

830,005

 

2,466,609

 

2,360,850

 

Used vehicle

 

357,864

 

327,670

 

1,032,966

 

937,903

 

Parts, service and collision repair

 

83,843

 

81,780

 

253,587

 

233,421

 

Total cost of sales

 

1,290,686

 

1,239,455

 

3,753,162

 

3,532,174

 

GROSS PROFIT

 

229,760

 

217,324

 

669,872

 

621,280

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

174,996

 

168,395

 

512,360

 

486,947

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

5,076

 

4,930

 

15,164

 

14,390

 

Income from operations

 

49,688

 

43,999

 

142,348

 

119,943

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Floor plan interest expense

 

(10,311

)

(6,533

)

(30,712

)

(20,521

)

Other interest expense

 

(11,225

)

(10,314

)

(33,268

)

(30,183

)

Interest income

 

1,523

 

163

 

3,271

 

598

 

Loss on extinguishment of long-term debt, net

 

(914

)

 

(914

)

 

Other income, net

 

400

 

14

 

1,225

 

455

 

Total other expense, net

 

(20,527

)

(16,670

)

(60,398

)

(49,651

)

Income before income taxes

 

29,161

 

27,329

 

81,950

 

70,292

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME TAX EXPENSE

 

10,935

 

10,248

 

30,731

 

26,359

 

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

 

18,226

 

17,081

 

51,219

 

43,933

 

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, net of tax

 

(1,047

)

(2,128

)

(2,483

)

(3,354

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME

 

$

17,179

 

$

14,953

 

$

48,736

 

$

40,579

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic—

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations

 

$

0.55

 

$

0.52

 

$

1.55

 

$

1.35

 

Discontinued operations

 

(0.03

)

(0.06

)

(0.08

)

(0.11

)

Net income

 

$

0.52

 

$

0.46

 

$

1.47

 

$

1.24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted—

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations

 

$

0.54

 

$

0.52

 

$

1.51

 

$

1.34

 

Discontinued operations

 

(0.03

)

(0.07

)

(0.07

)

(0.10

)

Net income

 

$

0.51

 

$

0.45

 

$

1.44

 

$

1.24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

33,258

 

32,737

 

33,087

 

32,644

 

Diluted

 

33,841

 

33,032

 

33,853

 

32,847

 

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

4




ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

 

 

For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

48,736

 

$

40,579

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities-

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

15,164

 

14,390

 

Depreciation and amortization from discontinued operations

 

209

 

1,405

 

Share-based compensation

 

3,258

 

 

Amortization of deferred financing fees

 

1,759

 

1,606

 

Change in allowance for doubtful accounts

 

(526

)

(1,016

)

(Gain) loss on sale of discontinued operations, net

 

(2,076

)

416

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(1,221

)

 

Loss on extinguishment of long-term debt, net

 

914

 

 

Other adjustments

 

5,403

 

5,195

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and divestitures-

 

 

 

 

 

Contracts-in-transit

 

27,028

 

23,399

 

Accounts receivable

 

534

 

(6,438

)

Proceeds from the sale of accounts receivable

 

14,347

 

12,390

 

Inventories

 

11,413

 

132,676

 

Prepaid and other current assets

 

(25,334

)

(19,114

)

Floor plan notes payable—manufacturer affiliated

 

89,884

 

(175,442

)

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

(4,800

)

2,381

 

Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements

 

(1,723

)

 

Other long-term assets and liabilities

 

5,392

 

4,987

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

188,361

 

37,414

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures—internally financed

 

(22,814

)

(26,598

)

Capital expenditures—externally financed

 

(11,871

)

(24,355

)

Construction reimbursements associated with sale-leaseback agreements

 

3,383

 

4,127

 

Acquisitions

 

 

(24,621

)

Proceeds from the sale of assets

 

43,691

 

12,794

 

Other investing activities

 

(1,297

)

(707

)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

11,092

 

(59,360

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Floor plan borrowings—non-manufacturer affiliated

 

1,838,366

 

2,454,384

 

Floor plan repayments—non-manufacturer affiliated

 

(1,946,033

)

(2,406,138

)

Proceeds from borrowings

 

987

 

23,266

 

Repayments of debt

 

(17,524

)

(49,748

)

Payments of debt issuance costs

 

 

(4,975

)

Net proceeds from share-based payment arrangements

 

5,958

 

3,062

 

Payments of dividends

 

(6,649

)

 

Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements

 

1,723

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

 

(123,172

)

19,851

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

76,281

 

(2,095

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period

 

57,194

 

28,093

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period

 

$

133,475

 

$

25,998

 

 

See Note 13 for supplemental cash flow information

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

5




ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

1.  DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. is a national automotive retailer, operating 120 franchises (87 dealership locations) in 21 metropolitan markets within 10 states as of September 30, 2006. We offer an extensive range of automotive products and services, including new and used vehicles, vehicle maintenance, replacement parts, collision repair services, and financing, insurance and service contracts. We offer 33 domestic and foreign brands of new vehicles, including four heavy truck brands. We also operate 24 collision repair centers that serve our markets.

Our retail network is currently organized into four regions and includes ten dealership groups, each marketed under different local brands: (i) Florida (comprising our Coggin dealerships, operating primarily in Jacksonville and Orlando, and our Courtesy dealerships operating in Tampa), (ii) West (comprising our McDavid dealerships operating throughout Texas and our Spirit dealership operating in Los Angeles, California), (iii) Mid-Atlantic (comprising our Crown dealerships operating in North Carolina, South Carolina and Southern Virginia) and (iv) South (comprising our Nalley dealerships operating in Atlanta, Georgia, and our North Point dealerships operating in Little Rock, Arkansas). Our Plaza dealerships operating in St. Louis, Missouri, our Gray Daniels dealerships operating in Jackson, Mississippi and our Northern California Dealerships operating in Sacramento and Fresno, remain standalone operations.

2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), and reflect the condensed consolidated accounts of Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. and our wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. Accordingly, actual results could differ from these estimates. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed quarterly and the effects of revisions are reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements in the period they are determined to be necessary.  Refer to “Critical Accounting Estimates” in Item 2 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for more information on our critical estimates. 

In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal, recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2006, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 have been included. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. Our interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” certain amounts reflected in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, have been classified as Assets Held for Sale and Liabilities Associated with Assets Held for Sale for franchises, ancillary businesses and completed construction projects held for sale at each balance sheet date. In addition, the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, have been reclassified to reflect the status of our discontinued operations as of September 30, 2006.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from the sale of new and used vehicles is recognized upon delivery, passage of title, signing of the sales contract and approval of financing. Revenue from the sale of parts, service and collision repair is recognized upon delivery of parts to the customer or at the time vehicle service or repair work is completed. Manufacturer incentives and rebates, including manufacturer holdbacks, floor plan interest assistance and certain advertising assistance, are recognized as a reduction of new vehicle cost of sales when earned, generally at the time the related vehicles are sold.

6




We receive commissions from third party lending and insurance institutions for arranging customer financing and for the sale of vehicle service contracts, credit life insurance and disability insurance to customers (collectively “F&I”).  We may be charged back (“chargebacks”) for F&I commissions in the event a contract is terminated. F&I commissions are recorded at the time the vehicles are sold and a reserve for future chargebacks is established based on historical operating results and the termination provisions of the applicable contracts. F&I commissions, net of estimated chargebacks, are included in Finance and insurance, net in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess cost of the businesses acquired over the fair market value of the identifiable net assets. We have determined that based on how we operate our business, allocate resources, and regularly review our financial data and operating results that we qualify as a single reporting unit for purposes of testing goodwill for impairment. We evaluate our operations and financial results in the aggregate by dealership.  The dealership general managers are responsible for customer facing activities, including inventory management, advertising and personnel decisions; and have the flexibility to respond to local market conditions while the corporate management team, with input from the regional management teams, is responsible for infrastructure and general strategy decisions.

The fair market value of our manufacturer franchise rights is determined at the acquisition date through discounting the projected cash flows specific to each franchise. We have determined that manufacturer franchise rights have an indefinite life as there are no legal, contractual, economic or other factors that limit their useful lives and they are expected to generate cash flows indefinitely due to the historically long lives of the manufacturers’ brand names. Due to the fact that manufacturer franchise rights are specific to the location in which we acquire a dealership, we have determined that the dealership is the reporting unit for purposes of testing for impairment.

Share-Based Compensation

Effective January 2006, we adopted SFAS No. 123R “Share-Based Payment” under the modified prospective transition method and therefore we record share-based compensation expense under the fair value method on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Accordingly, prior periods have not been restated. Prior to January 2006, including the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, we recorded share-based compensation expense in accordance with Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” APB Opinion No. 25 required the use of the intrinsic value method, which measures compensation cost as the excess, if any, of the quoted market price of the stock at the measurement date over the amount an employee must pay to acquire the stock.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

We utilize derivative financial instruments to manage our capital structure. The types of risks hedged are those relating to the variability of cash flows and changes in the fair value of our financial instruments caused by movements in interest rates. We document our risk management strategy and assess hedge effectiveness at the inception and during the term of each hedge. Derivatives are reported at fair value on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The changes in fair value of the effective portion of “cash flow” hedges are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified to interest expense to the extent the hedge becomes ineffective. The change in fair value of “fair value” hedges are recorded as a component of interest expense. Changes in the fair value of the associated hedged exposures are also recorded as a component of interest expense.

Measurements of hedge effectiveness are based on comparisons between the gains or losses of the actual interest rate swaps and the gains or losses of hypothetical interest rate swaps, which are designed to reflect the critical terms of the defined hedged exposures. Ineffective portions of these interest rate swaps are reported as a component of interest expense in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. We recognized minor ineffectiveness during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and September 30, 2005.

Statements of Cash Flows—

Borrowings and repayments of floor plan notes payable to a party unaffiliated with the manufacturer of a particular new vehicle, and all floor plan notes payable relating to pre-owned vehicles, are classified as financing activities on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows with borrowings reflected separately from repayments. The net change in floor plan notes payable to a party affiliated with the manufacturer of a particular new vehicle is classified as an operating activity on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

7




The net change in service loaner vehicle obligations is reflected as an operating activity as a component of Prepaid and Other Current Assets in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, as these borrowings and repayments are with lenders affiliated with the vehicle manufacturer from which we purchase the related vehicles.

Construction reimbursements in connection with sale-leaseback agreements for the construction of new dealership facilities or leasehold improvements to our existing dealership facilities are included in investing activities in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Externally financed capital expenditures include all expenditures that we have financed during the reporting period or intend to finance in future reporting periods through sale-leaseback transactions or mortgage financing. Internally financed capital expenditures include all capital expenditures which were paid using available cash and for which we do not intend to seek external financing.

Tax benefits related to share-based awards that are fully vested prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R are included as cash inflows from financing activities and cash outflows from operating activities on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.  Excess tax benefits related to share-based awards that are partially vested upon or granted after the adoption of SFAS No. 123R are also included as cash inflows from financing activities and cash outflows from operating activities on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Net proceeds from share-based payment arrangements include payments from employees upon the exercise of stock options, net of payments of employee income taxes in connection with net share settlements of share-based awards.  Net share settlements of share-based awards result in (i) the issuance of shares of our common with a value equal to the employee’s intrinsic value and (ii) the payment of the income tax on behalf of the employee in lieu of issuing additional shares of common stock.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes.”  FIN No. 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109 “Accounting for Income Taxes.”  FIN No. 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  FIN No. 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.  FIN No. 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. Earlier application is encouraged if the enterprise has not yet issued financial statements, including interim financial statements, in the period of adoption.  We are currently evaluating the impact of FIN No. 48 on our condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In September 2006, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108 (SAB 108), “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements.” SAB 108 addresses how the effects of prior year uncorrected misstatements should be considered when quantifying misstatements in current year financial statements. SAB 108 requires companies to quantify misstatements using both a balance sheet and an income statement approach and to evaluate whether either approach results in quantifying an error that is material in light of relevant quantitative and qualitative factors. When the effect of initial adoption is material, companies will record the effect as a cumulative effect adjustment to beginning of year retained earnings. The provisions of SAB 108 are effective for the year ending December 31, 2006. The adoption of SAB 108 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements.” SFAS No. 157 provides guidance for, among other things, the definition of fair value and the methods used to measure fair value. The provisions of SFAS No. 157 are effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We are currently evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 157 on our condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

3.  SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

We have established two share-based compensation plans (the “Plans”) under which we have granted non-qualified stock options, performance share units and restricted share units to our directors, officers and employees at fair market value on the date of the grant. Stock options generally vest ratably over three years from the date of grant and expire ten years from the date of grant.  Performance share units generally vest after two to three years from the date of grant and provide the holder the opportunity to receive additional shares of common stock if certain performance criteria are achieved.  The actual number of shares earned by a holder of performance share units may range from 0% to 180% of the target number of shares to be granted to such a holder, depending on the achievement of certain performance criteria over a defined period of timeare achieved.  Restricted share units vest ratably over two to three years from the date of grant and have voting and dividends rights prior to vesting.  We have granted a total of 4,310,954 non-qualified stock options and 175,500 performance share

8




units to certain of our key employees and officers and 12,500 restricted share units to members of our board of directors.  As of September 30, 2006, there were 1,674,820 non-qualified stock options, 174,500 performance share units and 12,500 restricted share units outstanding.  In addition, there were approximately 2,225,000 share-based awards available for grant under our share-based compensation plans as of September 30, 2006.  We expect to continue to issue performance share units and restricted share units in lieu of non-qualified stock options.

Effective January 2006, we adopted SFAS No. 123R under the modified prospective transition method.  As a result we have recorded share-based compensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, under the fair value method.  Prior to January 2006, including the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, we accounted for share-based awards under the intrinsic value method in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25 and therefore did not record any share-based compensation expense.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, the adoption of SFAS No. 123R resulted in incremental share-based compensation expense of $2.1 million (excluding $1.2 million associated with our decision to issue performance share units and restricted share units).  The incremental share-based compensation expense decreased income before income taxes by $2.1 million, net income by $1.3 million and basic and diluted earnings per common share by $0.04 per share.  Net cash provided by operating activities decreased and net cash used in financing activities decreased by $1.7 million related to excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements.

The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black Scholes option valuation model.  The fair value of each performance share unit and restricted share unit is calculated using the closing market price of our common stock on the date of grant.  Expected volatilities are based on the historical volatility of our common stock.  We use historical data to estimate the rate of option exercises and employee turnover within the valuation model.  The expected term of options granted represents the period of time that the related options are expected to be outstanding.  The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.

We recorded $1.0 million in compensation expense and an associated tax benefit of $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006; and $3.3 million in compensation expense and an associated tax benefit of $1.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.  We did not recognize any material share-based compensation expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2005.  As of September 30, 2006, there was $3.7 million of total unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to non-vested share-based awards granted under the Plans.  That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.7 years.  The following table illustrates the effect on net income and net income per share had our share-based awards been recorded using the fair value method of SFAS No. 123R for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005:

 

 

For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,

 

For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

2005

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

14,953

 

$

40,579

 

Adjustments to net income:

 

 

 

 

 

Share-based compensation expense included in net income, net of tax

 

 

1

 

Pro forma share-based compensation expense, net of tax

 

(669

)

(2,009

)

Pro forma net income

 

$

14,284

 

$

38,571

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common share—basic (as reported)

 

$

0.46

 

$

1.24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common share—diluted (as reported)

 

$

0.45

 

$

1.24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pro forma net income per common share—basic

 

$

0.44

 

$

1.18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pro forma net income per common share—diluted

 

$

0.43

 

$

1.17

 

 

A summary of options outstanding and exercisable under the Plans as of September 30, 2006, and changes during the nine months then ended is presented below:

9




 

 

 

Stock
Options

 

Weighted Average
Exercise Price

 

Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Term

 

Aggregate Intrinsic
Value*

 

Options outstanding - December 31, 2005

 

2,941,262

 

$

15.35

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(1,224,229

)

$

16.38

 

 

 

 

 

Expired / Forfeited

 

(42,213

)

$

15.01

 

 

 

 

 

Options outstanding—September 30, 2006

 

1,674,820

 

$

14.61

 

4.3

 

$

10,032,172

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options exercisable—September 30, 2006

 

1,287,285

 

$

14.51

 

6.5

 

$

7,839,566

 

 


*                    Based on the closing price of our common stock on September 30, 2006

Cash received from option exercises for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 totaled $6.8 million.  The actual intrinsic value of options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was $4.8 million. The actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from option exercises totaled $1.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.

A summary of performance share units and restricted share units as of September 30, 2006, and changes during the nine months then ended is presented below:

 

Shares

 

Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value

 

Performance Share Units—December 31, 2005

 

 

$

 

Granted

 

175,500

 

$

16.86

 

Performance estimate

 

43,875

 

$

16.86

 

Vested

 

 

$

 

Forfeited

 

(1,000

)

$

16.86

 

 Performance Share Units—September 30, 2006*

 

218,375

 

$

16.86

 

 


*                    Includes an estimate of 43,875 out of a maximum of 140,400 issuable upon attaining certain performance metrics

 

Shares

 

Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value

 

Restricted Share Units—December 31, 2005

 

 

$

 

Granted

 

12,500

 

$

19.81

 

Vested

 

 

$

 

Forfeited

 

 

$

 

Restricted Share Units—September 30, 2006

 

12,500

 

$

19.81

 

 

Each performance share unit provides an opportunity for the employee to receive a number of shares of our common stock based on our performance during a three year period as measured against objective performance goals as determined by the compensation committee of our board of directors. The actual number of shares earned may range from 0% to 180% of the target number of shares depending upon achievement of the performance goals. 

4.  INVENTORIES

Inventories consist of the following:

 

As of

(In thousands)

 

September 30,
2006

 

December 31,
2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New vehicles

 

$

550,404

 

$

556,141

 

Used vehicles

 

121,485

 

111,000

 

Parts and accessories

 

43,569

 

42,650

 

Total inventories

 

$

715,458

 

$

709,791

 

                                               

The lower of cost or market reserves for inventory totaled $5.2 million and $4.3 million as of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively. In addition to the inventories shown above, we had $18.9 million of inventory as of December 31, 2005 classified as Assets Held for Sale on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as they were associated with franchises held for sale.  There was no inventory classified as Assets Held for Sale as of September 30, 2006.

10




5.  ACQUISITIONS

We did not acquire any franchises during the nine months ended September 30, 2006.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, we acquired three franchises (one dealership location) for an aggregate purchase price of $26.8 million, including $9.3 million of cash, $15.3 million of borrowings from our floor plan facilities, the exchange of two of our franchises valued at $1.5 million and $0.7 million of future payments.

The allocation of purchase price for acquisitions is as follows:

(In thousands)

 

For the Nine 
Months Ended
September 30,
2005

 

 

 

 

 

Inventories

 

$

17,156

 

Fixed assets

 

344

 

Other assets

 

1

 

Goodwill

 

6,400

 

Franchise rights

 

2,850

 

Total purchase price

 

$

26,751

 

 

6.  GOODWILL AND MANUFACTURER FRANCHISE RIGHTS

During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, we sold six franchises (five dealership locations) and one ancillary business resulting in the removal of approximately $7.6 million of Goodwill from our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. There were no manufacturer franchise rights associated with these franchises at the time of sale as these franchises were purchased prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangibles.”  Manufacturer franchise rights totaled $41.8 million as of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, and are included in Other Long-term Assets on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

7.  ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE

Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale include (i) assets and liabilities associated with discontinued operations held for sale at each balance sheet date and (ii) costs of completed construction projects included in pending sale-leaseback transactions where an unaffiliated third party reimburses us during construction or will reimburse us upon completion of the transaction.

Assets associated with discontinued operations include real estate associated with former dealership locations in Texas as of September 30, 2006.  As of December 31, 2005, assets and liabilities associated with discontinued operations included two franchises (two dealership locations) in Oregon and two franchises (two dealership locations) in Southern California. During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, we sold the franchises that had been held for sale as of December 31, 2005, as well as two additional franchises (one dealership location) and one ancillary business in Florida for proceeds of $43.5 million, resulting in a net gain of $2.1 million. Assets associated with discontinued operations totaled $12.5 million and $39.6 million as of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively.  Liabilities associated with discontinued operations totaled $16.8 million as of December 31, 2005.  There were no liabilities associated with discontinued operations as of September 30, 2006.

Included in Assets Held for Sale as of December 31, 2005, were $11.9 million of costs associated with two completed projects included in pending sale-leaseback transactions.  As of December 31, 2005, Liabilities Associated with Assets Held for Sale included $10.0 million of reimbursements associated with the two completed construction projects. During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, we incurred $1.5 million of additional construction costs associated with the completion of these two sale-leaseback transactions resulting in (i) the sale of $13.4 million of assets; (ii) the receipt of the remaining $3.4 million of reimbursements and (iii) the commencement of long-term operating leases for the assets sold.

11




A summary of assets and liabilities held for sale is as follows:

 

As of

(In thousands)

 

September 30,
2006

 

December 31,
2005

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Inventories

 

$

 

$

18,940

 

Property and equipment, net

 

12,451

 

32,558

 

Total assets

 

12,451

 

51,498

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Floor plan notes payable

 

 

16,775

 

Other liabilities

 

 

10,072

 

Total liabilities

 

 

26,847

 

Net assets held for sale

 

$

12,451

 

$

24,651

 

 

Included in Prepaid and Other Current Assets on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are costs associated with construction projects, which we intend to sell through sale-leaseback transactions but have not been completed and therefore are not available for sale. In connection with these construction projects, we have entered into sale-leaseback agreements whereby an unaffiliated third party purchased the land and is reimbursing us, or will reimburse us, for the cost of construction of dealership facilities being constructed on the land. We capitalize the cost of the construction during the construction period and record a corresponding liability equal to the amount of any reimbursed funds. Upon completion of the construction, we will execute the sale-leaseback transaction and remove the cost of construction and the related liability from our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The book value of assets associated with construction projects that have not been completed as of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 totaled $11.1 million and $2.9 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, there were no liabilities associated with these construction projects.

8.  LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consists of the following:

 

As of

 

(In thousands)

 

September 30,
2006

 

December 31,
2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2012

 

$

250,000

 

$

250,000

 

8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014 ($185.0 million and $200.00 million face value, respectively, net of hedging activity of $8,229 and $8,028, respectively)

 

176,771

 

191,972

 

Mortgage notes payable

 

27,079

 

26,764

 

Loaner vehicle obligations

 

24,146

 

21,676

 

Capital lease obligations

 

3,691

 

4,548

 

Other notes payable

 

859

 

1,989

 

 

 

482,546

 

496,949

 

Less—current portion

 

(26,263

)

(24,522

)

Long-term debt

 

$

456,283

 

$

472,427

 

 

In September 2006, we recognized a $0.9 million loss on the extinguishment of $15.0 million of our 8% Notes.  Included in the $0.9 million loss is a $0.7 million write-off of a portion of the unamortized value of our terminated fair value swap and a $0.4 million write-off of a portion of the unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the 8% Notes, offset by a $0.2 million market discount on the 8% Notes.  This transaction will reduce our other interest expense annually by $1.2 millionOur board of directors has authorized us to repurchase up to an additional $25.0 million of our Senior Subordinated Notes, which we may do depending on market conditions.

In March 2006, we amended our Committed Credit Facility to include DaimlerChrysler Financial Services (“DCFS”) as a lender and extended its maturity to March 2009.  In addition, DCFS has agreed to provide a maximum of $120.0 million of floor plan financing outside of the Committed Credit Facility to finance inventory purchases at our Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep dealerships (“DaimlerChrysler Dealerships”). As a result of the execution of this amendment, floor plan borrowings from DCFS are now included in Floor Plan Notes Payable — Manufacturer Affiliated on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The DCFS floor plan facility has no stated termination date.  Borrowings will accrue interest based on LIBOR.  Further, we reduced our working capital borrowing capacity of our Committed Credit Facility from $150.0 million to $125.0 million and reduced the floor plan borrowing capacity of our Committed Credit Facility from $650.0 million to $425.0 million.

12




9.  FLOOR PLAN NOTES PAYABLE

In connection with the amendment to our Committed Credit Facility in March 2006, we refinanced the floor plan notes payable at our DaimlerChrysler Dealerships through the repayment of $85.4 million of floor plan notes payable — non-manufacturer affiliated with borrowings from DCFS, a manufacturer affiliated lender. As a result, floor plan notes payable at our DaimlerChrysler Dealerships are included in Floor Plan Notes Payable — Manufacturer Affiliated on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2006.  Floor plan notes payable at our DaimlerChrysler Dealerships totaled $90.8 million and $95.4 million as of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively. In addition, during the nine months ended September 30, 2006, our Floor Plan Repayments — Non-manufacturer Affiliated and Floor Plan Notes Payable — Manufacturer Affiliated each increased by $85.4 million on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

As of September 30, 2006, we had $613.4 million of floor plan notes payable outstanding on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  As of December 31, 2005, we had $631.2 million of floor plan notes payable outstanding, including $16.8 million classified as Liabilities Associated with Assets Held for Sale on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

10.  DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITY

Three of our interest rate swap agreements terminated in March 2006, which resulted in a cash payment of $13.7 million, which equaled the fair market value of the swap agreements.  Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2006 was $3.6 million ($2.2 million, net of tax) of unrecognized amortization related to our two terminated cash flow swaps, which are being amortized through March 2014 as a component of Floor Plan Interest Expense on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.  In addition, included as a reduction to our 8% Notes as of September 30, 2006 was $8.2 million of unrecognized amortization related to our terminated fair value swap, which is being amortized through March 2014 as a component of Other Interest Expense on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.  The amortization of the termination costs of these three swap agreements will increase floor plan and other interest expense by $0.7 million and $0.9 million, respectively, during 2006.

We have an interest rate swap agreement with a notional principal amount of $14.3 million as of September 30, 2006, as a hedge against future cash flows that result from changes in the interest rate of our variable rate mortgage notes payable. Under the terms of the swap agreement, we are required to make payments at a fixed rate and receive a variable rate based on LIBOR. This swap agreement was designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge of changes in the interest rate of our variable rate mortgage notes payable and will contain minor ineffectiveness. As of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, the swap agreement had a fair value of $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively, which is included in Other Long-Term Assets on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

11.  COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The following table provides a reconciliation of net income to comprehensive income:

 

 

For the Three Months
Ended September 30,

 

For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,

 

(In thousands)

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

17,179

 

$

14,953

 

$

48,736

 

$

40,579

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in fair value of cash flow swaps

 

(326

)

5,165

 

1,862

 

(114

)

Amortization of terminated cash flow swaps

 

239

 

 

557

 

 

Income tax expense (benefit) associated with cash flow swaps

 

33

 

(1,937

)

(906

)

43

 

Comprehensive income

 

$

17,125

 

$

18,181

 

$

50,249

 

$

40,508

 

 

12.  DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, we placed three franchises (one dealership location) and one ancillary business into discontinued operations and sold six franchises (five dealership locations) and one ancillary business for proceeds of $43.5 million, resulting in a net gain of $2.1 million.  As of September 30, 2006, one franchise was pending disposition.  The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, have been reclassified to reflect the status of our discontinued operations as of September 30, 2006.  The following table provides further information regarding our discontinued operations as of September 30, 2006, and includes the results of businesses sold between January 1, 2005 and September 30, 2006, and businesses pending disposition as of

13




September 30, 2006:

 

 

 

For the Three Months
Ended September 30, 2006

 

For the Three Months
Ended September 30, 2005

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Sold

 

Pending
Disposition

 

Total

 

Sold(a)

 

Pending
Disposition(b)

 

Total

 

Franchises:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mid-line Domestic

 

 

 

 

7

 

 

7

 

Mid-line Import

 

 

 

 

3

 

 

3

 

Value

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

2

 

Luxury

 

 

1

 

1

 

 

1

 

1

 

Total

 

 

1

 

1

 

12

 

1

 

13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ancillary Businesses

 

1

 

 

1

 

2

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

1,026

 

$

1,591

 

$

2,617

 

$

101,427

 

$

1,912

 

$

103,339

 

Cost of sales

 

82

 

1,377

 

1,459

 

86,588

 

1,700

 

88,288

 

Gross profit

 

944

 

214

 

1,158

 

14,839

 

212

 

15,051

 

Operating expenses

 

2,265

 

74

 

2,339

 

16,813

 

77

 

16,890

 

Income (loss) from operations

 

(1,321

)

140

 

(1,181

)

(1,974

)

135

 

(1,839

)

Other income (expense), net

 

85

 

(38

)

47

 

(1,113

)

(27

)

(1,140

)

Loss on disposition of discontinued operations, net

 

(541

)

 

(541

)

(426

)

 

(426

)

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

(1,777

)

102

 

(1,675

)

(3,513

)

108

 

(3,405

)

Income tax (expense) benefit

 

666

 

(38

)

628

 

1,317

 

(40

)

1,277

 

Discontinued operations, net of tax

 

$

(1,111

)

$

64

 

$

(1,047

)

$

(2,196

)

$

68

 

$

(2,128

)

 


(a)             Businesses were sold between July 1, 2005 and September 30, 2006.

(b)            Businesses were pending disposition as of September 30, 2006.

 

 

 

For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, 2006

 

For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, 2005

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Sold

 

Pending
Disposition

 

Total

 

Sold(a)

 

Pending
Disposition(b)

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Franchises:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mid-line Domestic

 

3

 

 

3

 

10

 

 

10

 

Mid-line Import

 

2

 

 

2

 

3

 

 

3

 

Value

 

1

 

 

1

 

2

 

 

2

 

Luxury

 

 

1

 

1

 

1

 

1

 

2

 

Total

 

6

 

1

 

7

 

16

 

1

 

17

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ancillary Businesses

 

1

 

 

1

 

2

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

37,737

 

$

6,422

 

$

44,159

 

$

310,036

 

$

5,026

 

$

315,062

 

Cost of sales

 

28,926

 

5,703

 

34,629

 

260,811

 

4,437

 

265,248

 

Gross profit

 

8,811

 

719

 

9,530

 

49,225

 

589

 

49,814

 

Operating expenses

 

14,414

 

215

 

14,629

 

51,351

 

197

 

51,548

 

Income (loss) from operations

 

(5,603

)

504

 

(5,099

)

(2,126

)

392

 

(1,734

)

Other expense, net

 

(432

)

(127

)

(559

)

(3,143

)

(73

)

(3,216

)

Gain (loss) on disposition of discontinued operations, net

 

2,076

 

 

2,076

 

(416

)

 

(416

)

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

(3,959

)

377

 

(3,582

)

(5,685

)

319

 

(5,366

)

Income tax (expense) benefit

 

1,241

 

(142

)

1,099

 

2,132

 

(120

)

2,012

 

Discontinued operations, net of tax

 

$

(2,718

)

$

235

 

$

(2,483

)

$

(3,553

)

$

199

 

$

(3,354

)

 


(a)             Businesses were sold between January 1, 2005 and September 30, 2006.

(b)            Businesses were pending disposition as of September 30, 2006.

 

14




13.  SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, we made interest payments, net of amounts capitalized, totaling $60.6 million and $51.3 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, we received $0.5 million and $3.7 million, respectively, of proceeds associated with our fair value swap that was entered into in connection with the issuance of our 8% Notes.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, we made income tax payments totaling $18.5 million and $17.8 million, respectively.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, we completed sale-leaseback transactions resulting in the sale of $13.4 million and $15.7 million of Assets Held for Sale and the removal of the corresponding liabilities from our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, respectively.

14.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

A significant portion of our vehicle business involves the sale of vehicles, parts or vehicles composed of parts that are manufactured outside the United States of America. As a result, our operations are subject to customary risks of importing merchandise, including fluctuations in the relative values of currencies, import duties, exchange controls, trade restrictions, work stoppages and general political and socio-economic conditions in foreign countries. The United States of America or the countries from which our products are imported may, from time to time, impose new quotas, duties, tariffs or other restrictions, or adjust presently prevailing quotas, duties or tariffs, which may affect our operations and our ability to purchase imported vehicles and/or parts at reasonable prices.

Manufacturers may direct us to implement costly capital improvements to dealerships as a condition upon entering into franchise agreements with them. Manufacturers also typically require that their franchises meet specific standards of appearance. These factors, either alone or in combination, could cause us to divert our financial resources to capital projects from uses that management believes may be of higher long-term value, such as acquisitions.

Substantially all of our facilities are subject to federal, state and local provisions regarding the discharge of materials into the environment. Compliance with these provisions has not had, nor do we expect such compliance to have, any material effect upon our capital expenditures, net earnings, financial condition, liquidity or competitive position. We believe that our current practices and procedures for the control and disposition of such materials comply with applicable federal, state and local requirements.

From time to time, we and our dealerships are named in claims involving the manufacture and sale or lease of motor vehicles, including but not limited to the charging of administrative fees, the operation of dealerships, contractual disputes and other matters arising in the ordinary course of our business. With respect to certain of these claims, the sellers of our acquired dealerships have indemnified us. We do not expect that any potential liability from these claims will materially affect our financial condition, liquidity, results of operations or financial statement disclosures.

Our dealerships hold dealer agreements with a number of vehicle manufacturers. In accordance with the individual dealer agreements, each dealership is subject to certain rights and restrictions typical of the industry. The ability of the manufacturers to influence the operations of the dealerships or the loss of a dealer agreement could have a negative impact on our operating results.

15.  SECONDARY OFFERING OF COMMON STOCK

In September 2006, Asbury Automotive Holdings L.L.C., an affiliate of Ripplewood Investments L.L.C, and our principal shareholder, completed a secondary offering of our common stock in which it sold approximately 8,555,700 of its shares at $18.50 per share.  Shares sold by Asbury Automotive Holdings L.L.C. were sold for the account of funds affiliated with Ripplewood Investments L.L.C. and Freeman Spogli & Co., Incorporated. We did not receive any net proceeds from the secondary offering.  The secondary offering resulted in the reduction of our principal shareholder’s ownership percentage from approximately 53% to approximately 27%.

 

15




16.  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Our 8% Notes and our Committed Credit Facility are guaranteed by all of our current subsidiaries, other than our current Toyota and Lexus dealership subsidiaries, and all of our future domestic restricted subsidiaries, other than our future Toyota and Lexus dealership facilities. The following tables set forth, on a condensed consolidating basis, our balance sheets, statements of income and statements of cash flows, for our guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries for all financial statement periods presented in our interim Condensed Consolidated financial statements.

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of September 30, 2006
(In thousands)

 

 

Parent
Company

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

 

$

133,475

 

$

 

$

 

$

133,475

 

Inventories

 

 

666,586

 

48,872

 

 

715,458

 

Other current assets

 

 

287,552

 

39,232

 

 

326,784

 

Assets held for sale

 

 

12,451

 

 

 

12,451

 

Total current assets

 

 

1,100,064

 

88,104

 

 

1,188,168

 

Property and equipment, net

 

 

194,561

 

6,492

 

 

201,053

 

Goodwill

 

 

396,583

 

53,202

 

 

449,785

 

Other assets

 

 

91,468

 

273

 

 

91,741

 

Investment in subsidiaries

 

602,316

 

80,281

 

 

(682,597

)

 

Total assets

 

$

602,316

 

$

1,862,957

 

$

148,071

 

$

(682,597

)

$

1,930,747

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Floor plan notes payable — manufacturer affiliated

 

$

 

$

293,928

 

$

 

$

 

$

293,928

 

Floor plan notes payable — non–manufacturer affiliated

 

 

281,494

 

37,952

 

 

319,446

 

Other current liabilities

 

 

154,841

 

29,788

 

 

184,629

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

730,263

 

67,740

 

 

798,003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

 

456,233

 

50

 

 

456,283

 

Other liabilities

 

 

74,145

 

 

 

74,145

 

Shareholders’ equity

 

602,316

 

602,316

 

80,281

 

(682,597

)

602,316

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

 602,316

 

$

 1,862,957

 

$

148,071

 

$

(682,597

)

$

1,930,747

 

 

16




Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of December 31, 2005
(In thousands)

 

 

Parent
Company

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Condensed
Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

 

$

57,194

 

$

 

$

 

$

57,194

 

Inventories

 

 

658,820

 

50,971

 

 

709,791

 

Other current assets

 

 

334,403

 

32,294

 

 

366,697

 

Assets held for sale

 

 

51,498

 

 

 

51,498

 

Total current assets

 

 

1,101,915

 

83,265

 

 

1,185,180

 

Property and equipment, net

 

 

187,077

 

6,380

 

 

193,457

 

Goodwill

 

 

404,203

 

53,202

 

 

457,405

 

Other assets

 

 

94,470

 

288

 

 

94,758

 

Investment in subsidiaries

 

547,766

 

71,809

 

 

(619,575

)

 

Total assets

 

$

547,766

 

$

1,859,474

 

$

143,135

 

$

(619,575

)

$

1,930,800

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Floor plan notes payable - manufacturer affiliated

 

$

 

$

204,044

 

$

 

$

 

$

204,044

 

Floor plan notes payable - non-manufacturer affiliated

 

 

368,213

 

42,125

 

 

410,338

 

Other current liabilities

 

 

167,929

 

29,068

 

 

196,997

 

Liabilities associated with assets held for sale

 

 

26,847

 

 

 

26,847

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

767,033

 

71,193

 

 

838,226

 

Long-term debt

 

 

472,359

 

68

 

 

472,427

 

Other liabilities

 

 

72,316

 

65

 

 

72,381

 

Shareholders’ equity

 

547,766

 

547,766

 

71,809

 

(619,575

)

547,766

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

547,766

 

$

1,859,474

 

$

143,135

 

$

(619,575

)

$

1,930,800

 

 

17




Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2006
(In thousands)

 

 

Parent
Company

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

 

$

1,334,581

 

$

188,949

 

$

(3,084

)

$

1,520,446

 

Cost of sales

 

 

1,132,980

 

160,790

 

(3,084

)

1,290,686

 

Gross profit

 

 

201,601

 

28,159

 

 

229,760

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

 

155,172

 

19,824

 

 

174,996

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

4,625

 

451

 

 

5,076

 

Income from operations

 

 

41,804

 

7,884

 

 

49,688

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Floor plan interest expense

 

 

(9,601

)

(710

)

 

(10,311

)

Other interest expense

 

 

(9,518

)

(1,707

)

 

(11,225

)

Other income, net

 

 

927

 

82

 

 

1,009

 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

17,179

 

3,468

 

 

(20,647

)

 

Total other expense, net

 

17,179

 

(14,724

)

(2,335

)

(20,647

)

(20,527

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

17,179

 

27,080

 

5,549

 

(20,647

)

29,161

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

 

8,854

 

2,081

 

 

10,935

 

Income from continuing operations

 

17,179

 

18,226

 

3,468

 

(20,647

)

18,226

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

(1,047

)

 

 

(1,047

)

Net income

 

$

17,179

 

$

17,179

 

$

3,468

 

$

(20,647

)

$

17,179

 

 

18




Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2005
(In thousands)

 

 

Parent
Company

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

 

$

1,281,715

 

$

175,938

 

$

(874

)

$

1,456,779

 

Cost of sales

 

 

1,089,961

 

150,368

 

(874

)

1,239,455

 

Gross profit

 

 

191,754

 

25,570

 

 

217,324

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

 

149,910

 

18,485

 

 

168,395

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

4,552

 

378

 

 

4,930

 

Income from operations

 

 

37,292

 

6,707

 

 

43,999

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Floor plan interest expense

 

 

(6,099

)

(434

)

 

(6,533

)

Other interest expense

 

 

(8,921

)

(1,393

)

 

(10,314

)

Other income, net

 

 

174

 

3

 

 

177

 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

14,953

 

2,789

 

 

(17,742

)

 

Total other expense, net

 

14,953

 

(12,057

)

(1,824

)

(17,742

)

(16,670

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

14,953

 

25,235

 

4,883

 

(17,742

)

27,329

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

 

8,417

 

1,831

 

 

10,248

 

Income from continuing operations

 

14,953

 

16,818

 

3,052

 

(17,742

)

17,081

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

(1,865

)

(263

)

 

(2,128

)

Net income

 

$

14,953

 

$

14,953

 

$

2,789

 

$

(17,742

)

$

14,953

 

 

19




Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006
(In thousands)

 

 

Parent
Company

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

 

$

3,895,763

 

$

536,082

 

$

(8,811

)

$

4,423,034

 

Cost of sales

 

 

3,306,073

 

455,900

 

(8,811

)

3,753,162

 

Gross profit

 

 

589,690

 

80,182

 

 

669,872

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

 

455,645

 

56,715

 

 

512,360

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

13,798

 

1,366

 

 

15,164

 

Income from operations

 

 

120,247

 

22,101

 

 

142,348

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Floor plan interest expense

 

 

(28,591

)

(2,121

)

 

(30,712

)

Other interest expense

 

 

(28,532

)

(4,736

)

 

(33,268

)

Other income, net

 

 

3,280

 

302

 

 

3,582

 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

48,736

 

9,716

 

 

(58,452

)

 

Total other expense, net

 

48,736

 

(44,127

)

(6,555

)

(58,452

)

(60,398

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

48,736

 

76,120

 

15,546

 

(58,452

)

81,950

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

 

24,901

 

5,830

 

 

30,731

 

Income from continuing operations

 

48,736

 

51,219

 

9,716

 

(58,452

)

51,219

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

(2,483

)

 

 

(2,483

)

Net income

 

$

48,736

 

$

48,736

 

$

9,716

 

$

(58,452

)

$

48,736

 

 

20




Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005
(In thousands)

 

 

Parent
Company

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

 

$

3,665,260

 

$

492,777

 

$

(4,583

)

$

4,153,454

 

Cost of sales

 

 

3,116,062

 

420,695

 

(4,583

)

3,532,174

 

Gross profit

 

 

549,198

 

72,082

 

 

621,280

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

 

434,915

 

52,032

 

 

486,947

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

13,323

 

1,067

 

 

14,390

 

Income from operations

 

 

100,960

 

18,983

 

 

119,943

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Floor plan interest expense

 

 

(19,307

)

(1,214

)

 

(20,521

)

Other interest expense

 

 

(26,322

)

(3,861

)

 

(30,183

)

Other income, net

 

 

1,036

 

17

 

 

1,053

 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

40,579

 

8,282

 

 

(48,861

)

 

Total other expense, net

 

40,579

 

(36,311

)

(5,058

)

(48,861

)

(49,651

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

40,579

 

64,649

 

13,925

 

(48,861

)

70,292

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

 

21,137

 

5,222

 

 

26,359

 

Income from continuing operations

 

40,579

 

43,512

 

8,703

 

(48,861

)

43,933

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

(2,933

)

(421

)

 

(3,354

)

Net income

 

$

40,579

 

$

40,579

 

$

8,282

 

$

(48,861

)

$

40,579

 

 

21




Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006
(In thousands)

 

 

Parent
Company

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

 

$

172,043

 

$

16,318

 

$

 

$

188,361

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

(33,151

)

(1,534

)

 

(34,685

)

Other investing activities

 

 

45,758

 

19

 

 

45,777

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

 

12,607

 

(1,515

)

 

11,092

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Floor plan borrowings — non-manufacturer affiliated

 

 

1,501,397

 

336,969

 

 

1,838,366

 

Floor plan repayments — non-manufacturer affiliated

 

 

(1,604,893

)

(341,140

)

 

(1,946,033

)

Proceeds from borrowings

 

 

987

 

 

 

987

 

Repayments of debt

 

 

(17,477

)

(47

)

 

(17,524

)

Intercompany financing

 

 

10,585

 

(10,585

)

 

 

Other financing activities

 

 

1,032

 

 

 

1,032

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

 

(108,369

)

(14,803

)

 

(123,172

)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

76,281

 

 

 

76,281

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

 

57,194

 

 

 

57,194

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

 

$

133,475

 

$

 

$

 

$

133,475

 

 

22




Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005
(In thousands)

 

 

Parent
Company

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

 

$

34,497

 

$

2,917

 

$

 

$

37,414

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

(48,697

)

(2,256

)

 

(50,953

)

Acquisitions

 

 

(24,621

)

 

 

(24,621

)

Other investing activities

 

 

16,128

 

86

 

 

16,214

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(57,190

)

(2,170

)

 

(59,360

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Floor plan borrowings—non-manufacturer affiliated

 

 

2,058,214

 

396,170

 

 

2,454,384

 

Floor plan repayments—non-manufacturer affiliated

 

 

(2,003,966

)

(402,172

)

 

(2,406,138

)

Proceeds from borrowings

 

 

23,266

 

 

 

23,266

 

Repayments of debt

 

 

(49,731

)

(17

)

 

(49,748

)

Intercompany financing

 

 

(5,272

)

5,272

 

 

 

Other financing activities

 

 

(1,913

)

 

 

(1,913

)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

 

20,598

 

(747

)

 

19,851

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(2,095

)

 

 

(2,095

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

 

28,093

 

 

 

28,093

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

 

$

25,998

 

$

 

$

 

$

25,998

 

 

17.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On October 24, 2006, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.20 per common share payable on November 16, 2006 to shareholders of record as of November 2, 2006.

On November 3, 2006 we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a notional principal amount of $150.0 million, as a hedge against future cash flows that result from changes in the interest rate of our variable rate floor plan notes payable for a period of two years commencing November 7, 2006.  Under the terms of the swap agreement, we are required to make payments at a fixed rate and receive a variable rate based on LIBOR. This swap agreement was designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge of changes in the interest rate of our variable rate floor plan notes payable and will not contain any ineffectiveness.

23




REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.:

We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of September 30, 2006, and the related condensed consolidated statements of income for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, and statements of cash flows for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

We conducted our reviews in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to such condensed consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have previously audited, in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated March 15, 2006, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2005 is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

 

 

New York, New York

 

 

November 6, 2006

 

 

 

24




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

We are one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States, operating 120 franchises (87 dealership locations) in 21 metropolitan markets within 10 states as of September 30, 2006. We offer 33 different brands of new vehicles, including four heavy truck brands. We also operate 24 collision repair centers that serve our markets.

Our revenues are derived primarily from four offerings: (i) the sale of new vehicles to individual retail customers (“new retail”) and the sale of new vehicles to commercial customers (“fleet”) (the terms “new retail” and “fleet” being collectively referred to as “new”); (ii) the sale of used vehicles to individual retail customers (“used retail”) and the sale of used vehicles to other dealers at auction (“wholesale”) (the terms “used retail” and “wholesale” being collectively referred to as “used”); (iii) maintenance and collision repair services and the sale of automotive parts (collectively referred to as “fixed operations”); and (iv) the arrangement of vehicle financing and the sale of various insurance and warranty products (collectively referred to as “F&I”). We evaluate the results of our new and used vehicle sales based on unit volumes and gross profit per vehicle retailed (“PVR”), our fixed operations based on aggregate gross profit, and F&I based on gross profit PVR. We assess the organic growth of our revenue and gross profit by comparing the year-to-year results of stores that we have operated for at least twelve months (“same store”).

We have grown our business through the acquisition of large dealership groups and numerous “tuck-in” acquisitions. “Tuck-in” acquisitions refer to the purchase of dealerships, which we intend to operate under our existing regional management structure.  We use “tuck-in” acquisitions to increase the number of vehicle brands we offer in a particular market area and to create a larger gross profit base over which to spread overhead costs.

Our retail network is currently principally organized into four regions and includes ten dealership groups, each marketed under different local brands: (i) Florida (comprising our Coggin dealerships, operating primarily in Jacksonville and Orlando, and our Courtesy dealerships operating in Tampa), (ii) West (comprising our McDavid dealerships operating throughout Texas and our Spirit dealership operating in Los Angeles, California), (iii) Mid-Atlantic (comprising our Crown dealerships operating in North Carolina, South Carolina and Southern Virginia) and (iv) South (comprising our Nalley dealerships operating in Atlanta, Georgia and our North Point dealerships operating in Little Rock, Arkansas). Our Plaza dealerships operating in St. Louis, Missouri, our Gray Daniels dealerships operating in Jackson, Mississippi and our Northern California Dealerships operating in Sacramento and Fresno, remain standalone operations.

Our gross profit margin varies with our revenue mix. The sale of vehicles generally results in lower gross profit percentages than our fixed operations. As a result, when fixed operations revenue increases as a percentage of total revenue, we expect our overall gross profit margin to increase.

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses consist primarily of fixed and incentive-based compensation, advertising, rent, insurance, utilities and other customary operating expenses. A significant portion of our selling expenses is variable (such as sales commissions), or controllable expenses (such as advertising), generally allowing our cost structure to adapt in response to trends in our business. We evaluate commissions paid to salespeople as a percentage of retail vehicle gross profit and all other SG&A expenses in the aggregate as a percentage of total gross profit.  In January 2006, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123R “Share-Based Payment” under the modified prospective transition method and decided to issue performance share units and restricted share units to our employees and directors in lieu of stock options.  As a result, we have recorded share-based compensation expense under the fair value method for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006.  Prior to January 2006, including the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, we accounted for share-based compensation expense under the intrinsic value method and therefore did not recognize any share-based compensation expense.

Sales of new vehicles have historically fluctuated with general macroeconomic conditions, including consumer confidence, availability of consumer credit and fuel prices. Although these factors may impact our business, we believe that any future negative trends will be mitigated by (i) our advantageous brand mix, which is heavily weighted towards luxury and mid-line import brands, (ii) used vehicle sales, (iii) stability of our fixed operations, (iv) our variable cost structure and (v) our regional diversity. We believe that, historically, we have been less affected by market volatility than the U.S. automobile retail industry as a whole as a result of our brand mix. We expect the recent industry-wide gain in market share of the luxury and mid-line import brands to continue in the near future.

Our operations are generally subject to seasonal variations as we tend to generate more revenue and operating income in the second and third quarters of the calendar year than in the first and fourth quarters. Generally, the seasonal variations in our operations are caused by many factors, including weather conditions, changes in manufacturer incentive programs, model changeovers and consumer buying patterns. Over the past several years, certain automobile manufacturers have used a combination of vehicle pricing and financing incentive programs to generate increased customer demand for new vehicles. We anticipate that certain manufacturers will continue to use these incentive programs in the future. In addition, we will continue to expand our service capacity in order to meet anticipated future demand, as we expect the recent increases in

25




market share of the mid-line import and luxury brands and our focused effort on creating and maintaining customer relationships will drive future service demand at our dealership locations.

Interest rates have continued to increase during 2006. We do not believe that changes in interest rates significantly impact overall customer buying patterns, as changes in interest rates do not dramatically increase the monthly payment of a financed vehicle. For example, the monthly payment for a typical vehicle financing transaction in which a customer finances $25,000 at 8.5% over 60 months increases by approximately $6.05 with each 50 basis-point increase in short-term interest rates.  However, the continued increases in interest rates have significantly impacted our net income as amounts payable on our floor plan facilities and a portion of our mortgage notes payable accrue interest based upon LIBOR or the Prime Rate.  The increases in interest rates have lowered our net income by approximately $1.9 million and $7.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 as compared to the corresponding 2005 period.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended September 30, 2006, Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2005

 

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

% of
Gross
Profit

 

2005

 

% of
Gross
Profit

 

Increase
(Decrease)

 

%
Change

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

REVENUES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Vehicle

 

$

913,194

 

 

 

$

891,491

 

 

 

$

21,703

 

2

%

Used Vehicle

 

394,402

 

 

 

360,029

 

 

 

34,373

 

10

%

Parts, service and collision repair

 

171,652

 

 

 

165,126

 

 

 

6,526

 

4

%

Finance and insurance, net

 

41,198

 

 

 

40,133

 

 

 

1,065

 

3

%

Total revenues

 

1,520,446

 

 

 

1,456,779

 

 

 

63,667

 

4

%

COST OF SALES

 

1,290,686

 

 

 

1,239,455

 

 

 

51,231

 

4

%

GROSS PROFIT

 

229,760

 

100.0

%

217,324

 

100.0

%

12,436

 

6

%

OPERATING EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

174,996

 

76.2

%

168,395

 

77.5

%

6,601

 

4

%

Depreciation and amortization

 

5,076

 

2.2

%

4,930

 

2.3

%

146

 

3

%

Income from operations

 

49,688

 

21.6

%

43,999

 

20.2

%

5,689

 

13

%

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Floor plan interest expense

 

(10,311

)

(4.4

)%

(6,533

)

(3.0

)%

3,778

 

58

%

Other interest expense

 

(11,225

)

(4.9

)%

(10,314

)

(4.6

)%

911

 

9

%

Interest and other income, net

 

1,923

 

0.8

%

177

 

%

1,746

 

986

%

Loss on extinguishment of long-term debt

 

(914

)

(0.4

)%

 

 

914

 

100

%

Total other expense, net

 

(20,527

)

(8.9

)%

(16,670

)

(7.6

)%

3,857

 

23

%

Income before income taxes

 

29,161

 

12.7

%

27,329

 

12.6

%

1,832

 

7

%

INCOME TAX EXPENSE

 

10,935

 

4.8

%

10,248

 

4.7

%

687

 

7

%

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

 

18,226

 

7.9

%

17,081

 

7.9

%

1,145

 

7

%

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, net of tax

 

(1,047

)

(0.4

)%

(2,128

)

(1.0

)%

1,081

 

51

%

NET INCOME

 

$

17,179

 

7.5

%

$

14,953

 

6.9

%

$

2,226

 

15

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (DILUTED):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations

 

$

0.54

 

 

 

$

0.52

 

 

 

$

0.02

 

4

%

Discontinued operations

 

(0.03

)

 

 

(0.07

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

0.51

 

 

 

$

0.45

 

 

 

$

0.06

 

13

%

 

Net income increased 15%, or $0.06 per diluted share, to $17.2 million, or $0.51 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2006, from $15.0 million, or $0.45 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2005.

Income from continuing operations increased 7%, or $0.02 per diluted share, to $18.2 million, or $0.54 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2006, from $17.1 million, or $0.52 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2005.  Income from continuing operations for the three months ended September 30, 2006, includes (i)  $0.6 million (net of tax) of costs associated with the extinguishment of $15.0 million of our 8% Senior Subordinated Notes

26




due 2014 (“8% Notes”), (ii) $0.5 million (net of tax) of costs associated with a secondary offering of common stock, and (iii) $0.6 million (net of tax) of share-based compensation expense.  Excluding these items, adjusted income from continuing operations increased 14% to $19.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, from $17.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005.  We believe that excluding these items provides a more meaningful representation of our year over year financial performance.

The increase in adjusted income from continuing operations was achieved despite a challenging new retail environment primarily resulting from attractive domestic manufacturer promotions in the prior period.  The increase in adjusted income from continuing operations was the result of several factors, including: (i) an 11% increase in used retail gross profit, (ii) a 5% increase in fixed operations gross profit, (iii) a 4% increase in new retail gross profit; and (iv) expense control initiatives that reduced personnel and advertising costs, which together contributed 100 basis points to the overall 180 basis point improvement in our adjusted SG&A expenses as a percentage of gross profit.  These factors were partially offset by a 58% increase in floor plan interest expense resulting primarily from a 170 basis point increase in short-term interest rates over last year’s third quarter.  We believe our diversified business model, specifically our used vehicle, fixed operations and F&I businesses, allow us to achieve improved results in a challenging new retail vehicle environment.

Total revenues increased 4% during the three months ended September 30, 2006, as a result of a 10% increase in used vehicle revenue and a 2% increase in new vehicle revenue.  We expect total revenue will continue to increase as a result of (i) our brand mix as mid-line import and luxury brands continue to increase market share, (ii) our expansion of our service capacity, (iii) improved performance of our high margin businesses as a result of our focused investments in these areas, and (iv) acquiring additional dealerships.

Total gross profit increased 6% to $229.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, from $217.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005. The increase in gross profit was driven by solid performances across our four business lines, all of which delivered either improved gross profit margins or gross profit PVR, or both.  Used vehicle and fixed operations each contributed gross profit increases of over $4.0 million, while new retail gross profit increased $2.4 million despite a 3% decline in new retail unit sales, primarily due to a highly incentivized prior period.

27




 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

Increase

 

%

 

 

 

2006

 

 

 

2005

 

 

 

(Decrease)

 

Change

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands, except PVR data)

 

 

 

New Vehicle —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New retail revenues—same store(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Luxury

 

$

264,419

 

31

%

$

277,231

 

32

%

$

(12,812

)

(5

)%

Mid-line import

 

363,467

 

42

%

352,577

 

41

%

10,890

 

3

%

Mid-line domestic

 

138,525

 

16

%

161,724

 

19

%

(23,199

)

(14

)%

Value

 

18,225

 

2

%

22,971

 

3

%

(4,746

)

(21

)%

Total passenger vehicle retail revenue – same store

 

784,636

 

 

 

814,503

 

 

 

(29,867

)

(4

)%

Heavy trucks

 

81,009

 

9

%

47,137

 

5

%

33,872

 

72

%

Total new retail revenues—same store(1)

 

865,645

 

100

%

861,640

 

100

%

4,005

 

%

New retail revenues—acquisitions

 

8,539

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total new retail revenues

 

874,184

 

 

 

861,640

 

 

 

12,544

 

1

%

Fleet revenues—same store(1)

 

38,893

 

 

 

29,851

 

 

 

9,042

 

30

%

Fleet revenues—acquisitions

 

117

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total fleet revenues

 

39,010

 

 

 

29,851

 

 

 

9,159

 

31

%

New vehicle revenues, as reported

 

$

913,194

 

 

 

$

891,491

 

 

 

$

21,703

 

2

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New retail units:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New retail units—same store(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Luxury

 

5,993

 

21

%

6,351

 

22

%

(358

)

(6

)%

Mid-line import

 

15,028

 

54

%

14,925

 

51

%

103

 

1

%

Mid-line domestic

 

4,820

 

17

%

5,772

 

20

%

(952

)

(16

)%

Value

 

878

 

3

%

1,190

 

4

%

(312

)

(26

)%

Total passenger vehicle retail units – same store

 

26,719

 

 

 

28,238

 

 

 

(1,519

)

(5

)%

Heavy trucks

 

1,288

 

5

%

858

 

3

%

430

 

50

%

Total new retail units—same store(1)

 

28,007

 

100

%

29,096

 

100

%

(1,089

)

(4

)%

New retail units—acquisitions

 

287

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail units—actual

 

28,294

 

 

 

29,096

 

 

 

(802

)

(3

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New revenue PVR—same store(1)

 

$

30,908

 

 

 

$

29,614

 

 

 

$

1,294

 

4

%

New revenue PVR—actual

 

$

30,896

 

 

 

$

29,614

 

 

 

$

1,282

 

4

%

 


(1)             Same store amounts include the results of dealerships for the identical months for each period presented in the comparison, commencing with the first full month in which the dealership was owned by us.

28




 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 

 

Increase

 

%

 

 

 

2006

 

 

 

2005

 

 

 

(Decrease)

 

Change

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands, except PVR data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Profit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New retail gross profit—same store(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Luxury

 

$

21,317

 

34

%

$

22,088

 

36

%

$

(771

)

(3

)%

Mid-line import

 

26,691

 

43

%

24,194

 

40

%

2,497

 

10

%

Mid-line domestic

 

10,328

 

16

%

10,677

 

18

%

(349

)

(3

)%

Value

 

1,256

 

2

%

2,059

 

3

%

(803

)

(39

)%

Total passenger vehicle retail gross profit – same store

 

59,592

 

 

 

59,018

 

 

 

574

 

1

%

Heavy trucks

 

3,125

 

5

%

1,758

 

3

%

1,367

 

78

%

Total new retail gross profit—same store(1)

 

62,717

 

100

%

60,776

 

100

%

1,941

 

3

%

New retail gross profit—acquisitions

 

490

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total retail gross profit

 

63,207

 

 

 

60,776

 

 

 

2,431

 

4

%

Fleet gross profit—same store(1)

 

1,003

 

 

 

710

 

 

 

293

 

41

%

Fleet gross profit—acquisitions

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total fleet gross profit

 

1,008

 

 

 

710

 

 

 

298

 

42

%

New vehicle gross profit, as reported

 

$

64,215

 

 

 

$

61,486

 

 

 

$

2,729

 

4

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New gross profit PVR—same store(1)

 

$

2,239

 

 

 

$

2,089

 

 

 

$

150

 

7

%

New gross profit PVR—actual

 

$

2,234

 

 

 

$

2,089

 

 

 

$

145

 

7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New retail gross margin—same
store(1)

 

7.2

%

 

 

7.1

%

 

 

0.1

%

1

%

New retail gross margin—actual

 

7.2

%

 

 

7.1

%

 

 

0.1

%

1

%

 


(1)             Same store amounts include the results of dealerships for the identical months for each period presented in the comparison, commencing with the first full month in which the dealership was owned by us.

New vehicle revenues increased 2% to $913.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, from $891.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005. The overall increase in new vehicle revenues is a result of our heavy trucks business in Atlanta, Georgia, which delivered a 72% increase in new vehicle revenue and a 50% increase in unit sales.  We have seen a significant increase in our heavy trucks business as we believe future changes in emission laws on heavy trucks have created a significant current period demand.  New vehicle revenues excluding heavy trucks (“passenger vehicle”) decreased 1% to $832.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 from $844.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005.  Our passenger vehicle unit sales, which decreased 5%, were not as adversely impacted by the challenging new retail market as was the overall U.S. passenger vehicle industry, which decreased 6.2%.  We continue to benefit from our brand mix, heavily weighted toward luxury and mid-line import brands that continue to take market share.

New vehicle gross profit increased 4% to $64.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, from $61.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005.  The increase in new vehicle gross profit was driven by a $2.5 million, or 10%, increase in mid-line import retail gross profit as these brands continue their strong performance, and a $1.4 million, or 78%, increase from our heavy trucks business.  These increases were offset by the performance of our value and mid-line domestic brands, which decreased $0.8 million and $0.3 million, or 39% and 3%, respectively.  During the 2005 period the employee pricing sales campaign created a significant demand for domestic vehicles, particularly General Motors, which creates a difficult comparison for the 2006 period.

29




 

 

 

For the Three Months
Ended September 30,

 

Increase

 

%

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

(Decrease)

 

Change

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands, except PVR data)

 

 

 

Used Vehicle —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail revenues—same store(1)

 

$

304,131

 

$

272,505

 

$

31,626

 

12

%

Retail revenues—acquisitions

 

55

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total used retail revenues

 

304,186

 

272,505

 

31,681

 

12

%

Wholesale revenues—same store(1)

 

90,188

 

87,524

 

2,664

 

3

%

Wholesale revenues—acquisitions

 

28

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total wholesale revenues

 

90,216

 

87,524

 

2,692

 

3

%

Used vehicle revenues, as reported

 

$

394,402

 

$

360,029

 

$

34,373

 

10

%

Gross Profit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail gross profit—same store(1)

 

$

36,719

 

$

33,204

 

$

3,515

 

11

%

Retail gross profit—acquisitions

 

9

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total used retail gross profit

 

36,728

 

33,204

 

3,524

 

11

%

Wholesale gross profit—same store(1)

 

(196

)

(845

)

649

 

77

%

Wholesale gross profit—acquisitions

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total wholesale gross profit

 

(190

)

(845

)

655

 

78

%

Used vehicle gross profit, as reported

 

$

36,538

 

$

32,359

 

$

4,179

 

13

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Used retail units—same store(1)

 

17,200

 

16,428

 

772

 

5

%

Used retail units—acquisitions

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

Used retail units—actual

 

17,205

 

16,428

 

777

 

5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Used revenue PVR—same store(1)

 

$

17,682

 

$

16,588

 

$

1,094

 

7

%

Used revenue PVR—actual

 

$

17,680

 

$

16,588

 

$

1,092

 

7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Used gross profit PVR—same store(1)

 

$

2,135

 

$

2,021

 

$

114

 

6

%

Used gross profit PVR—actual

 

$

2,135

 

$

2,021

 

$

114

 

6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Used retail gross margin—same store(1)

 

12.1

%

12.2

%

(0.1

)%

(1

)%

Used retail gross margin—actual

 

12.1

%

12.2

%

(0.1

)%

(1

)%

 


(1)             Same store amounts include the results of dealerships for the identical months for each period presented in the comparison, commencing with the first full month in which the dealership was owned by us.

Used vehicle revenues increased 10% to $394.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, from $360.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005.  The increase in used vehicle revenues was a result of a 7% and 5% increase in used revenue PVR and used retail unit sales, respectively.  The strength of the used vehicle market during the third quarter, our sharing of internal best practices, including centralized used car teams, and our used vehicle merchandising initiatives have continued to result in increased used vehicle unit sales and improved used revenue PVR.

Used vehicle gross profit increased 13% to $36.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, from $32.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005.  Used retail gross profit increased $3.5 million to $36.7 million as a result of a 5% increase in used retail units sales and a 6% increase in used retail gross profit PVR.  The increases in our used retail units sales and used retail gross profit PVR is a result of our investment in new software to better value trade-ins and improve inventory management, and the execution by our regional management teams dedicated to the used vehicle business.

30




 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Increase

 

%

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

(Decrease)

 

Change

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

Fixed Operations —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues—same store(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parts and service

 

$

156,654

 

$

150,380

 

$

6,274

 

4

%

Collision repair

 

14,119

 

14,746

 

(627

)

(4

)%

Total revenues—same store(1)

 

170,773

 

165,126

 

5,647

 

3

%

Revenues—acquisitions

 

879

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parts, service and collision repair revenues, as reported

 

$

171,652

 

$

165,126

 

$

6,526

 

4

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Profit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit—same store(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parts and service

 

$

79,555

 

$

75,451

 

$

4,104

 

5

%

Collision repair

 

7,789

 

7,895

 

(106

)

(1

)%

Total gross profit—same store(1)

 

87,344

 

83,346

 

3,998

 

5

%

Gross profit—acquisitions

 

465

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parts, service and collision repair gross profit, as reported

 

$

87,809

 

$

83,346

 

$

4,463

 

5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parts and service gross margin—same store(1)

 

50.8

%

50.2

%

0.6

%

1

%

Collision repair gross margin—same store(1)

 

55.2

%

53.5

%

1.7

%

3

%

Fixed operations gross margin—same store(1)

 

51.1

%

50.5

%

0.6

%

1

%

 


(1)             Same store amounts include the results of dealerships for the identical months for each period presented in the comparison, commencing with the first full month in which the dealership was owned by us.

Fixed operations revenues increased 4% to $171.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, from $165.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005.  Fixed operations revenues increased primarily due to a 9% increase in our “customer pay” parts and service businesses. The growth in our “customer pay” business is a result of facility expansion, increased capacity utilization, equipment upgrades and continued focus on customer retention initiatives. We will continue to add service stalls and service technicians during 2006 in order to meet anticipated future demand, as we expect the recent increases in market share of the mid-line import and luxury import brands to continue to provide increased service work.

Fixed operations gross profit increased 5% to $87.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, from $83.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005.  The increase in fixed operations gross profit is primarily a result of a 10% increase in gross profit from our “customer pay” parts and service businesses and a 60 basis point increase in same store fixed operations gross margin offset by one less weekday during the three months ended September 30, 2006 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2005.  Parts and service same store gross profit per weekday was $1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 as compared to $1.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005.

31




Finance and Insurance, net—

 

For the Three Months
Ended September 30,

 

Increase

 

%

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

(Decrease)

 

Change

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands, except PVR data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dealership generated F&I, net—same store(1)

 

$

40,921

 

$

38,949

 

$

1,972

 

5

%

Dealership generated F&I, net—acquisitions

 

277

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dealership generated F&I, net

 

41,198

 

38,949

 

2,249

 

6

%

Corporate generated F&I

 

 

1,184

 

(1,184

)

(100

)%

Finance and insurance, net as reported

 

$

41,198

 

$

40,133

 

$

1,065

 

3

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dealership generated F&I PVR—same store (1) (2)

 

$

905

 

$

856

 

$

49

 

6

%

Dealership generated F&I PVR—actual (2)

 

$

905

 

$

856

 

$

49

 

6

%

F&I PVR—actual

 

$

905

 

$

882

 

$

23

 

3

%

 


(1)             Same store amounts include the results of dealerships for the identical months for each period presented in the comparison, commencing with the first full month in which the dealership was owned by us.

(2)             Refer to “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Information” for further discussion regarding dealership generated F&I PVR.

F&I increased 3% to $41.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, from $40.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005. Included in F&I during the three months ended September 30, 2005 was $1.2 million of corporate generated F&I from our interest in a pool of extended service contracts.  During the second quarter of 2006, we sold our remaining interest in the pool of extended service contracts and therefore did not recognized any corporate generated F&I during the three months ended September 30, 2006.  As a result of the aforementioned sale we do not anticipate recognizing any significant corporate generated F&I in the future.  In addition, we implemented new F&I programs, the most significant of which increased our upfront warranty commissions in lieu of participating in the pool of extended service contracts, all of which we believe will increase dealership generated F&I PVR by approximately $40 to $50.

Dealership generated F&I, which excluded corporate generated F&I, increased 6% to $41.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 from $38.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005.  The increase in dealership generated F&I was primarily a result of the 6% increase in dealership generated F&I PVR as retail unit sales remained relatively flat.  The increase in dealership generated F&I PVR was driven by the new warranty program mentioned above.  We anticipate F&I will increase in the future as a result of (i) increased new and used retail vehicle sales (ii) the implementation of new F&I programs, including the new warranty program mentioned above and (iii) improvement of the F&I operations at our under-performing franchises.

32




Selling, General and Administrative —

 

 

For the Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

% of Gross 
Profit 

 

% of Gross

 

 

 

2006

 

% of Gross
Profit

 

2005

 

% of Gross
Profit

 

Increase
(Decrease)

 

Profit % 
Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Personnel costs

 

$

79,695

 

34.7

%

$

76,958

 

35.4

%

(0.7

)%

(2

)%

Sales compensation

 

26,875

 

11.7

%

25,567

 

11.8

%

(0.1

)%

(1

)%

Share-based compensation

 

962

 

0.4

%

 

%

0.4

%

100

%

Outside services

 

14,769

 

6.4

%

13,867

 

6.4

%

 

%

Advertising

 

13,288

 

5.8

%

13,827

 

6.4

%

(0.6

)%

(9

)%

Rent

 

13,876

 

6.0

%

12,064

 

5.5

%

0.5

%

9

%

Utilities

 

4,700

 

2.1

%

4,437

 

2.0

%

0.1

%

5

%

Insurance

 

3,780

 

1.7

%

3,703

 

1.7

%

%

%

Other

 

17,051

 

7.4

%

17,972

 

8.3

%

(0.9

)%

(11

)%

Selling, general and administrative

 

$

174,996

 

76.2

%

$

168,395

 

77.5

%

(1.3

)%

(2

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments to SG&A:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reorganization expenses

 

 

 

 

(591

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Secondary stock offering expenses

 

(846

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share-based compensation

 

(962

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted selling, general and administrative

 

$

173,188

 

75.4

%

$

167,804

 

77.2

%

(1.8

)%

(2

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Profit

 

$

229,760

 

 

 

$

217,324

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SG&A expenses as a percentage of gross profit decreased 130 basis points to 76.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2006, from 77.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2005.  SG&A expenses include (i) $1.0 million of share-based compensation expense during the three months ended September 30, 2006, (ii) $0.8 million of costs associated with a secondary offering of common stock during the three months ended September 30, 2006 and (iii) $0.6 million of costs associated with our regional reorganization during the three months ended September 30, 2005.  Excluding these items, adjusted SG&A expense as a percentage of gross profit decreased 180 basis points to 75.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2006, from 77.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2005.  The improvement in adjusted SG&A as a percentage of gross profit is a result of several expense control initiatives resulting in reduced personnel and advertising costs.  These improvements were offset by increased rent resulting from our strategy to reduce our ownership of real estate and certain leasehold improvements through the use of sale-leaseback transactions.  During 2005, we sold approximately $33.1 million of real estate in connection with seven sale-leaseback transactions.  We estimate the incremental annualized rent expense from these seven sale-leaseback transactions will be approximately $3.0 million.

In January 2006, we adopted SFAS No. 123R under the modified prospective transition method and decided to issue performance share units and restricted share units to our employees and directors in lieu of stock options.  As a result, we have recorded share-based compensation expense of $1.0 million under the fair value method for the three months ended September 30, 2006. Prior to January 2006, including the three month period ended September 30, 2005, we accounted for share-based compensation awards under the intrinsic value method and therefore did not recognize any share-based compensation expense.  We expect share-based compensation expense to total approximately $5.0 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, for the year ending December 31, 2006.  Certain of our share-based awards have conditions based on our performance that may affect the number of awards ultimately issued.  Therefore, the amount of share-based compensation expense recorded may differ from our current estimate.

Depreciation and Amortization—

Depreciation and amortization expense increased 3% to $5.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, from $4.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005.  This increase is primarily related to property and equipment acquired between October 1, 2005 and September 30, 2006.  We expect depreciation expense to increase in the future as we continue to remodel and upgrade our facilities and expand our service capacity.

33




Other Income (Expense)—

Floor plan interest expense increased 58% to $10.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 from $6.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005. This increase was the result of a 170 basis point increase in short-term interest rates over last year’s third quarter and higher average inventory levels during the 2006 period.

During the first quarter of 2006, two of our cash flow swaps on our floor plan notes payable terminated.  As a result, we will recognize additional floor plan interest expense of approximately $0.7 million during 2006.  We expect floor plan expense to fluctuate with changes in our inventory levels in the near future as short-term interest rates are expected to remain at their current level.

Other interest expense increased 9% to $11.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, from $10.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005.  The increase in other interest expense is a result of a higher effective interest rate on our 8% Notes due to the termination of a fair value swap on the 8% Notes.  As a result, our 8% Notes, which had a variable rate while the fair value swap was in place in 2005, are now fixed at 8% until maturity in 2014.  We anticipate that the termination of the swap will increase our other interest expense by approximately $5.4 million in 2006.

During the three months ended September 30, 2006, we recognized a $0.9 million loss on the extinguishment of $15.0 million of our 8% Notes.  Other interest expense will decrease annually by $1.2 million as a result of this debt extinguishment.  Our board of directors has authorized us to repurchase up to an additional $25.0 million of our Senior Subordinated Notes, which we may do depending on market conditions.  Other interest expense would decrease annually between $3.2 million and $3.5 million, excluding costs to repurchase, upon completion of this bond repurchase plan.

Income Tax Expense—

Income tax expense increased 7% to $10.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, from $10.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005.  Our effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 was 37.5%. As we operate nationally, our effective tax rate is dependent upon our geographic revenue mix.  We evaluate our effective tax rate periodically based on our revenue sources. We will continue to evaluate our effective tax rate in the future, and expect that our future annual effective tax rate will fluctuate between 37% and 38%.

Discontinued Operations—

 

 

For the Three Months Ended
September 30, 2006

 

For the Three Months Ended
September 30, 2005

 

 

 

Sold

 

Pending
Disposition

 

Total

 

Sold(b)

 

Pending
Disposition(a)

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Franchises

 

 

1

 

1

 

12

 

1

 

13

 

Ancillary businesses

 

1

 

 

1

 

2

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations

 

$

(1,321

)

$

140

 

$

(1,181

)

$

(1,974

)

$

135

 

$

(1,839

)

Other expense, net

 

85

 

(38

)

47

 

(1,113

)

(27

)

(1,140

)

Gain (loss) on disposition of discontinued operations

 

(541

)

 

(541

)

(426

)

 

(426

)

Income tax benefit (expense)

 

666

 

(38

)

628

 

1,317

 

(40

)

1,277

 

Discontinued operations, net of tax

 

$

(1,111

)

$

64

 

$

(1,047

)

$

(2,196

)

$

68

 

$

(2,128

)

 


(a)             Businesses were pending disposition as of September 30, 2006

(b)            Businesses were sold between July 1, 2005 and September 30, 2006

During the three months ended September 30, 2006, we sold one ancillary business, and as of September 30, 2006, one franchise was pending disposition. The $1.0 million loss from discontinued operations is primarily attributable to operating losses of the ancillary business sold during the three months ended September 30, 2006 and additional costs associated with closing our Portland dealerships.  The $2.1 million loss from discontinued operations for the three months ended September 30, 2005 is a result of operating losses of the franchise and ancillary business mentioned above and twelve franchises and an ancillary business sold between July 1, 2005 and June 30, 2006 and a $0.4 million ($0.3 million, net of tax) net loss on the sale of two franchises sold during the third quarter of 2005.

We continuously evaluate the financial and operating results of our franchises, specifically the 10% contributing the least amount of operating income, and we will look to divest dealerships that do not meet our expectations.

34




Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006, Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

% of Gross
Profit

 

2005

 

% of Gross
Profit

 

Increase
(Decrease)

 

%
Change

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

REVENUES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Vehicle

 

$

2,652,347

 

 

 

$

2,535,068

 

 

 

$

117,279

 

5

%

Used Vehicle

 

1,137,069

 

 

 

1,028,901

 

 

 

108,168

 

11

%

Parts, service and collision repair

 

513,576

 

 

 

474,798

 

 

 

38,778

 

8

%

Finance and insurance, net

 

120,042

 

 

 

114,687

 

 

 

5,355

 

5

%

Total revenues

 

4,423,034

 

 

 

4,153,454

 

 

 

269,580

 

6

%

COST OF SALES

 

3,753,162

 

 

 

3,532,174

 

 

 

220,988

 

6

%

GROSS PROFIT

 

669,872

 

100.0

%

621,280

 

100.0

%

48,592

 

8

%

OPERATING EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

512,360

 

76.5

%

486,947

 

78.4

%

25,413

 

5

%

Depreciation and amortization

 

15,164

 

2.2

%

14,390

 

2.3

%

774

 

5

%

Income from operations

 

142,348

 

21.3

%

119,943

 

19.3

%

22,405

 

19

%

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Floor plan interest expense

 

(30,712

)

(4.6

)%

(20,521

)

(3.3

)%

10,191

 

50

%

Other interest expense

 

(33,268

)

(5.0

)%

(30,183

)

(4.9

)%

3,085

 

10

%

Interest and other income, net

 

4,496

 

0.6

%

1,053

 

0.2

%

3,443

 

327

%

Loss on extinguishment of long-term debt

 

(914

)

(0.1

)%

 

%

914

 

100

%

Total other expense

 

(60,398

)

(9.1

)%

(49,651

)

(8.0

)%

10,747

 

22

%

Income before income taxes

 

81,950

 

12.2

%

70,292

 

11.3

%

11,658

 

17

%

INCOME TAX EXPENSE

 

30,731

 

4.6

%

26,359

 

4.2

%

4,372

 

17

%

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

 

51,219

 

7.6

%

43,933

 

7.1

%

7,286

 

17

%

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, net of tax

 

(2,483

)

(0.3

)%

(3,354

)

(0.6

)%

871

 

26

%

NET INCOME

 

$

48,736

 

7.3

%

$

40,579

 

6.5

%

$

8,157

 

20

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (DILUTED):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing Operations

 

$

1.51

 

 

 

$

1.34

 

 

 

$

0.17

 

13

%

Discontinued Operations

 

(0.07

)

 

 

(0.10

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

1.44

 

 

 

$

1.24

 

 

 

$

0.20

 

16

%

 

Net income increased 20%, or $0.20 per diluted share, to $48.7 million, or $1.44 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, from $40.6 million, or $1.24 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.

Income from continuing operations increased 17%, or $0.17 per diluted share, to $51.2 million, or $1.51 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, from $43.9 million, or $1.34 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. Income from continuing operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 includes (i) a $2.1 million (net of tax) gain related to the sale of our remaining interest in a pool of extended service contracts (“corporate generated F&I gain”), (ii) $1.0 million (net of tax) of costs associated with our decision to abandon certain strategic projects, (iii) $0.5 million (net of tax) of costs associated with a secondary offering of common stock, (iv) $0.6 million (net of tax) associated with the extinguishment of $15.0 million of our 8% Notes, and (v) $2.0 million (net of tax) of share-based compensation expense.  Income from continuing operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 includes $2.6 million (net of tax) of costs associated with our regional reorganization.  Excluding these items, adjusted income from continuing operations increased 14% to $53.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, from $46.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.  We believe that excluding these items provides a more accurate representation of our year over year financial performance.

The increase in adjusted income from continuing operations resulted from several factors, including: (i) an 8% increase in fixed operations gross profit and a 14% increase in used vehicle gross profit as a result of a continued focus on our high margin businesses; (ii) the performance of our new retail business, which delivered a 6% increase in gross profit; and (iii) expense control initiatives that reduced personnel and advertising costs, which together contributed to a 130 basis point of the overall 170 basis point improvement in adjusted SG&A expenses as a percentage of adjusted gross profit (excluding the $3.4 million corporate generated F&I gain). These factors were partially offset by a 50% increase in floor plan interest expense as a result of a 190 basis point increase in short-term interest rates.

35




Total revenues increased 6% to $4.4 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, from $4.2 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.  The increase in total revenues was a result of a 5% increase in new vehicle revenue and an 11% increase in used vehicle revenue.

Total gross profit increased 8% to $669.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, from $621.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. Total gross profit, excluding the corporate generated F&I gain, increased 7% to $666.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 from $621.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.  The increase in total gross profit was driven by an $18.6 million increase in fixed operations gross profit, as well as a $13.1 million and $11.5 million increase in used vehicle and new vehicle gross profit, respectively.

New Vehicle  —

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

Increase

 

%

 

 

 

2006

 

 

 

2005

 

 

 

(Decrease)

 

Change

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands, except PVR data)

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New retail revenues—same store(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Luxury

 

$

775,226

 

31

%

$

784,337

 

32

%

$

(9,111

)

(1

)%

Mid-line import

 

1,039,096

 

42

%

969,933

 

40

%

69,163

 

7

%

Mid-line domestic

 

378,805

 

15

%

435,147

 

18

%

(56,342

)

(13

)%

Value

 

55,656

 

2

%

62,549

 

3

%

(6,893

)

(11

)%

Total passenger vehicle retail revenue — same store

 

2,248,783

 

 

 

2,251,966

 

 

 

(3,183

)

%

Heavy trucks

 

247,835

 

10

%

173,190

 

7

%

74,645

 

43

%

Total new retail revenues—same store(1)

 

2,496,618

 

100

%

2,425,156

 

100

%

71,462

 

3

%

New retail revenues—acquisitions

 

35,615

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total new retail revenues

 

2,532,233

 

 

 

2,425,156

 

 

 

107,077

 

4

%

Fleet revenues—same store(1)

 

119,178

 

 

 

109,912

 

 

 

9,266

 

8

%

Fleet revenues—acquisitions

 

936

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total fleet revenues

 

120,114

 

 

 

109,912

 

 

 

10,202

 

9

%

New vehicle revenues, as reported

 

$

2,652,347

 

 

 

$

2,535,068

 

 

 

$

117,279

 

5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New retail units:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New retail units—same store(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Luxury

 

17,303

 

22

%

17,786

 

22

%

(483

)

(3

)%

Mid-line import

 

42,564

 

53

%

40,459

 

51

%

2,105

 

5

%

Mid-line domestic

 

13,313

 

17

%

15,371

 

19

%

(2,058

)

(13

)%

Value

 

2,676

 

3

%

3,196

 

4

%

(520

)

(16

)%

Total passenger vehicle retail units — same store

 

75,856

 

 

 

76,812

 

 

 

(956

)

(1

)%

Heavy trucks

 

4,062

 

5

%

3,218

 

4

%

844

 

26

%

Total new retail units—same store(1)

 

79,918

 

100

%

80,030

 

100

%

(112

)

%

New retail units—acquisitions

 

1,263

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail units—actual

 

81,181

 

 

 

80,030

 

 

 

1,151

 

1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New revenue PVR—same store(1)

 

$

31,240

 

 

 

$

30,303

 

 

 

$

937

 

3

%

New revenue PVR—actual

 

$

31,192

 

 

 

$

30,303

 

 

 

$

889

 

3

%

 


(1)             Same store amounts include the results of dealerships for the identical months for each period presented in the comparison, commencing with the first full month in which the dealership was owned by us.

36




 

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

Increase

 

%

 

 

 

2006

 

 

 

2005

 

 

 

(Decrease)

 

Change

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands, except PVR data)

 

Gross Profit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New retail gross profit—same store(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Luxury

 

$

62,564

 

35

%

$

63,801

 

37

%

$

(1,237

)

(2

)%

Mid-line import

 

75,168

 

42

%

65,762

 

39

%

9,406

 

14

%

Mid-line domestic

 

28,814

 

16

%

31,115

 

18

%

(2,301

)

(7

)%

Value

 

4,113

 

2

%

5,744

 

3

%

(1,631

)

(28

)%

Total passenger vehicle retail gross profit — same store

 

170,659

 

 

 

166,422

 

 

 

4,237

 

3

%

Heavy trucks

 

9,662

 

5

%

5,698

 

3

%

3,964

 

70

%

Total new retail gross profit—same store(1)

 

180,321

 

100

%

172,120

 

100

%

8,201

 

5

%

New retail gross profit—acquisitions

 

2,327

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total retail gross profit

 

182,648

 

 

 

172,120

 

 

 

10,528

 

6

%

Fleet gross profit—same store(1)

 

3,072

 

 

 

2,098

 

 

 

974

 

46

%

Fleet gross profit—acquisitions

 

18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total fleet gross profit

 

3,090

 

 

 

2,098

 

 

 

992

 

47

%

New vehicle gross profit, as reported

 

$

185,738

 

 

 

$

174,218

 

 

 

$

11,520

 

7

%

New gross profit PVR—same store(1)

 

$

2,256

 

 

 

$

2,151

 

 

 

$

105

 

5

%

New gross profit PVR—actual

 

$

2,250

 

 

 

$

2,151

 

 

 

$

99

 

5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New retail gross margin—same store(1)

 

7.2

%

 

 

7.1

%

 

 

0.1

%

1

%

New retail gross margin—actual

 

7.2

%

 

 

7.1

%

 

 

0.1

%

1

%

 

 


(1)             Same store amounts include the results of dealerships for the identical months for each period presented in the comparison, commencing with the first full month in which the dealership was owned by us.

New vehicle revenues increased 5% to $2.7 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, from $2.5 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.  The increase in new vehicle revenues was a result of a 43% increase in new vehicle revenue from our heavy trucks business and a 7% increase in our mid-line import brands offset by decreases across all our other brand categories, most notably mid-line domestic, which decreased 13%. Heavy truck new vehicle revenue PVR increased 13% and heavy truck new vehicle unit sales increased 26%, while mid-line import new vehicle revenue PVR increased 2% and unit sales increased 5%.  Overall passenger vehicle revenues increased 2%.

New vehicle gross profit increased 7% to $185.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, from $174.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.  New retail gross profit increased 6%, driven by a 14% increase in mid-line import gross profit as these brands continued their strong performance, and a 70% increase from our heavy trucks business.  These increases were offset by the performance of our mid-line domestic and value brands, which were down 7% and 28%, respectively, with the majority of the decrease resulting from the new vehicle incentive environment in the 2005 period.

37




Used Vehicle —

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

Increase

 

%

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

(Decrease)

 

Change

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands, except PVR data)

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail revenues—same store(1)

 

$

866,022

 

$

776,330

 

$

89,692

 

12

%

Retail revenues—acquisitions

 

3,578

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total used retail revenues

 

869,600

 

776,330

 

93,270

 

12

%

Wholesale revenues—same store(1)

 

266,561

 

252,571

 

13,990

 

6

%

Wholesale revenues—acquisitions

 

908

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total wholesale revenues

 

267,469

 

252,571

 

14,898

 

6

%

Used vehicle revenues, as reported

 

$

1,137,069

 

$

1,028,901

 

$

108,168

 

11

%

Gross Profit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail gross profit—same store(1)

 

$

104,641

 

$

90,633

 

$

14,008

 

15

%

Retail gross profit—acquisitions

 

502

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total used retail gross profit

 

105,143

 

90,633

 

14,510

 

16

%

Wholesale gross profit—same store(1)

 

(1,079

)

365

 

(1,444

)

(396

)%

Wholesale gross profit—acquisitions

 

39

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total wholesale gross profit

 

(1,040

)

365

 

(1,405

)

(385

)%

Used vehicle gross profit, as reported

 

$

104,103

 

$

90,998

 

$

13,105

 

14

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Used retail units—same store(1)

 

48,875

 

46,354

 

2,521

 

5

%

Used retail units—acquisitions

 

234

 

 

 

 

 

 

Used retail units—actual

 

49,109

 

46,354

 

2,755

 

6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Used revenue PVR—same store(1)

 

$

17,719

 

$

16,748

 

$

971

 

6

%

Used revenue PVR—actual

 

$

17,708

 

$

16,748

 

$

960

 

6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Used gross profit PVR—same store(1)

 

$

2,141

 

$

1,955

 

$

186

 

10

%

Used gross profit PVR—actual

 

$

2,141

 

$

1,955

 

$

186

 

10

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Used retail gross margin—same store(1)

 

12.1

%

11.7

%

0.4

%

3

%

Used retail gross margin—actual

 

12.1

%

11.7

%

0.4

%

3

%

 


(1)             Same store amounts include the results of dealerships for the identical months for each period presented in the comparison, commencing with the first full month in which the dealership was owned by us.

Used vehicle revenues increased 11% to $1.1 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, from $1.0 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.  Used retail revenues increased 12% to $869.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, as a result of a 6% in used retail unit sales and used revenue PVR.  The strength of the used vehicle market and our used vehicle merchandising initiatives have resulted in increased used vehicle sales and improved used revenue PVR.

Used vehicle gross profit increased 14% to $104.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, from $91.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.  Used retail gross profit increased 16% to $105.1 million as a result of a 6% increase in used retail unit sales and a 10% increase in used retail gross profit PVR.  The increase in used retail unit sales and used retail gross profit PVR was primarily a result of our investment in new software to better value trade-ins and improve inventory management, and the execution by our regional management teams dedicated to the used vehicle business.

38




Fixed Operations —

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

Increase

 

%

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

(Decrease)

 

Change

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues—same store(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parts and service

 

$

465,217

 

$

431,429

 

$

33,788

 

8

%

Collision repair

 

44,122

 

43,369

 

753

 

2

%

Total revenues—same store(1)

 

509,339

 

474,798

 

34,541

 

7

%

Revenues—acquisitions

 

4,237

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parts, service and collision repair revenues, as reported

 

$

513,576

 

$

474,798

 

$

38,778

 

8

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Profit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit—same store(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parts and service

 

$

233,911

 

$

218,048

 

$

15,863

 

7

%

Collision repair

 

23,889

 

23,329

 

560

 

2

%

Total gross profit—same store(1)

 

257,800

 

241,377

 

16,423

 

7

%

Gross profit—acquisitions

 

2,189

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parts, service and collision repair gross profit, as reported

 

$

259,989

 

$

241,377

 

$

18,612

 

8

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parts and service gross margin—same store(1)

 

50.3

%

50.5

%

(0.2

)%

%

Collision repair gross margin—same store(1)

 

54.1

%

53.8

%

0.3

%

1

%

Fixed operations gross margin—same store(1)

 

50.6

%

50.8

%

(0.2

)%

%

 


(1)             Same store amounts include the results of dealerships for the identical months for each period presented in the comparison, commencing with the first full month in which the dealership was owned by us.

Fixed operations revenues increased 8% to $513.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, from $474.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.  Fixed operations gross profit increased 8% to $260.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, from $241.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.  Fixed operations revenues and gross profit increased primarily due to a 12% increase in both “customer pay” parts and service revenues and gross profit, respectively.

Finance and Insurance, net—

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

Increase

 

%

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

(Decrease)

 

Change

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands, except PVR data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dealership generated F&I—same store(1)

 

$

113,621

 

$

110,933

 

$

2,688

 

2

%

Dealership generated F&I—acquisitions

 

1,336

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dealership generated F&I, net

 

114,957

 

110,933

 

4,024

 

4

%

Corporate generated F&I

 

1,685

 

3,754

 

(2,069

)

(55

)%

Corporate generated F&I gain

 

3,400

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance and insurance, net as reported

 

$

120,042

 

$

114,687

 

$

5,355

 

5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dealership generated F&I PVR—same store (1)(2)

 

$

882

 

$

878

 

$

4

 

1

%

Dealership generated F&I PVR—actual(2)

 

$

882

 

$

878

 

$

4

 

1

%

F&I PVR–actual

 

$

921

 

$

907

 

$

14

 

2

%

 


(1)             Same store amounts include the results of dealerships for the identical months for each period presented in the comparison, commencing with the first full month in which the dealership was owned by us.

(2)             Refer to “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Information” for further discussion regarding dealership generated F&I profit PVR.

F&I increased 5% to $120.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, from $114.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. Included in F&I was a $3.4 million gain related to sale of our remaining interest in a pool of extended service contracts.  Excluding this item, F&I increased 2% to $116.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, from $114.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. The increase in F&I was primarily a result of the 3% increase in retail units sales, as dealership F&I PVR increased 1%.  The increase in dealership generated F&I PVR was partially offset by a $3.1 million decrease in captive finance company revenue as a result of a strategic initiative to reduce our loan portfolio.  Corporate generated F&I, excluding the corporate generated F&I gain, was $1.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, and $3.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.  As

39




a result of the aforementioned sale of our remaining interest in a pool of extended service contracts, we do not anticipate recognizing any significant corporate generated F&I in the future.

Selling, General and Administrative —

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

% of Gross

 

 

 

% of 
Gross

 

% of Gross 
Profit 
Increase

 

% of Gross 
Profit %

 

 

 

2006

 

Profit

 

2005

 

Profit

 

(Decrease)

 

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Personnel costs

 

$

236,609

 

35.3

%

$

226,377

 

36.4

%

(1.1

)%

(3

)%

Sales compensation

 

77,052

 

11.5

%

71,221

 

11.5

%

%

%

Share-based compensation

 

3,258

 

0.5

%

 

0.0

%

0.5

%

100

%

Outside services

 

42,752

 

6.4

%

41,292

 

6.6

%

(0.2

)%

(3

)%

Advertising

 

38,114

 

5.7

%

40,092

 

6.5

%

(0.8

)%

(12

)%

Rent

 

40,504

 

6.1

%

35,829

 

5.8

%

0.3

%

5

%

Utilities

 

14,036

 

2.1

%

12,938

 

2.1

%

%

%

Insurance

 

11,578

 

1.7

%

10,908

 

1.7

%

%

%

Other

 

48,457

 

7.2

%

48,290

 

7.8

%

(0.6

)%

(8

)%

Selling, general and administrative

 

$

512,360

 

76.5

%

$

486,947

 

78.4

%

(1.9

)%

(2

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments to SG&A:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share-based compensation

 

(3,258

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abandoned strategic project expenses

 

(1,658

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Secondary stock offering expenses

 

(846

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reorganization expenses

 

 

 

 

(4,157

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted selling, general and administrative

 

$

506,598

 

76.0

%

$

482,790

 

77.7

%

(1.7

)%

(2

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Profit

 

$

669,872

 

 

 

$

621,280

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate generated F&I gain

 

(3,400

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted gross profit

 

$

666,475

 

 

 

$

621,280

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SG&A expenses as a percentage of gross profit decreased 190 basis points to 76.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, from 78.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.  SG&A expenses includes (i) $3.3 million of share-based compensation expense, (ii) $1.7 million of abandoned strategic project expenses and (iii) $0.8 million of costs associated with a secondary offering of common stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2006, and $4.2 million of reorganization costs during the nine months ended September 30, 2005.  Excluding these items, adjusted SG&A expense as a percentage of adjusted gross profit (excluding the $3.4 million corporate generated F&I gain) decreased 170 basis points to 76.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, from 77.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.  The improvement in adjusted SG&A as a percentage of adjusted gross profit is a result of several expense control initiatives resulting in reduced personnel and advertising costs.  These improvements were offset by increased rent resulting from our strategy to reduce our ownership of real estate and certain leasehold improvements through the use of sale-leaseback transactions.

Depreciation and Amortization—

Depreciation and amortization expense increased 5% to $15.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, from $14.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.  This increase is primarily related to property and equipment acquired between October 1, 2005 and September 30, 2006.

Other Income (Expense)—

Floor plan interest expense increased 50% to $30.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 from $20.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. This increase was a result of a 190 basis point increase in short-term interest rates and the amortization of our terminated cash flow swap.

Other interest expense increased 10% to $33.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, from $30.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.  The increase in other interest expense is a result of a higher effective interest rate on our 8% Notes due to the termination of a fair value swap.  As a result, our 8% Notes, which had a variable rate while the fair value swap was in place, are now fixed at 8% until maturity in 2014.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2006 we recognized a $0.9 million loss on the extinguishment of $15.0 million of our 8% Notes as part of a $40.0 million bond repurchase plan.

40




Income Tax Expense—

Income tax expense increased 17% to $30.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, from $26.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.  Our effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 was 37.5%.

Discontinued Operations—

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended

 

For the Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2006

 

September 30, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

Pending

 

 

 

 

 

Pending

 

 

 

 

 

Sold

 

Disposition

 

Total

 

Sold(b)

 

Disposition(a)

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Franchises

 

6

 

1

 

7

 

16

 

1

 

17

 

Ancillary businesses

 

1

 

 

1

 

2

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations

 

$

(5,603

)

$

504

 

$

(5,099

)

$

(2,126

)

$

392

 

$

(1,734

)

Other expense, net

 

(432

)

(127

)

(559

)

(3,143

)

(73

)

(3,216

)

Gain on disposition of discontinued operations, net

 

2,076

 

 

2,076

 

(416

)

 

(416

)

Income tax benefit (expense)

 

1,241

 

(142

)

1,099

 

2,132

 

(120

)

2,012

 

Discontinued operations, net of tax

 

$

(2,718

)

$

235

 

$

(2,483

)

$

(3,553

)

$

199

 

$

(3,354

)

 


(a)             Businesses were pending disposition as of September 30, 2006

(b)            Businesses were sold between January 1, 2005 and September 30, 2006

During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, we sold six franchises (five dealership locations) and one ancillary business, and as of September 30, 2006, one franchise was pending disposition. The $2.5 million loss from discontinued operations is primarily attributable to operating losses of the six franchises mentioned above, offset by the $2.1 million gain ($1.3 million, net of tax) on the sale of six franchises during 2006. The $3.4 million loss from discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, was a result of the operating losses of the franchises mentioned above, franchises sold in 2005 and the net loss on the sale of six franchises during the nine months ended September 30, 2005.

41




LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

We require cash to fund working capital needs, finance acquisitions of new dealerships and fund capital expenditures. We believe that our cash and cash equivalents on hand as of September 30, 2006, our funds generated through future operations and the funds available for borrowings under our committed credit facility, floor plan financing agreements, mortgage notes payable and proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions will be sufficient to fund our debt service and working capital requirements, commitments and contingencies, acquisitions, capital expenditures, current dividend commitments and any seasonal operating requirements for the foreseeable future.

As of September 30, 2006, we had cash and cash equivalents of $133.5 million and working capital of $390.2 million. In addition, we had $125.0 million available for borrowings under our committed credit facility for working capital, general corporate purposes and acquisitions.

Committed Credit Facility

In March 2005, we entered into a committed credit facility (the “Committed Credit Facility”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and 17 other financial institutions (the “Syndicate”), which provided us with $150.0 million of working capital borrowing capacity and $650.0 million of new and used vehicle inventory financing at all of our dealerships except our Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Mazda, Volvo and Rover dealerships (“Ford Trustmark”) and General Motors dealerships. In addition, Ford Motor Credit Corporation (“FMCC”) and General Motors Acceptance Corporation (“GMAC”) provide us with $150.0 million and $100.0 million, respectively, of floor plan financing outside of the Syndicate to finance inventory at our Ford Trustmark and General Motors dealerships.

In March 2006, we amended our Committed Credit Facility to include DaimlerChrysler Financial Services (“DCFS”) in the Syndicate and extend the maturity of the Committed Credit Facility from March 2008 to March 2009. In addition, DCFS agreed to provide a maximum of $120.0 million of floor plan financing outside of the Syndicate to finance inventory purchases at our Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep dealerships (“DaimlerChrysler Dealerships”). Pursuant to the signing of this amendment, floor plan borrowings from DCFS are now included in Floor Plan Notes Payable – Manufacturer Affiliated on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The DCFS facility has no stated termination date and borrowings will accrue interest based on LIBOR. Further, we reduced our working capital borrowing capacity from $150.0 million to $125.0 million and reduced the commitment of the Syndicate to finance our inventory purchases from $650.0 million to $425.0 million. In total, these commitments give us $125.0 million of working capital borrowing capacity and $795.0 million of floor plan borrowing capacity.

Floor Plan Financing-

We finance substantially all of our new vehicle inventory and, at our option, have the ability to finance a portion of our used vehicle inventory. We consider floor plan notes payable to a party that is affiliated with vehicle manufacturers from which we purchase new vehicle inventory “Floor Plan Notes Payable — Manufacturer Affiliated” and all other floor plan notes payable “Floor Plan Notes Payable — Non-manufacturer Affiliated.”  As of September 30, 2006, total borrowing capacity under the floor plan financing agreements with our vehicle floor plan providers totaled $795.0 million. In addition, as of September 30, 2006, we had total borrowing capacity of $56.0 million under ancillary floor plan financing agreements with Comerica Bank and Navistar Financial for our heavy trucks business in Atlanta, Georgia. As of September 30, 2006, we had $613.4 million outstanding to lenders affiliated and non-affiliated with the vehicle manufacturers from which we purchase our vehicle inventory.

During the first quarter of 2006, we refinanced the floor plan notes payable at our DaimlerChrysler Dealerships through the repayment of $85.4 million of floor plan notes payable — non-manufacturer affiliated with borrowings from DCFS, a manufacturer affiliated lender. As a result, floor plan notes payable at our DaimlerChrysler Dealerships are included in Floor Plan Notes Payable — Manufacturer Affiliated on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2006.  Floor plan notes payable at our DaimlerChrysler Dealerships totaled $90.8 million and $95.4 million as of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively.  In addition, during the nine months ended September 30, 2006, our Floor Plan Repayments — Non-manufacturer Affiliated and Floor Plan Notes Payable — Manufacturer Affiliated each increased by $85.4 million on our accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Acquisitions and Acquisition Financing-

We did not acquire any franchises during the nine months ended September 30, 2006.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, we acquired three franchises (one dealership location) for an aggregate purchase price of $26.8 million, including $9.3 million of cash, $15.3 million of borrowings from our floor plan facilities, the exchange of two of our franchises valued at $1.5 million and $0.7 million of future payments.  We plan to use our available cash, borrowings under our Committed Credit Facility or proceeds from future sale-leaseback transactions to finance future acquisitions.  Each year we expect to acquire dealerships that would add between $150.0 million and $250.0 million of annualized revenues;

42




however, we do not expect to achieve this target in 2006.

Sale-Leaseback Transactions

During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, we completed two sale-leaseback transactions resulting in the sale of $13.4 million of real estate and construction improvements and the commencement of long-term operating leases for the assets sold.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, we completed two sale-leaseback transactions, which resulted in the sale of approximately $15.7 million of real estate and construction improvements and the commencement of long-term operating leases for the assets sold.

Bond Repurchase Plan

In September 2006, we recognized a $0.9 million loss on the extinguishment of $15.0 million of our 8% Notes in connection with a $40.0 million bond repurchase plan.  Other interest expense will decrease annually by $1.2 million as a result of this debt extinguishment. Our board of directors has authorized us to repurchase up to an additional $25.0 million of our Senior Subordinated Notes, which we may do depending on market conditions. Other interest expense would decrease annually between $3.2 million and $3.5 million, excluding costs to repurchase, upon completion of this bond repurchase plan.

Debt Covenants-

We are subject to certain financial covenants in connection with our debt and lease agreements, including the financial covenants described below. Our Committed Credit Facility includes certain financial ratios with the following requirements: (i) an adjusted current ratio of at least 1.2 to 1, of which our ratio was approximately 1.6 to 1 as of September 30, 2006; (ii) a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.2 to 1, of which our ratio was approximately 1.6 to 1 as of September 30, 2006; (iii) an adjusted leverage ratio of not more than 4.5 to 1, of which our ratio was approximately 2.9 to 1 as of September 30, 2006 and (iv) a minimum adjusted net worth of $350.0 million, of which our adjusted net worth was approximately $510.1 million as of September 30, 2006. A breach of these covenants could cause an acceleration of repayment of our Committed Credit Facility if not otherwise waived or cured. Certain of our lease agreements include financial ratios with the following requirements: (i) a liquidity ratio of at least 1.2 to 1, of which our ratio was approximately 1.5 to 1 as of September 30, 2006 and (ii) an EBITDA based coverage ratio of at least 1.5 to 1, of which our ratio was approximately 3.3 to 1 as of September 30, 2006. A breach of these covenants would give rise to certain lessor remedies under our various lease agreements, the most severe of which include the following: (a) termination of the applicable lease, (b) termination of certain of the tenant’s lease rights, such as renewal rights and rights of first offer or negotiation relating to the purchase of the premises, and/or (c) a liquidated damages claim equal to the extent to which the accelerated rents under the applicable lease for the remainder of the lease term exceed the fair market rent over the same periods. As of September 30, 2006, we were in compliance with all our debt and lease agreement covenants.

Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005

Floor plan borrowings are required by all vehicle manufacturers for the purchase of new vehicles, and our agreements with our floor plan providers require us to repay amounts borrowed for the purchase of a vehicle immediately after the vehicle is sold. As a result, changes in floor plan notes payable are directly linked to changes in new vehicle inventory and therefore are an integral part of understanding changes in our working capital and operating cash flow. Consequently, we have provided a reconciliation of cash flow from operating activities and financing activities, as if all changes in floor plan notes payable were classified as an operating activity.

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

(In thousands)

 

2006

 

2005

 

Reconciliation of cash provided by operating activities to adjusted cash provided by operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

Cash provided by operating activities

 

$

188,361

 

$

37,414

 

Floor plan notes payable — non-manufacturer affiliated, net

 

(107,667

)

48,246

 

Cash provided by operating activities — as adjusted

 

$

80,694

 

$

85,660

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation of cash (used in) provided by financing activities to adjusted cash used in financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Cash (used in) provided by financing activities

 

$

(123,172

)

$

19,851

 

Floor plan borrowings — non-manufacturer affiliated

 

(1,838,366

)

(2,454,384

)

Floor plan repayments — non-manufacturer affiliated

 

1,946,033

 

2,406,138

 

Cash used in financing activities — as adjusted

 

$

(15,505

)

$

(28,395

)

 

43




Operating Activities-

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $188.4 million and $37.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.  Net cash provided by operating activities, as adjusted, totaled $80.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, and $85.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. Cash provided by operating activities, as adjusted, includes net income adjusted for non-cash items and changes in working capital, including changes in floor plan notes payable related to vehicle inventory. The $5.0 million decrease in our cash provided by operating activities, as adjusted, for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2005, was attributable to (i) $11.9 million related to the timing of inventory purchases and repayments of floor plan notes payable (including $28.6 million of net repayments associated with acquisition and divestiture activity discussed below); and (ii) $13.4 million related to the timing of payments of accounts payable and accrued liabilities and prepaid assets, including a $13.7 million payment associated with the termination of three interest rate swaps, offset by (i) $12.6 million related to the timing of collection of accounts receivable and contracts-in-transit and (ii) a $9.0 million increase in net income adjusted for non-cash items.

We borrowed $15.3 million from our floor plan facilities for the purchase of inventory in connection with three franchise acquisitions during the nine months ended September 30, 2005.  We did not complete any acquisitions during the nine months ended September 30, 2006.  In connection with six franchise divestitures during each of the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, we repaid $21.0 million and $7.7 million of floor plan notes payable, respectively. Acquisition and divestiture activity decreased our cash provided by operating activities, as adjusted, by $21.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.  Acquisition and divestiture activity increased our cash provided by operating activities, as adjusted, by $7.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.

Investing Activities—

Net cash provided by investing activities totaled $11.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.  Net cash used in investing activities totaled $59.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. Cash flows from investing activities relate primarily to capital expenditures, acquisition and divestiture activity, sale of property and equipment and construction reimbursements from lessors in connection with our sale-leaseback agreements.

Capital expenditures were $34.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, and $51.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, $11.9 million and $24.4 million, respectively, of capital expenditures were financed or were pending financing through sale-leaseback agreements or mortgage notes payable. Our capital expenditures consisted of upgrades to our existing facilities and construction of new facilities. Future capital expenditures will relate primarily to upgrading existing dealership facilities and operational improvements that we expect will provide us with acceptable rates of return on our investments. During the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, we received $3.4 million and $4.1 million, respectively, of construction reimbursements from lessors in connection with our sale-leaseback agreements. We expect that capital expenditures during 2006 will total approximately $60.0 million, of which we intend to finance approximately 40% to 50% principally through sale-leaseback agreements.

Cash used for acquisitions totaled $24.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.  We did not complete any acquisitions during the nine months ended September 30, 2006.

Proceeds from the sale of assets totaled $43.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, and $12.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. Included in proceeds from the sale of assets is the sale of six franchises (five dealership locations) during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and six franchises (two dealership locations) during the nine months ended September 30, 2005. We completed the sale of the two remaining Thomason dealerships in Portland, Oregon in April 2006, for which we received approximately $14.6 million of net proceeds (approximately $22.2 million of gross proceeds less approximately $7.6 million of floor plan repayments). We continuously monitor the profitability and market value of our dealerships, specifically the 10% contributing the least amount of operating income, and may strategically divest non-profitable dealerships.

Financing Activities—

Net cash used in financing activities totaled $123.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Net cash provided by financing activities totaled $19.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. Net cash used in financing activities, as adjusted, totaled $15.5 million and $28.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, we repaid debt of $17.5 million and $49.7 million, respectively. The majority of repayments during the nine months ended September 30, 2006, were a result of the repurchase

44




of $15.0 million of our 8% Notes for $14.9 million.  The majority of repayments during the nine months end September 30, 2005, were a result of our decision to repay approximately $29.2 million of our variable rate mortgage notes payable.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, we received proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $6.8 million and $3.1 million, respectively.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2006 we paid $0.8 million of income taxes on behalf of employees in connection with net share settlements of share-based awards.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, proceeds from borrowings amounted to $1.0 million and $23.3 million, respectively, which related primarily to mortgage financing associated with the construction of dealership facilities.

Off-Balance Sheet Transactions

We had no material off-balance sheet transactions during the periods presented other than those disclosed in Note 14 of our Condensed Consolidated financial statements.

Stock Repurchase and Dividend Restrictions

Pursuant to the indentures governing our 9% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2012, our 8% Notes and our Committed Credit Facility, our ability to repurchase shares of our common stock or pay cash dividends is limited. As of September 30, 2006, our ability to repurchase shares or pay cash dividends was limited to an aggregate amount of $78.1 million due to these restrictions. We did not repurchase any shares of our common stock during 2006 or 2005.  On July 31, 2006, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.20 per common share payable on August 24, 2006 to shareholders of record as of August 11, 2006.  In addition, on October 24, 2006, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.20 per common share payable on November 16, 2006 to shareholders of record as of November 2, 2006. The quarterly dividends declared by the board of directors totaled approximately $13.3 million.

 CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

Preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. Actual amounts could differ from those estimates. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates and assumptions and the effects of revisions are reflected in the financial statements in the period in which they are determined to be necessary. The accounting policies described below are those that most frequently require management to make estimates and judgments, and therefore are critical to understanding our results of operations. Senior management has discussed the development and selection of these accounting estimates and the related disclosures with the audit committee of our board of directors.

Inventories—

Our inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. We use the specific identification method to value our vehicle inventories and the “first-in, first-out” method (“FIFO”) to account for our parts inventories. We maintain a reserve for specific inventory units where cost basis exceeds fair value. In assessing lower of cost or market for new and used vehicles, we consider (i) the aging of new and used vehicles, (ii) loss histories of new and used vehicles, (iii) the timing of annual and model changeovers of new vehicles and (iv) current market conditions. We very rarely sell new vehicles that have been in inventory for less than 300 days at a loss. Our new vehicle loss histories have indicated that our losses range between 1 to 4% of our new vehicle inventory that exceeded 300 days old. As of September 30, 2006, our new vehicle loss reserve was $0.6 million or 3.8% of new vehicle inventory over 300 days old. Each 1% change in our estimate would change our new vehicle reserve approximately $0.2 million. Our used vehicle loss histories have indicated that our losses range between 2 to 4% of our used vehicle inventory. As of September 30, 2006, our used vehicle loss reserve was $3.6 million or 3.1% of used vehicle inventory. A 1% change in our estimate of used vehicle losses would change Used Vehicle Cost of Sales by approximately $1.2 million.

Notes Receivable—Finance Contracts—

As of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, we had outstanding notes receivable from finance contracts of $22.2 million and $27.2 million, respectively. These notes have initial terms ranging from 12 to 60 months, and are collateralized by the related vehicles. The assessment of our allowance for credit losses considers historical loss ratios and the performance of the current portfolio with respect to past due accounts. We continually analyze our current portfolio against our historical performance. In addition, we attribute minimal value to the underlying collateral in our assessment of the reserve. Our loss histories indicate our future credit losses will be approximately 14% of notes receivable. Our allowance for credit losses was $3.0 million and $3.5 million as of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively. A 1% change

45




in our estimate of notes receivable losses during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 would change our Finance and Insurance, net by approximately $0.2 million.

F&I Chargeback Reserve—

We receive commissions from the sale of vehicle service contracts, credit life insurance and disability insurance to customers. In addition, we receive commissions from financing institutions for arranging customer financing. We may be charged back (“chargebacks”) for finance, insurance or vehicle service contract commissions in the event a contract is terminated. F&I commissions are recorded at the time the vehicles are sold and a reserve for future chargebacks is established based on historical operating results and the termination provisions of the applicable contracts. This data is evaluated on a product-by-product basis. Our loss histories vary depending on the product but generally range between 7% and 18%. Our chargeback reserves were $14.6 million and $12.6 million as of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively. A 1% change in chargebacks of all our products during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 would change Finance and Insurance, net by approximately $0.9 million.

Self Insurance Reserves—

We are self insured for certain employee medical, workers compensation and general liability claims. We maintain stop loss insurance for individual and aggregate claims. We maintain and frequently review claim and loss histories to help us assess our future liability for these claims. In addition, we use professional service providers such as account administrators and actuaries to help us accumulate and assess this information. As of September 30, 2006, we had $6.5 million of insurance reserves for both known and unknown employee medical, workers compensation and general liability claims.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets—

Goodwill represents the excess cost of the businesses acquired over the fair market value of the identifiable net assets. We have determined that based on how we operate our business, allocate resources, and regularly review our financial data and operating results that we qualify as a single reporting unit for purposes of testing goodwill for impairment. We evaluate our operations and financial results in the aggregate by dealership. The dealership general managers are responsible for customer facing activities, including inventory management, advertising and personnel decisions; and have the flexibility to respond to local market conditions while the corporate management team, with input from the regional management teams, is responsible for infrastructure and general strategy decisions.

The fair market value of our manufacturer franchise rights is determined at the acquisition date through discounting the projected cash flows specific to each franchise. We have determined that manufacturer franchise rights have an indefinite life as there are no legal, contractual, economic or other factors that limit their useful lives and they are expected to generate cash flows indefinitely due to the historically long lives of the manufacturers’ brand names. Due to the fact that manufacturer franchise rights are specific to the location in which we acquire a dealership, we have determined that the dealership is the reporting unit for purposes of testing for impairment.

In accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” we do not amortize goodwill and other intangible assets that are deemed to have indefinite lives. We review goodwill and indefinite lived manufacturer franchise rights for impairment annually on October 1st of each year, or more often if events or circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. We are subject to financial statement risk to the extent that intangible assets become impaired due to decreases in the related fair market value of our underlying businesses.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes.”  FIN No. 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109 “Accounting for Income Taxes.”  FIN No. 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  FIN No. 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.  FIN No. 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. Earlier application is encouraged if the enterprise has not yet issued financial statements, including interim financial statements, in the period of adoption.  We are currently evaluating the impact of FIN No. 48 on our condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

46




RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Adjusted cash provided by (used in) operating and financing activities

Floor plan borrowings are required by all vehicle manufacturers for the purchase of new vehicles, and our agreements with our floor plan providers require us to repay amounts borrowed for the purchase of a vehicle immediately after the vehicle is sold. As a result, changes in floor plan notes payable are directly linked to changes in new vehicle inventory and therefore are an integral part of understanding changes in our working capital and operating cash flow. Consequently, we have provided a reconciliation of cash flow from operating activities and financing activities, as if all changes in floor plan notes payable were classified as an operating activity.

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

(In thousands)

 

2006

 

2005

 

Reconciliation of cash provided by operating activities to adjusted cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash provided by operating activities

 

$

188,361

 

$

37,414

 

Floor plan notes payable — non-manufacturer affiliated, net

 

(107,667

)

48,246

 

Cash provided by operating activities — as adjusted

 

$

80,694

 

$

85,660

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation of cash (used in) provided by financing activities to adjusted cash used in financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash (used in) provided by financing activities

 

$

(123,172

)

$

19,851

 

Floor plan borrowings — non-manufacturer affiliated

 

(1,838,366

)

(2,454,384

)

Floor plan repayments — non-manufacturer affiliated

 

1,946,033

 

2,406,138

 

Cash used in financing activities — as adjusted

 

$

(15,505

)

$

(28,395

)

 

Dealership generated F&I -

We evaluate our F&I performance on a Per Vehicle Retailed (“PVR”) basis by dividing our total F&I commissions by the number of retail vehicles sold. During 2003, we renegotiated a contract with a third party F&I product provider, which resulted in the recognition of income in 2006 and 2005 that was not attributable to retail vehicles sold during 2006 and 2005 (referred to as “corporate generated F&I”).  During the second quarter of 2006, we decided to sell our remaining interest in the pool of extended service contracts that had been the source of our corporate generated F&I, which resulted in the recognition of a $3.4 million gain on the sale (“corporate generated F&I gain”).  We believe that dealership generated F&I, which excludes the additional revenue derived from this contract, provides a more meaningful measure of our F&I operating performance.

The following table reconciles Finance and insurance, net to dealership generated F&I, and provides the necessary components to calculate dealership generated F&I PVR:

 

 

For the Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per vehicle data)

 

2006

 

2005

 

Reconciliation of Finance and insurance, net to dealership generated F&I:

 

 

 

 

 

Finance and insurance, net

 

$

41,198

 

$

40,133

 

Less: corporate generated F&I

 

 

(1,184

)

Dealership generated F&I

 

$

41,198

 

$

38,949

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dealership generated F&I PVR

 

$

905

 

$

856

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail units sold:

 

 

 

 

 

New retail units

 

28,294

 

29,096

 

Used retail units

 

17,205

 

16,428

 

Total retail units

 

45,499

 

45,524

 

 

47




 

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended 
September 30,

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per vehicle data)

 

2006

 

2005

 

Reconciliation of Finance and insurance, net to dealership generated F&I:

 

 

 

 

 

Finance and insurance, net

 

$

120,042

 

$

114,687

 

Less: corporate generated F&I

 

(1,685

)

(3,754

)

Less: corporate generated F&I gain

 

(3,400

)

 

Dealership generated F&I

 

$

114,957

 

$

110,933

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dealership generated F&I PVR

 

$

882

 

$

878

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail units sold:

 

 

 

 

 

New retail units

 

81,181

 

80,030

 

Used retail units

 

49,109

 

46,354

 

Total retail units

 

130,290

 

126,384

 

 

Adjusted SG&A Expenses as a percentage of adjusted gross profit

Our SG&A expense was impacted by (i) the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, (ii) our decision to issue performance share units and restricted share units instead of stock options and (iii) expenses related to a secondary stock offering during the three months ended September 30, 2006; and expenses related to our regional reorganization during the three months ended September 30, 2005.  Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted SFAS No. 23R under the modified prospective transition method and therefore recorded share-based compensation expense under the fair value method for the three months ended September 30, 2006.  Prior to January 1, 2006, share-based compensation expense was recorded under the intrinsic value method and therefore did not recognize any share-based compensation expense.  We believe that a more meaningful comparison of our SG&A as a percentage of gross profit can be made by adjusting for these items.

 

 

For the Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2006

 

2005

 

Adjusted SG&A expenses as a percentage of gross profit:

 

 

 

 

 

SG&A expenses

 

$

174,996

 

$

168,395

 

Share-based compensation expense

 

(962

)

 

Secondary stock offering expenses

 

(846

)

 

Reorganization expenses

 

 

(591

)

Adjusted SG&A expenses

 

$

173,188

 

$

167,804

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

$

229,760

 

$

217,324

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted SG&A expenses as a percentage of gross profit

 

75.4

%

77.2

%

 

Our SG&A expense was impacted by (i) the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, (ii) our decision to issue performance share units and restricted share units instead of stock options, (iii) our decision to abandon certain strategic projects, and (iv) expenses related to a secondary stock offering during the nine months ended September 30, 2006; and expenses related to our regional reorganization during the nine months ended September 30, 2005.  Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted SFAS No. 123R under the modified prospective transition method and therefore recorded share-based compensation expense under the fair value method for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.  Prior to January 1, 2006, share-based compensation expense was recorded under the intrinsic value method and therefore we did not recognize any share-based compensation expense.  Our gross profit was impacted by the sale of our remaining interest in a pool of extended service contracts during the nine months ended September 30, 2006.  We believe that a more meaningful comparison of our SG&A as a percentage of adjusted gross profit can be made by adjusting for these items.

48




 

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2006

 

2005

 

Adjusted SG&A expenses as a percentage of adjusted gross profit:

 

 

 

 

 

SG&A expenses

 

$

512,360

 

$

486,947

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share-based compensation expense

 

(3,258

)

 

Abandoned strategic project expenses

 

(1,658

)

 

Secondary stock offering expenses

 

(846

)

 

Reorganization expenses

 

 

(4,157

)

Adjusted SG&A expenses

 

$

506,598

 

$

482,790

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

$

669,872

 

$

621,280

 

Corporate generated F&I gain

 

(3,400

)

 

 

 

$

666,472

 

$

621,280

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted SG&A expenses as a percentage of adjusted gross profit

 

76.0

%

77.7

%

 

Adjusted income from continuing operations

Our income from continuing operations was impacted by (i) the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, (ii) our decision to issue performance share units and restricted share units instead of stock options, (iii) expenses related to the extinguishment of long-term debt and (iv) expenses related to a secondary stock offering during the three months ended September 30, 2006; and expenses related to our regional reorganization during the three months ended September 30, 2005.  Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted SFAS No. 123R under the modified prospective transition method and therefore recorded share-based compensation expense under the fair value method for the three months ended September 30, 2006.  Prior to January 1, 2006, share-based compensation expense was recorded under the intrinsic value method and therefore did not recognize any share-based compensation expense.  We believe that a more meanginful comparison of our income from continuing operations can be made by adjusting for these items.

 

 

For the Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

(In thousands)

 

2006

 

2005

 

Adjusted income from continuing operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

17,179

 

$

14,953

 

Discontinued operations, net of tax

 

1,047

 

2,128

 

Income from continuing operations

 

18,226

 

17,081

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share-based compensation expense, net of tax

 

601

 

 

Loss on extinguishment of long-term debt, net of tax

 

571

 

 

Secondary stock offering expenses, net of tax

 

529

 

 

Reorganization expenses, net of tax

 

 

369

 

Adjusted income from continuing operations

 

$

19,927

 

$

17,450

 

 

Our income from continuing operations was impacted by (i) the sale of our remaining interest in a pool of extended service contracts, (ii) the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, (iii) our decision to issue performance share units and restricted share units instead of stock options, (iv) our decision to abandon certain strategic projects, (v) expenses related to the extinguishment of long-term debt and (vi) expenses related to a secondary stock offering during the nine months ended September 30, 2006; and expenses related to our regional reorganization during the nine months ended September 30, 2005.  Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted SFAS No. 123R under the modified prospective transition method and therefore recorded share-based compensation expense under the fair value method for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.  Prior to January 1, 2006, share-based compensation expense was recorded under the intrinsic value method and therefore we did not recognize any share-based compensation expense.  We believe that a more meaningful comparison of our income from continuing operations can be made by adjusting for these items.

49




 

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

(In thousands)

 

2006

 

2005

 

Adjusted income from continuing operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

48,736

 

$

40,579

 

Discontinued operations, net of tax

 

2,483

 

3,354

 

Income from continuing operations

 

51,219

 

43,933

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate generated F&I gain, net of tax

 

(2,125

)

 

Share-based compensation expense, net of tax

 

2,036

 

 

Abandoned strategic project expenses, net of tax

 

1,036

 

 

Loss on extinguishment of long-term debt, net of tax

 

571

 

 

Secondary stock offering expenses, net of tax

 

529

 

 

Reorganization expenses, net of tax

 

 

2,598

 

Adjusted income from continuing operations

 

$

53,266

 

$

46,531

 

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates on a significant portion of our outstanding indebtedness. Based on $650.3 million of total variable rate debt (including floor plan notes payable) outstanding as of September 30, 2006, a 1% change in interest rates would result in a change of approximately $6.5 million to our annual interest expense.

We received $21.0 million of interest credit assistance from certain automobile manufacturers during the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Interest credit assistance reduced new vehicle cost of sales from continuing operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 by $20.7 million and reduced new vehicle inventory by $3.7 million and $3.6 million as of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively. Although we can provide no assurance as to the amount of future interest credit assistance, based on historical data, it is our expectation that an increase in prevailing interest rates would result in some increase in interest credit assistance from certain (mainly domestic) automobile manufacturers.

Interest Rate Hedges

Three of our interest rate swap agreements terminated in March 2006, which resulted in a cash payment of $13.7 million, which equaled the fair market value of the swap agreements.  Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2006 was $3.6 million ($2.2 million, net of tax) of unrecognized amortization related to our two terminated cash flow swaps, which are being amortized through March 2014 as a component of Floor Plan Interest Expense on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.  In addition, included as a reduction to our 8% Notes as of September 30, 2006 was $8.2 million of unrecognized amortization related to our terminated fair value swap, which is being amortized through March 2014 as a component of Other Interest Expense on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.  The amortization of the termination costs of these three swap agreements will increase floor plan and other interest expense by $0.7 million and $0.9 million, respectively, during 2006.

We have an interest rate swap agreement with a notional principal amount of $14.3 million as of September 30, 2006, as a hedge against future changes in the interest rate of our variable rate mortgage notes payable. Under the terms of the swap agreement, we are required to make payments at a fixed rate and receive a variable rate based on LIBOR. This swap agreement was designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge of changes in the interest rate of our variable rate mortgage notes payable and will contain minor ineffectiveness. As of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, the swap agreement had a fair value of $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively, which is included in Other Long-Term Assets on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based on this evaluation, the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that as of the end of such period such disclosure controls and procedures (i) were reasonably designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission and (ii) were effective.

50




 

There have not been any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

---

Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements include statements relating to goals, plans and projections regarding our financial position, results of operations, market position, product development and business strategy.  Such statements include, but are not limited to our expectations that the mid-line import and luxury brands will continue to take market share and the impact that will have on our operations; that the vehicle manufacturers will continue their incentive programs; that our increased service expansion will drive future revenue increases; that we will continue to acquire dealerships and the impact those acquisitions on our operations; that our initiatives in F&I will increase revenues; our capital expenditure projections and the impact they will have on our operations, our ability to complete our bond repurchase plan and the impact that plan will have on our operations; the impact that our high margin business will have on our future operations; and our ability to continue to pay dividends. 

These statements are based on management’s current expectations 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;

·                  our relationships with vehicle manufacturers and other suppliers;

·                  the amount of our indebtedness;

·                  risks related to pending and potential future acquisitions;

·                  general economic conditions both nationally and locally;

§                  our ability to successful implement our strategies,

·                  governmental regulations and legislation; and

·                  automotive retail industry trends.

There can be no guarantees that our plans for future operations will be successfully implemented or that they will prove to be commercially successful or that we will be able to continue paying dividends in the future at the current rate or at all.  These and other risk factors are discussed in out Annual Report on Form 10-K and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

51




PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibits required to be filed by Item 601 of Regulation S-K:

10.1

 

Form of Restricted Share Award Agreement for Non-Employee Directors.

 

 

 

10.2

 

Restricted Share Award Agreement of Kenneth B. Gilman, dated October 23, 2006.

 

 

 

10.3

 

Restricted Share Award Agreement for Non-Employee Directors of Michael J. Durham, dated October 23, 2006.

 

 

 

15.1

 

Awareness letter from Deloitte & Touche LLP.

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certificate of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated November 7, 2006.

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certificate of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated November 7, 2006.

 

 

 

32.1

 

Certificate of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b)/15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated November 7, 2006.

 

 

 

32.2

 

Certificate of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b)/15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated November 7, 2006.

 


*             Incorporated by reference

52




SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.
(Registrant)

 

 

 

 

 

Date: November 7, 2006

By:

/s/ KENNETH B. GILMAN

 

 

 

Name: Kenneth B. Gilman

 

 

Title: Chief Executive Officer and President

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date: November 7, 2006

By:

/s/ J. GORDON SMITH

 

 

 

Name:

J. Gordon Smith

 

 

Title:

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

53




INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit Number

 

Description of Documents

 

 

 

10.1

 

Form of Restricted Share Award Agreement for Non-Employee Directors.

 

 

 

10.2

 

Restricted Share Award Agreement of Kenneth B. Gilman, dated October 23, 2006.

 

 

 

10.3

 

Restricted Share Award Agreement for Non-Employee Directors of Michael J. Durham, dated October 23, 2006.

 

 

 

15.1

 

Awareness letter from Deloitte & Touche LLP.

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certificate of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated November 7, 2006.

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certificate of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated November 7, 2006.

 

 

 

32.1

 

Certificate of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b)/15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated November 7, 2006.

 

 

 

32.2

 

Certificate of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b)/15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated November 7, 2006.

 


* Incorporated by reference

54