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AutoNation

an · NYSE Consumer Cyclical
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Sector Consumer Cyclical
Industry Auto - Dealerships
Employees 10,000+
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FY2013 Annual Report · AutoNation
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ANNUAL REPORT

Valued Shareholder,

The success your company achieved in 2013 is a 
demonstration of many things – our talented team 
of associates, our ability to develop and implement 
highly effective operating improvements, and our 
strategies for selling and servicing vehicles in a 
dynamic economic environment, to name a few.   
But if there is any one thing that marked 2013 
more than anything else, it’s the success of the 
AutoNation brand.

2013 was the first year that we operated over 200 
franchises on a coast to coast basis under the 
AutoNation name, and the awareness we generated 
proved to be instrumental in a highly successful 
year for your company.  For the first year since our 
founding, “AutoNation” means as much to customers 
as it does to our shareholders.  Through broadly 
effective marketing campaigns, community relations 
efforts and customer service initiatives, AutoNation 
is now recognized by millions of consumers in 
markets from coast to coast as America’s leading 
automotive retailer when it comes to selection, 
pricing, service and satisfaction.

With the launch of the AutoNation brand, we were 
pleased to report record EPS from continuing 
operations in all four quarters and for full year 2013.  
Our revenue for the full year was $17.5 billion, up 12% 
from 2012’s $15.7 billion.  Net income from continuing 
operations was $375.8 million, up 18% from 
2012’s $317.3 million, and our EPS from continuing 
operations of $3.05 in 2013 represented a 21% 
increase over 2012’s $2.52.  

We’re using our brand strength to do even more 
than reward our shareholders.  We’re also using our 
leadership position to reward the communities that 
we serve, particularly through our new partnership 
with IndyCar champion Ryan Hunter-Reay’s Racing 
for Cancer charity.  Through this company-wide 
initiative, we will raise millions of dollars towards 
cancer detection and prevention, and deliver those 
funds right back into the communities where our 
associates live and work.  

And that’s just the start of what we’re able to achieve 
as a unified brand.  We are delivering on our goal 
of building the country’s first truly coast to coast 
automotive retail brand – a single name, a single 

look and a peerless customer experience in markets 
across America.  Yes, it’s an ambitious objective, but 
considering our track record of accomplishing things 
that no other retailer can – like selling our 9 millionth 
vehicle in 2013 – it’s a challenge we’re looking forward 
to.  I personally look forward to presenting the keys 
to the AutoNation customer who purchases the 10 
millionth car or truck from us, an unprecedented 
achievement in auto retail.

We are also growing your company through 
acquisitions and new store opportunities, with a focus 
on adding brand representation within our existing 
markets.  Over the last six quarters, we announced 
the acquisition of 12 franchises and the award of four 
new premium luxury franchises by our manufacturer 
partners.  The 2013 revenue for the 12 acquired 
franchises together with the expected annual revenue 
of the four franchises awarded to us, once they are 
fully operational, is approximately $1.1 billion.  We will 
continue to be selective and prudent with our capital, 
which has served the company well over time, with 
a focus on investing to produce strong returns and 
long-term shareholder value.

When we ended 2012, we suggested that the year 
would best be appreciated as a precursor to even 
greater things as we moved forward.  Now that we’re 
able to look back on all that we’ve accomplished in 
the previous 12 months, we’re pleased to see just how 
accurate that prediction was.  2012 did indeed see 
us lay a strong foundation for future performance, 
and 2013 saw us benefit from that foundation in 
meaningful ways including all-time record EPS for 
the full year.  As we look now to the coming year and 
into future years, we are committed to continuing 
this success and realizing the continued benefits of 
our brand strength, our outstanding team and our 
peerless operational strategies.  Thank you for your 
support; you can be certain that all of our efforts are 
directed towards generating the success you expect 
and deserve.

Yours,
rs,

Mike Jackson
e Jackson
Chairman and CEO

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 

OR

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

For the transition period from ________ to ________             

Commission File Number: 1-13107

AutoNation, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

200 SW 1st Ave
Fort Lauderdale, Florida

(Address of principal executive offices)

73-1105145

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

33301

(Zip Code)

(954) 769-6000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

Title of each class                 

Common Stock, Par Value $0.01 Per Share

Name of each exchange on which registered

New York Stock Exchange

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

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  

    No  

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.    Yes  

    No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 

during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing 
requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  

    No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File 
required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such 
shorter period that the new registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  

    No  

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. 

See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  

Accelerated filer  

Non-accelerated filer  

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company  

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

    No  

As of June 30, 2013, the aggregate market value of the common stock of the registrant held by non-affiliates was approximately $2.7 billion based on 
the closing price of the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on such date (for the purpose of this calculation only, the registrant assumed that 
each of its directors, executive officers, and greater than 10% stockholders was an affiliate of the registrant as of June 30, 2013).

As of February 12, 2014, the registrant had 119,068,488 shares of common stock outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement relating to its 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end 

of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 are incorporated herein by reference in Part III.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AUTONATION, INC.

FORM 10-K

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 

Business

Risk Factors

Unresolved Staff Comments

Properties

Legal Proceedings
Mine Safety Disclosures

INDEX

PART I

PART II

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

Selected Financial Data

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

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Controls and Procedures

Other Information

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Executive Compensation

PART III

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder 
Matters

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

Item 1.

Item 1A.

Item 1B.

Item 2.

Item 3.
Item 4.

Item 5.

Item 6.

Item 7.

Item 7A.

Item 8.

Item 9.

Item 9A.

Item 9B.

Item 10.

Item 11.

Item 12.

Item 13.

Item 14.

Item 15.

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

PART IV

Page

1

10

17

17

17
17

18

20

21

50

52

90

90

90

91

91

91

91

91

92

 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 1.  BUSINESS

General

PART I

AutoNation, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is the largest automotive retailer in the United States. As of December 31, 
2013, we owned and operated 269 new vehicle franchises from 228 stores located in the United States, predominantly in 
major metropolitan markets in the Sunbelt region. Our stores, which we believe are some of the most recognizable and 
well-known in our key markets, sell 33 different new vehicle brands. The core brands of new vehicles that we sell, 
representing approximately 95% of the new vehicles that we sold in 2013, are manufactured by Toyota, Ford, Honda, 
Nissan, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Chrysler, and Volkswagen.

We offer a diversified range of automotive products and services, including new vehicles, used vehicles, “parts and 
service,” which includes automotive repair and maintenance services as well as wholesale parts and collision businesses, 
and automotive “finance and insurance” products, which include vehicle service and other protection products, as well as 
the arranging of financing for vehicle purchases through third-party finance sources. The following charts present the 
contribution to total revenue and gross profit by each of new vehicle sales, used vehicle sales, parts and service, and 
finance and insurance in 2013.

We were incorporated in Delaware in 1991. For convenience, the terms “AutoNation,” “Company,” and “we” are used 
to refer collectively to AutoNation, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise required by the context. Our store operations 
are conducted by our subsidiaries.

Operating Segments

As of December 31, 2013, we had three operating segments: Domestic, Import, and Premium Luxury. These segments 

are comprised of retail automotive franchises that sell the following new vehicle brands:

Domestic

Import

Premium Luxury

Buick

Cadillac

Chevrolet

Chrysler

Dodge

Ford

GMC

Jeep

Lincoln

Ram

Audi

Bentley

BMW

Land Rover

Lexus

Maserati

Mercedes-Benz

Mini

Porsche

smart

Acura

Fiat

Honda

Hyundai

Infiniti

Mazda

Mitsubishi

Nissan

Scion

Subaru

Toyota

Volkswagen

Volvo

1

The franchises in each segment also sell used vehicles, parts and automotive repair and maintenance services, and 
automotive finance and insurance products. For the year ended December 31, 2013, Domestic revenue represented 33% of 
total revenue, Import revenue represented 36% of total revenue, and Premium Luxury revenue represented 29% of total 
revenue. For additional financial information regarding our three operating segments, please refer to Note 20 of the Notes 
to Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Except to the extent that differences among operating segments are material to an understanding of our business taken 

as a whole, the description of our business in this report is presented on a consolidated basis.

Business Strategy

We seek to create long-term value for our stockholders by being the best-run, most profitable automotive retailer in the 

United States. We believe that the significant scale of our operations and the quality of our managerial talent allow us to 
achieve efficiencies in our key markets. To achieve and sustain operational excellence, we are pursuing the following 
strategies:

• 

• 

• 

Create an industry-leading automotive retail consumer experience, both in our stores and online. We seek to 
deliver a consistently superior customer experience by offering a large selection of inventory, customer-friendly, 
transparent sales and service processes, and competitive pricing. We believe that this will benefit us by 
encouraging our customers to bring their vehicles to our stores for all of their vehicle service, maintenance, and 
collision repair needs and also by driving repeat and referral vehicle sales business. We emphasize the importance 
of customer satisfaction to our key store personnel by basing a portion of their compensation on the quality of 
customer service they provide. We also leverage the Internet and social media to market our stores, new and used 
vehicle inventory, and parts and service business. Our websites and mobile applications are designed to facilitate 
consumer research, as more consumers are researching vehicle and service information online. 

Leverage our significant scale and cost structure to improve our operating efficiency. We manage our new and 
used vehicle inventories to optimize our stores’ supply and mix of vehicle inventory in line with seasonal sales 
trends. We are also focused on maintaining appropriate inventory levels in order to minimize carrying costs. In 
order to improve financial controls and lower servicing costs, we maintain key store-level accounting and 
administrative activities in our Shared Services Center located in Irving, Texas. Further, we seek to increase 
employee productivity through our compensation and employee training programs, as well as disciplined 
management of staffing levels. Finally, we leverage our scale to reduce costs related to purchasing certain 
equipment, supplies, and services through national vendor relationships.

Continue to build a powerful AutoNation retail brand that represents a consistently superior customer experience. 
We transitioned our Domestic and Import stores to a unified AutoNation retail brand during the first half of 2013. 
We believe that a unified AutoNation retail brand for our Domestic and Import stores will enhance our strong 
customer satisfaction and expand our market share. We also believe that we will drive more traffic to our online 
channels through the AutoNation retail brand, which will allow us to market to more customers directly, rather 
than through third-party websites. Our Premium Luxury stores continue to operate under their existing retail 
brands.

Our business benefits from a well-diversified portfolio of automotive retail franchises. In 2013, approximately 38% of 

our segment income was generated by Premium Luxury franchises, approximately 33% by Import franchises, and 
approximately 29% by Domestic franchises. We continue to look for acquisition and new store opportunities that meet our 
goal of offering all of our core vehicle brands within our existing markets as well as our return on investment threshold. 

We believe that our business also benefits from diverse revenue streams generated by our new and used vehicle sales, 
parts and service business, and finance and insurance sales. Our higher-margin parts and service business has historically 
been less sensitive to macroeconomic conditions as compared to new and used vehicle sales.

Our capital allocation strategy is focused on maximizing stockholder returns. The first priority of our capital allocation 

strategy is to maintain a strong balance sheet. Second, we invest capital in our business to maintain and upgrade our 
existing facilities and to build new facilities for existing franchises, as well as for other strategic and technology initiatives. 
Third, we deploy capital opportunistically to repurchase our common stock and/or debt or to complete dealership 
acquisitions and/or build facilities for newly awarded franchises. From January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2013, we 

2

repurchased over 34 million shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $1.2 billion. Also during this 
timeframe, we purchased 13 franchises and were awarded 6 new franchises from manufacturers (3 of which have 
commenced operations, and 3 of which we expect will commence operations in 2014 or 2015). Our capital allocation 
decisions are based on factors such as the expected rate of return on our investment, the market price of our common stock 
versus our view of its intrinsic value, the market price of our debt, the potential impact on our capital structure, our ability 
to complete dealership acquisitions that meet our market and vehicle brand criteria and return on investment threshold, and 
limitations set forth in our debt agreements. For additional information regarding our capital allocation, please refer to 
“Liquidity and Capital Resources – Capital Allocation” in Part II, Item 7 of this Form 

Operations

Each of our stores acquires new vehicles for retail sale either directly from the applicable automotive manufacturer or 

distributor or through dealer trades with other stores of the same franchise. We generally acquire used vehicles from 
customer trade-ins, as well as auctions, lease terminations, and other sources, and we generally recondition used vehicles 
acquired for retail sale in our parts and service departments. Used vehicles that we do not sell at our stores generally are 
sold at wholesale prices through auctions. See also “Inventory Management” in Part II, Item 7 of this Form 10-K.

Our stores provide a wide range of vehicle maintenance, repair, and collision repair services, including warranty work 

that can be performed only at franchised dealerships and customer-pay service work. Our parts and service departments 
also provide reconditioning repair work for used vehicles acquired by our used vehicle departments and minor preparatory 
work for new vehicles acquired by our new vehicle departments. In addition to our retail business, we also have a 
wholesale parts operation, which sells automotive parts to both collision repair shops and independent vehicle repair 
providers.

We offer a wide variety of automotive finance and insurance products to our customers. We arrange for our customers to 

finance vehicles through installment loans or leases with third-party lenders, including the vehicle manufacturers’ and 
distributors’ captive finance subsidiaries, in exchange for a commission payable to us. We do not directly finance our 
customers’ vehicle leases or purchases, and our exposure to loss in connection with these financing arrangements generally 
is limited to the commissions that we receive. 

We also offer our customers various vehicle protection products, including extended service contracts, maintenance 
programs, guaranteed auto protection (known as “GAP,” this protection covers the shortfall between a customer’s loan 
balance and insurance payoff in the event of a casualty), “tire and wheel” protection, and theft protection products. These  
products are underwritten and administered by independent third parties, including the vehicle manufacturers’ and 
distributors’ captive finance subsidiaries. We primarily sell the products on a straight commission basis; however, we also 
participate in future underwriting profit for certain products pursuant to retrospective commission arrangements. See also 
“Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – Chargeback Reserve” in Part II, Item 7 of this Form 10-K.

3

As of December 31, 2013, we operated stores in the following states:

State
 Florida
 Texas
 California
 Colorado
 Arizona
 Nevada
 Georgia
 Washington
 Illinois
 Tennessee
 Ohio
 Minnesota
 Virginia
 Maryland
 Alabama
Total

Number of
Stores

Number of
Franchises

58
40
39
17
15
10
10
12
7
7
4
1
2
4
2
228

67
49
44
23
17
11
11
18
7
8
4
1
2
5
2
269

% of Total
     Revenue (1)
26
23
18
7
6
4
3
3
3
2
1
1
1
1
1
100

(1)  Revenue by state includes non-store activities, such as collision centers, a customer lead distribution 

business, and an auction operation.

The following table sets forth information regarding new vehicle revenues and retail new vehicle unit sales for the year 

ended, and the number of franchises owned as of, December 31, 2013:

New Vehicle
Revenues
(in millions)

Retail
New Vehicle
Unit Sales

% of Total
  Retail New  
Vehicle
Units Sold

Franchises
Owned

Domestic:

Ford, Lincoln

Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, GMC

Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge

Domestic Total

Import:

Honda

Toyota

Nissan

Other imports

Import Total

Premium Luxury:

Mercedes-Benz

BMW

Lexus

Audi

Other premium luxury 

Premium Luxury Total

$

$

1,737.2

987.6

526.5

3,251.3

858.0

1,527.7

805.3

606.9

3,797.9

1,302.3

764.5

304.9

188.6

340.1

2,900.4

9,949.6

4

51,160

29,789

15,280

96,229

34,065

57,297

30,628

21,335

143,325

22,787

14,405

6,808

3,559

5,809

53,368

292,922

17.5

10.2

5.2

32.9

11.6

19.6

10.5

7.2

48.9

7.8

4.9

2.3

1.2

2.0

18.2

100.0

39

44

26

109

22

20

23

38

103

24

11

3

6

13

57

269

Agreements with Vehicle Manufacturers

Framework Agreements

We have entered into framework agreements with most major vehicle manufacturers and distributors. These 
agreements, which are in addition to the franchise agreements described below, contain provisions relating to our 
management, operation, advertising and marketing, and acquisition and ownership structure of automotive stores 
franchised by such manufacturers. These agreements contain certain requirements pertaining to our operating performance 
(with respect to matters such as sales volume, sales effectiveness, and customer satisfaction), which, if we do not satisfy, 
adversely impact our ability to make further acquisitions of such manufacturers’ stores or could result in us being 
compelled to take certain actions, such as divesting a significantly underperforming store, subject to applicable state 
franchise laws. Additionally, these agreements set limits (nationally, regionally, and in local markets) on the number of 
stores that we may acquire of the particular manufacturer and contain certain restrictions on our ability to name and brand 
our stores. Some of these framework agreements give the manufacturer or distributor the right to acquire at fair market 
value, or the right to compel us to sell, the automotive stores franchised by that manufacturer or distributor under specified 
circumstances in the event of a change in control of our company (generally including certain material changes in the 
composition of our Board of Directors during a specified time period, the acquisition of 20% or more of the voting stock of 
our Company by another vehicle manufacturer or distributor, or the acquisition of 50% or more of our voting stock by a 
person, entity, or group not affiliated with a vehicle manufacturer or distributor) or other extraordinary corporate 
transactions such as a merger or sale of all or substantially all of our assets. In addition, we have granted certain 
manufacturers the right to acquire, at fair market value, our automotive dealerships franchised by such manufacturers in 
specified circumstances in the event of our default under certain of our debt agreements. We have entered into agreements 
with certain manufacturers that eliminate any potential adverse consequences under our framework agreements with those 
manufacturers in the event that ESL Investments, Inc. and certain of its investment affiliates (together, “ESL”) acquires 
50% or more of our common stock. Based on filings made with the SEC through February 12, 2014, ESL beneficially 
owns approximately 26% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. 

Franchise Agreements

We operate each of our new vehicle stores under a franchise agreement with a vehicle manufacturer or distributor. The 
franchise agreements grant the franchised automotive store a non-exclusive right to sell the manufacturer’s or distributor’s 
brand of vehicles and offer related parts and service within a specified market area. These franchise agreements grant our 
stores the right to use the relevant manufacturer’s or distributor’s trademarks in connection with their operations, and they 
also impose numerous operational requirements and restrictions relating to inventory levels, working capital levels, the 
sales process, marketing and branding, showroom and service facilities, signage, personnel, changes in management, and 
monthly financial reporting, among other things. The contractual terms of our stores’ franchise agreements provide for 
various durations, ranging from one year to no expiration date, and in certain cases manufacturers have undertaken to 
renew such franchises upon expiration so long as the store is in compliance with the terms of the agreement. We generally 
expect our franchise agreements to survive for the foreseeable future and, when the agreements do not have indefinite 
terms, anticipate routine renewals of the agreements without substantial cost or modification. Our stores’ franchise 
agreements provide for termination of the agreement by the manufacturer or non-renewal for a variety of causes (including 
performance deficiencies in such areas as sales volume, sales effectiveness, and customer satisfaction). However, in 
general, the states in which we operate have automotive dealership franchise laws that provide that, notwithstanding the 
terms of any franchise agreement, it is unlawful for a manufacturer to terminate or not renew a franchise unless “good 
cause” exists. It generally is difficult, outside of bankruptcy, for a manufacturer to terminate, or not renew, a franchise 
under these laws, which were designed to protect dealers. In addition, in our experience and historically in the automotive 
retail industry, dealership franchise agreements are rarely involuntarily terminated or not renewed by the manufacturer 
outside of bankruptcy. From time to time, certain manufacturers assert sales and customer satisfaction performance 
deficiencies under the terms of our framework and franchise agreements. We generally work with these manufacturers to 
address the asserted performance issues. For additional information, please refer to the risk factor captioned “We are 
subject to restrictions imposed by, and significant influence from, vehicle manufacturers that may adversely impact our 
business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and prospects, including our ability to acquire additional 
stores” in Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K.

5

Regulations

We operate in a highly regulated industry. A number of state and federal laws and regulations affect our business. In 
every state in which we operate, we must obtain various licenses in order to operate our businesses, including dealer, sales 
and finance, and insurance licenses issued by state regulatory authorities. Numerous laws and regulations govern our 
conduct of business, including those relating to our sales, operations, finance and insurance, advertising, and employment 
practices. These laws and regulations include state franchise laws and regulations, consumer protection laws, privacy laws, 
escheatment laws, anti-money laundering laws, and other extensive laws and regulations applicable to new and used motor 
vehicle dealers, as well as a variety of other laws and regulations. These laws also include federal and state wage and hour, 
anti-discrimination, and other employment practices laws. Furthermore, we expect that new laws and regulations, 
particularly at the federal level, may be enacted that could also affect our business. See the risk factor “Our operations are 
subject to extensive governmental laws and regulations. If we are found to be in purported violation of or subject to 
liabilities under any of these laws or regulations, or if new laws or regulations are enacted that adversely affect our 
operations, our business, operating results, and prospects could suffer” in Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K.

Automotive and Other Laws and Regulations

Our operations are subject to the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety 

Standards promulgated by the United States Department of Transportation, and the rules and regulations of various state 
motor vehicle regulatory agencies. The imported automobiles we purchase are subject to United States customs duties and, 
in the ordinary course of our business we may, from time to time, be subject to claims for duties, penalties, liquidated 
damages, or other charges.

Our financing activities with customers are subject to federal truth-in-lending, consumer leasing, and equal credit 
opportunity laws and regulations as well as state and local motor vehicle finance laws, leasing laws, installment finance 
laws, usury laws, and other installment sales and leasing laws and regulations, some of which regulate finance and other 
fees and charges that may be imposed or received in connection with motor vehicle retail installment sales and leasing. 
Claims arising out of actual or alleged violations of law may be asserted against us or our stores by individuals, a class of 
individuals, or governmental entities and may expose us to significant damages or other penalties, including revocation or 
suspension of our licenses to conduct store operations and fines.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), which was signed into law 
on July 21, 2010, established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the “CFPB”), a new independent federal agency 
funded by the United States Federal Reserve with broad regulatory powers and limited oversight from the United States 
Congress. Although automotive dealers are generally excluded, the Dodd-Frank Act could lead to additional, indirect 
regulation of automotive dealers, in particular, their sale and marketing of finance and insurance products, through its 
regulation of automotive finance companies and other financial institutions. The Dodd-Frank Act also provided the Federal 
Trade Commission (the “FTC”) with new and expanded authority regarding automotive dealers, and the FTC has recently 
announced an enforcement initiative relating to the advertising practices of automotive dealers. See the risk factor “Our 
operations are subject to extensive governmental laws and regulations. If we are found to be in purported violation of or 
subject to liabilities under any of these laws or regulations, or if new laws or regulations are enacted that adversely affect 
our operations, our business, operating results, and prospects could suffer” in Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K.

Environmental, Health, and Safety Laws and Regulations

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

Most of our stores utilize aboveground storage tanks, and to a lesser extent underground storage tanks, primarily for 
petroleum-based products. Storage tanks are subject to periodic testing, containment, upgrading, and removal under the 
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and its state law counterparts. Clean-up or other remedial action may be 
necessary in the event of leaks or other discharges from storage tanks or other sources. In addition, water quality protection 
programs under the federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act), the Safe Drinking 
Water Act, and comparable state and local programs govern certain discharges from some of our operations. Similarly, 
certain air emissions from operations, such as auto body painting, may be subject to the federal Clean Air Act and related 

6

state and local laws. Certain health and safety standards promulgated by the Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration of the United States Department of Labor and related state agencies also apply.

Some of our stores are parties to proceedings under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and 

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

We have a proactive strategy related to environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations, which includes 
contracting with third-party vendors to inspect our facilities routinely in an effort to ensure compliance. We incur 
significant costs to comply with applicable environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations in the ordinary course of 
our business. We do not anticipate, however, that the costs of such compliance will have a material adverse effect on our 
business, results of operations, cash flows, or financial condition, although such outcome is possible given the nature of 
our operations and the extensive environmental, health, and safety regulatory framework. We do not have any material 
known environmental commitments or contingencies.

Competition

We operate in a highly competitive industry. We believe that the principal competitive factors in the automotive retail 
business are location, service, price, selection, and online offerings. Each of our markets includes a large number of well-
capitalized competitors that have extensive automotive retail managerial experience and strong retail locations and 
facilities. According to CNW Marketing Research, Inc., the total number of U.S. franchised automotive dealerships was 
approximately 15,900 at the end of each of 2013 and 2012, and the total number of U.S. independent used vehicle dealers 
was approximately 37,000 and 37,900 at the end of 2013 and 2012, respectively. We face competition from (i) several 
public companies that operate numerous automotive retail stores on a regional or national basis, including franchised 
dealers that sell new and used vehicles as well as non-franchised dealers that sell only used vehicles, (ii) private companies 
that operate automotive retail stores in our markets, and (iii) online marketplaces. We compete with dealers that sell the 
same vehicle brands that we sell, as well as those that sell other vehicle brands that we do not represent in a particular 
market. Our new vehicle store competitors have franchise agreements with the various vehicle manufacturers and, as such, 
generally have access to new vehicles on the same terms as we have. We also compete with other dealers for qualified 
employees, particularly for general managers and sales and service personnel.

In general, the vehicle manufacturers have designated marketing and sales areas within which only one franchised 

dealer of a given vehicle brand may operate. Under most of our framework agreements with the vehicle manufacturers, our 
ability to acquire multiple dealers of a given vehicle brand within a particular market is limited. We are also restricted by 
various state franchise laws from relocating our stores or establishing new stores of a particular vehicle brand within any 
area that is served by another dealer of the same vehicle brand, and we generally need the manufacturer to approve the 
relocation or grant a new franchise in order to relocate or establish a store. However, to the extent that a market has 
multiple dealers of a particular vehicle brand, as most of our key markets do with respect to most vehicle brands we sell, 
we face significant intra-brand competition.

We also compete with independent automobile service shops and service center chains. We believe that the principal 
competitive factors in the parts and service business are price, location, the use of factory-approved replacement parts, 
expertise with the particular vehicle lines, and customer service. We also compete with a broad range of financial 
institutions in our finance and insurance business. We believe that the principal competitive factors in the finance and 
insurance business are product selection, convenience, price, contract terms, and the ability to finance vehicle protection 
and aftermarket products.

Insurance and Bonding

Our business exposes us to the risk of liabilities arising out of our operations. For example, liabilities may arise out of 
claims of employees, customers, or other third parties for personal injury or property damage occurring in the course of our 
operations. We could also be subject to fines and civil and criminal penalties in connection with alleged violations of 
federal and state laws or regulatory requirements.

The automotive retail business is also subject to substantial risk of property loss due to the significant concentration of 
property values at store locations. In our case in particular, our operations are concentrated in states and regions in which 

7

natural disasters and severe weather events (such as hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, landslides, and hail storms) may subject 
us to substantial risk of property loss and operational disruption. Under self-insurance programs, we retain various levels 
of aggregate loss limits, per claim deductibles, and claims-handling expenses as part of our various insurance programs, 
including property and casualty, workers’ compensation, and employee medical benefits. Costs in excess of this retained 
risk per claim may be insured under various contracts with third-party insurance carriers. We estimate the ultimate costs of 
these retained insurance risks based on actuarial evaluation and historical claims experience, adjusted for current trends 
and changes in claims-handling procedures. The level of risk we retain may change in the future as insurance market 
conditions or other factors affecting the economics of our insurance purchasing change. Although we have, subject to 
certain limitations and exclusions, substantial insurance, we cannot assure you that we will not be exposed to uninsured or 
underinsured losses that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or 
cash flows.

Provisions for retained losses and deductibles are made by charges to expense based upon periodic evaluations of the 
estimated ultimate liabilities on reported and unreported claims. The insurance companies that underwrite our insurance 
require that we secure certain of our obligations for deductible reimbursements with collateral. Our collateral requirements 
are set by the insurance companies and, to date, have been satisfied by posting surety bonds, letters of credit, and/or cash 
deposits. Our collateral requirements may change from time to time based on, among other things, our claims experience.

Employees

As of December 31, 2013, we employed approximately 22,000 full-time and part-time employees, approximately 200 of 

whom were covered by collective bargaining agreements. We believe that we have good relations with our employees.

Seasonality

In a stable environment, our operations generally experience higher volumes of vehicle unit sales in the second and 

third quarters of each year due in part to consumer buying trends and the introduction of new vehicle models. Also, 
demand for vehicles and light trucks is generally lower during the winter months than in other seasons, particularly in 
regions of the United States where stores may be subject to adverse winter conditions. However, we typically experience 
higher sales of Premium Luxury vehicles, which have higher average selling prices and gross profit per vehicle retailed, in 
the fourth quarter. Revenue and operating results may be impacted significantly from quarter to quarter by changing 
economic conditions, vehicle manufacturer incentive programs, and actual or threatened severe weather events. 

Trademarks

We own a number of registered service marks and trademarks, including, among other marks, AutoNation®. Pursuant to 
agreements with vehicle manufacturers, we have the right to use and display manufacturers’ trademarks, logos, and designs 
at our stores and in our advertising and promotional materials, subject to certain restrictions. We also have licenses 
pursuant to various agreements with third parties authorizing the use and display of the marks and/or logos of such third 
parties, subject to certain restrictions. The current registrations of our service marks and trademarks are effective for 
varying periods of time, which we may renew periodically, provided that we comply with all applicable laws.

8

Executive Officers of AutoNation

The following sets forth certain information regarding our executive officers as of February 12, 2014. Amounts reported 

under “Number of Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned” include shares subject to stock options that become 
exercisable within 60 days of February 12, 2014.

Name
Mike Jackson

Michael E. Maroone

Jonathan P. Ferrando

Cheryl Scully
Alan J. McLaren

Age
65

60

48

41
47

Position

Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
Director, President and Chief
Operating Officer
Executive Vice President -
General Counsel, Corporate
Development and Human
Resources

Interim Chief Financial Officer
Senior Vice President,
Customer Care

Years with
AutoNation
14

Years in
Automotive
Industry
43

Number of 
Shares of
Common Stock
Beneficially Owned
939,928

17

17

6
2

39

17

15
30

2,862,542

498,933

11,010
11,144

Mike Jackson has served as our Chairman of the Board since January 2003, and as our Chief Executive Officer and 
Director since September 1999. From October 1998 until September 1999, Mr. Jackson served as Chief Executive Officer 
of Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC, a North American operating unit of DaimlerChrysler AG, a multinational automotive 
manufacturing company. From April 1997 until September 1999, Mr. Jackson also served as President of Mercedes-Benz 
USA. From July 1990 until March 1997, Mr. Jackson served in various capacities at Mercedes-Benz USA, including as 
Executive Vice President immediately prior to his appointment as President of Mercedes-Benz USA. Mr. Jackson was also 
the managing partner from March 1979 to July 1990 of Euro Motorcars of Bethesda, Maryland, a regional group that 
owned and operated eleven automotive dealership franchises, including Mercedes-Benz and other brands of automobiles. 
In January 2014, Mr. Jackson was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, after 
previously serving on the Board of Directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s Miami Branch.

Michael E. Maroone has served as a director since July 2005 and as our President and Chief Operating Officer since 

August 1999. Following our acquisition of the Maroone Automotive Group in January 1997, Mr. Maroone served as 
President of our New Vehicle Dealer Division. In January 1998, Mr. Maroone was named President of our Automotive 
Retail Group with responsibility for our new and used vehicle operations. Prior to joining AutoNation, Mr. Maroone was 
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Maroone Automotive Group, one of the country’s largest privately-held 
automotive retail groups prior to its acquisition by us.

Jonathan P. Ferrando has served as our Executive Vice President - General Counsel, Corporate Development and 

Human Resources since March 2011. Prior thereto, he served as the Company’s Executive Vice President, General Counsel 
and Secretary from March 2005 until March 2011, and as the Company’s Senior Vice President, General Counsel and 
Secretary from January 2000 until March 2005. In addition to his role as General Counsel, Mr. Ferrando assumed 
responsibility for our human resources and labor relations functions in September 2004, and he assumed responsibility for 
our corporate development function in March 2011. Mr. Ferrando joined our Company in July 1996 and served in various 
capacities within our Company, including as Senior Vice President and General Counsel of our Automotive Retail Group 
from March 1998 until January 2000. Prior to joining our company, Mr. Ferrando was a corporate attorney with Skadden, 
Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom from 1991 until 1996.

Cheryl Scully has served as our Interim Chief Financial Officer since January 2014. Since 2009, Ms. Scully has also 
served as Vice President, Treasurer responsible for overseeing the Company’s capital markets, risk management, and cash 
management functions. In 2010, Ms. Scully also assumed responsibility for Investor Relations. She previously worked for 
AutoNation (then Republic Industries) in the late 1990s. From November 2006 until April 2009, she served as Vice 
President, Treasurer of JM Family Enterprises, Inc., a diversified automotive company.

9

Alan J. McLaren has served as our Senior Vice President, Customer Care, with responsibility for corporate initiatives 
in the area of parts and service, since January 2012. From February 2007 until December 2011, he was a senior executive 
with Mercedes-Benz USA, where he served as Vice President, Customer Services and President of Mercedes-Benz 
Manhattan. From June 2001 until February 2007, he was a senior executive with DaimlerChrysler Australia/Pacific.

Available Information

Our website is located at www.autonation.com, and our Investor Relations website is located at 

investors.autonation.com. The information on or accessible through our websites and social media channels is not 
incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on 
Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to reports filed or furnished pursuant to Sections 13(a) and 15
(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are available, free of charge, on our Investor Relations website as 
soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange 
Commission (the “SEC”).

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

Our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and prospects, and the prevailing market price and 

performance of our common stock may be adversely affected by a number of factors, including the matters discussed 
below. Certain statements and information set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including without limitation 
statements regarding our expectations for the future performance of our franchises and the automotive retail industry, as 
well as other written or oral statements made from time to time by us or by our authorized executive officers on our behalf, 
constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and 
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact, 
including statements that describe our objectives, plans, or goals, are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. 
Words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “goal,” “plan,” “believe,” “continue,” “may,” “will,” and variations of such 
words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements 
reflect our current expectations concerning future results and events, and they involve known and unknown risks, 
uncertainties, and other factors that are difficult to predict and may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements 
to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these statements. 
These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report or when made, and we undertake no obligation to 
revise or update these statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. The risks, uncertainties, and other factors 
that our stockholders and prospective investors should consider include the following:

The automotive retail industry is sensitive to changing economic conditions and various other factors. Our business and 
results of operations are substantially dependent on new vehicle sales levels in the United States and in our particular 
geographic markets and the level of gross profit margins that we can achieve on our sales of new vehicles, all of which 
are very difficult to predict. 

We believe that many factors affect sales of new vehicles and automotive retailers’ gross profit margins in the United 

States and in our particular geographic markets, including the economy, fuel prices, credit availability, interest rates, 
consumer confidence, the level of personal discretionary spending, unemployment rates, the state of housing markets, 
vehicle production levels and capacity, auto emission and fuel economy standards, the rate of inflation, currency exchange 
rates, manufacturer incentives (and consumers’ reaction to such offers), intense industry competition, the prospects of war, 
other international conflicts or terrorist attacks, severe weather events, product quality, affordability and innovation, the 
number of consumers whose vehicle leases are expiring, and the length of consumer loans on existing vehicles. Changes in 
interest rates can significantly impact industry new vehicle sales and vehicle affordability due to the direct relationship 
between interest rates and monthly loan payments, a critical factor for many vehicle buyers, and the impact interest rates 
have on customers’ borrowing capacity and disposable income. Sales of certain new vehicles, particularly larger trucks and 
sport utility vehicles that historically have provided us with higher gross margins, are sensitive to fuel prices and the level 
of construction activity. In addition, volatility in fuel prices can cause rapid shifts in consumer preferences which are 
difficult to accommodate given the long lead-time of inventory acquisition.  

The most recent decline in economic conditions adversely impacted demand for and our sales of new and used vehicles, 
and similar impacts can be expected should such conditions recur. Concerns over sovereign debt levels in the United States 
and/or the failure by Congress and the President of the United States to address federal deficits and rising debt levels or to 
raise the debt ceiling could adversely impact economic conditions, including credit availability and consumer confidence. 

10

Approximately 15.6 million, 14.5 million, and 12.7 million new vehicles were sold in the United States in 2013, 2012, 

and 2011, respectively. While we expect that the annual rate of U.S. new vehicle unit sales will improve in 2014 as 
compared to 2013, there can be no assurance that it will. We expect that in 2014 the rate of growth for the industry selling 
rate will be lower as compared to recent years, and if new vehicle production exceeds the new vehicle industry selling rate, 
our new vehicle margins could be adversely impacted by excess supply and any resulting changes in consumer incentive, 
marketing, and other programs of vehicle manufacturers. See the risk factor “Our new vehicle sales are impacted by the 
consumer incentive, marketing, and other programs of vehicle manufacturers” below. Further, our performance may differ 
from the performance of the automotive retail industry due to particular economic conditions and other factors in the 
geographic markets in which we operate. Economic conditions and the other factors described above may also materially 
adversely impact our sales of used vehicles, parts and automotive repair and maintenance services, and automotive finance 
and insurance products.

If we are not able to maintain and enhance our retail brands and reputation, or if events occur that damage our retail 
brands and reputation, our business and financial results may be harmed.

We believe that we have built an excellent reputation as an automotive retailer in the United States. On January 31, 
2013, we announced that we would be marketing our Domestic and Import stores under the AutoNation retail brand. The 
re-branding of these stores, which previously operated under various local market retail brands, was completed in the 
second quarter of 2013. Our Premium Luxury stores will continue to operate under their existing retail brands. We believe 
that our continued success will depend on our ability to maintain and enhance the value of our retail brands across all of 
our sales channels. An isolated business incident at a single store could adversely affect our retail brands and reputation, 
particularly if such incident results in adverse publicity, governmental investigations, or litigation. The growing use of 
social and digital media by consumers increases the speed and extent that information and opinions can be shared, and 
negative posts or comments on social media platforms about AutoNation or any of our stores could materially damage our 
retail brands and reputation. All of our stores could be adversely affected if we fail to preserve the value of our retail brands 
or to maintain our reputation. 

We have invested and will continue to invest  substantial resources in marketing activities in order to extend and 

enhance the AutoNation retail brand. There can be no assurances that our marketing strategies will be successful or that the 
amount we invest in marketing activities will result in improved sales. If our marketing initiatives are not successful, we 
will have incurred significant expenses without the benefit of higher revenues.  

Our debt agreements contain certain financial ratios and other restrictions on our ability to conduct our business, and 
our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our financial condition and operations and prevent us from 
fulfilling our debt service obligations. 

The credit agreement governing our term loan and revolving credit facilities, our mortgage facility, and the indentures 
relating to our 6.75% Senior Notes due 2018 and 5.5% Senior Notes due 2020 contain covenants that limit the discretion of 
our management with respect to various business matters. These covenants place restrictions on, among other things, our 
ability to incur additional indebtedness, to create liens or other encumbrances, and to sell or otherwise dispose of assets and 
to merge or consolidate with other entities. A failure by us to comply with the obligations contained in any of our debt 
agreements could result in an event of default, which could permit acceleration of the related debt as well as acceleration of 
debt under other debt agreements that contain cross-acceleration or cross-default provisions. If any debt is accelerated, our 
liquid assets may not be sufficient to repay in full such indebtedness and our other indebtedness. Additionally, we have 
granted certain manufacturers the right to acquire, at fair market value, our automotive stores franchised by those 
manufacturers in specified circumstances in the event of our default under our debt agreements.

Under our credit agreement, we are required to remain in compliance with a maximum leverage ratio and a maximum 
capitalization ratio. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources — Restrictions and Covenants” in Part II, Item 7 of this Form 
10-K. If our earnings decline, we may be unable to comply with the financial ratios required by our credit agreement. In 
such case, we would seek an amendment or waiver of our credit agreement or consider other options, such as raising 
capital through an equity issuance to pay down debt, which could be dilutive to stockholders. There can be no assurance 
that our lenders would agree to an amendment or waiver of our credit agreement. In the event we obtain an amendment or 
waiver of our credit agreement, we would likely incur additional fees and higher interest expense.

11

As of December 31, 2013, we had $1.8 billion of total non-vehicle debt (including amounts outstanding under our 
mortgage facility and capital leases) and $3.0 billion of vehicle floorplan financing. Our substantial indebtedness could 
have important consequences. For example:

•  We may have difficulty satisfying our debt service obligations and, if we fail to comply with these requirements, 

an event of default could result;

•  We may be required to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to make required payments 

on indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of cash flow for working capital, capital expenditures, 
acquisitions, and other general corporate activities;

• 

• 

Covenants relating to our indebtedness may limit our ability to obtain financing for working capital, capital 
expenditures, acquisitions, and other general corporate activities;

Covenants relating to our indebtedness may limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our 
business and the industry in which we operate;

•  We may be more vulnerable to the impact of economic downturns and adverse developments in our business;

•  We may be placed at a competitive disadvantage against any less leveraged competitors;

• 

• 

Our variable interest rate debt will fluctuate with changing market conditions and, accordingly, our interest 
expense will increase if interest rates rise; and

Future share repurchases may be limited by the maximum leverage ratio described above.

The occurrence of any one of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, 

results of operations, prospects, and ability to satisfy our debt service obligations.

We are dependent upon the success and continued financial viability of the vehicle manufacturers and distributors with 
which we hold franchises. 

The success of our stores is dependent on vehicle manufacturers in several key respects. First, we rely exclusively on the 

various vehicle manufacturers for our new vehicle inventory. Our ability to sell new vehicles is dependent on a vehicle 
manufacturer’s ability to produce and allocate to our stores an attractive, high-quality, and desirable product mix at the 
right time in order to satisfy customer demand. Second, manufacturers generally support their franchisees by providing 
direct financial assistance in various areas, including, among others, floorplan assistance and advertising assistance. Third, 
manufacturers provide product warranties and, in some cases, service contracts to customers. Our stores perform warranty 
and service contract work for vehicles under manufacturer product warranties and service contracts, and direct bill the 
manufacturer as opposed to invoicing the store customer. At any particular time, we have significant receivables from 
manufacturers for warranty and service work performed for customers. In addition, we rely on manufacturers to varying 
extents for original equipment manufactured replacement parts, training, product brochures and point of sale materials, and 
other items for our stores. Our business, results of operations, and financial condition could be materially adversely 
affected as a result of any event that has a material adverse effect on the vehicle manufacturers or distributors that are our 
primary franchisors.

Vehicle manufacturers may be adversely impacted by economic downturns or recessions, significant declines in the 
sales of their new vehicles, natural disasters, increases in interest rates, adverse fluctuations in currency exchange rates, 
declines in their credit ratings, labor strikes or similar disruptions (including within their major suppliers), supply shortages 
or rising raw material costs, rising employee benefit costs, adverse publicity that may reduce consumer demand for their 
products (including due to bankruptcy), product defects, vehicle recall campaigns, litigation, poor product mix or 
unappealing vehicle design, governmental laws and regulations, import product restrictions, or other adverse events.

Vehicle manufacturers are subject to federal fuel economy requirements, which will increase substantially as a result of 

a new national program being implemented by the U.S. government to regulate greenhouse gases and fuel economy 
standards. These new requirements could materially adversely affect the ability of manufacturers to produce, and our 
ability to sell, vehicles in demand by consumers at affordable prices, which could materially adversely impact our business. 
These and other risks could materially adversely affect any manufacturer and impact its ability to profitably design, market, 
produce, or distribute new vehicles, which in turn could materially adversely affect our ability to obtain or finance our 

12

desired new vehicle inventories, our ability to take advantage of manufacturer financial assistance programs, our ability to 
collect in full or on a timely basis our manufacturer warranty and other receivables, and/or our ability to obtain other goods 
and services provided by the impacted manufacturer.

The core brands of vehicles that we sell, representing approximately 95% of the new vehicles that we sold in 2013, are 
manufactured by Toyota, Ford, Honda, Nissan, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Chrysler, and Volkswagen. We are 
subject to a concentration of risk in the event of financial distress, including bankruptcy, of one or more of these 
manufacturers. 

Our business could be materially adversely impacted by the bankruptcy of a major vehicle manufacturer or related 
lender. For example, (i) a manufacturer in bankruptcy could attempt to terminate all or certain of our franchises, in which 
case we may not receive adequate compensation for our franchises, (ii) consumer demand for such manufacturer’s products 
could be materially adversely affected, (iii) a lender in bankruptcy could attempt to terminate our floorplan financing and 
demand repayment of any amounts outstanding, (iv) we may be unable to arrange financing for our customers for their 
vehicle purchases and leases through such lender, in which case we would be required to seek financing with alternate 
financing sources, which may be difficult to obtain on similar terms, if at all, (v) we may be unable to collect some or all of 
our significant receivables that are due from such manufacturer or lender, and we may be subject to preference claims 
relating to payments made by such manufacturer or lender prior to bankruptcy, and (vi) such manufacturer may be relieved 
of its indemnification obligations with respect to product liability claims. Additionally, any such bankruptcy may result in 
us being required to incur impairment charges with respect to the inventory, fixed assets, and intangible assets related to 
certain franchises, which could adversely impact our results of operations, financial condition, and our ability to remain in 
compliance with the financial ratios contained in our debt agreements. 

Goodwill and other intangible assets comprise a significant portion of our total assets. We must test our goodwill and 
other intangible assets for impairment at least annually, which could result in a material, non-cash write-down of 
goodwill or franchise rights and could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and shareholders’ 
equity. 

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are subject to impairment assessments at least annually (or more 
frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that an impairment may have occurred) by applying a fair-
value based test. See “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – Goodwill” and “Critical Accounting Policies and 
Estimates – Other Intangible Assets” in Part II, Item 7 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding our 
impairment testing. Our principal intangible assets are goodwill and our rights under our franchise agreements with vehicle 
manufacturers. An impairment loss could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and shareholders’ 
equity.

Our new vehicle sales are impacted by the consumer incentive, marketing, and other programs of vehicle 
manufacturers. 

Most vehicle manufacturers from time to time establish various incentive and marketing programs designed to spur 
consumer demand for their vehicles. These programs impact our operations, particularly our sales of new vehicles. Since 
these programs are often not announced in advance, they can be difficult to plan for when ordering inventory. In addition, 
these programs, in particular those involving volume-based incentives, can be difficult to manage and can materially 
impact vehicle pricing. Furthermore, manufacturers may modify and discontinue these incentive and marketing programs 
from time to time, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows.

Natural disasters and adverse weather events can disrupt our business. 

Our stores are concentrated in states and regions in the United States, including primarily Florida, Texas, and California, 
in which actual or threatened natural disasters and severe weather events (such as hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, landslides, 
and hail storms) may disrupt our store operations, which may adversely impact our business, results of operations, financial 
condition, and cash flows. In addition to business interruption, the automotive retail business is subject to substantial risk 
of property loss due to the significant concentration of property values at store locations. Although we have, subject to 
certain deductibles, limitations, and exclusions, substantial insurance, we cannot assure you that we will not be exposed to 
uninsured or underinsured losses that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of 
operations, or cash flows.

13

In addition, natural disasters may adversely impact new vehicle production and the global automotive supply chain. In 
2011, the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan and the flooding in Thailand caused significant production and supply 
chain disruptions that resulted in significantly reduced new vehicle production and lower new vehicle shipments by 
Japanese manufacturers. These disruptions also impacted non-Japanese manufacturers that rely on components produced in 
Japan and/or Thailand. In 2011, our unit sales of new vehicles were adversely impacted by these disruptions.

We are subject to restrictions imposed by, and significant influence from, vehicle manufacturers that may adversely 
impact our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and prospects, including our ability to 
acquire additional stores. 

Vehicle manufacturers and distributors with whom we hold franchises have significant influence over the operations of 
our stores. The terms and conditions of our framework, franchise, and related agreements and the manufacturers’ interests 
and objectives may, in certain circumstances, conflict with our interests and objectives. For example, manufacturers can set 
performance standards with respect to sales volume, sales effectiveness, and customer satisfaction, and can influence our 
ability to acquire additional stores, the naming and marketing of our stores, the operations of our e-commerce sites, our 
selection of store management, product stocking and advertising spending levels, and the level at which we capitalize our 
stores. Manufacturers also impose minimum facility requirements that can require significant capital expenditures. 
Manufacturers may also have certain rights to restrict our ability to provide guaranties of our operating companies, pledges 
of the capital stock of our subsidiaries, and liens on our assets, which could adversely impact our ability to obtain financing 
for our business and operations on favorable terms or at desired levels. From time to time, we are precluded under 
agreements with certain manufacturers from acquiring additional franchises, or subject to other adverse actions, to the 
extent we are not meeting certain performance criteria at our existing stores (with respect to matters such as sales volume, 
sales effectiveness, and customer satisfaction) until our performance improves in accordance with the agreements, subject 
to applicable state franchise laws.

Manufacturers also have the right to establish new franchises or relocate existing franchises, subject to applicable state 

franchise laws. The establishment or relocation of franchises in our markets could have a material adverse effect on the 
financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and prospects of our stores in the market in which the franchise action 
is taken.

Our framework, franchise, and related agreements also grant the manufacturer the right to terminate or compel us to sell 
our franchise for a variety of reasons (including uncured performance deficiencies, any unapproved change of ownership or 
management, or any unapproved transfer of franchise rights or impairment of financial standing or failure to meet capital 
requirements), subject to applicable state franchise laws. From time to time, certain major manufacturers assert sales and 
customer satisfaction performance deficiencies under the terms of our framework and franchise agreements. Additionally, 
our framework agreements contain restrictions regarding a change in control, which may be outside of our control. See 
“Agreements with Vehicle Manufacturers” in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-K. While we believe that we will be able to 
renew all of our franchise agreements, we cannot guarantee that all of our franchise agreements will be renewed or that the 
terms of the renewals will be favorable to us. We cannot assure you that our stores will be able to comply with 
manufacturers’ sales, customer satisfaction performance, facility and other requirements in the future, which may affect our 
ability to acquire new stores or renew our franchise agreements, or subject us to other adverse actions, including 
termination or compelled sale of a franchise, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, 
results of operations, cash flows, and prospects. Furthermore, we rely on the protection of state franchise laws in the states 
in which we operate and if those laws are repealed or weakened, our framework, franchise, and related agreements may 
become more susceptible to termination, non-renewal, or renegotiation.

In addition, we have granted certain manufacturers the right to acquire, at fair market value, our automotive dealerships 
franchised by that manufacturer in specified circumstances in the event of our default under certain of our debt agreements.

We are subject to numerous legal and administrative proceedings, which, if the outcomes are adverse to us, could 
materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, and prospects. 

We are involved and will continue to be involved in numerous legal proceedings arising out of the conduct of our 

business, including litigation with customers, wage and hour and other employment-related lawsuits, class actions, 
purported class actions, and actions brought by governmental authorities. We do not believe that the ultimate resolution of 
these matters will have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows. 
However, the results of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, and an unfavorable resolution of one or more of 

14

these matters could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flow, and 
prospects.

Our operations are subject to extensive governmental laws and regulations. If we are found to be in purported violation 
of or subject to liabilities under any of these laws or regulations, or if new laws or regulations are enacted that adversely 
affect our operations, our business, operating results, and prospects could suffer. 

The automotive retail industry, including our facilities and operations, is subject to a wide range of federal, state, and 

local laws and regulations, such as those relating to motor vehicle sales, retail installment sales, leasing, finance and 
insurance, advertising, licensing, consumer protection, consumer privacy, escheatment, anti-money laundering, 
environmental, vehicle emissions and fuel economy, health and safety, and employment practices. With respect to motor 
vehicle sales, retail installment sales, leasing, finance and insurance, and advertising, we are subject to various laws and 
regulations, the violation of which could subject us to consumer class action or other lawsuits or governmental 
investigations and adverse publicity, in addition to administrative, civil, or criminal sanctions. With respect to employment 
practices, we are subject to various laws and regulations, including complex federal, state, and local wage and hour and 
anti-discrimination laws. We are also subject to lawsuits and governmental investigations alleging violations of these laws 
and regulations, including purported class action lawsuits, which could result in significant liability, fines, and penalties. 
The violation of other laws and regulations to which we are subject also can result in administrative, civil, or criminal 
sanctions against us, which may include a cease and desist order against the subject operations or even revocation or 
suspension of our license to operate the subject business, as well as significant fines and penalties. We currently devote 
significant resources to comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulation of health, safety, environmental, zoning, 
and land use regulations, and we may need to spend additional time, effort, and money to keep our operations and existing 
or acquired facilities in compliance therewith. In addition, we may be subject to broad liabilities arising out of 
contamination at our currently and formerly owned or operated facilities, at locations to which hazardous substances were 
transported from such facilities, and at such locations related to entities formerly affiliated with us. Although for some such 
liabilities we believe we are entitled to indemnification from other entities, we cannot assure you that such entities will 
view their obligations as we do or will be able to satisfy them. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations or 
the unfavorable resolution of one or more lawsuits or governmental investigations may have an adverse effect on our 
business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, and prospects.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), which was signed into law 
on July 21, 2010, established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the “CFPB”), a new independent federal agency 
funded by the United States Federal Reserve with broad regulatory powers and limited oversight from the United States 
Congress. Although automotive dealers are generally excluded, the Dodd-Frank Act could lead to additional, indirect 
regulation of automotive dealers, in particular, their sale and marketing of finance and insurance products, through its 
regulation of automotive finance companies and other financial institutions. The Dodd-Frank Act also provided the Federal 
Trade Commission (the “FTC”) with new and expanded authority regarding automotive dealers, and the FTC has recently 
announced an enforcement initiative relating to the advertising practices of automotive dealers. 

In March 2013, the CFPB issued supervisory guidance highlighting its concern that the practice of automotive dealers 
being compensated for arranging customer financing through discretionary markup of wholesale rates offered by financial 
institutions (“dealer markup”) results in a significant risk of pricing disparity in violation of The Equal Credit Opportunity 
Act (“ECOA”). The CFPB recommended that financial institutions under its jurisdiction take steps to ensure compliance 
with the ECOA, which may include imposing controls on dealer markup, monitoring and addressing the effects of dealer 
markup policies, and eliminating dealer discretion to markup buy rates and fairly compensating dealers using a different 
mechanism. In response, certain financial institutions are conducting monitoring programs relating to dealer markups and 
may take further steps. In December 2013, the CFPB and the United States Department of Justice (the “DOJ”), based on a 
proxy methodology that combines geography-based and name-based probabilities, alleged that certain presumed-minority 
borrowers who had obtained automobile financing from a national lender were charged higher dealer markups as a result of 
such lender’s policy and practice of allowing dealer markup. In connection with the investigation, the lender consented to 
the issuance of a consent order and agreed to pay damages, to implement a compliance plan, and to pay a monetary penalty. 
Additional investigations and actions by the CFPB and the DOJ against automotive lenders are likely to occur in the future. 
Continued pressure from the CFPB, DOJ, and other federal agencies could lead to significant changes in the manner that 
dealers are compensated for arranging customer financing, and while it is difficult to predict how any such changes might 
impact us, any adverse changes could have a material adverse impact on our finance and insurance business and results of 
operations. 

15

Additionally, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which was signed into law on March 23, 2010, is expected 

to increase our annual employee health care costs that we fund, with the most significant increases commencing in 2015, 
and significantly increase our cost of compliance and compliance risk related to offering health care benefits.

Furthermore, we expect that new laws and regulations, particularly at the federal level, in other areas may be enacted, 

which could also materially adversely impact our business. The labor policy of the current administration could lead to 
increased unionization efforts, which could lead to higher labor costs, disrupt our store operations, and reduce our 
profitability. 

We are subject to interest rate risk in connection with our vehicle floorplan payables, revolving credit facility, and term 
loan facility that could have a material adverse effect on our profitability. 

Most of our debt, including our vehicle floorplan payable, is subject to variable interest rates. Our variable interest rate 
debt will fluctuate with changing market conditions and, accordingly, our interest expense will increase if interest rates rise. 
In addition, our net inventory carrying cost (new vehicle floorplan interest expense net of floorplan assistance that we 
receive from automotive manufacturers) may increase due to changes in interest rates, inventory levels, and manufacturer 
assistance. We cannot assure you that a significant increase in interest rates would not have a material adverse effect on our 
business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Our largest stockholders, as a result of their ownership stakes in us, may have the ability to exert substantial influence 
over actions to be taken or approved by our stockholders or Board of Directors. In addition, future share repurchases 
and fluctuations in the levels of ownership of our largest stockholders could impact the volume of trading, liquidity, and 
market price of our common stock. 

Based on filings made with the SEC through February 12, 2014, ESL Investments, Inc. together with certain of its 
investment affiliates (collectively, “ESL”) beneficially owns approximately 26% of the outstanding shares of our common 
stock. In addition, G. Mike Mikan, the President of ESL Investments, Inc., is one of our directors. As a result, ESL may 
have the ability to exert substantial influence over actions to be taken or approved by our stockholders, including the 
election of directors and any transactions involving a change of control. 

Based on filings made with the SEC through February 12, 2014, Cascade Investment, L.L.C. (“Cascade”), which is 
solely owned by William H. Gates III, beneficially owns approximately 14% of the outstanding shares of our common 
stock, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust (the “Trust”), of which William H. Gates III is a co-trustee, 
beneficially owns approximately 2% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. As a result, Cascade and the Trust 
may have the ability to exert substantial influence over actions to be taken or approved by our stockholders. In addition, 
Michael Larson, the chief investment officer for William H. Gates III and Business Manager for Cascade, is one of our 
directors. Cascade and the Trust, therefore, may also have the ability to exert substantial influence over actions to be taken 
or approved by our Board.

In the future, our largest stockholders may acquire or dispose of shares of our common stock and thereby increase or 
decrease their ownership stake in us. Based on public filings made with the SEC, since January 1, 2013, ESL disposed of 
approximately 22.7 million shares of our common stock. Significant fluctuations in the levels of ownership of our largest 
stockholders could impact the volume of trading, liquidity, and market price of our common stock.

In the aggregate, based on filings made with the SEC through February 12, 2014, ESL, Cascade, the Trust, our executive 

officers, and our directors beneficially own approximately 44% of our outstanding shares. Future share repurchases by the 
Company, together with any future share purchases by our affiliates, will reduce our “public float” (shares owned by non-
affiliate stockholders and available for trading). Such reduction in our public float could decrease the volume of trading and 
liquidity of our common stock, could lead to increased volatility in the market price of our common stock, or could 
adversely impact the market price of our common stock.

A failure of our information systems or any security breach or unauthorized disclosure of confidential information could 
have a material adverse effect on our business. 

Our business is dependent upon the efficient operation of our information systems. In particular, we rely on our 

information systems to effectively manage our pricing strategy and tools, sales, inventory, and service efforts, the 
preparation of our consolidated financial and operating data, consumer financing, and customer information. The failure of 
our information systems to perform as designed or the failure to maintain and enhance or protect the integrity of these 

16

systems could disrupt our business operations, impact sales and results of operations, expose us to customer or third-party 
claims, or result in adverse publicity. Additionally, we collect, process, and retain sensitive and confidential customer 
information in the normal course of our business. Despite the security measures we have in place and any additional 
measures we may implement in the future, our facilities and systems, and those of our third-party service providers, could 
be vulnerable to security breaches, computer viruses, lost or misplaced data, programming errors, human errors, acts of 
vandalism, or other events. For example, several well-known retailers have recently disclosed high-profile security 
breaches, involving sophisticated and highly targeted attacks on their company’s infrastructure or their customers’ data, 
which were not recognized or detected until after such retailers had been affected notwithstanding the preventative 
measures such retailers had in place. Any security breach or event resulting in the misappropriation, loss, or other 
unauthorized disclosure of confidential information, whether by us directly or our third-party service providers, could 
damage our reputation, expose us to the risks of litigation and liability, disrupt our business, or otherwise affect our results 
of operations.

ITEM 1B.   UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2.   PROPERTIES

We lease our current corporate headquarters facility in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, pursuant to a lease expiring on 

December 31, 2020. As of February 2014, we also own or lease numerous facilities relating to our operations under each of 
our operating segments. These facilities are located in the following 15 states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, 
Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. These 
facilities consist primarily of automobile showrooms, display lots, service facilities, collision repair centers, supply 
facilities, automobile storage lots, parking lots, and offices. We believe that our facilities are sufficient for our current needs 
and are in good condition in all material respects.

ITEM 3.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are involved and will continue to be involved in numerous legal proceedings arising out of the conduct of our 
business, including litigation with customers, employment-related lawsuits, class actions, purported class actions, and 
actions brought by governmental authorities. We do not believe that the ultimate resolution of these matters will have a 
material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows. However, the results of 
these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, and an unfavorable resolution of one or more of these matters could have a 
material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flow, and prospects.

ITEM 4.   MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

17

PART II

ITEM 5.   MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND 
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information, Holders, and Dividends

Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “AN.” The following table sets forth 

the high and low sales prices of our common stock for the periods indicated.

2013

Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

2012

Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

High    

Low    

$
$
$
$

$
$
$
$

53.01
54.49
47.91
48.92

48.56
43.79
37.77
38.27

$
$
$
$

$
$
$
$

46.62
43.56
40.30
38.93

38.28
35.44
31.57
31.91

As of February 12, 2014, there were approximately 1,920 holders of record of our common stock. A substantially 

greater number of holders of our common stock are “street name” or beneficial holders, whose shares are held of record by 
banks, brokers, and other financial institutions.

We have not declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock during our two most recent fiscal years. We do 

not currently anticipate paying cash dividends for the foreseeable future.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The table below sets forth information with respect to shares of common stock repurchased by AutoNation, Inc. during 

2013.

Period

October 1, 2013 – October 31, 2013

November 1, 2013 – November 30, 2013

December 1, 2013 – December 31, 2013

Total for three months ended

December 31, 2013

Total for twelve months ended

December 31, 2013

Total Number
of Shares
Purchased

Average
Price Paid
Per Share

— $

842,217

168,200

$

$

—

48.03

48.82

1,010,417

1,173,839

Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs (1)

Approximate
Dollar Value of
Shares That May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs
    (in millions) (1)

314.3

273.9

265.7

— $

840,301

168,200

$

$

1,008,501

1,129,101

(1)  Our Board of Directors from time to time authorizes the repurchase of shares of our common stock up to a certain 

monetary limit. As of December 31, 2013, $265.7 million remained available under our stock repurchase 
authorization limit. Our stock repurchase program does not have an expiration date. In 2013, all of our shares were 
repurchased under our stock repurchase program, except for 44,738 shares that were surrendered to AutoNation to 
satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted stock (6,131 shares in the first quarter 
of 2013, 36,175 shares in the second quarter of 2013, 516 shares in the third quarter of 2013, and 1,916 shares in the 
fourth quarter of 2013). In January 2014, our Board authorized the repurchase of an additional $250 million in shares 

18

 
of our common stock. From January 1, 2014 through February 12, 2014, we repurchased an additional 2.4 million 
shares for an aggregate purchase price of $115.7 million (average purchase price per share of $47.92). As of 
February 12, 2014, $400.0 million remained available under our stock repurchase authorization limit. 

Stock Performance Graph

The following graph and table compare the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock from 

December 31, 2008 through December 31, 2013 with the performance of: (i) the Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) 500 Index and 
(ii) a self-constructed peer group consisting of other public companies in the automotive retail market, referred to as the 
“Public Auto Retail Peer Group.” The Public Auto Retail Peer Group consists of Asbury Automotive Group, Inc., CarMax, 
Inc., Group 1 Automotive, Inc., Lithia Motors, Inc., Penske Automotive Group, Inc., and Sonic Automotive, Inc., and these 
companies are weighted by market capitalization. We have created these comparisons using data supplied by Research 
Data Group, Inc. The comparisons reflected in the graph and table are not intended to forecast the future performance of 
our stock and may not be indicative of future performance. The graph and table assume that $100 was invested on 
December 31, 2008 in each of our common stock, the S&P 500 Index, and the Public Auto Retail Peer Group and that any 
dividends were reinvested.

Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Return for AutoNation, Inc., the S&P 500 Index, and the Public Auto Retail 

Peer Group

Copyright© 2014 S&P, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. All rights reserved.

AutoNation Inc.
S&P 500
Public Auto Retail Peer Group

12/08

12/09

12/10

100.00
100.00
100.00

193.83
126.46
272.74

285.43
145.51
360.26

12/11
373.18
148.59
375.47

12/12

12/13

401.82
172.37
499.11

502.94
228.19
679.18

19

ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

You should read the following Selected Financial Data in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of 

Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto, and other 
financial information included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

(In millions, except per share data and unit sales)
Consolidated Statements of Income Data:

Revenue
Operating income less floorplan interest expense (1)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes

Net income
Basic earnings (loss) per share:

Continuing operations

Discontinued operations

Net income (loss)

Weighted average common shares outstanding

Diluted earnings (loss) per share:

Continuing operations

Discontinued operations

Net income (loss)

Weighted average common shares outstanding
Common shares outstanding, net of treasury stock

Consolidated Balance Sheets Data:

Total assets

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

Shareholders’ equity

Retail vehicle unit sales (continuing operations):

New vehicle

Used vehicle

Total

As of and for the Years Ended December 31,
2011

2010

2012

2009

2013

$ 17,517.6

$ 15,667.5

$ 13,832.3

$ 12,461.0

$ 10,666.0

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

686.9

604.4

374.9

3.10

$

$

$

$

599.8

516.8

316.4

2.56

$

$

$

$

529.3

461.3

281.4

1.96

$

$

$

$

454.5

381.7

226.6

1.50

$

$

$

$

(0.01) $

(0.01) $

(0.02) $

(0.06) $

3.09

$

2.56

$

1.94

$

1.44

$

121.3

123.8

144.8

156.9

3.05

$

2.52

$

1.93

$

1.49

$

(0.01) $

(0.01) $

(0.02) $

(0.06) $

3.04

$

2.52

$

1.91

$

1.43

$

123.3

120.9

125.8

120.9

147.3

135.8

158.6

148.4

365.8

342.7

198.0

1.30

(0.18)

1.12

176.5

1.29

(0.18)

1.12

177.3

171.7

7,914.1

1,809.8

2,061.7

$

$

$

7,203.0

2,066.3

1,688.5

$

$

$

6,198.8

1,634.4

1,894.6

$

$

$

5,974.2

1,340.6

2,078.9

$

$

$

5,407.3

1,105.0

2,303.2

292,922

204,572

497,494

267,784

180,955

448,739

224,034

171,094

395,128

206,456

160,126

366,582

182,160

133,990

316,150

(1)  Operating income less floorplan interest expense is calculated by subtracting floorplan interest expense from 

operating income, and is used as a key measure of profitability by management. Operating income and floorplan 
interest expense are each presented in our financial statements. 

See the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of Shareholders’ Equity (Note 9), Income Taxes 
(Note 11), Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Note 12), Divestitures (Note 13), Acquisitions (Note 14), and Segment Information 
(Note 20), and the effect on comparability of year-to-year data. See Part II, Item 5 of this Form 10-K for a discussion of our 
dividend policy.

20

 
ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF 
OPERATIONS

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with Part I, including matters set forth in the “Risk Factors” 
section of this Form 10-K, and our Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in Part II, Item 8 of this 
Form 10-K.

Except to the extent that differences among operating segments are material to an understanding of our business taken as 

a whole, we present the discussion in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of 
Operations on a consolidated basis.

Overview

AutoNation, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is the largest automotive retailer in the United States. As of December 31, 
2013, we owned and operated 269 new vehicle franchises from 228 stores located in the United States, predominantly in 
major metropolitan markets in the Sunbelt region. Our stores, which we believe include some of the most recognizable and 
well known in our key markets, sell 33 different new vehicle brands. The core brands of new vehicles that we sell, 
representing approximately 95% of the new vehicles that we sold in 2013, are manufactured by Toyota, Ford, Honda, 
Nissan, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Chrysler, and Volkswagen.

We offer a diversified range of automotive products and services, including new vehicles, used vehicles, “parts and 
service,” which includes automotive repair and maintenance services as well as wholesale parts and collision businesses, 
and automotive “finance and insurance” products, which include vehicle service and other protection products, as well as 
the arranging of financing for vehicle purchases through third-party finance sources. 

As of December 31, 2013, we had three operating segments: Domestic, Import, and Premium Luxury. Our Domestic 
segment is comprised of retail automotive franchises that sell new vehicles manufactured by General Motors, Ford, and 
Chrysler. Our Import segment is comprised of retail automotive franchises that sell new vehicles manufactured primarily 
by Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. Our Premium Luxury segment is comprised of retail automotive franchises that sell new 
vehicles manufactured primarily by Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Lexus. The franchises in each segment also sell used 
vehicles, parts and automotive repair and maintenance services, and automotive finance and insurance products.

For the year ended December 31, 2013, new vehicle sales accounted for approximately 57% of our total revenue, but 
approximately 22% of our total gross profit. Used vehicle sales accounted for approximately 24% of our total revenue, and 
approximately 12% of our total gross profit. Our parts and service and finance and insurance operations, while comprising 
approximately 19% of total revenue, contributed approximately 65% of our gross profit.

Results of Operations

We had net income from continuing operations of $375.8 million and diluted earnings per share of $3.05 in 2013, as 
compared to net income from continuing operations of $317.3 million and diluted earnings per share of $2.52 in 2012, and 
net income from continuing operations of $284.2 million and diluted earnings per share of $1.93 in 2011.

The 2013 results were impacted by a net gain related to property dispositions of $7.2 million ($4.5 million after-tax), 

and a favorable tax adjustment of $3.4 million.

The 2012 results were impacted by a non-cash franchise rights impairment charge of $4.2 million ($2.6 million after-

tax).

The 2011 results were impacted by a loss on debt extinguishment, including debt refinancing costs and the write-off of 

previously deferred debt issuance costs, of $2.2 million ($1.4 million after-tax).

Market Conditions

Full-year U.S. industry new vehicle unit sales were 15.6 million in 2013, as compared to 14.5 million in 2012 and 
12.7 million in 2011. In 2013, new vehicle industry sales were driven in part by replacement demand. Based on industry 
data, the average age of cars and trucks in the United States is at a record high of 11.4 years compared to an average age of 
9.8 years during the period from 2002 to 2007. While a robust consumer credit environment and an increase in new product 
offerings from automotive manufacturers were supportive of a strong selling environment, increased competition pressured 

21

new vehicle margins, particularly in the Import segment. New vehicle margin compression was partially offset by 
continued strength in finance and insurance gross profit per vehicle retailed. 

We currently anticipate full-year U.S. industry new vehicle unit sales will increase to above 16 million units in 2014 
driven by replacement need, attractive products, and continued access to affordable credit. We also believe that improved 
conditions in the housing market may be supportive of sales. However, actual sales may materially differ. While we expect 
that the annual rate of U.S. new vehicle unit sales will improve in 2014 as compared to 2013, we expect that the rate of 
growth for the industry selling rate will be lower as compared to recent years. If new vehicle production exceeds the new 
vehicle industry selling rate, our new vehicle margins could be adversely impacted by excess supply and any resulting 
changes in consumer incentive, marketing, and other programs of vehicle manufacturers.

After several years of decline, the number of recent-model-year vehicles in operation has begun to grow due to increases 

in the annual rate of new vehicle sales in the United States since 2009. The growth in that portion of our service base, 
together with our customer retention efforts, has benefited the customer-pay service and warranty components of our parts 
and service business, and we believe that it will continue to benefit those components for the next several years. While the 
number of older vehicles in operation is expected to decline over the next few years, we believe that overall our parts and 
service business will benefit from the mix shift in our service base toward newer vehicles.

Inventory Management

Our new and used vehicle inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We 

monitor our vehicle inventory levels closely based on current economic conditions and seasonal sales trends.

We have generally not experienced losses on the sale of new vehicle inventory, in part due to incentives provided by 

manufacturers to promote sales of new vehicles and our inventory management practices. We had 72,095 units in new 
vehicle inventory at December 31, 2013, and 58,819 units at December 31, 2012. 

We recondition the majority of used vehicles acquired for retail sale in our parts and service departments and capitalize 

the related costs to the used vehicle inventory. Used vehicles that are not sold on a retail basis are generally liquidated at 
wholesale auctions. We record estimated losses on used vehicle inventory. Our used vehicle inventory balance was net of 
cumulative write-downs of $1.8 million at December 31, 2013, and $1.2 million at December 31, 2012.

Parts, accessories, and other inventory are carried at the lower of acquisition cost (first-in, first-out method) or market. 

We estimate the amount of potential obsolete inventory based upon past experience and market trends. Our parts, 
accessories, and other inventory balance was net of cumulative write-downs of $3.6 million at December 31, 2013, and 
$3.2 million at December 31, 2012.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

We prepare our Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the 
United States, which require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, 
the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of 
revenue and expenses during the reporting period. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis and we base our 
estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions we believe to be reasonable. Actual outcomes could differ 
materially from those estimates in a manner that could have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Set 
forth below are the policies and estimates that we have identified as critical to our business operations and an 
understanding of our results of operations, based on the high degree of judgment or complexity in their application.

Goodwill 

Goodwill for our Domestic, Import, and Premium Luxury reporting units is tested for impairment annually on April 30 

or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. 

Under accounting standards, we chose to make a qualitative evaluation about the likelihood of goodwill impairment to 

determine whether it was necessary to calculate the fair values of our reporting units under the two-step goodwill 
impairment test. We completed our qualitative assessment of potential goodwill impairment as of April 30, 2013, and we 
determined that it was not more likely than not that the fair values of our reporting units were less than their carrying 
amounts.

22

The quantitative goodwill impairment analysis is dependent on many variables used to determine the fair value of our 
reporting units. See Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on how the fair 
values and carrying values of our reporting units are derived for the quantitative goodwill impairment test.

As of December 31, 2013, we have $165.2 million of goodwill related to the Domestic reporting unit, $555.8 million 
related to the Import reporting unit, and $538.6 million related to the Premium Luxury reporting unit. The fair values of the 
Domestic, Import, and Premium Luxury reporting units were substantially in excess of their carrying values as of April 30, 
2011, the date of our most recent quantitative impairment test. 

Other Intangible Assets

Our principal identifiable intangible assets are individual store rights under franchise agreements with vehicle 

manufacturers, which have indefinite lives and are tested for impairment annually on April 30 or more frequently when 
events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. 

Under accounting standards, we chose to make a qualitative evaluation about the likelihood of franchise rights 

impairment to determine whether it was necessary to perform a quantitative impairment test. We completed our qualitative 
assessment of franchise rights impairment as of April 30, 2013 and we determined that it was not more likely than not that 
the fair values of our franchise rights were less than their carrying amounts. 

The quantitative impairment test for intangibles with indefinite lives is dependent on many variables used to determine 

the fair value of our franchise rights. See Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional 
information on how fair value measurements are derived for our franchise rights for the quantitative impairment test. 

Long-Lived Assets

We estimate the depreciable lives of our property and equipment, including leasehold improvements, and review them 
for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may be impaired. Such events 
or changes may include a significant decrease in market value, a significant change in the business climate in a particular 
market, a current expectation that more-likely-than-not a long-lived asset will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly 
before the end of its previously estimated useful life, or a current-period operating or cash flow loss combined with 
historical losses or projected future losses.

When evaluating potential impairment of long-lived assets held and used, we first compare the carrying amount of the 
asset group to the asset group’s estimated future undiscounted cash flows. If the estimated future undiscounted cash flows 
are less than the carrying amount of the asset group, we then compare the carrying amount of the asset group to the asset 
group’s estimated fair value to determine if impairment exists. The fair value measurements for our long-lived assets held 
and used were based on Level 3 inputs, which considered information obtained from third-party real estate valuation 
sources. See Note 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information about our fair value 
measurements. We recognize an impairment loss if the amount of the asset group’s carrying amount exceeds the asset 
group’s estimated fair value. If we recognize an impairment loss, the adjusted carrying amount of the asset group becomes 
its new cost basis. For a depreciable long-lived asset, the new cost basis will be depreciated over the remaining useful life 
of that asset.

During 2013 and 2012, we fully impaired certain long-lived assets held and used in continuing operations and recorded 
non-cash impairment charges of $0.7 million in 2013 and $0.8 million in 2012. These charges are recorded as a component 
of Other Expenses (Income), Net in the Consolidated Statements of Income and are reported in the “Corporate and other” 
category of our segment information.

When property and equipment is identified as held for sale, we reclassify the held for sale assets to Other Current Assets 
and cease recording depreciation. We measure each long-lived asset or disposal group at the lower of its carrying amount or 
fair value less cost to sell and recognize a loss for any initial adjustment of the long-lived asset’s or disposal group’s 
carrying amount to fair value less cost to sell in the period the “held for sale” criteria are met. We periodically evaluate the 
carrying value of assets held for sale to determine if, based on market conditions, the values of these assets should be 
adjusted. Any subsequent change in the fair value less cost to sell (increase or decrease) of each asset held for sale is 
reported as an adjustment to its carrying amount, except that the adjusted carrying amount cannot exceed the carrying 
amount of the long-lived asset or disposal group at the time it was initially classified as held for sale. Such valuations 
include estimations of fair values and incremental direct costs to transact a sale. The fair value measurements for our long-

23

lived assets held for sale were based on Level 3 inputs, which considered information obtained from third-party real estate 
valuation sources, or, in certain cases, pending agreements to sell the related assets.

We had assets held for sale in continuing operations of $59.8 million at December 31, 2013, and $70.4 million at 

December 31, 2012. We recorded no impairment charges in 2013 or 2012 associated with assets held for sale in continuing 
operations. 

We had assets held for sale in discontinued operations of $34.5 million at December 31, 2013, and $43.2 million at 
December 31, 2012. We recorded no impairment charges during 2013 and a $0.1 million non-cash impairment charge in 
2012 associated with assets held for sale in discontinued operations to reduce the carrying value of these assets to fair value 
less cost to sell. This charge is recorded as a component of Loss from Discontinued Operations in the Consolidated 
Statements of Income.

Our impairment loss calculations contain uncertainties because they require us to make assumptions and to apply 
judgment to estimate future undiscounted cash flows and asset fair values, including forecasting useful lives of the assets. 
Although we believe our property and equipment and assets held for sale are appropriately valued, the assumptions and 
estimates used may change and we may be required to record impairment charges to reduce the value of these assets.

Chargeback Reserve

Revenue on finance and insurance products represents commissions earned by us for: (i) loans and leases placed with 

financial institutions in connection with customer vehicle purchases financed, (ii) vehicle service contracts sold, and 
(iii) other protection products sold. We primarily sell these products on a straight commission basis; however we also 
participate in future underwriting profit on certain extended service contracts pursuant to retrospective commission 
arrangements, which are recognized as earned.

We may be charged back for commissions related to financing, vehicle service contracts, or other protection products in 

the event of early termination, default, or prepayment of the contracts by customers (“chargebacks”). However, our 
exposure to loss generally is limited to the commissions that we receive. These commissions are recorded at the time of the 
sale of the vehicles, net of an estimated liability for chargebacks.

We estimate our liability for chargebacks on an individual product basis using our historical chargeback experience, 
based primarily on cancellation data we receive from third parties that sell and administer these products. Our estimated 
liability for chargebacks totaled $67.6 million at December 31, 2013, and $56.0 million at December 31, 2012.

Chargebacks are influenced by the volume of vehicle sales in recent years and increases or decreases in early 
termination rates resulting from cancellation of vehicle service contracts and other protection products, defaults, 
refinancings, payoffs before maturity, and other factors. While we consider these factors in the estimation of our 
chargeback liability, actual events may differ from our estimates, which could result in a change in our estimated liability 
for chargebacks. The increase in our liability for chargebacks is largely attributable to higher volume of vehicle sales in 
recent years, as well as an increase in the cancellation rate of finance and insurance products. A 10% change in our 
estimated cancellation rates would have changed our estimated liability for chargebacks at December 31, 2013, by 
approximately $6.8 million.

See Note 19 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding chargeback liabilities.

Self Insurance Reserves

Under our self insurance programs, we retain various levels of aggregate loss limits, per claim deductibles, and claims-
handling expenses as part of our various insurance programs, including property and casualty, employee medical benefits, 
automobile, and workers’ compensation. Costs in excess of this retained risk per claim may be insured under various 
contracts with third-party insurance carriers. We review our claim and loss history on a periodic basis to assist in assessing 
our future liability. The ultimate costs of these retained insurance risks are estimated by management and by third-party 
actuarial evaluation of historical claims experience, adjusted for current trends and changes in claims-handling procedures. 
Our results could be materially impacted by claims and other expenses related to our self insurance programs if future 
occurrences and claims differ from these assumptions and historical trends. Self insurance reserves totaled $66.3 million at 
December 31, 2013, and $61.5 million at December 31, 2012. We believe our actual loss experience has not been 
materially different from our recorded estimates.

24

Revenue Recognition

Revenue consists of the sales of new and used vehicles, sales of parts and services, commissions from finance and 
insurance products, and sales of other products. We recognize revenue in the period in which products are sold or services 
are provided. We recognize vehicle and finance and insurance revenue when a sales contract has been executed, the vehicle 
has been delivered, and payment has been received or financing has been arranged. Rebates, holdbacks, floorplan 
assistance, and certain other incentives received from manufacturers are recorded as a reduction of the cost of the vehicle 
and recognized into income upon the sale of the vehicle or when earned under a specific manufacturer program, whichever 
is later. See Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding revenue 
recognition.

Income Taxes

Estimates and judgments are used in the calculation of certain tax liabilities and in the determination of the 

recoverability of certain deferred tax assets. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is 
more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. We regularly evaluate the 
recoverability of our deferred tax assets and provide valuation allowances to offset portions of deferred tax assets due to 
uncertainty surrounding the future realization of such deferred tax assets. Valuation allowances are based on historical 
taxable income, projected future taxable income, the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences, and 
the implementation of tax-planning strategies. We adjust the valuation allowance in the period we determine it is more 
likely than not that deferred tax assets will or will not be realized. If a change in circumstances results in a change in our 
ability to realize our deferred tax assets, our tax provision would be adjusted in the period when the change in 
circumstances occurs.

Accounting for our income taxes also requires significant judgment in the evaluation of our uncertain tax positions and 

in the calculation of our provision for income taxes. Accounting standards prescribe a two-step approach to recognizing 
and measuring uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate available evidence to determine if it appears more likely 
than not that an uncertain tax position will be sustained on an audit by a taxing authority, based solely on the technical 
merits of the tax position. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely 
of being realized upon settling the uncertain tax position.

Although we believe we have adequately reserved for our uncertain tax positions, the ultimate outcome of these tax 
matters may differ from our expectations. We adjust our reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the 
completion of a tax audit, expiration of a statute of limitations, the refinement of an estimate, and interest accruals 
associated with uncertain tax positions until they are resolved. To the extent that the final tax outcome of these matters is 
different than the amounts recorded, such differences will impact the provision for income taxes in the period in which 
such determination is made.

Our future effective tax rates could be affected by changes in our deferred tax assets or liabilities, the valuation of our 

uncertain tax positions, or by changes in tax laws, regulations, accounting principles, or interpretations thereof.

Other

Additionally, estimates have been made by us in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements including 

allowances for doubtful accounts, accruals related to certain legal proceedings, estimated losses from disposals of 
discontinued operations, and certain assumptions related to determining stock-based compensation.

25

Years Ended December 31,

2013 vs. 2012

Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)

%
Variance

2011

2012 vs. 2011

Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)

%
Variance

Reported Operating Data

($ in millions, except per

vehicle data)

Revenue:

New vehicle
Retail used vehicle
Wholesale
Used vehicle
Finance and insurance, net
Total variable operations(1)
Parts and service
Other

Total revenue

Gross profit:

New vehicle
Retail used vehicle
Wholesale
Used vehicle
Finance and insurance
Total variable operations(1)
Parts and service
Other

Total gross profit

Selling, general, and

administrative expenses
Depreciation and amortization
Franchise rights impairment
Other expenses (income), net

Operating income

Non-operating income (expense)

items:
Floorplan interest expense
Other interest expense
Loss on debt extinguishment
Interest income
Other income (losses), net
Income from continuing

operations before income taxes $

2013

2012

$ 9,949.6
3,697.9
429.5
4,127.4
674.0
14,751.0
2,597.4
169.2
$ 17,517.6

$ 8,906.2
3,230.0
484.3
3,714.3
571.2
13,191.7
2,399.2
76.6
$ 15,667.5

$

616.4
325.2
4.5
329.7
674.0
1,620.1
1,105.8
34.0
2,759.9

1,935.0
95.3
—
(10.7)
740.3

(53.4)
(88.3)
—
0.2
5.6

$

579.5
293.7
5.5
299.2
571.2
1,449.9
1,008.0
28.3
2,486.2

1,749.3
87.3
4.2
0.1
645.3

(45.5)
(86.9)
—
0.3
3.6

$

$

$

1,043.4
467.9
(54.8)
413.1
102.8
1,559.3
198.2
92.6
1,850.1

36.9
31.5
(1.0)
30.5
102.8
170.2
97.8
5.7
273.7

(185.7)
(8.0)
4.2
10.8
95.0

(7.9)
(1.4)
—
(0.1)
2.0

11.7
14.5
(11.3)
11.1
18.0
11.8
8.3

11.8

6.4
10.7

10.2
18.0
11.7
9.7

11.0

(10.6)

14.7

$

$

$

$ 7,498.9
3,047.6
465.2
3,512.8
474.5
11,486.2
2,293.1
53.0
$ 13,832.3

$

547.7
280.6
4.2
284.8
474.5
1,307.0
970.1
26.9
2,304.0

1,649.4
83.7
—
(1.1)
572.0

(42.7)
(66.0)
(2.2)
0.7
(0.5)

604.4

$

516.8

$

87.6

17.0

$

461.3

$

Retail vehicle unit sales:

New vehicle
Used vehicle

Revenue per vehicle retailed:

New vehicle
Used vehicle

Gross profit per vehicle retailed:

New vehicle
Used vehicle
Finance and insurance
Total variable operations(2)

292,922
204,572
497,494

33,967
18,076

2,104
1,590
1,355
3,247

$
$

$
$
$
$

267,784
180,955
448,739

33,259
17,850

2,164
1,623
1,273
3,219

$
$

$
$
$
$

$
$

$
$
$
$

25,138
23,617
48,755

9.4
13.1
10.9

224,034
171,094
395,128

708
226

(60)
(33)
82
28

2.1
1.3

$
$

33,472
17,812

(2.8) $
(2.0) $
$
6.4
$
0.9

2,445
1,640
1,201
3,297

$
$

$
$
$
$

(1) Total variable operations includes new vehicle, used vehicle (retail and wholesale), and finance and insurance results.
(2) Total variable operations gross profit per vehicle retailed is calculated by dividing the sum of new vehicle, retail used vehicle, and 

finance and insurance gross profit by total retail vehicle unit sales.

26

1,407.3
182.4
19.1
201.5
96.7
1,705.5
106.1
23.6
1,835.2

31.8
13.1
1.3
14.4
96.7
142.9
37.9
1.4
182.2

(99.9)
(3.6)
(4.2)
(1.2)
73.3

(2.8)
(20.9)
2.2
(0.4)
4.1

55.5

43,750
9,861
53,611

(213)
38

(281)
(17)
72
(78)

18.8
6.0
4.1
5.7
20.4
14.8
4.6

13.3

5.8
4.7

5.1
20.4
10.9
3.9

7.9

(6.1)

12.8

12.0

19.5
5.8
13.6

(0.6)
0.2

(11.5)
(1.0)
6.0
(2.4)

 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,    

2013 (%)

2012 (%)

2011 (%)

Revenue mix percentages:

New vehicle

Used vehicle

Parts and service

Finance and insurance, net

Other

Total

Gross profit mix percentages:

New vehicle

Used vehicle

Parts and service

Finance and insurance

Other

Total

Operating items as a percentage of revenue:

Gross profit:

New vehicle

Used vehicle-retail

Parts and service

Total

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Operating income

Other operating items as a percentage of total gross profit:

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Operating income

Days supply:

New vehicle (industry standard of selling days) (1)
Used vehicle (trailing calendar month days)

56.8

23.6

14.8

3.8

1.0

100.0

22.3

11.9

40.1

24.4

1.3

100.0

6.2

8.8

42.6

15.8

11.0

4.2

70.1

26.8

56.8

23.7

15.3

3.6

0.6

100.0

23.3

12.0

40.5

23.0

1.2

100.0

6.5

9.1

42.0

15.9

11.2

4.1

70.4

26.0

December 31,    

2013

2012

62 days

35 days

54 days

35 days

54.2

25.4

16.6

3.4

0.4

100.0

23.8

12.4

42.1

20.6

1.1

100.0

7.3

9.2

42.3

16.7

11.9

4.1

71.6

24.8

(1) As of December 31, 2013, we have revised our method of calculating new vehicle days supply to exclude fleet sales and in-transit 

inventory. We have revised prior periods to conform to our revised method of calculation.

27

 
 
 
 
 
 
Same Store Operating Data

We have presented below our operating results on a same store basis to reflect our internal performance. The “Same 
Store” amounts presented below include the results of dealerships for the identical months in each period presented in the 
comparison, commencing with the first full month in which the dealership was owned by us. For example, the results for a 
dealership acquired in February 2012 would be included only in our same store comparison of 2013 to 2012, not in our 
same store comparison of 2012 to 2011. Therefore, the amounts presented in the year 2012 column that is being compared 
to the 2013 column may differ from the amounts presented in the year 2012 column that is being compared to the year 
2011 column.

Years Ended December 31,

Years Ended December 31,

2013

2012

Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)

%
Variance

2012

2011

Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)

%
Variance

($ in millions, except
per vehicle data)

Revenue:

New vehicle
Retail used vehicle
Wholesale
Used vehicle
Finance and

insurance, net

Total variable 
operations(1)
Parts and service
Other

Total revenue

Gross profit:

$

$ 9,551.3
3,554.5
411.3
3,965.8

$ 8,896.4
3,227.0
483.8
3,710.8

654.9
327.5
(72.5)
255.0

7.4
10.1
(15.0)
6.9

$ 8,854.6
3,208.9
473.6
3,682.5

$ 7,498.9
3,047.6
465.2
3,512.8

651.6

570.6

81.0

14.2

568.1

474.5

14,168.7
2,520.6
152.4
$ 16,841.7

13,177.8
2,398.4
76.6
$ 15,652.8

New vehicle
Retail used vehicle
Wholesale
Used vehicle
Finance and insurance
Total variable 
operations(1)
Parts and service
Other

Total gross profit

$

$

591.1
314.9
4.4
319.3
651.6

578.9
293.4
5.5
298.9
570.6

1,562.0
1,072.0
33.7
$ 2,667.7

1,448.4
1,007.6
28.4
$ 2,484.4

Retail vehicle unit

sales:

New vehicle
Used vehicle
Total

Revenue per vehicle

retailed:
New vehicle
Used vehicle

281,664
197,233
478,897

267,537
180,842
448,379

$ 33,910
$ 18,022

$ 33,253
$ 17,844

Gross profit per vehicle

retailed:
$
New vehicle
Used vehicle
$
Finance and insurance $
Total variable 
operations(2)

$

2,099
1,597
1,361

3,252

$
$
$

$

2,164
1,622
1,273

3,218

990.9
122.2
75.8
1,188.9

12.2
21.5
(1.1)
20.4
81.0

113.6
64.4
5.3
183.3

14,127
16,391
30,518

657
178

(65)
(25)
88

34

$

$

$

$
$

$
$
$

$

7.5
5.1

7.6

2.1
7.3

6.8
14.2

7.8
6.4

7.4

5.3
9.1
6.8

13,105.2
2,388.2
76.0
$ 15,569.4

11,486.2
2,293.1
53.0
$ 13,832.3

$

$

576.1
291.5
5.5
297.0
568.1

547.7
280.6
4.2
284.8
474.5

1,441.2
1,003.2
28.2
$ 2,472.6

1,307.0
970.1
26.9
$ 2,304.0

266,050
179,669
445,719

224,034
171,094
395,128

2.0
1.0

$ 33,282
$ 17,860

$ 33,472
$ 17,812

(3.0) $
(1.5) $
$
6.9

2,165
1,622
1,275

1.1

$

3,221

$
$
$

$

2,445
1,640
1,201

3,297

$

$

$

$

$
$

$
$
$

$

1,355.7
161.3
8.4
169.7

93.6

1,619.0
95.1
23.0
1,737.1

28.4
10.9
1.3
12.2
93.6

134.2
33.1
1.3
168.6

42,016
8,575
50,591

18.1
5.3
1.8
4.8

19.7

14.1
4.1

12.6

5.2
3.9

4.3
19.7

10.3
3.4

7.3

18.8
5.0
12.8

(190)
48

(280)
(18)
74

(0.6)
0.3

(11.5)
(1.1)
6.2

(76)

(2.3)

(1) Total variable operations includes new vehicle, used vehicle (retail and wholesale), and finance and insurance results.
(2) Total variable operations gross profit per vehicle retailed is calculated by dividing the sum of new vehicle, retail used vehicle, and 

finance and insurance gross profit by total retail vehicle unit sales.

28

 
Revenue mix percentages:

New vehicle

Used vehicle

Parts and service

Finance and insurance, net

Other

Total

Gross profit mix percentages:

New vehicle

Used vehicle

Parts and service

Finance and insurance

Other

Total

Operating items as a percentage of revenue:

Gross profit:

New vehicle

Used vehicle-retail

Parts and service

Total

Years Ended December 31,    
2013 (%)

2012 (%)

Years Ended December 31,    
2012 (%)

2011 (%)

56.8

23.7

15.3

3.6

0.6

100.0

23.3

12.0

40.6

23.0

1.1

100.0

6.5

9.1

42.0

15.9

56.9

23.7

15.3

3.6

0.5

100.0

23.3

12.0

40.6

23.0

1.1

100.0

6.5

9.1

42.0

15.9

54.2

25.4

16.6

3.4

0.4

100.0

23.8

12.4

42.1

20.6

1.1

100.0

7.3

9.2

42.3

16.7

56.7

23.5

15.0

3.9

0.9

100.0

22.2

12.0

40.2

24.4

1.2

100.0

6.2

8.9

42.5

15.8

29

 
 
New Vehicle

($ in millions, except per vehicle

data)

Reported:

Revenue

Gross profit

Retail vehicle unit sales

Revenue per vehicle retailed

Gross profit per vehicle retailed

Gross profit as a percentage of

revenue

Days supply (industry standard of
selling days, including fleet)

Same Store:

Revenue

Gross profit

Retail vehicle unit sales

Revenue per vehicle retailed

Gross profit per vehicle retailed

Gross profit as a percentage of

revenue

2013 compared to 2012 

Years Ended December 31,

2013 vs. 2012

2012 vs. 2011

2013

2012

Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)

%
Variance

2011

Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)

%
Variance

$

$

$

$

9,949.6

616.4

292,922

33,967

2,104

$

$

$

$

8,906.2

579.5

267,784

33,259

2,164

$

$

$

$

1,043.4

36.9

25,138

708

(60)

11.7

6.4

9.4

2.1

$

$

$

7,498.9

547.7

224,034

33,472

(2.8) $

2,445

$

$

$

$

1,407.3

31.8

43,750

(213)

(281)

18.8

5.8

19.5

(0.6)

(11.5)

6.2%

6.5%

62 days

54 days

7.3%

Years Ended December 31,

2013 vs. 2012

Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)

%
Variance

2012 vs. 2011

Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)

%
Variance

2012

2011

2013

2012

$ 9,551.3

$ 8,896.4

$

$

$

591.1

$

578.9

281,664

267,537

33,910

$ 33,253

2,099

$

2,164

$

$

$

$

654.9

12.2

14,127

657

(65)

7.4

2.1

5.3

2.0

$ 8,854.6

$ 7,498.9

$

576.1

$

547.7

266,050

224,034

$ 33,282

$ 33,472

(3.0) $

2,165

$

2,445

$

$

$

$

1,355.7

28.4

42,016

(190)

(280)

18.1

5.2

18.8

(0.6)

(11.5)

6.2%

6.5%

6.5%

7.3%

Same store new vehicle revenue increased during 2013, as compared to 2012, as a result of an increase in same store 
unit volume and an increase in revenue per new vehicle retailed. The increase in same store unit volume was primarily due 
to replacement demand and improved market conditions, including increased consumer borrowing and improved consumer 
confidence as compared to the prior year. An improved credit environment and an increase in new product offerings from 
automotive manufacturers also favorably impacted same store unit volume.

Same store revenue per new vehicle retailed during 2013 benefited from an increase in the average selling prices for 

new vehicles in all three segments, as well as a shift in mix away from import vehicles, which have relatively lower 
average selling prices. 

Same store gross profit per new vehicle retailed decreased during 2013, as compared to 2012, primarily due to a 

decrease in gross profit per vehicle retailed for import vehicles.

2012 compared to 2011 

Same store new vehicle revenue increased during 2012, as compared to 2011, as a result of an increase in same store 
unit volume, partially offset by a decrease in same store revenue per new vehicle retailed. The increase in same store unit 
volume was due to significantly improved inventory levels of vehicles produced by Japanese manufacturers, as well as to 
replacement demand and improved market conditions, including increased consumer borrowing and improved consumer 
confidence as compared to the prior year. An improved credit environment and an increase in new product offerings from 
automotive manufacturers also favorably impacted same store unit volume.

Same store revenue per new vehicle retailed during 2012, as compared to 2011, was adversely impacted by a shift in 
mix away from premium luxury and domestic vehicles to import vehicles, which have relatively lower average selling 

30

 
 
 
prices, primarily as a result of the improved inventory levels of vehicles produced by Japanese manufacturers as compared 
to the prior year. Same store revenue per new vehicle retailed was also adversely impacted by a decrease in the average 
selling price for import vehicles as the prior year benefited from the supply and demand imbalances resulting from the 
Japan supply constraints.

Same store gross profit per new vehicle retailed decreased during 2012, as compared to 2011, primarily due to 2011 

benefiting from the tight supply of vehicles produced by Japanese manufacturers and by certain performance-based 
manufacturer incentives related to premium luxury vehicles previously sold. These incentives were $7.0 million higher 
during 2011 as compared to 2012. 

New Vehicle Inventories

Our new vehicle inventories were $2.3 billion or 62 days supply at December 31, 2013, as compared to new vehicle 

inventories of $1.9 billion or 54 days supply at December 31, 2012. We had 72,095 units in new vehicle inventory at 
December 31, 2013, and 58,819 units at December 31, 2012.

The following table details net new vehicle inventory carrying benefit, consisting of new vehicle floorplan interest 
expense net of floorplan assistance earned (amounts received from manufacturers specifically to support store financing of 
new vehicle inventory). Floorplan assistance is accounted for as a component of new vehicle gross profit.

($ in millions)
Floorplan assistance

New vehicle floorplan interest expense

Net new vehicle inventory carrying benefit

2013 compared to 2012 

Years Ended December 31,

2013

2012

Variance 2013
vs. 2012

2011

Variance 2012
vs. 2011

$

$

92.7

$

73.5

$

19.2

$

61.1

$

(51.2)

(43.7)

(7.5)

(40.3)

41.5

$

29.8

$

11.7

$

20.8

$

12.4

(3.4)

9.0

The net new vehicle inventory carrying benefit increased in 2013, as compared to 2012, due to an increase in floorplan 
assistance, partially offset by an increase in floorplan interest expense. Floorplan assistance increased due to a change in a 
manufacturer floorplan assistance program and higher new vehicle sales. Floorplan interest expense increased due to higher 
average vehicle floorplan payable balances during the year, partially offset by lower negotiated floorplan interest rates.

2012 compared to 2011 

The net new vehicle inventory carrying benefit increased in 2012, as compared to 2011, due to an increase in floorplan 

assistance, partially offset by an increase in floorplan interest expense. Floorplan assistance increased due to higher new 
vehicle sales and an increase in the floorplan assistance rate per unit. Floorplan interest expense increased due to higher 
average vehicle floorplan payable balances during the year, partially offset by lower negotiated floorplan interest rates.

31

 
 
Used Vehicle

($ in millions, except per vehicle

data)

Reported:

Retail revenue

Wholesale revenue

Total revenue

Retail gross profit

Wholesale gross profit

Total gross profit

Retail vehicle unit sales

Revenue per vehicle retailed

Gross profit per vehicle retailed

Gross profit as a percentage of retail

revenue

Days supply (trailing calendar month

days)

Years Ended December 31,

2013 vs. 2012

2012 vs. 2011

2013

2012

Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)

%
Variance

2011

Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)

%
Variance

$ 3,697.9

$ 3,230.0

429.5

484.3

$ 4,127.4

$ 3,714.3

$

$

$

$

325.2

4.5

329.7

204,572

18,076

1,590

$

$

$

$

293.7

5.5

299.2

180,955

17,850

1,623

$

$

$

$

$

$

8.8%

9.1%

35 days

35 days

467.9

(54.8)

413.1

31.5

(1.0)

30.5

14.5

$ 3,047.6

(11.3)

465.2

11.1

$ 3,512.8

10.7

$

280.6

4.2

10.2

$

284.8

23,617

13.1

171,094

226

(33)

1.3

$

17,812

(2.0) $

1,640

$

$

$

$

$

$

9.2%

182.4

19.1

201.5

13.1

1.3

14.4

9,861

38

(17)

6.0

4.1

5.7

4.7

5.1

5.8

0.2

(1.0)

Years Ended December 31,

2013 vs. 2012

Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)

%
Variance

2012

2011

2012 vs. 2011

Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)

%
Variance

$

$

$

$

$

$

327.5

(72.5)

255.0

21.5

(1.1)

20.4

16,391

178

(25)

10.1

$ 3,208.9

$ 3,047.6

(15.0)

473.6

465.2

$ 3,682.5

$ 3,512.8

6.9

7.3

6.8

9.1

$

$

291.5

5.5

297.0

179,669

1.0

$

17,860

(1.5) $

1,622

$

$

$

$

280.6

4.2

284.8

171,094

17,812

1,640

$

$

$

$

$

$

161.3

8.4

169.7

10.9

1.3

12.2

8,575

48

(18)

5.3

1.8

4.8

3.9

4.3

5.0

0.3

(1.1)

2013

2012

Same Store:

Retail revenue

$ 3,554.5

$ 3,227.0

Wholesale revenue

411.3

483.8

Total revenue

$ 3,965.8

$ 3,710.8

$

$

$

$

314.9

4.4

319.3

197,233

18,022

1,597

$

$

$

$

293.4

5.5

298.9

180,842

17,844

1,622

Retail gross profit

Wholesale gross profit

Total gross profit

Retail vehicle unit

sales

Revenue per vehicle

retailed

Gross profit per

vehicle retailed

Gross profit as

a percentage of
retail revenue

8.9%

9.1%

9.1%

9.2%

2013 compared to 2012 

Same store retail used vehicle revenue increased during 2013, as compared to 2012, due to an increase in same store 
unit volume and an increase in revenue per used vehicle retailed. Same store unit volume benefited from an increase in 
sales of certified pre-owned vehicles, as well as an increase in trade-in volume.

Same store revenue per used vehicle retailed during 2013 benefited from a shift in mix toward premium luxury vehicles, 

which have relatively higher average selling prices, partially offset by a decrease in the average selling price for import 
vehicles.

Same store gross profit per used vehicle retailed decreased during 2013, as compared to 2012, due in part to compressed 

margins on certified pre-owned vehicles for premium luxury vehicles.

32

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2012 compared to 2011 

Same store retail used vehicle revenue increased during 2012, as compared to 2011, as a result of an increase in same 
store unit volume and an increase in revenue per used vehicle retailed. The increase in same store unit volume was driven 
in part by an increase in sales of certified pre-owned vehicles, as well as an increase in trade-in volume.

Same store revenue per used vehicle retailed during 2012 benefited from a shift in mix toward premium luxury vehicles, 

which have relatively higher average selling prices.

Same store gross profit per used vehicle retailed decreased during 2012, as compared to 2011, due in part to compressed 

margins on certified pre-owned vehicles.

Used Vehicle Inventories

Used vehicle inventories were $346.5 million or 35 days supply at December 31, 2013, compared to $318.7 million or 

35 days supply at December 31, 2012.

33

Parts & Service

Parts and service revenue is primarily derived from vehicle repairs paid directly by the customers or via reimbursement 

from manufacturers and others under warranty programs, as well as from wholesale parts and collision businesses.

($ in millions)
Reported:

Revenue

Gross profit

Gross profit as a percentage

of revenue

Years Ended December 31,
2013 vs. 2012

Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)

% 
Variance

2011

2012 vs. 2011

Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)

% 
Variance

2013

2012

$ 2,597.4

$ 2,399.2

$ 1,105.8

$ 1,008.0

$

$

198.2

97.8

8.3

9.7

$ 2,293.1

$

970.1

$

$

106.1

37.9

4.6

3.9

42.6%

42.0%

42.3%

Years Ended December 31,

2013

2012

2013 vs. 2012

Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)

% 
Variance

2012

2011

2012 vs. 2011

Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)

% 
Variance

$ 2,520.6

$ 2,398.4

$ 1,072.0

$ 1,007.6

$

$

122.2

64.4

5.1

6.4

$ 2,388.2

$ 2,293.1

$ 1,003.2

$

970.1

$

$

95.1

33.1

4.1

3.4

42.5%

42.0%

42.0%

42.3%

Same Store:

Revenue

Gross profit

Gross profit as
a percentage
of revenue

2013 compared to 2012 

Same store parts and service gross profit increased during 2013, as compared to 2012, primarily due to increases in 
gross profit associated with warranty of $25.2 million, the preparation of vehicles for sale of $19.1 million, customer-pay 
service of $15.6 million, and collision business of $6.2 million.

Warranty gross profit benefited from an increase in warranty service due to improved market conditions, the rise of 
manufacturer recalls in the automotive industry, and an increase in manufacturer-paid vehicle maintenance. See “Market 
Conditions” above. Gross profit associated with the preparation of vehicles for sale benefited from higher new and used 
vehicle unit volume. Customer-pay service gross profit benefited from improved operational execution and improved 
margin performance. Gross profit associated with our collision business benefited from increased volume, improved 
productivity, and improved margin performance.

2012 compared to 2011 

Same store parts and service gross profit increased during 2012, as compared to 2011, primarily due to increases in 
gross profit associated with the preparation of vehicles for sale of $25.1 million, customer-pay service of $7.5 million, and 
collision business of $2.7 million, partially offset by a decline in gross profit associated with warranty of $1.2 million.

Gross profit associated with the preparation of vehicles for sale benefited from higher new and used vehicle unit 
volume. Customer-pay service gross profit benefited from improved market conditions and better marketing of products 
and services in the service department. Gross profit associated with our collision business benefited from expanded 
relationships with insurance providers and increased capacity at certain of our collision centers. Warranty gross profit was 
adversely impacted during 2012 by fewer vehicles in operation as a result of historically lower vehicle sales in recent years 
and, to a lesser extent, improved quality of vehicles manufactured in recent years.

34

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Finance and Insurance

($ in millions, except per vehicle

data)
Reported:

2013

2012

Years Ended December 31,

2013 vs. 2012

Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)

% 
Variance

2011

2012 vs. 2011

Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)

% 
Variance

Revenue and gross profit

Gross profit per vehicle retailed

$

$

674.0

1,355

$

$

571.2

1,273

$

$

102.8

82

18.0

6.4

$

$

474.5

1,201

$

$

96.7

72

20.4

6.0

Years Ended December 31,

2013 vs. 2012

Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)

% 
Variance

2013

2012

2012

2011

Same Store:

Revenue and gross profit

$ 651.6

$ 570.6

Gross profit per vehicle

retailed

$ 1,361

$ 1,273

$

$

81.0

14.2

$ 568.1

$ 474.5

88

6.9

$ 1,275

$ 1,201

2012 vs. 2011

Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)

% 
Variance

$

$

93.6

19.7

74

6.2

2013 compared to 2012 

Same store finance and insurance revenue and gross profit increased during 2013, as compared to 2012, due to increases 

in same store finance and insurance revenue and gross profit per vehicle retailed and new and used vehicle unit volume.  

Same store finance and insurance revenue and gross profit per vehicle retailed benefited from an increase in commission 

on product contracts sold, an increase in product penetration, more customers financing vehicles through our stores, an 
increase in amounts financed per transaction, and an increase in revenue and gross profit per transaction associated with 
arranging customer financing.

2012 compared to 2011 

Same store finance and insurance revenue and gross profit increased during 2012, as compared to 2011, due to an 

increase in new and used vehicle sales volume and an increase in same store finance and insurance revenue and gross profit 
per vehicle retailed. Finance and insurance revenue and gross profit during 2012 were also impacted by a favorable 
adjustment of $5.1 million ($3.2 million after-tax) associated with certain product maintenance contracts. This benefit was 
partially offset by a decrease in retrospective commissions.

Same store finance and insurance revenue and gross profit per vehicle retailed benefited from an increase in margin on 

product contracts sold, an increase in product penetration, more customers financing vehicles through our stores, and an 
increase in amounts financed per transaction. 

35

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment Results

In the following table of financial data, total segment income of the operating segments is reconciled to consolidated 

Years Ended December 31,

2013

2012

Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)

%
Variance

2011

Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)

%
Variance

operating income.

($ in millions)
Revenue:

Domestic

Import

Premium Luxury

Total segment revenue

Corporate and other

Segment income*:

Domestic

Import

Premium Luxury

Total segment income

Corporate and other

Floorplan interest expense

Operating income

Total consolidated revenue $

17,517.6

$

15,667.5

1,850.1

11.8

$ 13,832.3

$

5,835.3

$

5,131.6

$

6,375.0

5,152.3

5,827.5

4,553.3

17,362.6

15,512.4

155.0

155.1

703.7

547.5

599.0

1,850.2

(0.1)

13.7

$

4,655.4

$

9.4

13.2

11.9

(0.1)

4,933.3

4,096.4

13,685.1

147.2

$

$

$

246.6

$

280.1

321.4

848.1

(161.2)

53.4

209.4

257.9

270.4

737.7

(137.9)

45.5

$

$

17.8

$

8.6

18.9

15.0

180.0

227.1

244.1

651.2

(121.9)

42.7

37.2

22.2

51.0

110.4

(23.3)

(7.9)

95.0

$

740.3

$

645.3

$

14.7

$

572.0

$

476.2

894.2

456.9

1,827.3

7.9

1,835.2

29.4

30.8

26.3

86.5

(16.0)

(2.8)

73.3

9,612

27,737

6,401

43,750

10.2

18.1

11.2

13.4

5.4

13.3

16.3

13.6

10.8

13.3

12.8

12.6

26.1

15.4

19.5

*Segment income for each of our segments is defined as operating income less floorplan interest expense.

Retail new vehicle unit sales:

Domestic

Import

Premium Luxury

96,229

143,325

53,368

292,922

85,947

133,912

47,925

267,784

10,282

9,413

5,443

25,138

12.0

7.0

11.4

9.4

76,335

106,175

41,524

224,034

36

 
Domestic

The Domestic segment operating results included the following:

Years Ended December 31,

2013

2012

Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)

%
Variance

2011

Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)

%
Variance

$ 5,835.3

$ 5,131.6

$

246.6

$

209.4

$

$

703.7

37.2

10,282

13.7

$ 4,655.4

17.8

$

180.0

12.0

76,335

$

$

476.2

29.4

9,612

10.2

16.3

12.6

($ in millions)
Revenue

Segment income

Retail new vehicle unit sales

96,229

85,947

2013 compared to 2012 

Domestic revenue increased during 2013, as compared to 2012, primarily due to an increase in new vehicle unit volume. 

The increase in new vehicle unit volume was due in part to replacement demand and improved market conditions, 
including increased consumer borrowing and improved consumer confidence as compared to the prior year. An improved 
credit environment and an increase in new product offerings from automotive manufacturers also favorably impacted new 
vehicle unit volume. New vehicle unit volume also benefited from the acquisition we completed in the fourth quarter of 
2012.

Domestic segment income increased during 2013, as compared to 2012, primarily due to an increase in finance and 
insurance revenue and gross profit, which benefited from an increase in finance and insurance revenue and gross profit per 
vehicle retailed and higher new and used vehicle unit volume. Domestic segment income also benefited from increases in 
new and used vehicle gross profit and parts and service gross profit, and from the acquisition noted in the paragraph above. 
Increases in Domestic segment income were partially offset by an increase in variable expenses.

2012 compared to 2011 

Domestic revenue increased during 2012, as compared to 2011, primarily due to an increase in new vehicle unit volume 

and an increase in revenue per new vehicle retailed. The increase in new vehicle unit volume was due in part to 
replacement demand and improved market conditions, including increased consumer borrowing and improved consumer 
confidence as compared to the prior year. An improved credit environment and an increase in new product offerings from 
automotive manufacturers also favorably impacted new vehicle unit volume. New vehicle revenue and unit sales increased 
for all three domestic manufacturers as compared to 2011.

Domestic segment income increased during 2012, as compared to 2011, primarily due to an increase in finance and 
insurance revenue and gross profit, which benefited from higher new and used vehicle unit volume, as well as an increase 
in new vehicle gross profit due to higher new vehicle unit volume. Increases in Domestic segment income were partially 
offset by an increase in variable expenses.

37

Import

The Import segment operating results included the following:

Years Ended December 31,

2013

2012

Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)

%
Variance

2011

Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)

%
Variance

$ 6,375.0

$ 5,827.5

$

280.1

$

257.9

$

$

547.5

22.2

9,413

9.4

8.6

7.0

$ 4,933.3

$

227.1

$

$

106,175

894.2

30.8

27,737

18.1

13.6

26.1

($ in millions)
Revenue

Segment income

Retail new vehicle unit sales

143,325

133,912

2013 compared to 2012 

Import revenue increased during 2013, as compared to 2012, primarily due to an increase in new vehicle unit volume. 

The increase in new vehicle unit volume was primarily due to replacement demand and improved market conditions, 
including increased consumer borrowing and improved consumer confidence as compared to the prior year. An improved 
credit environment and an increase in new product offerings from automotive manufacturers also favorably impacted new 
vehicle unit volume. New vehicle unit volume also benefited from the acquisitions we completed in the fourth quarter of 
2012 and the second and fourth quarters of 2013. 

Import segment income increased during 2013, as compared to 2012, primarily due to increases in finance and insurance 

revenue and gross profit, which benefited from an increase in finance and insurance revenue and gross profit per vehicle 
retailed and higher new and used vehicle unit volume, and parts and service gross profit, which also benefited from higher 
new and used vehicle unit volume. Import segment income also benefited from the acquisitions noted in the paragraph 
above. Increases in Import segment income were partially offset by an increase in variable expenses.

2012 compared to 2011 

Import revenue increased during 2012, as compared to 2011, primarily due to an increase in new vehicle unit volume, 

partially offset by a decrease in revenue per new vehicle retailed. The increase in new vehicle unit volume was due to 
significantly improved inventory levels of vehicles produced by Japanese manufacturers, as well as to replacement demand 
and improved market conditions, including increased consumer borrowing and improved consumer confidence as 
compared to the prior year. An improved credit environment and an increase in new product offerings from automotive 
manufacturers also favorably impacted new vehicle unit volume. 

Import segment income increased during 2012, as compared to 2011, primarily due to an increase in finance and 
insurance revenue and gross profit and parts and service gross profit, both of which benefited from higher new and used 
vehicle unit volume, as well as an increase in new vehicle gross profit due to higher new vehicle unit volume. Increases in 
Import segment income were partially offset by an increase in variable expenses.

38

Premium Luxury

The Premium Luxury segment operating results included the following:

Years Ended December 31,

2013

2012

Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)

%
Variance

Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)

% 
Variance

2011

$

$

$

$

5,152.3

321.4

53,368

$

$

4,553.3

270.4

47,925

599.0

51.0

5,443

$

$

13.2

18.9

11.4

$

$

4,096.4

244.1

41,524

456.9

26.3

6,401

11.2

10.8

15.4

($ in millions)
Revenue

Segment income

Retail new vehicle unit sales

2013 compared to 2012 

Premium Luxury revenue increased during 2013, as compared to the same period in 2012, primarily due to an increase 
in new vehicle unit volume. The increase in new vehicle unit volume was due in part to replacement demand and improved 
market conditions, including increased consumer borrowing and improved consumer confidence as compared to the prior 
year. An improved credit environment and an increase in new product offerings from automotive manufacturers also 
favorably impacted new vehicle unit volume. New vehicle unit volume also benefited from the acquisitions we completed 
in the fourth quarter of 2012.

Premium Luxury segment income increased during 2013, as compared to 2012, primarily due to increases in parts and 

service gross profit and new vehicle gross profit, which benefited from higher vehicle unit volume, and finance and 
insurance revenue and gross profit, which benefited from higher vehicle unit volume and an increase in finance and 
insurance revenue and gross profit per vehicle retailed. Premium Luxury segment income also benefited from the 
acquisitions noted in the paragraph above. Increases in Premium Luxury segment income were partially offset by an 
increase in variable expenses. 

2012 compared to 2011 

Premium Luxury revenue increased during 2012, as compared to the same period in 2011, primarily due to an increase 
in new vehicle unit volume. The increase in new vehicle unit volume was due in part to significantly improved inventory 
levels of vehicles produced by a Japanese manufacturer, as well as to replacement demand and improved market 
conditions, including increased consumer borrowing and improved consumer confidence as compared to the prior year. An 
improved credit environment and an increase in new product offerings from automotive manufacturers also favorably 
impacted new vehicle unit volume.

Premium Luxury segment income increased during 2012, as compared to 2011, primarily due to an increase in finance 

and insurance revenue and gross profit and parts and service gross profit, both of which benefited from higher new and 
used vehicle unit volume, as well as an increase in new vehicle gross profit due to higher new vehicle unit volume. 
Increases in Premium Luxury segment income were partially offset by an increase in variable expenses. The year ended 
December 31, 2011, was also more favorably impacted by a higher amount of certain performance-based manufacturer 
incentives as noted above in the “New Vehicle” section. 

39

Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses

Our Selling, General, and Administrative expenses (“SG&A”) consist primarily of compensation, including store and 
corporate salaries, commissions, and incentive-based compensation, as well as advertising (net of reimbursement-based 
manufacturer advertising rebates), and store and corporate overhead expenses, which include occupancy costs, legal, 
accounting, and professional services, and general corporate expenses. The following table presents the major components 
of our SG&A.

Years Ended December 31,

2013

2012

Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)

%
Variance

Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)

% 
Variance

2011

$

1,252.9

$

1,137.3

$

(115.6)

(10.2) $

1,050.8

$

166.4

515.7

135.7

476.3

(30.7)

(39.4)

(22.6)

(8.3)

130.2

468.4

$

1,935.0

$

1,749.3

$

(185.7)

(10.6) $

1,649.4

$

(86.5)

(5.5)

(7.9)

(99.9)

(8.2)

(4.2)

(1.7)

(6.1)

45.4

6.0

18.7

70.1

45.7

5.5

19.2

70.4

30

bps

(50) bps

50

30

bps

bps

45.6

5.7

20.3

71.6

(10) bps

20

110

120

bps

bps

bps

($ in millions)

Reported:
Compensation

Advertising

Store and corporate overhead

Total

SG&A as a % of total gross

profit:

Compensation

Advertising

Store and corporate overhead

Total

2013 compared to 2012 

SG&A expenses increased in 2013, as compared to 2012, primarily due to a performance-driven increase in 

compensation expense and increases in gross advertising expenditures and store and corporate overhead expenses. As a 
percentage of total gross profit, SG&A expenses decreased to 70.1% in 2013 from 70.4% in 2012 resulting from our 
continued effective management of our cost structure and improved gross profit, partially offset by an increase in expenses 
resulting from our re-branding initiative noted below.

2012 compared to 2011 

SG&A expenses increased in 2012, as compared to 2011, primarily due to a performance-driven increase in 
compensation expense, an increase in gross advertising expenditures, which was partially offset by an increase in 
advertising reimbursements from manufacturers, and an increase in store and corporate overhead expenses. As a percentage 
of total gross profit, SG&A expenses decreased to 70.4% in 2012 from 71.6% in 2011 resulting from our continued 
effective management of our cost structure, improved associate productivity, and improved gross profit.

Re-Branding Initiative

On January 31, 2013, we announced that we would be marketing our Domestic and Import stores under the AutoNation 

retail brand. The re-branding of these stores, which previously operated under various local market retail brands, 
commenced in the first quarter of 2013 and was completed in the second quarter of 2013. As part of this re-branding 
initiative, we incurred non-recurring SG&A expenses, primarily related to advertising, of approximately $18 million during 
2013.

Operating Expenses (Income), net

During the fourth quarter of 2013, we recognized a net gain related to property dispositions of $7.2 million ($4.5 million 

after-tax).

40

Non-Operating Income (Expenses)

Floorplan Interest Expense

Floorplan interest expense was $53.4 million in 2013, $45.5 million in 2012, and $42.7 million in 2011.

2013 compared to 2012 

The increase in floorplan interest expense of $7.9 million in 2013, as compared to 2012, is primarily the result of higher 

average vehicle floorplan balances, partially offset by lower negotiated floorplan interest rates.

2012 compared to 2011 

The increase in floorplan interest expense of $2.8 million in 2012, as compared to 2011, is primarily the result of higher 

average vehicle floorplan balances, partially offset by lower negotiated floorplan interest rates.

Other Interest Expense

Other interest expense was incurred primarily on borrowings under our outstanding senior unsecured notes, mortgage 

facility, revolving credit facility, and term loan facility. 

2013 compared to 2012 

Other interest expense of $88.3 million in 2013 was relatively flat compared to $86.9 million in 2012.

2012 compared to 2011 

Other interest expense was $86.9 million in 2012, compared to $66.0 million in 2011. The increase in other interest 
expense of $20.9 million in 2012, as compared to 2011, was primarily due to a $17.6 million increase resulting from the 
February 2012 issuance of our 5.5% Senior Notes due 2020 and a $5.5 million increase resulting from higher levels of debt 
outstanding during the year associated with our revolving credit facility and capital lease and other debt obligations. These 
increases were partially offset by decreases in interest expense of $2.5 million resulting from lower interest rates on our 
term loan facility, $0.7 million resulting from the redemption of our 7% Senior Notes due 2014, and $0.4 million resulting 
from lower levels of debt outstanding during the year associated with our mortgage facility.

Loss on Debt Extinguishment

During 2011, we expensed $2.2 million pre-tax related to a debt refinancing transaction. These expenses included 

$0.4 million for the write-off of previously deferred debt issuance costs.

Provision for Income Taxes

Income taxes are provided based upon our anticipated underlying annual blended federal and state income tax rates, 
adjusted, as necessary, for any other tax matters occurring during the period. As we operate in various states, our effective 
tax rate is also dependent upon our geographic revenue mix.

Our effective income tax rate was 37.8% in 2013. During the fourth quarter of 2013, we completed a restructuring of 
certain of our subsidiaries, a consequence of which was the release of a valuation allowance of $3.4 million, which was 
reflected as a benefit in our income tax provision for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2013. 

See Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of our unrecognized tax benefits. We do 
not expect that our unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease during the twelve months beginning 
January 1, 2014.

Our effective income tax rate was 38.6% in 2012. Our effective income tax rate was 38.4% in 2011, which reflected the 

benefit of certain favorable tax adjustments. 

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued operations are related to stores that were sold or terminated, that we have entered into an agreement to sell 

or terminate, or for which we otherwise deem a proposed sales transaction or termination to be probable, with no material 
changes expected. We have accounted for a store that either has been disposed of or is classified as held for sale as a 

41

discontinued operation if (a) the operations and cash flows of the store were eliminated from our ongoing operations and 
(b) we had no significant continuing involvement in the operations of the store after the disposal transaction.

In evaluating whether a store’s cash flows were eliminated from our ongoing operations, we considered whether we 
expected to continue to generate revenues or incur expenses from the sale of similar products or services to customers of 
the disposed store in the same geographic market. If we believed that a significant portion of the cash flows previously 
generated by the disposed store had migrated to our other operating stores, we did not treat the disposition as a 
discontinued operation.

We had a loss from discontinued operations totaling $0.9 million in 2013, net of income taxes, primarily related to 
carrying costs for real estate we have not yet sold associated with stores that have been closed and other adjustments 
related to disposed operations, partially offset by a gain on disposal of a store during the second quarter of 2013. 

We had a loss from discontinued operations totaling $0.9 million in 2012, net of income taxes, primarily related to 

carrying costs for real estate we have not yet sold associated with stores that have been closed.

We had a loss from discontinued operations totaling $2.8 million in 2011, net of income taxes, primarily related to 
carrying costs for real estate we have not yet sold associated with stores that have been closed, as well as expected losses 
on real estate to be sold. 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We manage our liquidity to ensure access to sufficient funding at acceptable costs to fund our ongoing operating 

requirements and future capital expenditures while continuing to meet our financial obligations. We believe that our cash 
and cash equivalents, funds generated through future operations, and amounts available under our revolving credit facility 
and secured used vehicle floorplan facilities will be sufficient to fund our working capital requirements, service our debt, 
pay our tax obligations and commitments and contingencies, and meet any seasonal operating requirements for the 
foreseeable future.

Available Liquidity Resources

We had the following sources of liquidity available for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:

(In millions)
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Revolving Credit Facility(1)
Secured Used Floorplan Facilities(2)

December 31,
2013

December 31,
2012

$

$

$

69.2

854.4

50.0

$

$

$

69.7

603.5

92.9

(1)  Based on aggregate borrowings outstanding of $300.0 million and outstanding letters of credit of $45.6 million at 
December 31, 2013, and aggregate borrowings outstanding of $540.0 million and outstanding letters of credit of 
$56.5 million at December 31, 2012. See “Long-Term Debt – Credit Agreement” for additional information.

(2)  Based on the eligible used vehicle inventory that could have been pledged as collateral. See “Long-Term Debt – 

Vehicle Floorplan Payable” for additional information.

In the ordinary course of business, we are required to post performance and surety bonds, letters of credit, and/or cash 

deposits as financial guarantees of our performance. At December 31, 2013, surety bonds, letters of credit, and cash 
deposits totaled $91.3 million, including the $45.6 million of letters of credit outstanding under our revolving credit 
facility. We do not currently provide cash collateral for outstanding letters of credit.

Capital Allocation

Our capital allocation strategy is focused on maximizing stockholder returns. The first priority of our capital allocation 

strategy is to maintain a strong balance sheet. Second, we invest capital in our business to maintain and upgrade our 
existing facilities and to build new facilities, as well as for other strategic and technology initiatives. Third, we deploy 
capital opportunistically to repurchase our common stock and/or debt or to complete dealership acquisitions and/or build 
facilities for newly awarded franchises. Our capital allocation decisions will be based on factors such as the expected rate 

42

of return on our investment, the market price of our common stock versus our view of its intrinsic value, the market price 
of our debt, the potential impact on our capital structure, our ability to complete dealership acquisitions that meet our 
market and vehicle brand criteria and return on investment threshold, and limitations set forth in our debt agreements. 

Share Repurchases

A summary of shares repurchased under our share repurchase program authorized by our Board of Directors follows:

(In millions, except per share data)
Shares repurchased

Aggregate purchase price

Average purchase price per share

2013

2012

2011

1.1

53.5

47.37

$

$

16.6

580.6

34.89

$

$

17.1

583.4

34.14

$

$

The decision to repurchase shares at any given point in time is based on such factors as the market price of our common 

stock versus our view of its intrinsic value, the potential impact on our capital structure (including compliance with our 
3.75x maximum leverage ratio and other financial covenants in our debt agreements as well as our available liquidity), and 
the expected return on competing uses of capital such as dealership acquisitions, capital investments in our current 
businesses, or repurchases of our debt.

In January 2014, our Board of Directors authorized an additional $250 million under our existing share repurchase 

program. From January 1, 2014 through February 12, 2014 we repurchased an additional 2.4 million shares for an 
aggregate purchase price of $115.7 million (average purchase price per share of $47.92). As of February 12, 2014, 
$400.0 million remained available for share repurchases under the program. 

Senior Note Repurchases and Debt Prepayment

We may from time to time repurchase our outstanding senior unsecured notes in open market purchases or privately 
negotiated transactions. Additionally, we may in the future prepay our term loan facility or other debt. The decision to 
repurchase senior unsecured notes or to prepay our term loan facility or other debt is based on prevailing market 
conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions, and other factors.

Capital Expenditures

The following table sets forth information regarding our capital expenditures over the past three years:

(In millions)
Purchases of property and equipment, including operating lease buy-outs (1)

2013

2012

2011

$

207.2

$

183.6

$

158.1

(1) 

Includes accrued construction in progress and excludes property acquired under capital leases.

Excluding land purchased for future sites and lease buy-outs, and net of related asset sales, we anticipate that our capital 

expenditures, including accrued construction in progress, will be approximately $180 million in 2014 primarily related to 
our store facilities.

Acquisitions and Divestitures

The following table sets forth information regarding cash used in business acquisitions, net of cash acquired, and cash 

received from business divestitures, net of cash relinquished, over the past three years:

(In millions)
Cash received from (used in) business acquisitions, net(1)
Cash received from (used in) business divestitures, net

2013

2012

2011

$

$

(87.9) $
$
10.1

(141.6) $
$
6.8

(64.2)
4.9

(1) Excludes capital leases and deferred purchase price commitments.

We purchased five stores and related assets during 2013, compared to six in 2012 and one in 2011. 

43

Cash Dividends

We have not declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock during our two most recent fiscal years. We do 

not currently anticipate paying cash dividends for the foreseeable future. 

Long-Term Debt

The following table sets forth our non-vehicle long-term debt as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:

(In millions)
6.75% Senior Notes due 2018

5.5% Senior Notes due 2020

Term loan facility due 2016

Revolving credit facility due 2016
Mortgage facility(1)
Capital leases and other debt

Less: current maturities

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

2013

2012

$

396.3

$

350.0

500.0

300.0

194.7

98.9

1,839.9
(30.1)
1,809.8

$

$

395.6

350.0

500.0

540.0

203.3

107.2

2,096.1
(29.8)
2,066.3

(1)  The mortgage facility requires monthly principal and interest payments of $1.7 million based on a fixed 

amortization schedule with a balloon payment of $155.4 million due November 2017.

Senior Unsecured Notes

At December 31, 2013, we had outstanding $396.3 million of 6.75% Senior Notes due 2018, net of debt discount. Interest 

is payable on April 15 and October 15 of each year. These notes will mature on April 15, 2018.

At December 31, 2013, we had outstanding $350.0 million of 5.5% Senior Notes due 2020. Interest is payable on 
February 1 and August 1 of each year. At any time prior to February 1, 2015, we may redeem up to 35% of the principal 
amount of these notes with the net cash proceeds of one or more public equity offerings of our common stock at 105.5% of 
principal. These notes will mature on February 1, 2020.

Our senior unsecured notes are guaranteed by substantially all of our subsidiaries.

Credit Agreement

Under our credit agreement, we have a $500.0 million term loan facility and a $1.2 billion revolving credit facility.  The 

term loan and revolving credit facilities under the credit agreement mature on December 7, 2016. As of December 31, 
2013, we had borrowings outstanding of $300.0 million under the revolving credit facility. We have a $200.0 million letter 
of credit sublimit as part of our revolving credit facility. The amount available to be borrowed under the revolving credit 
facility is reduced on a dollar-for-dollar basis by the cumulative amount of any outstanding letters of credit, which was 
$45.6 million at December 31, 2013, leaving an additional borrowing capacity under the revolving credit facility of 
$854.4 million at December 31, 2013. 

Funds borrowed under our credit agreement may be used to repay indebtedness, finance acquisitions, and for working 

capital, capital expenditures, share repurchases, and other general corporate purposes.

Our term loan facility provides for various interest rates generally at LIBOR plus 1.75%. Our  revolving credit facility 
provides for a commitment fee on undrawn amounts of 0.30% and various interest rates on borrowings generally at LIBOR 
plus 1.75%.

The credit spread charged for both the term loan facility and the revolving credit facility is affected by our leverage 
ratio. For instance, an increase in our leverage ratio from greater than or equal to 2.0x but less than 3.25x to greater than or 
equal to 3.25x would result in a 25 basis point increase in the credit spread under both our term loan facility and revolving 
credit facility.

44

Borrowings under the credit agreement are guaranteed by substantially all of our subsidiaries.

Vehicle Floorplan Payable

Vehicle floorplan payable-trade totaled $2.1 billion at December 31, 2013 and $1.8 billion at December 31, 2012. 

Vehicle floorplan payable-trade reflects amounts borrowed to finance the purchase of specific new vehicle inventories with 
manufacturers’ captive finance subsidiaries.

Vehicle floorplan payable-non-trade totaled $898.9 million at December 31, 2013, and $773.9 million at December 31, 

2012, and represents amounts borrowed to finance the purchase of specific new and, to a lesser extent, used vehicle 
inventories with non-trade lenders, as well as amounts borrowed under our secured used vehicle floorplan facilities, which 
are primarily collateralized by used vehicle inventories and related receivables. 

At December 31, 2013, the aggregate capacity under our used vehicle floorplan facilities was $275.0 million. As of that 
date, $177.3 million had been borrowed under those facilities, and the remaining borrowing capacity of $97.7 million was 
limited to $50.0 million based on the eligible used vehicle inventory that could have been pledged as collateral.

At December 31, 2012, the aggregate capacity under our used vehicle floorplan facilities was $275.0 million. As of that 
date, $119.5 million had been borrowed under those facilities, and the remaining borrowing capacity of $155.5 million was 
limited to $92.9 million based on the eligible used vehicle inventory that could have been pledged as collateral.

All the vehicle floorplan facilities utilize LIBOR-based interest rates. Vehicle floorplan facilities are due on demand, but 

in the case of new vehicle inventories, are generally paid within several business days after the related vehicles are sold. 
Our manufacturer agreements generally require that the manufacturer have the ability to draft against the new vehicle 
floorplan facilities so the lender directly funds the manufacturer for the purchase of new vehicle inventory. Vehicle 
floorplan facilities are primarily collateralized by vehicle inventories and related receivables.

Other Debt

At December 31, 2013, we had $194.7 million outstanding under a mortgage facility with an automotive manufacturer’s 

captive finance subsidiary that matures on November 30, 2017. The mortgage facility utilizes a fixed interest rate of 
5.864% and is secured by 10-year mortgages on certain of our store properties. The mortgage facility requires monthly 
principal and interest payments of $1.7 million based on a fixed amortization schedule with a balloon payment of $155.4 
million due November 2017. Repayment of the mortgage facility is subject to a prepayment penalty.

At December 31, 2013, we had capital lease and other debt obligations of $98.9 million, which are due at various dates 

through 2033.

Restrictions and Covenants

Our credit agreement, the indentures for our 6.75% Senior Notes due 2018 and 5.5% Senior Notes due 2020, our vehicle 
floorplan facilities, and our mortgage facility contain customary financial and operating covenants that place restrictions on 
us, including our ability to incur additional indebtedness or prepay existing indebtedness, to create liens or other 
encumbrances, to sell (or otherwise dispose of) assets, and to merge or consolidate with other entities.

Under our credit agreement we are required to remain in compliance with a maximum leverage ratio and maximum 
capitalization ratio. The leverage ratio is a contractually defined amount principally reflecting non-vehicle debt divided by 
a contractually defined measure of earnings with certain adjustments. The capitalization ratio is a contractually defined 
amount principally reflecting vehicle floorplan payable and non-vehicle debt divided by our total capitalization including 
vehicle floorplan payable. Under the credit agreement, the maximum leverage ratio is 3.75x and the maximum 
capitalization ratio is 65.0%. In calculating our leverage and capitalization ratios, we are not required to include letters of 
credit in the definition of debt (except to the extent of letters of credit in excess of $150.0 million). In addition, in 
calculating our capitalization ratio, we are permitted to add back to shareholders’ equity all goodwill, franchise rights, and 
long-lived asset impairment charges subsequent to September 30, 2011 plus $1.52 billion. The specific terms of these 
covenants can be found in our credit agreement, which we filed with our Current Report on Form 8-K on December 8, 
2011.

The indentures for our 6.75% Senior Notes due 2018 and 5.5% Senior Notes due 2020 contain certain limited 
covenants, including limitations on liens and sale and leaseback transactions, but do not contain restricted payments 

45

covenants or debt incurrence restrictions. Our mortgage facility contains covenants regarding maximum cash flow leverage 
and minimum interest coverage.

Our failure to comply with the covenants contained in our debt agreements could permit acceleration of all of our 
indebtedness. Our debt agreements have cross-default provisions that trigger a default in the event of an uncured default 
under other material indebtedness of AutoNation.

As of December 31, 2013, we were in compliance with the requirements of the financial covenants under our debt 
agreements. Under the terms of our credit agreement, at December 31, 2013, our leverage ratio and capitalization ratio 
were as follows:

Leverage ratio

Capitalization ratio

December 31, 2013

Requirement    

Actual    

2.25x

57.6%

Both the leverage ratio and the capitalization ratio limit our ability to incur additional non-vehicle debt. The 

capitalization ratio also limits our ability to incur additional vehicle floorplan indebtedness.

In the event of a downgrade in our credit ratings, none of the covenants described above would be impacted. In addition, 
availability under the credit agreement described above would not be impacted should a downgrade in the senior unsecured 
debt credit ratings occur.

Cash Flows

The following table summarizes the changes in our cash provided by (used in) operating, investing, and financing 

activities:

(In millions)
Net cash provided by operating activities
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash used in financing activities

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Years Ended December 31,
2012

2011

2013

$
$
$

484.1
$
(257.8) $
(226.8) $

316.6
$
(297.8) $
(35.7) $

376.4
(206.2)
(178.7)

Our primary sources of operating cash flows are collections from contracts-in-transit and customers following the sale 

of vehicles and proceeds from vehicle floorplan payable-trade. Our primary uses of cash from operating activities are 
repayments of vehicle floorplan payable-trade, personnel-related expenditures, and payments related to taxes and leased 
properties.

2013 compared to 2012 

Net cash provided by operating activities increased during 2013, as compared to 2012, primarily due to a decrease in 

working capital requirements and an increase in earnings.

2012 compared to 2011 

Net cash provided by operating activities decreased during 2012, as compared to 2011, primarily due to an increase in 

working capital requirements, partially offset by an increase in earnings.

During 2011, we paid $14.8 million in connection with refinancing our indebtedness. Cash flows from operating 

activities reflect $1.8 million of these cash payments that we charged to expense related to this refinancing transaction. In 
addition, we charged to expense $0.4 million of previously deferred debt issuance costs. Cash flows from financing 
activities, discussed below, reflect $13.0 million of debt issuance costs that are being amortized to interest expense over the 
term of the new credit agreement.

46

 
 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Net cash flows from investing activities consist primarily of cash used in capital additions, activity from business 
acquisitions, business divestitures, property dispositions, purchases and sales of investments, and other transactions.

We will make facility and infrastructure upgrades and improvements from time to time as we identify projects that are 

required to maintain our current business or that we expect to provide us with acceptable rates of return. Excluding land 
purchased for future sites and lease buy-outs, and net of related asset sales, we project that 2014 capital expenditures, 
including accrued construction in progress, will be approximately $180 million.

2013 compared to 2012 

Net cash used in investing activities decreased during 2013 as compared to 2012, primarily due to a decrease in cash 

used in business acquisitions. 

2012 compared to 2011 

Net cash used in investing activities increased during 2012 as compared to 2011, primarily due to an increase in cash 

used in business acquisitions. 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Net cash flows from financing activities primarily include repurchases of common stock, debt activity, changes in 

vehicle floorplan payable-non-trade, and proceeds from the stock option exercises.

2013 compared to 2012 

During 2013, under our share repurchase program authorized by our Board of Directors, we repurchased 1.1 million 
shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $53.5 million (average purchase price per share of $47.37). 
Additionally, 44,738 shares were surrendered to AutoNation primarily to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection 
with the vesting of restricted stock.

During 2012, under our share repurchase program authorized by our Board of Directors, we repurchased 16.6 million 

shares of our common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $580.6 million (average purchase price per share of 
$34.89), including repurchases for which settlement occurred subsequent to December 31, 2012. Additionally, 46,467 
shares were surrendered to AutoNation to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted 
stock.

During 2013, we borrowed $0.8 billion and repaid $1.1 billion under our revolving credit facility, for net repayments of 

$240.0 million. During 2012, we borrowed $1.3 billion and repaid $1.2 billion under our revolving credit facility, for net 
borrowings of $45.0 million. 

We made payments of capital lease and other debt obligations of $26.2 million during 2013 and $5.0 million during 

2012.

On February 1, 2012, we issued $350.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.5% Senior Notes due 2020. See “Long-
Term Debt - Senior Unsecured Notes” above for additional information regarding our 5.5% Senior Notes due 2020. Cash 
flows from financing activities in 2012 reflect cash payments of $6.0 million for debt issuance costs that are being 
amortized to expense over the term of the related debt. 

On April 16, 2012, we redeemed all of our outstanding 7% Senior Notes due 2014 at 100% of principal, for which we 

paid $14.7 million.

Cash flows from financing activities include changes in vehicle floorplan payable-non-trade (vehicle floorplan payables 
with lenders other than the automotive manufacturers’ captive finance subsidiaries for that franchise) totaling net proceeds 
of $89.0 million during 2013 compared to net proceeds of $138.1 million in 2012.

During 2013, cash flows from financing activities were also impacted by a decrease in proceeds from the exercise of 

stock options as compared to 2012.

47

2012 compared to 2011 

Net cash used in financing activities decreased during 2012, as compared to 2011, primarily due to the net impact of the 
debt activity that occurred in 2012, as noted above, and 2011, described below, as well as an increase in net proceeds from 
vehicle floorplan payable-non-trade, partially offset by a decrease in proceeds from the exercise of stock options in 2012 as 
compared to 2011. 

During 2011, we entered into a new five-year unsecured credit agreement with a $500.0 million term loan facility and a 

$1.2 billion revolving credit facility. The new credit agreement replaced our prior unsecured credit agreement. The prior 
credit agreement was terminated concurrently with our entry into the new credit agreement, and the indebtedness 
outstanding under the prior credit agreement was paid off with proceeds from borrowings under the new credit agreement. 
Cash flows from financing activities in 2011 also reflect cash payments of $13.0 million for debt issuance costs that are 
being amortized to expense over the term of the new credit agreement.

Contractual Payment Obligations

The following table summarizes our payment obligations under certain contracts at December 31, 2013:

(In millions)
Vehicle floorplan payable (Note 3)(1)
Long-term debt, including capital leases (Note 7)(1)
Interest payments(2)
Operating lease and other commitments (Note 8)(3)
Unrecognized tax benefits, net (Note 11)(1)
Deferred compensation obligations(4)
Estimated liability for chargebacks (Note 19)(5)
Estimated liability for self-insurance obligations(6)
Purchase obligations(7)

Payments Due by Period

Less Than  1
Year
(2014)

1 - 3 Years
(2015 and
2016)

3 - 5 Years
(2017 and
2018)

Total      

More Than 5
Years
(2019 and
thereafter)

$

3,029.0

$

3,029.0

$

— $

— $

1,839.9

312.4

424.3

6.3

51.7

67.6

66.3

164.9

30.1

62.3

42.2

0.2

1.6

37.9

24.2

94.3

837.3

121.3

74.6

2.2

—

26.4

22.3

59.6

573.3

93.2

65.7

—

—

3.3

10.3

10.6

—

399.2

35.6

241.8

3.9

50.1

—

9.5

0.4

Total

$

5,962.4

$

3,321.8

$

1,143.7

$

756.4

$

740.5

(1)  See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

(2)  Primarily represents scheduled fixed interest payments on our outstanding senior unsecured notes and mortgage 

facility. Estimates of future interest payments for vehicle floorplan payables and other variable rate debt are excluded.

(3)  Amounts for operating lease commitments do not include certain operating expenses such as maintenance, insurance, 

and real estate taxes. In 2013, these charges totaled approximately $22 million. See Note 8 of the Notes to 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

(4)  Due to uncertainty regarding timing of payments expected beyond one year, long-term obligations for deferred 

compensation arrangements have been classified in the “More Than 5 Years” column.

(5)  Our estimated chargeback obligations do not have scheduled maturities, however, the timing of future payments can 

be estimated based on historical patterns.

(6)  Under our self insurance programs, we retain various levels of aggregate loss limits, per claim deductibles, and 
claims-handling expenses as part of our various insurance programs, including property and casualty, employee 
medical benefits, automobile, and workers’ compensation. These amounts are based on management estimates and 
actuarial calculations. Although these obligations do not have scheduled maturities, the timing of future payments is 
estimated based on historical patterns.

48

 
(7)  Primarily represents purchase orders and contracts in connection with information technology and communication 

systems, as well as real estate construction projects.

In the ordinary course of business, we are required to post performance and surety bonds, letters of credit, and/or cash 

deposits as financial guarantees of our performance. At December 31, 2013, surety bonds, letters of credit, and cash 
deposits totaled $91.3 million, of which $45.6 million represented letters of credit. We do not currently provide cash 
collateral for outstanding letters of credit. We have negotiated a letter of credit sublimit as part of our revolving credit 
facility. The amount available to be borrowed under this revolving credit facility is reduced on a dollar-for-dollar basis by 
the cumulative amount of any outstanding letters of credit.

As further discussed in Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, there are various tax matters where 

the ultimate resolution may result in us owing additional tax payments.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of December 31, 2013, we did not have any significant off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined in Item 303(a)(4)

(ii) of SEC Regulation S-K.

Forward-Looking Statements

Our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and prospects, and the prevailing market price and 

performance of our common stock may be adversely affected by a number of factors, including the matters discussed 
below. Certain statements and information set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including without limitation 
statements regarding our expectations for the future performance of our franchises and the automotive retail industry, as 
well as other written or oral statements made from time to time by us or by our authorized executive officers on our behalf, 
constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and 
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact, 
including statements that describe our objectives, plans or goals are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. 
Words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “goal,” “plan,” “believe,” “continue,” “may,” “will,” and variations of such 
words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements 
reflect our current expectations concerning future results and events, and they involve known and unknown risks, 
uncertainties and other factors that are difficult to predict and may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements 
to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these statements. 
These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report, and we undertake no obligation to revise or 
update these statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. The risks, uncertainties, and other factors that our 
stockholders and prospective investors should consider include, but are not limited to, the following:

• 

• 

• 

The automotive retail industry is sensitive to changing economic conditions and various other factors. Our 
business and results of operations are substantially dependent on new vehicle sales levels in the United States and 
in our particular geographic markets and the level of gross profit margins that we can achieve on our sales of new 
vehicles, all of which are very difficult to predict.

If we are not able to maintain and enhance our retail brands and reputation, or if events occur that damage our 
retail brands and reputation, our business and financial results may be harmed.

Our debt agreements contain certain financial ratios and other restrictions on our ability to conduct our business, 
and our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our financial condition and operations and prevent us from 
fulfilling our debt service obligations.

•  We are dependent upon the success and continued financial viability of the vehicle manufacturers and distributors 

with which we hold franchises.

• 

Goodwill and other intangible assets comprise a significant portion of our total assets. We must test our goodwill 
and other intangible assets for impairment at least annually, which could result in a material, non-cash write-down 
of goodwill or franchise rights and could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and 
shareholders’ equity.

49

• 

• 

Our new vehicle sales are impacted by the consumer incentive, marketing, and other programs of vehicle 
manufacturers.

Natural disasters and adverse weather events can disrupt our business.

•  We are subject to restrictions imposed by, and significant influence from, vehicle manufacturers that may 

adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and prospects, including our 
ability to acquire additional stores.

•  We are subject to numerous legal and administrative proceedings, which, if the outcomes are adverse to us, could 
materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, and prospects.

• 

Our operations are subject to extensive governmental laws and regulations. If we are found to be in purported 
violation of or subject to liabilities under any of these laws or regulations, or if new laws or regulations are 
enacted that adversely affect our operations, our business, operating results, and prospects could suffer.

•  We are subject to interest rate risk in connection with our vehicle floorplan payables, revolving credit facility, and 

term loan facility that could have a material adverse effect on our profitability.

• 

• 

Our largest stockholders, as a result of their ownership stakes in us, may have the ability to exert substantial 
influence over actions to be taken or approved by our stockholders or Board of Directors. In addition, future share 
repurchases and fluctuations in the levels of ownership of our largest stockholders could impact the volume of 
trading, liquidity, and market price of our common stock.

A failure of our information systems or any security breach or unauthorized disclosure of confidential information 
could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Additional Information

Investors and others should note that we announce material financial information using our company website 
(www.autonation.com), our investor relations website (investors.autonation.com), SEC filings, press releases, public 
conference calls and webcasts. Information about AutoNation, its business, and its results of operations may also be 
announced by posts on the following social media channels: 

•  AutoNation’s Twitter feed (www.twitter.com/autonation)

•  Mike Jackson’s Twitter feed (www.twitter.com/CEOMikeJackson)

•  AutoNation’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/autonation)

•  Mike Jackson’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CEOMikeJackson)

The information that we post on these social media channels could be deemed to be material information. As a result, 

we encourage investors, the media, and others interested in AutoNation to review the information that we post on these 
social media channels. These channels may be updated from time to time on AutoNation’s investor relations website. The 
information on or accessible through our websites and social media channels is not incorporated by reference in this 
Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

ITEM 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Interest Rate Risk

Our primary market risk exposure is increasing LIBOR-based interest rates. Interest rate derivatives may be used to 

hedge a portion of our variable rate debt, when appropriate, based on market conditions. 

We had $3.0 billion of variable rate vehicle floorplan payable at December 31, 2013, and $2.5 billion at December 31, 

2012. Based on these amounts, a 100 basis point change in interest rates would result in an approximate change of 
$30.3 million in 2013 and $25.4 million in 2012 to our annual floorplan interest expense. Our exposure to changes in 

50

interest rates with respect to total vehicle floorplan payable is partially mitigated by manufacturers’ floorplan assistance, 
which in some cases is based on variable interest rates.

We had $0.8 billion of other variable rate debt outstanding at December 31, 2013 and $1.0 billion at December 31, 

2012. Based on the amounts outstanding at year-end, a 100 basis point change in interest rates would result in an 
approximate change to annual interest expense of $8.0 million in 2013 and $10.4 million in 2012.

Our fixed rate debt, consisting of amounts outstanding under senior unsecured notes, mortgages, and capital lease and 

other debt obligations, totaled $1.0 billion and had a fair value of $1.1 billion as of December 31, 2013, and totaled 
$1.1 billion and had a fair value of $1.1 billion as of December 31, 2012.

51

ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

Page

53

55

56

57

58

60

89

52

 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders
AutoNation, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of AutoNation, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 

2013 and 2012, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the 
years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2013. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of 
the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based 
on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 

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

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the 

financial position of AutoNation, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the results of their 
operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2013, in conformity with 
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States), AutoNation, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, based on criteria established 
in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway 
Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 13, 2014 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the 
Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ KPMG LLP

February 13, 2014 
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Certified Public Accountants

53

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders
AutoNation, Inc.:

We have audited AutoNation, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, based on criteria 

established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of 
the Treadway Commission (COSO). AutoNation, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal 
control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, 
included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our 
responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

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

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

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. 

Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become 
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may 
deteriorate.

In our opinion, AutoNation, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as 

of December 31, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 

States), the consolidated balance sheets of AutoNation, Inc. as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related 
consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended 
December 31, 2013, and our report dated February 13, 2014 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated 
financial statements.

/s/ KPMG LLP

February 13, 2014 
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Certified Public Accountants

54

AUTONATION, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of December 31, 
(In millions, except share and per share data)

ASSETS

2013

2012

CURRENT ASSETS:

Cash and cash equivalents
Receivables, net
Inventory
Other current assets

Total Current Assets

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
GOODWILL, NET
OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
OTHER ASSETS
Total Assets

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

Vehicle floorplan payable - trade
Vehicle floorplan payable - non-trade
Accounts payable
Current maturities of long-term debt
Other current liabilities

Total Current Liabilities

LONG-TERM DEBT, NET OF CURRENT MATURITIES
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
OTHER LIABILITIES
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 8)
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 1,500,000,000 shares authorized;

163,562,149 shares issued at December 31, 2013 and 2012, including shares held
in treasury

Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Treasury stock, at cost; 42,646,753 and 42,705,580 shares held, respectively

Total Shareholders’ Equity
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

69.2
740.9
2,827.2
192.7
3,830.0
2,235.3
1,259.6
335.1
254.1
7,914.1

2,130.1
898.9
263.0
30.1
429.7
3,751.8
1,809.8
116.5
174.3

69.7
698.4
2,396.9
196.1
3,361.1
2,095.1
1,237.4
291.3
218.1
7,203.0

1,766.3
773.9
217.2
29.8
414.5
3,201.7
2,066.3
89.4
157.1

—

—

1.6
42.8
3,337.9
(1,320.6)
2,061.7
7,914.1

$

1.6
26.6
2,963.0
(1,302.7)
1,688.5
7,203.0

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

55

 
AUTONATION, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
For the Years Ended December 31, 
(In millions, except per share data)

2013

2012

2011

Revenue:

New vehicle
Used vehicle
Parts and service
Finance and insurance, net
Other

TOTAL REVENUE
Cost of Sales:
New vehicle
Used vehicle
Parts and service
Other

TOTAL COST OF SALES (excluding depreciation shown below)
Gross Profit:

New vehicle
Used vehicle
Parts and service
Finance and insurance
Other

TOTAL GROSS PROFIT
Selling, general & administrative expenses
Depreciation and amortization
Franchise rights impairment
Other expenses (income), net
OPERATING INCOME
Non-operating income (expense) items:
Floorplan interest expense
Other interest expense
Loss on debt extinguishment
Interest income
Other income (losses), net
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
Income tax provision
NET INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
NET INCOME
BASIC EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE:

Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Net income
Weighted average common shares outstanding
DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE:

Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Net income
Weighted average common shares outstanding

COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING, net of treasury stock, at period end

$

$

$
$
$

$
$
$

9,949.6
4,127.4
2,597.4
674.0
169.2
17,517.6

9,333.2
3,797.7
1,491.6
135.2
14,757.7

616.4
329.7
1,105.8
674.0
34.0
2,759.9
1,935.0
95.3
—
(10.7)
740.3

(53.4)
(88.3)
—
0.2
5.6
604.4
228.6
375.8
(0.9)
374.9

$

$

3.10
$
(0.01) $
3.09
$
121.3

3.05
$
(0.01) $
3.04
$
123.3
120.9

$

8,906.2
3,714.3
2,399.2
571.2
76.6
15,667.5

8,326.7
3,415.1
1,391.2
48.3
13,181.3

579.5
299.2
1,008.0
571.2
28.3
2,486.2
1,749.3
87.3
4.2
0.1
645.3

(45.5)
(86.9)
—
0.3
3.6
516.8
199.5
317.3
(0.9)
316.4

$

2.56
$
(0.01) $
2.56
$
123.8

2.52
$
(0.01) $
2.52
$
125.8
120.9

7,498.9
3,512.8
2,293.1
474.5
53.0
13,832.3

6,951.2
3,228.0
1,323.0
26.1
11,528.3

547.7
284.8
970.1
474.5
26.9
2,304.0
1,649.4
83.7
—
(1.1)
572.0

(42.7)
(66.0)
(2.2)
0.7
(0.5)
461.3
177.1
284.2
(2.8)
281.4

1.96
(0.02)
1.94
144.8

1.93
(0.02)
1.91
147.3
135.8

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

56

AUTONATION, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 
(In millions, except share data)

Common Stock

Shares

Amount

Additional
Paid-In
Capital  

Retained
Earnings  

Treasury
Stock  

Total

BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2010

163,562,149

$

1.6

$

2.0

$

2,365.2

$

(289.9) $

2,078.9

Net income

Repurchases of common stock

Stock-based compensation expense

Shares awarded under stock-based compensation
plans, including excess income tax benefit of
$22.8

—

—

—

—

BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2011

163,562,149

$

Net income

Repurchases of common stock

Stock-based compensation expense

Shares awarded under stock-based compensation
plans, including excess income tax benefit of
$10.6

—

—

—

—

BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2012

163,562,149

$

Net income
Repurchases of common stock
Stock-based compensation expense
Shares awarded under stock-based compensation
plans, including excess income tax benefit of
$10.0

—
—
—

—

BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2013

163,562,149

$

—

—

—

—

1.6

—

—

—

—

1.6

—
—
—

—

1.6

—

—

18.4

(0.8)

281.4

—

—

—

—

(584.9)

—

281.4

(584.9)

18.4

101.6

100.8

$

19.6

$

2,646.6

$

(773.2) $

1,894.6

—

—

18.6

(11.6)

26.6

—
—
21.3

316.4

—

—

—

—

(582.3)

—

316.4

(582.3)

18.6

52.8

41.2

$

2,963.0

$

(1,302.7) $

1,688.5

374.9
—
—

—
(55.7)
—

374.9
(55.7)
21.3

$

(5.1)

—

37.8

32.7

$

42.8

$

3,337.9

$

(1,320.6) $

2,061.7

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

57

 
 
AUTONATION, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended December 31, 
(In millions)

CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:

Loss from discontinued operations
Depreciation and amortization
Amortization of debt issuance costs and accretion of debt discounts
Stock-based compensation expense
Franchise rights impairment
Non-cash impairment charges
Write-off of deferred debt issuance costs
Net gain on asset sales and dispositions
Deferred income tax provision
Excess tax benefit from stock-based awards
Other
(Increase) decrease, net of effects from business combinations

and divestitures:
Receivables
Inventory
Other assets

Increase (decrease), net of effects from business combinations

and divestitures:
Vehicle floorplan payable-trade, net
Accounts payable
Other liabilities

Net cash provided by continuing operations
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations

Net cash provided by operating activities
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Purchases of property and equipment
Property operating lease buy-outs
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment
Proceeds from the disposal of assets held for sale
Insurance recoveries on property and equipment
Cash used in business acquisitions, net of cash acquired
Cash received from business divestitures, net of cash relinquished
Proceeds from the sales of restricted investments
Other
Net cash used in continuing operations
Net cash used in discontinued operations

Net cash used in investing activities

2013

2012

2011

$

374.9

$

316.4

$

281.4

0.9
95.3
5.7
21.3
—
0.7
—
(9.8)
9.9
(10.0)
(6.8)

(46.3)
(400.1)
(21.5)

364.2
36.7
63.8
478.9
5.2
484.1

(160.8)
(41.9)
3.1
22.7
2.5
(87.9)
10.1
—
(5.6)
(257.8)
—
(257.8)

0.9
87.3
5.6
18.6
4.2
0.8
—
(0.3)
26.8
(10.6)
(4.0)

(112.0)
(474.7)
(35.8)

404.0
30.4
60.0
317.6
(1.0)
316.6

(160.6)
(16.8)
0.6
15.3
1.0
(141.6)
6.8
0.4
(2.9)
(297.8)
—
(297.8)

2.8
83.7
4.3
18.4
—
2.2
0.4
(3.5)
31.1
(22.8)
0.3

(127.4)
70.1
(23.6)

(17.6)
36.6
39.5
375.9
0.5
376.4

(149.1)
(13.8)
3.0
10.9
0.1
(64.2)
4.9
—
2.0
(206.2)
—
(206.2)

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

58

 
AUTONATION, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended December 31, 
(In millions)

(Continued)

CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

2013

2012

2011

Repurchases of common stock

Proceeds from 5.5% Senior Notes due 2020

Proceeds from term loan facility

Payment of term loan facility

Payment of 7% Senior Notes due 2014

Proceeds from revolving credit facilities

Payments of revolving credit facilities

Payment of debt issuance costs

Net proceeds from vehicle floorplan payable - non-trade

Payments of mortgage facilities

Payments of capital lease and other debt obligations

Proceeds from the exercise of stock options

Excess tax benefit from stock-based awards

Net cash used in continuing operations

Net cash used in discontinued operations

Net cash used in financing activities

DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS at beginning of period

(67.3)
—

—

—

—

815.0
(1,055.0)
—

89.0
(8.7)
(26.2)
22.7

10.0
(220.5)
(6.3)
(226.8)
(0.5)
69.7

(575.6)
350.0

—

—
(14.7)
1,280.0
(1,235.0)
(6.0)
138.1
(8.1)
(5.0)
30.6

10.6
(35.1)
(0.6)
(35.7)
(16.9)
86.6

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS at end of period

$

69.2

$

69.7

$

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

(579.8)
—

500.0
(533.4)
—

940.0
(625.0)
(13.0)
40.1
(7.7)
(0.7)
78.0

22.8
(178.7)
—
(178.7)
(8.5)
95.1

86.6

59

 
AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All tables in millions, except per share data)

1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Organization and Business

AutoNation, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is the largest automotive retailer in the United States. As of December 31, 
2013, we owned and operated 269 new vehicle franchises from 228 stores located in the United States, predominantly in 
major metropolitan markets in the Sunbelt region. Our stores, which we believe include some of the most recognizable and 
well known in our key markets, sell 33 different new vehicle brands. The core brands of new vehicles that we sell, 
representing approximately 95% of the new vehicles that we sold in 2013, are manufactured by Toyota, Ford, Honda, 
Nissan, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Chrysler, and Volkswagen. 

We offer a diversified range of automotive products and services, including new vehicles, used vehicles, “parts and 
service,” which includes automotive repair and maintenance services as well as wholesale parts and collision businesses, 
and automotive “finance and insurance” products, which include vehicle service and other protection products, as well as 
the arranging of financing for vehicle purchases through third-party finance sources. For convenience, the terms 
“AutoNation,” “Company,” and “we” are used to refer collectively to AutoNation, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless 
otherwise required by the context. Our dealership operations are conducted by our subsidiaries.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of AutoNation, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All 

of our automotive dealership subsidiaries are indirectly wholly owned by the parent company, AutoNation, Inc. All 
significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidation.

Certain reclassifications of amounts previously reported have been made to the accompanying Consolidated Financial 

Statements in order to maintain consistency and comparability between periods presented.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 

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 revenue 
and expenses during the reporting period. In preparing these financial statements, management has made its best estimates 
and judgments of certain amounts included in the financial statements, giving due consideration to materiality. We base our 
estimates and judgments on historical experience and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable. However, 
application of these accounting policies involves the exercise of judgment and use of assumptions as to future uncertainties 
and, as a result, actual results could differ materially from these estimates. We periodically evaluate estimates and 
assumptions used in the preparation of the financial statements and make changes on a prospective basis when adjustments 
are necessary. Significant estimates made by AutoNation in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include 
certain assumptions related to goodwill, intangible assets, long-lived assets, and assets held for sale, accruals for 
chargebacks against revenue recognized from the sale of finance and insurance products, accruals related to self-insurance 
programs, certain legal proceedings, estimated tax liabilities, estimated losses from disposals of discontinued operations, 
and certain assumptions related to stock-based compensation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less as of the date of purchase to be cash 

equivalents unless the investments are legally or contractually restricted for more than three months. Under our cash 
management system, outstanding checks that are in excess of the cash balances at certain banks are included in Accounts 
Payable in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and changes in these amounts are reflected in operating cash flows in the 
accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

60

AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)

Inventory

Inventory consists primarily of new and used vehicles held for sale, valued at the lower of cost or market using the 
specific identification method. Cost includes acquisition, reconditioning, dealer installed accessories, and transportation 
expenses. Additionally, we receive floorplan interest assistance from certain manufacturers. This assistance is reflected as a 
reduction to the inventory cost and as a reduction to cost of sales as the vehicles are sold. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, 
inventory cost had been reduced by $19.7 million and $15.8 million, respectively, for interest assistance received from 
manufacturers. Parts, accessories, and other inventory are valued at the lower of acquisition cost (first-in, first-out) or 
market. See Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more detailed information about our inventory. 

Property and Equipment, net

Property and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for major additions and 
improvements are capitalized, while minor replacements, maintenance, and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. 
Leased property meeting certain criteria is capitalized and the present value of the related lease payments is recorded as a 
liability and included in current and/or long-term debt based on the lease term. When property is retired or otherwise 
disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is 
reflected in Other Expenses (Income), Net in the Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 4 of the Notes to 
Consolidated Financial Statements for detailed information about our property and equipment.

Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the assets involved using the straight-line method. Leasehold 
improvements and capitalized lease assets are amortized to depreciation expense over the estimated useful life of the asset 
or the respective lease term used in determining lease classification, whichever is shorter. The range of estimated useful 
lives is as follows:

Buildings and improvements 

Furniture, fixtures, and equipment 

5 to 40 years

3 to 12 years

We continually evaluate property and equipment, including leasehold improvements, to determine whether events or 
changes in circumstances have occurred that may warrant revision of the estimated useful life or whether the remaining 
balance should be evaluated for possible impairment. We use an estimate of the related undiscounted cash flows over the 
remaining life of the property and equipment in assessing whether an asset has been impaired. We measure impairment 
losses based upon the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value. See Note 17 of the Notes to 
Consolidated Financial Statements for information about our fair value measurements.

During 2013 and 2012, we fully impaired certain long-lived assets held and used in continuing operations and recorded 
non-cash impairment charges of $0.7 million in 2013 and $0.8 million in 2012. These charges are recorded as a component 
of Other Expenses (Income), Net in the Consolidated Statements of Income and are reported in the “Corporate and other” 
category of our segment information.

When property and equipment is identified as held for sale, we reclassify the held for sale assets to Other Current Assets 

and cease recording depreciation. Assets held for sale in both continuing operations and discontinued operations are 
reported in the “Corporate and other” category of our segment information. 

We had assets held for sale of $59.8 million at December 31, 2013, and $70.4 million at December 31, 2012, included 
in continuing operations. During 2013 and 2012, we recorded no impairment charges related to our continuing operations 
assets held for sale. 

We had assets held for sale of $34.5 million at December 31, 2013, and $43.2 million at December 31, 2012, included 
in discontinued operations. During 2013, we recorded no impairment charges related to our discontinued operations assets 
held for sale. During 2012, we recorded a $0.1 million non-cash impairment charge related to our discontinued operations 
assets held for sale to reduce the carrying value of these assets to fair value less cost to sell. This charge is recorded as a 
component of Loss from Discontinued Operations in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

61

 
AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)

During the fourth quarter of 2013, we recognized a gain of $8.1 million ($5.0 million after-tax) related to the sale of a 
continuing operations held for sale property. This gain is recorded as a component of Other Expenses (Income), Net in the 
Consolidated Statements of Income and is reported in the “Corporate and other” category of our segment information.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net

Goodwill consists of the cost of acquired businesses in excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired. Additionally, 

other intangible assets are separately recognized if the benefit of the intangible asset is obtained through contractual or 
other legal rights, or if the intangible asset can be sold, transferred, licensed, rented, or exchanged, regardless of our intent 
to do so.

Our principal identifiable intangible assets are rights under franchise agreements with vehicle manufacturers. We 
generally expect our franchise agreements to survive for the foreseeable future and, when the agreements do not have 
indefinite terms, anticipate routine renewals of the agreements without substantial cost. The contractual terms of our 
franchise agreements provide for various durations, ranging from one year to no expiration date, and in certain cases, 
manufacturers have undertaken to renew such franchises upon expiration so long as the dealership is in compliance with 
the terms of the agreement. However, in general, the states in which we operate have automotive dealership franchise laws 
that provide that, notwithstanding the terms of any franchise agreement, it is unlawful for a manufacturer to terminate or 
not renew a franchise unless “good cause” exists. It is generally difficult, outside of bankruptcy, for a manufacturer to 
terminate or not renew a franchise under these franchise laws, which were designed to protect dealers. In addition, in our 
experience and historically in the automotive retail industry, dealership franchise agreements are rarely involuntarily 
terminated or not renewed by the manufacturer outside of bankruptcy. Accordingly, we believe that our franchise 
agreements will contribute to cash flows for the foreseeable future and have indefinite lives. Other intangible assets are 
amortized using a straight-line method over their useful lives, generally ranging from three to twenty-nine years.

Goodwill and franchise rights assets are tested for impairment annually or more frequently when events or changes in 
circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. We completed our annual impairment tests for both goodwill 
and franchise rights as of April 30, 2013. Based on our qualitative assessments of potential goodwill and franchise rights 
impairment, we determined that it was not more likely than not that the fair values of our reporting units or the fair values 
of our franchise rights were less than their carrying amounts and we recorded no goodwill or franchise rights impairment 
charges during 2013. 

 We completed our annual impairment tests for both goodwill and franchise rights as of April 30, 2012. Based on our 
qualitative assessment of potential goodwill impairment, we determined that it was not more likely than not that the fair 
values of our reporting units were less than their carrying amounts and we recorded no goodwill impairment charges 
during 2012. We recorded $4.2 million ($2.6 million after-tax) of non-cash impairment charges related to rights under a 
Premium Luxury store’s franchise agreement as a result of the annual franchise impairment test during 2012. The non-cash 
impairment charge was recorded to reduce the carrying value of the store’s franchise agreement to its estimated fair value, 
and is classified as Franchise Rights Impairment in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. 

We completed our annual impairment tests for both goodwill and franchise rights as of April 30, 2011, and no 

impairment charges resulted from the required impairment tests.

See Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information about our goodwill and other 

intangible assets.

Other Current Assets

Other current assets consist of various items, including, among other items, property and equipment held for sale in 
continuing operations and discontinued operations, current deferred tax assets, prepaid expenses, and the current portions 
of notes receivable and debt issuance costs.

62

AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)

Other Assets

Other assets consist of various items, including, among other items, service loaner and rental vehicle inventory, net, the 
cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance held in a Rabbi Trust for deferred compensation plan participants, 
and the long-term portions of notes receivable and debt issuance costs. Debt issuance costs are amortized to Other Interest 
Expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income using the effective interest method through maturity.

Other Current Liabilities

Other current liabilities consist of various items payable within one year including, among other items, accruals for 
payroll and benefits, sales taxes, deferred revenue, the current portions of finance and insurance chargeback liabilities and 
self-insurance reserves, accrued expenses, and customer deposits. 

Other Liabilities

Other liabilities consist of various items payable beyond one year including, among other items, the long-term portions 

of finance and insurance chargeback liabilities, self-insurance reserves, and deferred compensation obligations. 

Employee Savings Plans

We offer a 401(k) plan to all of our employees and provide a matching contribution to certain employees that participate 

in the plan. We provided a matching contribution of $5.2 million in 2013, $3.5 million in 2012, and $2.1 million in 2011. 
Employer matching contributions are subject to a 3-year graded vesting period for employees hired subsequent to 
January 1, 2011, and are fully vested immediately upon contribution for employees hired prior to January 1, 2011.

We offer a deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) to provide certain employees and non-employee directors with the 

opportunity to accumulate assets for retirement on a tax-deferred basis. Participants in the Plan are allowed to defer a 
portion of their compensation and are fully vested in their respective deferrals and earnings. Participants may choose from 
a variety of investment options, which determine their earnings credits. We provided a matching contribution to employee 
participants in the Plan of $0.5 million for 2013, $0.5 million for 2012, and $0.6 million in 2011. One-third of the matching 
contribution is vested and credited to participants on the first business day of the subsequent calendar year, and an 
additional one-third vests and is credited on each of the first and second anniversaries of such date. We may also make 
discretionary contributions, which vest three years after the effective date of the discretionary contribution. Participants 
eligible for a matching contribution under the Plan are not eligible for a matching contribution in our 401(k) plan. The 
balances due to participants in the Plan were $51.7 million as of December 31, 2013, and $40.6 million as of December 31, 
2012, and are included in Other Current Liabilities and Other Liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance 
Sheets.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock options granted under all plans are non-qualified. Upon exercise, shares of common stock are issued from our 
treasury stock. We use the Black-Scholes valuation model to determine compensation expense associated with our stock 
options. Restricted stock awards are considered nonvested share awards as defined under generally accepted accounting 
principles and are issued from our treasury stock. Compensation cost for restricted stock awards is based on the closing 
price of our common stock on the date of grant. Certain of our equity-based compensation plans contain provisions that 
provide for vesting of awards upon retirement. Accordingly, compensation cost for stock-based awards is recognized on a 
straight-line basis over the shorter of the stated vesting period or the period until employees become retirement-eligible. 

See Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information about our stock-based 

compensation arrangements.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue consists of the sales of new and used vehicles, sales of parts and automotive services, commissions from 
finance and insurance products, and sales of other products. We recognize revenue (which excludes sales taxes) in the 

63

AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)

period in which products are sold or services are provided. The automotive services we provide include, but are not limited 
to, customer-paid repairs and maintenance, as well as repairs and maintenance under manufacturer warranties and extended 
service contracts. We recognize vehicle and finance and insurance revenue when a sales contract has been executed, the 
vehicle has been delivered, and payment has been received or financing has been arranged. Revenue on finance and 
insurance products represents commissions earned by us for: (i) loans and leases placed with financial institutions in 
connection with customer vehicle purchases financed, (ii) vehicle service contracts sold, and (iii) other protection products 
sold.

We sell and receive a commission, which is recognized upon sale, on the following types of products: extended service 

contracts, maintenance programs, guaranteed auto protection (known as “GAP,” this protection covers the shortfall 
between a customer’s loan balance and insurance payoff in the event of a casualty), “tire and wheel” protection, and theft 
protection products. The products we offer include products that are sold and administered by independent third parties, 
including the vehicle manufacturers’ captive finance subsidiaries. Pursuant to our arrangements with these third-party 
providers, we primarily sell the products on a straight commission basis; however, we may sell the product, recognize 
commission, and participate in future profit pursuant to retrospective commission arrangements, which is recognized as 
earned. Certain commissions earned from the sales of finance and insurance products are subject to chargeback should the 
contracts be terminated prior to their expirations. An estimated liability for chargebacks against revenue recognized from 
sales of finance and insurance products is recorded in the period in which the related revenue is recognized. Our estimated 
liability for chargebacks is based primarily on our historical chargeback experience, and is influenced by the volume of 
vehicle sales in recent years and increases or decreases in early termination rates resulting from cancellation of vehicle 
service contracts and other protection products, defaults, refinancings and payoffs before maturity, and other factors. 
Chargeback liabilities were $67.6 million at December 31, 2013, and $56.0 million at December 31, 2012. See Note 19 of 
the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding chargeback liabilities.

Insurance

Under our self-insurance programs, we retain various levels of aggregate loss limits, per claim deductibles, and claims-
handling expenses as part of our various insurance programs, including property and casualty, employee medical benefits, 
automobile, and workers’ compensation. Costs in excess of this retained risk per claim may be insured under various 
contracts with third-party insurance carriers. We review our claim and loss history on a periodic basis to assist in assessing 
our future liability. The ultimate costs of these retained insurance risks are estimated by management and by third-party 
actuarial evaluation of historical claims experience, adjusted for current trends and changes in claims-handling procedures. 
See Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on our self-insurance reserves. 

Manufacturer Incentives and Other Rebates

We receive various incentives from manufacturers based on achieving certain objectives, such as specified sales volume 

targets, as well as other objectives, including maintaining standards of a particular vehicle brand, which may include but 
are not limited to facility image and design requirements, customer satisfaction survey results, and training standards, 
among others. These incentives are typically based upon units purchased or sold. These manufacturer incentives are 
recognized as a reduction of new vehicle cost of sales when earned, generally at the time the related vehicles are sold or 
upon attainment of the particular program goals, whichever is later.

We also receive manufacturer rebates and assistance for holdbacks, floorplan interest, and non-reimbursement-based 
advertising expenses (described below), which are reflected as a reduction in the carrying value of each vehicle purchased 
by us. We recognize holdbacks, floorplan interest assistance, non-reimbursement-based advertising rebates, cash 
incentives, and other rebates received from manufacturers that are tied to specific vehicles as a reduction to cost of sales as 
the related vehicles are sold.

Advertising

We generally expense the cost of advertising as incurred, net of earned manufacturer reimbursements for specific 

advertising costs and other discounts. Advertising expense, net of manufacturer advertising reimbursements, was 

64

AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)

$166.4 million in 2013, $135.7 million in 2012, and $130.2 million in 2011, and is reflected as a component of Selling, 
General, and Administrative Expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.  

Manufacturer advertising rebates that are reimbursements of costs associated with specific advertising expenses are 
earned in accordance with the respective manufacturers’ reimbursement-based advertising assistance programs, which is 
typically after we have incurred the corresponding advertising expenses, and are reflected as a reduction of advertising 
expense. Manufacturer advertising reimbursements classified as an offset to advertising expenses were $42.4 million in 
2013, $38.3 million in 2012, and $28.2 million in 2011. All other non-reimbursement-based manufacturer advertising 
rebates that are not associated with specific advertising expenses are recorded as a reduction of inventory and recognized 
as a reduction of new vehicle cost of sales in the period the related vehicle is sold.

Parts and Service Internal Profit

Our parts and service departments provide reconditioning repair work for the majority of used vehicles acquired by our 

used vehicle departments and minor preparatory work for new vehicles acquired by our new vehicle departments. The 
parts and service departments charge the new and used vehicle departments as if they were third parties in order to account 
for total activity performed by that department. Revenues and costs of sales associated with the internal work performed by 
our parts and service departments are reflected in our parts and service results in our Consolidated Statements of Income. 
New and used vehicle revenues and costs of sales are reduced by the amount of the intracompany charge. As a result, the 
revenues and costs of sales associated with the internal work performed by our parts and service departments are 
eliminated in consolidation. We also maintain a reserve for internal profit on vehicles that have not been sold.

Income Taxes

We file a consolidated federal income tax return. Deferred income taxes have been provided for temporary differences 
between the recognition of revenue and expenses for financial and income tax reporting purposes and between the tax basis 
of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements. See Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated 
Financial Statements for more detailed information related to income taxes.

Taxes Assessed by Governmental Authorities

Taxes assessed by governmental authorities that are directly imposed on revenue transactions are excluded from 

revenue in our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common 

shares outstanding for the period, including outstanding unvested restricted stock awards which contain rights to non-
forfeitable dividends. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average 
number of shares outstanding adjusted for the dilutive effect of stock options. See Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated 
Financial Statements for more information on the computation of earnings (loss) per share.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit 

Carryforward Exists

In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an accounting standard update to reduce the 
diversity in practice regarding the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss 
carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The amendments in this accounting standard update are 
effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. We do not expect the 
adoption of this accounting standard update to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of 
operations, or cash flows.

65

AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)

Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment

In July 2012, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that amends the accounting guidance on testing 
indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. The amendments in this accounting standard update are intended to 
reduce complexity and costs by allowing an entity the option to make a qualitative evaluation about the likelihood that an 
indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired to determine whether it should perform a quantitative impairment test. The 
amendments also enhance the consistency of impairment testing guidance among long-lived asset categories by permitting 
an entity to assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to calculate the asset’s fair value when testing an 
indefinite-lived intangible asset for impairment, which is equivalent to the impairment testing requirements for other long-
lived assets. The amendments in this accounting standard update are effective for interim and annual impairment tests 
performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. We test indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment 
annually on April 30 or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment may have 
occurred. The adoption of this accounting standard update did not have an impact on our consolidated financial position, 
results of operations, or cash flows.

2. RECEIVABLES, NET

The components of receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, at December 31 are as follows:

Trade receivables
Manufacturer receivables
Other

Less: Allowances

Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables

Receivables, net

2013

2012

110.9
172.9
36.9
320.7
(4.0)
316.7
424.2
740.9

$

$

97.6
159.9
39.4
296.9
(3.4)
293.5
404.9
698.4

$

$

Trade receivables represent amounts due for parts and services that have been delivered or sold, excluding amounts due 

from manufacturers, as well receivables from finance organizations for commissions on the sale of financing products. 
Manufacturer receivables represent receivables from manufacturers including amounts due for holdbacks, rebates, 
incentives, floorplan assistance, and warranty claims. Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables primarily represent 
receivables from financial institutions for the portion of the vehicle sales price financed by our customers. 

We evaluate our receivables for collectability based on the age of receivables and past collection experience. 

3. INVENTORY AND VEHICLE FLOORPLAN PAYABLE

The components of inventory at December 31 are as follows:

New vehicles

Used vehicles

Parts, accessories, and other

Inventory

2013

2012

2,330.8

$

1,938.0

346.5

149.9

318.7

140.2

2,827.2

$

2,396.9

$

$

66

AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)

The components of vehicle floorplan payables at December 31 are as follows:

Vehicle floorplan payable - trade

Vehicle floorplan payable - non-trade

Vehicle floorplan payable

2013

2012

$

$

2,130.1

898.9

3,029.0

$

$

1,766.3

773.9

2,540.2

Vehicle floorplan payable-trade reflects amounts borrowed to finance the purchase of specific new vehicle inventories 
with the corresponding manufacturers’ captive finance subsidiaries (“trade lenders”). Vehicle floorplan payable-non-trade 
represents amounts borrowed to finance the purchase of specific new and, to a lesser extent, used vehicle inventories with 
non-trade lenders, as well as amounts borrowed under our secured used floorplan facilities, which are primarily 
collateralized by used vehicle inventories and related receivables. Changes in vehicle floorplan payable-trade are reported 
as operating cash flows and changes in vehicle floorplan payable-non-trade are reported as financing cash flows in the 
accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Our inventory costs are generally reduced by manufacturer holdbacks, incentives, and floorplan assistance, while the 
related vehicle floorplan payables are reflective of the gross cost of the vehicle. The vehicle floorplan payables, as shown 
in the above table, will generally also be higher than the inventory cost due to the timing of the sale of a vehicle and 
payment of the related liability.

Vehicle floorplan facilities are due on demand, but in the case of new vehicle inventories, are generally paid within 

several business days after the related vehicles are sold. Our manufacturer agreements generally require that the 
manufacturer have the ability to draft against the new vehicle floorplan facilities so the lender directly funds the 
manufacturer for the purchase of new vehicle inventory. Vehicle floorplan facilities are primarily collateralized by vehicle 
inventories and related receivables.

Our used vehicle floorplan facilities utilize LIBOR-based interest rates, which averaged 1.8% during 2013 and 2.0% 
during 2012. At December 31, 2013, the aggregate capacity under our floorplan credit agreements with various lenders to 
finance a portion of our used vehicle inventory was $275.0 million, of which $177.3 million had been borrowed. The 
remaining borrowing capacity of $97.7 million was limited to $50.0 million based on the eligible used vehicle inventory 
that could have been pledged as collateral. 

Our new vehicle floorplan facilities utilize LIBOR-based interest rates, which averaged 1.9% during 2013 and 2.1% 
during 2012. At December 31, 2013, the aggregate capacity under our floorplan credit agreements with various lenders to 
finance our new vehicle inventory was approximately $3.3 billion, of which $2.9 billion had been borrowed.

4. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET

A summary of property and equipment, net, at December 31 is as follows:

Land

Buildings and improvements

Furniture, fixtures, and equipment

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization

Property and equipment, net

2013

2012

997.1

$

1,552.6

569.3

3,119.0
(883.7)
2,235.3

$

924.6

1,451.5

545.8

2,921.9
(826.8)
2,095.1

$

$

We capitalized interest in connection with various construction projects to upgrade or remodel our facilities of 

$0.7 million in 2013, $0.6 million in 2012, and $1.0 million in 2011.

67

AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)

5. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET

Goodwill and intangible assets, net, at December 31 consist of the following:

Goodwill

Franchise rights - indefinite-lived

Other intangible assets

Less: accumulated amortization

Intangible assets, net

Goodwill

2013

2012

$

$

$

1,259.6

329.3

11.1

340.4
(5.3)
335.1

$

$

$

1,237.4

285.7

9.9

295.6
(4.3)
291.3

We test goodwill of our Domestic, Import, and Premium Luxury reporting units for impairment annually on April 30 or 

more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a reporting unit more likely 
than not exceeds its fair value. 

Under accounting standards, an entity is permitted to first make a qualitative evaluation about the likelihood of 

goodwill impairment to determine whether it is necessary to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit under the 
quantitative two-step goodwill impairment test. We completed qualitative annual assessments of any potential goodwill 
impairment as of April 30, 2013 and 2012. Based on our qualitative assessments, we determined that it was not more likely 
than not that the fair values of our reporting units were less than their carrying amounts and we were therefore not required 
to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test for any of our reporting units.

 We performed a quantitative annual impairment test as of April 30, 2011, and no goodwill impairment charges resulted 

from the required goodwill impairment test.

The quantitative goodwill impairment test is a two-step approach. The first step of the quantitative goodwill impairment 

test requires a determination of whether the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the fair value of 
the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, the second step is required, which involves an analysis reflecting the 
allocation of the fair value determined in the first step (as if it was the purchase price in a business combination). This 
process may result in the determination of a new amount of goodwill. If the calculated fair value of the goodwill resulting 
from this allocation is lower than the carrying value of the goodwill in the reporting unit, the difference is reflected as a 
non-cash impairment loss. The purpose of the second step is only to determine the amount of goodwill that should be 
recorded on the balance sheet. The recorded amounts of other items on the balance sheet are not adjusted.

In a quantitative impairment test, we estimate the fair value of our reporting units using an “income” valuation 

approach, which discounts projected free cash flows of the reporting unit at a computed weighted average cost of capital as 
the discount rate. The income valuation approach requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions, which include 
revenue growth rates and future operating margins used to calculate projected future cash flows, weighted average costs of 
capital, and future economic and market conditions. In connection with this process, we also reconcile the estimated 
aggregate fair values of our reporting units to our market capitalization, including consideration of a control premium that 
represents the estimated amount an investor would pay for our equity securities to obtain a controlling interest. We believe 
that this reconciliation process is consistent with a market participant perspective. We base our cash flow forecasts on our 
knowledge of the automotive industry, our recent performance, our expectations of our future performance, and other 
assumptions we believe to be reasonable but that are unpredictable and inherently uncertain. Actual future results may 
differ from those estimates. We also make certain judgments and assumptions in allocating shared assets and liabilities to 
determine the carrying values for each of our reporting units when performing a quantitative impairment test.

68

AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)

Goodwill allocated to our reporting units and changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended 

December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:

Goodwill at January 1, 2012 (1) 

Acquisitions and other adjustments

Goodwill at December 31, 2012 (1) 

Acquisitions and other adjustments

Goodwill at December 31, 2013 (1)

$

$

Domestic

Import

Premium
Luxury

Corporate
and other

Consolidated

156.4

$

518.4

$

497.4

$

— $

1,172.2

8.8

165.2

—

15.8

534.2

21.6

40.6

538.0

0.6

—

—

—

65.2

1,237.4

22.2

165.2

$

555.8

$

538.6

$

— $

1,259.6

(1)  Net of accumulated impairment losses of $1.47 billion ($1.25 billion after-tax) associated with our single reporting 
unit (prior to September 30, 2008, our reporting unit structure was comprised of a single reporting unit) and 
$140.0 million ($119.0 million after-tax) associated with our Domestic reporting unit, both of which were recorded 
during the year ended December 31, 2008. 

Intangible Assets

Our principal identifiable intangible assets are individual store rights under franchise agreements with vehicle 
manufacturers, which have indefinite lives and are tested at least annually on April 30 for impairment. As discussed in 
Note 1 above, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that permits an entity to first make a qualitative evaluation 
about the likelihood that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired to determine whether it is necessary to perform a 
quantitative impairment test. 

We completed our qualitative assessment of any potential franchise rights impairment as of April 30, 2013. Based on 
our qualitative assessment, we determined that it was not more likely than not that the fair values of our franchise rights 
were less than their carrying amounts and we were therefore not required to perform a quantitative impairment test.

As of December 31, 2013, we had $329.3 million of franchise rights recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheet, of 
which $22.8 million was related to Domestic stores, $122.5 million was related to Import stores, and $184.0 million was 
related to Premium Luxury stores.

We performed a quantitative annual impairment test as of April 30, 2012, and we recorded a $4.2 million ($2.6 million 

after-tax) non-cash impairment charge related to rights under a Premium Luxury store’s franchise agreement. This non-
cash impairment charge was recorded to reduce the carrying value of the store’s franchise agreement to its estimated fair 
value. The decline in the fair value of rights under this store’s franchise agreement reflects the underperformance relative 
to expectations of this store since our acquisition of it, as well as our expectations for the store’s future prospects. These 
factors resulted in a reduction in forecasted cash flows and growth rates used to estimate fair value. This non-cash 
impairment charge is classified as Franchise Rights Impairment in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.  

We performed a quantitative annual impairment test as of April 30, 2011, and no franchise rights impairment charges 

resulted from the required impairment test. 

The quantitative impairment test for intangibles with indefinite lives requires the comparison of estimated fair value to 

its carrying value by store. Fair values of rights under franchise agreements are estimated using Level 3 inputs by 
discounting expected future cash flows of the store. The forecasted cash flows contain inherent uncertainties, including 
significant estimates and assumptions related to growth rates, margins, working capital requirements, capital expenditures, 
and cost of capital, for which we utilize certain market participant-based assumptions, using third-party industry 
projections, economic projections, and other marketplace data we believe to be reasonable. 

69

AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)

6. INSURANCE

At December 31, 2013 and 2012, current and long-term insurance reserves were included in Other Current Liabilities 

and Other Liabilities, respectively, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows:

Insurance reserves - current portion

Insurance reserves - long-term portion

Total insurance reserves

7. LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt at December 31 consisted of the following:

6.75% Senior Notes due 2018
5.5% Senior Notes due 2020
Term loan facility due 2016
Revolving credit facility due 2016
Mortgage facility(1)
Capital leases and other debt

Less: current maturities

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

2013

2012

$

$

$

$

24.1

42.2

66.3

2013

396.3
350.0
500.0
300.0
194.7
98.9
1,839.9
(30.1)
1,809.8

$

$

$

$

22.6

38.9

61.5

2012

395.6
350.0
500.0
540.0
203.3
107.2
2,096.1
(29.8)
2,066.3

(1)  The mortgage facility requires monthly principal and interest payments of $1.7 million based on a fixed 

amortization schedule with a balloon payment of $155.4 million due November 2017.

At December 31, 2013, aggregate maturities of non-vehicle long-term debt were as follows:

Year Ending December 31:

2014

2015
2016

2017

2018

Thereafter

$

30.1

24.8
812.5

174.6

398.7

399.2

$

1,839.9

Senior Unsecured Notes and Credit Agreement

At December 31, 2013, we had outstanding $396.3 million of 6.75% Senior Notes due 2018, net of debt discount. 

Interest is payable on April 15 and October 15 of each year. These notes will mature on April 15, 2018.

At December 31, 2013, we had outstanding $350.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.5% Senior Notes due 2020. 

Interest is payable on February 1 and August 1 of each year. At any time prior to February 1, 2015, we may redeem up to 
35% of the principal amount of these notes with the net cash proceeds of one or more public equity offerings of our 
common stock at 105.5% of principal. These notes will mature on February 1, 2020.

70

AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)

Under our credit agreement, we have a $500.0 million term loan facility and a $1.2 billion revolving credit facility. The 

term loan and revolving credit facilities under the credit agreement mature December 7, 2016. As of December 31, 2013, 
we had borrowings outstanding of $300.0 million under our revolving credit facility. We have a $200.0 million letter of 
credit sublimit as part of our revolving credit facility. The amount available to be borrowed under the revolving credit 
facility is reduced on a dollar-for-dollar basis by the cumulative amount of any outstanding letters of credit, which was 
$45.6 million at December 31, 2013, leaving an additional borrowing capacity under the revolving credit facility of 
$854.4 million at December 31, 2013. 

During 2011, we expensed $2.2 million pre-tax related to a debt refinancing transaction. These expenses included $0.4 
million for the write-off of previously deferred debt issuance costs and are recorded in Loss on Debt Extinguishment in the 
accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.

Our term loan facility provides for various interest rates generally at LIBOR plus 1.75%. Our revolving credit facility 
provides for a commitment fee on undrawn amounts of 0.30% and various interest rates on borrowings generally at LIBOR 
plus 1.75%. 

The credit spread charged for both our term loan facility and revolving credit facility is affected by our leverage ratio. 
For instance, an increase in our leverage ratio from greater than or equal to 2.0x but less than 3.25x to greater than or equal 
to 3.25x would result in a 25 basis point increase in the credit spread under both our term loan facility and revolving credit 
facility.

Our senior unsecured notes and borrowings under our credit agreement are guaranteed by substantially all of our 

subsidiaries. Within the meaning of Regulation S-X, Rule 3-10, AutoNation, Inc. (the parent company) has no independent 
assets or operations, the guarantees of its subsidiaries are full and unconditional and joint and several, and any subsidiaries 
other than the guarantor subsidiaries are minor.

Other Debt

At December 31, 2013, we had $194.7 million outstanding under a mortgage facility with an automotive manufacturer’s 

captive finance subsidiary that matures on November 30, 2017. The mortgage facility utilizes a fixed interest rate of 
5.864% and is secured by 10-year mortgages on certain of our store properties. The mortgage facility requires monthly 
principal and interest payments of $1.7 million based on a fixed amortization schedule with a balloon payment of 
$155.4 million due November 2017. Repayment of the mortgage facility is subject to a prepayment penalty.

At December 31, 2013, we had capital lease and other debt obligations of $98.9 million, which are due at various dates 
through 2033. See Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to capital lease 
obligations.

Restrictions and Covenants

Our credit agreement, the indentures for our 6.75% Senior Notes due 2018 and 5.5% Senior Notes due 2020, our 
vehicle floorplan facilities, and our mortgage facility contain numerous customary financial and operating covenants that 
place significant restrictions on us, including our ability to incur additional indebtedness or prepay existing indebtedness, 
to create liens or other encumbrances, to sell (or otherwise dispose of) assets, and to merge or consolidate with other 
entities.

Under our credit agreement we are required to remain in compliance with a maximum leverage ratio and maximum 
capitalization ratio. The leverage ratio is a contractually defined amount principally reflecting non-vehicle debt divided by 
a contractually defined measure of earnings with certain adjustments. The capitalization ratio is a contractually defined 
amount principally reflecting vehicle floorplan payable and non-vehicle debt divided by our total capitalization including 
vehicle floorplan payable. Under the credit agreement,  the maximum leverage ratio is 3.75x and the maximum 
capitalization ratio is 65.0%. In calculating our leverage and capitalization ratios, we are not required to include letters of 
credit in the definition of debt (except to the extent of letters of credit in excess of $150.0 million). In addition, in 

71

AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)

calculating our capitalization ratio, we are permitted to add back to shareholders’ equity all goodwill, franchise rights, and 
long-lived asset impairment charges subsequent to September 30, 2011 plus $1.52 billion. 

The indentures for our 6.75% Senior Notes due 2018 and 5.5% Senior Notes due 2020 contain certain limited 

covenants, including limitations on liens and sale and leaseback transactions. Our mortgage facility contains covenants 
regarding maximum cash flow leverage and minimum interest coverage. 

Our failure to comply with the covenants contained in our debt agreements could permit acceleration of all of our 
indebtedness. Our debt agreements have cross-default provisions that trigger a default in the event of an uncured default 
under other material indebtedness of AutoNation.

Under the terms of our credit agreement, at December 31, 2013, our leverage ratio and capitalization ratio were as 

follows:

Leverage ratio
Capitalization ratio

December 31, 2013

Requirement    

Actual    
2.25x
57.6%

Both the leverage ratio and the capitalization ratio limit our ability to incur additional non-vehicle debt. The 

capitalization ratio also limits our ability to incur additional vehicle floorplan indebtedness.

In the event of a downgrade in our credit ratings, none of the covenants described above would be impacted. In 

addition, availability under our credit agreement described above would not be impacted should a downgrade in the senior 
unsecured debt credit ratings occur.

8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Legal Proceedings

We are involved, and will continue to be involved, in numerous legal proceedings arising out of the conduct of our 

business, including litigation with customers, wage and hour and other employment-related lawsuits, class actions, 
purported class actions, and actions brought by governmental authorities. We establish accruals for specific legal 
proceedings when it is considered probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably 
estimated. Our accruals for loss contingencies are reviewed quarterly and adjusted as additional information becomes 
available. We disclose the amount accrued if material or if such disclosure is necessary for our financial statements to not 
be misleading. If a loss is not both probable and reasonably estimable, or if an exposure to loss exists in excess of the 
amount accrued, we assess whether there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss, or additional loss, may have been 
incurred. If there is a reasonable possibility that a loss, or additional loss, may have been incurred, we disclose the estimate 
of the possible loss or range of loss if it is material or a statement that such an estimate cannot be made. Our evaluation of 
whether a loss is reasonably possible or probable is based on our assessment and consultation with legal counsel regarding 
the ultimate outcome of the matter.

For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, we believe we have adequately accrued for the potential impact of 
loss contingencies that are probable and reasonably estimable, and there was no indication of a reasonable possibility that a 
material loss, or additional material loss, may have been incurred. We do not believe that the ultimate resolution of any of 
these matters will have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows. However, 
the results of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, and an unfavorable resolution of one or more of these 
matters could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

72

 
 
AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)

Lease Commitments

We lease real property, equipment, and software under various operating leases, most of which have terms from one to 

twenty years. We account for leases under related accounting guidance and other authoritative literature.

Expenses under real property, equipment, and software leases were $47.6 million in 2013, $47.6 million in 2012, and 
$53.9 million in 2011. The leases require payment of real estate taxes, insurance, and maintenance in addition to rent. Most 
of the leases contain renewal options, rent abatements, and rent escalation clauses. Lease expense is recognized on a 
straight-line basis over the term of the lease, including any option periods, as appropriate. The same lease term is used for 
lease classification, the amortization period of related leasehold improvements, and the estimation of future lease 
commitments.  

Future minimum lease obligations under non-cancelable real property, equipment, and software leases with initial terms 

in excess of one year at December 31, 2013, are as follows:

Noncancelable Lease Commitments

Capital (1)

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Thereafter

Total minimum lease payments

Less: Amounts representing interest

$

$

$

Operating(1) (2)
42.2
$

38.0

36.6

34.0

31.7

241.8

424.3

24.5

17.9

4.7

11.6

4.1

39.6

$

102.4
(21.1)
81.3

(1)   Amounts for capital and operating lease commitments do not include certain operating expenses such as 
maintenance, insurance, and real estate taxes. In 2013, these charges totaled approximately $22 million. 
(2)  Future minimum operating lease payments do not reflect future minimum sublease income of $4.8 million. 

Other Matters

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

From time to time, primarily in connection with dispositions of automotive stores, our subsidiaries assign or sublet to 
the dealership purchaser the subsidiaries’ interests in any real property leases associated with such stores. In general, our 
subsidiaries retain responsibility for the performance of certain obligations under such leases to the extent that the assignee 
or sublessee does not perform, whether such performance is required prior to or following the assignment or subletting of 
the lease. Additionally, AutoNation and its subsidiaries generally remain subject to the terms of any guarantees made by us 
in connection with such leases. We generally have indemnification rights against the assignee or sublessee in the event of 
non-performance under these leases, as well as certain defenses. We presently have no reason to believe that we or our 

73

AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)

subsidiaries will be called on to perform under any such remaining assigned leases or subleases. We estimate that lessee 
rental payment obligations during the remaining terms of these leases with expirations ranging from 2014 to 2034 are 
approximately $39 million at December 31, 2013. Our exposure under these leases is difficult to estimate and there can be 
no assurance that any performance of AutoNation or its subsidiaries required under these leases would not have a material 
adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and cash flows.

At December 31, 2013, surety bonds, letters of credit, and cash deposits totaled $91.3 million, of which $45.6 million 

represented letters of credit. In the ordinary course of business, we are required to post performance and surety bonds, 
letters of credit, and/or cash deposits as financial guarantees of our performance. We do not currently provide cash 
collateral for outstanding letters of credit. 

In the ordinary course of business, we are subject to numerous laws and regulations, including automotive, 

environmental, health and safety, and other laws and regulations. We do not anticipate that the costs of such compliance 
will have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated results of operations, cash flows, or financial condition, 
although such outcome is possible given the nature of our operations and the extensive legal and regulatory framework 
applicable to our business. 

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), which was signed into law 
on July 21, 2010, established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the “CFPB”), a new independent federal agency 
funded by the United States Federal Reserve with broad regulatory powers and limited oversight from the United States 
Congress. Although automotive dealers are generally excluded, the Dodd-Frank Act could lead to additional, indirect 
regulation of automotive dealers, in particular, their sale and marketing of finance and insurance products, through its 
regulation of automotive finance companies and other financial institutions. The Dodd-Frank Act also provided the Federal 
Trade Commission (the “FTC”) with new and expanded authority regarding automotive dealers, and the FTC has recently 
announced an enforcement initiative relating to the advertising practices of automotive dealers. 

Additionally, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which was signed into law on March 23, 2010, is expected 

to increase our annual employee health care costs that we fund, with the most significant increases commencing in 2015, 
and significantly increase our cost of compliance and compliance risk related to offering health care benefits. 

Further, we expect that new laws and regulations, particularly at the federal level, in other areas may be enacted, which 
could also materially adversely impact our business. We do not have any material known environmental commitments or 
contingencies.

9. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

A summary of shares repurchased under our share repurchase program authorized by our Board of Directors follows:

Shares repurchased

Aggregate purchase price

Average purchase price per share

2013

2012

2011

1.1

53.5

47.37

$

$

16.6

580.6

34.89

$

$

17.1

583.4

34.14

$

$

 In January 2014, our Board of Directors authorized an additional $250 million under our existing share repurchase 

program. From January 1, 2014 through February 12, 2014 we repurchased an additional 2.4 million shares for an 
aggregate purchase price of $115.7 million (average purchase price per share of $47.92). As of February 12, 2014, $400.0 
million remained available for share repurchases under the program. 

We have 5.0 million authorized shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, none of which are issued or 

outstanding. The Board of Directors has the authority to issue the preferred stock in one or more series and to establish the 
rights, preferences, and dividends.

74

AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)

A summary of shares of common stock issued in connection with the exercise of stock options follows:

Shares issued
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options
Average exercise price per share

2013

2012

2011

1.1
22.7
20.31

$
$

1.7
32.0
19.33

$
$

4.4
78.7
17.74

$
$

The following table presents a summary of shares of common stock issued in connection with grants of restricted stock 

and shares surrendered to AutoNation to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted 
stock or to pay for an option exercise (in actual number of shares):

Shares issued
Shares surrendered to AutoNation to satisfy tax

withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of
restricted stock or to pay for an option exercise

2013

2012

2011

137,144

160,740

163,892

44,738

81,717

59,452

10. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The AutoNation, Inc. 2008 Equity and Incentive Plan (“2008 Plan”) provides for the grant of stock options, stock 
appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and other stock-based and cash-based awards to employees. A 
maximum of 12.0 million shares may be issued under the 2008 Plan, provided that no more than 2.0 million shares may be 
issued pursuant to the grant of awards, other than options or stock appreciation rights, that are settled in shares. The 
exercise price of all stock options granted in 2013 under the 2008 Plan, is equal to the closing price of our common stock 
on the date such awards were granted.

The AutoNation, Inc. 2007 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (as amended, the “2007 Plan”) provides for the 
grant of stock options to our non-employee directors. A maximum of 2.0 million shares may be issued under the 2007 Plan. 
The exercise price of all stock options granted in 2013 under the 2007 Plan is equal to the closing price of our common 
stock on the date such awards were granted. 

Stock Options

In 2013, the Executive Compensation Subcommittee of the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors 

approved an annual grant of 0.8 million employee stock options for 2013. One-fourth of each employee stock option award 
that was approved in 2013 was granted on each of March 1, June 3, September 3, and December 2, 2013. Additionally, 
each of our non-employee directors received an automatic grant of an option to purchase 5,000 shares of our common 
stock on each of March 1, June 3, September 3, and December 2, 2013. The options granted in 2013 have an exercise price 
equal to the closing price per share on the grant date ($43.45 on March 1, $46.22 on June 3, $47.25 on September 3, and 
$48.80 on December 2, 2013). 

Stock options granted under all plans are non-qualified. Upon exercise, shares of common stock are issued from our 
treasury stock. Employee stock options have a term of 10 years from the first date of grant (i.e., all employee stock options 
granted in 2013 will expire on March 1, 2023) and vest in equal installments over four years commencing on June 1 of the 
year following the grant date (e.g., 25% of each option grant made in 2013 will vest on June 1, 2014). 

Stock option awards granted to non-employee directors have a term of 10 years from the first date of grant and vest in 

25% annual increments on each June 1 of the four years following the grant date, or in full upon termination of Board 
membership if prior to June 1 of the fourth year following the grant date.

We use the Black-Scholes valuation model to determine compensation expense and amortize compensation expense 

over the requisite service period of the grants on a straight-line basis. Certain of our equity-based compensation plans 

75

 
AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)

contain provisions that provide for vesting of awards upon retirement. Accordingly, compensation cost is recognized over 
the shorter of the stated vesting period or the period until employees become retirement-eligible.

The following table summarizes the assumptions used relating to the valuation of our stock options during 2013, 2012, 

and 2011:

Risk-free interest rate
Expected dividend yield
Expected term
Expected volatility

2013

Grant Year
2012
0.58% - 2.24% 0.49% - 1.40% 0.62% - 2.81%
—
4 - 7 years
39% - 50%

—
4 - 7 years
39% - 48%

—
4 - 7 years
29% - 44%

2011

The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve at the time of the grant with a remaining term equal 
to the expected term used for stock options granted. The expected term of stock options granted is derived from historical 
data and represents the period of time that stock options are expected to be outstanding. The expected volatility is based on 
historical volatility, implied volatility, and other factors.

The following table summarizes stock option activity during 2013:

Stock Options

Options outstanding at January 1
Granted (1)
Exercised
Forfeited
Expired
Options outstanding as of December 31
Options exercisable at December 31
Options exercisable at December 31 and

expected to vest thereafter

Options available for future grants at

December 31

Shares
(in millions)

Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
24.29
$
6.2
46.43
$
1.0
(1.1) $
20.31
(0.1) $
35.40
—
— $
28.48
$
6.0
21.23
$
3.5

6.0

$

28.35

6.0

Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)

Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(in millions)

6.58
5.48

6.56

$
$

$

127.4
100.7

127.1

(1)  The options granted during 2013, are related to our employee and non-employee director quarterly stock option 

award grants in March, June, September, and December 2013.

The weighted average grant-date fair value of stock options granted and total intrinsic value of stock options exercised 

are summarized in the following table:

Weighted average grant-date fair value of stock options granted

Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised (in millions)

$

$

17.93

31.3

$

$

15.25

36.2

$

$

15.69

81.0

2013

2012

2011

76

 
 
AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)

Restricted Stock

In 2013, the Executive Compensation Subcommittee of the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors  
approved a total of 0.1 million shares of restricted stock, all of which were granted to restricted stock-eligible employees 
on March 1, 2013.

Restricted stock awards are considered nonvested share awards as defined under generally accepted accounting 
principles and are issued from our treasury stock. Restricted stock awards vest in equal installments over four years 
commencing on June 1 of the year following the grant date. Compensation cost for restricted stock awards is based on the 
closing price of our common stock on the date of grant and is recognized over the shorter of the stated vesting period or the 
period until employees become retirement-eligible.

The following table summarizes information about vested and unvested restricted stock for 2013:

Nonvested at January 1
Granted (1)
Vested
Forfeited
Nonvested at December 31

Restricted Stock

Shares
(in millions)

Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

0.3
$
$
0.1
(0.1) $
— $
$
0.3

27.81
43.45
24.33
—
35.76

(1)  The restricted stock awards granted during 2013 are related to our employee annual restricted stock 

award grant in March 2013.

The weighted average grant-date fair value of restricted stock awards granted and total fair value of restricted stock 

awards vested are summarized in the following table:

Weighted average grant-date fair value of restricted stock awards granted
Total fair value of restricted stock awards vested (in millions)

$
$

43.45
6.8

$
$

34.31
5.8

$
$

32.50
5.5

2013

2012

2011

Compensation Expense

The following table summarizes the total stock-based compensation expense recognized in Selling, General, and 
Administrative Expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income and the total recognized tax benefit related thereto:

Stock options
Restricted stock
Total stock-based compensation expense

Tax benefit related to stock-based compensation expense

2013

2012

2011

$

$

$

16.6
4.7
21.3

8.1

$

$

$

14.8
3.8
18.6

7.1

$

$

$

15.2
3.2
18.4

7.0

As of December 31, 2013, there was $20.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock-

based compensation arrangements, of which $13.5 million relates to stock options and $6.6 million relates to restricted 
stock. These amounts are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.6 years.

We realized tax benefits related to stock options exercised and/or vesting of restricted stock of $14.3 million in 2013, 

$15.9 million in 2012, and $32.8 million in 2011.

77

 
 
AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)

11. INCOME TAXES

The components of the income tax provision from continuing operations for the years ended December 31 are as 

follows:

Current:
Federal
State

Federal and state deferred
Change in valuation allowance, net
Adjustments and settlements
Income tax provision

2013

2012

2011

$

$

189.7
28.9
13.4
(3.7)
0.3
228.6

$

$

146.9
25.1
27.1
0.1
0.3
199.5

$

$

125.3
21.3
31.3
(0.2)
(0.6)
177.1

A reconciliation of the income tax provision calculated using the statutory federal income tax rate to our income tax 

provision from continuing operations for the years ended December 31 is as follows:

2013

%

2012

%

2011

%

Income tax provision at statutory rate
Non-deductible expenses (income), net
State income taxes, net of federal benefit

Change in valuation allowance, net
Adjustments and settlements
Other, net
Income tax provision

$

$

211.6
(0.6)
21.7
232.7
(3.7)
0.3
(0.7)
228.6

35.0
(0.1)
3.6
38.5
(0.6)
—
(0.1)
37.8

$

$

180.9
(0.2)
18.8
199.5
0.1
0.3
(0.4)
199.5

35.0
—
3.6
38.6
—
—
—
38.6

Deferred income tax asset and liability components at December 31 are as follows:

$

$

$

35.0
0.2
3.6
38.8
—
(0.2)
(0.2)
38.4

161.4
1.1
16.7
179.2
(0.2)
(0.6)
(1.3)
177.1

2012

20.3
4.0
42.8
18.7
12.9
20.6
13.8
15.4
148.5
(6.5)
142.0

(170.1)
(16.6)
(186.7)
(44.7)

2013

24.6
3.0
49.2
21.6
19.7
24.1
10.5
12.7
165.4
(2.7)
162.7

(200.2)
(21.3)
(221.5)
(58.8) $

Deferred income tax assets:

Inventory
Receivable reserves
Warranty, chargeback, and self-insurance liabilities
Other accrued liabilities
Deferred compensation
Stock-based compensation
Loss carryforwards—federal and state
Other, net

Total deferred income tax assets

Valuation allowance
Deferred income tax assets, net of valuation allowance
Deferred income tax liabilities:

Long-lived assets (intangible assets and property)
Other, net

Total deferred income tax liabilities
Net deferred income tax assets (liabilities)

78

$

$

AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)

We had $57.7 million of current deferred income tax assets and $116.5 million of non-current deferred income tax 
liabilities at December 31, 2013, and $44.7 million of current deferred income tax assets, and $89.4 million of non-current 
deferred income tax liabilities at December 31, 2012. Current deferred income tax assets are classified as Other Current 
Assets and non-current deferred income tax liabilities are classified as Deferred Income Taxes in the accompanying 
Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Income taxes payable included in Other Current Liabilities totaled $8.4 million at December 31, 2013 and $3.2 million 

at December 31, 2012.

At December 31, 2013, we had $173.5 million of gross domestic state net operating loss carryforwards and capital loss 

carryforwards, and $4.5 million of state tax credits, all of which result in a deferred tax asset of $10.5 million and expire 
from 2014 through 2034. At December 31, 2013, we had $2.7 million of valuation allowance related to these loss 
carryforwards. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some 
portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. We provide valuation allowances to offset portions of deferred 
tax assets due to uncertainty surrounding the future realization of such deferred tax assets. We adjust the valuation 
allowance in the period management determines it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will or will not be 
realized. Certain decreases to valuation allowances are offset against intangible assets associated with business acquisitions 
accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting.

During 2013, we completed a restructuring of certain of our subsidiaries, a consequence of which was the release of a 
valuation allowance of $3.4 million, which was reflected as a benefit in our income tax provision for the three and twelve 
months ended December 31, 2013. 

We recognized net tax benefits related to the adjustment and resolution of certain income tax matters of $1.3 million in 

2011.

We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states. As a matter of course, various taxing 
authorities, including the IRS, regularly audit us. These audits may result in proposed assessments where the ultimate 
resolution may result in our owing additional taxes. Currently, no tax years are under examination by the IRS and tax years 
from 2009 to 2010 are under examination by U.S. state jurisdictions. We believe that our tax positions comply with 
applicable tax law and that we have adequately provided for these matters.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

2013

2012

2011

Balance at January 1
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
Additions for tax positions of prior years
Reductions for tax positions of prior years
Reductions for expirations of statute of limitations
Settlements
Balance at December 31

$

$

6.8
—
0.8
(0.2)
(2.2)
(0.4)
4.8

$

$

6.4
—
0.5
—
—
(0.1)
6.8

$

$

6.9
—
0.9
—
—
(1.4)
6.4

We had accumulated interest and penalties associated with these unrecognized tax benefits of $5.1 million at 

December 31, 2013, $4.5 million at December 31, 2012, and $4.0 million at December 31, 2011. We additionally had a 
deferred tax asset of $3.6 million at December 31, 2013, $5.5 million at December 31, 2012, and $5.2 million at December 
31, 2011, related to these balances. The net of the unrecognized tax benefits, associated interest, penalties, and deferred tax 
asset was $6.3 million at December 31, 2013, $5.8 million at December 31, 2012, and $5.2 million at December 31, 2011, 
which if resolved favorably (in whole or in part) would reduce our effective tax rate. The unrecognized tax benefits, 
associated interest, penalties, and deferred tax asset are included as components of Other Assets and Other Liabilities in the 
Consolidated Balance Sheets.

79

AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)

It is our continuing policy to account for interest and penalties associated with income tax obligations as a component of 

income tax expense. We recognized $0.4 million during 2013, $0.3 million during 2012, and $0.3 million during 2011 
(each net of tax effect), of interest and penalties as part of the provision for income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of 
Income.

We do not expect that our unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease during the twelve months 

beginning January 1, 2014.

In September 2013, the IRS released final tangible property regulations under Sections 162(a) and 263(a) of the Internal 

Revenue Code regarding the deduction and capitalization of expenditures related to tangible property as well as 
dispositions of tangible property. These regulations will be effective for our tax year beginning January 1, 2014. We are 
currently assessing the impact of these regulations and do not anticipate they will have a material impact on our 
consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. 

12. EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

Unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether 

paid or unpaid) are participating securities and are to be included in the computation of earnings per share (“EPS”) under 
the two-class method. Our restricted stock awards are considered participating securities because they contain non-
forfeitable rights to dividends. As the number of shares granted under such awards is immaterial, all earnings per share 
amounts reflect such shares as if they were fully vested shares and the disclosures associated with the two-class method are 
not presented.  

Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the 

period, including outstanding unvested restricted stock awards. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income by the 
weighted average number of shares outstanding adjusted for the dilutive effect of stock options.

The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted EPS:

Net income from continuing operations
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
Net income

Weighted average common shares outstanding used in calculating basic EPS
Effect of dilutive stock options
Weighted average common shares used in calculating diluted EPS

Basic EPS amounts:
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Net income

Diluted EPS amounts:
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Net income

2013

2012

2011

375.8
(0.9)
374.9

$

$

317.3
(0.9)
316.4

$

$

121.3
2.0
123.3

123.8
2.0
125.8

284.2
(2.8)
281.4

144.8
2.5
147.3

$
3.10
(0.01) $
$
3.09

$
2.56
(0.01) $
$
2.56

1.96
(0.02)
1.94

3.05
$
(0.01) $
$
3.04

2.52
$
(0.01) $
$
2.52

1.93
(0.02)
1.91

$

$

$
$
$

$
$
$

80

 
AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)

A summary of anti-dilutive options excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share is as follows:

Anti-dilutive options excluded from the computation of

diluted earnings per share

2013

2012

2011

0.6

0.9

0.4

13. DIVESTITURES

Discontinued operations are related to stores that were sold or terminated, that we have entered into an agreement to sell 

or terminate, or for which we otherwise deem a proposed sales transaction or termination to be probable, with no material 
changes expected. Generally, the sale of a store is completed within 60 to 90 days after the date of a sale agreement. We 
have accounted for a store that either has been disposed of or is classified as held for sale as a discontinued operation if 
(a) the operations and cash flows of the store were eliminated from our ongoing operations and (b) we had no significant 
continuing involvement in the operations of the store after the disposal transaction.

In evaluating whether a store’s cash flows were eliminated from our ongoing operations, we considered whether we 
expected to continue to generate revenues or incur expenses from the sale of similar products or services to customers of 
the disposed store in the same geographic market. If we believed that a significant portion of the cash flows previously 
generated by the disposed store had migrated to our other operating stores, we did not treat the disposition as a 
discontinued operation.

We received proceeds (net of cash relinquished) of $10.1 million during 2013, $6.8 million during 2012, and $4.9 

million during 2011 related to discontinued operations.

We had a loss from discontinued operations totaling $0.9 million in 2013, net of income taxes, primarily related to 
carrying costs for real estate we have not yet sold associated with stores that have been closed and other adjustments 
related to disposed operations, partially offset by a gain on disposal of a store during the second quarter of 2013. 

We had a loss from discontinued operations totaling $0.9 million in 2012, net of income taxes, primarily related to 

carrying costs for real estate we have not yet sold associated with stores that have been closed. 

We had a loss from discontinued operations totaling $2.8 million in 2011, net of income taxes, primarily related to 
carrying costs for real estate not yet sold related to stores that had been closed, as well as expected losses on real estate to 
be sold. 

We had assets held for sale in discontinued operations of $36.7 million at December 31, 2013 and $45.4 million at 
December 31, 2012, primarily related to real estate we have not yet sold associated with stores that have been closed.  
Assets and liabilities of discontinued operations are reported in the “Corporate and other” category of our segment 
information in Note 20 below.

During the first quarter of 2014, we divested our customer lead distribution business, the operations of which we 
reported in the “Corporate and other” category of our segment information. We received cash and other consideration of 
approximately $11 million and recorded a gain of approximately $8 million ($5 million after-tax), which will be included 
in our results for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

14. ACQUISITIONS

We purchased five stores and related assets during 2013, six in 2012, and one in 2011. The amounts incurred related to 
acquisitions, including capital leases and deferred purchase price commitments, were $95.7 million in 2013, $203.7 million 
in 2012, and $64.2 million in 2011. Acquisitions are included in the Consolidated Financial Statements from the date of 
acquisition. The purchase price allocations for the business combinations in 2013 are tentative and subject to final 
adjustment. 

81

 
AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)

The acquisitions that occurred during 2013 were not material to our financial condition or results of operations. 

Additionally, the pro forma consolidated statements of income as if the results of these acquisitions had been included in 
our consolidated results for the entire years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, would not have been materially different 
from our reported consolidated statements of income for these periods.

15. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

It is our policy that transactions with affiliated parties must be entered into in good faith on fair and reasonable terms 
that are no less favorable to us than those that would be available in a comparable transaction in arm’s-length dealings with 
an unrelated third-party.

We are parties to agreements with certain manufacturers that eliminate any potential adverse consequences under our 

framework agreements with those manufacturers in the event that ESL Investments, Inc. and certain of its investment 
affiliates acquire 50% or more of our common stock. 

There were no other material transactions with related parties in the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, or 2011.

16. CASH FLOW INFORMATION

We consider all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less as of the date of purchase to be cash 

equivalents unless the investments are legally or contractually restricted for more than three months. We had non-cash 
investing activities of $7.8 million in 2013 related to capital leases associated with our November 2013 acquisitions, and 
$62.1 million in 2012 related to capital leases and deferred purchase price commitments associated with our December 
2012 acquisitions. We also had non-cash investing activities related to other increases in property acquired under capital 
leases of $10.2 million during 2013, $20.1 million during 2012, and $24.2 million during 2011. We also had accrued 
purchases of property and equipment of $28.1 million at December 31, 2013, $23.6 million at December 31, 2012, and 
$17.3 million at December 31, 2011. The effect of non-cash transactions is excluded from the accompanying Consolidated 
Statements of Cash Flows.

We made interest payments of $136.0 million in 2013, $119.6 million in 2012, and $103.6 million in 2011 including 
interest on vehicle inventory financing. We made income tax payments, net of income tax refunds, of $200.3 million in 
2013, $147.0 million in 2012, and $121.1 million in 2011.

17. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The fair value of a financial instrument represents the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current 

transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced sale or liquidation. Fair value estimates are made at a specific 
point in time, based on relevant market information about the financial instrument. These estimates are subjective in nature 
and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment, and therefore cannot be determined with precision. The 
assumptions used have a significant effect on the estimated amounts reported.

82

AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)

Accounting standards define fair value as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a 
liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market 
participants at the measurement date. Accounting standards establish a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to 
maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value and also 
establishes the following three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1

Level 2

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or
liabilities; quoted market prices in markets that are not active; or model-derived
valuations or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable
market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities

Level 3

Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are
significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities

The following methods and assumptions were used by us in estimating fair value disclosures for financial instruments:

•  Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other current assets, vehicle floorplan payable, accounts 
payable, other current liabilities, and variable rate debt: The amounts reported in the accompanying 
Consolidated Balance Sheets approximate fair value due to their short-term nature or the existence of variable 
interest rates that approximate prevailing market rates. 

•  Fixed rate debt: Our fixed rate debt consists primarily of amounts outstanding under our senior unsecured notes 
and mortgages. We estimate the fair value of our senior unsecured notes using quoted prices for the identical 
liability (Level 1). We estimate the fair value of our mortgages using a present value technique based on our 
current market interest rates for similar types of financial instruments (Level 2). A summary of the aggregate 
carrying values and fair values of our fixed rate debt is as follows:

Carrying value

Fair value

December 31,
2013

December 31,
2012

$

$

1,039.9

1,135.2

$

$

1,056.1

1,138.0

Nonfinancial assets such as goodwill, other intangible assets, and long-lived assets held and used are measured at fair 

value when there is an indicator of impairment and recorded at fair value only when impairment is recognized or for a 
business combination. The fair values less costs to sell of long-lived assets or disposal groups held for sale are assessed 
each reporting period they remain classified as held for sale. Subsequent changes in the held for sale long-lived asset’s or 
disposal group’s fair value less cost to sell (increase or decrease) are reported as an adjustment to its carrying amount, 
except that the adjusted carrying amount cannot exceed the carrying amount of the long-lived asset or disposal group at the 
time it was initially classified as held for sale.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets 

Under accounting standards, we chose to make a qualitative evaluation about the likelihood of goodwill impairment to 

determine whether it was necessary to calculate the fair values of our reporting units under the two-step goodwill 
impairment test. We completed our qualitative annual assessments of potential goodwill impairment as of April 30, 2013 
and 2012, and we determined that it was not more likely than not that the fair values of our reporting units were less than 
their carrying amounts. Accordingly, no impairment charges were recorded for the carrying value of goodwill during 2013 
or 2012.   

Our principal identifiable intangible assets are individual store rights under franchise agreements with vehicle 

manufacturers, which have indefinite lives. Under accounting standards, we chose to make a qualitative evaluation about 
the likelihood of franchise rights impairment to determine whether it was necessary to perform a quantitative impairment 

83

 
AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)

test. We completed our qualitative assessment of franchise rights impairment as of April 30, 2013, and we determined that 
it was not more likely than not that the fair values of our franchise rights were less than their carrying amounts. 
Accordingly, no impairment charges were recorded for the carrying value of franchise rights during 2013. 

During 2012 we performed a quantitative impairment test and we recorded $4.2 million of non-cash impairment 
charges related to rights under a Premium Luxury store’s franchise agreement. The non-cash impairment charge was 
recorded to reduce the carrying value of the store’s franchise agreement to its fair value, and is classified as Franchise 
Rights Impairment in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. 

The development of the assumptions used in our annual impairment tests is coordinated by our financial planning and 

analysis group, and the assumptions are reviewed by management. See Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial 
Statements for information on how fair value measurements are derived for our goodwill and franchise rights in our 
quantitative impairment tests.

Long-Lived Assets

The fair value measurement valuation process for our long-lived assets is established by our corporate real estate 
services group, which reports to the Company’s President and Chief Operating Officer. Fair value measurements, which 
are based on Level 3 inputs, and changes in fair value measurements are reviewed and assessed each quarter for properties 
classified as held for sale, or when an indicator of impairment exists for properties classified as held and used, by the 
corporate real estate services group. Our corporate real estate services group utilizes its knowledge of the automotive 
industry and historical experience in real estate markets and transactions in establishing the valuation process, which is 
generally based on a combination of the market and replacement cost approaches.

In a market approach, the corporate real estate services group uses transaction prices for comparable properties that 
have recently been sold. These transaction prices are adjusted for factors related to a specific property. The corporate real 
estate services group also evaluates changes in local real estate markets, and/or recent market interest or negotiations 
related to a specific property. In a replacement cost approach, the cost to replace a specific long-lived asset is considered, 
which is adjusted for depreciation from physical deterioration, as well as functional and economic obsolescence, if present 
and measurable. 

To validate the fair values determined under the valuation process noted above, our corporate real estate services group 

also obtains independent third-party appraisals for our properties and/or third-party brokers’ opinions of value, which are 
generally developed using the same valuation approaches described above, and evaluates any recent negotiations or 
discussions with third-party real estate brokers related to a specific long-lived asset or market. 

Long-lived Assets Held and Used in Continuing Operations

During 2013 and 2012, we fully impaired certain long-lived assets held and used in continuing operations and recorded 
non-cash impairment charges of $0.7 million in 2013 and $0.8 million in 2012. These charges are recorded as a component 
of Other Expenses (Income), Net in the Consolidated Statements of Income and are reported in the “Corporate and other” 
category of our segment information.

Long-lived Assets Held for Sale in Continuing Operations

 During 2013 and 2012, we recorded no impairment charges related to our long-lived assets held for sale in continuing 

operations. 

Long-lived Assets Held for Sale in Discontinued Operations

During 2013, we recorded no impairment charges related to our discontinued operations assets held for sale.  

During 2012, long-lived assets held for sale in discontinued operations with a carrying amount of $3.8 million were 
written down to their fair value of $3.7 million, resulting in a non-cash impairment charge of $0.1 million. This non-cash 

84

AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)

impairment charge related to assets held for sale in discontinued operations was included in Loss from Discontinued 
Operations in our Consolidated Statements of Income.

As of December 31, 2013, we had assets held for sale of $59.8 million in continuing operations and $34.5 million in 
discontinued operations. As of December 31, 2012, we had assets held for sale of $70.4 million in continuing operations 
and $43.2 million in discontinued operations.

18. BUSINESS AND CREDIT CONCENTRATIONS

We own and operate franchised automotive stores in the United States pursuant to franchise agreements with vehicle 
manufacturers. Franchise agreements generally provide the manufacturers or distributors with considerable influence over 
the operations of the store. The success of any franchised automotive dealership is dependent, to a large extent, on the 
financial condition, management, marketing, production, and distribution capabilities of the vehicle manufacturers or 
distributors of which we hold franchises. We had receivables from manufacturers or distributors of $172.9 million at 
December 31, 2013, and $159.9 million at December 31, 2012. Additionally, a large portion of our Contracts-in-Transit 
included in Receivables, net, in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, are due from automotive manufacturers’ 
captive finance subsidiaries which provide financing directly to our new and used vehicle customers.

We purchase substantially all of our new vehicles from various manufacturers or distributors at the prevailing prices 

available to all franchised dealers. Additionally, we finance our new vehicle inventory primarily with automotive 
manufacturers’ captive finance subsidiaries. Our sales volume could be adversely impacted by the manufacturers’ or 
distributors’ inability to supply the stores with an adequate supply of vehicles and related financing.

We are subject to a concentration of risk in the event of financial distress of or other adverse event related to a major 
vehicle manufacturer. The core brands of vehicles that we sell are manufactured by Toyota, Ford, Honda, Nissan, General 
Motors, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Chrysler, and Volkswagen. Our business could be materially adversely impacted by 
another bankruptcy of or other adverse event related to a major vehicle manufacturer or related lender.

Concentrations of credit risk with respect to non-manufacturer trade receivables are limited due to the wide variety of 
customers and markets in which our products are sold as well as their dispersion across many different geographic areas in 
the United States. Consequently, at December 31, 2013, we do not consider AutoNation to have any significant non-
manufacturer concentrations of credit risk.

19. CHARGEBACK RESERVES

We may be charged back for commissions related to financing, vehicle service, or protection products in the event of 
early termination, default, or prepayment of the contracts by customers (“chargebacks”). However, our exposure to loss 
generally is limited to the commissions that we receive. These commissions are recorded at the time of the sale of the 
vehicles, net of an estimated liability for chargebacks. The following is a rollforward of our estimated chargeback liability 
for each of the three years presented in our Consolidated Financial Statements:

Balance - January 1

Add: Provisions

Deduct: Chargebacks

Balance - December 31

20. SEGMENT INFORMATION

2013

2012

2011

56.0

$

46.2

$

64.4
(52.8)
67.6

$

52.9
(43.1)
56.0

$

42.5

39.9
(36.2)
46.2

$

$

At December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, we had three operating and reportable segments: (1) Domestic, (2) Import, and 

(3) Premium Luxury. Our Domestic segment is comprised of retail automotive franchises that sell new vehicles 
manufactured by General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler. Our Import segment is comprised of retail automotive franchises 

85

AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)

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

“Corporate and other” is comprised of our other businesses, including collision centers, a customer lead distribution 
business, and an auction operation, each of which generates revenues, as well as unallocated corporate overhead expenses 
and retrospective commissions for certain finance and insurance transactions that we arrange under agreements with third 
parties.

The operating segments identified above are the business activities of the Company for which discrete financial 
information is available and for which operating results are regularly reviewed by our chief operating decision maker to 
allocate resources and assess performance. Our chief operating decision maker is our Chief Executive Officer. We have 
determined that our three operating segments also represent our reportable segments.

Reportable segment revenue, segment income, floorplan interest expense, depreciation and amortization, total assets, 

and capital expenditures are as follows:

Revenues:
Domestic

Import

Premium Luxury

Total segment revenue

Corporate and other

Total consolidated revenue

Segment income*:

Domestic
Import
Premium Luxury

Total segment income

Corporate and other
Other interest expense
Loss on debt extinguishment
Interest income
Other income (losses), net

Years Ended December 31,
2012

2011

2013

$

5,835.3

$

5,131.6

$

6,375.0

5,152.3

17,362.6

155.0

5,827.5

4,553.3

15,512.4

155.1

4,655.4

4,933.3

4,096.4

13,685.1

147.2

$

17,517.6

$

15,667.5

$

13,832.3

$

Years Ended December 31,
2012

2011

2013

246.6
280.1
321.4
848.1
(161.2)
(88.3)
—
0.2
5.6
604.4

$

$

209.4
257.9
270.4
737.7
(137.9)
(86.9)
—
0.3
3.6
516.8

$

$

180.0
227.1
244.1
651.2
(121.9)
(66.0)
(2.2)
0.7
(0.5)
461.3

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

$

*Segment income for each of our segments is defined as operating income less floorplan interest expense.

86

 
 
 
 
AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)

Floorplan interest expense:

Domestic

Import

Premium Luxury

Corporate and other

Total floorplan interest expense

Depreciation and amortization:

Domestic

Import

Premium Luxury

Corporate and other

Total depreciation and amortization

Assets:

Domestic

Import

Premium Luxury

Corporate and other:

Goodwill

Franchise rights

Other Corporate and other assets

Total assets

Capital expenditures:

Domestic

Import

Premium Luxury

Corporate and other

Total capital expenditures

Years Ended December 31,
2012

2011

2013

$

23.7

16.3

12.6

0.8

$

20.2

14.2

10.7

0.4

53.4

$

45.5

$

Years Ended December 31,
2012

2011

2013

25.1

28.1

26.9

15.2

95.3

$

$

23.0

25.0

25.1

14.2

87.3

$

$

20.4

11.2

9.7

1.4

42.7

20.7

22.4

23.4

17.2

83.7

$

$

$

$

Years Ended December 31,
2012

2011

2013

$

2,143.1

$

1,895.0

$

2,030.4

1,633.6

1,259.6

329.3

518.1
7,914.1

$

1,787.4

1,541.6

1,237.4

285.7

455.9
7,203.0

$

1,539.1

1,487.6

1,295.0

1,172.2

212.6

492.3
6,198.8

Years Ended December 31,
2012

2011

2013

$

61.9

76.1

45.5

23.7

$

69.5

55.2

33.1

25.8

31.7

60.6

55.5

10.3

207.2

$

183.6

$

158.1

$

$

$

87

 
 
 
 
 
 
AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)

21. MULTIEMPLOYER PENSION PLANS

Five of our 228 stores participate in multiemployer pension plans. We contribute to these multiemployer defined benefit 

pension plans under the terms of collective-bargaining agreements that cover certain of our union-represented employees. 
The risks of participating in these multiemployer plans are different from single-employer plans in the following aspects:

a.  Assets contributed to the multiemployer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of 

other participating employers.

b. 

c. 

If a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be assumed by 
the remaining participating employers.

If we choose to stop participating in a multiemployer plan, we may be required to pay the plan an amount based 
on the underfunded status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability.

One of the multiemployer pension plans in which we participate is designated as being in “red zone” status, as defined 

by the Pension Protection Act (PPA) of 2006. Our participation in this plan for the year ended December 31, 2013, is 
outlined in the table below. The “EIN/Pension Plan Number” column provides the Employer Identification Number (EIN) 
and the three-digit plan number. The most recent PPA zone status available in 2013 and 2012 is for the plan’s year end at 
December 31, 2012, and December 31, 2011, respectively. The zone status is based on information that we received from 
the plan and is certified by the plan’s actuary. Among other factors, plans in the red zone are generally less than 65 percent 
funded. The last column lists the expiration date of the collective-bargaining agreements to which the plan is subject. A 
rehabilitation plan has been implemented for this plan. There have been no significant changes that affect the comparability 
of 2013, 2012, and 2011 contributions.

Pension Fund

Automotive Industries Pension Plan

Other funds

Total contributions

EIN/Pension
PlanNumber
94-1133245
- 001

2013

Red

Pension Protection Act
Zone Status

Contributions of AutoNation 
($ in millions) (1)

2012

2013

2012

2011

Surcharge
Imposed

Expiration
Date of
Collective-
Bargaining
Agreement

Red

$

$

0.7

0.4

1.1

$

$

0.6

0.3

0.9

$

$

0.5

0.2

0.7

No

(2)

(1)  Our stores were not listed in the Automotive Industries Pension Plan’s Form 5500 as providing more than 5% of the 

total contributions for the plan years ended December 31, 2012 or 2011. 

(2)  We are party to two collective-bargaining agreements that require contributions to the Automotive Industries 

Pension Plan. One expired May 31, 2011, and one expired June 30, 2011, and both are currently extended during 
collective bargaining for new agreements.

In the event that we decide to cease participating in this plan, we could be assessed a withdrawal liability. We currently 

do not have any plans that would trigger the withdrawal liability under this multiemployer pension plan. 

88

AUTONATION, INC.
SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

In a stable environment, our operations generally experience higher volumes of vehicle unit sales in the second and 

third quarters of each year due in part to consumer buying trends and the introduction of new vehicle models. Also, 
demand for vehicles and light trucks is generally lower during the winter months than in other seasons, particularly in 
regions of the United States where stores may be subject to adverse winter conditions. However, we typically experience 
higher sales of Premium Luxury vehicles, which have higher average selling prices and gross profit per vehicle retailed, in 
the fourth quarter. Revenue and operating results may be impacted significantly from quarter to quarter by changing 
economic conditions, vehicle manufacturer incentive programs, and actual or threatened severe weather events.

The following is an analysis of certain items in the Consolidated Statements of Income by quarter for 2013 and 2012.

Revenue

Gross profit

Operating income

Income from continuing operations

Net income

Basic earnings per share from continuing operations(1)

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations(1) 

First
Quarter
$ 4,096.4
$ 3,657.0

Second
Quarter
$ 4,426.5
$ 3,904.5

Third
Quarter
$ 4,470.8
$ 3,933.8

Fourth
Quarter
$ 4,523.9
$ 4,172.2

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

664.0
603.0

169.4
148.7

83.2
73.5

83.0
73.0

0.69
0.56

0.68
0.56

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

696.1
628.0

180.9
164.2

90.1
79.0

89.9
78.6

0.74
0.65

0.73
0.64

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

696.6
622.6

187.2
163.7

92.8
81.9

92.6
81.6

0.76
0.68

0.75
0.66

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

703.2
632.6

202.8
168.7

109.7
82.9

109.4
83.2

0.90
0.68

0.89
0.67

2013
2012

2013
2012

2013
2012

2013
2012

2013
2012

2013
2012

2013
2012

(1)  The sum of quarterly basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations may not equal full year 
amounts as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income due to the effect of the calculation of weighted 
average common stock equivalents on a quarterly basis.

89

ITEM 9.   CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL 
DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, evaluated 

the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this Annual 
Report on Form 10-K. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer 
concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Annual 
Report on Form 10-K.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under 
the Exchange Act) identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Rule 13a-15 or 15d-15 under 
the Exchange Act that occurred during the fourth quarter of 2013 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to 
materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. 

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as 

defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Management conducted an evaluation of the 
effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control — Integrated 
Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this 
evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 
2013. Our independent auditor, KPMG LLP, also concluded that we maintained effective internal control over financial 
reporting as set forth in its Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm which is included in Part II, Item 8 of 
this Form 10-K.

ITEM 9B.   OTHER INFORMATION

None.

90

PART III

ITEM 10.   DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The information under the heading “Executive Officers of AutoNation” in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-K is 

incorporated by reference in this section.

We have adopted a Code of Business Ethics applicable to all employees. In addition, we have adopted a Code of Ethics 
for Senior Officers applicable to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, and 
other senior officers and a Code of Ethics for Directors applicable to our directors. These codes are available on our 
Investor Relations website at investors.autonation.com. In the event that we amend or waive any of the provisions of the 
Code of Ethics for Senior Officers that relate to any element of the code of ethics definition enumerated in Item 406(b) of 
Regulation S-K, we intend to disclose the same on our Investor Relations website.

The other information required by this item is incorporated by reference to AutoNation’s Proxy Statement for its 2014 
Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 
31, 2013.

ITEM 11.   EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to AutoNation’s Proxy Statement for its 2014 Annual 

Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 
2013.

ITEM 12.   SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND 
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to AutoNation’s Proxy Statement for its 2014 Annual 

Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 
2013.

ITEM 13.   CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to AutoNation’s Proxy Statement for its 2014 Annual 

Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 
2013.

ITEM 14.   PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to AutoNation’s Proxy Statement for its 2014 Annual 

Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 
2013.

91

ITEM 15.   EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

PART IV

1. 

2. 

3. 

Financial Statements: The Consolidated Financial Statements of AutoNation are set forth in Part II, Item 8 of this 
Form 10-K.

Financial Statement Schedules: Not applicable.

Exhibits: The exhibits listed in the accompanying Index to Exhibits are filed, furnished or incorporated by 
reference as part of this Form 10-K.

Certain of the agreements listed as exhibits to this Form 10-K (including the exhibits to such agreements), which have 

been filed to provide investors with information regarding their terms, contain various representations, warranties, and 
covenants of AutoNation, Inc. and the other parties thereto. They are not intended to provide factual information about any 
of the parties thereto or any subsidiaries of the parties thereto. The assertions embodied in those representations, 
warranties, and covenants were made for purposes of each of the agreements, solely for the benefit of the parties thereto. In 
addition, certain representations and warranties were made as of a specific date, may be subject to a contractual standard of 
materiality different from what a security holder might view as material, or may have been made for purposes of allocating 
contractual risk among the parties rather than establishing matters as facts. Investors should not view the representations, 
warranties, and covenants in the agreements (or any description thereof) as disclosures with respect to the actual state of 
facts concerning the business, operations, or condition of any of the parties to the agreements (or their subsidiaries) and 
should not rely on them as such. In addition, information in any such representations, warranties, or covenants may change 
after the dates covered by such provisions, which subsequent information may or may not be fully reflected in the public 
disclosures of the parties. In any event, investors should read the agreements together with the other information 
concerning AutoNation, Inc. contained in reports and statements that we file with the SEC.

92

 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly 

caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

SIGNATURES

AUTONATION, INC.
(Registrant)

By:

/s/ MICHAEL J. JACKSON
Michael J. Jackson, Chairman of the
Board and Chief Executive Officer
February 13, 2014

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following 

persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature

/S/ MICHAEL J. JACKSON
Michael J. Jackson

/S/ CHERYL SCULLY
Cheryl Scully

/S/ MICHAEL J. STEPHAN
Michael J. Stephan

/S/ ROBERT J. BROWN
Robert J. Brown

/S/ RICK L. BURDICK
Rick L. Burdick

/S/ DAVID B. EDELSON
David B. Edelson

/S/ ROBERT R. GRUSKY
Robert R. Grusky

/S/ MICHAEL LARSON
Michael Larson

/S/ MICHAEL E. MAROONE

Michael E. Maroone

/S/ CARLOS A. MIGOYA
Carlos A. Migoya

/S/ G. MIKE MIKAN
G. Mike Mikan

/S/ ALISON H. ROSENTHAL
Alison H. Rosenthal

Date

February 13, 2014

February 13, 2014

February 13, 2014

February 13, 2014

February 13, 2014

February 13, 2014

February 13, 2014

February 13, 2014

February 13, 2014

February 13, 2014

February 13, 2014

February 13, 2014

Title

Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

Interim Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

Vice President – Corporate
Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

93

 
 
 
Exhibit
Number
3.1

3.2

4.1

4.2

4.3

4.4

4.5

4.6

4.7

10.1

10.2

10.3

10.4

10.5

10.6

10.7

10.8

10.9*

10.10

10.11

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit Description
Third Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation of AutoNation, Inc.

Amended and Restated By-Laws of AutoNation, Inc.

Indenture, dated April 14, 2010 (the “2010 Indenture”),
among AutoNation, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National
Association.

Supplemental Indenture to 2010 Indenture, dated
April 14, 2010, relating to the Company’s 6.75% Senior
Notes due 2018.

Form of 6.75% Senior Notes due 2018 (included in
Exhibit 4.14).

Supplemental Indenture to 2010 Indenture, dated
February 1, 2012, relating to the Company’s 5.5%
Senior Notes due 2020.

Form of 5.5% Senior Notes due 2020 (included in
Exhibit 4.16).

Supplemental Indenture to 2010 Indenture, dated March
7, 2012, relating to the Company’s 6.75% Senior Notes
due 2020.

Supplemental Indenture to 2010 Indenture, dated March
7, 2012, relating to the Company’s 5.5% Senior Notes
due 2020.

AutoNation, Inc. 1995 Amended and Restated Employee
Stock Option Plan, as amended to date.

AutoNation, Inc. Amended and Restated 1995 Non-
Employee Director Stock Option Plan.

Amendment, dated October 24, 2006, to the AutoNation,
Inc. Amended and Restated 1995 Non-Employee
Director Stock Option Plan.

AutoNation, Inc. Amended and Restated 1997 Employee
Stock Option Plan, as amended and restated on
February 5, 2007.

AutoNation, Inc. Amended and Restated 1998 Employee
Stock Option Plan, as amended and restated on
February 5, 2007.

AutoNation, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan, as
amended and restated.

Employment Agreement dated July 25, 2013, between
AutoNation, Inc. and Michael J. Jackson, Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer.

Employment Agreement dated July 25, 2013, between
AutoNation, Inc. and Michael E. Maroone, President and
Chief Operating Officer.

Amended Employment Agreement dated February 12,
2014, between AutoNation, Inc. and Michael E.
Maroone, President and Chief Operating Officer.

AutoNation, Inc. 2007 Non-Employee Director Stock
Option Plan.

Amendment to the AutoNation, Inc. 2007 Non-
Employee Director Stock Option Plan, effective as of
October 26, 2010.

94

Incorporated by Reference

Form  
10-Q

File Number   Exhibit  
3.1
001-13107

Filing Date  
8/13/99

8-K

8-K

001-13107

001-13107

3.1

4.1

3/23/12

4/15/10

8-K

001-13107

4.2

4/15/10

8-K

001-13107

8-K

001-13107

8-K

001-13107

10-Q

001-13107

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.5

4/15/10

2/1/12

2/1/12

4/25/12

10-Q

001-13107

4.6

4/25/12

10-Q

001-13107

10.2

8/14/00

10-K

001-13107

10.10

3/31/99

10-Q

001-13107

10.1

10/27/06

10-K

001-13107

10.4

2/28/07

10-K

001-13107

10.5

2/28/07

S-8

333-170737

10.1

11/19/10

8-K

001-13107

10.1

7/26/13

8-K

001-13107

10.2

7/26/13

10-K

001-13107

10.17

2/28/07

10-Q

001-13107

10.4

10/28/10

Incorporated by Reference

Form  
8-K

File Number   Exhibit  
10.2
001-13107

Filing Date  
2/2/12

10-Q

001-13107

10.1

7/27/11

8-K

001-13107

10.1

2/2/12

10-Q

001-13107

10.1

4/25/08

10-K

001-13107

10.12

2/24/05

10-K

001-13107

10.16

2/17/09

10-K

001-13107

10.17

2/17/09

10-Q

001-13107

10.4

4/24/09

10-Q

001-13107

10.5

4/24/09

8-K

001-13107

10.1

1/29/09

8-K

001-13107

10.1

8/16/10

8-K

001-13107

10.1

12/8/11

Exhibit
Number
10.12

10.13

10.14

10.15

10.16

10.17

10.18

10.19

10.20

10.21*

10.22

10.23

10.24

12.1*

21.1*

23.1*

31.1*

31.2*

32.1**

32.2**

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit Description
Amendment to the AutoNation, Inc. 2007 Non-
Employee Director Stock Option Plan, effective as of
February 1, 2012.

Form of Waiver, executed by each of the Company’s
non-employee directors.

AutoNation, Inc. Senior Executive Incentive Bonus
Plan.

AutoNation, Inc. 2008 Employee Equity and Incentive
Plan.

Form of Stock Option Agreement for stock options
granted under the AutoNation, Inc. employee stock
options plans other than the 2008 Employee Equity and
Incentive Plan.
Form of Stock Option Agreement under the 2008
Employee Equity and Incentive Plan (for 2008 grants).

Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under the 2008
Employee Equity Incentive and Incentive Plan (for 2008
grants).

Form of Stock Option Agreement under the 2008
Employee Equity and Incentive Plan (for grants in 2009
and thereafter).

Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under the 2008
Employee Equity and Incentive Plan (for grants in 2009
and thereafter).

Written Description of Compensatory Arrangement.

Honda Agreement, dated January 28, 2009, between
AutoNation, Inc., American Honda Motor Co., Inc. and
ESL Investments, Inc.
Stockholder Agreement, dated August 16, 2010, among
AutoNation, Inc., Cascade Investment, L.L.C. and the
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust.

Credit Agreement, dated as of December 7, 2011, by and
among the Company, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as
Administrative Agent, and the other parties thereto.

Statement Regarding Computation of Ratio of Earnings
to Fixed Charges.

Subsidiaries of AutoNation, Inc.

Consent of KPMG LLP.

Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to
Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act.

Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to
Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act.

Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to
Rule 13a-14(b) of the Exchange Act and 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350.

Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to
Rule 13a-14(b) of the Exchange Act and 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350.

101.INS*

101.SCH*

XBRL Instance Document

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

95

Incorporated by Reference

Form  

File Number   Exhibit  

Filing Date  

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number
101.CAL*

101.DEF*

101.LAB*

101.PRE*

Exhibit Description
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
Document

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
Document

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
Document

* 
** 

Filed herewith
Furnished herewith

Exhibits 10.1 through 10.21 are management contracts or compensatory plans, contracts, or arrangements.

In accordance with Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K, copies of certain instruments defining the rights of holders of 
long-term debt of the Company or its subsidiaries are not filed herewith. We hereby agree to furnish a copy of any such 
instrument to the Commission upon request.

96

Exhibit 31.1

I, Michael J. Jackson, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of AutoNation, Inc.;

CERTIFICATION

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a 

material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, 
not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly 
present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, 
the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls 
and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting 
(as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be 

designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated 
subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is 
being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to 

be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and 
the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting 
principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our 
conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this 
report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during 

the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has 
materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial 
reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal 

control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or 
persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial 
reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report 
financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in 

the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: February 13, 2014 

/s/    MICHAEL J. JACKSON        
Michael J. Jackson
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 31.2

I, Cheryl Scully, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of AutoNation, Inc.;

CERTIFICATION

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a 

material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, 
not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly 
present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, 
the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls 
and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting 
(as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be 

designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated 
subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is 
being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to 

be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and 
the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting 
principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our 
conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this 
report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during 

the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has 
materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial 
reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal 

control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or 
persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial 
reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report 
financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in 

the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/    CHERYL SCULLY
Cheryl Scully
Interim Chief Financial Officer

Date: February 13, 2014 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

Exhibit 32.1

In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of AutoNation, Inc. (the “Company”) for the year ended 

December 31, 2013, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), I, Michael J. Jackson, 
Chief Executive Officer of the Company, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to 
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:

(1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as 

amended; and

(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of 

operations of the Company.

February 13, 2014 

/s/    MICHAEL J. JACKSON        
Michael J. Jackson
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

Exhibit 32.2

In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of AutoNation, Inc. (the “Company”) for the year ended 

December 31, 2013, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), I, Cheryl Scully, Interim 
Chief Financial Officer of the Company, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to 
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:

(1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as 

amended; and

(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of 

operations of the Company.

/s/    CHERYL SCULLY
Cheryl Scully
Interim Chief Financial Officer

February 13, 2014 

 
AUTONATION HEADQUARTERS

200 SW 1st Ave
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301
Telephone: (954) 769-6000
www.AutoNation.com

INVESTOR CONTACT

Stockholders, securities analysts, portfolio managers, and 
representatives of financial institutions requesting copies of 
the Annual Report, Form 10-K, quarterly reports, and other 
corporate literature should call (954) 769-7342 or write 
AutoNation, Inc., Investor Relations, at the above address.

ANNUAL MEETING

The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of AutoNation, Inc. will 
be held at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time, Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at:
AutoNation Headquarters
200 SW 1st Ave, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301
Telephone: (954) 769-6000

COMMON STOCK INFORMATION

The Company’s common stock trades on the New York Stock 
Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol “AN.”

At March 12, 2014, there were 1,889 Stockholders of record.

TRANSFER AGENT

For inquiries regarding address changes, stock transfers,  
lost shares or other account matters, please contact:

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
250 Royall Street, Canton, MA 02021
(800) 689-5259 
http://www.computershare.com.

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED  
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

KPMG LLP, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report contains “forward-looking statements“ 
as defined under federal securities laws. Our forward-looking 
statements reflect our current expectations concerning 
future results, and they involve known and unknown risks, 
uncertainties, and other factors that are difficult to predict 
and may cause our actual results to be materially different 
from any future results expressed or implied by these 
statements. Risk factors that could cause actual results to be 
materially different are set forth in the “Risk Factors“ section 
and throughout our Form 10-K. We undertake no duty to 
update or revise our forward-looking statements, whether as 
a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Corporate Information

EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT

Mike Jackson
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

Michael E. Maroone
Director, President & Chief Operating Officer

Jonathan P. Ferrando
Executive Vice President – General Counsel,  
Corporate Development and Human Resources

Cheryl Scully
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Robert J. Brown 1
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer,
B & C Associates, Inc.

Rick L. Burdick 2, 3
Partner, Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P.   
(a law firm)

David B. Edelson 1, 4
Senior Vice President, Loews Corporation

Robert R. Grusky 1
Founder and Managing Member, Hope Capital 
Management, LLC (an investment firm)

Mike Jackson
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, AutoNation, Inc.

Michael Larson 2, 4, 5
Chief Investment Officer for William H. Gates III

Michael E. Maroone
President & Chief Operating Officer, AutoNation, Inc.

Carlos A. Migoya 2, 3
Chief Executive Officer, Jackson Health System

G. Mike Mikan 2, 3, 4
President, ESL Investments, Inc.

Alison H. Rosenthal 1
Chief Operating Officer, MessageMe

1 Member of Audit Committee
2Member of Compensation Committee
3Member of Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee
4Member of Finance Committee
5Lead Independent Director

www.AutoNation.com

AutoNation.com