2 0 1 4
ANNUAL REPORT
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, 2014
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, 2014, the aggregate market value of the common stock of the registrant held by non-affiliates was approximately $4.4 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, 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, 2014).
As of February 9, 2015, the registrant had 113,578,092 shares of common stock outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement relating to its 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end
of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 are incorporated herein by reference in Part III.
(cid:3)
AUTONATION, INC.
FORM 10-K
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014
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
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(cid:3)
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
General
PART I
AutoNation, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is the largest automotive retailer in the United States. As of December 31,
2014, we owned and operated 276 new vehicle franchises from 232 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 34 different new vehicle brands. The core brands of new vehicles that we sell,
representing approximately 95% of the new vehicles that we sold in 2014, are manufactured by Toyota, Ford, Honda,
Nissan, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, BMW, 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 2014.
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. The term “digital channels” refers to our websites and mobile applications, including
mobile phone and tablet applications.
Reportable Segments
As of December 31, 2014, we had three reportable segments: Domestic, Import, and Premium Luxury. These segments
are comprised of retail automotive franchises that sell the following new vehicle brands:
Domestic
Import
Buick
Cadillac
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ford
GMC
Jeep
Lincoln
Ram
Acura
Fiat
Honda
Hyundai
Infiniti
Mazda
Mitsubishi
1
Nissan
Scion
Subaru
Toyota
Premium Luxury
Alfa Romeo
Maserati
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Mercedes-Benz
Mini
Porsche
smart
Volkswagen
Land Rover
Volvo
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, 2014, Domestic revenue represented 33% of
total revenue, Import revenue represented 35% of total revenue, and Premium Luxury revenue represented 31% of total
revenue. For additional financial information regarding our three reportable 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 reportable 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 customer experience in our stores and through our digital channels.
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 have invested and will continue to invest significantly in the AutoNation retail brand with the goals of
enhancing our strong customer satisfaction and expanding our market share. Our Domestic and Import stores have
been renamed to include the AutoNation retail brand, which enables us to leverage our advertising efforts and
digital channels to market our stores, new and used vehicle inventory, and parts and service business.
We are also investing significantly to build a seamless, end-to-end customer experience in our stores and through
our digital channels, as well as to improve our ability to generate business through those channels. As part of our
strategic initiatives, we are beginning to implement “AutoNation Express,” which is designed to enable our
customers to complete certain automotive retail- and service-related transactions through our digital channels. We
expect to continue to enhance our capabilities so that we may offer an integrated in-store and digital customer
experience and also increase traffic to our digital channels. Our plans for our digital channels include features
such as selecting and reserving a vehicle with a guaranteed price, scheduling a test drive, receiving a purchase
offer on a vehicle, applying for financing options, arranging service appointments, and receiving updates on and
paying for maintenance and repair services.
•
Leverage our significant scale and cost structure to improve our operating efficiency.
As the largest automotive retailer in the United States, we are uniquely positioned to leverage our significant scale
so that we are able to achieve competitive operating margins by centralizing and streamlining various business
processes. We manage our new and used vehicle inventories so that our stores’ supply and mix of vehicles is in
line with seasonal sales trends and also minimizes our carrying costs. Additionally, we are able to improve
financial controls and lower servicing costs by maintaining key store-level accounting and administrative
activities in our Shared Services Center located in Irving, Texas. Finally, we leverage our scale to reduce costs
related to purchasing certain equipment, supplies, and services through national vendor relationships.
•
Continue to build vehicle brand density in our core markets where we operate.
We have retail operations in 15 states with a focus on major metropolitan areas, and we seek to offer all of our
core vehicle brands within all of our key markets. We will continue to actively pursue acquisitions and new store
opportunities that meet our return on investment threshold, with a focus on enhancing brand representation within
our existing geographic footprint as well as markets that can be supported by our existing management
infrastructure.
2
Our business benefits from a well-diversified portfolio of automotive retail franchises. In 2014, approximately 39% of
our segment income was generated by Premium Luxury franchises, approximately 31% by Import franchises, and
approximately 30% by Domestic franchises. 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, 2012 through December 31, 2014, we
repurchased over 27 million shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $1.1 billion. Also during this
timeframe, we purchased 19 franchises and were awarded 12 new franchises from manufacturers (9 of which have
commenced operations, and 3 of which we expect will commence operations in 2015 or 2016). 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
customers, primarily through trade-ins, as well as through 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 manufacturer
recall repairs and other 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, 2014, we operated stores in the following states:
State
Florida
Texas
California
Colorado
Arizona
Georgia
Nevada
Washington
Illinois
Tennessee
Ohio
Minnesota
Virginia
Alabama
Maryland
Total
Number of
Stores
Number of
Franchises
57
40
39
17
15
10
10
16
7
7
4
1
2
3
4
232
66
49
44
24
17
11
11
22
7
8
4
1
2
5
5
276
% of Total
Revenue (1)
26
22
18
7
6
4
4
3
3
2
1
1
1
1
1
100
(1) Revenue by state includes non-store activities, such as collision centers 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, 2014:
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
52,245
31,201
19,197
102,643
37,087
61,318
33,516
22,145
154,066
24,993
16,123
8,839
5,000
6,344
61,299
318,008
16.4
9.8
6.1
32.3
11.7
19.3
10.5
6.9
48.4
7.9
5.1
2.8
1.6
1.9
19.3
100.0
39
44
29
112
22
20
21
39
102
25
11
3
8
15
62
276
$
$
1,769.6
1,123.9
671.8
3,565.3
910.0
1,644.6
845.0
640.4
4,040.0
1,466.2
853.8
382.1
255.2
409.6
3,366.9
10,972.2
4
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.
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.
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
5
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, 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
implemented 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
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
6
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 and mobile 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 15,400 and 15,900 at the end of each of 2014 and 2013, and the total number of U.S.
independent used vehicle dealers was approximately 35,300 and 37,000 at the end of 2014 and 2013, 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 and mobile sales
platforms. 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
natural disasters and severe weather events (such as hail storms, hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, tornadoes, snow storms,
and landslides) 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.
7
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, 2014, we employed approximately 24,000 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 9, 2015. Beneficial
ownership includes shares that may be acquired through the exercise of outstanding stock options within 60 days of
February 9, 2015, as well as shares of restricted stock.
Name
Mike Jackson
Age
66
Jonathan P. Ferrando
49
William R. Berman
Cheryl Scully
Alan J. McLaren
48
42
48
Position
Chairman of the Board, Chief
Executive Officer and
President
Executive Vice President -
General Counsel, Corporate
Development and Human
Resources
Executive Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
Senior Vice President,
Customer Care
Years with
AutoNation
15
Years in
Automotive
Industry
44
Number of
Shares of
Common Stock
Beneficially Owned
1,091,076
18
15
7
3
18
27
16
30
469,848
30,539
19,726
15,385
Mike Jackson has served as our Chief Executive Officer and Director since September 1999, as our Chairman of the
Board since January 2003, and as our President since February 2015. 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.
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.
William R. Berman has served as our Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since February 2015. Since
1999, Mr. Berman has served in various leadership roles within the Company, including as Senior Vice President, Sales
from October 2014 until February 2015, and as President of the Company’s Western Region, with responsibility for stores
located in California, Washington, Nevada, and Arizona, from October 2008 through September 2014.
Cheryl Scully has served as our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since March 2014. Prior thereto,
Ms. Scully was appointed Interim Chief Financial Officer in January 2014, and she served as Treasurer, Vice President
Investor Relations, a role she assumed in April 2010. From May 2009 to March 2010, Ms. Scully served as the Company’s
Vice President, Treasurer. 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 strategic initiatives and 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, consumer shopping preferences and the success of third-party online and mobile sales platforms, 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.
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Approximately 16.5 million, 15.6 million, and 14.5 million new vehicles were sold in the United States in 2014, 2013,
and 2012, respectively. While we expect that the annual rate of U.S. new vehicle unit sales will improve in 2015 as
compared to 2014, there can be no assurance that it will. 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 to attract consumers to our own digital
channels, or if events occur that damage our retail brands, reputation, or sales channels, 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. During the first half
of 2013, we transitioned our Domestic and Import stores to a unified AutoNation retail brand. 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, including in the communities in which we operate, and to attract consumers to our own digital channels.
Consumers are increasingly shopping for new and used vehicles, automotive repair and maintenance services, and other
automotive products and services online and through mobile applications, including through third-party online and mobile
sales platforms, with which we compete, that are designed to generate consumer sales leads that are sold to automotive
dealers. If we fail to preserve the value of our retail brands, to maintain our reputation, or to attract consumers to our own
digital channels, our business could be adversely impacted. An isolated business incident at a single store could materially
adversely affect our other stores, retail brands, reputation, and sales channels, particularly if such incident results in adverse
publicity, governmental investigations, or litigation. In addition, the growing use of social media by consumers increases
the speed and extent that information and opinions can be shared, and negative posts or comments on social media about
AutoNation or any of our stores could materially damage our retail brands, reputation, and sales channels.
We have invested and will continue to invest substantial resources in marketing activities with the goals of, among other
things, extending and enhancing the AutoNation retail brand, attracting consumers to our own digital channels, and
reducing our use of third-party online and mobile sales platforms. There can be no assurance that our marketing strategies
will be successful or that the amount we invest in marketing activities will result in improved financial results. If our
marketing initiatives are not successful, we will have incurred significant expenses without the benefit of improved
financial results.
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.
The core brands of vehicles that we sell, representing approximately 95% of the new vehicles that we sold in 2014, are
manufactured by Toyota, Ford, Honda, Nissan, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, BMW, and Volkswagen. We are
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subject to a concentration of risk in the event of adverse events or financial distress, including bankruptcy, impacting one
or more of these manufacturers.
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, vehicle recall campaigns, adverse publicity that may reduce
consumer demand for their products (including due to bankruptcy), product defects, litigation, poor product mix or
unappealing vehicle design, governmental laws and regulations (including fuel economy requirements), import product
restrictions, or other adverse events. 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 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.
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.
New laws, regulations, or governmental policies regarding fuel economy and greenhouse gas emission standards, or
changes to existing standards, may affect vehicle manufacturers’ ability to produce cost-effective vehicles or vehicles
that consumers demand, which could adversely impact our business, results of operations, financial condition, cash
flow, and prospects.
Vehicle manufacturers are subject to government-mandated fuel economy and greenhouse gas, or GHG, emission
standards, which continue to change and become more stringent over time. In May 2010, the Environmental Protection
Agency and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration issued a joint final rule implementing harmonized
federal standards for fuel economy and GHG emissions standards, which will substantially increase fuel economy
requirements. These and other laws and regulations could materially adversely affect, particularly during periods when fuel
prices are low, 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, results of operations, financial condition, cash
flow, and prospects.
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.
12
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 hail storms, hurricanes, earthquakes,
fires, tornadoes, snow storms, and landslides) 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.
In addition, natural disasters may adversely impact new vehicle production and the global automotive supply chain,
which in turn could materially adversely impact our business, results of operations, financial conditions, and cash flows. 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.
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
13
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, and actions brought
by governmental authorities. Some of these lawsuits purport or may be determined to be class or collective actions and
seek substantial damages or injunctive relief, or both, and some may remain unresolved for several years. We are currently
defending several purported class action lawsuits in California arising out of alleged violations of state wage and hour laws
relating to compensation of automotive technicians. 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, cash flows, or prospects.
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 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.
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.
See the risk factor “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”
above. 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 Act, which was signed into law on July 21, 2010, established 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. In addition, the CFPB recently issued a
proposed rule, pursuant to its authority under the Dodd-Frank Act, to enable it to possess supervisory authority with respect
to certain non-bank lenders, including automotive finance companies, participating in automotive financing. The Dodd-
14
Frank Act also provided the FTC with new and expanded authority regarding automotive dealers, and the FTC has
implemented 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.
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.
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. We rely on our information systems
to manage, among other things, our sales, inventory, and service efforts, including through our digital channels, and
customer information, as well as to prepare our consolidated financial and operating data. The failure of our information
systems to perform as designed or the failure to maintain and enhance or protect the integrity of these 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 experience 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 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.
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 revolving credit facility, 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
15
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.
As of December 31, 2014, we had $2.1 billion of total non-vehicle debt (including amounts outstanding under our
mortgage facility and capital leases) and $3.1 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 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.
16
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 9, 2015, ESL Investments, Inc. together with certain of its
investment affiliates (collectively, “ESL”) beneficially owns approximately 20% of the outstanding shares of our common
stock. 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 9, 2015, William H. Gates III beneficially owns approximately
16% of the outstanding shares of our common stock, through holdings by Cascade Investment, L.L.C. (“Cascade”), which
is solely owned by Mr. Gates, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust (the “Trust”), of which he is a co-trustee. 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, serves as our lead independent director. 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 filings made with the SEC through February 9, 2015, since January 1, 2014,
ESL has disposed of approximately 7.8 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 9, 2015, ESL, Cascade, the Trust, our executive
officers, and our directors beneficially own approximately 37% 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.
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. Our principal intangible assets are goodwill and our rights under our franchise agreements with vehicle
manufacturers. A decrease in our market capitalization or profitability increases the risk of goodwill impairment. Negative
or declining cash flows or a decline in actual or planned revenues for our stores increases the risk of franchise rights
impairment. An impairment loss could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and shareholders’ equity.
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 2015, we also own or lease numerous facilities relating to our operations under each of
our reportable 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.
17
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, and actions brought by governmental
authorities. Some of these lawsuits purport or may be determined to be class or collective actions and seek substantial
damages or injunctive relief, or both, and some may remain unresolved for several years. We are currently defending
several purported class action lawsuits in California arising out of alleged violations of state wage and hour laws relating to
compensation of automotive technicians. 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.
18
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.
2014
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter
2013
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter
High
Low
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
61.42
61.29
59.71
54.14
53.01
54.49
47.91
48.92
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
46.16
48.90
51.79
46.38
46.62
43.56
40.30
38.93
As of February 9, 2015, there were 1,848 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
2014.
Period
October 1, 2014 – October 31, 2014
November 1, 2014 – November 30, 2014
December 1, 2014 – December 31, 2014
Total for three months ended
December 31, 2014
Total for twelve months ended
December 31, 2014
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
Average
Price Paid
Per Share
1,405,594
$
— $
487
$
49.35
—
60.88
1,406,081
9,449,083
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)
280.6
280.6
280.6
1,405,594
$
— $
— $
1,405,594
9,402,331
(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, 2014, $280.6 million remained available under our stock repurchase
authorization limit. Our stock repurchase program does not have an expiration date. In 2014, all of our shares were
repurchased under our stock repurchase program, except for 46,752 shares that were surrendered to AutoNation to
satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted stock (11,203 shares in the first quarter
of 2014, 33,274 shares in the second quarter of 2014, 1,788 shares in the third quarter of 2014, and 487 shares in the
fourth quarter of 2014).
19
Stock Performance Graph
The following graph and table compare the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock from
December 31, 2009 through December 31, 2014 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, 2009 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
12/09
12/10
100.00
100.00
100.00
147.26
115.06
132.08
12/11
192.53
117.49
137.64
12/12
12/13
12/14
207.31
136.30
182.96
259.48
180.44
248.60
315.46
205.14
324.08
20
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,
2012
2013
2011
2010
2014
$ 19,108.8
$ 17,517.6
$ 15,667.5
$ 13,832.3
$ 12,461.0
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
767.5
682.3
418.7
3.58
$
$
$
$
686.9
604.4
374.9
3.10
$
$
$
$
599.8
516.8
316.4
2.56
$
$
$
$
529.3
461.3
281.4
1.96
$
$
$
$
(0.01) $
(0.01) $
(0.01) $
(0.02) $
3.57
$
3.09
$
2.56
$
1.94
$
117.3
121.3
123.8
144.8
3.53
$
3.05
$
2.52
$
1.93
$
(0.01) $
(0.01) $
(0.01) $
(0.02) $
3.52
$
3.04
$
2.52
$
1.91
$
118.9
113.3
123.3
120.9
125.8
120.9
147.3
135.8
454.5
381.7
226.6
1.50
(0.06)
1.44
156.9
1.49
(0.06)
1.43
158.6
148.4
8,399.7
2,103.4
2,072.1
$
$
$
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
318,008
214,910
532,918
292,922
204,572
497,494
267,784
180,955
448,739
224,034
171,094
395,128
206,456
160,126
366,582
(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.
21
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 reportable 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,
2014, we owned and operated 276 new vehicle franchises from 232 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 34 different new vehicle brands. The core brands of new vehicles that we sell,
representing approximately 95% of the new vehicles that we sold in 2014, are manufactured by Toyota, Ford, Honda,
Nissan, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, BMW, 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, 2014, we had three reportable 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, 2014, 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 23% 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 $419.8 million and diluted earnings per share of $3.53 in 2014, as
compared to net income from continuing operations of $375.8 million and diluted earnings per share of $3.05 in 2013, and
net income from continuing operations of $317.3 million and diluted earnings per share of $2.52 in 2012.
The 2014 results were impacted by a net gain related to business/property dispositions of $8.1 million ($5.0 million
after-tax), primarily related to the divestiture of our customer lead distribution business.
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).
Market Conditions
Full-year U.S. industry new vehicle unit sales were 16.5 million in 2014, as compared to 15.6 million in 2013 and
14.5 million in 2012. In 2014, 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. Attractive products and continued access to affordable credit were also
22
supportive of a strong selling environment. We expect continued growth in new vehicle unit sales in 2015, with full-year
U.S. industry new vehicle unit sales above 17 million. However, actual sales may materially differ.
During 2014, the warranty component of our parts and service business benefited from the rise of manufacturer recalls
in our Domestic and Import segment. Additionally, 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 67,424 units in new
vehicle inventory at December 31, 2014, and 72,095 units at December 31, 2013.
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 $3.3 million at December 31, 2014, and $1.8 million at December 31, 2013.
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 $3.5 million at December 31, 2014, and
$3.6 million at December 31, 2013.
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, 2014, 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.
As of December 31, 2014, we have $175.1 million of goodwill related to the Domestic reporting unit, $551.6 million
related to the Import reporting unit, and $588.0 million related to the Premium Luxury reporting unit.
23
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, 2014. Based on our qualitative assessment, we determined that
we should perform a quantitative test for franchise rights related to one store, and no impairment charges resulted from this
quantitative test. For the remainder of our franchise rights, 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 2014, there were no significant impairment charges recorded for the carrying value of long-lived assets held and
used in continuing operations.
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-
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 $64.7 million at December 31, 2014, and $59.8 million at
December 31, 2013. We recorded impairment charges of $1.1 million in 2014 associated with assets held for sale in
continuing operations.
24
We had assets held for sale in discontinued operations of $23.2 million at December 31, 2014, and $34.5 million at
December 31, 2013. During 2014, there were no significant impairment charges associated with assets held for sale in
discontinued operations.
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 $84.9 million at December 31, 2014, and $67.6 million at December 31, 2013.
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 an increase in sales of vehicle service
contracts in recent years, which have higher cancellation rates compared to other products, as well as an overall increase in
the cancellation rate of finance and insurance products. Our actual chargeback experience has not been materially different
from our recorded estimates. A 10% change in our estimated cancellation rates would have changed our estimated liability
for chargebacks at December 31, 2014, by approximately $8.5 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 $71.4 million at
December 31, 2014, and $66.3 million at December 31, 2013. We believe our actual loss experience has not been
materially different from our recorded estimates.
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
25
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, and certain assumptions related to
determining stock-based compensation.
26
Years Ended December 31,
2014 vs. 2013
Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)
%
Variance
2012
2013 vs. 2012
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, net
Income from continuing
operations before income taxes $
2014
2013
$ 10,972.2
3,988.9
396.8
4,385.7
750.8
16,108.7
2,822.5
177.6
$ 19,108.8
$ 9,949.6
3,697.9
429.5
4,127.4
674.0
14,751.0
2,597.4
169.2
$ 17,517.6
$
$
650.1
363.2
(2.6)
360.6
750.8
1,761.5
1,196.6
30.6
2,988.7
2,079.6
106.9
—
(18.6)
820.8
(53.3)
(86.7)
(1.6)
0.2
2.9
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
$
$
$
1,022.6
291.0
(32.7)
258.3
76.8
1,357.7
225.1
8.4
1,591.2
33.7
38.0
(7.1)
30.9
76.8
141.4
90.8
(3.4)
228.8
(144.6)
(11.6)
—
7.9
80.5
0.1
1.6
(1.6)
—
(2.7)
10.3
7.9
(7.6)
6.3
11.4
9.2
8.7
9.1
5.5
11.7
9.4
11.4
8.7
8.2
8.3
(7.5)
10.9
$
$
$
$ 8,906.2
3,230.0
484.3
3,714.3
571.2
13,191.7
2,399.2
76.6
$ 15,667.5
$
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
682.3
$
604.4
$
77.9
12.9
$
516.8
$
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)
318,008
214,910
532,918
34,503
18,561
2,044
1,690
1,409
3,310
$
$
$
$
$
$
292,922
204,572
497,494
33,967
18,076
2,104
1,590
1,355
3,247
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
25,086
10,338
35,424
536
485
(60)
100
54
63
8.6
5.1
7.1
1.6
2.7
267,784
180,955
448,739
$
$
33,259
17,850
(2.9) $
$
6.3
$
4.0
$
1.9
2,164
1,623
1,273
3,219
$
$
$
$
$
$
(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.
27
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
87.6
25,138
23,617
48,755
708
226
(60)
(33)
82
28
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
17.0
9.4
13.1
10.9
2.1
1.3
(2.8)
(2.0)
6.4
0.9
Years Ended December 31,
2014 (%)
2013 (%)
2012 (%)
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)
Used vehicle (trailing calendar month days)
57.4
23.0
14.8
3.9
0.9
100.0
21.8
12.1
40.0
25.1
1.0
100.0
5.9
9.1
42.4
15.6
10.9
4.3
69.6
27.5
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
December 31,
2014
2013
54 days
38 days
62 days
35 days
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
28
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 2013 would be included only in our same store comparison of 2014 to 2013, not in our
same store comparison of 2013 to 2012. Therefore, the amounts presented in the year 2013 column that is being compared
to the 2014 column may differ from the amounts presented in the year 2013 column that is being compared to the year
2012 column.
Years Ended December 31,
Years Ended December 31,
($ 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:
2014
2013
$ 10,748.9
3,917.3
390.0
4,307.3
$ 9,911.8
3,684.3
427.0
4,111.3
738.1
671.8
15,794.3
2,773.5
169.1
$ 18,736.9
14,694.9
2,585.6
137.6
$ 17,418.1
New vehicle
Retail used vehicle
Wholesale
Used vehicle
Finance and insurance
Total variable
operations(1)
Parts and service
Other
Total gross profit
$
$
635.7
356.1
(2.6)
353.5
738.1
614.3
323.3
4.5
327.8
671.8
1,727.3
1,174.3
29.8
$ 2,931.4
1,613.9
1,100.7
25.8
$ 2,740.4
Retail vehicle unit
sales:
New vehicle
Used vehicle
Total
Revenue per vehicle
retailed:
New vehicle
Used vehicle
311,128
210,702
521,830
291,421
203,498
494,919
$ 34,548
$ 18,592
$ 34,012
$ 18,105
Gross profit per vehicle
retailed:
$
New vehicle
Used vehicle
$
Finance and insurance $
Total variable
operations(2)
$
2,043
1,690
1,414
3,315
$
$
$
$
2,108
1,589
1,357
3,252
Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)
%
Variance
2013
2012
Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)
%
Variance
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
837.1
233.0
(37.0)
196.0
66.3
1,099.4
187.9
31.5
1,318.8
21.4
32.8
(7.1)
25.7
66.3
113.4
73.6
4.0
191.0
19,707
7,204
26,911
536
487
(65)
101
57
63
8.4
6.3
(8.7)
4.8
$ 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
651.6
570.6
81.0
14.2
9.9
7.5
7.3
7.6
7.8
9.9
7.0
6.7
7.0
6.8
3.5
5.4
14,168.7
2,520.6
152.4
$ 16,841.7
13,177.8
2,398.4
76.6
$ 15,652.8
$
3.5
10.1
$
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
281,664
197,233
478,897
267,537
180,842
448,379
1.6
2.7
$ 33,910
$ 18,022
$ 33,253
$ 17,844
(3.1) $
$
6.4
$
4.2
2,099
1,597
1,361
1.9
$
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
2.0
1.0
(3.0)
(1.5)
6.9
1.1
(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.
29
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,
2014 (%)
2013 (%)
Years Ended December 31,
2013 (%)
2012 (%)
56.9
23.6
14.8
3.9
0.8
100.0
22.4
12.0
40.2
24.5
0.9
100.0
6.2
8.8
42.6
15.7
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
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
57.4
23.0
14.8
3.9
0.9
100.0
21.7
12.1
40.1
25.2
0.9
100.0
5.9
9.1
42.3
15.6
30
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)
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
2014 compared to 2013
Years Ended December 31,
2014 vs. 2013
2013 vs. 2012
2014
2013
Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)
%
Variance
2012
Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)
%
Variance
$ 10,972.2
$
$
$
650.1
318,008
34,503
2,044
$
$
$
$
9,949.6
616.4
292,922
33,967
2,104
$
$
$
$
1,022.6
33.7
25,086
536
(60)
10.3
5.5
8.6
1.6
$
$
$
8,906.2
579.5
267,784
33,259
(2.9) $
2,164
$
$
$
$
1,043.4
36.9
25,138
708
(60)
11.7
6.4
9.4
2.1
(2.8)
5.9%
6.2%
54 days
62 days
6.5%
Years Ended December 31,
2014 vs. 2013
Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)
%
Variance
2013 vs. 2012
Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)
%
Variance
2013
2012
2014
2013
$ 10,748.9
$ 9,911.8
$
$
$
635.7
$
614.3
311,128
291,421
34,548
$ 34,012
2,043
$
2,108
$
$
$
$
837.1
21.4
19,707
536
(65)
8.4
3.5
6.8
1.6
$ 9,551.3
$ 8,896.4
$
591.1
$
578.9
281,664
267,537
$ 33,910
$ 33,253
(3.1) $
2,099
$
2,164
$
$
$
$
654.9
12.2
14,127
657
(65)
7.4
2.1
5.3
2.0
(3.0)
5.9%
6.2%
6.2%
6.5%
Same store new vehicle revenue increased during 2014, as compared to 2013, as a result of increases in same store unit
volume and 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. New product offerings from automotive manufacturers also favorably impacted same store unit
volume.
Same store revenue per new vehicle retailed during 2014 benefited from an increase in the average selling prices for
Domestic and Premium Luxury vehicles, partially offset by a decrease in the average selling price for Import vehicles.
Same store revenue per new vehicle retailed also benefited from a shift in mix toward Premium Luxury vehicles, which
have relatively higher average selling prices.
Same store gross profit per new vehicle retailed decreased during 2014, as compared to 2013, primarily due to a
decrease in gross profit per vehicle retailed for Import vehicles. This decrease was partially offset by a shift in mix toward
Premium Luxury vehicles, which have a relatively higher average gross profit per vehicle retailed.
2013 compared to 2012
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.
31
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.
New Vehicle Inventories
Our new vehicle inventories were $2.3 billion or 54 days supply at December 31, 2014, as compared to new vehicle
inventories of $2.3 billion or 62 days supply at December 31, 2013. We had 67,424 units in new vehicle inventory at
December 31, 2014, and 72,095 units at December 31, 2013.
The following table details net new vehicle inventory carrying benefit, consisting of new vehicle floorplan interest
expense net of floorplan assistance earned (amounts received from manufacturers specifically to support store financing of
new vehicle inventory). Floorplan assistance is accounted for as a component of new vehicle gross profit.
($ in millions)
Floorplan assistance
New vehicle floorplan interest expense
Net new vehicle inventory carrying benefit
2014
2013
Variance 2014
vs. 2013
2012
Variance 2013
vs. 2012
$
$
106.2
$
92.7
$
13.5
$
73.5
$
(50.6)
(51.2)
0.6
(43.7)
55.6
$
41.5
$
14.1
$
29.8
$
19.2
(7.5)
11.7
Years Ended December 31,
2014 compared to 2013
The net new vehicle inventory carrying benefit increased in 2014, as compared to 2013, due to an increase in floorplan
assistance. Floorplan assistance increased due to higher new vehicle sales and an increase in the floorplan assistance rate
per unit.
2013 compared to 2012
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.
32
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,
2014 vs. 2013
2013 vs. 2012
2014
2013
Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)
%
Variance
2012
Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)
%
Variance
$ 3,988.9
$ 3,697.9
396.8
429.5
$ 4,385.7
$ 4,127.4
$
$
$
$
363.2
(2.6)
360.6
214,910
18,561
1,690
$
$
$
$
325.2
4.5
329.7
204,572
18,076
1,590
$
$
$
$
$
$
9.1%
8.8%
38 days
35 days
291.0
(32.7)
258.3
38.0
(7.1)
30.9
10,338
485
100
7.9
$ 3,230.0
(7.6)
484.3
6.3
$ 3,714.3
11.7
$
293.7
5.5
299.2
180,955
17,850
1,623
$
$
$
9.4
5.1
2.7
6.3
$
$
$
$
$
$
9.1%
467.9
(54.8)
413.1
31.5
(1.0)
30.5
23,617
226
(33)
14.5
(11.3)
11.1
10.7
10.2
13.1
1.3
(2.0)
Years Ended December 31,
2014 vs. 2013
Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)
%
Variance
2013
2012
2013 vs. 2012
Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)
%
Variance
$
$
$
$
$
$
233.0
(37.0)
196.0
32.8
(7.1)
25.7
7,204
487
101
6.3
$ 3,554.5
$ 3,227.0
(8.7)
411.3
483.8
4.8
$ 3,965.8
$ 3,710.8
10.1
7.8
3.5
2.7
6.4
$
$
$
$
314.9
4.4
319.3
197,233
18,022
1,597
$
$
$
$
293.4
5.5
298.9
180,842
17,844
1,622
$
$
$
$
$
$
327.5
(72.5)
255.0
21.5
(1.1)
20.4
16,391
178
(25)
10.1
(15.0)
6.9
7.3
6.8
9.1
1.0
(1.5)
2014
2013
Same Store:
Retail revenue
$ 3,917.3
$ 3,684.3
Wholesale revenue
390.0
427.0
Total revenue
$ 4,307.3
$ 4,111.3
$
$
$
$
356.1
(2.6)
353.5
210,702
18,592
1,690
$
$
$
$
323.3
4.5
327.8
203,498
18,105
1,589
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
9.1%
8.8%
8.9%
9.1%
2014 compared to 2013
Same store retail used vehicle revenue increased during 2014, as compared to 2013, due to increases in same store unit
volume and 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 benefited from an increase in the average selling prices of used vehicles for
all three segments, a shift in mix away from Import vehicles, which have relatively lower average selling prices, and an
increase in sales of certified pre-owned vehicles, which have relatively higher average selling prices.
33
Same store gross profit per used vehicle retailed increased during 2014, as compared to 2013, due to an increase in the
gross profit per vehicle retailed for Import and Premium Luxury vehicles and a shift in mix away from Import vehicles,
which have a relatively lower average gross profit per vehicle retailed.
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.
Used Vehicle Inventories
Used vehicle inventories were $437.6 million or 38 days supply at December 31, 2014, compared to $346.5 million or
35 days supply at December 31, 2013.
34
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.
Years Ended December 31,
2014 vs. 2013
Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)
%
Variance
2012
2013 vs. 2012
Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)
%
Variance
2014
2013
$ 2,822.5
$ 2,597.4
$ 1,196.6
$ 1,105.8
$
$
225.1
90.8
8.7
8.2
$ 2,399.2
$ 1,008.0
$
$
198.2
97.8
8.3
9.7
($ in millions)
Reported:
Revenue
Gross profit
Gross profit as a percentage
of revenue
42.4%
42.6%
42.0%
Same Store:
Revenue
2014
2013
$ 2,773.5
$ 2,585.6
Gross profit
$ 1,174.3
$ 1,100.7
Years Ended December 31,
2014 vs. 2013
Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)
%
Variance
2013
2012
2013 vs. 2012
Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)
%
Variance
$
$
187.9
73.6
7.3
6.7
$ 2,520.6
$ 2,398.4
$ 1,072.0
$ 1,007.6
$
$
122.2
64.4
5.1
6.4
Gross profit as
a percentage
of revenue
2014 compared to 2013
42.3%
42.6%
42.5%
42.0%
Same store parts and service gross profit increased during 2014, as compared to 2013, primarily due to increases in
gross profit associated with warranty of $32.5 million, the preparation of vehicles for sale of $12.7 million, customer-pay
service of $11.3 million, and collision business of $10.1 million.
Warranty gross profit benefited from the rise of manufacturer recalls in our Domestic and Import segments, an increase
in volume, improved margin performance, and an increase in manufacturer-paid vehicle maintenance. 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 increased volume. Gross profit associated with our
collision business benefited from increased volume referred by automotive insurance providers as well as increase in the
average repair value.
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 $6.2 million.
Warranty gross profit benefited from an increase in warranty service due to improved market conditions, the rise of
manufacturer recalls in the automotive industry, and an increase in manufacturer-paid vehicle maintenance. See “Market
Conditions” above. Gross profit associated with the preparation of vehicles for sale benefited from higher new and used
vehicle unit volume. Customer-pay service gross profit benefited from improved operational execution and improved
margin performance. Gross profit associated with our collision business benefited from increased volume, improved
productivity, and improved margin performance.
35
Finance and Insurance
($ in millions, except per vehicle
data)
Reported:
2014
2013
Years Ended December 31,
2014 vs. 2013
Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)
%
Variance
2012
2013 vs. 2012
Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)
%
Variance
Revenue and gross profit
Gross profit per vehicle retailed
$
$
750.8
1,409
$
$
674.0
1,355
$
$
76.8
54
11.4
4.0
$
$
571.2
1,273
$
$
102.8
82
18.0
6.4
Years Ended December 31,
2014 vs. 2013
Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)
%
Variance
2014
2013
2013
2012
Same Store:
Revenue and gross profit
$ 738.1
$ 671.8
Gross profit per vehicle
retailed
$ 1,414
$ 1,357
$
$
66.3
9.9
$ 651.6
$ 570.6
57
4.2
$ 1,361
$ 1,273
2013 vs. 2012
Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)
%
Variance
$
$
81.0
14.2
88
6.9
2014 compared to 2013
Same store finance and insurance revenue and gross profit increased during 2014, as compared to 2013, due to increases
in new and used vehicle unit volume and same store finance and insurance revenue and gross profit per vehicle retailed.
Same store finance and insurance revenue and gross profit per vehicle retailed benefited from a shift in mix toward
more profitable vehicle service contracts and an increase in product penetration for vehicle service contracts.
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.
36
Segment Results
In the following table of financial data, total segment income of the operating segments is reconciled to consolidated
operating income.
($ in millions)
Revenue:
Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)
%
Variance
2012
Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)
%
Variance
$
Domestic
Import
Premium Luxury
Total
Corporate and other
Total consolidated revenue $
6,359.5
6,717.8
5,889.3
18,966.6
142.2
19,108.8
Segment income*:
Domestic
Import
Premium Luxury
Total segment income
Corporate and other
Floorplan interest expense
Operating income
$
$
285.0
291.3
366.1
942.4
(174.9)
53.3
820.8
$
$
$
$
5,835.3
6,375.0
5,152.3
17,362.6
155.0
17,517.6
246.6
280.1
321.4
848.1
(161.2)
53.4
740.3
$
$
$
$
524.2
342.8
737.0
1,604.0
(12.8)
1,591.2
38.4
11.2
44.7
94.3
(13.7)
0.1
80.5
9.0
5.4
14.3
9.2
(8.3)
9.1
15.6
4.0
13.9
11.1
$
5,131.6
5,827.5
4,553.3
15,512.4
155.1
$ 15,667.5
$
209.4
257.9
270.4
737.7
(137.9)
45.5
645.3
$
$
$
$
703.7
547.5
599.0
1,850.2
(0.1)
1,850.1
37.2
22.2
51.0
110.4
(23.3)
(7.9)
95.0
13.7
9.4
13.2
11.9
(0.1)
11.8
17.8
8.6
18.9
15.0
14.7
10.9
$
* Segment income represents income for each of our reportable segments and is defined as operating income less floorplan interest
expense.
Retail new vehicle unit sales:
Domestic
Import
Premium Luxury
102,643
154,066
61,299
318,008
96,229
143,325
53,368
292,922
6,414
10,741
7,931
25,086
6.7
7.5
14.9
8.6
85,947
133,912
47,925
267,784
10,282
9,413
5,443
25,138
12.0
7.0
11.4
9.4
37
Domestic
The Domestic segment operating results included the following:
Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)
%
Variance
2012
Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)
%
Variance
$ 6,359.5
$ 5,835.3
$
285.0
$
246.6
$
$
524.2
38.4
6,414
9.0
$ 5,131.6
15.6
$
209.4
$
$
6.7
85,947
703.7
37.2
10,282
13.7
17.8
12.0
($ in millions)
Revenue
Segment income
Retail new vehicle unit sales
102,643
96,229
2014 compared to 2013
Domestic revenue increased during 2014, as compared to 2013, primarily due to an increase in new and used vehicle
unit volume and an increase in revenue per new and used 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. New product offerings from automotive manufacturers also favorably
impacted new vehicle unit volume. The increase in used vehicle unit volume was primarily due to an increase in sales of
certified pre-owned vehicles, as well as an increase in trade-in volume.
Domestic segment income increased during 2014, as compared to 2013, primarily due to an increase in parts and service
gross profit and 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 vehicle unit volume. Increases in Domestic segment
income were partially offset by an increase in variable expenses.
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.
38
Import
The Import segment operating results included the following:
Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)
%
Variance
2012
Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)
%
Variance
$ 6,717.8
$ 6,375.0
$
291.3
$
280.1
$
$
342.8
11.2
10,741
5.4
4.0
7.5
$ 5,827.5
$
257.9
$
$
133,912
547.5
22.2
9,413
9.4
8.6
7.0
($ in millions)
Revenue
Segment income
Retail new vehicle unit sales
154,066
143,325
2014 compared to 2013
Import revenue increased during 2014, as compared to 2013, 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. 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 second and fourth quarters of 2013.
Import segment income increased during 2014, as compared to 2013, 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 vehicle unit volume. Import segment income also benefited from an increase in parts and
service gross profit and the recent acquisitions noted in the paragraph above. These increases were partially offset by an
increase in variable expenses and a decrease in new vehicle gross profit due to a decrease in new vehicle gross profit per
vehicle retailed.
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.
39
Premium Luxury
The Premium Luxury segment operating results included the following:
Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)
%
Variance
Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)
%
Variance
2012
$
$
$
$
5,889.3
366.1
61,299
$
$
5,152.3
321.4
53,368
737.0
44.7
7,931
$
$
14.3
13.9
14.9
$
$
4,553.3
270.4
47,925
599.0
51.0
5,443
13.2
18.9
11.4
($ in millions)
Revenue
Segment income
Retail new vehicle unit sales
2014 compared to 2013
Premium Luxury revenue increased during 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to an increase in
new and used vehicle unit volume and an increase in revenue per new and used 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, as well as new product offerings
from automotive manufacturers. The increase in used vehicle unit volume was primarily due to an increase in sales of
certified pre-owned vehicles, as well as an increase in trade-in volume. New and used vehicle unit volume also benefited
from the acquisitions we completed in the fourth quarter of 2014.
Premium Luxury segment income increased during 2014, as compared to 2013, primarily due to an increase in parts and
service gross profit and an increase in new vehicle gross profit, which benefited from higher new vehicle unit volume.
Additionally, Premium Luxury segment income benefited from an increase in 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 we completed in the fourth
quarter of 2014. Increases in Premium Luxury segment income were partially offset by an increase in variable expenses.
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.
40
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,
2014
2013
Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)
%
Variance
Variance
Favorable /
(Unfavorable)
%
Variance
2012
($ in millions)
Reported:
Compensation
Advertising
Store and corporate overhead
$
1,362.5
$
1,252.9
$
(109.6)
(8.7) $
1,137.3
$
(115.6)
Total
$
2,079.6
$
1,935.0
$
164.9
552.2
166.4
515.7
1.5
(36.5)
(144.6)
0.9
(7.1)
135.7
476.3
(30.7)
(39.4)
(7.5) $
1,749.3
$
(185.7)
(10.2)
(22.6)
(8.3)
(10.6)
SG&A as a % of total gross
profit:
Compensation
Advertising
Store and corporate overhead
Total
2014 compared to 2013
45.6
5.5
18.5
69.6
45.4
6.0
18.7
70.1
(20) bps
50
20
50
bps
bps
bps
45.7
5.5
19.2
70.4
30
bps
(50) bps
50
30
bps
bps
SG&A expenses increased in 2014, as compared to 2013, primarily due to a performance-driven increase in
compensation expense, an increase in store and corporate overhead expenses, and an increase in gross advertising
expenditures excluding the impact of expenses incurred in 2013 related to our re-branding initiative noted below. As a
percentage of total gross profit, SG&A expenses decreased to 69.6% in 2014 from 70.1% in 2013 resulting from our
continued effective management of our cost structure and improved gross profit.
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, improved associate productivity, and improved gross profit,
partially offset by an increase in expenses resulting from our re-branding initiative noted below.
Strategic Initiatives
We have invested and will continue to invest significantly in the AutoNation retail brand with the goals of enhancing our
strong customer satisfaction and expanding our market share. In 2013, we incurred non-recurring SG&A expenses of
approximately $18 million, primarily comprised of advertising expenses, related to the re-branding of our Domestic and
Import stores under the AutoNation retail brand. We are also investing significantly to build a seamless, end-to-end
customer experience in our stores and through our digital channels, as well as to improve our ability to generate business
through those channels. A portion of the expenses associated with these strategic initiatives have been and will be
capitalized and amortized over future periods.
Operating Expenses (Income), Net
During 2014, we recognized a gain related to the divestiture of two Import stores of $4.4 million ($2.7 million after-
tax), a gain related to a legal settlement of $4.0 million ($2.5 million after-tax), and a net gain related to business/property
41
dispositions of $8.1 million ($5.0 million after-tax), primarily related to the divestiture of our customer lead distribution
business. During 2013, we recognized a net gain related to property dispositions of $7.2 million ($4.5 million after-tax).
Non-Operating Income (Expenses)
Floorplan Interest Expense
Floorplan interest expense was $53.3 million in 2014, $53.4 million in 2013, and $45.5 million in 2012. Floorplan
interest expense in 2014 was relatively flat compared to 2013. The increase in floorplan interest expense of $7.9 million in
2013, as compared to 2012, was 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, credit
agreement, and mortgage facility. Other interest expense in 2014 was relatively flat compared to 2013 and 2012.
Loss on Debt Extinguishment
We expensed $1.6 million pre-tax in the fourth quarter of 2014 related to a debt refinancing transaction. This expense
included $0.4 million for the write-off of previously deferred debt issuance costs. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources -
Debt Refinancing Transaction” below.
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 38.5% in 2014. 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, 2015.
Our effective income tax rate was 37.8% in 2013, which reflected the benefit of certain favorable tax adjustments.
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 in 2013. Our effective
income tax rate was 38.6% in 2012.
Discontinued Operations
Discontinued operations are related to stores that were sold or terminated prior to January 1, 2014. Results from
discontinued operations, net of income taxes, were primarily related to carrying costs for real estate we have not yet sold
associated with stores that were closed prior to January 1, 2014, and other adjustments related to disposed operations.
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.
Debt Refinancing Transaction
On December 3, 2014, we amended and restated our existing unsecured credit agreement (as amended and restated, our
“credit agreement”). The credit agreement amendment, among other things, (1) replaced our $500.0 million term loan
facility and $1.2 billion revolving credit facility under our prior credit agreement with a $1.8 billion revolving credit
facility, (2) provided lower commitment fees and loan margins as set forth in the credit agreement, (3) increased the
42
maximum capitalization ratio from 65.0% to 70.0% and (4) extended the stated termination date to December 3, 2019. See
“Long-Term Debt - Credit Agreement” and “Long-Term Debt - Restrictions and Covenants” below for additional
information regarding our credit agreement and our financial covenants. The indebtedness outstanding under the prior
credit agreement was paid off with proceeds from our amended credit agreement.
Available Liquidity Resources
We had the following sources of liquidity available for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
(In millions)
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Revolving Credit Facility(1)
Secured Used Floorplan Facilities(2)
December 31,
2014
December 31,
2013
$
$
$
75.4
644.4
50.2
$
$
$
69.2
854.4
50.0
(1) Based on aggregate borrowings outstanding of $1.1 billion and outstanding letters of credit of $45.6 million at
December 31, 2014, and aggregate borrowings outstanding of $300.0 million and outstanding letters of credit of
$45.6 million at December 31, 2013. 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, 2014, surety bonds, letters of credit, and cash
deposits totaled $93.7 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.
In February 2014, we filed an automatic shelf registration statement with the SEC that enables us to offer for sale, from
time to time and as the capital markets permit, an unspecified amount of common stock, preferred stock, debt securities,
guarantees of debt securities, warrants, subscription rights, depositary shares or stock purchase contracts, as well as units
that include any of those securities.
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
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
2014
2013
2012
9.4
485.1
51.59
$
$
1.1
53.5
47.37
$
$
16.6
580.6
34.89
$
$
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
43
the expected return on competing uses of capital such as dealership acquisitions, capital investments in our current
businesses, or repurchases of our debt.
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 other debt. The decision to repurchase senior unsecured
notes or to prepay 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)
2014
2013
2012
$
197.8
$
207.2
$
183.6
(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 $235 million in 2015 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
2014
2013
2012
$
$
(205.2) $
$
41.4
(87.9) $
$
10.1
(141.6)
6.8
(1) Excludes capital leases and deferred purchase price commitments.
We purchased five stores and related assets during 2014, compared to five in 2013 and six in 2012. In January 2015, we
purchased one store and related assets in Reno, Nevada, and in February 2015, we purchased one store and related assets in
the Atlanta, Georgia market.
During 2014, we divested two Import stores and our customer lead distribution business, which is reported in the
“Corporate and other” category of our segment information.
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.
44
Long-Term Debt
The following table sets forth our non-vehicle long-term debt as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
(In millions)
6.75% Senior Notes due 2018
5.5% Senior Notes due 2020
Term loan facility due 2016
Revolving credit facility due 2016
Revolving credit facility due 2019
Mortgage facility(1)
Capital leases and other debt
Less: current maturities
Long-term debt, net of current maturities
2014
2013
397.1
$
350.0
—
—
1,110.0
185.5
85.8
2,128.4
(25.0)
2,103.4
$
396.3
350.0
500.0
300.0
—
194.7
98.9
1,839.9
(30.1)
1,809.8
$
$
(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, 2014, we had outstanding $397.1 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, 2014, 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. 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 $1.8 billion revolving credit facility that matures on December 3, 2019. The
credit agreement also contains an accordion feature that allows us, subject to credit availability and certain other
conditions, to increase the amount of the revolving credit facility, together with any added term loans, by up to $500.0
million in the aggregate. As of December 31, 2014, we had borrowings outstanding of $1.1 billion 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, 2014, leaving an additional borrowing
capacity under the revolving credit facility of $644.4 million at December 31, 2014.
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 revolving credit facility provides for a commitment fee on undrawn amounts of 0.20% and various interest rates on
borrowings generally at LIBOR plus 1.50%. The credit spread charged for our 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 12.5 basis point increase in the credit spread.
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, 2014 and $2.1 billion at December 31, 2013.
Vehicle floorplan payable-trade reflects amounts borrowed to finance the purchase of specific new vehicle inventories with
manufacturers’ captive finance subsidiaries.
45
Vehicle floorplan payable-non-trade totaled $1.0 billion at December 31, 2014, and $898.9 million at December 31,
2013, 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, 2014, the aggregate capacity under our used vehicle floorplan facilities was $315.0 million. As of that
date, $236.0 million had been borrowed under those facilities, and the remaining borrowing capacity of $79.0 million was
limited to $50.2 million based on the eligible used vehicle inventory that could have been pledged as collateral.
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.
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, 2014, we had $185.5 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, 2014, we had capital lease and other debt obligations of $85.8 million, which are due at various dates
through 2034.
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 our credit agreement, the maximum leverage ratio is 3.75x (no change from our prior
credit agreement) and the maximum capitalization ratio is 70.0% (compared to 65.0% under the prior credit agreement). 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, 2014 plus $1.53 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 4, 2014.
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
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.
46
As of December 31, 2014, 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, 2014, our leverage ratio and capitalization ratio
were as follows:
Leverage ratio
Capitalization ratio
December 31, 2014
Requirement
Actual
2.30x
59.2%
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,
2013
2012
2014
$
$
$
485.1
$
(376.0) $
(102.9) $
484.1
$
(257.8) $
(226.8) $
316.6
(297.8)
(35.7)
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.
2014 compared to 2013
Net cash provided by operating activities was relatively flat during 2014, as compared to 2013, and was impacted by an
increase in working capital and higher earnings.
During 2014, we paid $7.2 million in connection with refinancing our indebtedness. Cash flows from operating
activities reflect $1.2 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 $6.0 million of debt issuance costs that are being amortized to interest expense over the
term of our credit agreement.
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.
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
47
purchased for future sites and lease buy-outs, and net of related asset sales, we project that 2015 capital expenditures,
including accrued construction in progress, will be approximately $235 million.
2014 compared to 2013
Net cash used in investing activities increased during 2014, as compared to 2013, primarily due to an increase in cash
used in business acquisitions, net of cash acquired, an increase in property and equipment purchases, and a decrease in
proceeds from the disposal of assets held for sale, partially offset by a decrease in property operating lease buy-outs and an
increase in cash received from business divestitures, net of cash relinquished.
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.
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 stock option exercises.
2014 compared to 2013
Under our share repurchase program authorized by our Board of Directors, during 2014, we repurchased 9.4 million
shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $485.1 million (average purchase price per share of $51.59).
Additionally, 46,752 shares were surrendered to AutoNation in 2014 to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection
with the vesting of restricted stock. During 2013, we repurchased 1.1 million shares of our 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 in 2013 to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted stock.
During 2014, we amended and restated our existing unsecured credit agreement and replaced our $500.0 million term
loan facility and $1.2 billion revolving credit facility with a $1.8 billion revolving credit facility. The indebtedness
outstanding under the prior credit agreement was paid off with proceeds from our amended credit agreement. We also paid
$6.0 million in connection with refinancing our indebtedness. These debt issuance costs are reflected in cash flows from
financing activities and will be amortized to interest expense over the term of our credit agreement.
During 2014, we borrowed $2.8 billion and repaid $2.0 billion under our revolving credit facilities, for net borrowings
of $810.0 million. During 2013, we borrowed $0.8 billion and repaid $1.1 billion under our revolving credit facilities, for
net repayments of $240.0 million.
We made payments of capital lease and other debt obligations of $24.7 million during 2014 and $26.2 million during
2013.
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 $61.6 million during 2014 compared to net proceeds of $89.0 million in 2013.
During 2014, cash flows from financing activities were also impacted by an increase in proceeds from the exercise of
stock options as compared to 2013.
2013 compared to 2012
Net cash used in financing activities increased during 2013, as compared to 2012, primarily due to the net impact of the
debt activity that occurred in 2012, described below, as well as an increase in net repayments under our revolving credit
facility, partially offset by a decrease in repurchases of common stock.
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.
48
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.
Contractual Payment Obligations
The following table summarizes our payment obligations under certain contracts at December 31, 2014. The amounts
presented are based upon, among other things, the terms of any relevant agreements. Future events, including acquisitions,
divestitures, new or revised operating lease agreements, borrowings or repayments under our credit agreement, and
purchases or refinancing of our securities could cause actual payments to differ significantly from these amounts.
(In millions)
Vehicle floorplan payable (Note 3)(1)
Long-term debt, including capital leases (Note 7)(1)(2)
Interest payments(3)
Operating lease and other commitments (Note 8)(1)(4)
Unrecognized tax benefits, net (Note 11)(1)
Deferred compensation obligations(5)
Estimated chargeback liability (Note 19)(1)(6)
Estimated self insurance obligations (Note 6)(1)(7)
Purchase obligations(8)
Payments Due by Period
Less Than 1
Year
(2015)
1 - 3 Years
(2016 and
2017)
3 - 5 Years
(2018 and
2019)
Total
More Than 5
Years
(2020 and
thereafter)
$
3,097.2
$
3,097.2
$
— $
— $
2,128.4
254.2
412.9
6.6
63.4
84.9
71.4
199.1
25.0
61.7
43.2
—
1.9
47.7
24.9
152.2
187.7
118.4
78.9
2.4
—
33.4
24.0
45.9
1,551.1
58.3
65.4
—
—
3.7
11.1
0.3
—
364.6
15.8
225.4
4.2
61.5
0.1
11.4
0.7
Total
$
6,318.1
$
3,453.8
$
490.7
$
1,689.9
$
683.7
(1) See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(2) Amounts for long-term debt obligations exclude $2.9 million of unamortized debt discount related to our 6.75%
Senior Notes due 2018.
(3) Primarily represents scheduled fixed interest payments on our outstanding senior unsecured notes, mortgage facility,
and capital leases. Estimates of future interest payments for vehicle floorplan payables and other variable rate debt
are excluded.
(4) Amounts for operating lease commitments do not include certain operating expenses such as maintenance, insurance,
and real estate taxes. In 2014, these charges totaled approximately $24 million.
(5) 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.
(6) Our estimated chargeback obligations do not have scheduled maturities, however, the timing of future payments is
estimated based on historical patterns.
(7) Our estimated self insurance obligations 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.
(8) Primarily represents purchase orders and contracts in connection with information technology and communication
systems, as well as real estate construction projects and acquisition-related commitments.
We expect that the amounts above will be funded through cash flows from operations or borrowings under our credit
agreement. In the case of payments due upon the maturity of our debt instruments, we currently expect to be able to
refinance such instruments in the normal course of business.
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, 2014, surety bonds, letters of credit, and cash
deposits totaled $93.7 million, of which $45.6 million represented letters of credit. We do not currently provide cash
49
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, 2014, 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 strategic initiatives and 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 to attract consumers to our own
digital channels, or if events occur that damage our retail brands, reputation, or sales channels, our business and
financial results may be harmed.
• We are dependent upon the success and continued financial viability of the vehicle manufacturers and distributors
with which we hold franchises.
•
•
•
New laws, regulations, or governmental policies regarding fuel economy and greenhouse gas emission standards,
or changes to existing standards, may affect vehicle manufacturers’ ability to produce cost-effective vehicles or
vehicles that consumers demand, which could adversely impact our business, results of operations, financial
condition, cash flow, and prospects.
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.
50
• 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.
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 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 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.
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.
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 $3.1 billion of variable rate vehicle floorplan payable at December 31, 2014, and $3.0 billion at December 31,
2013. Based on these amounts, a 100 basis point change in interest rates would result in an approximate change of
$31.0 million in 2014 and $30.3 million in 2013 to our annual floorplan interest expense. Our exposure to changes in
51
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 $1.1 billion of other variable rate debt outstanding at December 31, 2014 and $0.8 billion at December 31,
2013. 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 $11.1 million in 2014 and $8.0 million in 2013.
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, 2014, and totaled
$1.0 billion and had a fair value of $1.1 billion as of December 31, 2013.
52
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, 2014 and 2013
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
Page
54
56
57
58
59
61
91
53
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,
2014 and 2013, 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, 2014. 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, 2014 and 2013, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014, 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, 2014, based on criteria established
in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 11, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the
Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ KPMG LLP
February 11, 2015
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Certified Public Accountants
54
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, 2014, based on criteria
established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) 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 AutoNation, Inc.’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, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) 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. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, 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, 2014, and our report dated February 11, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion on those
consolidated financial statements.
/s/ KPMG LLP
February 11, 2015
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Certified Public Accountants
55
AUTONATION, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of December 31,
(In millions, except share and per share data)
ASSETS
2014
2013
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, 2014 and 2013, including shares held
in treasury
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Treasury stock, at cost; 50,248,909 and 42,646,753 shares held, respectively
Total Shareholders’ Equity
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
75.4
817.8
2,899.0
207.0
3,999.2
2,422.0
1,314.7
354.7
309.1
8,399.7
2,090.7
1,006.5
264.7
25.0
495.1
3,882.0
2,103.4
137.9
204.3
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
—
—
1.6
61.8
3,756.6
(1,747.9)
2,072.1
8,399.7
$
1.6
42.8
3,337.9
(1,320.6)
2,061.7
7,914.1
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
56
AUTONATION, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
For the Years Ended December 31,
(In millions, except per share data)
2014
2013
2012
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, 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, 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
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
10,972.2
4,385.7
2,822.5
750.8
177.6
19,108.8
10,322.1
4,025.1
1,625.9
147.0
16,120.1
650.1
360.6
1,196.6
750.8
30.6
2,988.7
2,079.6
106.9
—
(18.6)
820.8
(53.3)
(86.7)
(1.6)
0.2
2.9
682.3
262.5
419.8
(1.1)
418.7
$
$
3.58
$
(0.01) $
3.57
$
117.3
3.53
$
(0.01) $
3.52
$
118.9
113.3
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
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
57
AUTONATION, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
For the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012
(In millions, except share data)
Common Stock
Shares
Amount
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
Retained
Earnings
Treasury
Stock
Total
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2011
163,562,149
$
1.6
$
19.6
$
2,646.6
$
(773.2) $
1,894.6
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
$
Net income
Repurchases of common stock
Stock-based compensation expense
Shares awarded under stock-based compensation
plans, including excess income tax benefit of
$18.0
—
—
—
—
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2014
163,562,149
$
—
—
—
—
1.6
—
—
—
—
1.6
—
—
—
—
1.6
—
—
18.6
(11.6)
316.4
—
—
—
—
(582.3)
—
316.4
(582.3)
18.6
52.8
41.2
$
26.6
$
2,963.0
$
(1,302.7) $
1,688.5
—
—
21.3
(5.1)
42.8
—
—
26.3
374.9
—
—
—
—
(55.7)
—
374.9
(55.7)
21.3
37.8
32.7
$
3,337.9
$
(1,320.6) $
2,061.7
418.7
—
—
—
(487.7)
—
418.7
(487.7)
26.3
$
(7.3)
—
60.4
53.1
$
61.8
$
3,756.6
$
(1,747.9) $
2,072.1
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
58
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
2014
2013
2012
$
418.7
$
374.9
$
316.4
1.1
106.9
5.7
26.3
—
1.1
0.4
(13.8)
9.5
(18.0)
(2.0)
(80.3)
(27.3)
(41.1)
(27.2)
7.5
118.7
486.2
(1.1)
485.1
(209.2)
(0.4)
5.5
2.6
—
(205.2)
41.4
0.5
(11.2)
(376.0)
—
(376.0)
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)
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
59
AUTONATION, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended December 31,
(In millions)
(Continued)
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
2014
2013
2012
Repurchases of common stock
Proceeds from 5.5% Senior Notes due 2020
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
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
(487.7)
—
(500.0)
—
2,780.0
(1,970.0)
(6.0)
61.6
(9.2)
(24.7)
35.1
18.0
(102.9)
—
(102.9)
6.2
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS at beginning of period
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS at end of period
69.2
75.4
$
$
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(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
69.2
$
(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
69.7
60
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,
2014, we owned and operated 276 new vehicle franchises from 232 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 34 different new vehicle brands. The core brands of new vehicles that we sell,
representing approximately 95% of the new vehicles that we sold in 2014, are manufactured by Toyota, Ford, Honda,
Nissan, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, BMW, 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.
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, 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.
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, 2014 and 2013,
61
AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
inventory cost had been reduced by $17.9 million and $19.7 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. In
addition, we capitalize interest on borrowings during the active construction period of capital projects. Capitalized interest
is added to the cost of the assets and depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets. 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 2014, there were no significant impairment charges recorded for the carrying value of long-lived assets held and
used in continuing operations. During 2013, we fully impaired certain long-lived assets held and used in continuing
operations and recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $0.7 million. This charge 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.
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 $64.7 million at December 31, 2014, and $59.8 million at December 31, 2013, included
in continuing operations. We recorded an impairment charge of $1.1 million in 2014 associated with assets held for sale in
continuing operations. This charge 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. We recorded no
impairment charges in 2013 associated with assets held for sale in continuing operations.
We had assets held for sale of $23.2 million at December 31, 2014, and $34.5 million at December 31, 2013, included
in discontinued operations. During 2014 and 2013, there were no significant impairment charges associated with assets
held for sale in discontinued operations.
62
AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
During 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.
We do not amortize goodwill or franchise rights assets. Goodwill and franchise rights 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, 2014. 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 2014. Based
on our qualitative assessment of potential franchise rights impairment, we determined that we should perform a
quantitative test for franchise rights related to one store, and no impairment charges resulted from this quantitative test. For
the remainder of our franchise rights, we determined that it was not more likely than not that the fair values of our
franchise rights were less than their carrying amounts based on our qualitative assessment and we were therefore not
required to perform a quantitative test.
We completed our qualitative annual impairment tests for both goodwill and franchise rights as of April 30, 2013, and
determined that we were not required to perform quantitative tests.
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.
See Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information about our goodwill and other
intangible assets.
63
AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
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, and prepaid expenses.
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.
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, the current portions of finance and insurance chargeback liabilities and self-insurance
reserves, customer deposits, deferred revenue, and accrued expenses.
Other Liabilities
Other liabilities consist of various items payable beyond one year including, among other items, the long-term portions
of deferred compensation obligations, finance and insurance chargeback liabilities, and self-insurance reserves.
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 $5.9 million in 2014, $5.2 million in 2013, and $3.5 million in 2012.
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 $0.6 million for 2014, $0.5 million for 2013, and $0.5 million in 2012. 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 $63.4 million as of December 31, 2014, and $51.7 million as of December 31,
2013, and are included in Other Current Liabilities and Other Liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance
Sheets.
Stock-Based Compensation
We grant stock-based awards in the form of stock options, restricted stock, and restricted stock units (“RSUs”). 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, which are considered nonvested share awards as defined under generally accepted accounting
principles, and RSUs are issued from our treasury stock. Compensation cost for restricted stock awards and RSUs 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, net of estimated forfeitures, over the shorter of the stated vesting period or the period
64
AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
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
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 $84.9 million at December 31, 2014, and $67.6 million at December 31, 2013. 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
65
AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
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
$164.9 million in 2014, $166.4 million in 2013, and $135.7 million in 2012, 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 $47.1 million in
2014, $42.4 million in 2013, and $38.3 million in 2012. 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 and vested restricted stock unit awards. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net
income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares outstanding, noted above, 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.
66
AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Revenue Recognition
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an accounting standard update that amends
the accounting guidance on revenue recognition. The amendments in this accounting standard update are intended to
provide a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues, improve comparability of revenue recognition practices,
and improve disclosure requirements. The amendments in this accounting standard update are effective for interim and
annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and should be applied using either of the following transition
methods: (i) a full retrospective approach reflecting the application of the standard in each prior reporting period with the
option to elect certain practical expedients, or (ii) a retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially adopting
the standard recognized at the date of adoption (which requires additional footnote disclosures). Early adoption is not
permitted. We are currently evaluating the method of adoption and the impact of the provisions of the accounting standard
update.
Reporting Discontinued Operations
In April 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that changes the definition of a discontinued operation to
include only those disposals of components of an entity that represent a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect
on an entity’s operations and financial results. The amendments in this accounting standard update should be applied
prospectively and are effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after December
15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted for disposals that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued.
We adopted this accounting standard update effective January 1, 2014. During 2014, we divested our customer lead
distribution business and two Import stores. See Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more
information.
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 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. The adoption of this accounting standard update did not
have a material 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
2014
2013
125.0
198.3
37.9
361.2
(3.7)
357.5
460.3
817.8
$
$
110.9
172.9
36.9
320.7
(4.0)
316.7
424.2
740.9
$
$
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.
67
AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
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
$
$
The components of vehicle floorplan payables at December 31 are as follows:
Vehicle floorplan payable - trade
Vehicle floorplan payable - non-trade
Vehicle floorplan payable
2014
2,090.7
1,006.5
3,097.2
$
$
2014
2013
2,294.3
$
437.6
167.1
2,899.0
2,330.8
346.5
149.9
2,827.2
2013
2,130.1
898.9
3,029.0
$
$
$
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 1.7% during 2014 and 1.8%
during 2013. At December 31, 2014, the aggregate capacity under our floorplan credit agreements with various lenders to
finance a portion of our used vehicle inventory was $315.0 million, of which $236.0 million had been borrowed. The
remaining borrowing capacity of $79.0 million was limited to $50.2 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 1.8% during 2014 and 1.9%
during 2013. At December 31, 2014, the aggregate capacity under our floorplan credit agreements with various lenders to
finance our new vehicle inventory was approximately $3.6 billion, of which $2.9 billion had been borrowed.
68
AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
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
2014
2013
$
1,090.4
$
1,683.4
578.7
3,352.5
(930.5)
2,422.0
$
$
997.1
1,552.6
569.3
3,119.0
(883.7)
2,235.3
We capitalized interest in connection with various construction projects to upgrade or remodel our facilities of
$1.2 million in 2014, $0.7 million in 2013, and $0.6 million in 2012.
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
2014
2013
$
$
$
1,314.7
348.1
12.6
360.7
(6.0)
354.7
$
$
$
1,259.6
329.3
11.1
340.4
(5.3)
335.1
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, 2014, 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.
69
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, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
Goodwill at January 1, 2013 (1)
Acquisitions, dispositions, and other
adjustments
Goodwill at December 31, 2013 (1)
Acquisitions, dispositions, and other
adjustments
Goodwill at December 31, 2014 (1)
$
175.1
$
Domestic
Import
Premium
Luxury
Corporate
and other
Consolidated
$
165.2
$
534.2
$
538.0
$
— $
1,237.4
—
165.2
9.9
21.6
555.8
(4.2)
551.6
$
0.6
538.6
49.4
—
—
—
22.2
1,259.6
55.1
588.0
$
— $
1,314.7
(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. Under accounting
standards, an entity is permitted 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, 2014. Based on
our qualitative assessment of potential franchise rights impairment, we determined that we should perform a quantitative
test for franchise rights related to one store, and no impairment charges resulted from this quantitative test. For the
remainder of our franchise rights, we determined that it was not more likely than not that the fair values of our franchise
rights were less than their carrying amounts based on our qualitative assessment and we were therefore not required to
perform a quantitative test.
As of December 31, 2014, we had $348.1 million of franchise rights recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheet, of
which $25.9 million was related to Domestic stores, $122.8 million was related to Import stores, and $199.4 million was
related to Premium Luxury stores.
We performed a qualitative annual impairment test as of April 30, 2013, and determined that it was not more likely than
not that the fair values of our franchise rights were less than their carrying amounts based on our qualitative assessment
and we were therefore not required to perform a quantitative test.
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.
See Note 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information about our fair value measurements.
70
AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
6. INSURANCE
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, 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
Revolving credit facility due 2019
Mortgage facility(1)
Capital leases and other debt
Less: current maturities
Long-term debt, net of current maturities
2014
2013
24.9
46.5
71.4
2014
397.1
350.0
—
—
1,110.0
185.5
85.8
2,128.4
(25.0)
2,103.4
$
$
$
$
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
$
$
$
$
(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, 2014, aggregate maturities of non-vehicle long-term debt were as follows:
Year Ending December 31:
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Thereafter
$
$
25.0
12.8
174.9
399.7
1,151.4
364.6
2,128.4
Debt Refinancing Transaction
On December 3, 2014, we amended and restated our existing unsecured credit agreement (as amended and restated, our
“credit agreement”). The credit agreement amendment, among other things, (1) replaced our $500.0 million term loan
facility and $1.2 billion revolving credit facility under our prior credit agreement with a $1.8 billion revolving credit
facility, (2) provided lower commitment fees and loan margins as set forth in the credit agreement, (3) increased the
maximum capitalization ratio from 65.0% to 70.0% and (4) extended the stated termination date to December 3, 2019. See
71
AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
“Senior Unsecured Notes and Credit Agreement” below for additional information regarding our credit agreement and
“Restrictions and Covenants” for additional information regarding our financial covenants.
The indebtedness outstanding under the prior credit agreement was paid off with proceeds from the amended and
restated credit agreement. We expensed $1.6 million pre-tax in the fourth quarter of 2014, related to this transaction,
including $0.4 million for the write-off of certain unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the prior credit
agreement.
Senior Unsecured Notes and Credit Agreement
At December 31, 2014, we had outstanding $397.1 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, 2014, 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. These notes will mature on February 1, 2020.
As described above under “Debt Refinancing Transaction,” under our credit agreement, we have a $1.8 billion
revolving credit facility that matures on December 3, 2019. The credit agreement also contains an accordion feature that
allows us, subject to credit availability and certain other conditions, to increase the amount of the revolving credit facility,
together with any added term loans, by up to $500.0 million in the aggregate. As of December 31, 2014, we had
borrowings outstanding of $1.1 billion 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, 2014, leaving an additional borrowing capacity under the revolving credit facility of $644.4 million at
December 31, 2014.
Our revolving credit facility provides for a commitment fee on undrawn amounts of 0.20% and various interest rates on
borrowings generally at LIBOR plus 1.50%. The credit spread charged for our 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 12.5 basis point increase in the credit spread.
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, 2014, we had $185.5 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, 2014, we had capital lease and other debt obligations of $85.8 million, which are due at various dates
through 2034. 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.
72
AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
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 our credit agreement, the maximum leverage ratio is 3.75x (no change from our prior
credit agreement) and the maximum capitalization ratio is 70.0% (compared to 65.0% under the prior credit agreement). 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, 2014 plus $1.53 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, 2014, our leverage ratio and capitalization ratio were as
follows:
Leverage ratio
Capitalization ratio
December 31, 2014
Requirement
Actual
2.30x
59.2%
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, and actions brought
by governmental authorities. Some of these lawsuits purport or may be determined to be class or collective actions and
seek substantial damages or injunctive relief, or both, and some may remain unresolved for several years. We are currently
defending several purported class action lawsuits in California arising out of alleged violations of state wage and hour laws
relating to compensation of automotive technicians. 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.
73
AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, 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 results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows.
Lease Commitments
We lease real property, equipment, and software under various operating leases, most of which have terms from one to
twenty years.
Expenses under real property, equipment, and software leases were $49.0 million in 2014, $47.6 million in 2013, and
$47.6 million in 2012. 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, 2014, are as follows:
Noncancelable Lease Commitments
Capital (1)
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Thereafter
Total minimum lease payments
Less: Amounts representing interest
$
$
$
Operating(1) (2)
43.2
$
41.0
37.9
34.5
30.9
225.4
412.9
18.6
5.4
12.2
4.7
28.8
20.8
$
90.5
(21.9)
68.6
(1) Amounts for capital and operating lease commitments do not include certain operating expenses such as
maintenance, insurance, and real estate taxes. In 2014, these charges totaled approximately $24 million.
(2) Future minimum operating lease payments do not reflect future minimum sublease income of $3.0 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.
74
AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
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
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 2015 to 2034 are
approximately $34 million at December 31, 2014. 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, 2014, surety bonds, letters of credit, and cash deposits totaled $93.7 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
implemented 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
2014
2013
2012
9.4
485.1
51.59
$
$
1.1
53.5
47.37
$
$
16.6
580.6
34.89
$
$
As of December 31, 2014, $280.6 million remained available for share repurchases under the program.
75
AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
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.
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
2014
2013
2012
1.7
35.1
20.50
$
$
1.1
22.7
20.31
$
$
1.7
32.0
19.33
$
$
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
2014
2013
2012
154,540
137,144
160,740
46,752
44,738
81,717
10. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The AutoNation, Inc. 2008 Equity and Incentive Plan (the “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 2014 under the 2008 Plan, is equal to the closing price of our common stock
on the date such awards were granted.
On March 17, 2014, our Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of its Compensation Committee, approved the
AutoNation, Inc. 2014 Non-Employee Director Equity Plan (the “2014 Director Plan”), which was approved by our
stockholders at our Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on May 6, 2014. The 2014 Director Plan provides for the grant of
stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, and other stock-based awards to our non-
employee directors. A maximum of 1.0 million shares may be issued under the 2014 Director Plan. Additionally, no
director may be granted awards in any calendar year with an aggregate grant date fair market value (determined, with
respect to options and stock appreciation rights, based on a Black-Scholes or other option valuation methodology approved
by the Compensation Committee) in excess of $750,000 per director. In the second quarter of 2014, our Board of Directors
approved a shift to restricted stock units from stock options for our non-employee director equity program to further align
our non-employee directors’ interests with our stockholders. No additional options may be issued under our other non-
employee director equity plans (“Prior Plans”), pursuant to which non-employee stock options were previously granted
prior to the adoption of the 2014 Director Plan.
Stock Options
In 2014, the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors approved the grant of 1.1 million employee stock
options. Generally, employee stock option awards are granted quarterly on the first trading day of each of March, June,
September, and December. The options granted in 2014 have an exercise price equal to the closing price per share on the
grant date ($52.65 on March 3, $57.44 on June 2, $54.04 on September 2, and $58.29 on December 1, 2014).
76
AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
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 2014 will expire on March 1, 2024) 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 2014 will vest on June 1, 2015).
We use the Black-Scholes valuation model to determine compensation expense and amortize compensation expense on
a straight-line basis, net of estimated forfeitures, over the requisite service period of the grants. Certain of our equity-based
compensation plans 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 2014, 2013,
and 2012:
Risk-free interest rate
Expected dividend yield
Expected term
Expected volatility
2014
Grant Year
2013
1.11% - 2.04% 0.58% - 2.24% 0.49% - 1.40%
—
4 - 7 years
39% - 48%
—
4 - 7 years
29% - 44%
—
4 - 7 years
25% - 36%
2012
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 2014:
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
28.48
$
6.0
55.67
1.1
$
(1.7) $
20.50
(0.4) $
38.78
—
— $
36.43
$
5.0
26.18
$
2.7
5.0
$
36.28
5.3
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(in millions)
6.71
5.32
6.68
$
$
$
121.0
92.1
120.7
(1) The options granted during 2014, are primarily related to our employee quarterly stock option award grants in March,
June, September, and December 2014.
77
AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
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)
2014
2013
2012
$
$
20.56
56.2
$
$
17.93
31.3
$
$
15.25
36.2
Restricted Stock
In 2014, the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors approved the grant of 0.2 million shares of restricted
stock. Restricted stock awards are granted to restricted stock-eligible employees generally on the first trading day of
March.
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 on a straight-line basis, net of estimated
forfeitures, 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 2014:
Nonvested at January 1
Granted (1)
Vested
Forfeited
Nonvested at December 31
Restricted Stock
Shares
(in actual number
of shares)
Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
$
316,398
154,540
$
(142,445) $
(22,051) $
$
306,442
35.76
52.87
31.35
37.98
42.52
(1) The restricted stock awards granted during 2014 are primarily related to our employee annual
restricted stock award grant in March 2014.
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)
$
$
52.87
8.1
$
$
43.45
6.8
$
$
34.31
5.8
2014
2013
2012
Restricted Stock Units
On May 6, 2014, each of our non-employee directors received a grant of 5,000 restricted stock units (“RSUs”) under
the 2014 Director Plan. RSUs granted to our non-employee directors are fully vested on the grant date and are settled in
shares of the Company’s common stock on the first trading day of February in the third year following the grant date,
unless the non-employee director elects to defer delivery in accordance with the terms of the award and the 2014 Director
Plan. Settlement of the RSUs will be accelerated in certain circumstances as provided in the terms of the award and the
2014 Director Plan, including in the event the non-employee director ceases to serve as a non-employee director of the
Company. Compensation cost is recognized on the grant date and is based on the closing price of our common stock on the
grant date.
78
AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
On January 2, 2015, each of our non-employee directors received a grant of 5,000 RSUs under the 2014 Director Plan,
and we expect that, in future years, RSUs will be granted to each of our non-employee directors during the first fiscal
quarter.
The weighted average grant-date fair value and total grant-date fair value of RSUs granted (and vested) are summarized
in the following table:
Weighted average grant-date fair value of RSUs granted
Total fair value of RSUs granted (in millions)
Compensation Expense
2014
2013
2012
$
$
53.57
2.1
$
$
— $
— $
—
—
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
RSUs
Total stock-based compensation expense
Tax benefit related to stock-based compensation expense
2014
2013
2012
18.4
5.8
2.1
26.3
10.0
$
$
$
16.6
4.7
—
21.3
8.1
$
$
$
14.8
3.8
—
18.6
7.1
$
$
$
As of December 31, 2014, there was $20.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock-
based compensation arrangements, of which $12.2 million relates to stock options and $8.1 million relates to restricted
stock. These amounts are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years.
We realized tax benefits related to stock options exercised and vesting of restricted stock of $24.1 million in 2014, $14.3
million in 2013, and $15.9 million in 2012.
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
2014
2013
2012
$
$
220.9
32.2
9.5
—
(0.1)
262.5
$
$
189.7
28.9
13.4
(3.7)
0.3
228.6
$
$
146.9
25.1
27.1
0.1
0.3
199.5
79
AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
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:
2014
%
2013
%
2012
%
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
$
$
238.8
1.3
23.2
263.3
—
(0.1)
(0.7)
262.5
35.0
0.2
3.4
38.6
—
—
(0.1)
38.5
$
$
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
Deferred income tax asset and liability components at December 31 are as follows:
$
$
$
35.0
—
3.6
38.6
—
0.1
(0.1)
38.6
180.9
(0.2)
18.8
199.5
0.1
0.3
(0.4)
199.5
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)
2014
28.9
3.0
57.8
25.1
24.0
26.8
7.2
13.2
186.0
(2.5)
183.5
(233.6)
(19.2)
(252.8)
(69.3) $
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)
$
$
We had $68.6 million of current deferred income tax assets and $137.9 million of non-current deferred income tax
liabilities at December 31, 2014, and $57.7 million of current deferred income tax assets, and $116.5 million of non-
current deferred income tax liabilities at December 31, 2013. 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 $17.5 million at December 31, 2014 and $8.4 million
at December 31, 2013.
At December 31, 2014, we had $129.5 million of gross domestic state net operating loss carryforwards and capital loss
carryforwards, and $4.3 million of state tax credits, all of which result in a deferred tax asset of $8.2 million and expire
from 2015 through 2035. At December 31, 2014, we had $2.5 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
80
AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
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 in 2013.
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 2013 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:
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
$
$
2014
2013
2012
4.8
—
0.9
(0.1)
(0.4)
(0.3)
4.9
$
$
6.8
—
0.8
(0.2)
(2.2)
(0.4)
4.8
$
$
6.4
—
0.5
—
—
(0.1)
6.8
We had accumulated interest and penalties associated with these unrecognized tax benefits of $5.3 million at
December 31, 2014, $5.1 million at December 31, 2013, and $4.5 million at December 31, 2012. We additionally had a
deferred tax asset of $3.6 million at December 31, 2014, $3.6 million at December 31, 2013, and $5.5 million at December
31, 2012, related to these balances. The net of the unrecognized tax benefits, associated interest, penalties, and deferred tax
asset was $6.6 million at December 31, 2014, $6.3 million at December 31, 2013, and $5.8 million at December 31, 2012,
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.
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 $0.3 million during 2014, $0.4 million during 2013, and $0.3 million during 2012
(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, 2015.
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 are effective for our tax year beginning January 1, 2014. The adoption
of these regulations did not 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
81
AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
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 and vested restricted stock unit awards. Diluted EPS is
computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding, noted above, 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 outstanding used in calculating diluted EPS
Basic EPS amounts:
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Net income
Diluted EPS amounts:
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Net income
2014
2013
2012
419.8
(1.1)
418.7
$
$
375.8
(0.9)
374.9
$
$
117.3
1.6
118.9
121.3
2.0
123.3
317.3
(0.9)
316.4
123.8
2.0
125.8
3.58
$
(0.01) $
$
3.57
3.10
$
(0.01) $
$
3.09
2.56
(0.01)
2.56
3.53
$
(0.01) $
$
3.52
3.05
$
(0.01) $
$
3.04
2.52
(0.01)
2.52
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
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
13. DIVESTITURES
2014
2013
2012
0.6
0.6
0.9
As discussed in Note 1 above, in April 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that changes the definition
of a discontinued operation to include only those disposals of components of an entity that represent a strategic shift that
has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. We adopted this accounting standard update
effective January 1, 2014.
During 2014, we divested two Import stores and recorded a gain of $4.4 million ($2.7 million after-tax). During 2014,
we also divested our customer lead distribution business and recorded a gain of $8.4 million ($5.2 million after-tax). This
business is reported in the “Corporate and other” category of our segment information.
The gains on these divestitures are included in Other Expenses (Income), Net (within Operating Income) in our
Consolidated Statements of Income. The financial condition and results of operations of these businesses were not material
to our consolidated financial statements.
82
AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
14. ACQUISITIONS
We purchased five stores and related assets during 2014, five in 2013, and six in 2012. The amounts incurred related to
acquisitions, including capital leases and deferred purchase price commitments, were $213.1 million in 2014, $95.7 million
in 2013, and $203.7 million in 2012. Acquisitions are included in the Consolidated Financial Statements from the date of
acquisition. The purchase price allocations for certain business combinations in 2014 are tentative and subject to final
adjustment.
The acquisitions that occurred during 2014 were not material to our financial condition or results of operations.
Additionally, on a pro forma basis as if the results of these acquisitions that were completed in 2014 had been included in
our consolidated results for the entire years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, revenue and net income would not have
been materially different from our reported revenue and net income for these periods.
In January 2015, we purchased one store and related assets in Reno, Nevada, and in February 2015, we purchased one
store and related assets in the Atlanta, Georgia market.
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. There were no material transactions with related parties in the years ended December 31, 2014,
2013, or 2012.
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 and financing activities primarily related to increases in property acquired under capital leases of $11.6 million
during 2014, $18.0 million during 2013, and $82.2 million during 2012. We also had accrued purchases of property and
equipment of $16.3 million at December 31, 2014, $28.1 million at December 31, 2013, and $23.6 million at
December 31, 2012. The effect of non-cash transactions is excluded from the accompanying Consolidated Statements of
Cash Flows.
We made interest payments of $136.4 million in 2014, $136.0 million in 2013, and $119.6 million in 2012, including
interest on vehicle inventory financing. We made income tax payments, net of income tax refunds, of $225.0 million in
2014, $200.3 million in 2013, and $147.0 million in 2012.
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.
83
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,
2014
December 31,
2013
$
$
1,018.4
1,109.9
$
$
1,039.9
1,135.2
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, 2014
and 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. Accordingly, no impairment charges were recorded for the carrying value of goodwill during 2014
or 2013.
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
84
AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
test. We completed our qualitative assessment of franchise rights impairment as of April 30, 2014. Based on our qualitative
assessment of potential franchise rights impairment, we determined that we should perform a quantitative test for franchise
rights related to one store, and no impairment charges resulted from this quantitative test. For the remainder of our
franchise rights, we determined that it was not more likely than not that the fair values of our franchise rights were less
than their carrying amounts based on our qualitative assessment and we were therefore not required to perform a
quantitative test.
The quantitative impairment test for franchise rights requires the comparison of the franchise rights’ estimated fair
value to 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. The development of the
assumptions used in our annual impairment tests are coordinated by our financial planning and analysis group, and the
assumptions are reviewed by management.
We performed a qualitative annual impairment test as of April 30, 2013, and determined that it was not more likely than
not that the fair values of our franchise rights were less than their carrying amounts based on our qualitative assessment
and we were therefore not required to perform a quantitative test.
Long-Lived Assets
The fair value measurement valuation process for our long-lived assets is established by our corporate real estate
services group. 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 2014, there were no significant impairment charges recorded for the carrying value of long-lived assets held and
used in continuing operations.
During 2013, we fully impaired certain long-lived assets held and used in continuing operations and recorded a non-
cash impairment charge of $0.7 million. This charge 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.
85
AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
Long-lived Assets Held for Sale in Continuing Operations
During 2014, we recorded an impairment charge of $1.1 million related to our long-lived assets held for sale in
continuing operations. This charge 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.
During 2013, 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 2014 and 2013, there were no significant impairment charges related to our discontinued operations assets held
for sale.
As of December 31, 2014, we had assets held for sale of $64.7 million in continuing operations and $23.2 million in
discontinued operations. 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.
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 $198.3 million at
December 31, 2014, and $172.9 million at December 31, 2013. 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, Chrysler, BMW, 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, 2014, we do not consider AutoNation to have any significant non-
manufacturer concentrations of credit risk.
86
AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
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
2014
2013
2012
67.6
$
56.0
$
79.4
(62.1)
84.9
$
64.4
(52.8)
67.6
$
46.2
52.9
(43.1)
56.0
$
$
At December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, we had three 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 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 (which was divested in January 2014), 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 reportable 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.
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
Corporate and other
Years Ended December 31,
2013
2012
2014
$
6,359.5
$
5,835.3
$
6,717.8
5,889.3
18,966.6
142.2
6,375.0
5,152.3
17,362.6
155.0
5,131.6
5,827.5
4,553.3
15,512.4
155.1
Total consolidated revenue
$
19,108.8
$
17,517.6
$
15,667.5
87
AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
Segment income*:
Domestic
Import
Premium Luxury
Total segment income
Corporate and other
Other interest expense
Loss on debt extinguishment
Interest income
Other income, net
Years Ended December 31,
2013
2012
2014
$
285.0
$
246.6
$
291.3
366.1
942.4
(174.9)
(86.7)
(1.6)
0.2
2.9
280.1
321.4
848.1
(161.2)
(88.3)
—
0.2
5.6
209.4
257.9
270.4
737.7
(137.9)
(86.9)
—
0.3
3.6
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
$
682.3
$
604.4
$
516.8
*Segment income represents income for each of our reportable segments and is defined as operating income less
floorplan interest expense.
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
Years Ended December 31,
2013
2012
2014
$
$
$
$
$
24.4
14.5
13.1
1.3
$
23.7
16.3
12.6
0.8
53.3
$
53.4
$
Years Ended December 31,
2013
2012
2014
$
27.3
31.0
28.3
20.3
106.9
$
25.1
28.1
26.9
15.2
95.3
$
$
20.2
14.2
10.7
0.4
45.5
23.0
25.0
25.1
14.2
87.3
88
AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
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,
2013
2012
2014
$
2,187.3
$
2,143.1
$
1,997.7
2,051.0
1,314.7
348.1
500.9
2,030.4
1,633.6
1,259.6
329.3
518.1
1,895.0
1,787.4
1,541.6
1,237.4
285.7
455.9
$
8,399.7
$
7,914.1
$
7,203.0
Years Ended December 31,
2013
2012
2014
$
$
$
61.7
47.0
68.3
20.8
$
61.9
76.1
45.5
23.7
69.5
55.2
33.1
25.8
197.8
$
207.2
$
183.6
21. MULTIEMPLOYER PENSION PLANS
Five of our 232 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.
89
AUTONATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
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, 2014, 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 2014 and 2013 is for the plan’s year end at
December 31, 2013, and December 31, 2012, 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 2014, 2013, and 2012 contributions.
Pension Fund
Automotive Industries Pension Plan
Other funds
Total contributions
EIN/Pension
PlanNumber
94-1133245
- 001
2014
Red
Pension Protection Act
Zone Status
Contributions of AutoNation
($ in millions) (1)
2013
2014
2013
2012
Surcharge
Imposed
Expiration
Date of
Collective-
Bargaining
Agreement
Red
$
$
0.8
0.3
1.1
$
$
0.7
0.4
1.1
$
$
0.6
0.3
0.9
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, 2013 or 2012.
(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 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.
90
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 2014 and 2013:
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
$ 4,363.5
$ 4,096.4
Second
Quarter
$ 4,788.5
$ 4,426.5
Third
Quarter
$ 4,909.0
$ 4,470.8
Fourth
Quarter
$ 5,047.8
$ 4,523.9
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
707.4
664.0
189.1
169.4
95.5
83.2
95.1
83.0
0.80
0.69
0.79
0.68
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
744.9
696.1
197.8
180.9
100.7
90.1
100.4
89.9
0.85
0.74
0.83
0.73
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
752.9
696.6
207.4
187.2
106.7
92.8
106.5
92.6
0.91
0.76
0.90
0.75
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
783.5
703.2
226.5
202.8
116.9
109.7
116.7
109.4
1.03
0.90
1.02
0.89
2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013
(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.
91
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 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 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.
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 (2013) 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,
2014. 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.
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 2014 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to
materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
92
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 2015
Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December
31, 2014.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to AutoNation’s Proxy Statement for its 2015 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 31,
2014.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Equity Compensation Plans
The following table provides information as of December 31, 2014 regarding our equity compensation plans:
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS
Plan Category
Equity Compensation Plans Approved by
Security Holders
Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by
Security Holders
Total
(A)
(B)
(C)
Number of Securities to
be Issued Upon Exercise
of Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights
Number of Securities Remaining
Available for Future Issuance Under
Equity Compensation Plans
(Excluding Securities Reflected in
Column A)
5,048,579
—
5,048,579
$36.43
—
$36.43
5,309,441(1)
—
5,309,441
(1)
Includes 4,349,441 shares available under the AutoNation, Inc. 2008 Employee Equity and Incentive Plan (the “2008
Plan”) and 960,000 shares available under the AutoNation, Inc. 2014 Non-Employee Director Equity Plan (the “2014
Director Plan”). As of December 31, 2014, a maximum of 1,168,980 shares may be awarded as awards, other than
options or stock appreciation rights, that are settled in shares under the 2008 Plan.
The other information required by this item is incorporated by reference to AutoNation’s Proxy Statement for its 2015
Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2014.
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 2015 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 31,
2014.
93
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to AutoNation’s Proxy Statement for its 2015 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 31,
2014.
94
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.
95
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, Chief Executive Officer and President
February 11, 2015
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
Title
/S/ MICHAEL J. JACKSON
Michael J. Jackson
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and
President (Principal Executive Officer)
/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/ TOMAGO COLLINS
Tomago Collins
/S/ DAVID B. EDELSON
David B. Edelson
/S/ ROBERT R. GRUSKY
Robert R. Grusky
/S/ MICHAEL LARSON
Michael Larson
/S/ CARLOS A. MIGOYA
Carlos A. Migoya
/S/ G. MIKE MIKAN
G. Mike Mikan
/S/ ALISON H. ROSENTHAL
Alison H. Rosenthal
Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
Vice President – Corporate
Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
96
Date
February 11, 2015
February 11, 2015
February 11, 2015
February 11, 2015
February 11, 2015
February 11, 2015
February 11, 2015
February 11, 2015
February 11, 2015
February 11, 2015
February 11, 2015
February 11, 2015
Exhibit
Number
3.1
3.2
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
10.6
10.7
10.8
10.9
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 2018.
Supplemental Indenture to 2010 Indenture, dated March
7, 2012, relating to the Company’s 5.5% Senior Notes
due 2020.
Supplemental Indenture to 2010 Indenture, dated
February 6, 2014, relating to the Company’s 6.75%
Senior Notes due 2018.
Supplemental Indenture to 2010 Indenture, dated
February 6, 2014, 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.
Amended Employment Agreement, dated January 15,
2015, by and between AutoNation, Inc. and Michael J.
Jackson.
Amended Employment Agreement, dated October 23,
2014, as amended and restated on January 23, 2015, by
and between AutoNation, Inc. and Michael E. Maroone.
Letter Agreement, dated February 13, 2013, regarding
dealership name usage.
97
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
4.1
4/18/14
10-Q
001-13107
4.2
4/18/14
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
1/16/15
8-K
001-13107
10.1
1/23/15
10-Q
001-13107
10.1
4/19/13
Exhibit
Number
10.10
10.11
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
10.25
10.26
10.27
10.28
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Description
Separation Agreement, dated January 10, 2014, by and
between AutoNation, Inc. and Michael J. Short.
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.
Amendment to the AutoNation, Inc. 2007 Non-
Employee Director Stock Option Plan, effective as of
February 1, 2012.
AutoNation, Inc. 2014 Non-Employee Director Equity
Plan.
Terms of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Units
granted under the AutoNation, Inc. 2014 Non-Employee
Director Equity Plan.
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 made in
2009-2013).
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under the 2008
Employee Equity and Incentive Plan (for grants made in
2009-2013).
Form of Stock Option Agreement under the 2008
Employee Equity and Incentive Plan (for grants made in
2014 and thereafter).
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under the 2008
Employee Equity and Incentive Plan (for grants made in
2014 and thereafter).
Written Description of Compensatory Arrangement.
AutoNation, Inc. Policy Regarding Recoupment of
Certain Incentive Compensation, effective as of
February 6, 2015.
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.
98
Incorporated by Reference
Form
8-K
File Number Exhibit
10.1
001-13107
Filing Date
1/10/14
10-K
001-13107
10.17
2/28/07
10-Q
001-13107
10.4
10/28/10
8-K
001-13107
10.2
2/2/12
10-Q
001-13107
10.6
4/18/14
10-Q
001-13107
10.2
7/17/14
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
3/7/14
8-K
001-13107
10.2
3/7/14
10-K
8-K
001-13107
10.21
001-13107
10.1
2/13/14
2/6/15
8-K
001-13107
10.1
1/29/09
8-K
001-13107
10.1
8/16/10
Incorporated by Reference
Form
8-K
File Number Exhibit
10.1
001-13107
Filing Date
12/4/14
Exhibit
Number
10.29
12.1*
21.1*
23.1*
31.1*
31.2*
32.1**
32.2**
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Description
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated
December 3, 2014, 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*
101.CAL*
101.DEF*
XBRL Instance Document
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
Document
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
Document
101.LAB*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
Document
*
**
Filed herewith
Furnished herewith
Exhibits 10.1 through 10.26 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.
99
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 11, 2015
/s/ MICHAEL J. JACKSON
Michael J. Jackson
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President
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.
Date: February 11, 2015
/s/ CHERYL SCULLY
Cheryl Scully
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Exhibit 32.1
In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of AutoNation, Inc. (the “Company”) for the year ended
December 31, 2014, 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 11, 2015
/s/ MICHAEL J. JACKSON
Michael J. Jackson
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President
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, 2014, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), I, Cheryl Scully, Executive
Vice President and 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
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
February 11, 2015
(cid:3)
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, Thursday, May 14, 2015 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 18, 2015, there were 1,861 Stockholders of record.
TRANSFER AGENT
For inquiries regarding address changes, stock transfers,
lost shares or other account matters, please contact:
Computershare Investor Services
211 Quality Circle, Suite 210
College Station, TX 77845
(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 COMMITTEE
Mike Jackson
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President
Jonathan P. Ferrando
Executive Vice President – General Counsel,
Corporate Development and Human Resources
William R. Berman
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Cheryl Scully
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Robert J. Brown 1
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,
B & C Associates, Inc.
Rick L. Burdick 2, 3
Partner, Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P.
Tomago Collins
Vice President, Communications,
Kroenke Sports & Entertainment
David B. Edelson 1, 4
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer,
Loews Corporation
Robert R. Grusky 1
Founder and Managing Member,
Hope Capital Management, LLC
Mike Jackson
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President,
AutoNation, Inc.
Michael Larson 2, 4, 5
Chief Investment Officer for William H. Gates III
Carlos A. Migoya 2, 3, 4
Chief Executive Officer, Jackson Health System
G. Mike Mikan 2, 3, 4
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,
Northern Oak Capital, LLC
Alison H. Rosenthal 1
Vice President, Strategic Partnerships,
Wealthfront, Inc.
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