AutoCanada Inc.
Annual Report 2006

Plain-text annual report

AUTOCANADA 2006 Annual Report TABLE OF CONTENTS Financial Highlights Report to Unitholders Management’s Discussion and Analysis Financial Statements Notes 1 2 4 30 35 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS New Vehicle Sales1 Used Vehicle Sales1 9,141 7,503 Units 000’s 10 6,007 5,116 3,248 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 10 Units 000’s 8,501 6,085 4,789 5,038 2,997 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 1. Includes 100% of the operating results of Dartmouth Dodge, of which we have owned 50% since 2002 and purchased the remaining 50% in February 2006. 1. Includes 100% of the operating results of Dartmouth Dodge, of which we have owned 50% since 2002 and purchased the remaining 50% in February 2006. Number of Franchised Automobile Dealerships Gross Profit by Business Operation 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 17 16 14 10 10 7 5 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 20061 20072 Q1 1. Includes Dartmouth Dodge, of which we have owned 50% since 2002 and purchased the remaining 50% in February, 2006. 2. Includes Grande Prairie Nissan which we manage. $ millions $113.1 $76.4 $57.3 $48.9 $33.5 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 New Vehicle Used Vehicle Parts, Service & Collision Repair FI & Other The Fund commenced operations on May 11, 2006. To facilitate comparisons the above tables include the operating results from May 11, 2006 to December 31, 2006 of the Fund and the combined operating results of CanadaOne Auto Group (CAG) for the year ended December 31, 2006 and compares these results to the results of CAG from 2002 to 2005 for similar operating accounts. AUTOCANADA 2006 > 1 REPORT TO UNITHOLDERS We are pleased to be writing the initial letter to you as unitholders of AutoCanada Income Fund (the “Fund”). Our first year of operations of the Fund was a successful one following the completion of our initial public offering on May 11, 2006 of 10,209,500 trust units at a price of $10 per unit for aggregate net proceeds of $93.6 million. The net proceeds were used to initially acquire a 50.4% indirect interest in the net assets (the “Acquired Business”) of Canada One Auto Group (“CAG”). On May 31, 2006 the Fund increased its ownership in the Acquired Business to 54%. In 2006, from May 11 to December 31, the Fund reported net earnings of $12.5 million, or $0.616 per weighted average unit, on revenues of $471.9 million and declared distributions of $13 million or $0.639 per weighted average unit. Also in 2006, the Fund acquired one Hyundai dealership in Victoria, British Columbia and opened one new Hyundai dealership in Sherwood Park, Alberta. In 2006, the Fund made significant progress on three continuing objectives to create value for unitholders as part of the goal of becoming the largest and most profitable multi-location automobile dealership group in Canada: i) growth through acquisition of franchised automotive dealerships; ii) opening new franchised automotive dealerships (“Open Points”); and iii) growth through same-store results. In February of 2007, the Fund initiated a fourth objective to create value for unitholders, the financing and management of franchised automotive dealerships. Acquisitions are an important component of the Fund’s growth strategy. In 2006, the Fund expanded its presence in western Canada by completing the acquisition of the net operating assets of Victoria Hyundai in Victoria, British Columbia. The acquisition of Victoria Hyundai brings the total number of new vehicle franchises owned by the Fund to 16, with five in British Columbia. The Fund will continue to actively pursue the acquisition of additional franchised automotive dealerships in Canada that meet our investment criteria. The Fund is currently engaged in discussions with select manufacturers’ regarding obtaining approval for public ownership of franchises that they operate and intends to increase the number of acquisitions completed in 2007. The Fund’s future acquisitions are expected to continue to be focused on both increasing the number and proportion of import brands in the Fund and growing our footprint in attractive markets in western Canada that will lead to building platforms which result in efficiencies due to scale. From time to time automobile manufacturers establish new dealerships in attractive markets. These Open Points are rare and highly sought after in the retail automotive industry. In November 2006, the Fund commenced operations of an Open Point in Sherwood Park, Alberta, Sherwood Park Hyundai. Management is pleased with the performance of Sherwood Park Hyundai during the start-up period. Looking to the future, the Fund has entered into letters of intent to open one new franchised automobile dealership in Western Canada with each of Hyundai Auto Canada and DaimlerChrysler Canada Inc. Management expects these Open Points to benefit from strong brand acceptance, continued economic expansion and our recent expertise gained from the successful opening of Sherwood Park Hyundai in 2006 and Grande Prairie Hyundai in 2005. Growth through acquisition and Open Points is just part of the growth strategy. We’re equally committed to same-store growth primarily through initiatives that focus on our higher-margin parts and service, used vehicle sales and finance and insurance products. Expansion of our parts and service business in existing facilities is well under way in 2007 where we are planning to add significantly to the number of service bays through major service expansions in several dealerships. We will continue to invest a good portion of our capital expenditures into growing this high-margin business. We also plan to lease two new dealership facilities in 2007 once they are constructed. The leasing of these new dealership facilities is expected to contribute significantly to all segments of the affected dealerships. Historically, dealerships that have either opened new facilities or have undergone a major renovation typically experience a significant increase in the total revenues and net earnings. 2 > AUTOCANADA 2006 Better use of technology is an important component of our plan to grow our same-store business. In 2006 the Fund initiated the consolidation of our dealership management systems technology platform. The more dealerships we convert to the new platform, the more convinced we become of the long-term benefits of this initiative. We expect this conversion process to continue throughout 2007 and once complete, it will form the foundation for future process standardization initiatives. This standard technology platform will simplify our ongoing training requirements, support more consistent data analysis and allow us to capture further economies of scale. As part of this process it is expected there will be an implementation of a standard chart of accounts, which will enable us to bring more efficiency to our accounting processes. This is another important step in standardizing processes across the dealerships and will also make integrating future acquisitions more efficient. The newest initiative to create value for unitholders occurred when the Fund expanded its business model on February 7, 2007 by entering into a credit agreement with CAG to finance the acquisition of a Nissan dealership by CAG and entered into a management agreement to provide it with management services. The Fund’s strategic intent with this arrangement is to continue to seek to expand the range of automobile brands it sells as automobile manufacturers become more familiar with the Fund’s management, business model and unique publicly traded status in Canada. The structure may vary among dealerships and manufacturers in order to accommodate the needs of the manufacturer, the dealerships, and the Fund. These relationships are intended to provide the Fund with the financial benefits associated with an expanded network of dealerships while accommodating the requirements of the various automobile manufacturers. Consistent with its previously announced strategic intent to enhance its relationships with a wider range of manufacturers in order to develop its long-term growth prospects, on February 7, 2007 the Fund granted consent to permit me to open a new Toyota automobile dealership, Sherwood Park Toyota. Although discussions between Toyota Canada Inc. and I began prior to the Fund’s Initial Public Offering in May 2006, consents are required under the terms of the non-competition agreements entered into between the Fund and CAG and its shareholders at the time of the Fund’s IPO. The Fund intends to work diligently towards obtaining the approval of Toyota Canada Inc. to permit Sherwood Park Toyota to be owned by the Fund under arrangements approved by the automobile manufacturer. However, there can be no assurance that the Fund will be granted such permission. In making the significant progress on the objectives discussed, the Fund benefited from the talent and efforts of all employees across the organization. The Fund continues to support initiatives that will attract and retain talent since our employees are critical to the success of the Fund. In connection with this, we are pleased that Steve Rose joined the fund as Vice-President of Corporate Development, General Counsel and Secretary. With extensive industry and finance experience, he is a great addition to our management team. We continue to be very optimistic about our business. While consumer confidence levels, energy prices and the challenges faced by automotive manufacturers could all have an impact on our operations, there is opportunity for the Fund to continue to drive sales of higher margin used vehicles and finance and insurance products, continue the expansion of parts and services sales capacity and margins in key markets and leverage our operating initiatives to drive organic growth. Ultimately, we look forward to a year of opportunity because of the compelling benefits of our operating and acquisition strategy. We have laid a strong foundation for future success in 2007 and we remain committed to the consistent execution of a strategy that will deliver value to the unitholders of the Fund. We fully expect that in next year’s annual report, we will be able to report continued progress on the objectives discussed above. We thank the unitholders for your support and we look forward to updating you on the Fund’s progress. Sincerely, Patrick J. Priestner Chief Executive Officer and Director of AutoCanada GP Inc. AUTOCANADA 2006 > 3 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 4 > AUTOCANADA 2006 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes of AutoCanada Income Fund (the “Fund”) for the period of January 4, 2006 to December 31, 2006 which includes operations from May 11, 2006 to December 31, 2006. The audited consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Results are reported in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated and have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. Unless otherwise indicated, certain dollar amounts have been rounded to the nearest thousand dollars. References to notes are to the notes to the audited consolidated financial statements of the Fund unless otherwise stated. This Management Discussion and Analysis is dated March 22, 2007. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain statements in management’s discussion and analysis may constitute “forward looking” statements that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements or industry results to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. These statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations of management regarding growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects and opportunities. Such forward looking statements reflect current beliefs of management or of the third parties to which they are attributed and are based on information currently available to us. In some cases, the statements use such words as “may”, “will”, “intend”, “should”, “expect”, “believe”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “predict”, “potential”, “continue” or the negative of these terms or other similar terminology. These statements reflect current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date of management’s discussion and analysis, or in the case of third party statements as of the date on which they were made. Forward looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward looking statements, including, but not limited to, the factors discussed under “Risk Factors”. Although the forward looking statements contained in management’s discussion and analysis are based upon what management believes are reasonable assumptions, the Fund cannot assure you that actual results will be consistent with these forward looking statements. These forward looking statements are made as of the date of management’s discussion and analysis and, except as required by applicable law, the Fund assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. OVERVIEW OF THE FUND Issuance of Fund Units and Acquisition The Fund is an unincorporated, open-ended trust governed by the laws of the Province of Alberta and a Declaration of Trust dated January 4, 2006 and amended May 10, 2006. The Fund has been created to invest in the franchised automobile dealership industry through an indirect acquisition of substantially all of the assets and undertakings of Canada One Auto Group (“CAG” or the “Vendors”) and such other investments as the Trustees may determine. Income tax obligations related to the allocation of taxable income of the Fund are obligations of the Unitholder. The Fund commenced business operations on May 11, 2006, when it completed an initial public offering (the “IPO”) of 10,209,500 trust units (“Fund Units”), at a price of $10 per unit, for aggregate gross proceeds of $102,095. The costs of issuance of the units were $8,523. Concurrent with the closing of the IPO, the Fund used the net cash proceeds from the AUTOCANADA 2006 > 5 IPO to acquire a 50.4% indirect interest in AutoCanada LP which used such net proceeds to acquire, through various limited partnerships, the net assets (the “Acquired Business”) of the Vendors. In connection with this transaction, 10,047,500 Exchangeable Units were issued to the Vendors in the amount of $10 per unit for a total of $100,475. On May 31, 2006, the underwriters exercised their over-allotment option for 740,000 additional units for $7,400 thereby increasing the interest of the Fund to 54.05%. The Fund is in the process of finalizing the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed and is substantially complete. Pursuant to the purchase agreements with CAG, the purchase price will be adjusted to reflect the actual amount of working capital purchased when it is determined and this is expected to be finalized no later than March 31, 2007. The purchase price allocated to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, based on their estimated fair values, is as follows: (In thousands of dollars) Consideration Cash from the Offering Issuance of Exchangeable LP Units Issuance costs Total purchase price Allocated as follows: Net working capital Long-term assets Long-term liabilities Intangible assets Goodwill $ 102,095 100,475 (8,523) 194,047 $ 26,695 12,906 (142) 77,800 76,788 194,047 Additional information concerning the Fund is contained in the final prospectus of the Fund dated May 3, 2006, at SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and at the Fund’s website, (www.autocan.ca). The Fund Units trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol ACQ.UN. Non-GAAP Measures References to “EBITDA” are to earnings before interest expense (other than interest expense on floorplan financing and other interest), income taxes, depreciation and amortization and references to “distributable cash” are to cash flow provided by operating activities available for distribution to Unitholders’ in accordance with the distribution policies of the Fund. Management believes that, in addition to earnings or loss, EBITDA is a useful supplemental measure of both performance and cash available for distribution before debt service, changes in working capital, capital expenditures and income taxes. Distributable cash of the Fund is a measure generally used by Canadian open-ended trusts as an indicator of financial performance. As one of the factors that may be considered relevant by prospective investors is the cash distributed by the Fund relative to the price of the Units, management believes that distributable cash of the Fund is a useful supplemental measure that may assist prospective investors in assessing an investment in the Fund. Distributable cash is calculated as cash flows provided by operating activities, less purchases of non-growth property and equipment. 6 > AUTOCANADA 2006 EBITDA and distributable cash are not earnings measures recognized by GAAP and do not have standardized meanings prescribed by GAAP. Investors are cautioned that EBITDA and distributable cash should not replace net earnings or loss (as determined in accordance with GAAP) as an indicator of the Fund’s performance, of its cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities or as a measure of its liquidity and cash flows. The Fund’s methods of calculating EBITDA and distributable cash may differ from the methods used by other issuers. Therefore, the Fund’s EBITDA and distributable cash may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. References to “absorption rate” are to the ratio of gross profits of a franchised automobile dealership from parts, service and collision repair to the fixed operating costs of the dealership. For this purpose, fixed operating costs include fixed salaries and benefits, administration costs, occupancy costs, insurance expense, utilities expense and interest expense (other than interest expense relating to floor plan financing) of the dealerships only and do not include expenses pertaining to head office. Absorption rate is an operating measure commonly used in the retail automotive industry as an indicator of the performance of the parts, service and collision repair operations of a franchised automobile dealership. Absorption rate is not a measure recognized by GAAP and does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP. Therefore, absorption rate may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers that operate in the retail automotive industry. Basis of Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) To provide more meaningful information, this MD&A refers to the operating results from May 11, 2006 to December 31, 2006 of the Fund and the combined operating results of the Fund and CAG for the year ended December 31, 2006 and compares these periods to the results of CAG for similar operating accounts combined for year ended December 31, 2005 (See “Non-GAAP Measures” above). Readers should be cautioned that the results of operation of CAG for the period from January 1, 2005 to May 11, 2006 include certain expenses and contractual obligations that are not part of the Fund subsequent to May 11, 2006. The Business of the Fund The Fund is one of Canada’s largest multi-location automobile dealership groups, currently operating or managing 17 franchised dealerships in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. In 2006, the 16 franchised automobile dealerships currently owned by the Fund, sold approximately 19,350 vehicles and processed approximately 215,000 service and collision repair orders in our 245 service bays. We have grown, and intend to continue to grow, our business through the acquisition of profitable franchised automobile dealerships in key markets, the organic growth of our existing dealerships, the opening of new franchised automobile dealerships, or “Open Points” and the management of franchised automobile dealerships. Our revenues are derived from the following four inter-related business operations: new vehicle sales; used vehicle sales; parts, service and collision repair; and finance and insurance. While new vehicle sales are our most important source of revenue, they generally result in lower gross profits than used vehicle sales, parts, service and collision repair operations and finance and insurance sales. Our overall gross profit margins increase as revenues from our higher margin operations increase relative to revenues from lower margin operations. AUTOCANADA 2006 > 7 The Fund’s geographical profile is illustrated below with dealerships and revenues by province for the years ended December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005. (In thousands of dollars except % of total and number of dealerships) Current Number of Dealerships(1) Year Ended December 31, 2006 % of Total Number of Dealerships(1) Year Ended December 31, 2005 British Columbia Alberta All other Total 5 7 4 16 227,160 340,799 125,753 693,712 33% 49% 18% 100% 4 6 4 14 113,441 316,271 55,861 485,573 (1) Does not include the one dealership located in Alberta managed by the Fund effective February 7, 2007. % of Total 23% 65% 12% 100% The following table sets forth the dealerships owned as at December 31, 2006 and March 22, 2007 and the date opened or acquired by the Fund or CAG. The first table excludes the dealership the Fund manages effective February 7, 2007 which is discussed below. Location of Owned Dealerships Operating Name Franchise Victoria, British Columbia Maple Ridge, British Columbia Prince George, British Columbia Prince George, British Columbia Kelowna, British Columbia Grande Prairie, Alberta Grande Prairie, Alberta Grande Prairie, Alberta Edmonton, Alberta Edmonton, Alberta Sherwood Park, Alberta Ponoka, Alberta Thompson, Manitoba Woodbridge, Ontario Moncton, New Brunswick Dartmouth, Nova Scotia Victoria Hyundai Maple Ridge Chrysler Jeep Dodge Northland Chrysler Jeep Dodge Northland Hyundai Okanagan Chrysler Jeep Dodge Grande Prairie Chrysler Jeep Dodge Grande Prairie Hyundai Grande Prairie Subaru Crosstown Chrysler Jeep Dodge Capital Chrysler Jeep Dodge Sherwood Park Hyundai Ponoka Chrysler Jeep Dodge Thompson Chrysler Jeep Dodge Colombo Chrysler Jeep Dodge Moncton Chrysler Jeep Dodge Dartmouth Chrysler Jeep Dodge Hyundai Chrysler Chrysler Hyundai Chrysler Chrysler Hyundai Subaru Chrysler Chrysler Hyundai Chrysler Chrysler Chrysler Chrysler Chrysler Location of Managed Dealerships Operating Name Franchise Year Opened or Acquired 2006 2005 2002 2005 2003 1998 2005 1998 1994 2003 2006 1998 2003 2005 2001 2006 Year Opened or Acquired Grande Prairie, Alberta Grande Prairie Nissan Nissan 2007 On February 7, 2007, the Fund entered into a credit agreement with CAG to finance the acquisition of a Nissan dealership (the “Nissan Dealership”), by CAG and entered into a management agreement to provide management services. The Nissan Dealership is owned by a subsidiary of CAG which owns 46% of the Fund on a fully diluted basis. 8 > AUTOCANADA 2006 Seasonality We have leveled the Fund’s monthly distributions to provide a steady stream of cash to Unitholders although, revenues are subject to seasonal fluctuations. The following table illustrates the quarterly variation in the sales of new and used vehicles, based on the combined results of the Fund and CAG for 2006 and an average of the 2005, 2004 and 2003 results of CAG. First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter 2006 Average 2003 to 2005 New Vehicle Sales Used Vehicle Sales New Vehicle Sales Used Vehicle Sales 20% 26% 29% 25% 24% 26% 27% 23% 20% 28% 30% 22% 24% 27% 26% 23% The results from operations of CAG have been lower in the first and fourth quarters of each year, largely due to consumer purchasing patterns during the holiday season, inclement weather and the reduced number of business days during the holiday season. As a result, our financial performance is generally not as strong during the first and fourth quarters than during the other quarters of each fiscal year. The timing of acquisitions may also cause substantial fluctuations in operating results from quarter to quarter. Distributable Cash and Cash Distributions The Fund’s policy is to distribute annually to Unitholders available cash provided by operations after cash required for capital expenditures, working capital reserves, growth capital reserves and other reserves considered advisable by the Trustees of the Fund. The policy allows the Fund to make stable monthly distributions to its Unitholders based on the Fund’s estimate of distributable cash for the year. The Fund pays cash distributions on or about the 15th of each month to Unitholders of record on the last business day of the previous month. The following table summarizes the distributions of the Fund for the period of May 11, 2006 to December 31, 2006: (In thousands of dollars) Fund Units Record date Payment date May 31, 2006 June 30, 2006 July 31, 2006 August 31, 2006 September 30, 2006 October 31, 2006 November 30, 2006 December 31, 2006 June 15, 2006 July 17, 2006 August 15, 2006 September 15, 2006 October 16, 2006 November 15, 2006 December 15, 2006 January 15, 2007 Declared $ 618 912 912 912 912 912 912 912 7,002 Paid $ 618 912 912 912 912 912 912 – 6,090 Exchangeable Units Paid $ Declared $ Total Declared $ 525 775 775 775 775 775 775 775 5,950 525 775 775 775 775 775 775 – 5,175 1,143 1,687 1,687 1,687 1,687 1,687 1,687 1,687 12,952 Paid $ 1,143 1,687 1,687 1,687 1,687 1,687 1,687 – 11,265 AUTOCANADA 2006 > 9 Distributions are paid on Fund Units and Exchangeable Units. As of December 31, 2006 the following numbers of units were outstanding: Fund Units Exchangeable Units 10,949,500 9,307,500 20,257,000 During the period of May 11, 2006 to December 31, 2006, the Fund declared distributions of $0.639 per Fund Unit and Exchangeable Unit to Unitholders. The distributions from May 11, 2006 to December 31, 2006 were funded from cash flow generated from operations. The Fund’s IPO prospectus contemplated an initial distribution of $0.0564 per unit and thereafter monthly distributions of $0.0833 per unit or $1 per year in aggregate. The Fund reviews its distribution policy on a periodic basis. For 2006, the tax deferred portion of distributions for Canadian federal income tax purposes was approximately 20%. Based on the proposed legislation announced by the Department of Finance Canada on October 31, 2006 in connection with the taxation of income trusts and other flow-through entities, the taxable income distributed by the Fund would be taxed commencing in 2011 or earlier in some circumstances more fully described under the heading “Outlook” below. The Fund is actively reviewing the implications of the proposed legislation to its Unitholders and is considering deferring elective tax deductions until the new regime is in place. As such, the Fund cannot now determine the portion, if any, of the 2007 distributions that will be tax deferred. 10 > AUTOCANADA 2006 Distributable Cash per Unit (Fund Units and Exchangeable Units) The following table summarizes the distributable cash of the Fund for the three-month period ended December 31, 2006 and from the inception of the Fund on January 4, 2006, which includes the results of operations from May 11, 2006 to December 31, 2006. (In thousands of dollars except unit and per unit amounts) Cash provided by operating activities for the period Less: Purchase of non-growth property and equipment(1) Distributable cash October 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006 $ 8,125 (197) 7,928 January 4, 2006 to December 31, 2006 (including operations from May 11, 2006 to December 31, 2006) $ 29,313 (519) 28,794 Weighted average units outstanding at the end of period(2) 20,257,000 20,257,000 Distributable cash per unit Distributions declared to unitholders Distributions declared per unit Distributable cash less distributions declared at December 31, 2006 Distributable cash less distributions declared per unit Basic and diluted earnings per unit 0.391 5,061 0.250 2,847 0.141 0.179 1.421 12,952 0.639 15,842 0.782 0.616 (1) Purchase of non-growth property and equipment are necessary to maintain and sustain the current productive capacity of the Fund’s operations and distributable cash (see “Capital Expenditures” on next page for details). Management believes that maintenance capital expenditures should be funded by cash flow provided by operating activities. Capital spending for the expansion of sales and service capacity is expected to improve future distributable cash and as such is not deducted from cash flow provided by operating activities. (2) Includes Fund and Exchangeable Units Distributable cash from May 11, 2006 to December, 31, 2006 varies significantly from the results of operations measured by EBITDA of $15,521 for the same period due primarily to the net change in non-cash operating working capital balances of $13,479. This increase is a result of lower accounts receivable, higher accounts payable, higher inventories net of floorplan financing and the amounts due from the Vendors. These same items will contribute to volatility in distributable cash when compared to EBITDA on a quarterly basis. Distributions declared to unitholders for the period are less than distributable cash generated since the distributions of the Fund are currently $1 per year or $0.0833 per month and cash available for distribution will vary in connection with the seasonality and the changes in non-cash working capital balances. AUTOCANADA 2006 > 11 Capital Expenditures The following table provides a reconciliation of the purchase of property and equipment as reported on the Statement of Cash Flows to the purchase of property and equipment as calculated in the distributable cash on the previous page: (In thousands of dollars) October 1, 2006 May 11, 2006 to December 31, to December 31, 2006 2006 $ $ Purchase of property and equipment from the Statement of Cash Flows Less: Amounts related to the expansion of sales and service capacity Purchase of non-growth property and equipment 696 (499) 197 1,236 (717) 519 Amounts relating to the expansion of sales and service capacity are considered growth expenditures. Growth expenditures are discretionary, represent cash outlays intended to provide additional future cash flows and are expected to provide benefit in future periods and thus they have been excluded from the calculation of distributable cash. Additional details on the components of non-growth property and equipment purchases are as follows: (In thousands of dollars) Leasehold improvements Machinery and equipment Furniture and fixtures Computer equipment Company vehicles October 1, 2006 May 11, 2006 to December 31, to December 31, 2006 2006 $ 7 39 55 75 21 197 $ 17 150 110 150 92 519 During the three month period ended December 31, 2006 and the period from May 11, 2006 to December 31, 2006, growth capital expenditures of $499 and $717 respectively were incurred primarily relating to one Open Point dealership that was completed in the fourth quarter of 2006 and equipment in connection with expansion of existing facilities. Repairs and maintenance expenditures are expensed as incurred and have been deducted from earnings for the period. Repairs and maintenance expense incurred during the three-month period ended December 31, 2006, was $433 and was $1,058 for the period from May 11, 2006 to December 31, 2006. SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND RESULTS FROM OPERATIONS The following table shows the unaudited results of the Fund for the 51-day period ended June 30, 2006, the three-month period ended June 30, 2006, the three-month period ended December 31, 2006 and the audited results from May 11, 2006 to December 31, 2006. Also included in the table are the combined unaudited results of operations of the Fund and the Vendors for the year ended December 31, 2006. Combined results of CAG for the three-month period ended December 31 2005, have been derived from the 2005 audited combined consolidated financial statements of CAG. In addition, certain combined results of CAG for the period from January 1, 2005 to September 30, 2005 as previously disclosed have been restated to arrive at the results for the three-month period ended December 31, 2005. Specifically finance, insurance and other gross profit was adjusted to reflect the reasonable quarterly allocation of amounts determined on an annual basis. The results of operations for these periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected in any given period. 12 > AUTOCANADA 2006 CAG The Fund (Vendors) The Fund May11 to May 11 to October 1 to January 1 to January 1 to June 30, September 30, December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, 2005 The Fund October 1 to The Fund July 1 to CAG (Vendors) 2006 2006 2006 2006 2005 2006 The Fund and CAG Combined (In thousands of dollars except Operating Data and gross profit %) Income Statement Data Revenue New vehicles Used vehicles Parts, service and collision repair Finance, insurance and other Gross profit New vehicles Used vehicle Parts, service and collision repair Finance, insurance and other Gross profit % Sales, general and administrative expenses Floorplan interest expense Other interest expense and bank charges Net earnings(1) EBITDA(2) Operating Data Vehicles (new and used) sold New retail vehicles sold New fleet vehicles sold Used retail vehicles sold Number of service and collision repair orders completed Absorption rate(3) Number of franchised automobile dealerships at year end Number of service bays at period end Same store revenue growth(4) Same store gross profit growth(4) 12,245 1,256 24 3,631 4,249 3,023 1,515 211 1,297 32,565 n/a 14 223 n/a n/a 105,992 59,044 30,487 10,734 5,727 17,775 4,190 3,294 189,861 106,424 53,897 19,632 9,908 30,818 6,792 5,563 176,079 98,970 46,425 21,410 9,274 28,930 6,998 3,614 471,932 264,438 130,809 51,776 24,909 77,523 17,980 12,471 127,122 69,052 36,352 15,349 6,369 21,775 5,394 3,738 5,014 5,277 16.8% 8,721 9,742 16.2% 9,514 8,804 16.4% 23,249 23,823 16.4% 6,719 5,924 17.1% 22,481 1,854 117 5,220 6,366 5,369 2,741 371 2,257 21,682 2,085 405 3,623 4,906 4,690 2,199 525 1,966 56,408 5,195 546 12,474 15,521 13,082 6,455 1,107 5,520 15,735 974 297 4,278 5,034 3,688 1,598 482 1,608 693,712 378,124 201,639 77,861 36,088 113,113 25,964 18,101 34,875 34,173 485,573 279,744 128,907 54,330 22,592 76,359 18,970 12,493 23,706 21,190 16.3% 15.7% 84,125 7,745 949 16,700 20,979 19,350 9,141 1,708 8,501 55,650 4,040 775 15,544 17,935 14,136 7,014 1,388 5,734 54,345 55,393 142,303 39,445 215,232 150,336 97% 14 223 3.8% 12.5% 96% 16 245 10.4% 6.3% 94% 101% 16 245 n/a n/a 14 223 n/a n/a 92% 16 245 4.4% 10.6% 95% 14 223 13.8% 24.4% Balance Sheet Data Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable Inventories Revolving floorplan facility 20,271 25,875 145,888 146,283 20,265 30,562 101,252 103,297 20,880 27,742 112,680 113,357 20,880 27,742 112,680 113,357 9,707 27,578 96,206 98,023 20,880 27,742 112,680 113,357 9,707 27,578 96,206 98,023 (1) Net earnings for the Vendors from January 1, 2006 to May 10, 2006 and from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2005 are net earnings as defined by GAAP plus income taxes, stock-based compensation and shareholder bonuses (including the performance component related to dealership management’s compensation) to be consistent with the results of the Fund from May 11, 2006 to December 31, 2006. (2) EBITDA has been calculated as described under “Non-GAAP Measures” above. EBITDA for the Vendors is defined under “Non-GAAP Measures” with the exception that to facilitate comparison to the Fund we have added stock-based compensation and shareholder bonuses (including the performance component related to dealership management’s compensation) expensed by the Vendors. (3) Absorption has been calculated as described under “Non-GAAP Measures” above. (4) Same store revenue growth and same store gross profit growth is calculated using franchised automobile dealerships that we have owned for at least two full years. AUTOCANADA 2006 > 13 Annual Operating Results The year ended December 31, 2006 showed an improvement over the previous year. The first quarter is historically the industry’s weakest in terms of revenues, earnings and EBITDA and the results to date follows this pattern. Historically revenues, earnings and EBITDA vary each quarter throughout a year with the second and third quarter producing the strongest results and the first and fourth quarters being the weakest quarters. References to “we” during the year ended December 31, 2006 is to the results of the Fund and the Vendors on a combined basis. The Vendors and the Fund’s results have been combined in 2006 in order to facilitate comparison to the results of CAG in 2005. In calculating EBITDA for the year ended 2006 the combined results of the Vendors and the Fund for 2006 does not include $448 of compensation expense relating to amounts that would have been paid by the Vendors to our Dealer Principals for the period from January 1, 2006 to May 11, 2006 under the compensation plan that was put into effect on May 11, 2006 for the Fund. As well during the period from May 11, 2006 to December 31, 2006 the Fund incurred stock based compensation of $455 which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”). Under the terms of the AutoCanada Incentive Unit Option Plan these options may be exercised by an optionee only if, at the time of exercise, the total amount of the cash available for the 12 month period ended immediately preceding the time of exercise is at least $1.20 per Unit on a fully- diluted basis. Revenues Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2006 increased to $693.7 million from $485.6 million in the prior year. The 42.9% year-over-year increases in revenue results largely from acquired dealerships. For the year ended December 31, 2006 the four new dealerships that were acquired or opened during 2005 and the three dealerships that were opened or acquired in 2006 accounted for approximately 91% of the increase in revenues over the prior year. The following table summarizes the results for the year ended December 31, 2006 on a same store basis by revenue source for the nine dealerships that were owned and operated for all of 2006 and 2005. Same Store Revenue and Vehicles Sold (In thousands of dollars except % change and vehicle data) December 31, 2006 For the Year Ended December 31, 2005 % Change Revenue Source New vehicles Used vehicles Parts, service and collision repair Finance, insurance and other Total New vehicles sold Used vehicles sold Total 260,588 127,303 55,800 25,831 469,522 7,108 5,326 12,434 257,705 119,817 52,200 19,999 449,721 7,630 5,236 12,866 1.1% 6.2% 6.9% 29.2% 4.4% (6.8)% 1.7% (3.4)% 14 > AUTOCANADA 2006 Same Store Analysis Same store revenue increased by $19.8 million or 4.4% in the year ended December 31, 2006. New vehicle revenues increased by $2.9 million or 1.1% in the year ended December 31, 2006 due to a combination of an increase in the average selling price per new vehicle retailed (“PNVR”) of $2,886 in 2006 and a 522 unit decrease in sales of new vehicles from the prior year. The increase in the PNVR was largely as a result of a change in vehicle sales mix between vehicle types and a decline in fleet sales. The decrease in new vehicle units sold in 2006 compared to 2005 was a result of a decrease of 249 retail units and 273 low margin fleet unit sales. A significant portion of the decrease was largely as a result of a decline of low margin fleet units and 92 retail units at one location in the three months ended March 31, 2006 due to a temporary increase in the level of competition during the quarter at this location. The increase in used vehicle revenues of $7.5 million or 6.2% was primarily a result of the increase in average selling price per used vehicle retailed (“PUVR”) of $1,019 a unit for the year ended December 31, 2006. This was as a result of our continued focus on our strategy of purchasing low mileage late model vehicles from manufacturers’ closed auctions. The increase in parts, service and collision repair revenues of $3.6 million or 6.9% for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the prior year was a result of the increase in both the average revenue per service and collision repair order completed and the number of service and collision repair orders completed for the year ended December 31, 2006. Finance and insurance and other revenue increased by $5.8 million or 29.2% in the year ended December 31, 2006 over the prior year. Approximately 50% of this increase is as a result of the increase in the commission rate received on life, dismemberment and disability insurance contracts sold by our dealerships to customers who purchase new and used vehicles. Prior to January 1, 2006, CAG also participated in the underwriting profits or losses from these insurance contracts. Effective January 1, 2006, the insurer of these contracts pays a higher commission rate at the time of sale and there is no participation in the underwriting profits or losses. The remaining increase was as a result of increased finance and insurance revenue per vehicle and increased interest income associated with the higher average cash balances during the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the prior year. Gross profit During the year ended December 31, 2006 the gross profit increased by 48.1% to $113.1 million. Approximately 83% of this increase in the year ended December 31, 2006 was the result of the four new dealerships that were opened or acquired during 2005 and the three dealerships that were opened or acquired in 2006. The following table summarizes the results for the year ended December 31, 2006 on a same store basis by revenue source for the nine dealerships that were owned and operated for all of 2006 and 2005. Same Store Gross Profit and Gross Profit Percentage For the Year Ended (In thousands of dollars except % change and gross profit %) Dec 31, 2006 Gross Profit Dec 31, 2005 % Change Dec 31, 2006 Dec. 31, 2005 % Change Gross Profit % Revenue Source New vehicles Used vehicles Parts, service and collision repair Finance, insurance and other Total 17,407 10,657 17,505 11,372 (0.6)% (6.3)% 6.7% 8.4% 25,040 22,816 9.7% 44.9% 24,834 77,938 18,744 70,437 32.5% 10.6% 96.1% 16.6% 6.8% 9.5% 43.7% 93.7% 15.7% (0.1)% (1.1)% 1.2% 2.4% 0.9% AUTOCANADA 2006 > 15 Same Store Analysis Same store gross profit increased by 10.6% to $77.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2006. New vehicle gross profit was relatively unchanged as it decreased by $0.1 million or 0.6% in the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the prior year as a result of the decrease of 249 retail units and 273 low margin fleet unit sales which was offset by the increase in the average gross margin PNVR of $115 in 2006 compared to the prior year. The change in the average gross margin PNVR is largely as a result of a change in vehicle sales mix between vehicle types, change in manufacturer volume incentive programs, introduction of new vehicle models and the decline in fleet sales. Used vehicle gross profit decreased by $0.7 million or 6.3% as a result of both a decrease of 90 unit sales and a decrease in the average gross margin PUVR of $171 in the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the prior year. The change in the average gross margin PUVR is largely as a result of mix between vehicle types. The increase in parts, service and collision repair gross profit of $2.2 million or 9.7% for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the prior year was primarily a result of the increase in both the average gross profit per service and collision repair order completed and the number of service and collision repair orders completed for the year ended December 31, 2006. Finance and insurance and other gross profit increased by 32.5% in the year ended December 31, 2006 over the prior year. Approximately 47% of this increase was as a result of the increase in the commission rate received on life, dismemberment and disability insurance contracts sold by our dealerships to customers who purchase new and used vehicles. Prior to January 1, 2006, CAG also participated in the underwriting profits or losses from these insurance contracts. Effective January 1, 2006, the insurer of these contracts pays a higher commission rate at the time of sale and there is no participation in the underwriting profits or losses. The remaining increase was as a result of increased finance and insurance revenue per vehicle and increased interest income associated with the higher average cash balances during the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the prior year. Selling, general and administrative expenses During the year ended December 31, 2006, SG&A expenses increased by 51.2% to $84.1 million primarily due to the four dealerships that were opened or acquired during 2005 and the three dealerships that were opened or acquired in 2006. During the year ended December 31, 2006, SG&A as a percentage of gross profit increased from 72.9% to 74.4%. SG&A as a percentage of gross profit increased primarily due to the increased rental costs associated with new facilities at two dealerships, unit-based compensation, a planned increase in administrative costs associated with head office and the inclusion of the variable component of dealership management’s compensation in SG&A from May 11, 2006 to December 31, 2006 that was included in “Shareholder bonuses” in the December 31, 2005 audited combined financial statements of CAG in the Fund’s final prospectus dated May 3, 2006. The difference in disclosure of dealership management’s compensation is a result of the difference in ownership structure and contracts that were put in place between the Vendors in 2005 and the Fund subsequent to our IPO on May 10, 2006. The increase in SG&A was partially offset by the increase in the gross profit as a result of the increase in the commission rate received on life, dismemberment and disability insurance contracts discussed above. 16 > AUTOCANADA 2006 Amortization expense During the year ended December 31, 2006, amortization was $3,796 while it was $1,728 for the year ended December 31, 2005 for CAG. This is a significant increase in amortization expensed by the Fund over the amounts previously reported by CAG. The increase is due primarily to the four dealerships acquired in the fourth quarter of 2005 and the three dealerships that were opened or acquired in 2006 and the increase in the carrying amount of property and equipment as a result of the Fund acquiring certain property and equipment at fair values that exceeded the carrying amount of CAG’s property and equipment by approximately $3.9 million at May 10, 2006. The majority of the $2,068 increase in amortization is in leasehold improvements, which are amortized over the remaining lease term, which in some cases is a period of less than two years from May 11, 2006. The amortization expense in 2007 will be impacted to a lesser degree from the amortization of leasehold improvements. Floorplan interest expense During the year ended December 31, 2006, floorplan interest expense increased by 91.7% to $7,745 over 2005. Of this increase in interest expense, approximately 53% was a result of the four new dealerships opened or acquired in 2005 and the three dealerships that were opened or acquired in 2006 and the remainder was caused by an increase in interest rates and higher inventory levels. The manufacturer provides non-refundable credits on the floorplan interest to offset the dealership’s cost of inventory that, on average, effectively provide the dealerships with interest-free floorplan financing for the first 45 to 60 days of ownership. During the year ended December 31, 2006, the net floorplan credits were $4,492. GAAP requires the floor-plan credits to be accounted for as a reduction in the cost of new vehicle inventory and subsequently a reduction in the cost of sales as vehicles are sold. Fourth Quarter Operating Results The three-month period ended December 31, 2006 showed a decrease over the previous quarter in 2006 and the comparable period in 2005 in terms of earnings and EBITDA. The fourth quarter, along with the first quarter, is historically the industry’s weakest in terms of revenues, earnings and EBITDA and the results for the fourth quarter of 2006 follows this pattern. In calculating EBITDA for the fourth quarter 2006 the Fund incurred stock based compensation of $163 which is included in SG&A expenses. Under the terms of the AutoCanada Incentive Unit Option Plan these options may be exercised by an optionee only if, at the time of exercise, the total amount of the cash available for the 12 month period ended immediately proceeding the time of exercise is at least $1.20 per Unit on a fully-diluted basis. Management estimates that if certain employees and shareholders were paid under the same contractual terms that currently exist within the Fund EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2005 would be reduced by $486 to $4,548. During the fourth quarter of 2006 we incurred significant start-up operating losses of approximately $160 at our Sherwood Park Hyundai dealership which opened on November 15, 2006. We initially planned to open this dealership during the summer of 2006 but the opening was delayed as a result of construction delays. We expect this dealership to be profitable during the second quarter of 2007. We also incurred approximately $200 of non-reoccurring expenses related to the acquisition of Victoria Hyundai which was acquired on October 31, 2006. To date management is pleased with the performance of this acquired dealership. AUTOCANADA 2006 > 17 Revenues Revenues for the three-month period ended December 31, 2006 increased to $176.1 million, from $127.1 million for the same period in the prior year. The 38.5% year-over-year increases in revenue for the period results largely from acquired dealerships. For the three-month period ended December 31, 2006 the four new dealerships that were acquired or opened during 2005 and the three dealerships that were opened or acquired in 2006 accounted for approximately 81% of the increase in revenues for the same period in the prior year. The following table summarizes the results for the three-month period ended December 31, 2006 on a same store basis by revenue source for the nine dealerships that were owned and operated for all of 2006 and 2005. (In thousands of dollars except % change and vehicle data) For the Three-Month Period Ended December 31, 2006 December 31, 2005 % Change Same Store Revenue and Vehicles Sold Revenue Source New vehicles Used vehicles Parts, service and collision repair Finance, insurance and other Total New vehicles sold Used vehicles sold Total Same Store Analysis 66,083 27,641 15,067 6,474 55,933 30,008 13,748 4,706 115,265 104,395 1,714 1,174 2,888 1,648 1,243 2,891 18.1% (7.9)% 9.6% 37.6% 10.4% 4.0% (5.6)% (0.1)% Same store revenue increased by $10.9 million or 10.4% in the three-month period ended December 31, 2006. New vehicle revenues increased by $10.1 million or 18.1% for the quarter ended December 31, 2006 over the same period in the prior year due in part to an increase in new vehicle sales of 66 units consisting of an increase of 10 retail units and 56 low margin fleet unit sales. Contributing to the majority of the increase in new vehicle revenues for the three-month period ended December 31, 2006 was an increase in the average selling price per new vehicle retailed (“PNVR”) of $4,614 over the same period in the prior year largely as a result of a change in vehicle sales mix between vehicle types in both retail and fleet sales. Used vehicle revenues decreased by $2.4 million or 7.9% in the three-month period ended December 31, 2006 over the comparable period in the prior year. The decrease was due to both a decrease in the number of used vehicles sold of 69 and the average selling price per used vehicle retailed of $597 for the three-month period ended December 31, 2006. The increase in parts, service and collision repair revenue of $1.3 million or 9.6% in the three-month period ended December 31, 2006 compared to the same period in the prior year was primarily a result of the increase in both the average revenue per service and collision repair order completed and the number of service and collision repair orders completed for the three-month period ended December 31, 2006. Finance and insurance and other revenue increased by $1.8 million or 37.6% in the three-month period ended December 31, 2006 over the same period in the prior year. Approximately 42% of this increase was a result of increase in the commission rate received on life, dismemberment and disability insurance contracts sold by our dealerships to customers who purchase new and used vehicles. Prior to January 1, 2006, CAG also participated in the underwriting profits or losses from these insurance contracts. Effective January 1, 2006, the insurer of these contracts pays a higher commission rate at the time of sale and there is no participation in the underwriting profits or losses. The remaining increase was as a result of increased finance and insurance revenues per vehicle and increased interest income associated with the higher average cash balances during the three-month ended December 31, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005. 18 > AUTOCANADA 2006 Gross profit During the three-month period ended December 31, 2006 the gross profit increased by 32.9% to $28.9 million. Approximately 95% of this increase in the three-month period ended December 31, 2006 was the result of the four new dealerships that were opened or acquired during 2005 and the three dealerships that were acquired in 2006. The following table summarizes the results for the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2006 on a same store basis by revenue source for the nine dealerships that were owned and operated for all of 2006 and 2005. Same Store Gross Profit and Gross Profit Percentage For the Three-Month Period Ended Gross Profit (In thousands of dollars except % change and gross profit %) Dec. 31, 2006 Dec. 31, 2005 % Change Dec. 31, 2006 Gross Profit % Dec. 31, 2005 % Change Revenue Source New vehicles Used vehicles Parts, service and collision repair Finance, insurance and other Total Same Store Analysis 4,519 1,984 6,706 6,272 19,481 4,793 2,976 6,171 4,385 18,325 (5.7)% (33.4)% 8.7% 43.0% 6.3% 6.8% 7.2% 44.5% 96.9% 16.9% 8.6% 9.9% 44.9% 93.2% 17.6% (1.8)% (2.7)% (0.4)% 3.7% (0.7)% Same store gross profit increased by $1.2 million or 6.3% in the three-month period ended December 31, 2006. New vehicle gross profit decreased by $0.3 million or 5.7% in the three-month period ended December 31, 2006 compared to the same period in the prior year as a result of the decrease in the average gross margin PNVR of $272 largely as a result of a change in vehicle sales mix between vehicle types, change in manufacturer volume incentive programs, and an increase in fleet sales. Used vehicle gross profit decreased by $1.0 million or 33.4% in the three-month period ended December 31, 2006 over the same period in the prior year. The used vehicle departments at the various dealerships that we operated performed exceptional well during the fourth quarter of 2005 when compared to the fourth quarter of 2006 or the same quarter in years prior to 2005. When compared to 2005 the decrease in used vehicle gross was due to the average gross profit per used vehicle retailed decreasing by $705 and a decrease of 69 used vehicles sold for the three-month period ended December 31, 2006. The decline in the average gross profit per used vehicle retailed was partially offset by increases in the average amount of finance and insurance income earned per used vehicle retailed at seven of the nine stores included in same store sales. The increase in parts, service and collision repair gross profit of $0.5 million or 8.7% in the three-month period ended December 31, 2006 was primarily a result of the increase in both the average gross profit per service and collision repair order completed and the number of service and collision repair orders completed for the three-month period ended December 31, 2006. Finance and insurance and other gross profit increased by $1.9 million or 43.0% in three-month period ended December 31, 2006. Approximately 39% of this increase was as a result of an increase in the commission rate received on life, dismemberment and disability insurance contracts sold by our dealerships to customers who purchase new and used vehicles. Prior to January 1, 2006, CAG also participated in the underwriting profits or losses from these insurance contracts. Effective January 1, 2006, the insurer of these contracts pays a higher commission rate at the time of sale and there is no participation in the underwriting profits or losses. The remaining increase was as a result of increased finance and insurance revenues per vehicle and increased interest income associated with the higher average cash balances during the three-month period ended December 31, 2006 compared to the prior period in 2005. AUTOCANADA 2006 > 19 Selling, general and administrative expenses During the three-month period ended December 31, 2006, SG&A expenses increased by 37.8% to $21.7 million due to the four new dealerships that were acquired during 2005 and the three dealerships that were opened or acquired in 2006. During the three-month period ended December 31, 2006, SG&A as a percentage of gross profit increased from 73.0% to 74.9%. SG&A as a percentage of gross profit increased primarily due to increased rental costs associated with new facilities at two dealerships, unit-based compensation, a planned increase in administrative costs associated with head office, increased administrative costs associated with the new Open Point and the inclusion of the variable component of dealership management’s compensation in SG&A in 2006 that was included in “Shareholder bonuses” in the December 31, 2005 audited combined financial statements of CAG in the Fund’s final prospectus dated May 3, 2006. The difference in disclosure of dealership management’s compensation is a result of the difference in ownership structure and contracts that were put in place between the Vendors in 2005 and the Fund subsequent to our IPO on May 10, 2006. The increase in SG&A was partially offset by the increase in the gross profit as a result of the increase in the commission rate received on life, dismemberment and disability insurance contracts discussed above. Amortization expense During the three-month period ended December 31, 2006, amortization was $1,136 while it was $487 for the prior period in 2005 for CAG. This is a significant increase in amortization expensed by the Fund over the amounts previously reported by CAG. The increase is due primarily to the four new dealerships acquired in the fourth quarter of 2005 and the three dealerships that were opened or acquired in 2006 and the increase in the carrying amount of property and equipment as a result of the Fund acquiring certain property and equipment at fair values that exceeded the carrying amount of CAG’s property and equipment by approximately $3.9 million at May 10, 2006. The majority of the $649 increase in the amortization is in leasehold improvements, which are amortized over the remaining lease term, which in some cases is a period of less than two years from May 11, 2006. The amortization expense in 2007 will be impacted to a lesser degree from the amortization of leasehold improvements. Floorplan interest expense During the three-month periods ended December 31, 2006, floorplan interest expense increased by 114.1% to $2,085 over the same period in 2005. Of this increase in interest expense, approximately 36% was as a result of the four new dealerships acquired in 2005 and the three dealerships that were opened or acquired in 2006 and the remainder was caused by an increase in interest rates and higher inventory levels. The manufacturer provides non-refundable credits on the floorplan interest to offset the dealership’s cost of inventory that, on average, effectively provide the dealerships with interest-free floorplan financing for the first 45 to 60 days of ownership. During the three-month period ended December 31, 2006, the net floorplan credits were $1,177. GAAP requires the floor- plan credits to be accounted for as a reduction in the cost of new vehicle inventory and subsequently a reduction in the cost of sales as vehicles are sold. Sensitivity Our financial performance is dependent in part upon new vehicle sales. Based on our historical financial data, management estimates that an increase or decrease of one new retail vehicle sold (and the associated finance and insurance income on the sale) would result in a corresponding increase or decrease in our estimated cash available for distribution of approximately $1,500 per vehicle. This analysis does not take into account any operating strategies which we may employ in response to changing trends in vehicle sales. 20 > AUTOCANADA 2006 Acquisitions On October 31, 2006, the Fund expanded its presence in western Canada by acquiring the net operating assets of Victoria Hyundai located in Victoria, British Columbia. The dealership’s sales facility and real estate will be leased from a related party. The acquisition of Victoria Hyundai brings the total number of new vehicle franchises owned and operated by AutoCanada to 16, with 5 franchises in British Columbia. Victoria Hyundai sold 464 new vehicles and 410 used vehicles in its last fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 and currently operates ten service bays. We continue to actively pursue the acquisition of additional franchised automotive dealerships in Canada that meet our investment criteria. We are currently engaged in discussions with select manufacturers’ regarding obtaining approval for public ownership of franchises that they operate. Open Points The Fund has entered into letters of intent to open one new franchised automobile dealerships in Western Canada with each of Hyundai Auto Canada (“Hyundai”) and Canada Inc. (“DaimlerChrysler”) In the case of the Hyundai Open Point, the closing of the purchase and sale of the agreement to purchase the land has been delayed pending vendor’s site preparation and clean up, the completion of which is a condition to close. Regarding the DaimlerChrysler Open Point, we have not yet secured land acceptable to ourselves and the manufacturer, the search for which is continuing. Once the location has been approved, in the case of DaimlerChrysler, and the appropriate development permit has been obtained in both cases, it will take approximately nine months to complete construction of each facility. We have advised and are working with both Hyundai and DaimlerChrysler, respectively, and intend to open each open point as soon as the land has been secured and premises built, the date of which is not certain in the case of the DaimlerChrysler Open Point, and, in our best estimate, second quarter 2008 in the case of the Hyundai Open Point. The achievement of the opening of these Open Points is subject to various risks as described in the “Risk Factors” below. Some of these risks are beyond management’s control. Dealerships Managed by the Fund On February 7, 2007, the Fund entered into a credit agreement with CAG to finance the acquisition of a Nissan dealership by CAG and entered into a management agreement to provide it with management services. The Nissan dealership is owned and operated by a subsidiary of CAG which owns 46% of the Fund on a fully diluted basis. The Fund obtained the funds to finance the acquisition of the Nissan dealership through its existing Revolving Term Facility. In connection with this arrangement, the Fund has granted consents to CAG and its subsidiary under the terms of the non-competition agreements entered into at the time of the Fund’s IPO. The dealership to be named “Grande Prairie Nissan”, in Grande Prairie, Alberta, was established in 1969, and sold 388 new and 196 used vehicles in 2006. The dealership will be relocated to a new location in Grande Prairie that has been approved by Nissan Canada and construction is planned to commence during the summer of 2007. The Fund’s arrangement with CAG marks an expansion of the Fund’s business structure. In addition to owning franchised automobile dealerships, the Fund will earn fees from managing and financing the acquisition of franchised automobile dealerships offered by select manufacturers where there is not an arrangement in place with the manufacturer that would allow the franchised dealership to be owned directly by the Fund. The Fund’s strategic intent is to continue to seek to expand the range of automobile brands it sells as automobile manufacturers become more familiar with the Fund’s management, business model and unique publicly traded status. The structure may vary among dealerships and manufacturers in order to accommodate the needs of the manufacturer, the dealerships, and the Fund. These relationships are intended to provide the Fund with the financial benefits associated with an expanded network of dealerships while accommodating the requirements of the various automobile manufacturers. AUTOCANADA 2006 > 21 The Fund and CAG intend to work together to obtain the approvals of the various automobile manufacturers to permit these dealerships to be owned by the Fund under arrangements approved by the automobile manufacturer. There can be no assurance that the Fund will be granted such permission. This new arrangement gives rise to additional risks inherent in its structure which include: (i) the contractual nature of the relationships compared with the direct ownership of the dealerships; (ii) the dependency upon CAG and its principal shareholder, Patrick Priestner, as the owner and principal operator of these dealerships; and (iii) conflicts of interest that may arise between the objectives of the Fund and CAG and their respective owners and management. As a result of the Fund’s financing of the purchase and the related agreements, the Fund has determined that the Nissan Dealership is a variable interest entity and it is the primary beneficiary as defined by CICA Accounting Guideline 15. Accordingly, the Fund will account for the entry into these agreements as a business combination and consolidate the results of the Nissan Dealership subsequent to February 7, 2007. The Fund is in the process of finalizing its measurement and valuation of the net assets of the Nissan Dealership, including the identification of goodwill and intangible assets. Thus determination of the final purchase price and its allocation is subject to the completion of this process. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Cash Flow from Operating Activities Cash flow from operating activities of the Fund for the period from May 11, 2006 to December 31, 2006 was $29.3 million. Comparative cash flow from operating activities for CAG cannot be determined for the same period in 2005 as the information is not available. Cash flow from operating activities of CAG for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 was $4.4 million. The Fund generates sufficient cash flow from operations to fund capital expenditures, distributions, working capital requirements and to service its debt obligations. Distributable Cash and Cash Distributions The Fund’s policy is to make stable monthly distributions to its Unitholders based on its estimate of distributable cash for the year. The Fund has a policy to pay cash distributions on or about the 15th of each month to Unitholders of record on the last business day of the previous month. As we calculate the Fund’s Distributable Cash, we take into consideration our debt management strategy and productive maintenance and growth capital strategy. Credit Facilities Our Credit Facilities with Chrysler Financial Corporation (“CFC”) provide for a Revolving Floorplan Facility of up to $183.1 million to finance our inventories and a Revolving Term Facility of up to $50 million to assist in the financing of our working capital and the acquisition of franchised automobile dealerships. Amounts drawn on the Revolving Term Facility to assist in the financing of our working capital will be primarily for used vehicles, parts inventory and general corporate purposes, including financing the costs incurred in equipping our Open Points, or in purchasing new equipment for our existing dealerships. Amounts drawn on the Revolving Term Facility to assist in acquisitions will be available to finance acquisitions of franchised automobile dealerships. We expect to repay the 22 > AUTOCANADA 2006 amounts drawn on the Revolving Term Facility to finance acquisitions through the issuance of Units, subject to market conditions. These facilities are available on a revolving basis. $5.3 million of the $50 million Revolving Term Facility has been drawn on as at December 31, 2006 in connection with the acquisition of Victoria Hyundai and working capital requirements. The Revolving Term Facility has a term of three years from May 11, 2006 with annual one year extensions at the discretion of CFC. Advances under this portion of the Credit Facility are repayable without any pre-payment penalties or bonus (subject to normal breakage costs) and will bear interest at a floating rate plus an applicable spread. Both the Revolving Floorplan Facility and the Revolving Term Facility require maintenance of certain financial covenants and are collateralized by a general security agreement consisting of a first security interest on all present and future property. The credit facilities may in certain circumstances restrict the ability of the Fund to pay distributions if the payment would result in a default under the credit facilities. At December 31, 2006, the Fund was in compliance with these covenants. Interest Rate Sensitivity The Fund’s revolving floor plan facility bears interest at floating rates, thus exposing the Fund to interest rate fluctuations. At December 31, 2006 the increase or decrease in net earnings for each one percent change in interest rates on floating rate debt amounted to approximately $1,187. Credit Risk Concentration of cash and cash equivalents exists due to the significant amount of cash held with CFC. Concentration of credit risk with respect to contracts-in-transit and accounts receivable is limited primarily to automobile manufacturers and financial institutions. Credit risk arising from receivables from commercial customers is not significant due to the large number of customers comprising our customer base. Capital Expenditures Our capital expenditures consist primarily of leasehold improvements, the purchase of furniture and fixtures, service vehicles, computer hardware and computer software. Management expects that our annual capital expenditures will increase in the future, as a function of increases in the number of locations requiring maintenance capital expenditures, the cost of opening new locations and increased spending on information systems. Our future growth is dependent on our ability to acquire and integrate additional dealerships and to successfully operate existing dealerships. Management expects that our cash flow generated from operations, together with working capital availability under our Revolving Term Facility, is sufficient to fund our debt service, working capital requirements and capital spending. In 2007 the Fund is continuing its upgrade of existing dealership management software supplied by ADP and converting our locations supplied by Reynolds and Reynolds to ADP. This will be another key enabler in supporting efforts to standardize processes and share best practices across all dealerships. Also, the Fund plans to open two Open Points and these new stores will require capital expenditures of approximately $1,000 on a combined basis. Costs related to the Open Points will be treated as growth capital when incurred (see Open Points above). As discussed above, the Fund has credit facilities available to finance these and other growth related capital expenditures. AUTOCANADA 2006 > 23 Contractual Obligations The table below sets forth, as at December 31, 2006, the material contractual obligations of the Fund, due in the years indicated, which relate to various premises and equipment operating leases. (In thousands of dollars) Less than one year One to three years Four to five years Thereafter Financial Position Operating Leases $ 4,501 7,683 5,432 1,200 18,816 Long-term Debt $ 96 5,535 – – 5,631 Total $ 4,597 13,218 5,432 1,200 24,447 The following table shows selected audited balances of the Fund at December 31, 2006, unaudited balances of the Fund at September 30, 2006 and June 30, 2006, combined unaudited balances of CAG at March 31, 2006 and the combined audited balances of CAG at December 31, 2005. The Fund CAG (Vendors) December 31, 2006 September 30, 2006 June 30, 2006 March 31, 2006 December 31, 2005 Balance Sheet Data Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable Inventories Total assets Revolving floorplan facility Total long term liabilities Net Working Capital 20,880 27,742 112,680 338,532 113,357 5,535 20,265 30,562 101,252 325,017 103,297 294 20,271 25,875 145,888 364,939 146,283 105 6,019 28,417 124,607 200,995 122,454 559 9,707 27,578 96,206 169,855 98,023 14,520 The automobile manufacturers represented by the Fund require the Fund to maintain an aggregate minimum net working capital of approximately $25.5 million. At December 31, 2006, net working capital was approximately $30.1 million. Off Balance Sheet Arrangements The Fund has not entered into any off balance sheet arrangements. Related Party Transactions Note 15 to the audited consolidated financial statements of the Fund summarizes the transactions between the Fund and its related parties. These transactions are management fees received and rents paid to companies with common ownership, management and directors. We lease nine of our existing 16 locations from related parties to the Fund. The total rent paid by us to the related parties for the period from May 11, 2006 to December 31, 2006 was $1,344. We have received advice from a national real estate appraisal company that the market rents at January 1, 2006 of each of our facilities leased from related parties of the Fund are at fair market value rates. 24 > AUTOCANADA 2006 On February 7, 2007 the Fund granted consents to permit Patrick Priestner to open a new Toyota automobile dealership in exchange for an annual fee. Mr. Priestner is the majority shareholder of CAG and is the Chief Executive Officer of the Fund. The Fund’s action follows its previously announced strategic intent to enhance its relationships with a wider range of manufacturers in order to develop its long-term growth prospects. The new dealership, “Sherwood Park Toyota”, consists of a 55,000-square foot showroom, sales and repair facility building containing 22 service bays located on six acres of land in a suburb of Edmonton. Although discussions between Toyota Canada and Mr. Priestner began prior to the Fund’s Initial Public Offering in May 2006, consents are required under the terms of the non-competition agreements entered into between the Fund and CAG and its shareholders at the time of the Fund’s IPO. The Fund intends to work towards obtaining the approval of Toyota Canada Inc. to permit Sherwood Park Toyota to be owned by the Fund under arrangements approved by the automobile manufacturer. There can be no assurance that the Fund will be granted such permission. Financial Instruments The Fund’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, due from vendors, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, revolving floorplan facility, distributions payable, long-term debt and obligation under capital lease. The fair value of these instruments are considered to approximate their carrying value due to their short-term maturities, variable rates of interest or ability of prompt liquidation, except as noted in the audited consolidated financial statements of the Fund. These financial instruments are subject to credit risk and interest rate risk, as described in those audited consolidated financial statements. For a detailed description of financial instruments, see Note 18 (“Financial instruments”) in the audited consolidated financial statements of the Fund. The Accounting Standards Board has issued three new standards dealing with financial instruments that the Fund will be required to adopt in future years: (i) Financial Instruments – Recognition and Measurement (ii) Hedges and (iii) Comprehensive Income. The key principles under these standards are that all financial instruments, including derivatives, are to be included on an entity’s balance sheet and measured, either at their fair values or, in limited circumstances when fair value may not be considered most relevant, at cost or amortized cost. Financial instruments intended to be held-to- maturity should be measured at amortized cost. Existing requirements for hedge accounting are extended to specify how hedge accounting should be performed. Also, a new location for recognizing certain unrealized gains and losses – other comprehensive income – has been introduced. This provides the ability for certain unrealized gains and losses arising from changes in fair value to be temporarily recorded outside the income statement but in a transparent manner. The new standards are effective for the Fund beginning January 1, 2007. The standards do not permit restatement of prior years’ financial statements however the standards have detailed transition provisions. Management is in the process of evaluating the effect of the adoption of the new standards on the Fund’s financial statements. Based on a preliminary analysis, it is not expected to have a material effect on the financial position and results of operations. Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP, which requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that management believes are reasonable based upon the information available. These estimates, judgments and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and other assumptions which it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Management also evaluates its estimates on an ongoing basis. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 2 (“Significant Accounting Policies”) of the audited consolidated financial statements of the Fund. The policies which management believes are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results include the following: AUTOCANADA 2006 > 25 Revenue Recognition Vehicles, parts, service and collision repair 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 or receipt of payment. 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 vehicle incentives and rebates are recognized as a component of new vehicle cost of sales when earned, generally at the time the related vehicles are sold. Dealer trades are recognized on a net basis upon delivery. Net revenue associated with dealer trades is nominal. Finance and insurance The Fund arranges financing for customers through various financial institutions and receives a commission from the lender based on the difference between the interest rate charged to the customer and the interest rate set by the financing institution, or a flat fee. This revenue is included in vehicles revenue on the statement of operations. The Fund also receives commissions for facilitating the sale of third party insurance products to customers, including credit and life insurance policies and extended service contracts. These commissions are recorded as revenue at the time the customer enters into the contract and the Fund is entitled to the commission. The Fund is not the obligor under any of these contracts. In the case of finance contracts, a customer may prepay or fail to pay their contract, thereby terminating the contract. Customers may also terminate extended service contracts, which are fully paid at purchase, and become eligible for refunds of unused premiums. In these circumstances, a portion of the commissions the Fund receives may be charged back to the Fund based on the terms of the contracts. The revenue the Fund records relating to commissions is net of an estimate of the amount of chargeback’s the Fund will be required to pay. This estimate is based upon historical chargeback experience arising from similar contracts, including the impact of refinance and default rates on retail finance contracts and cancellation rates on extended service contracts and other insurance products. Lease revenue Lease revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the related lease agreement as amounts become due. Inventory Valuation Inventory is valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The value of our inventory is dependent upon our ability to plan and manage our inventory so as to avoid miscalculation in brand or model popularity. Any such miscalculation could adversely affect the value of our inventory. Our planning procedures and our supply chain structure are designed to minimize inventory write downs. Finance and Insurance Commission Reserve We may be required to pay back a portion of the commissions earned from the sale of third party finance and insurance products in the event of early contract termination by customers. The revenue from financing fees and commissions are recorded at the time of sale of the vehicles and are recorded as part of the new or used vehicle sales price. A reserve for future repayments is established at the time the sale is made. Our process for establishing the reserve carefully considers our historical repayment percentages and the timing of such repayments. 26 > AUTOCANADA 2006 Changes in Accounting Policies and Initial Adoption Financial instruments The Accounting Standards Board has issued three new standards dealing with financial instruments that the Fund will be required to adopt in future years: (i) Financial Instruments – Recognition and Measurement (ii) Hedges and (iii) Comprehensive Income. The key principles under these standards are that all financial instruments, including derivatives, are to be included on an entity’s balance sheet and measured, either at their fair values or, in limited circumstances when fair value may not be considered most relevant, at cost or amortized cost. Financial instruments intended to be held-to-maturity should be measured at amortized cost. Existing requirements for hedge accounting are extended to specify how hedge accounting should be performed. Also, a new location for recognizing certain unrealized gains and losses – other comprehensive income – has been introduced. This provides the ability for certain unrealized gains and losses arising from changes in fair value to be temporarily recorded outside the income statement but in a transparent manner. The new standards are effective for the Fund beginning January 1, 2007. The standards do not permit restatement of prior years’ financial statements however the standards have detailed transition provisions. Management is in the process of evaluating the effect of the adoption of the new standards on the Fund’s financial statements. Based on a preliminary analysis, it is not expected to have a material effect on the financial position and results of operations. Disclosure Controls and Procedures As at December 31, 2006, an evaluation was carried out for the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Multilateral Instrument 52-109. Based on that evaluation, we concluded that the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures are effective. Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting Management is responsible for designing such internal controls over financial reporting, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP. No changes were made in the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting during the period ended December 31, 2006, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. The Fund’s financial reporting procedures and practices have enabled the certification of the Fund’s annual filings in compliance with Multilateral Instrument 52-109 “Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and Interim Filings”. Management has designed such internal controls over financial reporting to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements and other annual filings in accordance with Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. CEO and CFO Certifications The Fund files certifications, signed by the CEO and CFO, with the Canadian Securities Administrators upon filing of the Fund’s annual financial statements and MD&A. In those filings, the CEO and CFO certify, as required by Multilateral Instrument 52-109, the appropriateness of the financial disclosures, the effectiveness of the Fund’s disclosure controls and procedures, and the design of internal controls over financial reporting to provide reasonable assurance as its reliability and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP. The Fund’s CEO and CFO also certify the appropriateness of the financial disclosures in its interim filings with Securities Regulators, and that they have caused disclosure controls and procedures to be designed. The Audit Committee reviewed this MD&A, and the audited consolidated financial statements, and the Board of Directors and Trustees approved these documents prior to their release. AUTOCANADA 2006 > 27 Outlook We intend to continue to grow our cash flow through continued growth in same store gross profit and operating results, acquisitions, the planned opening of two Open Points and the addition of franchised automobile dealerships managed by the Fund. Management intends to increase same store sales growth and realize further operating efficiencies and synergies by continuing to implement standardized operating policies at our most recent acquisitions including Maple Ridge Chrysler, Colombo Chrysler Dodge, Northland Hyundai and Victoria Hyundai. Management believes that new vehicle launches by our automobile manufacturers in 2006 and 2007 will provide us with opportunities to increase sales in 2007. We have identified potential acquisitions that would be accretive to our existing operations and complement our growth model and strategies in 2007. We will also continue to seek opportunities to add additional franchised automobile dealerships under management similar to Grande Prairie Nissan in order to grow the Fund’s cash flow and follow its previously announced strategic intent to enhance its relationships with a wider range of manufacturers in order to develop its long-term growth prospects. We plan to open two Open Points in Western Canada and management expects these Open Points to benefit from strong brand acceptance, continued economic expansion and our recent expertise gained from the successful opening of Grande Prairie Hyundai in 2005 and Sherwood Park Hyundai in 2006. The achievement of this outlook is subject to various risks as described in the “Risk Factors” below. Some of these risks are beyond management’s control. On October 31, 2006, the Department of Finance Canada announced proposed legislation in connection with the taxation of income trusts and other flow-through entities (the “Plan”). Included in the Plan are proposed changes to the taxation of income trusts. Specifically, certain distributions of an income trust’s income will be subject to tax at corporate income tax rates. Those distributions will, like the dividends that corporations pay, not be deductible by an income trust. The unitholders in an income trust will be taxed as though the distributions were dividends and taxable unitholders will be eligible for the dividend tax credit. Unitholders that hold their units in tax deferred accounts such as pension plans or registered pension plans or non-residents unitholders will not be eligible for the dividend tax credit. The entities that will be subject to these proposed new rules will be fully defined in the legislation to implement these measures. As a practical matter, however, it can be assumed that the rules will apply to any publicly-traded “income trust” (or publicly-traded partnership), other than one that only holds passive real estate investments. These changes will generally take effect beginning with the 2007 taxation year for income trusts that begin to be publicly-traded after October 2006, but will only apply beginning with the taxation year ended December 31, 2011 for those income trusts that are already publicly-traded. On December 15, 2006, the Department of Finance Canada released guidance for income trusts and other flow-through entities that qualify for the four-year transitional relief. The guidance establishes objective tests with respect to how much an income trust is permitted to grow without jeopardizing its transitional relief. In general, the Fund will be permitted to issue new equity over the next four years equal to its market capitalization as of the end of trading on October 31, 2006 (subject to certain annual limits). Market capitalization, for these purposes, is to be measured in terms of the value of the Fund’s issued and outstanding publicly traded units. Those safe harbour limits are 40% for the period from November 1, 2006 to December 31, 2007, and 20% each for calendar 2008, 2009 and 2010. Moreover, these limits are cumulative, so that any unused limit for a period carries over into the subsequent period. If required to fund its growth strategy the Fund could issue new Units for proceeds of approximately $50 million in 2007 and approximately $123 million for the period 2007 to 2010 and remain within the safe harbour guidelines. If these limits are exceeded, the Fund may lose its transitional relief and thereby become immediately subject to the proposed rules. Management currently believes that the provisions of the Plan are not a material constraint on the Fund’s growth prospects. The aspects of the Plan discussed above are proposed at this date and still have to pass through the legislative process and thus the final impact to the Unitholders of the Fund on the taxation of the Fund’s distributions is uncertain at this time. The Fund is closely monitoring legislative developments and will continue to assess the impact of the proposed legislation on the business and financial outlook of the Fund. 28 > AUTOCANADA 2006 On November 12, 2006, DaimlerChrysler amended their Multi Dealer Group policy specific to the Fund allowing the Fund to acquire additional DCCI dealerships to a maximum 8% (previously 5%) of DaimlerChrysler Canadian annual sales. This gives the Fund the potential to acquire an estimated seven additional dealerships that could sell an additional 6,000 new vehicles per year at an average of approximately 800 new vehicles per dealership. The Federal Government in its recent budget announced separate vehicle levy and rebate programs determined on the basis of fuel consumption. The combined impact of such programs is not certain, as the actual amount of the levy on all vehicles is not yet known and, as the levy is paid by the manufacturer, the degree to which it shall be passed on to the ultimate consumer not clear. Subject to the aforesaid, management’s best estimate is that the combined impact will be neutral to the Fund’s operations as most of the vehicles it sells, including full size trucks, are not impacted one way or the other, and although certain of its large vehicles (mostly larger SUVs) shall be subject to the levy, these are not large volume vehicles, and a larger number of the vehicles it sells will or may benefit from the rebate, including some of its newer small SUVs. Additional information Additional information relating to the Fund, including all public filings, is available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com). RISK FACTORS As at December 31, 2006, there are no material changes in the Fund’s risks or risk management activities since the time of the initial public offering other than those discussed in “Dealerships Managed by the Fund” which are reiterated below. The Fund’s results of operations, business prospects, financial condition, cash distributions to Unitholders and the trading price of the Fund’s units are subject to a number of risks. These risk factors include: the retail automotive industry, which includes risks relating to: overall consumer demand; substantial competition in vehicle sales and services; dependence upon vehicle sales; mix of new vehicles; interest rates; automobile manufacturer incentive programs; seasonality; and import product restrictions and foreign trade; our business, which includes risks relating to: the loss of key personnel and limited management and personnel resources; unfavorable conditions in key geographic markets; governmental regulations and environmental regulation compliance costs; and insurance coverage; our acquisition strategy, which includes risks relating to: automobile manufacturers’ restrictions on acquisitions; integration of acquisitions; financing constraints; and competition with other franchised automobile dealerships; our dependence on automobile manufacturers, which includes risks relating to: our automobile dealership franchise agreements; restrictions on ownership thresholds and the sale of our business; requirements to maintain minimum working capital; approval of Open Points; dealerships managed by the Fund which includes risk relating to: the contractual nature of the relationships compared with the direct ownership of the dealerships; the dependency upon CAG and its principal shareholder, Patrick Priestner, as the owner and principal operator of these dealerships; and conflicts of interest that may arise between the objectives of the Fund and CAG and their respective owners and management; and adverse conditions affecting one or more automobile manufacturers. Risks relating to our structure include: dependence upon the Partnership to fund cash distributions; the fact that cash distributions are not guaranteed and will fluctuate with business performance; the fact that our distributions are discretionary; the nature of the Units; limited liability of Unitholders; absence of a prior public market; unpredictability and volatility of Unit prices; attributes of securities distributed on redemption of Units or termination of the Fund; dilution; new requirements as a public issuer; leverage and restrictive covenants; future sales of Units by the Fund; income tax matters including proposed changes to income tax law; limitations on future growth and cash flow; restrictions on the ownership of Units by non-residents of Canada; indemnities provided by CAG and the Principal Shareholders; and the fact that Unitholders are not afforded certain statutory rights. For a discussion of these risks and other risks associated with an investment in Fund Units, see “Risk Factors” detailed in the Fund’s final prospectus dated May 3, 2006 available at www.sedar.com. AUTOCANADA 2006 > 29 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 30 > AUTOCANADA 2006 AUDITORS’ REPORT To the Unitholders of AutoCanada Income Fund We have audited the consolidated balance sheet of AutoCanada Income Fund as at December 31, 2006 and the consolidated statements of operations and accumulated deficit and cash flows for the period from January 4, 2006, including operations from May 11, 2006 (date of commencement of operations) to December 31, 2006. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as at December 31, 2006 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the period from January 4, 2006, including operations from May 11, 206 (date of commencement of operations) to December 31, 2006 in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. Chartered Accountants March 21, 2007 MANAGEMENT’S STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES The accompanying consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of management and have been reviewed and approved by the Board of Trustees. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management, in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles and, where appropriate, reflect management’s best estimates and judgements. Management has also prepared financial and all other information in the annual report and has ensured that this information is consistent with the consolidated financial statements. The Fund maintains appropriate systems of internal control, policies and procedures, which provide management with reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded and the financial records are reliable and form a proper basis for preparation of financial statements. The Board of Trustees ensure that management fulfills its responsibilities for financial reporting and internal control through an Audit Committee. This committee reviews the consolidated financial statements and is comprised of independent Trustees. The auditors have full and direct access to the Audit Committee. The consolidated financial statements have been independently audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Their report expresses their opinion on the consolidated financial statements of the Fund. Patrick J. Priestner Chief Executive Officer and Director of AutoCanada GP Inc. AUTOCANADA 2006 > 31 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET As at December 31, 2006 (expressed in Canadian dollar thousands) ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents Restricted cash (note 4) Accounts receivable Inventories (note 5) Due from vendors (note 15(b)) Prepaid expenses Property and equipment (note 6) Intangible assets (note 7) Goodwill Other assets LIABILITIES Current liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Revolving floorplan facility (note 8) Distributions payable (note 14) Current portion of long term debt (note 9) Current portion of obligation under capital lease Long term debt (note 9) Obligation under capital lease Commitments and contingencies (note 10 and 11) UNITHOLDERS’ EQUITY Fund units (note 13 (a) and (b)) Exchangeable units (note 13(c)) Contributed surplus (note 13(d)) Accumulated deficit Approved on behalf of the Fund: Gordon R. Barefoot, Trustee Robin Salmon, Trustee The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 32 > AUTOCANADA 2006 $ 20,880 3,476 27,742 112,680 2,640 1,419 168,837 11,839 79,034 78,744 78 338,532 23,521 113,357 1,687 96 72 138,733 5,535 240 144,508 105,200 88,847 455 (478) 194,024 338,532 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND ACCUMULATED DEFICIT For the period from January 4, 2006, including operations from May 11, 2006 (date of commencement of operations) to December 31, 2006 (expressed in Canadian dollar thousands except unit and per unit amounts) Revenue Vehicles Parts, service and collision repair Other Cost of sales Gross profit Expenses Selling, general and administrative Interest (note 16) Amortization Net earnings for the period Accumulated earnings, beginning of period Distributions declared (note 14) Accumulated deficit, end of period Earnings per unit Basic and diluted Weighted average units Basic and diluted (note 13(e)) The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. $ 418,808 51,776 1,348 471,932 394,409 77,523 56,408 5,741 2,900 65,049 12,474 – (12,952) (478) 0.616 20,257,000 AUTOCANADA 2006 > 33 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS For the period from January 4, 2006, including operations from May 11, 2006 (date of commencement of operations) to December 31, 2006 $ 12,474 455 2,900 5 15,834 13,479 29,313 (101,662) (1,236) 197 1,431 4,925 (96,345) 93,572 5,674 (43) (26) (11,265) 87,912 20,880 – 20,880 5,674 1,257 1,022 (expressed in Canadian dollar thousands) Cash provided by (used in) Operating activities Net earnings for the period Items not affecting cash Unit based compensation (note 13(d)) Amortization Gain on disposal of property and equipment Net change in non cash operating working capital balances Investing activities Business acquisitions (note 3) Purchase of property and equipment Proceeds on sale of property and equipment Restricted cash (note 4) Cash acquired on acquisition Financing activities Net proceeds from issuance of units Proceeds from long term debt Repayment of long term debt Repayment of obligation under capital lease Distributions paid to Unitholders Increase in cash Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Supplementary information Cash interest paid Transfer of inventory to property and equipment Transfer of property and equipment to inventory The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 34 > AUTOCANADA 2006 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS December 31, 2006 (expressed in Canadian dollar thousands except unit and per unit amounts) 1 Nature of operations and basis of presentation AutoCanada Income Fund (the “Fund”) is an unincorporated, open ended trust governed by the laws of the Province of Alberta and a Declaration of Trust dated January 4, 2006 and amended May 10, 2006. The Fund has been created to invest in the franchised automobile dealership industry through an indirect acquisition of substantially all of the assets and undertakings of Canada One Auto Group (“CAG” or the “Vendors”) and such other investments as the Trustees may determine. Income tax obligations related to the allocation of taxable income of the Fund are obligations of the Unitholder. The Fund is engaged in the operation of franchised automobile dealerships in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. The Fund offers a diversified range of automotive products and services, including new vehicles, used vehicles, vehicle parts, vehicle maintenance and collision repair services, extended service contracts, vehicle protection products and other after market products. The Fund also arranges financing and insurance for vehicle purchases through third party finance and insurance sources. These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Fund, AutoCanada Operating Trust, AutoCanada LP, AutoCanada GP Inc. and several subsidiaries thereof. All inter entity balances and transactions have been eliminated on consolidation. Since the Fund commenced operations on May 11, 2006 (note 3), no comparative information is provided. 2 Significant accounting policies These consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Canada. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. These financial statements have, in management’s opinion, been properly prepared within reasonable limits of materiality and within the framework of the accounting policies summarized below. (a) Revenue recognition Vehicles, Parts, Service and Collision Repair 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 or receipt of payment. 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 vehicle incentives and rebates are recognized as a component of new vehicle cost of sales when earned, generally at the time the related vehicles are sold. Dealer trades are recognized on a net basis upon delivery. Net revenue associated with dealer trades is nominal. AUTOCANADA 2006 > 35 Finance and Insurance The Fund arranges financing for customers through various financial institutions and receives a commission from the lender based on the difference between the interest rate charged to the customer and the interest rate set by the financing institution, or a flat fee. This revenue is included in vehicles revenue on the statement of operations. The Fund also receives commissions for facilitating the sale of third party insurance products to customers, including credit and life insurance policies and extended service contracts. These commissions are recorded as revenue at the time the customer enters into the contract and the Fund is entitled to the commission. The Fund is not the obligor under any of these contracts. In the case of finance contracts, a customer may prepay or fail to pay their contract, thereby terminating the contract. Customers may also terminate extended service contracts, which are fully paid at purchase, and become eligible for refunds of unused premiums. In these circumstances, a portion of the commissions the Fund receives may be charged back to the Fund based on the terms of the contracts. The revenue the Fund records relating to commissions is net of an estimate of the amount of chargebacks the Fund will be required to pay. This estimate is based upon historical chargeback experience arising from similar contracts, including the impact of refinance and default rates on retail finance contracts and cancellation rates on extended service contracts and other insurance products. Lease Revenue Lease revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the related lease agreement as amounts become due. (b) Business combinations Business combinations are accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. The purchase price for an acquisition is allocated to the related net identifiable assets based on their estimated fair market values at the date of acquisition. (c) Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include amounts on deposit with financial institutions and amounts with Chrysler Financial Canada (“CFC”) with a term to maturity of 90 days or less at the date of acquisition. (d) Accounts receivable Accounts receivable includes amounts due from contracts in transit, commercial service and parts, fleet vehicle and warranty and rebate receivables. Contracts in transit are amounts due from financing institutions, usually within ten days, on retail finance contracts from vehicle sales. Commercial service and parts receivables are due from customers that maintain fleets of vehicles. Fleet vehicle receivables are due on sales of vehicles to commercial customers. Warranty and rebate amounts are due from the manufacturer or the warranty company. The Fund evaluates receivables for collectability based on the age of the receivable, the credit history of the customer and past collection experience. 36 > AUTOCANADA 2006 (e) Inventories New, used and demonstrator vehicle inventories are recorded at the lower of cost and net realizable value with cost determined on a specific item basis. Parts and accessories inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Inventories of parts and accessories are accounted for using the “first-in, first-out” method. Other inventories, which primarily include rental and service vehicles, are recorded on a specific item basis at the lower of cost and net realizable value. In determining net realizable value for new vehicles, the Fund primarily considers the age of the vehicles along with the timing of annual and model changeovers. For used vehicles, the Fund considers recent market data and trends such as loss histories along with the current age of the inventory. Parts inventories are primarily assessed considering excess quantity and continued usefulness of the part. The risk of loss in value related to parts inventories is minimized since excess or obsolete parts can generally be returned to the manufacturer. (f ) Property and equipment Property and equipment are initially recorded at cost. Other than as noted below, amortization on the property and equipment is provided for over the estimated useful life of the assets on the declining balance basis at the following annual rates: Machinery and equipment Furniture and fixtures Computer equipment Company vehicles 20% 20% 30% 30% Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the lease term. The cost of lease vehicles less their estimated net realizable value at the end of the lease term is amortized on a straight line basis over the term of the individual lease contracts. Leases that transfer substantially all of the benefits and risks of ownership of the property to the Fund are accounted for as capital leases. At the time a capital lease is entered into an asset is recorded together with its related long term obligation. Equipment under capital lease is recorded at cost and is amortized using the same rates as purchased equipment. (g) Accounting for the impairment of long lived assets Long lived assets, including property and equipment and identifiable intangibles with a finite life, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is assessed by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed by sale are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. AUTOCANADA 2006 > 37 (h) Goodwill Goodwill is the residual amount that results when the purchase price of an acquired business exceeds the sum of the amounts allocated to the identifiable assets acquired, less liabilities assumed, based on their fair values at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is allocated as of the date of the business combination to the Fund’s reporting units that are expected to benefit from the business combination. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment annually, or more frequently, if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The impairment test is carried out in two steps. In the first step, the carrying amount of the reporting unit is compared with its fair value. When the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not to be impaired and the second step of the impairment test is unnecessary. The second step is carried out when the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, in which case the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is compared with its carrying amount to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the value of goodwill is determined in a business combination as described in the preceding paragraph, using the fair value of the reporting unit as if it was the purchase price. The Fund has completed an evaluation of the carrying value of goodwill during the period and concluded that the goodwill associated with its reporting unit was not impaired. (i) Intangible assets The identifiable intangible assets are rights under franchise agreements with automobile manufacturers. Franchise agreements are expected to continue for an indefinite period. Where these agreements do not have indefinite terms, the Fund anticipates and has generally experienced routine renewals without substantial cost and material modifications. As the franchise agreements will contribute to cash flows for an indefinite period, the carrying amount of franchise rights is not amortized. The Fund assesses the carrying value of these unlimited life intangible assets for impairment annually, or more frequently, if events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recorded when it is determined that the carrying amount is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. (j) Future income taxes Incorporated subsidiaries of the Fund use the asset and liability method of accounting for future income taxes. Under this method, future income tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on temporary differences between the carrying amount of balance sheet items and their corresponding tax bases. In addition, the future benefits of income tax assets, including unused tax losses, are recognized, subject to a valuation allowance, to the extent that it is more likely than not that such future benefits will ultimately be realized. Future income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates and laws expected to apply when the tax liabilities or assets are to be either settled or realized. Income tax obligations relating to distributions of the Fund are the obligations of the Unitholders and, accordingly, no provision for income taxes has been made in respect of the assets and liabilities of the Fund. 38 > AUTOCANADA 2006 (k) Variable interest entities The Fund follows CICA Accounting Guideline 15, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (AcG-15) which provides guidance for applying the principles in CICA 1590, Subsidiaries, and CICA 3055, Interests in Joint Ventures to Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”). AcG-15 defines a VIE as an entity which either does not have sufficient equity at risk to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or where the holders of equity at risk lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest. AcG-15 defines the Primary Beneficiary as the entity that is exposed to a majority of the VIE’s expected losses or is entitled to a majority of the VIE’s expected residual returns, or both. The Primary Beneficiary is required to consolidate the VIE. In addition, AcG-15 prescribes certain disclosures for VIEs that are not consolidated but in which the Fund has a significant variable interest. The Fund does not have any VIEs as at December 31, 2006. (l) Unit based compensation The Fund uses the fair value method of accounting for unit options. The fair value of option grants are calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and recognized as compensation expense over the vesting period of those grants. A corresponding adjustment is recorded through a separate account in Unitholders’ Equity. On the exercise of options, the consideration paid by the employee and the related amounts in the separate account in Unitholders’ Equity are credited to Fund Units. (m) Pre-opening costs Costs incurred to develop and start up new dealership locations are expensed as incurred. (n) Future accounting standard changes The Accounting Standards Board has issued three new standards dealing with financial instruments that the Fund will be required to adopt on January 1, 2007: (i) Financial Instruments – Recognition and Measurement (ii) Hedges and (iii) Comprehensive Income. The key principles under these standards are that all financial instruments, including derivatives, are to be included on a entity’s balance sheet and measured, either at their fair values or, in limited circumstances when fair value may not be considered most relevant, at cost or amortized cost. Financial instruments intended to be held to maturity should be measured at amortized cost. Existing requirements for hedge accounting are extended to specify how hedge accounting should be performed. Also, a new location for recognizing certain unrealized gains and losses – other comprehensive income – has been introduced. This provides the ability for certain unrealized gains and losses arising from changes in fair value to be temporarily recorded outside the income statement but in a transparent manner. The standards do not permit restatement of prior years’ financial statements however the standards have detailed transition provisions. Management is in the process of evaluating the effect of the adoption of the new standards on the Fund’s financial statements. Based on a preliminary analysis, it is not expected to have a material effect on the financial position and results of operations. AUTOCANADA 2006 > 39 3 Business acquisitions (a) On May 10, 2006, the Fund completed an initial public offering for aggregate cash proceeds of $102,095. The Fund used the net proceeds from the initial public offering to acquire an indirect 50.4% interest in AutoCanada LP, represented by 10,209,500 AutoCanada LP Units. AutoCanada LP, through a series of transactions, including the issuance of 10,047,500 Exchangeable Units, acquired 100% of the net business assets of CAG. The costs of issuance of the Fund Units and Exchangeable Units were $8,523. The acquisition of the Fund’s interest in the acquired business has been accounted for using the purchase method. On May 31, 2006, 740,000 Exchangeable Units were exchanged and 740,000 additional Fund Units were issued pursuant to the over allotment option granted to underwriters (note 13(b)). The purchase price allocated to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, based on their estimated fair values, is as follows: Cash Issuance of Exchangeable Units Issuance costs Total purchase price Current assets (including cash acquired of $4,925) Property and equipment Other assets Current liabilities Property and equipment Intangible assets Net identifiable assets acquired Goodwill $ 102,095 100,475 (8,523) 194,047 168,879 12,828 78 (142,184) (142) 77,800 117,259 76,788 194,047 The Fund has finalized the process of determining the issuance costs and the fair value of assets acquired and the liabilities assumed as of March 21, 2007. (b) On October 31, 2006, the Fund purchased substantially all of the the net operating assets of 500672 BC Ltd. operating as Victoria Hyundai (“Victoria Hyundai”) for total cash consideration of $8,090. The acquisition was funded by drawing on the Fund’s Revolving Floorplan Facility (note 8) in the amount of $3,520 and on the Revolving Term Facility (note 9) in the amount of $4,570. The acquisition has been accounted for using the purchase method and the consolidated financial statements include operating results of Victoria Hyundai subsequent to October 31, 2006. The purchase price allocated to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, based on their estimated fair values, is as follows: Current assets Property and equipment Intangible assets Current liabilities Net identifiable assets acquired Goodwill 40 > AUTOCANADA 2006 $ 4,499 448 1,234 (47) 6,134 1,956 8,090 4 Restricted cash Restricted cash must be maintained with CFC by the Fund to be sufficient to remit the Goods and Services Tax and Harmonized Sales Tax (“GST/HST”) associated with the new vehicle inventory financed by CFC. 5 Inventories New vehicles Demonstrator vehicles Used vehicles Parts and accessories 6 Property and equipment Lease vehicles Machinery and equipment Leasehold improvements Furniture and fixtures Company vehicles Computer equipment Other property and equipment $ 82,103 5,374 19,166 6,037 112,680 Net $ 1,921 3,414 3,034 1,536 1,093 805 36 11,839 Cost $ Accumulated Amortization $ 2,266 3,890 4,428 1,756 1,314 976 36 14,666 345 476 1,394 220 221 171 – 2,827 During the period, excluding property and equipment acquired as part of business combinations (note 3), property and equipment was acquired at an aggregate cost of $1,433. Of this total, $197 of property and equipment was acquired by means of capital leases, and the remaining $1,236 was paid in cash. Included in lease vehicles above are vehicles earning rental income. Rental income for the period ended December 31, 2006 totalled $544. 7 Intangible assets Intangible assets are unlimited life manufacturer franchise rights acquired on business combinations. AUTOCANADA 2006 > 41 8 Revolving floorplan facility New vehicles Demonstrator vehicles Used vehicles $ 102,963 4,404 5,990 113,357 The Revolving Floorplan Facility available to the Fund from CFC to finance new, demonstrator and used vehicles is $183,125 and bears interest at Royal Bank of Canada (“RBC”) prime rate less 0.25%, (5.75% at December 31, 2006) and is payable monthly in arrears. The Revolving Floorplan Facility requires maintenance of certain financial covenants and is collateralized by a general security agreement consisting of a first security interest on all present and future property, the Fund’s accounts receivable, and new, used and demonstrator vehicle inventory. The individual notes payable of the Revolving Floorplan are due when the related vehicle is sold. The Revolving Floorplan Facility may in certain circumstances restrict the ability of AutoCanada LP and the Fund to pay distributions if the payment would result in a default under the Revolving Floorplan Facility. 9 Long-term debt Revolving Term Facility, due May 10, 2009 bearing interest from RBC prime to RBC prime plus 0.75%(i) CFC lease contracts, repayable over 24 months bearing interest from 7.35% to7.75% (ii) Less: Current portion $ 5,300 331 5,631 (96) 5,535 (i) CFC provides the Fund a Revolving Term Facility. The amount of the Revolving Term Facility available is based on certain assets (the “borrowing base”) and a percentage of EBITDA of AutoCanada LP, up to a maximum amount of $50,000, and is available to finance working capital and the acquisition of automobile dealerships. The Revolving Term Facility matures May 10, 2009 and bears interest at RBC prime rate for amounts borrowed not exceeding the borrowing base and RBC prime rate plus 0.75% for amounts borrowed in excess of the borrowing base. RBC prime as at December 31, 2006 was 6.0%. It provides for a commitment fee of 0.25% of any unused portion and a draw fee of 1.5% of any amount borrowed, both payable quarterly in arrears and requires maintenance of certain financial covenants and is collateralized by a general security agreement consisting of a first security interest on all present and future property. The Revolving Term Facility may in certain circumstances restrict the ability of AutoCanada LP and the Fund to pay distributions if the payment would result in a default. (ii) CFC lease contracts are collateralized by the related lease contract and lease vehicles with a carrying value of $1,921. Principal payments for the next three years are as follows: 2007 2008 2009 42 > AUTOCANADA 2006 $ 96 235 5,300 5,631 10 Commitments The Fund leases all of the lands and buildings used in its franchised automobile dealership operations from related parties (note 15) , DaimlerChrysler Canada Inc. and other third parties. The Fund also leases various office equipment. The minimum annual lease payments for the next five years and thereafter are as follows: 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Thereafter Total 11 Contingencies $ 4,501 3,971 3,712 3,431 2,001 1,200 18,816 (a) The Fund is party to a number of disputes and lawsuits in the normal course of business. Management believes that the ultimate liability arising from these matters will have not have a material impact on the financial statements. (b) The Fund’s operations are subject to federal, provincial and local environmental laws and regulations in Canada. While the Fund has not identified any costs likely to be incurred in the next several years, based on known information for environmental matters, the Fund’s ongoing efforts to identify potential environmental concerns in connection with the properties it leases may result in the identification of additional environmental costs and liabilities. The magnitude of such additional liabilities and the costs of complying with environmental laws or remediating contamination cannot be reasonably estimated at the balance sheet date due to lack of technical information, absence of third party claims, the potential for new or revised laws and regulations and the ability to recover costs from any third parties. Thus the likelihood of any such costs or whether such costs would be material cannot be determined at this time. 12 Future Income Taxes The Fund does not record income taxes relating to temporary differences nor income earned by the Fund. Unitholders of the Fund and limited partners of AutoCanada LP will be responsible for these income taxes. At December 31, 2006, the financial statement carrying amounts of the Fund’s assets and liabilities exceeded their tax bases by approximately $68,112. Of this difference, $35,187 relates to goodwill that is not deductible for income tax purposes. 13 Unitholders’ equity (a) Authorized An unlimited number of Fund Units may be created and issued pursuant to the Declaration of Trust. Each Fund unit is transferable and represents an equal undivided beneficial interest in any distributions from the Fund, whether of net earnings, net realized capital gains or other amounts and in the net assets of the Fund in the event of a termination or winding up of the Fund. All Fund Units entitle the holder thereof to one vote and each Fund Unit has equal voting rights and privileges. AUTOCANADA 2006 > 43 (b) Issued Units issued on initial public offering (note 3) Issuance costs Units issued in connection with over allotment option exercised Units # 10,209,500 – 740,000 10,949,500 Amount $ 102,095 (4,295) 7,400 105,200 The Fund granted an over allotment option to the underwriters to purchase up to 765,615 additional Units on the same terms as the initial public offering exercisable no later than June 10, 2006. On May 31, 2006, the underwriters exercised the over allotment option, resulting in the exchange by the Fund of 740,000 Exchangeable LP Units and issuance of 740,000 additional Fund Units with carrying amount of $7,400. (c) Exchangeable LP units The Exchangeable LP Units issued by AutoCanada LP have economic and voting rights equivalent to the Fund Units except in connection with the exchangeability terms as described below. They are exchangeable, directly or indirectly, on a one-for-one basis for Fund Units at the option of the holder, under the terms of the Exchange Agreement. The Exchangeable LP Units are required to be exchanged for Fund Units before transferring to third parties. As a result, they have been treated as equity in accordance with the CICA Emerging Issues Committee Abstract #151. Each Exchangeable LP Unit entitles the holder to receive distributions from AutoCanada LP pro rata with distributions made by AutoCanada LP on Fund Units. On May 31, 2006, 740,000 Exchangeable LP Units were exchanged and cancelled (note 13(b)). Units issued on initial public offering (note 3) Issuance costs Exchanges in connection with the over allotment option (note 13(b)) Balance, end of period Fund Special Voting Units Units # 10,047,500 – (740,000) 9,307,500 Amount $ 100,475 (4,228) (7,400) 88,847 Fund Special Voting Units are non participating and are used solely for providing voting rights to persons holding Exchangeable LP Units. Fund Special Voting Units are not transferable separately from Exchangeable LP Units to which they relate. Fund Special Voting Units will automatically be cancelled upon the exchange and cancellation of the Exchangeable LP Units to which they relate. The Fund Special Voting Units are not entitled to any beneficial interest in any distribution from the Fund or in the net assets of the Fund in the event of a termination or winding up of the Fund. Each Fund Special Voting Unit entitles the holder thereof to one vote at all meetings of Unitholders. If the Exchangeable LP Units are purchased in accordance with the Exchange Agreement, a like number of Fund Special Voting Units will be redeemed by the Fund for a nominal amount. The Fund issued 10,047,500 Fund Special Voting Units relating to the 10,047,500 Exchangeable LP Units that were issued at the time of the initial public offering. On May 31, 2006, 740,000 Fund Special Voting Units were cancelled (note 13(b)). 44 > AUTOCANADA 2006 (d) Contributed surplus The Fund has an Incentive Unit Option Plan (the “Plan”) for certain employees, officers, directors and trustees. Options issued under the Plan vest at a rate of one third on the three subsequent award date anniversaries. All the options must be exercised over specified periods not to exceed five years from the date granted. The options may be exercised by purchasing the Fund Units for the exercise price or the Plan also provides that an optionee may, at their discretion, elect, subject to the approval of the Trustees, in lieu of exercising any options, to surrender the options to the Fund, which will pay the optionee the difference between the current market price of the Fund Units on the date of surrender and the exercise price for the Units under the options being surrendered. In addition, the options may be exercised by an optionee only if, at the time of exercise, the total amount of the cash available for distributions per Unit for the 12 month period ended immediately preceding the time of exercise is at least $1.20 per Unit on a fully- diluted basis, subject to adjustment in the event of any increase or decrease in the number of issued Units and Exchangeable Units resulting from a subdivision, consolidation, reclassification, capital reorganization or similar change in Units (other than a consolidation of our Units immediately following a distribution in Units in lieu of a cash distribution). At December 31, 2006, 1,519,275 units remained reserved for issuance under the option plan. During the period ended December 31, 2006, 759,638 options were granted to purchase Fund Units and of these options, 39,671 were cancelled. No options were exercisable as at December 31, 2006 and all options have a remaining life of 4.36 years. Options outstanding, beginning of period Granted Cancelled Options outstanding, end of period Weighted average exercise price $ – 10 10 10 Units # – 759,638 (39,671) 719,967 The fair value of the units were equal to the weighted average exercise price as at the grant date. The fair value of the options were estimated as at the grant date using the Black Scholes option pricing model, at $1.61 per option, using the following assumptions: Risk free interest rate Expected life in years Expected volatility Expected dividends 4.3% 5.0 years 41.0% $1 The impact of expensing the unit options for the period ended December 31, 2006 was $455, with a corresponding increase to contributed surplus. Subsequent to December 31, 2006, 120,000 options were granted to employees of the Fund at an exercise price of $9.90 per Fund Unit. (e) Weighted average number of units outstanding The weighted average number of units outstanding used in computing diluted earnings per unit was calculated and there was no significant difference between this and the weighted average number of units outstanding used in computing basic earnings per unit. AUTOCANADA 2006 > 45 14 Distributions Distributions are discretionary and are determined based on earnings, before amortization, but reduced by capital expenditures, subject to approval of the Trustees. Distributions totalling $0.250 and $0.390 were declared per Fund Unit and the Exchangeable LP Unit respectively by the Fund for the period ended December 31, 2006. Fund Units Exchangeable Units Declared $ 7,002 5,950 12,952 Paid $ 6,090 5,175 11,265 Distributions payable to all Unitholders in the amount of $1,687 as at December 31, 2006 were paid in January 2007. 15 Related party transactions and balances (a) The following summarizes the Fund’s related party transactions not disclosed elsewhere: Management fees received from companies with common directors Rent paid to companies with common directors $ 72 1,344 These transactions are in the normal course of operations and are measured at the exchange amount, which is the amount of consideration established and agreed to by the related parties. (b) The amount due from the Vendors initially arose as a result of the difference between the preliminary estimate and the current estimate of the amount of working capital that would be purchased from CAG by the Fund as of May 10, 2006. The balance as at December 31, 2006 reflects cash transfers between the Vendors and the Fund from May 10, 2006 to December 31, 2006. The amounts are unsecured and bear interest at 4% per annum. The balance as at December 31, 2006 was repaid to the Fund by the Vendors subsequent to the balance sheet date. 16 Interest Revolving floorplan facility Long term debt Other 17 Economic dependence $ 5,195 148 398 5,741 The Fund purchases substantially all new vehicles and parts and accessories from DaimlerChrysler Canada Ltd. 46 > AUTOCANADA 2006 18 Financial instruments The Fund’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, due from vendors, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, Revolving Floorplan Facility, distributions payable, long-term debt and obligation under capital lease. It is management’s opinion that the Fund is not exposed to significant interest, currency or credit risk arising from these financial instruments. Interest rate risk The Fund’s Revolving Floorplan Facility as described in note 8 and the Revolving Term Facility as described in note 9, bear interest with floating rates over prime, thus exposing the Fund to interest rate fluctuations. As at December 31, 2006, the increase or decrease in net earnings on an annualized basis, before income taxes for each one percent change in interest rates on floating rate debt amounts to $1,187. Credit risk Concentration of cash equivalents exists due to the significant amount of cash held with CFC. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to contracts-in-transit and accounts receivable are limited primarily to automakers and financial institutions. Credit risk arising from receivables from commercial customers is not significant due to the large number of customers comprising our customer base. Fair values The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, due from vendors, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, Revolving Floorplan Facility, distributions payable, long term debt and obligation under capital lease approximate their fair value either due to their relatively short term maturities or interest rates which approximate market rates. 19 Segment information The Fund’s management evaluates performance and allocates resources based on the operating results of the individual dealerships. All of the individual dealerships sell new and used vehicles, arrange financing, vehicle service, and insurance contracts, provide maintenance and repair services and sell replacement parts. The dealerships are similar in that they deliver the same products and services to a common customer group, their customers are generally individuals, they follow the same procedures and methods in managing their operations, and they operate in similar regulatory environments. However, each dealership has sufficiently similar economic characteristics to allow the Fund to be aggregated into one reportable segment. 20 Seasonal nature of the business The Fund’s results from operations for the period ended December 31, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year due to seasonal variations in sales levels. The results from operations of the Fund (CAG prior to May 10, 2006) have been lower in the first and fourth quarters of each year, largely due to consumer purchasing patterns during the holiday season, inclement weather and the reduced number of business days during the holiday season. As a result, our financial performance is generally less strong during the first and fourth quarters than during the other quarters of each fiscal year. The timing of acquisitions may also cause substantial fluctuations in operating results from quarter to quarter. AUTOCANADA 2006 > 47 21 Subsequent events (a) On February 7, 2007, the Fund entered into a credit agreement with CAG to finance the acquisition of a Nissan dealership (the “Nissan Dealership”), by CAG and entered into a management agreement to provide it with management services. The Nissan Dealership is owned and operated by a subsidiary of CAG which owns 46% of the Fund on a fully diluted basis. The Fund obtained the funds to finance the acquisition of the Nissan dealership through its existing Revolving Term Facility (note 9). In connection with this arrangement, the Fund has granted consents to CAG and its subsidiary under the terms of the non competition agreements entered into at the time of the Fund’s IPO. As a result of the Fund’s financing of the purchase and the related agreements, the Fund has determined that the Nissan Dealership is a VIE and it is the primary beneficiary as defined by AcG 15. Accordingly, the Fund will consolidate the results of the Nissan Dealership subsequent to February 7, 2007. The Fund is in the process of finalizing its measurement and valuation of the net assets of the Nissan Dealership, including the identification of goodwill and intangible assets. This determination of the final purchase price and its allocation is subject to the completion of this process. (b) On February 7, 2007 the Fund granted consents to permit Patrick Priestner to open a new Toyota automobile dealership. Mr. Priestner is the majority shareholder of CAG and is the Chief Executive Officer of the Fund. 48 > AUTOCANADA 2006 CORPORATE INFORMATION AUTOCANADA INCOME FUND Unitholder Information AutoCanada Income Fund Senior management Patrick Priestner, Chief Executive Officer Robert (Bob) Clark, President Tom Orysiuk, Chief Financial Officer Steve Rose, Vice President Corporate Development, General Counsel and Secretary Directors of AutoCanada GP Inc. Jim Peters, Chairman of the Board of Directors Patrick Priestner, Corporate Director Robert (Bob) Clark, Corporate Director R. E. (Rusty) Goepel, Corporate Director Gordon Barefoot, Corporate Director Head Office Suite 200, 10835 - 120 Street Edmonton, Alberta T5H 3P9 www.autocan.ca Trustees Gordon Barefoot, Chairman of the Board of Trustees R.E. (Rusty) Goepel, Trustee Robin Salmon, Trustee Investor Relations Tom Orysiuk 780-732-3139 torysiuk@autocan.ca Auditors PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP Edmonton, Alberta Units Listed Toronto Stock Exchange Trading Symbol: ACQ.UN Transfer Agent Computershare Investor Services Inc. Annual General Meeting Wednesday, May 9, 2007 10:00 am Mountain time Delta Edmonton South Hotel and Conference Centre 4404 Gateway Boulevard Edmonton, Alberta Suite 200, 10835 - 120 Street Edmonton, Alberta T5H 3P9 

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