UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
☑
☐
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023
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: 001-13461
Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
Delaware
800 Gessner, Suite 500
Houston, TX
(Address of principal executive offices)
76-0506313
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
77024
(Zip code)
(713) 647-5700
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Title of each class
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Ticker symbol(s)
GPI
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None.
Name of exchange on which registered
New York Stock Exchange
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 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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☑ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the
definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer ☑
Non-accelerated filer ☐
☐
☐
☐
Accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if that registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting
standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under
Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☑
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an
error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s
executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☑
The aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $3.5 billion based on the reported last sale price of common stock on June 30, 2023,
which was the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second quarter.
As of February 5, 2024, there were 13,685,854 shares of our common stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for its 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of
December 31, 2023, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GLOSSARY OF DEFINITIONS
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
PART I
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Business
Risk Factors
Unresolved Staff Comments
Properties
Legal Proceedings
Mine Safety Disclosures
PART II
Item 5.
Item 7.
Item 7A.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 9A.
Item 9B.
Item 9C.
PART III
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.
Market for Registrant Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Controls and Procedures
Other Information
Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Executive Compensation
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 16.
SIGNATURES
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
Form 10-K Summary
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The following are abbreviations and definitions of terms used within this report:
GLOSSARY OF DEFINITIONS
Terms
BRL
COVID-19 pandemic
EBITDA
EPS
EU
EV
F&I
FMCC
GBP
NOL
NYSE
OEM
PII
PRU
PSU
ROU
RSA
RSU
SEC
SG&A
SOFR
USD
U.K.
U.S.
U.S. GAAP
VSC
WACC
Definitions
Brazilian Real (R$)
Coronavirus disease first emerging in December 2019 and resulting in the global pandemic in 2020, 2021 and
2022
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization
Earnings per share
European Union
Electric vehicle
Finance, insurance and other
Ford Motor Credit Company
British Pound Sterling (£)
Net operating loss
New York Stock Exchange
Original equipment manufacturer
Personally Identifiable Information
Per retail unit
Performance stock unit
Right-of-use
Restricted stock award
Restricted stock unit
Securities and Exchange Commission
Selling, general and administrative
Secured Overnight Financing Rate
United States Dollar
United Kingdom
United States of America
Accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S.
Vehicle service contract
Weighted average cost of capital
1
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Unless the context requires otherwise, references to “we,” “us,” “our”, “Group 1” or the “Company” are intended to mean the business and operations
of Group 1 Automotive, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
This Annual Report on Form 10-K (this “Form 10-K”) includes certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”). These
forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning our strategy, future operating performance, future liquidity and
availability of financing, capital allocation, the completion of future acquisitions and divestitures, business trends in the retail automotive industry and
changes in regulations. When used in this Form 10-K, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may” and similar expressions are
intended to identify forward-looking statements.
These forward-looking statements are based on our expectations and beliefs as of the date of this Form 10-K concerning future developments and
their potential effect on us. While management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable when and as made, there can be no assurance
that future developments affecting us will be those that we anticipate. Our forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could
cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the risks set forth in Item 1A. Risk
Factors of this Form 10-K.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We undertake no responsibility and expressly disclaim any duty, to
update any such statements, whether as a result of new information, new developments or otherwise, or to publicly release the result of any revision of our
forward-looking statements after the date they are made, except to the extent required by law.
2
Item 1. Business
General
PART I
Group 1 Automotive, Inc. is a leading operator in the automotive retail industry. Through our omnichannel platform, we sell and/or lease new and
used cars and light trucks; arrange related vehicle financing; sell service and insurance contracts; provide automotive maintenance and repair services; and
sell vehicle parts retail and wholesale. We have operations in geographically diverse markets that extend across 17 states in the U.S. and 34 towns and cities
in the U.K. As of December 31, 2023, our retail network consisted of 144 dealerships and 28 collision centers in the U.S. and 55 dealerships and 13
collision centers in the U.K.
Discontinued Operations
On November 12, 2021, we entered into a Share Purchase Agreement (the “Brazil Agreement”) with Original Holdings S.A. (“Buyer”) to dispose of
our Brazilian operations. Pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the Brazil Agreement, Buyer agreed to acquire 100% of the issued and
outstanding equity interests of our Brazilian operations (the “Brazil Disposal Group”) for approximately BRL 510 million in cash (the “Brazil Disposal”).
On July 1, 2022, we completed the Brazil Disposal. The Brazil Disposal Group met the criteria to be reported as discontinued operations. Therefore, the
related assets, liabilities and operating results of the Brazil Disposal Group are reported as discontinued operations (the “Brazil Discontinued Operations”)
for all periods presented. Effective as of the fourth quarter of 2021, we have two reportable segments: the U.S. and the U.K. Refer to Note 20. Segment
Information within our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements within this Form 10-K, for further information on our reportable segments. Refer to
Note 4. Discontinued Operations and Other Divestitures within the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements within this Form 10-K, for additional
information regarding business dispositions. Unless otherwise specified, disclosures in this Form 10-K reflect continuing operations only.
Dealership Operations
Our new vehicle revenues include new vehicle sales and lease transactions, completed at our dealerships or via our digital platform, AcceleRide®. We
sell retail used vehicles directly to our customers at our dealerships and via AcceleRide® and wholesale our used vehicles at third party auctions. We sell
replacement parts and provide both warranty and non-warranty maintenance and repair services at each of our franchised dealerships, as well as provide
collision repair services at the 41 collision centers that we operate. We also sell parts to wholesale customers. Revenues from our F&I operations consist
primarily of fees for arranging financing and selling vehicle service and insurance contracts in connection with the retail sale of a new or used vehicle. We
offer a wide variety of third-party finance, vehicle service and insurance products in a convenient manner at competitive prices.
The following chart presents total revenues and gross profit contribution from our operations by new vehicles, used vehicles, parts and service and
F&I for the year ended December 31, 2023 (“Current Year”):
3
The following chart presents our diversity of new vehicle unit sales by manufacturer for the Current Year:
The following table shows our new vehicle unit sales geographic mix for the Current Year and our franchise count as of December 31, 2023:
New vehicle unit sales geographic mix
(%)
Franchises
Region
U.S.
Geographic Market
Texas
Massachusetts
Oklahoma
California
Georgia
New Mexico
Maine
New Jersey
New Hampshire
Florida
South Carolina
Louisiana
Kansas
New York
Alabama
Maryland
Mississippi
U.K.
United Kingdom
4
38.4 %
9.0 %
5.6 %
5.9 %
3.6 %
2.9 %
1.8 %
2.2 %
2.1 %
3.0 %
1.6 %
1.7 %
1.2 %
1.0 %
0.4 %
0.5 %
0.4 %
81.3 %
18.7 %
100.0 %
81
22
19
7
9
8
6
8
6
5
3
6
3
2
1
2
1
189
78
267
Business Strategy
Our business strategy is built on our commitment to maximize the return on investment for our stockholders sustainably. We intend to execute our
business strategy, underpinned by the following four key components:
Business growth through portfolio and operations optimization;
•
Leading customer experience;
•
•
Employer of choice; and
• OEM Partner of choice.
Business Growth Through Portfolio and Operations Optimization
At Group 1, growing and improving our operations is fundamental to future success, driven by the following key activities:
• Mergers and Acquisitions
• Dispositions
• Operations optimization
In 2021 to 2023, the retail automotive industry experienced multiple merger and acquisition transactions. Despite this increase in merger and
acquisition activity, the industry remains fragmented to a significant degree. We believe there will continue to be opportunity for consolidation within the
industry. Consistent with our acquisition activity completed in 2021, 2022 and 2023, we intend to pursue opportunities in growth-positioned or
economically stable markets, or that are economically accretive to our existing markets in 2024 and beyond, specifically focusing on brands, large
dealership operations and/or dealership clusters that will provide attractive returns to our portfolio. Acquisitions completed within our existing markets
allow us to better capitalize on economies of scale and provide for cost saving opportunities in key expense areas such as used vehicle sourcing,
advertising, purchasing, data processing and personnel utilization. In addition to cost savings opportunities, scale enables us to make the EV, facility,
compliance, real estate, and technology investments necessary to thrive in today’s retail automotive industry.
In addition to expanding our portfolio through acquisitions, from time to time, we make decisions to optimize our portfolio by disposing of certain
assets or operations. In some instances, we dispose of underperforming dealerships which do not meet our return objectives. We may also dispose of certain
dealerships in order to complete strategic acquisition opportunities. Specifically, we may dispose of a less significant dealership to allow us to acquire a
more substantial dealership within the same or another geographic area based on the ownership limitations imposed in the various franchise agreements.
Refer to Note 3. Acquisitions and Note 4. Discontinued Operations and Other Divestitures within the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
within this Form 10-K, for additional information regarding our acquisitions and dispositions.
Operations optimization includes leveraging our dealership’s full potential and local scale advantage to improve operational efficiency. This includes
focusing on operational excellence at each dealership and other facilities, including, but not limited to, standardization of key common processes and taking
advantage of shareable business resources. We believe our operations optimization efforts will provide a strategic advantage by structurally lowering our
operating costs.
Leading Customer Experience
Our customers drive what we do each day, and we seek to provide them with an industry-leading customer experience, both physically in our stores
and digitally. With our expansive portfolio of brands and service capabilities across significant geographical areas, we believe we can service the needs of
each and every member of our customers’ families. To drive the leading customer experience we endeavor to:
•
•
•
Adopt new technology
Drive process improvement
Improve the customer aftersales journey
5
As new and innovative tools become available, we seek to quickly adopt those that provide a mutual benefit to our customers and Group 1. Our
digital platform, AcceleRide®, allows customers to shop for and purchase and/or lease new and used vehicles, including a full selection of finance and
insurance options; receive instant cash offers or trade-in of vehicles; and schedule service appointments at the customers’ convenience. A customer can step
in and out of the buying process using AcceleRide®, while also working with a sales agent in one of our stores. The digital and in-store experiences do not
have to be mutually exclusive. We continuously evaluate our processes to identify opportunities for automation, enabling us to facilitate our customers’
vehicle inventory selection on a more expedited basis, process parts inventory and F&I products transactions quicker and price cars more competitively for
our customers using the latest and most accurate information available.
With a focus on the aftersales impact on the customer journey, we have and will continue to increase customer retention through more convenient
service hours, training of our service advisors, selling service contracts with vehicle sales and customer relationship management software that allows us to
provide targeted marketing to our customers.
Employer of Choice Within Automotive Industry
At Group 1, our employees are the cornerstone to our operations and business success. We seek to be the employer of choice within the automotive
industry, by focusing on:
Talent Management and Employee Engagement;
•
Providing Training and Development;
•
•
Promoting Employee Safety and Well-Being; and
• Market Competitive Compensation and Benefits.
To help our workforce feel heard and supported, we solicit employee feedback through multiple channels. We leverage our intracompany
communication platform, the Meta-based Workplace app, to bring our teams together digitally and provide our leadership team the ability to engage in
more frequent, direct communication with our employees. Our management team routinely visits our stores, meeting with and soliciting feedback from
employees at all levels. The results of the annual engagement survey and employee discussions inform our overall human capital management methods and
other growth strategies.
We routinely create and offer department or job-specific training and professional development opportunities to meet employees’ needs. In addition to
providing career growth pathways for employees, annually our Board of Directors reviews management’s succession planning for key positions throughout
the organization. We believe that embracing DEI (“Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion”) allows us to attract and develop high-performing employees, which
leads to a more engaged workforce and lower turnover.
We maintain policies and procedures to mitigate personnel health and safety risks and to help prevent accidents. Partnering with health and safety
expert, KPA, we take measures to ensure our working environments are safe and all employees receive department-specific training on how to avoid injury,
report potential hazards and respond to emergencies. In 2023, we hired a Health and Safety Manager for our U.S. operations, to lead our health and safety
initiatives.
We recognize the importance of providing support for our employees’ physical, mental and financial wellness. Our market competitive pay and
benefits packages include paid family leave, flexible work schedules and a comprehensive health and wellness program. We offer medical, dental and
vision insurance plans for employees and dependents, 401(k) matching and an employee stock purchase plan. In select locations, Group 1 also offers
commuter benefits that save employees commuting costs through subsidized public transportation and parking fees. We continue to modify our benefits to
maintain competitiveness and to better suit the needs of our diverse employees.
OEM Partner of Choice
We regard our OEMs as strategic partners and rely on them to deliver high-quality products and services for our customers. Key to the success of our
business is the determination to be great partners to our OEMs. We work closely with our OEMs and regularly communicate with them regarding material
sourcing, marketing, recalls, safety and other factors that influence our business relationship and the customer experience.
Competition
The automotive retail industry is highly competitive across all our service lines. Consumers have a number of choices when deciding where and how
to (i) purchase and/or lease a new or used vehicle as well as select related vehicle financing and insurance products; (ii) purchase related parts and
accessories; and (iii) procure vehicle maintenance and repair services. We believe the principal competitive factors in the automotive retailing industry are
location, service, price, selection, online capabilities, established customer relationships, and reputation.
6
New Vehicles Sales
In the new vehicle market, our dealerships compete with other franchised dealerships in their market areas, as well as auto brokers, leasing companies
and internet companies that provide referrals to, or broker vehicle sales with, other dealerships or customers. Our principal new vehicle dealer competitors
also have franchise agreements with the various vehicle manufacturers and, as such, generally have access to new vehicles on the same terms as we do. We
do not have any cost advantage in purchasing new vehicles from vehicle manufacturers, and our current franchise agreements do not grant us the exclusive
right to sell a manufacturer’s product within a given geographic area. Several companies are currently manufacturing EVs for sale primarily through the
internet, under a direct-to-consumer model, without using the traditional dealer-network or are considering such a strategy, including some of our OEM
partners. Certain of our vehicle manufacturers in the U.K. recently transitioned or have announced plans to explore an agency model for selling new
vehicles. Under an agency model, our franchised dealerships receive a fee for facilitating the sale of a new vehicle to a customer but no longer record the
vehicle sales price as revenue, record vehicles in inventory or incur floorplan interest expense, as has been historical practice. The agency model, if adopted
by other manufacturers, would reduce revenues.
Used Vehicle Sales
In the used vehicle market, our dealerships compete both in their local market and nationally with other franchised dealers, large multi-location used
vehicle retailers, local independent used vehicle dealers, automobile rental agencies and private parties for the supply and resale of used vehicles.
Parts and Service
We believe the principal competitive factors in the parts and service business are the quality of customer service, timeliness of service, the use of
factory-approved replacement parts, familiarity with a manufacturer’s brands and models, location, price, the availability and competence of technicians,
and the availability of training programs to enhance such expertise. In the parts and service market, our dealerships compete with other franchised dealers
to perform warranty maintenance and repairs, conduct manufacturer recall services and sell factory replacement parts. Our dealerships also compete with
other automobile dealers, franchised and independent service center chains and independent repair shops for non-warranty repair and maintenance business.
In addition, our dealerships sell replacement and aftermarket parts both locally and nationally in competition with franchised and independent retail and
wholesale parts outlets. A number of regional or national chains offer selected parts and services at prices that may be lower than ours. Our collision
centers compete with other large, multi-location companies, as well as local, independent, collision service operations.
F&I
We believe the principal competitive factors in the F&I business are convenience, interest rates, product availability and affordability, product
knowledge, flexibility in contract length and ease of consumer understanding. We face competition in arranging financing for our customers’ vehicle
purchases from a broad range of unaffiliated third-party financial institutions. Many financial institutions now offer their own menu of F&I products,
providing an alternative to our product offering, which may reduce our profits from the sale of these products through reduced penetration.
Manufacturers’ Relationships and Agreements
Each of our U.S. dealerships operates under one or more franchise agreements with vehicle manufacturers or authorized distributors. The franchise
agreements grant the franchised automobile dealership 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 also grant franchised dealerships the right to use the manufacturer’s or
distributor’s trademarks in connection with their operations, and impose numerous operational requirements and restrictions relating to, among other
things, inventory levels, working capital levels, the sales process, sales performance requirements, customer satisfaction standards, marketing and branding,
facility standards and signage, personnel, changes in management, change in control and monthly financial reporting.
Most of our dealerships’ franchise agreements continue indefinitely and those with definite terms are renewed or superseded by a new agreement.
Each of our franchise agreements may be terminated or not renewed by the manufacturer for a variety of reasons, including unapproved changes of
ownership or management and performance deficiencies in such areas as sales volume, sales effectiveness and customer satisfaction. In most cases,
manufacturers have renewed the franchises upon expiration so long as the dealership is in compliance with the terms of the agreement. We diligently work
with our manufacturers to address any performance issues.
7
Our dealership service departments perform vehicle repairs and service for customers under manufacturer warranties. We are reimbursed for those
repairs and service by the manufacturer. Some manufacturers offer rebates to new vehicle customers, which we are required, under specific program rules,
to adequately document, support and collect. In addition, some manufacturers provide us with incentives to order and/or sell certain models and/or volumes
of inventory over designated periods of time. Under the terms of our dealership franchise agreements, the respective manufacturers are able to perform
warranty, incentive and rebate audits and charge us back for unsupported or non-qualifying warranty repairs, rebates or incentives.
In addition to the individual dealership franchise agreements discussed above, we have entered into framework agreements in the U.S. with most
major vehicle manufacturers and distributors. These agreements impose a number of restrictions on our operations, including our ability to make
acquisitions and obtain financing, and on our management. These agreements also contain change of control provisions related to the ownership of our
common stock. For a discussion of these restrictions and the risks related to our relationships with vehicle manufacturers, please refer to Item 1A. Risk
Factors.
Governmental Regulations
Automotive and Other Laws and Regulations
We operate in a highly regulated industry. A number of laws and regulations applicable to automotive companies affect our business and conduct,
including, but not limited to our sales, operations, financing, insurance, advertising and employment practices. These laws and regulations include state
franchise laws and regulations, consumer protection laws and other extensive laws and regulations applicable to new and used motor vehicle dealers.
Additionally, in every jurisdiction in which we operate, we must obtain various permits and licenses in order to conduct our business.
In general, the U.S. jurisdictions in which we operate have automotive dealership franchise laws, which generally provide that it is unlawful for a
manufacturer or distributor to terminate or not renew a franchise unless “good cause” exists. As a result, it generally is difficult, outside of bankruptcy, for a
manufacturer or distributor to terminate, or not renew, a franchise under these laws, which were designed to protect dealers.
The U.K. generally does not have automotive dealership franchise laws and, as a result, our U.K. dealerships operate without these types of specific
protections. However, similar protections may be available as a matter of general U.K. contractual law. In addition, our U.K. dealerships are subject to U.K.
antitrust rules prohibiting certain restrictions on the sale of new vehicles and spare parts and on the provision of repairs and maintenance. For instance,
authorized dealers are generally able to, subject to manufacturer facility requirements, relocate or add additional facilities, offer multiple brands in the same
facility, allow the operation of service facilities independent of new car sales facilities and ease restrictions on cross supplies (including on transfers of
dealerships) between existing authorized dealers within the EU. However, under the EU Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation, which was retained in
U.K. law following U.K.’s exit from the EU on January 31, 2020, certain restrictions on dealerships are permissible in franchise agreements provided
certain conditions are met. In October 2022, the Competition and Markets Authority of the U.K. published recommendations to introduce an updated U.K.
equivalent broadly similar to the EU Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulations. The U.K. Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation is applicable until
May 31, 2029.
Data Privacy
We are subject to numerous laws and regulations designed to protect the information of clients, customers, employees and other third parties that we
collect and maintain. Some of the more significant regulations that we are required to comply with include the U.K.’s General Data Protection Regulation
(“U.K. GDPR”) and, the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended and enhanced effective January 1, 2023 by the California Privacy Rights Act (as so
amended, the “CCPA”), and the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) Safeguards Rule. These regulations provide for various data protection requirements
related to protection of customer’s personally identifiable information, notice requirements related to data breaches and obligations to inform a consumer, at
or before collection, of the purpose and intended use of the collection, and to delete a consumer’s personal information upon request. If an organization
violates the U.K. GDPR, the organization can be fined up to 4% of annual global turnover or 20 million euros, whichever is greater. The CCPA allows the
California Attorney General to bring actions against non-compliant businesses with fines of $2,500 per violation or, if intentional, up to $7,500 per
violation and permits a private right of action for certain violations of laws. The FTC Safeguards Rule contains procedural, technical and personnel
requirements that financial institutions, including dealers, must satisfy to meet their information security obligations.
8
Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety Laws and Regulations
Our business activities in the U.S. and the U.K. are subject to stringent federal, regional, state and local laws, regulations and other controls governing
specific health and safety criteria to address worker protection, the release of materials into the environment or otherwise relating to environmental
protection. Our operations involve the use, handling and storage of materials such as motor oil and filters, transmission fluids, antifreeze, refrigerants,
paints, thinners, batteries, cleaning products, lubricants, degreasing agents, tires and fuel. We contract for recycling and/or disposal of used fluids, filters
and other waste materials generated by our operations.
These laws, regulations and controls may impose numerous obligations on our operations including the acquisition of permits to conduct regulated
activities, the imposition of restrictions on where or how to manage or dispose of used products and wastes, the incurring of capital expenditures to limit or
prevent releases of such material, and the imposition of substantial liabilities for pollution resulting from our operations or attributable to former operations.
For example, in the U.S., most of our dealerships utilize storage tanks that are subject to testing, containment, upgrading and removal regulations under the
federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, analogous state statutes and their implementing regulations. Failure to comply with these laws,
regulations and permits may result in the assessment of sanctions, including administrative, civil and criminal penalties, the imposition of investigatory
remedial and corrective action obligations or increase of capital expenditures, restrictions, delays and cancellations in permitting or in the performance or
expansion of projects and the issuance of injunctions limiting or preventing some or all of our operations in affected areas. Additionally, certain
environmental laws may result in imposition of joint and several strict liability, which could cause us to become liable as a result of our conduct that was
lawful at the time it occurred or the conduct of, or conditions caused by, prior operators or other third parties. For instance, an accidental release from one
of our storage tanks could subject us to substantial liabilities arising from environmental cleanup and restoration costs, claims made by neighboring
landowners and other third parties for personal injury and property damage and fines or penalties for related violations of environmental laws or
regulations.
Properties that we now or have in the past owned or leased in the U.S. are subject to the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act and similar state statutes. These statutes can impose strict and joint and several liability for cleanup costs on those that are
considered to have contributed to the release of a hazardous substance, including for historic spills that occurred prior to our ownership of our properties
even if we did not know of, or did not cause the release of such hazardous substances. We also are subject to the Clean Water Act, analogous state statutes,
and their implementing regulations which, among other things, prohibit discharges of pollutants into regulated waters without permits, require containment
of potential discharges of oil or hazardous substances, and require preparation of spill contingency plans. Air emissions from some of our operations, such
as vehicle painting, may be subject to the federal Clean Air Act and analogous laws. Laws and regulations protecting the environment are complex and
generally become more stringent over time, which may result in increased costs for future environmental compliance and remediation. Comparable laws
and regulations have been enacted in the U.K. Certain health and safety standards promulgated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of
the U.S. Department of Labor and related state agencies also apply to our operations.
The threat of climate change continues to attract considerable attention in the U.S., U.K. and elsewhere globally. As a result, numerous proposals have
been made and could continue to be made at the international, national, regional and state levels of government, in locations affecting our business, to
monitor and limit existing emissions of greenhouse gas (“GHG”), as well as to restrict or eliminate such future emissions. Gas and diesel-powered
automobiles are one source of GHG emissions and in the recent past, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), together with the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”), implemented GHG emissions limits on vehicles manufactured for operation in the U.S. On January
20, 2021, President Joe Biden issued an executive order recommitting the United States to participation in the Paris Agreement, which is a United Nations-
sponsored, non-binding agreement for nations to limit their GHG emissions through individually determined reduction goals every five years after 2020.
The U.K. is similarly committed to the Paris Agreement, and the U.K. announced that it plans to ban sales of new gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles
after 2035. Similar planned bans have been announced in California, New Mexico, Massachusetts and New York. Additional regulation of GHG emissions
from the vehicles could increase the cost of the vehicles sold to us. Government bans or restrictions on certain vehicle types could impact the mix of
vehicles that we offer for sale. Consumer concerns regarding climate change could also alter consumer preferences and adversely affect our ability to
market and sell vehicles. These developments could increase our costs of operation as well as reduce our volume of business.
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Vehicle manufacturers in the U.S. are also subject to regulations by the EPA and the NHTSA that establish corporate average fuel economy (“CAFE”)
standards applicable to light-duty vehicles. These agencies have finalized more stringent standards for both heavy-duty and light-duty vehicles and for
increased fuel economy for vehicles in upcoming model years. California and other states have indicated they would pursue more stringent CAFE and
GHG standards than required by current EPA and NHTSA standards. Comparable laws and regulations have been enacted in the U.K, including updated
standards for cars, vans and heavy-duty trucks for upcoming model years. Our OEMs require lead time to prepare new vehicle models and more stringent
regulations could result in increased costs and time constraints or result in our OEMs deciding to increase production targets of EVs in anticipation of such
regulations. These developments could also significantly increase our costs of operation as well as reduce our volume of business. For additional
information, see Item 1A. Risk Factors within this Form 10-K.
The EPA proposes higher emissions standards each year and beginning with model year 2027, there is expected to be new battery durability
requirements and changes to certain existing air emissions credit programs. These regulations could increase or accelerate the adoption of certain emissions
reducing technologies, and further market penetration for hybrid, plug-in and battery-electric vehicles. For example, should the proposed regulations be
enacted, the EPA projects that at least 60% of new light-duty passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. would be battery-electric by 2030. The EPA also estimates
that the regulations, if finalized, would increase costs for auto manufacturers and reduce consumer repair costs for covered vehicles. The EPA projects the
regulations to become final during 2024.
Insurance and Bonding
Our operations expose us to the risk of various liabilities, including:
• claims by employees, customers or other third parties for personal injury or property damage;
• weather events, such as hail, flood, tornadoes and hurricanes; and
• potential fines and civil and criminal penalties resulting from alleged violations of federal and state laws, regulatory requirements and other local
laws in the jurisdictions in which we operate.
The automotive retailing business is also subject to substantial risk of real and personal property loss as a result of significant concentration of real
and personal property values at dealership locations. Under self-insurance programs, we retain various levels of risk associated with aggregate loss limits
and per claim deductibles. In certain cases, we insure costs in excess of our retained risk under various contracts with third-party insurance carriers.
Although we believe our insurance coverage is adequate, we cannot be assured that we will not be exposed to uninsured losses that could have a material
adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. We are also subject to potential premium cost fluctuations and changes in loss
retention limits with the annual renewal of these programs.
For further discussion, refer to Item 1A. Risk Factors, within this Form 10-K.
Human Capital
People make up the foundation of everything we do at the Company. Our core values — Integrity, Transparency, Professionalism, Teamwork and
Respect — define our culture and help us attract and retain talented employees. As of December 31, 2023, we had 16,011 employees (full-time, part-time
and temporary), of which 12,493 were employed in the U.S. and 3,518 in the U.K.
Employee Engagement
We engage in activities aimed at listening to our employees and addressing their concerns. In turn, our employees deliver superior service to our
customers, and ultimately achieve exceptional results for our investors. We solicit employee feedback through multiple channels such as employee surveys
and town halls. Our annual employee survey provides our management team with valuable insight into employees’ perception of workplace culture and
progress on our corporate mission. The results inform our overall human capital management methods and other growth strategies.
In 2022, we launched the Meta-based Workplace app, an all-in-one communication platform that keeps our employees across the U.S. and U.K. up to
date on the latest company news and brings our teams together digitally. The platform offers our executive team the ability to engage in direct and more
frequent, real-time communication with our employees. The features of the platform include targeted announcement capabilities, company documents like
policies, guidelines and benefits plans, and quick access to employee and department directories. We believe that working together is critical to prepare for
coming opportunities and changes affecting us internally and externally.
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Training and Development
We routinely create and offer department or job-specific training and professional development opportunities to meet employees’ needs. In addition to
job specific courses, we also offer leadership training. Employees have opportunities for various certification levels based on training completed and
tenure. We have also developed a management training program and a technician training program to attract talent to the automotive industry. In addition to
providing career growth pathways for employees, annually our Board of Directors reviews management’s succession planning for key positions throughout
the organization.
DEI
We maintain a DEI council that is chaired by our Chief Diversity Officer. The council’s mission is to foster a diverse and inclusive culture where
employees of all backgrounds are respected, valued and developed. We enhance employee engagement in DEI by offering training, recruitment and career
path development where a sense of belonging is apparent throughout the organization. The council has four primary areas of focus: Talent Acquisition,
Talent Development, Community Building and Women in the Workplace. The council consists of a diverse group of employees, providing representation
across the organization. Each area has an employee chairperson, as well as an executive sponsor. In addition, employees participate in various diversity and
inclusion training programs which were specifically developed for the Company.
Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”)
We are committed towards a more sustainable future by working to improve various aspects of our business in the ESG areas most relevant to us, our
stakeholders and our industry. Beginning in 2021 we performed a thorough review of our business operations pertaining to: hiring practices, equal pay,
promotional practices, health and safety, health insurance, community impact and environmental impact. Building off this analysis, we performed a second
assessment in 2022. This effort included a detailed desktop study reviewing key material topics relevant to the automotive industry, an analysis of survey
responses from our internal and external stakeholders, and interviews with executive leaders across our business and our Board members. With oversight
from our Board of Directors, management annually reviews the Company’s ESG priorities and designates resources for their management and disclosure.
Environmental
Our commitment to sustainability centers on seeking to reduce waste and our collective environmental impact. We look for opportunities to reduce
our energy consumption, eliminate waste and accommodate the growing EV market and continue to invest in numerous initiatives to improve our carbon
and broader environmental footprint. These opportunities include technological solutions such as: climate control thermostats and LED lighting to improve
energy efficiency, solar panels to increase our use of renewable energy and updated waste management systems to improve handling of chemicals and other
byproducts from our dealerships’ operations. To prevent any adverse impact on the environment and to protect local water supplies, all of our U.S. service
centers utilize oil water separators to properly manage wastewater. In addition, all U.S. dealerships that feature car wash services have processes in place to
maximize water recycling between uses. At all U.S. and U.K. locations, we manage recycling of waste materials. We also recycle IT hardware, tires, oil,
paint and damaged automotive parts.
The widespread adoption of EVs has accelerated in recent years. We are certified in EV service and repair. We have equipped our facilities with EV
charging equipment, specialized lifts, EV-specific shop equipment and battery storage to sufficiently cater to the emerging EV market.
Social
We maintain a human capital strategy that supports a talented, diverse and inclusive workforce with equal opportunity. The Company offers programs
for training and career advancement, strong benefits, incentives, and health, safety and wellness initiatives as described above within Human Capital. In
addition, the Company has a history of philanthropy and volunteerism. We actively contribute to our local communities in different and meaningful ways.
Our efforts include employee volunteering, donations to local causes, support to educational programs and hosting community gatherings at our
dealerships. In 2023, the role of Corporate Communication and Community Engagement Manager was created to align our efforts across the Company. Our
focus is centered around helping children, fostering education and addressing the needs of first responders and the homeless.
Governance
Our Board of Directors has four standing committees to assist in fulfilling its responsibilities: the Audit Committee, the Compensation and Human
Resources Committee, the Governance and Corporate Responsibility Committee and the Finance/Risk Management Committee.
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Our Governance & Corporate Responsibility Committee advises the Board on appropriate corporate governance guidelines and has direct oversight of
our ESG policies and practices. Other Board committees also play a role in ESG: our Finance/Risk Management Committee oversees our Enterprise Risk
Management processes and cybersecurity matters, our Compensation & Human Resources Committee oversees human capital management and health and
safety matters and our Audit Committee oversees financial reporting, legal and regulatory compliance risks. Additionally, our management team and cross-
functional subject matter experts are responsible for the implementation of our ESG strategy, initiatives and communications.
To improve business performance, better serve our customers and communities and enhance our competitive advantage, Group 1 is focused on hiring
and developing a talented, diverse workforce. This starts with our Board. As Group 1 continues to evolve, so do the perspectives, skills and experiences the
Board seeks in its director nominees. We believe the composition of our Board is critical to our success. As such, one-third of our directors are women, all
of whom serve as committee chairs.
Much of our Board of Directors’ oversight work is delegated to various committees, which meet regularly and report back to the full Board. All
committees have significant roles in carrying out the risk oversight function. Each committee is comprised entirely of independent directors (except the
Finance/Risk Management Committee) and oversees risks associated with its respective area of responsibility.
At the corporate level, we established a Safety and Risk Steering Committee, which reviews the effectiveness of the Company’s risk management
system, including a review of policies and profiles of financial and non-financial risks.
We track and identify new and emerging risks, and to the extent they affect or could potentially affect our business, we develop action plans with
assigned sponsors to address and mitigate that risk. We use an internal process to help identify if we have enough controls in place to properly manage each
risk.
Seasonality
Our operating results are generally subject to seasonal variations, as well as changes in the economic environment. In the U.S., we generally
experience higher volumes of vehicle sales and service in the second and third calendar quarters of each year. In addition, in some regions of the U.S.,
vehicle purchases decline during the winter months due to inclement weather. In the U.K., the first and third quarters tend to be stronger, driven by the
vehicle license plate change months of March and September. Other factors unrelated to seasonality, such as changes in economic conditions, manufacturer
incentive programs, supply issues, seasonal weather events and/or changes in foreign currency exchange rates may exaggerate seasonal or cause counter-
seasonal fluctuations in our revenues and operating income.
A shortage of new vehicle supply in 2022 and much of 2023, led by a global semiconductor and other parts shortage, as well as high inflation and
high interest rates led to a deviation from historical seasonal variations. As a result, historical seasonal variation patterns may not be an appropriate
indicator of current and future trends in seasonal variations.
Internet Website and Availability of Public Filings
Our internet address is www.group1auto.com. We make the following information available free of charge on our website:
• Annual Report on Form 10-K;
• Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q;
• Current Reports on Form 8-K;
• Amendments to the reports filed or furnished electronically with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act;
• Our Corporate Governance Guidelines;
• The charters for our Audit, Compensation & Human Resources, Finance/Risk Management and Governance & Corporate Responsibility
Committees;
• Our Code of Conduct for Directors, Officers and Employees (“Code of Conduct”);
• Our Code of Ethics for our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Controller (“Code of Ethics”); and
• Our Sustainability Report.
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Within the time period required by the SEC and the NYSE, as applicable, we will post on our website any modifications to the Code of Conduct and
Code of Ethics and any waivers applicable to senior officers as defined in the Code of Conduct or Code of Ethics, as applicable, as required by the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. We make our filings with the SEC available on our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such
material with, or furnish such material to, the SEC. The SEC also maintains a website at http://sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information
statements, and other information regarding our company that we file and furnish electronically with the SEC.
References to the Company’s website in this Form 10-K are provided as a convenience and do not constitute, and should not be deemed, an
incorporation by reference of the information contained on, or available through, the website, and such information should not be considered part of this
Form 10-K.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
The following risks have had or in the future could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Market and Industry Risks
Availability and demand for and pricing of our products and services may be adversely impacted by economic conditions, financial developments
including rising inflation, high energy prices, increasing interest rates, a potential recessionary environment, and other factors.
The automotive retail industry, and especially new vehicle unit sales, is influenced by general economic conditions, particularly consumer confidence,
the level of personal discretionary spending, interest rates, exchange rates, fuel prices, technology and business model changes, supply conditions,
consumer transportation preferences, unemployment rates and credit availability. Consumer spending can be materially and adversely impacted by periods
of economic uncertainty or by consumer concern about manufacturer viability.
During the Current Year, the global economy experienced elevated inflation and increased volatility in gasoline and energy prices. In response to
inflationary pressures and macroeconomic conditions, the U.S. Federal Reserve, along with other central banks, including in the U.K., maintained interest
rates at heightened levels throughout 2023, which could lower demand for new and used vehicles in future periods. In Europe, rising energy costs as a
result of supply disruptions and increased winter demand for heating could place additional strain on our suppliers’ ability to maintain current production
levels of vehicles and vehicle parts. Across the EU, these energy constraints could result in nations or regions enacting emergency energy related policies,
limiting energy availability for manufacturers. Any such production constraints could further exacerbate an already ailing supply chain. The impact of these
macroeconomic developments on our operations cannot be predicted with certainty.
Sustained inflation, increased energy costs and a prolonged recession could adversely impact our operations, the operations of our suppliers and
customer demand for our vehicles and services. Continued interest rate increases or the maintenance of interest rates at current levels could have a material
adverse impact on our interest expense and ability to obtain financing through the debt markets, as well as consumers’ ability to obtain financing for the
purchase of new and used vehicles. Refer to Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk for additional analysis regarding our
interest rate sensitivity.
Increased demand for personal electronics, coupled with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on manufacturers, created a shortfall of
semiconductor chips. This adversely impacted production of new vehicles, parts and other supplies in 2022 and much of 2023, thereby reducing new
vehicle inventories, increasing new vehicle prices and limiting the availability of replacement parts. Under these conditions, automotive dealer profits have
increased sharply as new vehicle prices and margins have more than offset the effects of lower new vehicle volume. While semi-conductor chip and other
parts shortages were substantially resolved by the end of 2023 and vehicle production has increased, inventory levels remain below pre-COVID-19
pandemic levels for certain OEMs. If vehicle inventory is restored to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels, new vehicle prices could decrease thereby resulting
in reduced profitability at our dealerships.
A significant portion of our vehicles purchased by customers are financed. Tightening of the credit markets, increases in interest rates and credit
conditions have and may continue to decrease the availability or increase the costs of automotive loans and leases and adversely impact our new and used
vehicle sales and margins. In particular, if sub-prime finance companies apply further higher credit standards or if there is a further decline in the overall
availability of credit in the sub-prime lending market, the ability of selected consumers to purchase vehicles could be even more limited, which could have
a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
In addition, local economic, competitive and other conditions affect the performance of our dealerships. Our results of operations depend substantially
on general economic conditions and spending habits in those regions of the U.S. and U.K. where we maintain our operations.
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EV inventory has been building in 2023 for certain brands, outpacing the buildup of non-EV inventory, as EV sales volume has lagged OEM
deliveries in recent quarters. While EV sales continued to increase in 2023, the growth trend has not continued at the pace experienced in the two years
prior. Challenges with EV technologies continue to make headlines within the U.S. media market, raising concerns around consumer demand and interest
in the products. Should EV demand decline at the same time as more OEMs transition to EV models, this could have a material adverse effect on our
business and results of operations.
Recent negative developments affecting the financial services industry, such as insolvency, defaults, or non-performance by financial institutions,
could adversely affect our access to capital, liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.
During the Current Year, closures of Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank and First Republic Bank and their placement into receivership with the
FDIC created bank-specific and broader financial institution liquidity risk concerns. The FDIC, the U.S. Federal Reserve and the U.S. Department of the
Treasury jointly announced that depositors at Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank and First Republic Bank would have access to their funds, even those in
excess of the standard FDIC insurance limits.
Although we are not a party to any transactions with Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank, First Republic Bank or any other financial institution
currently in receivership, we maintain cash and floorplan offset balances at banks and third-party financial institutions in excess of FDIC insurance limits.
If any of our lenders or counterparties to any of our financial instruments were to be placed into receivership or become insolvent, our ability to access our
capital and liquidity and process transactions could be impaired and could have a material adverse effect on our business, operations and financial
condition. In addition, if any of our suppliers, customers or other parties with whom we conduct business are unable to access funds or lending
arrangements with relevant financial institutions, such parties’ ability to pay their obligations to us or to enter into new arrangements with us could be
adversely affected. In the event of any future closure of other banks or financial institutions, there is no guarantee that the FDIC, the U.S. Federal Reserve
and the U.S. Department of the Treasury will provide access, on a timely basis or at all, to uninsured funds. We cannot predict the effects of future
disruptions in the financial services industry on our financial condition and operations, nor that of our suppliers, vendors or customers.
Deterioration in market conditions or changes in our credit profile could adversely affect our operations and financial condition.
We rely on the positive cash flow we generate from our operations and our access to the credit and capital markets to fund our operations, growth
strategy, and return of cash to our shareholders through share repurchases and dividends. Changes in the credit and capital markets, including market
disruptions, limited liquidity and interest rate fluctuations, may increase the cost of financing or restrict our access to these potential sources of future
liquidity. Our continued access to liquidity sources on favorable terms depends on multiple factors, including our operating performance and credit ratings.
Our debt securities currently are rated just below investment-grade and a downgrade of this rating likely would negatively impact our access to the debt
markets and increase our cost of borrowing. Disruptions in the debt markets or any downgrade of our credit ratings could adversely affect our operations
and financial condition and our ability to finance acquisitions or return cash to our shareholders. We can make no assurances that our ability to obtain
additional financing through the debt markets will not be adversely affected by economic conditions or that we will be able to maintain or improve our
current credit ratings.
Our floorplan notes payable, mortgages and other debt are benchmarked to SOFR, which can be highly volatile as a result of changing economic
conditions. Although we utilize derivative instruments to partially mitigate our exposure to interest rate fluctuations, significant increases in SOFR or other
variable interest rates could have a material adverse impact on our interest expense due to the significance of our debt and floorplan balances. Refer to Item
7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk for additional analysis regarding our interest rate sensitivity.
We may fail to meet analyst and investor expectations, which could cause the price of our stock to decline.
Our common stock is traded publicly, and various securities analysts follow our financial results and frequently issue reports on the Company which
include information about our historical financial results as well as their estimates of our future performance. These estimates are based on their own
opinions and are often different from management’s estimates or expectations of our business. If our operating results are below the estimates or
expectations of public market analysts and the expectations of our investors, our stock price could decline, adversely affecting, among other things, our
access to capital and investor confidence in management and those charged with governance.
We are subject to risks associated with our dependence on manufacturer business relationships and agreements.
The success of our dealerships is dependent on vehicle manufacturers whom we rely exclusively on 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 dealerships an attractive, high quality and desirable product
mix at the right time in order to satisfy customer demand.
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Manufacturers generally support their franchisees by providing direct financial assistance in various areas, including, among others, incentives,
floorplan assistance and advertising assistance. A discontinuation or change in our manufacturers’ warranty and incentive programs could adversely affect
our business. Manufacturers also provide product warranties and, in some cases, service contracts to customers. Our dealerships perform warranty and
service contract work for vehicles under manufacturer product warranties and service contracts and we bill the manufacturer directly as opposed to
invoicing the customer. In addition, we rely on manufacturers for various financing programs, OEM replacement parts, training, up-to-date product design,
development of advertising materials and programs and other items necessary for the success of our dealerships.
Vehicle manufacturers may be adversely impacted by economic downturns or recessions, significant declines in the sales of their new vehicles,
increases in interest rates, adverse fluctuations in currency exchange rates, declines in their credit ratings, reductions in access to capital or credit, labor
strikes or similar disruptions (including within their major suppliers), supply shortages, rising raw material costs, rising employee benefit costs, adverse
publicity that may reduce consumer demand for their products, including due to bankruptcy, product defects, litigation, ability to keep up with technology
and business model changes, poor product mix or unappealing vehicle design, governmental laws and regulations, natural disasters or other adverse events.
In particular, all of our OEMs are investing material amounts to develop electric and autonomous vehicles. These investments could cause financial strain
on our OEMs or fail to deliver attractive vehicles for customers which could lead to adverse impacts on our business. The OEMs have been and could
continue to be impacted by disruptions to the economy, lower than anticipated EV adoption, delays in increasing factory production, labor negotiations,
parts shortages, including semiconductor chips, and other disruptions. These and other risks could materially adversely affect the financial condition of any
manufacturer and impact its ability to profitably design, market, produce or distribute new vehicles, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on
our business, results of operations and financial condition.
During the Current Year, the majority of our manufacturers’ production continued at reduced levels as a result of global semiconductor and other parts
shortages. Despite recent improvements in production by certain manufacturers driving an improvement in vehicles days’ supply, our new vehicle
inventory continues to be impacted compared to historical levels. Our new vehicle days’ supply of inventory was approximately 37 days as of December
31, 2023, as compared to 24 days and 12 days for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. It is impossible to predict with certainty the
duration of the production issues or when normalized production will resume at these manufacturers. If our manufacturers’ production remains at current
reduced levels or in some cases continues to decline, diminishing our ability to meet the immediate needs of our customers, the production shortage could
have a material adverse impact on our financial and operating results.
Additionally, many U.S. manufacturers of vehicles, parts and supplies are dependent on imported products and raw materials in their production. Any
significant increase in existing tariffs on such goods and raw materials, or implementation of new tariffs, could adversely affect our profits on the vehicles
we sell.
If we are unable to enter into new franchise agreements with manufacturers in connection with dealership acquisitions or maintain or renew our
existing franchise agreements on favorable terms, our operations may be significantly impaired.
We are dependent on our relationships with manufacturers, which exercise a great degree of influence over our operations through the franchise
agreements. Our franchise agreements may be terminated or not renewed by the manufacturer for a variety of reasons, including any unapproved changes
of ownership or management, sales and customer satisfaction performance deficiencies and other material breaches of the franchise agreements.
Manufacturers may also have a right of first refusal if we seek to sell dealerships. Additionally, we cannot guarantee that the terms of any renewals will be
as favorable to us as our current agreements. Although we are generally protected by automotive dealership franchise laws requiring “good cause” be
shown for such termination, if such an instance occurs, we cannot guarantee that the termination of the franchise will not be successful.
A manufacturer may also limit the number of its dealerships that we may own overall or in a particular geographic area. From time to time, we have
not met all of the manufacturers’ requirements to make acquisitions and have received requests from manufacturers to dispose of certain of our dealerships.
In the event one or more of our manufacturers sought to prohibit future acquisitions or imposed requirements to dispose of one or more of our dealerships,
our acquisition and growth strategy could be adversely affected. Furthermore, if current manufacturers or future manufacturers are not required to conduct
their business in accordance with state franchise laws and thereby circumvent the current dealer-network to sell directly to the customer, our results of
operations may be materially and adversely affected.
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Substantial competition in automotive sales, F&I and services could adversely impact our sales and our margins.
The automotive retail industry is highly competitive. Within our markets we are subject to competition from franchised automotive dealerships and
other businesses as it relates to new and used vehicles, F&I, and parts and service. The internet has become a significant part of the advertising and sales
process in our industry. Customers are using the internet to compare prices for new and used vehicles, automotive repair and maintenance services, finance
and insurance products and other automotive products. If we are unable to effectively use the internet to attract customers to our own online channels, such
as our AcceleRide® platform, and mobile applications, and, in turn, to our stores, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows
could be materially adversely affected. The 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 the Company or any of our dealerships could damage our reputation and brand names, which could
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We also face competition in arranging financing for our customers’ vehicle purchases from a broad range of financial institutions. Additionally, we do
not have any cost advantage in purchasing new vehicles from vehicle manufacturers, and our franchise agreements do not grant us the exclusive right to
sell a manufacturer’s product within a given geographic area. Subject to state laws in the U.S. that are generally designed to protect dealers, a manufacturer
may grant another dealer a franchise to start a new dealership near one of our locations, or an existing dealership may move its dealership to a location that
would more directly compete against us. The location of new dealerships near our existing dealerships could have a material and adverse effect on our
operations and reduce the profitability of our existing dealerships. Increased competition can adversely impact our sales volumes and margins as well as
our ability to acquire dealerships.
Please see Item 1. Business — Competition for further discussion of competition in our industry.
Regulatory requirements to reduce emissions in response to climate change, as well as changes in consumer demand towards fuel-efficient
vehicles, and shifts in product offerings by manufacturers to meet such demand, could adversely affect our new and used vehicle sales volumes, parts
and service revenues and our results of operations.
Volatile fuel prices have affected and may continue to affect consumer preferences in connection with the purchase of our vehicles. Rising fuel prices
result in consumers being less likely to purchase larger, more expensive vehicles, such as sports utility vehicles or luxury automobiles, and more likely to
purchase smaller, less expensive and more fuel-efficient vehicles. Conversely, lower fuel prices could have the opposite effect. Sudden changes in customer
preferences make maintenance of an optimal mix of large and small vehicle inventory a challenge. Further increases or sharp declines in fuel prices could
have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Changes in fuel prices, changes in customer preferences, government support, improvements in EVs and more EV options have increased the
customer demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles and EVs. Significant increases in fuel economy requirements, new federal or state restrictions on
emissions of carbon dioxide or new federal or state incentive programs that have or may be imposed on vehicles and automobile fuels could adversely
affect demand for certain vehicles, annual miles driven or the products we sell. For example, on April 12, 2023, the EPA proposed regulations establishing
more stringent air emissions limits for light and medium-duty vehicles, which include passenger cars, vans, pickups, sedans and SUVs for model years
2027 through 2032. Representatives of the U.K. government have proposed a ban on the sale of gasoline engines in new cars and new vans that would take
effect as early as 2035. These and similar proposals may have a significant impact on the future mix of vehicles provided by our manufacturers. Any future
impact of these regulations on our operations cannot be predicted with certainty.
With a potential increase in demand by consumers for EVs, and government support for such actions, certain manufacturers have also announced
plans to increase production of fuel-efficient vehicles and EVs. As more EVs potentially enter the market, and internal combustion or diesel engine vehicle
production is reduced, it will be necessary to adapt to such changes by selling and servicing these units effectively in order to meet consumer demands and
support the profitability of our dealerships. We may not be able to accurately predict, prepare for and respond to new kinds of technological innovations
with respect to EV and other technologies that minimize emissions. If maintenance costs of EVs were to substantially decrease, this could have a material
adverse effect on our parts and service revenues. If consumer demand increases for fuel efficient vehicles or EVs and our manufacturers are not able to
adapt and produce vehicles that meet the customer demands or we are unable to align with the manufacturers of these vehicles, such events could adversely
affect our new and used vehicle sales volumes, parts and service revenues and our results of operations.
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Additionally, in October 2023, the Governor of California signed the Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act (“CCDAA”) and Climate-Related
Financial Risk Act (“CRFRA”) into law. The CCDAA requires both public and private U.S. companies that are “doing business in California” and that
have a total annual revenue of $1 billion to publicly disclose and verify, on an annual basis, Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions. The CRFRA requires the
disclosure of a climate-related financial risk report (in line with the Task Force on the Climate-related Financial Disclosures (“TCFD”) recommendations or
equivalent disclosure requirements under the International Sustainability Standards Board’s (“ISSB”) climate-relate disclosure standards) every other year
for public and private companies that are “doing business in California” and have total annual revenue of $500 million. Reporting under both laws would
begin in 2026. Currently, the ultimate impact of these laws on our business is uncertain—the Governor of California has directed further consideration of
the implementation deadlines for each of the laws, and there is potential for legal challenges to be filed with respect to the scope of the law—but, absent
clarification or revisions to the law, alongside the SEC proposed rule, finalization and implementation may result in additional costs to comply with these
disclosure requirements as well as increased costs of and restrictions on access to capital for us or our customers. Separately, these and other enhanced
climate related disclosure requirements could lead to reputational or other harm with customers, regulators, investors or other stakeholders and could also
increase our litigation risks relating to alleged climate-related damages resulting from our operations, statements alleged to have been made by us or others
in our industry regarding climate change risks, or in connection with any future disclosures we may make regarding reported emissions.
If we are unable to acquire and successfully integrate new dealerships into our business, the growth of our revenues and earnings could be
adversely affected.
Growth in our revenues and earnings partially depends on our ability to acquire new dealerships and successfully integrate those dealerships into our
existing operations. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to identify and acquire dealerships in the future. In addition, we cannot guarantee that any
acquisitions will be successful or on terms and conditions consistent with past acquisitions. Restrictions imposed by our manufacturers, as well as
covenants contained in our debt instruments, may directly or indirectly limit our ability to acquire additional dealerships. As competition for acquisitions
increases that may result in fewer acquisition opportunities available to us and/or higher acquisition prices, and some of our competitors may have greater
financial resources than us.
In addition, acquisitions involve a number of special risks, including, among other things:
• incurring significantly higher capital expenditures and operating expenses;
• failing to integrate the operations and personnel of the acquired dealerships;
• entering new markets with which we are not familiar;
• incurring undiscovered liabilities at acquired dealerships, generally, in the case of stock acquisitions;
• disrupting our ongoing business;
• failing to retain key personnel of the acquired dealerships;
• impairing relationships with employees, manufacturers and customers; and
• incorrectly valuing acquired entities.
The integration process for acquisitions requires us to expand the scope of our operations and financial and other systems. Our management devotes a
substantial amount of time and attention to the process of integrating the operations of acquired dealerships into our business.
If any of these factors limits our ability to integrate acquired dealerships into our operations successfully or on a timely basis, our expectations
regarding future results of operations, including certain run-rate revenue and expense synergies expected to result from acquisitions, might not be met. As a
result, we may not be able to realize the expected benefits that we seek to achieve from the acquisitions. In addition, we may be required to spend
additional time or money on integration that otherwise would be spent on the development and expansion of our business, including efforts to further
expand our product portfolio.
17
Vehicle manufacturers may alter their distribution models.
On January 1, 2023, Mercedes Benz transitioned to an agency model for distribution of vehicles in the U.K. after collaborating with various
automotive retailers and conducting pilot programs. In addition to the transition by Mercedes Benz in the U.K., certain of our other vehicle manufacturers
serving the U.K. and U.S. markets recently announced plans to explore an agency model for selling new vehicles. These announcements include, among
others, a transition to agency model in the U.K. for Mini and Jaguar Land Rover in 2025 and BMW in 2026. Under an agency model, our franchised
dealerships receive a fee for facilitating the sale of a new vehicle to a customer but no longer record the vehicle sales price as revenue, record vehicles in
inventory or incur floorplan interest expense, as has been historical practice. The agency model, as adopted by Mercedes Benz, resulted in reduced
revenues, as we act as an agent of Mercedes Benz, receiving a commission for each sale and other expense fee support. We did not experience a material
negative or positive impact to the U.K. region gross margin and consolidated results of operations as a result of the change to the Mercedes Benz agency
model. Notwithstanding this fact, we cannot predict the actions of other manufacturers and whether the agency models proposed by them will have the
same terms and conditions as those contracted by Mercedes Benz. The agency model, if adopted by other manufacturers, would reduce revenues. The other
impacts to our U.K. and the U.S. regions and consolidated results of operations remain uncertain until such time as the other vehicle manufacturers provide
additional details regarding their specific agency model plans. We are uncertain if agency models will be widely adopted in the U.K. or U.S.
Vehicle technology advancements and changes in consumer vehicle ownership preferences could adversely affect our new and used vehicle sales
volumes, parts and service revenues and results of operations.
Vehicle technology advancements are occurring at an accelerating pace. These include driver assist functionality, autonomous vehicle development
and rideshare and vehicle co-ownership business models. Many in the automotive industry believe that in the near future vehicles will be available to the
automotive consumer at low usage costs, which may entice many vehicle owners, particularly in larger, highly populated areas, to abandon individual car
ownership in favor of multiple co-ownership ride-sharing opportunities. Increased popularity in the ride-sharing subscription business model could
adversely affect our new and used vehicle sales volumes, parts and service revenues and results of operations.
Operational Risks
A cybersecurity breach, including loss of confidential information or a breach of personally identifiable information (“PII”) about our customers
or employees, could negatively affect operations and result in high costs.
In the ordinary course of business, we receive significant PII about our customers and our employees. A security incident to obtain such information
could be caused by malicious insiders and third parties using sophisticated, targeted methods to circumvent firewalls, encryption and other security
defenses, including hacking, fraud, trickery, or other forms of deception. Although many companies across many industries are affected by malicious
efforts to obtain access to PII, the automotive dealership industry has been a particular target of identity thieves. The techniques used by cyber attackers
change frequently and may be difficult to detect for long periods of time. We have implemented security measures that are designed to detect and protect
against cyberattacks.
Despite these measures and any additional measures we may implement or adopt in the future, our facilities and systems, and those of our third-party
service providers, have been and are vulnerable to security breaches, computer viruses, lost or misplaced data, programming errors, scams, ransomware,
burglary, human errors, acts of vandalism, misdirected wire transfers or other events. If an unauthorized party is successful in obtaining trade secrets, PII,
confidential, or otherwise protected information of our dealerships or our customers or in disrupting our operations through a cyberattack, the attack could
result in loss of revenue, increase costs of doing business, negatively affect customer satisfaction and loyalty, and expose us to negative publicity. In
addition, security breaches and other security incidents could expose us to a risk of loss or exposure of this information, which could result in potential
liability, investigations, regulatory fines, penalties for violation of applicable laws or regulations, costs related to remediation or the payment of ransom,
and litigation including individual claims or consumer class actions, administrative, and civil or criminal investigations or actions, any of which could have
a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
Further, advances in computer capabilities, new discoveries in the field of cryptography, inadequate facility security or other developments may result
in a compromise or breach of the technology we use to safeguard confidential, personal, or otherwise protected information. As the breadth and complexity
of the technologies we use continue to grow, including as a result of the use of mobile devices, cloud services, open-source software, social media and the
increased reliance on devices connected to the internet, the potential risk of security breaches and cybersecurity attacks also increases. Despite ongoing
efforts to improve our ability to protect data from compromise, we may not be able to protect all of our data across our diverse systems and third-party
vendors. Our efforts to improve security and protect data result in increased capital and operating costs.
18
In addition, we are subject to numerous laws and regulations designed to protect the information of clients, customers, employees and other third
parties that we collect and maintain. See Item 1. Business — Governmental Regulations for information on our risks related to compliance with such laws
and regulations.
Our insurance does not fully cover all of our operational risks, and changes in the cost of insurance or the availability of insurance could
materially increase our insurance costs or result in a decrease in our insurance coverage.
The operation of automobile dealerships is subject to a broad variety of risks. While we have insurance on our real property, comprehensive coverage
for our vehicle inventory, general liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, employee dishonesty coverage, cybersecurity breach insurance,
employment practices liability insurance, pollution coverage and errors and omissions insurance in connection with vehicle sales and financing activities,
we are self-insured for a portion of our potential liabilities. We purchase insurance policies for worker’s compensation, liability, auto physical damage,
property, pollution, employee medical benefits and other risks consisting of large deductibles and/or self-insured retentions.
In certain instances, our insurance may not fully cover an insured loss depending on the magnitude and nature of the claim. Additionally, changes in
the cost of insurance or the availability of insurance in the future could substantially increase our costs to maintain our current level of coverage or could
cause us to reduce our insurance coverage and increase the portion of our risks that we self-insure.
The insurance companies that underwrite our insurance require that we secure certain of our obligations for self-insured exposures 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 total insured exposure and the related self-insured
retention assumed under the policies. We are subject to potential premium cost fluctuations with the annual renewal of these programs.
Natural disasters and adverse weather events can disrupt our business and may adversely impact our results of operations, financial condition
and cash flows.
Some of our dealerships are concentrated in states and regions in the U.S. and U.K., in which actual or threatened natural disasters and severe weather
events (such as hurricanes, earthquakes, snowstorms, flooding, tornados, and hailstorms) have in the past, and may in the future, disrupt our dealership
operations. A disruption in our operations can adversely impact our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. In addition to
business interruption, the automotive retailing business is subject to substantial risk of property loss due to the significant concentration of property value at
dealership locations. Natural disasters and severe weather events have in the past, and may in the future, impair the value of our dealership property and
other assets. Although we have, subject to certain limitations and exclusions, substantial insurance, including business interruption insurance, we may be
exposed to uninsured losses that could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Additionally, should we
suffer significant losses in a short period of time, we run the risk that our premiums and/or deductibles could increase, which could adversely affect our
business.
Risks associated with our international operations could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial
condition.
We have operations in the U.K. and as a result, we face political and economic risks and uncertainties with respect to our international operations.
These risks may include, but are not limited to:
• legal uncertainties, timing delays and expenses associated with tariffs, labor matters, import or export licenses and other trade barriers;
• transparency issues in general and, more specifically, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1974, as amended, the U.K. Bribery Act and other
anti-corruption compliance laws and issues;
• inability to obtain or preserve franchise rights in the foreign countries in which we operate; and
• fluctuations in foreign currency translations within our financial statements driven by exchange rate volatility.
19
Legal, Regulatory and Compliance Risks
Changes to laws and regulations could adversely impact our operations and financial condition.
New laws and regulations at the state and federal level may be enacted which could materially adversely impact our business. For example, in
December 2023, the FTC adopted new regulations for automotive dealers that would prohibit a wide range of current industry-accepted sales practices with
regard to sales and advertising of our vehicles and products, require an extensive series of both oral and written disclosures to be made at the initial contact
in regard to the sale price of vehicles, financial terms and voluntary protection products, mandate the posting of certain pricing and other information on
dealer websites, and impose burdensome recordkeeping requirements (the “CARS Rule”). While litigation has stayed the implementation of the CARS
Rule, if implemented our failure to adhere to these new policies could subject the Company to significant monetary and other penalties or require us to
make adjustments to our products and services, any or all of which could result in lost revenues, increased expenses and substantial adverse publicity.
These changes, if adopted as proposed, may lead to additional transaction times for the sale of vehicles, complicate the transaction process, decrease
customer satisfaction, and impose recordkeeping burdens on our employees, among other effects. If these regulations were to be enacted, it could have an
adverse effect on our business and profitability. Future legislation and regulations and changes in existing legislation and regulations, or interpretations
thereof, could cause additional expenditures, tax liabilities, restrictions and delays in connection with our current business as well as future projects, the
extent of which cannot be predicted.
We are subject to automotive and other laws and regulations, which, if we are found to have violated, may adversely affect our business and
results of operations.
A number of laws and regulations applicable to automotive companies affect our business and conduct, including, but not limited to, our sales,
operations, financing, insurance, advertising and employment practices. Other rules such as franchise laws and regulations, consumer protection laws and
other extensive laws and regulations apply to new and used motor vehicle dealers. Additionally, in every jurisdiction in which we operate, we must obtain
various permits and licenses in order to conduct our business. From time to time, various regulatory agencies conduct reviews of business practices that
impact our industry, like the Financial Conduct Authority’s ongoing industry investigation into customer complaints related to financing transactions,
which was extended on January 11, 2024. Any failure to comply with these laws and regulations may result in the assessment of administrative, civil or
criminal penalties, the imposition of investigatory remedial obligations or the issuance of injunctions limiting or prohibiting our operations.
Refer to Item 1. Business — Governmental Regulations for further discussion of automotive and other laws and regulations impacting our business.
Operational risks associated with environmental laws and regulations may expose us to significant costs and liabilities.
Our business activities in the U.S. and U.K. are subject to stringent federal, regional, state and local laws, regulations and other controls governing
specific health and safety criteria to address worker protection, the release of materials into the environment or otherwise relating to environmental
protection. These laws, regulations and controls may impose numerous obligations upon our operations including the acquisition of permits to conduct
regulated activities, the imposition of restrictions on where or how to manage or dispose of used products and wastes, the occurrence of capital
expenditures to limit or prevent releases of such material and the imposition of substantial liabilities for pollution resulting from our operations or
attributable to former operations. Our compliance with these regulations may expose us to significant costs and liabilities.
With a potential increase in demand by consumers for EVs, and government support for such actions, we will incur costs and liabilities to sell and
service EVs, including, but not limited to, personal protective equipment for employees, capital expenditures for specialized tools and equipment, service
shop space and battery storage costs.
Additionally, vehicle manufacturers in the U.S. and U.K. are subject to varying guidelines, laws and regulations adopted by their applicable
governmental and administrative agencies, which include GHG emissions and CAFE standards in the U.S. Such standards may affect our manufacturers’
ability to produce cost effective vehicles, which may have a material adverse effect on our sales.
Refer to Item 1. Business — Governmental Regulations for further discussion of environmental and regulations impacting our business.
20
Risks Related to Accounting Matters
The impairment of our goodwill and/or indefinite-lived intangibles could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
We assess goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangibles for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently when events or circumstances
indicate that an impairment may have occurred. Performance issues at individual dealerships, as well as adverse retail automotive industry and economic
trends, increase the risk of an impairment charge, which could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations. No goodwill impairments were
recorded during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we recognized $25.1 million
and $1.3 million, respectively, of intangible franchise rights impairment. We did not recognize any intangible franchise rights impairment during the year
ended December 31, 2021. We may be required to record impairment charges if market and industry conditions deteriorate to such a level whereby the fair
value of our reporting units, individually, is less than the carrying value of the corresponding reporting unit. We are subject to several market and industry
risks as outlined elsewhere herein this Item 1A. Risk Factors, which could have a material adverse impact on our cash flows. We cannot accurately predict
the amount and timing of any additional impairment charge at this time; however, any such impairment charge could have an adverse effect on our results
of operations. Refer to Note 12. Intangible Franchise Rights and Goodwill within our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of
impairment.
New accounting guidance or changes in the interpretation or application of existing accounting guidance could adversely affect our financial
performance.
The implementation of new SEC rules and regulations and accounting standards could require certain systems, internal processes and controls and
other changes that could increase our operating costs, and result in changes to our financial statements.
U.S. GAAP and related accounting pronouncements, implementation guidelines and interpretations with regard to a wide range of matters that are
relevant to our business involve many subjective assumptions, estimates and judgments by our management. Changes in these rules or their interpretation
or in underlying management assumptions, estimates or judgments could significantly change our reported or expected financial performance. The outcome
of such changes could include litigation or regulatory actions which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Our internal controls and procedures may fail or be circumvented.
Management has designed and implemented, and periodically reviews and updates, our internal controls, disclosure controls and procedures, and
corporate governance policies and procedures. While we have not experienced a material failure of our internal controls, any system of controls, no matter
how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the system are met. Any failure or
circumvention of our controls and procedures, or failure to comply with regulations related to controls and procedures, could have a material adverse effect
on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
21
Item 1C. Cybersecurity
Description of Processes for Assessing, Identifying, and Managing Cybersecurity Risks
In the ordinary course of business, our information systems on which we run our business operations and store confidential or proprietary data, such
as PII about our customers and our employees, are subject to potential cyber-attack. The techniques used by cyber attackers change frequently and may be
difficult to detect for long periods of time. See “Risk Factors” for additional information about the risks to our business associated with a breach or
compromise to our information technology (“IT”) systems. We have implemented security measures that are designed to detect and protect against
cyberattacks. In particular, we seek to assess, identify and manage cybersecurity risks through the processes described below:
• Risk Assessment:
A multi-layered system designed to protect and monitor data and cybersecurity risk has been implemented. Regular assessments and testing of our
cybersecurity safeguards are conducted by independent third-party cybersecurity experts. Our internal audit department additionally conducts regular audits
to assess management’s processes and controls employed to identify and manage material cybersecurity risks. We use a variety of layered applications to
alert us to suspicious activity.
• Incident Identification and Response:
A security information and event management process (“SIEM”) has been implemented to help promptly identify cybersecurity incidents. In the
event of any breach or cybersecurity incident, we have an incident response plan within our SIEM that is designed to provide for action to contain the
incident, mitigate the impact, and restore normal operations efficiently. We conduct annual reviews of our cyber incident response plan.
• Cybersecurity Training and Awareness:
Cybersecurity awareness among our employees is promoted with regular training and awareness programs. Employees who access our systems are
required to undergo annual cybersecurity training and, each year, employees are required to test their understanding of our cybersecurity policies. Further,
our employees that handle personally identifiable information are required to undergo training, including phishing exercises and awareness programs on the
appropriate management, use and protection of that information.
• Access Controls:
We have endeavored to implement physical access controls to prevent access to endpoints that may leave Company data vulnerable to attack. We
have also sought to implement systems to prevent encrypted information from bypassing certain Company-defined information control mechanisms and
have also sought to purge or wipe information from certain Company-defined endpoints after consecutive, unsuccessful logon attempts or other indicators
of unauthorized access.
Finally, we have implemented encrypted virtual private networks in an effort to enhance the integrity of remote connections and have endeavored to
protect wireless access points to our systems using authentication of users and/or devices. Segmented networks and user access controls are used to limit
unauthorized access to sensitive information and systems. Employees are required to use multi factor authentication and regularly update their passwords.
• Encryption and Data Protection:
Encryption methods are used to protect sensitive data in transit and at rest. This includes the encryption of customer data, financial information, and
other confidential data. We also have a program in place to monitor our retained data by identifying PII and ensuring it is not stored outside of approved
locations and systems. We have endeavored to use strong, up-to-date encryption algorithms and to regularly update and patch systems in an effort to guard
against vulnerabilities. Similarly, we have sought to manage encryption keys with use of a secure key management system and rotation of keys after use.
We have implemented secure protocols, including, e.g., HTTPS for web traffic and SFTP for file transfers.
Processes designed to monitor for cybersecurity incidents are also intended to protect our data. Our cybersecurity safeguards, including those
provided by third parties, are designed to monitor for unauthorized access. These services are designed to monitor for both internal and external threats.
Finally, we have implemented encrypted virtual private networks for remote connections. The above cybersecurity risk management processes are
integrated into the Company’s overall enterprise risk management program. Cybersecurity risks are understood to be significant business risks, and as such,
are considered as an important component of our enterprise-wide risk management approach.
22
Impact of Risks from Cybersecurity Threats
As of the date of this Report, we are not aware of any cybersecurity threats that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect
the Company. However, we acknowledge that cybersecurity threats are continually evolving, and the possibility of future cybersecurity incidents remains.
Processes designed to monitor for cybersecurity incidents are also intended to protect our data. Our cybersecurity safeguards, including those provided by
third parties, are designed to monitor for unauthorized access, extraction, and deletion of certain sensitive data, large quantities of data, and other
anomalous network traffic. These services are designed to monitor for both internal and external threats. Despite the implementation of our cybersecurity
processes, our security measures cannot guarantee that a significant cyberattack will not occur. A successful attack on our IT systems could have significant
consequences to our business. While we devote resources to our security measures to protect our systems and information, these measures cannot provide
absolute security. See “Risk Factors” for additional information about the risks to our business associated with a breach or compromise to our IT systems.
Board of Directors’ Oversight of Risks from Cybersecurity Threats
The Board of Directors oversees risks from cybersecurity threats. The Board of Directors delegates oversight of our operations risk, including
quarterly reviews of cybersecurity and data protection, to the Finance/Risk Management Committee, and delegates compliance with cybersecurity policies
to the Audit Committee. Both the Finance/Risk Management Committee and the Audit Committee report to the full Board of Directors on cybersecurity
matters. Additionally, on an annual basis, management reviews results from tests of key cybersecurity systems with the full Board of Directors and the
steps taken to mitigate new cybersecurity risks which have been identified.
The Finance/Risk Management Committee oversees the formal process to identify risks company-wide, allocate them to the appropriate committee of
the Board of Directors, and ensure that risk mitigation activities are being followed. At each of its meetings, the Finance/Risk Management Committee
receives presentations from our Chief Information Officer (the “CIO”) on cybersecurity and information security risk, as well as our cybersecurity
initiatives.
The Audit Committee oversees compliance with cybersecurity policies with guidance from members of management, including the Vice President of
Internal Audit, who informs the Audit Committee on the audit results of cybersecurity controls.
Management’s Role in Assessing and Managing Cybersecurity Threats
Our IT and Security team, which is headed by our CIO, is responsible for our efforts to comply with cybersecurity standards, establish industry-
recognized protocols and protect the integrity, confidentiality and availability of our IT infrastructure. Our CIO and various members of the IT and Security
team, meet regularly with members of management to address key security and privacy issues. Our CIO has more than 24 years of infrastructure and
cybersecurity experience and holds various relevant certifications. We also have formed a cyber event incident team, composed of our CIO, Chief Financial
Officer, Corporate Controller, Chief Legal Officer and vice president of Internal Audit, who upon the occurrence of a cybersecurity incident, would
convene to assess the materiality of the event as well as the appropriate remediation and escalation procedures, including escalation to our Chief Executive
Officer and the Board of Directors. Our internal audit department additionally conducts regular audits to assess management’s processes and controls
employed to identify and manage material cybersecurity risks.
23
Item 2. Properties
We lease our corporate headquarters, located at 800 Gessner, Suite 500, Houston, Texas. We own our regional headquarters in the U.K. As of
December 31, 2023, we had 199 dealerships as shown below by region and by whether the associated real estate is leased or owned:
Dealerships
Region
United States
United Kingdom
Total
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Owned
Leased
108
26
134
36
29
65
For discussion of our legal proceedings, refer to Note 17. Commitments and Contingencies within our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not Applicable.
24
PART II
Item 5. Market for Company’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Our common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “GPI.” There were 34 holders of record of our common stock as of February 5, 2024. 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.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table sets forth information with respect to shares of common stock repurchased by us during the three months ended December 31,
2023:
Period
October 1, 2023 — October 31, 2023
November 1, 2023 — November 30, 2023
December 1, 2023 — December 31, 2023
Total
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
Average Price Paid
per Share
87,043 $
57,262 $
16,663 $
160,968
249.12
276.35
282.42
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)
87,043 $
57,262 $
16,663 $
160,968
163.9
148.0
143.3
(1)
Our Board of Directors from time to time authorizes the repurchase of shares of our common stock up to a certain monetary limit. On August 2, 2023, our Board of
Directors increased the Company’s share repurchase authorization to $250.0 million. Our share repurchase authorization does not have an expiration date.
Future share repurchases are subject to the business judgment of our Board of Directors, taking into consideration our historical and projected results
of operations, financial condition, cash flows, capital requirements, covenant compliance, changes in laws and regulations, current economic environment
and other factors considered relevant. As of December 31, 2023, we had $143.3 million available under our current stock repurchase authorization. Refer to
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations within this Form 10-K for additional information on
share repurchases and authorization.
Performance Graph
The following graph and table compares the performance of our common stock to the S&P 500 Index and to an industry peer group for our last five
fiscal years. The members of the peer group are Asbury Automotive Group, Inc., AutoNation, Inc., Lithia Motors, Inc., Penske Automotive Group, Inc. and
Sonic Automotive, Inc. The information contained in the table below was provided by Zack’s Investment Research, Inc.
The returns of each member of the peer group are weighted according to each member’s stock market capitalization. The graph assumes that the value
of the investment in our common stock, the S&P 500 Index and the peer group was $100 on the last trading day of December 2018, and that all dividends
were reinvested.
25
Company /Index
Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
S&P 500 Index — Total Return
Peer Group
Base Period
12/31/2018
12/31/2019
Indexed Returns for the Years Ended
12/31/2021
12/31/2020
12/31/2022
12/31/2023
$
$
$
100.00 $
100.00 $
100.00 $
192.39 $
131.49 $
153.07 $
253.80 $
155.68 $
224.48 $
380.78 $
200.37 $
314.05 $
354.66 $
164.08 $
290.01 $
603.54
207.21
411.17
26
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 the matters set forth in Item 1A. Risk Factors, and our Consolidated
Financial Statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Refer to Item 1. Business — General for an overview of our operations.
Additionally, refer to Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our 2022 Annual Report on Form
10-K for management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations for the fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021.
Overview
Our operating results reflect the combined performance of each of our interrelated business activities. Historically, various facets of our business have
been directly or indirectly impacted by a variety of supply/demand factors, including vehicle inventories, consumer confidence, consumer transportation
preferences, discretionary spending levels, availability and affordability of consumer credit, new vehicle introductions and innovations, manufacturer
incentives, the COVID-19 pandemic, weather patterns, fuel prices, inflation and interest rates. For example, during periods of sustained economic
downturn or significant supply/demand imbalances, new vehicle sales may be negatively impacted as consumers tend to shift their purchases to used
vehicles. Some consumers may delay their purchasing decisions altogether, electing instead to continue to maintain and repair their existing vehicles. In
such cases, however, we believe the new vehicle sales impact on our overall business is mitigated by our ability to offer other products and services, such
as used vehicles and parts, as well as maintenance, repair and collision services. In addition, our ability to expediently adjust our cost structure in response
to changes in new vehicle sales volumes also tempers any negative impact of such sales volume changes.
Recent Events
On October 7, 2023, Hamas, an internationally designated terrorist organization and ruling party of the Gaza strip in Palestine, launched an attack on
Israel. On October 8, 2023, Israel declared war on Hamas with the armed conflict ongoing as of the date of this filing. In tandem with such conflict, the
Houthi movement, which controls parts of Yemen, has targeted and launched numerous attacks on Israeli, American and international commercial marine
vessels in the Red Sea as the ships approach the Suez Canal, resulting in many shipping companies re-routing to avoid the region altogether and worsening
existing supply chain issues, including delays in supplier deliveries, extended lead times and increased cost of freight and materials, including certain parts
required for EU vehicle production. It is not known at this time what impact, if any, this war and regional instability will have on the global economy, our
operations or the operations of our suppliers.
On September 15, 2023, the United Auto Workers (“UAW”) announced a labor strike at certain facilities of Ford Motor Company, General Motors
Company and Stellantis N.V. (collectively the “Big 3” domestic automakers). The strike ended at different dates for each of the Big 3 however all ended
prior to December 31, 2023. The strike was limited in its scope and we did not experience a significant impact on our domestic vehicle and parts inventory.
Our manufacturers’ production continued at historically reduced levels in the Current Year, despite recent production improvements over that same
period for some of those manufacturers. Prior to the UAW labor strike, production and related inventory constraints were primarily a result of sustained
global semiconductor and other parts shortages, as well as armed conflicts impacting the global supply chain, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Increased deliveries from all manufacturers in the Current Year drove a higher volume of new units sold and lack of new vehicle availability in prior years
also helped maintain elevated new vehicle retail sales prices and margins relative to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels. EV inventory has been building over
the Current Year for certain brands, outpacing the buildup of non-EV inventory, as EV sales volume has lagged OEM deliveries in recent quarters. While
EV sales continued to increase in 2023, the growth trend has not continued at the pace experienced in the two years prior. Challenges with EV technologies
continue to make headlines within the U.S. media market, raising concerns around consumer demand and interest in the products. Our new vehicle days’
supply of inventory was approximately 37 days at December 31, 2023, as compared to 24 and 12, at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. In the
Current Year, we noted increases of new vehicle days’ supply of inventory for most manufacturers. As new vehicle days’ supply of inventory normalizes,
we expect further pressure on sales prices and margins.
27
On April 12, 2023, the EPA proposed regulations establishing more stringent air emissions limits for light and medium-duty vehicles, which include
passenger cars, vans, pickups, sedans and SUVs for model years 2027 through 2032. The EPA proposes higher emissions stringency each year, beginning
with model year 2027. These proposed standards include new battery durability requirements and changes to certain existing air emissions credit programs.
These regulations could increase or accelerate the adoption of certain emissions reducing technologies, and further market penetration for hybrid, plug-in
and battery-EVs. For example, should the proposed regulations be enacted, the EPA projects that at least 60% of new light-duty passenger vehicles sold in
the U.S. would be battery-electric by 2030. The EPA also estimates that the regulations, if finalized, would increase costs for auto manufacturers and
reduce consumer repair costs for covered vehicles. The EPA projects the regulations to become final in 2024. The regulations, as proposed in their current
form, may have a significant impact on the future mix of vehicles provided by our manufacturers. Although the future impact of these regulations on our
operations cannot be predicted with certainty, we will continue to monitor and evaluate any proposed or issued regulations.
The global economy continues to experience inflation. In response to higher than historical average inflationary pressures and challenging
macroeconomic conditions, the U.S. Federal Reserve, along with other central banks, including in the U.K., increased interest rates throughout 2022 and
maintained rates at elevated levels throughout 2023. As a consequence, the cost of financing vehicles for our consumers has increased and created
affordability challenges in addition to higher vehicle prices over the past three years. Continued inflation reducing the disposable income of our customers,
volatility in new vehicle availability and higher interest rates increasing the monthly cost of financing vehicles, contributed to used vehicle prices declining
in the latter part of 2022 and during the Current Year.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Refer to Note 1. Basis of Presentation, Consolidation and Summary of Accounting Policies within our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Critical Accounting Policies and Accounting Estimates
The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions. These
estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date
and the amounts of revenues and expenses recognized during the reporting period. Below are the accounting policies and estimates that have been
determined to be critical to our business operations and the understanding of our results of operations.
Goodwill and Intangible Franchise Rights
We are organized into two geographic regions, the U.S. region and the U.K. region; each region represents a reporting unit for the purpose of
assessing goodwill for impairment. In addition to goodwill, we have identifiable intangibles in the form of rights under our franchise agreements with
manufacturers, which are recorded at an individual dealership level.
We evaluate goodwill and intangible franchise rights for impairment annually as of October 31, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate
possible impairment has occurred. We have the option of performing a qualitative assessment of impairment to determine whether any further quantitative
assessment for impairment is necessary. The option of whether or not to perform a qualitative assessment is made annually and may vary by reporting unit.
If we elect to bypass the qualitative assessment or if we determine, on the basis of qualitative factors, that the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely
than not less than the carrying amount, a quantitative test would be required.
In 2023, we elected to perform a quantitative test. Based on the quantitative goodwill test performed for the U.S. and U.K. reporting units in the
fourth quarter of 2023, no impairments of goodwill were recorded during the Current Year. No goodwill impairments were recorded on any reporting units
during the year ended December 31, 2022 (the “Prior Year”). The quantitative goodwill impairment test is dependent on management estimates and
assumptions used to determine the fair value of our reporting units. Refer to Note 12. Intangible Franchise Rights and Goodwill within our Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of goodwill, including management’s use of estimates and assumptions.
During the Current Year, $25.1 million of impairment was recorded for intangible franchise rights. In the Prior Year, impairment charges of $1.3
million were recorded for intangible franchise rights. As our intangible franchise rights are tested for impairment at the dealership level, any impairments
are specific to the performance and outlook of the respective dealership.
Refer to Note 12. Intangible Franchise Rights and Goodwill within our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of our
intangibles, including fair value assumptions.
28
Results of Operations
The “same store” amounts presented below include the results of dealerships and corporate headquarters for the identical months in each comparative
period, commencing with the first full month in which we owned the dealership. Amounts related to divestitures are excluded from each comparative
period, ending with the last full month in which we owned the dealership. Same store results provide a measurement of our ability to grow revenues and
profitability of our existing stores and also provide a metric for peer group comparisons. For these reasons, same store results allow management to manage
and monitor the performance of the business and is also useful to investors.
We evaluate our results of operations on both an as reported and a constant currency basis. The constant currency presentation, which is a non-GAAP
measure, excludes the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. We believe providing constant currency information provides valuable
supplemental information regarding our underlying business and results of operations, consistent with how we evaluate our performance. We calculate
constant currency percentages by converting our current period reported results for entities reporting in currencies other than USD using comparative
period exchange rates rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the respective periods. The constant currency performance measures should not
be considered a substitute for, or superior to, the measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Additionally, we caution
investors not to place undue reliance on non-GAAP measures, but also to consider them with the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures. Our
management also uses constant currency and adjusted cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities in conjunction with U.S. GAAP
financial measures to assess our business, including communication with our Board of Directors, investors and industry analysts concerning financial
performance. We disclose these non-GAAP measures and the related reconciliations because we believe investors use these metrics in evaluating longer-
term period-over-period performance. These metrics also allow investors to better understand and evaluate the information used by management to assess
operating performance.
Certain amounts in the financial statements may not compute due to rounding. All computations have been calculated using unrounded amounts for
all periods presented.
Retail new vehicle units sold for 2023 include new vehicle agency units sold under agency arrangements with certain manufacturers in the U.K. The
agency units and related revenues are excluded from the calculation of the average sales price per unit sold for new vehicles due to their net presentation
within revenues as only the sales commission is reported in revenues for dealerships operating under an agency arrangement. The agency units and related
net revenues are included in the calculation of gross profit per unit sold.
29
The following tables summarize our operating results on a reported basis and on a same store basis for the Current Year, as compared to the Prior
Year.
Reported Operating Data — Consolidated
(In millions, except unit data)
For the Years Ended December 31,
2023
2022
Increase/
(Decrease)
% Change
Currency
Impact on
Current
Period Results
Constant
Currency %
Change
Revenues:
New vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle wholesale sales
Total used
Parts and service sales
F&I, net
Total revenues
Gross profit:
New vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle wholesale sales
Total used
Parts and service sales
F&I, net
Total gross profit
Gross margin:
New vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle wholesale sales
Total used
Parts and service sales
Total gross margin
Units sold:
Retail new vehicles sold
Retail used vehicles sold
Wholesale used vehicles sold
Total used
Average sales price per unit sold:
New vehicle retail
Used vehicle retail
Gross profit per unit sold:
New vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle wholesale sales
Total used
F&I PRU
Other:
SG&A expenses
SG&A as % gross profit
Floorplan expense:
Floorplan interest expense
Less: floorplan assistance
(1)
Net floorplan expense
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
8,774.6
5,693.5
441.4
6,135.0
2,222.3
741.9
17,873.7
767.0
300.9
(3.8)
297.2
1,214.2
741.9
3,020.3
8.7 %
5.3 %
(0.9)%
4.8 %
54.6 %
16.9 %
175,566
187,656
43,763
231,419
50,325
30,340
4,369
1,604
(86)
1,284
2,043
1,926.8
63.8 %
64.1
71.2
(7.1)
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
7,452.5
5,673.3
364.6
6,037.9
2,009.5
722.2
16,222.1
825.6
313.8
—
313.8
1,103.7
722.2
2,965.2
11.1 %
5.5 %
— %
5.2 %
54.9 %
18.3 %
154,714
184,700
37,072
221,772
48,170
30,716
5,336
1,699
—
1,415
2,128
1,783.3
60.1 %
27.3
56.0
(28.7)
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
1,322.0
20.2
76.9
97.1
212.7
19.7
1,651.6
(58.6)
(12.8)
(3.8)
(16.6)
110.5
19.7
55.1
(2.3)%
(0.2)%
(0.9)%
(0.4)%
(0.3)%
(1.4)%
20,852
2,956
6,691
9,647
2,156
(376)
(967)
(95)
(86)
(131)
(85)
143.4
3.7 %
36.8
15.2
21.6
17.7 % $
0.4 %
21.1 %
1.6 %
10.6 %
2.7 %
10.2 % $
(7.1)% $
(4.1)%
NM
(5.3)%
10.0 %
2.7 %
1.9 % $
13.5 %
1.6 %
18.0 %
4.3 %
4.5 % $
(1.2)% $
(18.1)% $
(5.6)% $
NM $
(9.2)% $
(4.0)% $
8.0 % $
134.9 % $
27.2 %
$
13.9
3.7
0.1
3.8
2.5
0.4
20.4
1.5
0.1
—
—
1.3
0.4
3.1
426
20
9
—
(1)
—
1
2.7
0.1
—
0.1
17.6 %
0.3 %
21.1 %
1.5 %
10.5 %
2.7 %
10.1 %
(7.3)%
(4.1)%
NM
(5.3)%
9.9 %
2.7 %
1.8 %
3.6 %
(1.3)%
(18.3)%
(5.6)%
NM
(9.2)%
(4.1)%
7.9 %
134.5 %
27.2 %
(1)
Floorplan assistance is included within Gross profit — New vehicle retail sales above and Cost of sales — New vehicle retail sales in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
NM - not meaningful
30
Same Store Operating Data — Consolidated
(In millions, except unit data)
For the Years Ended December 31,
2023
2022
Increase/
(Decrease)
% Change
Currency
Impact on
Current
Period Results
Constant
Currency %
Change
Revenues:
New vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle wholesale sales
Total used
Parts and service sales
F&I, net
Total revenues
Gross profit:
New vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle wholesale sales
Total used
Parts and service sales
F&I, net
Total gross profit
Gross margin:
New vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle wholesale sales
Total used
Parts and service sales
Total gross margin
Units sold:
Retail new vehicles sold
Retail used vehicles sold
Wholesale used vehicles sold
Total used
Average sales price per unit sold:
New vehicle retail
Used vehicle retail
Gross profit per unit sold:
New vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle wholesale sales
Total used
F&I PRU
Other:
SG&A expenses
SG&A as % gross profit
NM - not meaningful
913.7
(175.3)
56.5
(118.8)
176.3
(5.1)
966.2
(91.7)
(22.2)
(4.0)
(26.2)
87.4
(5.1)
(35.5)
(2.4)%
(0.2)%
(1.0)%
(0.3)%
(0.4)%
(1.3)%
15,007
(1,382)
5,524
4,142
1,503
(742)
(1,038)
(111)
(96)
(146)
(99)
74.3
3.4 %
12.6 % $
(3.2)%
15.9 %
(2.0)%
9.0 %
(0.7)%
6.1 % $
(11.4)% $
(7.2)%
NM
(8.5)%
8.1 %
(0.7)%
(1.2)% $
10.0 %
(0.8)%
15.4 %
1.9 %
3.1 % $
(2.4)% $
(19.4)% $
(6.5)% $
NM $
(10.2)% $
(4.6)% $
4.2 % $
13.7
3.7
0.1
3.8
2.4
0.4
20.1
1.5
0.1
—
—
1.2
0.4
3.0
446
21
9
—
(1)
—
1
2.5
12.4 %
(3.2)%
15.9 %
(2.1)%
8.9 %
(0.8)%
6.0 %
(11.6)%
(7.2)%
NM
(8.5)%
8.0 %
(0.8)%
(1.3)%
2.2 %
(2.5)%
(19.6)%
(6.5)%
NM
(10.2)%
(4.7)%
4.1 %
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
8,191.2
5,378.4
411.9
5,790.3
2,128.9
700.4
16,810.8
714.3
285.4
(3.7)
281.7
1,159.8
700.4
2,856.2
8.7 %
5.3 %
(0.9)%
4.9 %
54.5 %
17.0 %
165,659
178,782
41,458
220,240
49,810
30,083
4,312
1,596
(89)
1,279
2,033
1,845.4
64.6 %
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
7,277.5
5,553.7
355.5
5,909.1
1,952.6
705.4
15,844.6
806.1
307.6
0.2
307.8
1,072.4
705.4
2,891.7
11.1 %
5.5 %
0.1 %
5.2 %
54.9 %
18.3 %
150,652
180,164
35,934
216,098
48,307
30,826
5,350
1,707
7
1,424
2,132
1,771.1
61.2 %
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
31
Reported Operating Data — U.S.
(In millions, except unit data)
Revenues:
New vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle wholesale sales
Total used
Parts and service sales
F&I, net
Total revenues
Gross profit:
New vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle wholesale sales
Total used
Parts and service sales
F&I, net
Total gross profit
Gross margin:
New vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle wholesale sales
Total used
Parts and service sales
Total gross margin
Units sold:
Retail new vehicles sold
Retail used vehicles sold
Wholesale used vehicles sold
Total used
Average sales price per unit sold:
New vehicle retail
Used vehicle retail
Gross profit per unit sold:
New vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle wholesale sales
Total used
F&I PRU
Other:
SG&A expenses
SG&A as % gross profit
For the Years Ended December 31,
2023
2022
Increase/(Decrease)
% Change
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
7,433.6
4,458.7
314.4
4,773.1
1,933.3
674.3
14,814.2
646.1
240.8
2.6
243.3
1,046.4
674.3
2,610.1
8.7 %
5.4 %
0.8 %
5.1 %
54.1 %
17.6 %
142,809
145,617
31,456
177,073
52,052
30,619
4,524
1,653
81
1,374
2,338
1,622.9
62.2 %
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
6,238.5
4,531.5
238.8
4,770.2
1,761.4
656.9
13,427.1
713.5
250.3
2.6
252.9
959.0
656.9
2,582.3
11.4 %
5.5 %
1.1 %
5.3 %
54.4 %
19.2 %
124,934
145,632
25,076
170,708
49,934
31,116
5,711
1,719
104
1,481
2,428
1,516.9
58.7 %
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
1,195.0
(72.8)
75.6
2.8
171.9
17.3
1,387.1
(67.4)
(9.5)
—
(9.6)
87.5
17.3
27.8
(2.7)%
(0.1)%
(0.3)%
(0.2)%
(0.3)%
(1.6)%
17,875
(15)
6,380
6,365
2,118
(497)
(1,187)
(65)
(23)
(107)
(90)
106.0
3.4 %
19.2 %
(1.6)%
31.7 %
0.1 %
9.8 %
2.6 %
10.3 %
(9.4)%
(3.8)%
(1.9)%
(3.8)%
9.1 %
2.6 %
1.1 %
14.3 %
— %
25.4 %
3.7 %
4.2 %
(1.6)%
(20.8)%
(3.8)%
(21.8)%
(7.3)%
(3.7)%
7.0 %
32
Same Store Operating Data — U.S.
(In millions, except unit data)
Revenues:
New vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle wholesale sales
Total used
Parts and service sales
F&I, net
Total revenues
Gross profit:
New vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle wholesale sales
Total used
Parts and service sales
F&I, net
Total gross profit
Gross margin:
New vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle wholesale sales
Total used
Parts and service sales
Total gross margin
Units sold:
Retail new vehicles sold
Retail used vehicles sold
Wholesale used vehicles sold
Total used
Average sales price per unit sold:
New vehicle retail
Used vehicle retail
Gross profit per unit sold:
New vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle wholesale sales
Total used
F&I PRU
Other:
SG&A expenses
SG&A as % gross profit
For the Years Ended December 31,
2023
2022
Increase/(Decrease)
% Change
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
6,869.4
4,167.2
287.0
4,454.2
1,858.5
633.8
13,815.9
595.5
227.0
2.7
229.7
1,000.4
633.8
2,459.4
8.7 %
5.4 %
0.9 %
5.2 %
53.8 %
17.8 %
133,330
137,605
29,312
166,917
51,522
30,284
4,466
1,650
91
1,376
2,339
1,548.8
63.0 %
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
6,065.6
4,416.8
230.1
4,646.9
1,715.4
640.5
13,068.4
694.2
244.5
2.8
247.3
932.9
640.5
2,514.9
11.4 %
5.5 %
1.2 %
5.3 %
54.4 %
19.2 %
120,958
141,355
24,023
165,378
50,146
31,246
5,739
1,729
118
1,495
2,442
1,507.6
59.9 %
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
803.8
(249.5)
56.8
(192.7)
143.1
(6.7)
747.5
(98.7)
(17.5)
(0.2)
(17.6)
67.5
(6.7)
(55.5)
(2.8)%
(0.1)%
(0.3)%
(0.2)%
(0.6)%
(1.4)%
12,372
(3,750)
5,289
1,539
1,375
(962)
(1,273)
(80)
(27)
(119)
(102)
41.2
3.0 %
13.3 %
(5.6)%
24.7 %
(4.1)%
8.3 %
(1.0)%
5.7 %
(14.2)%
(7.1)%
(5.6)%
(7.1)%
7.2 %
(1.0)%
(2.2)%
10.2 %
(2.7)%
22.0 %
0.9 %
2.7 %
(3.1)%
(22.2)%
(4.6)%
(22.6)%
(8.0)%
(4.2)%
2.7 %
33
U.S. Region — Year Ended December 31, 2023 compared to 2022
The following discussion of our U.S. operating results is on an as reported and same store basis. The difference between as reported amounts and
same store amounts is related to acquisition and disposition activity, as well as new add-point openings.
Revenues
Total revenues in the U.S. during the Current Year increased $1,387.1 million, or 10.3%, as compared to the Prior Year, driven by higher same store
revenues and the acquisition of stores.
Total same store revenues in the U.S. during the Current Year increased $747.5 million, or 5.7%, as compared to the Prior Year. This increase was
driven by higher revenues from new vehicle retail, parts and service and used vehicle wholesale, partially offset by lower used vehicle retail and F&I, net.
New and used vehicle retail revenues benefited from the sale of approximately 45,000 units from our online digital platform, AcceleRide®, during
the Current Year, a 47.7% increase as compared to the Prior Year.
New vehicle retail same store revenues outperformed the Prior Year, driven by strong new vehicle retail pricing coupled with more units sold. The
shortage of new vehicle inventory, compared to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels, despite recent manufacturers’ production improvements, drove strong
pricing. While new vehicle inventory levels remain depressed compared to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels, manufacturer vehicle deliveries were higher in
the Current Year and as a result, our inventory levels were higher than the Prior Year, providing for the increase in units sold. We ended the Current Year
with a U.S. new vehicle inventory supply of 36 days, 15 days higher than the Prior Year, but below pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.
Used vehicle retail same store revenues underperformed the Prior Year, driven by lower pricing, coupled with fewer units sold, due to the ongoing
new vehicle supply shortage impacting the supply of used vehicles, as well as impacts from inflation reducing the disposable income of our customers and
higher interest rates increasing the monthly cost of financing vehicles. Used vehicle wholesale same store revenues increased primarily due to more
wholesale units sold coupled with higher wholesale pricing.
Parts and service same store revenues outperformed the Prior Year, driven by increases across all parts and service business lines, reflecting increased
business activity and increased same store technician headcount through our technician recruiting and retention efforts, providing greater capacity to meet
increased demand. In addition to technician recruitment efforts, we have invested in improving the operations of our U.S. customer contact center, online
scheduling, one-to-one marketing initiatives and by using artificial intelligence. Customer pay saw the largest increase of the parts and service business
lines.
F&I, net same store revenues underperformed the Prior Year, primarily driven by lower used vehicle finance penetration as a result of customers
seeking alternative providers of financing in this higher interest rate environment and tighter lending requirements requiring larger down payments. In
addition, used VSC penetration has also declined as a result of vehicle affordability challenges for consumers with higher interest rates. New vehicle
finance and VSC penetration increased in the Current Year, partially offsetting the used vehicle impact.
Gross Profit
Total gross profit in the U.S. during the Current Year increased $27.8 million, or 1.1%, as compared to the Prior Year, driven by the acquisition of
stores.
Total same store gross profit in the U.S. during the Current Year decreased $55.5 million, or 2.2%, as compared to the Prior Year, primarily driven by
downward pressures on new vehicle margins and lower F&I PRU.
New vehicle retail same store gross profit underperformed the Prior Year, driven by a decrease in new vehicle retail same store gross profit per unit
sold, partially offset by an increase in same store new vehicle retail units sold. The decrease in new vehicle retail same store gross profit per unit is due to
modestly higher production and inventory levels of new vehicles as described above.
Used vehicle retail same store gross profit underperformed the Prior Year, driven by a decrease in used vehicle retail same store gross profit per unit
sold, coupled with lower same store used vehicle retail units sold. These decreases were driven by the ongoing new vehicle supply shortage impacting the
supply of used vehicles, as well as impacts from inflation reducing the disposable income of our customers and rising interest rates increasing the monthly
cost of financing vehicles.
Our used vehicle wholesale same store gross profit underperformed the Prior Year, driven by a decrease in used vehicle wholesale same store gross
profit per unit sold, partially offset by an increase in same store wholesale used vehicle units sold. The decrease in used vehicle wholesale same store gross
profit per unit sold was driven by higher wholesale vehicle acquisition costs.
34
Parts and service same store gross profit outperformed the Prior Year, as described above for same store revenues.
F&I, net same store gross profit, underperformed the Prior Year, as described above for F&I, net same store revenues.
Total same store gross margin decreased 144 basis points, primarily driven by the reasons described above for same store gross profit per unit sold for
new vehicle retail, used vehicle retail, used vehicle wholesale and F&I, net. In addition, same store parts and service gross margin declined slightly, largely
due to increased labor costs.
SG&A Expenses
SG&A as a percentage of gross profit increased 344 basis points and 303 basis points on an as reported and same store basis, respectively, compared
to the Prior Year.
Total SG&A expenses in the U.S. during the Current Year increased $106.0 million, or 7.0%, as compared to the Prior Year, primarily driven by the
acquisition of stores and higher same store SG&A expenses. Total same store SG&A expenses in the U.S. during the Current Year increased $41.2 million
or 2.7% as compared to the Prior Year, primarily driven by increased activity related to outside services and professional fees, loaner car and related
expenses, insurance and taxes, advertising expenses, and rent and facilities expenses, including related taxes, insurance and utilities. In addition, higher
than historical average inflation has contributed to the increase in these same store SG&A expense categories. These increases were partially offset by
lower employee-related costs.
35
Reported Operating Data — U.K.
(In millions, except unit data)
Revenues:
New vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle wholesale sales
Total used
Parts and service sales
F&I, net
Total revenues
Gross profit:
New vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle wholesale sales
Total used
Parts and service sales
F&I, net
Total gross profit
Gross margin:
New vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle wholesale sales
Total used
Parts and service sales
Total gross margin
Units sold:
Retail new vehicles sold
Retail used vehicles sold
Wholesale used vehicles sold
Total used
Average sales price per unit sold:
New vehicle retail
Used vehicle retail
Gross profit per unit sold:
New vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle wholesale sales
Total used
F&I PRU
Other:
SG&A expenses
SG&A as % gross profit
For the Years Ended December 31,
2023
2022
Increase/
(Decrease)
% Change
Currency
Impact on
Current
Period Results
Constant
Currency %
Change
10.5 % $
8.1 %
1.0 %
7.4 %
16.4 %
3.7 %
9.5 % $
7.9 % $
(5.1)%
(142.5)%
(11.5)%
15.9 %
3.7 %
7.1 % $
10.0 %
7.6 %
2.6 %
6.4 %
4.2 % $
0.5 % $
(1.9)% $
(11.9)% $
(136.4)% $
(16.8)% $
(4.6)% $
14.0 % $
13.9
3.7
0.1
3.8
2.5
0.4
20.4
1.5
0.1
—
—
1.3
0.4
3.1
439
88
47
1
(3)
—
5
2.7
9.3 %
7.8 %
0.9 %
7.1 %
15.4 %
3.1 %
8.7 %
6.5 %
(5.2)%
(141.2)%
(11.5)%
15.1 %
3.1 %
6.3 %
3.1 %
0.2 %
(3.2)%
(11.9)%
(135.1)%
(16.9)%
(5.1)%
13.0 %
127.0
93.0
1.3
94.3
40.8
2.4
264.4
8.8
(3.3)
(3.7)
(7.0)
23.1
2.4
27.3
(0.2)%
(0.7)%
(2.9)%
(0.8)%
(0.2)%
(0.3)%
2,977
2,971
311
3,282
1,722
147
(73)
(193)
(297)
(201)
(44)
37.4
4.5 %
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
1,341.0
1,234.8
127.1
1,361.9
289.0
67.6
3,059.5
120.8
60.2
(6.3)
53.9
167.8
67.6
410.1
9.0 %
4.9 %
(5.0)%
4.0 %
58.1 %
13.4 %
32,757
42,039
12,307
54,346
42,488
29,373
3,689
1,432
(514)
991
904
303.9
74.1 %
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
1,214.0
1,141.8
125.8
1,267.6
248.2
65.2
2,795.1
112.0
63.5
(2.6)
60.9
144.7
65.2
382.9
9.2 %
5.6 %
(2.1)%
4.8 %
58.3 %
13.7 %
29,780
39,068
11,996
51,064
40,766
29,227
3,762
1,624
(217)
1,192
948
266.5
69.6 %
36
Same Store Operating Data — U.K.
(In millions, except unit data)
Revenues:
New vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle wholesale sales
Total used
Parts and service sales
F&I, net
Total revenues
Gross profit:
New vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle wholesale sales
Total used
Parts and service sales
F&I, net
Total gross profit
Gross margin:
New vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle wholesale sales
Total used
Parts and service sales
Total gross margin
Units sold:
Retail new vehicles sold
Retail used vehicles sold
Wholesale used vehicles sold
Total used
Average sales price per unit sold:
New vehicle retail
Used vehicle retail
Gross profit per unit sold:
New vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle wholesale sales
Total used
F&I PRU
Other:
SG&A expenses
SG&A as % gross profit
For the Years Ended December 31,
2023
2022
Increase/
(Decrease)
% Change
Currency
Impact on
Current
Period Results
Constant
Currency %
Change
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
1,321.9
1,211.2
125.0
1,336.1
270.4
66.5
2,995.0
118.9
58.4
(6.4)
52.0
159.4
66.5
396.8
9.0 %
4.8 %
(5.1)%
3.9 %
59.0 %
13.2 %
32,329
41,177
12,146
53,323
42,458
29,413
3,676
1,418
(525)
975
905
296.6
74.7 %
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
1,211.9
1,136.9
125.3
1,262.2
237.2
64.9
2,776.3
111.9
63.1
(2.6)
60.5
139.5
64.9
376.8
9.2 %
5.6 %
(2.1)%
4.8 %
58.8 %
13.6 %
29,694
38,809
11,911
50,720
40,814
29,294
3,767
1,626
(216)
1,194
948
263.6
69.9 %
37
109.9
74.3
(0.4)
73.9
33.2
1.6
218.7
7.0
(4.7)
(3.8)
(8.5)
19.9
1.6
20.0
(0.2)%
(0.7)%
(3.0)%
(0.9)%
0.1 %
(0.3)%
2,635
2,368
235
2,603
1,644
119
(91)
(209)
(308)
(218)
(42)
33.0
4.8 %
9.1 % $
6.5 %
(0.3)%
5.9 %
14.0 %
2.5 %
7.9 % $
6.2 % $
(7.5)%
(147.2)%
(14.1)%
14.3 %
2.5 %
5.3 % $
8.9 %
6.1 %
2.0 %
5.1 %
4.0 % $
0.4 % $
(2.4)% $
(12.8)% $
(142.4)% $
(18.3)% $
(4.5)% $
12.5 % $
13.7
3.7
0.1
3.8
2.4
0.4
20.1
1.5
0.1
—
—
1.2
0.4
3.0
440
90
47
1
(3)
—
5
2.5
7.9 %
6.2 %
(0.3)%
5.6 %
13.0 %
1.9 %
7.2 %
4.9 %
(7.6)%
(145.7)%
(14.1)%
13.4 %
1.9 %
4.5 %
3.0 %
0.1 %
(3.6)%
(12.9)%
(140.9)%
(18.3)%
(5.0)%
11.6 %
U.K. Region — Year Ended December 31, 2023 compared to 2022
The following discussion of our U.K. operating results is on an as reported and same store basis. The difference between the as reported amounts and
same store amounts is related to acquisition and disposition activity, as well as new add-point openings. Retail new vehicle units sold for 2023 include new
vehicle agency units. The agency units and related revenues are excluded from the calculation of the average sales price per unit sold for new vehicles due
to their net presentation within revenues. The agency units and related net revenues are included in the calculation of gross profit per unit sold. The GBP to
USD foreign currency exchange rate has fluctuated from £1 to $1.21 at December 31, 2022, to £1 to $1.27 at December 31, 2023, or an increase in the
value of the GBP of 5.2%.
Revenues
Total revenues in the U.K. during the Current Year increased $264.4 million, or 9.5%, as compared to the Prior Year, driven by higher same store
results and the acquisition of stores.
Total same store revenues in the U.K. during the Current Year increased $218.7 million, or 7.9%, as compared to the Prior Year. On a constant
currency basis, total same store revenues increased 7.2%, driven by outperformances across all of our business lines except used vehicle wholesale sales.
New vehicle retail same store revenues, on a constant currency basis, outperformed the Prior Year, driven by more units sold, coupled with higher
new vehicle retail pricing. The shortage of new vehicle inventory, compared to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels, despite recent manufacturers’ production
improvements, drove strong pricing. Vehicle demand was and continues to be pent-up from past years due to the withdrawal of the U.K. from the EU
(“Brexit”) and the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, despite the increase in same store new vehicle units sold, we experienced vehicle delivery shortages at
various times throughout the Current Year from certain OEMs, limiting our revenue potential. We ended the Current Year with a U.K. new vehicle
inventory supply of 48 days, twelve days higher than the Prior Year, but below pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.
Used vehicle retail same store revenues, on a constant currency basis, outperformed the Prior Year, primarily driven by more units sold, coupled with
higher used vehicle retail pricing.
Parts and service same store revenues, on a constant currency basis, outperformed the Prior Year, driven by increases in all business lines, reflecting
increased business activity. We have invested in improvements to our U.K. customer contact center, streamlining operations to make scheduling
appointments easier for customers, resulting in an increase in parts and service activity driving an increase in revenues as compared to the Prior Year.
F&I, net same store revenues, on a constant currency basis, outperformed the Prior Year, driven by an increase in retail units sold, partially offset by
decreases in income per contract for retail finance fees and service contracts.
Gross Profit
Total gross profit in the U.K. during the Current Year increased $27.3 million, or 7.1%, as compared to the Prior Year, driven by higher same store
results and the acquisition of stores.
Total same store gross profit in the U.K. during the Current Year increased $20.0 million, or 5.3%, as compared to the Prior Year. On a constant
currency basis, total same store gross profit increased 4.5% driven by improvements in new vehicle retail, parts and service and F&I, net gross profit,
partially offset by a decline in total used vehicle gross profit.
New vehicle retail same store gross profit, on a constant currency basis, outperformed the Prior Year, due to an increase in new vehicle retail units
sold, partially offset by a decrease in new vehicle retail gross profit per unit sold as a result of the increase in vehicle inventory supply as described above
generating downward pressure on new vehicle margins.
Used vehicle retail same store gross profit, on a constant currency basis, underperformed the Prior Year, driven by a decrease in used vehicle retail
same store gross profit per unit sold, partially offset by an increase in used vehicle retail units sold. This decrease in gross profit per unit sold was driven by
increases in used vehicle acquisition costs, outpacing the increase in used vehicle retail average sales price per unit sold as a result of continued inflationary
pressures.
Parts and service same store gross profit, on a constant currency basis, outperformed the Prior Year, driven by increases in parts and service same
store revenues, as discussed above, while maintaining gross margin relatively flat compared to the prior year.
F&I, net same store gross profit, on a constant currency basis, outperformed the Prior Year, driven by increases in F&I, net same store revenues, as
described above.
Total same store gross margin in the U.K. decreased 32 basis points, primarily driven by lower same store total used gross margin caused by
inflationary impacts on our used vehicle customers and higher used vehicle acquisition prices.
38
SG&A Expenses
SG&A as a percentage of gross profit increased by 450 and 480 basis points on an as reported and same store basis, respectively, compared to the
Prior Year.
Total SG&A expenses in the U.K. during the Current Year increased $37.4 million, or 14.0%, as compared to the Prior Year, primarily driven by
increases in same store SG&A and the full year impact of prior period acquisitions. Total same store SG&A expenses in the U.K. during the Current Year
increased $33.0 million, or 12.5%, as compared to the Prior Year. On a constant currency basis, total same store SG&A expenses increased 11.6%. These
increases were primarily driven by increased employee-related expenses and facilities-related expenses as a result of higher activity and continued
inflationary pressures, coupled with increased demonstration and loaner car expenses compared to the Prior Year. The vehicle delivery shortages from
certain manufacturers, as discussed above, resulted in higher than anticipated SG&A as a percentage of gross profit given our staffing levels assumed the
delivery and sale of these vehicles in the Current Year.
Consolidated Selected Comparisons — Year Ended December 31, 2023 compared to 2022
The following table (in millions) and discussion of our results of operations is on a consolidated basis, unless otherwise noted.
Depreciation and amortization expense
Asset impairments
Floorplan interest expense
Other interest expense, net
Provision for income taxes
NM - not meaningful
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
For the Years Ended December 31,
2023
2022
$
$
$
$
$
92.0 $
32.9 $
64.1 $
99.8 $
198.2 $
Increase/ (Decrease)
3.7
30.7
36.8
22.3
(32.9)
88.4 $
2.1 $
27.3 $
77.5 $
231.1 $
% Change
4.1 %
NM
134.9 %
28.7 %
(14.2)%
Depreciation and amortization expense for the Current Year increased compared to the Prior Year, primarily driven by acquired property and
equipment in our U.S. region, as we continue to strategically add dealership related real estate and facilities to our investment portfolio and make
improvements to our existing facilities intended to enhance the profitability of our dealerships and improve the overall customer experience.
Impairment of Assets
No goodwill impairments were recorded during the Current Year and the Prior Year. During the Current Year and Prior Year we recorded impairment
of franchise rights of $25.1 million and $1.3 million for franchise agreements in the U.S. region, respectively.
We review long-lived assets including property and equipment and ROU assets for impairment at the lowest level of identifiable cash flows whenever
there is evidence that the carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable (i.e., triggering events). During the Current Year and Prior Year, we
recorded total property and equipment and ROU asset impairment charges of $6.8 million and $0.8 million in the U.S. region, respectively.
See Note 12. Intangible Franchise Rights and Goodwill, Note 10. Property and Equipment, Net and Note 11. Leases within our Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements for further discussion of our assessment for impairments.
Floorplan Interest Expense
Our floorplan interest expense fluctuates with changes in our outstanding borrowings and associated interest rates, which are based on SOFR, the
U.S. prime rate or other benchmark rates. Outstanding borrowings largely fluctuate based on our levels of new and used vehicle inventory. To mitigate the
impact of interest rate fluctuations, we employ an interest rate hedging strategy, whereby we swap variable interest rate exposure on a portion of our
borrowings for a fixed interest rate.
For the Current Year, floorplan interest expense increased $36.8 million, or 134.9%, as compared to the Prior Year, driven primarily by an increase in
inventories due to improvements in manufacturer production as well as acquisitions, partially offset by realized gains on our interest rate swap portfolio due
to increases in corresponding interest rates.
Refer to Note 7. Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements within our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion
of interest rate swaps.
39
Other Interest Expense, Net
Other interest expense, net consists of interest charges primarily on our $750.0 million 4.00% Senior Notes due August 2028 (“4.00% Senior Notes”),
real estate related debt and other debt, partially offset by interest income.
For the Current Year, other interest expense, net, increased $22.3 million, or 28.7%, as compared to the Prior Year. The increase in other interest
expense, net during the Current Year was primarily attributable to the additional borrowings used to acquire property in our U.S. region. The increase in the
Current Year was partially offset by the gain on the de-designation of a mortgage interest rate swap of $4.0 million. Refer to Note 14. Debt within our
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion of our debt. Refer to Note 7. Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements
within our Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion of the de-designation of the mortgage interest rate swap.
Provision for Income Taxes
Provision for income taxes from continuing operations during the Current Year decreased $32.9 million, or 14.2%, as compared to the Prior Year.
During the Current Year and Prior Year, we recorded a tax provision from continuing operations of $198.2 million and $231.1 million, respectively. The
year-over-year tax expense decrease was primarily due to lower pre-tax book income.
The 2023 effective tax rate of 24.8% was higher than the 2022 effective tax rate of 23.5%. The tax rate increase was primarily due to taxable gains
from asset dispositions and the higher U.K. statutory tax rate in the Current Year compared to the Prior Year.
We believe that it is more-likely-than-not that our deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances provided, will be realized, based primarily on
assumptions of our future taxable income, considering future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences.
For further discussion, please see Note 15. Income Taxes within our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our liquidity and capital resources are primarily derived from cash on hand, cash temporarily invested as a pay down of our U.S. Floorplan Line and
FMCC Facility levels (see Note 13. Floorplan Notes Payable in our Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information), cash from
operations, borrowings under our credit facilities, working capital, dealership and real estate acquisition financing and proceeds from debt and equity
offerings. We anticipate we will generate sufficient cash flows from operations, coupled with cash on hand and available borrowing capacity under our
credit facilities, to fund our working capital requirements, service our debt and meet any other recurring operating expenditures.
Available Liquidity Resources
We had the following sources of liquidity available (in millions):
Cash and cash equivalents
Floorplan offset accounts
Available capacity under Acquisition Line
Total liquidity
Cash Flows
December 31, 2023
57.2
275.2
462.8
795.2
$
$
We arrange our new and used vehicle inventory floorplan financing through lenders affiliated with our vehicle manufacturers and our Revolving
Credit Facility. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, we report floorplan financed with lenders affiliated with our vehicle manufacturers (excluding the cash
flows from or to manufacturer-affiliated lenders participating in our syndicated lending group) within Cash Flows from Operating Activities in the
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. We report floorplan financed with the Revolving Credit Facility (including the cash flows from or to
manufacturer-affiliated lenders participating in the facility) and other credit facilities in the U.K. unaffiliated with our manufacturer partners, within Cash
Flows from Financing Activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Refer to Note 13. Floorplan Notes Payable within our Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion of our Revolving Credit Facility.
40
However, we believe that all floorplan financing of inventory purchases in the normal course of business should correspond with the related inventory
activity and be classified as an operating activity. As a result, we use the non-GAAP measure “Adjusted net cash provided by/used in operating activities”
and “Adjusted net cash provided by/used in financing activities” to further evaluate our cash flows. We believe that this classification eliminates excess
volatility in our operating cash flows prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In addition, floorplan financing associated with dealership acquisitions and
dispositions are classified as investing activities on an adjusted basis to eliminate excess volatility in our operating cash flows prepared in accordance with
U.S. GAAP.
The following table reconciles cash flows on a U.S. GAAP basis to the corresponding adjusted amounts (in millions):
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by operating activities:
Change in Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other, excluding floorplan offset and net
acquisitions and dispositions
Change in Floorplan notes payable — manufacturer affiliates associated with net acquisitions and
dispositions and floorplan offset activity
Adjusted net cash provided by operating activities
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash used in investing activities:
Change in cash paid for acquisitions, associated with Floorplan notes payable
Change in proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment, associated with Floorplan
notes payable
Adjusted net cash used in investing activities
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities:
Change in Floorplan notes payable, excluding floorplan offset
Adjusted net cash used in financing activities
$
$
$
$
$
$
Years Ended December 31,
2023
2022
190.2 $
504.6
25.2
720.0 $
(366.1) $
66.3
(48.8)
(348.6) $
185.2 $
(547.3)
(362.1) $
585.9
319.7
10.1
915.7
(484.6)
25.3
(3.9)
(463.2)
(67.3)
(351.2)
(418.6)
Sources and Uses of Liquidity from Operating Activities — Year Ended December 31, 2023 compared to 2022
For the Current Year, net cash provided by operating activities decreased by $395.8 million as compared to the Prior Year. On an adjusted basis for
the same period, adjusted net cash provided by operating activities decreased by $195.8 million. The decrease on an adjusted basis was primarily driven by
a $285.6 million increase in inventory levels, a $149.9 million decrease in net income, a $32.7 million increase in contracts-in-transit and vehicle
receivables and a $27.3 million decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses, partially offset by a $319.1 million increase in Floorplan notes payable
— manufacturer affiliates.
Sources and Uses of Liquidity from Investing Activities — Year Ended December 31, 2023 compared to 2022
For the Current Year, net cash used in investing activities decreased by $118.5 million, as compared to the Prior Year. On an adjusted basis for the
same period, adjusted net cash used in investing activities decreased by $114.7 million, driven by a $203.6 million decrease in acquisition activity, offset by
a $59.4 million decrease in sales proceeds due to the sale of the Brazil Disposal Group in the Prior Year, which did not reoccur in the Current Year and a
$30.0 million increase in purchases of property and equipment.
Capital Expenditures
Our capital expenditures include costs to extend the useful lives of current dealership facilities, as well as to start or expand operations. In general,
expenditures relating to the construction or expansion of dealership facilities are driven by dealership acquisition activity, new franchises being granted to
us by a manufacturer, significant growth in sales at an existing facility, relocation opportunities or manufacturer imaging programs. We critically evaluate
all planned future capital spending, working closely with our manufacturer partners to maximize the return on our investments.
For the Current Year, $185.4 million was used to purchase property and equipment.
41
Sources and Uses of Liquidity from Financing Activities — Year Ended December 31, 2023 compared to 2022
For the Current Year, net cash provided by financing activities increased by $252.5 million, as compared to the Prior Year. On an adjusted basis for
the same period, adjusted net cash used in financing activities decreased by $56.4 million. The decrease in net cash used in financing activities on an
adjusted basis was primarily driven by a decrease of $348.5 million in cash paid for share repurchases from $521.2 million in the Prior Year to $172.8
million in the Current Year, an increase in acquisition line net borrowings of $44.8 million and a decrease in debt issuance costs paid of $4.3 million, offset
by net repayments in credit facilities of $239.9 million and net repayments of other debt of $102.5 million.
Credit Facilities, Debt Instruments and Other Financing Arrangements
Our various credit facilities, debt instruments and other financing arrangements are used to finance the purchase of inventory and real estate,
acquisitions and working capital for general corporate purposes.
The following table summarizes the commitment of our credit facilities as of December 31, 2023 (in millions):
U.S. Floorplan Line
(2)
Acquisition Line
(1)
Total Revolving Credit Facility
FMCC facility
GM Financial Facility
(3)
(4)
Total U.S. credit facilities
(5)
As of December 31, 2023
Total
Commitment
Outstanding
Available
$
$
1,200.0 $
800.0
2,000.0
300.0
84.5
2,384.5 $
1,121.6 $
337.2
1,458.7
118.1
37.9
1,614.8 $
78.4
462.8
541.3
181.9
46.6
769.7
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
The available balance at December 31, 2023, includes $236.7 million of immediately available funds. The remaining available balance can be used for vehicle inventory
financing.
The outstanding balance of $337.2 million is related to outstanding letters of credit of $12.2 million and $325.0 million in borrowings. The borrowings outstanding under
the Acquisition Line included $325.0 million USD borrowings. The available borrowings may be limited from time to time, based on certain debt covenants.
The available balance as of December 31, 2023, includes $38.5 million of immediately available funds. The remaining available balance can be used for Ford new vehicle
inventory financing.
The remaining available balance as of December 31, 2023, can be used for General Motors new and rental vehicle inventory financing.
The outstanding balance excludes $287.8 million of borrowings with manufacturer-affiliates and third-party financial institutions for foreign and rental vehicle financing
not associated with any of our U.S. credit facilities.
We have other credit facilities in the U.S. and the U.K. with third-party financial institutions, most of which are affiliated with the automobile
manufacturers that provide financing for portions of our new, used and rental vehicle inventories. In addition, we have outstanding debt instruments,
including our 4.00% Senior Notes, as well as real estate related and other debt instruments. Refer to Note 14. Debt in our Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements for further information.
Covenants
Our Revolving Credit Facility, indentures governing our 4.00% Senior Notes and certain mortgage term loans contain customary financial and
operating covenants that place restrictions on us, including our ability to incur additional indebtedness, create liens or to sell or otherwise dispose of assets
and to merge or consolidate with other entities. Certain of our mortgage agreements contain cross-default provisions that, in the event of a default of certain
mortgage agreements and of our Revolving Credit Facility, could trigger an uncured default.
As of December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with the requirements of the financial covenants under our debt agreements. We are required to
maintain the ratios detailed in the following table:
Total adjusted leverage ratio
Fixed charge coverage ratio
As of December 31, 2023
Required
< 5.75
> 1.20
Actual
2.06
4.63
Based on our position as of December 31, 2023, and our outlook as discussed within Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations to this Form 10-K, we believe we have sufficient liquidity and do not anticipate any material liquidity constraints or
issues with our ability to remain in compliance with our debt covenants.
42
Refer to Note 13. Floorplan Notes Payable and Note 14. Debt in our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of our credit
facilities, debt instruments and other financing arrangements existing as of December 31, 2023.
Stock Repurchases and Dividends
From time to time, our Board of Directors authorizes the repurchase of shares of our common stock up to a certain monetary limit. On August 2,
2023, our Board of Directors increased the share repurchase authorization to $250.0 million. During the Current Year, 729,582 shares were repurchased at
an average price of $236.78 per share, for a total of $172.8 million. As of December 31, 2023, we had $143.3 million available under our current stock
repurchase authorization.
During the Current Year, our Board of Directors approved quarterly cash dividends per share on all shares of our common stock totaling $1.80 per
share, which resulted in $24.6 million paid to common shareholders and $0.6 million to unvested RSA holders.
Future share repurchases and the payment of any future dividends are subject to the business judgment of our Board of Directors, taking into
consideration our historical and projected results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, capital requirements, covenant compliance, changes in laws
and regulations, current and predicted economic environment and other factors considered relevant.
43
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are exposed to a variety of market risks, including interest rate risk and foreign currency exchange rate risk. We address interest rate risks
primarily through the use of interest rate swaps. We do not currently hedge foreign currency exchange risk, as discussed further below. The following
quantitative and qualitative information is provided regarding our foreign currency exchange rates and financial instruments to which we are a party at
December 31, 2023, and from which we may incur future gains or losses from changes in market interest rates and/or foreign currency exchange rates. We
do not enter into derivative or other financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes.
Interest Rates
We have interest rate risk on our variable-rate debt obligations. Based on variable-rate borrowings outstanding of $2.4 billion and $1.9 billion during
the Current Year and Prior Year, respectively, a 100 basis-point change in interest rates would have resulted in an approximate $14.4 million and a $9.8
million change to our annual interest expense, respectively, after consideration of the average interest rate swaps in effect during the periods.
To mitigate the impact of interest rate fluctuations, we employ an interest rate hedging strategy, whereby we swap variable interest rate exposure on a
portion of our borrowings for a fixed interest rate. In addition, our exposure to changes in interest rates with respect to our variable-rate floorplan
borrowings is partially mitigated by manufacturers’ interest assistance, which in some cases is influenced by changes in market-based variable interest
rates. We reflect interest assistance as a reduction of new vehicle inventory cost until the associated vehicle is sold. During the Current Year and Prior Year,
we recognized $71.2 million and $56.0 million, respectively, of interest assistance as a reduction of new vehicle cost of sales.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rates
The functional currency of our U.K. subsidiaries is the GBP. Our exposure to fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates relates to the effects of
translating financial statements of those subsidiaries into our reporting currency, which we do not hedge against based on our investment strategy in these
foreign operations. A 10% devaluation in average foreign currency exchange rates for GBP to USD would have resulted in a $278.1 million and
$254.1 million decrease to our revenues for the Current Year and Prior Year, respectively.
For additional information about our market sensitive financial instruments, see Note 7. Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements within
our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Refer to our Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page F-1 for the information required by this Item and incorporated herein by reference.
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
As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act, we have evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of our management,
including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and
procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-K. Our disclosure
controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file under the
Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as
appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified
in the rules and forms of the SEC. Based upon that evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure
controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2023, at the reasonable assurance level.
44
Our management, including our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and
procedures can prevent all possible errors or fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not
absolute, assurance that objectives of the control system are met. There are inherent limitations in all control systems, including the realities that judgments
in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple errors or mistakes. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the
intentional acts of one or more persons. The design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future
events, and while our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to be effective under circumstances where they should reasonably be expected to
operate effectively, there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Because of the
inherent limitations in any control system, misstatements due to possible errors or fraud may occur and not be detected.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
During the three months ended December 31, 2023, there were no changes in our system of internal control over financial reporting (as defined in
Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over
financial reporting, except as otherwise described below.
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) or
15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by management, under the supervision of our
principal executive officer and principal financial officer, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation
of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and includes those policies and procedures that:
(i) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;
(ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S.
GAAP, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and our directors; and
(iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could
have a material effect on our Consolidated 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 and procedures may deteriorate. Accordingly, even effective internal control over financial reporting can only provide
reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.
Our management, under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, assessed the
effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023. In making this assessment, management used the 2013 framework
set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control — Integrated Framework.
As permitted by guidelines established by the SEC for newly acquired businesses, we excluded one of our recently acquired businesses in 2023, (the
“Excluded Acquisition”), from the scope of our annual report on internal controls over financial reporting for the year ended December 31, 2023. The
Excluded Acquisition comprised approximately $51.3 million of our consolidated total assets as of December 31, 2023, and $15.8 million of our
consolidated revenues for the year then ended. We are in the process of integrating this business into our overall internal controls over financial reporting
and plan to include it in our scope for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework, our management concluded that, as of December 31,
2023, our internal control over financial reporting was effective.
Deloitte & Touche LLP, the independent registered accounting firm who audited the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K,
has issued an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting. This report, dated February 14, 2024, appears on the following page.
45
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Group 1 Automotive, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2023,
based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated
financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023, of the Company and our report dated February 14, 2024, expressed an unqualified
opinion on those financial statements.
As described in Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management excluded from its assessment the internal control
over financial reporting at one dealership (the “Excluded Acquisition”). The Excluded Acquisition constitutes $51.3 million of consolidated total assets as
of December 31, 2023, and $15.8 million of consolidated revenues for the year then ended. Accordingly, our audit did not include the internal control over
financial reporting at the Excluded Acquisition.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of
internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm
registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the
applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. 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, testing and evaluating the design and operating
effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We
believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
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.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Houston, Texas
February 14, 2024
46
Item 9B. Other Information
Trading Plans
During the year ended December 31, 2023, no director or officer of the Company adopted or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or
“non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
None.
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Pursuant to Instruction G to Form 10-K, we incorporate by reference into this Item 10 the information to be disclosed in our definitive proxy
statement prepared in connection with the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be filed with the SEC within 120 days of December 31, 2023.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Pursuant to Instruction G to Form 10-K, we incorporate by reference into this Item 11 the information to be disclosed in our definitive proxy
statement prepared in connection with the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be filed with the SEC within 120 days of December 31, 2023.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Pursuant to Instruction G to Form 10-K, we incorporate by reference into this Item 12 the information to be disclosed in our definitive proxy
statement prepared in connection with the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be filed with the SEC within 120 days of December 31, 2023.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Pursuant to Instruction G to Form 10-K, we incorporate by reference into this Item 13 the information to be disclosed in our definitive proxy
statement prepared in connection with the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be filed with the SEC within 120 days of December 31, 2023.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
Pursuant to Instruction G to Form 10-K, we incorporate by reference into this Item 14 the information to be disclosed in our definitive proxy
statement prepared in connection with the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be filed with the SEC within 120 days of December 31, 2023.
47
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(a) List of documents filed as part of this Form 10-K:
(1) Financial Statements
PART IV
The financial statements listed in the accompanying Index to Financial Statements are filed as part of this Form 10-K.
(2) Financial Statement Schedules
All schedules have been omitted since the required information is not present or not present in amounts sufficient to require submission
of the schedule, or because the information required is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto.
(3)
Index to Exhibits
Those exhibits required to be filed by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are listed in the Exhibit Index immediately preceding the exhibits
filed herewith and such listing is incorporated herein by reference.
48
Exhibit
Number
2.1#
2.2+
3.1
3.2
3.3
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5*
10.6
10.7*
10.8*
10.9*
EXHIBIT INDEX
Description
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 12, 2021, by and among Group 1 Automotive, Inc., GPB Portfolio Automotive,
LLC, Capstone Automotive Group, LLC, Capstone Automotive Group II, LLC, Automile Parent Holdings, LLC, Automile TY
Holdings, LLC and Prime Real Estate Holdings, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-13461) for the quarter ended September 30, 2021)
Share Purchase Agreement, dated November 12, 2021, by and between Group 1 Automotive, Inc., Buyer and UAB as intervening
party (English translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of Group 1 Automotive Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(File No. 001-13461) filed November 15, 2021)
Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Group 1 Automotive, Inc. effective May 18, 2023 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-13461) for the quarter
ended June 30, 2023)
Certificate of Designation of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of Group 1’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-13461) for the quarter ended March 31, 2007)
Fourth Amended and Restated Bylaws of Group 1 Automotive, Inc. effective February 15, 2023 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3.1 of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-13461) filed July 28, 2023)
Specimen Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s Registration
Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-29893))
Description of the Registrant’s Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 001-13461) for the year ended
December 31, 2020)
Indenture, dated as of August 17, 2020, by and among Group 1 Automotive, Inc., the guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo
Bank, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s Current Report on
Form 8-K (File No. 001-13461) filed August 17, 2020)
Form of 4.000% Senior Notes due 2028 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1, Exhibit A, of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-13461) filed August 17, 2020)
Master Assignment and Acceptance Agreement, dated effective December 11, 2012, between JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.,
Comerica Bank, and Bank of America, N.A., each, an Assignor, and VW Credit, Inc., as Assignee, pursuant to the terms of the
Eighth Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement, dated effective as of July 1, 2011, as amended (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 001-13461) for the year ended
December 31, 2012)
Loan Facility dated as of October 3, 2008 by and between Chandlers Garage Holdings Limited and BMW Financial Services
(GB) Limited. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File
No. 001-13461) for the quarter ended September 30, 2008)
Form of Ford Motor Credit Company Automotive Wholesale Plan Application for Wholesale Financing and Security Agreement
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-13461)
for the quarter ended June 30, 2003)
Supplemental Terms and Conditions dated September 4, 1997 between Ford Motor Company and Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 Registration
No. 333-29893)
Form of Indemnification Agreement of Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Group 1
Automotive, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-13461) filed November 13, 2007)
Purchase Agreement, dated October 6, 2021, by and among Group 1 Automotive, Inc., BofA Securities, Inc., as representative of
the Initial Purchasers listed in Schedule 1 thereto, and the guarantors listed in Schedule 2 thereto (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-13461) filed October 7, 2021)
Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan, as Amended and Restated, effective January 1, 2021 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-13461) for the quarter
ended September 30, 2020)
Group 1 Automotive, Inc. 2014 Long Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to Group 1 Automotive,
Inc.’s definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed April 10, 2014)
First Amendment to the Group 1 Automotive, Inc. 2014 Long Term Incentive Plan, effective May 13, 2020 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.4 of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-13461) for the quarter
ended September 30, 2020)
49
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*†
10.29
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement with Qualified Retirement Provisions (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Group 1
Automotive, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-13461) for the quarter ended June 30, 2021)
Form of Phantom Stock Agreement for Non-Employee Directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of Group 1
Automotive, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-13461) for the quarter ended September 30, 2014)
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for Employees (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-13461) for the quarter ended September 30, 2014)
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for Non-Employee Directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 of Group 1
Automotive, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 001-13461) for the year ended December 31, 2018)
Form of Phantom Stock Agreement (Cash Settlement) for Non-Employee Directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33
of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 001-13461 for the year ended December 31, 2018)
Form of Performance Share Unit Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-13461) for the quarter ended March 31, 2019)
Incentive Compensation, Confidentiality, Non-Disclosure and Non-Compete Agreement dated June 6, 2011, between Group 1
Automotive, Inc. and Daryl Kenningham (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-13461) for the quarter ended June 30, 2020)
First Amendment to Incentive, Compensation, Confidentiality, Non-Disclosure and Non-Compete Agreement, effective as of
August 24, 2022, between Group 1 Automotive, Inc. and Daryl A. Kenningham (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of
Group 1 Automotive Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-13461) for the quarter ended September 30, 2022).
Employment Agreement dated effective as of December 1, 2009 between Group 1 Automotive, Inc. and Darryl M. Burman
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-13461) filed
November 16, 2009)
Incentive Compensation and Non-Compete Agreement dated December 1, 2006 between Group 1 Automotive, Inc. and Darryl
M. Burman (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A (File
No. 001-13461) filed December 1, 2006)
Offer Letter, dated June 1, 2020, between Group 1 Automotive, Inc. and Daniel McHenry (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.3 of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-13461) for the quarter ended June 30, 2020)
Retention, Confidentiality and Non-Compete Agreement dated August 20, 2020 between Group 1 Automotive, Inc. and Daniel
McHenry (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No.
001-13461) for the quarter ended September 30, 2020)
Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Aircraft Usage Policy (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.49 of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s
Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 001-13461) for the year ended December 31, 2020)
Twelfth Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of March 9, 2022, among Group 1 Automotive, Inc., the
Subsidiary Borrowers listed therein, the Lenders listed therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as Administrative Agent
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-13461) filed
on March 10, 2022).
First Amendment to the Twelfth Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement dated effective as of August 18, 2022
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Group 1 Automotive Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-13461) filed
August 23, 2022).
Transition and Separation Agreement, effective as of March 31, 2023, between Group 1 Automotive, Inc. and Darryl Burman
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-13461)
for the quarter ended March 31, 2023)
Master Loan Agreement dated effective December 8, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Group 1 Automotive
Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-13461) filed December 11, 2023)
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (2024 Form).
Form of Performance Share Unit Agreement (2024 Form).
Master Credit Agreement, dated February 12, 2024, by and among Group 1 Realty, Inc., AMR Real Estate Holdings, LLC, Group
1 Realty NE, LLC, G1R Clear Lake, LLC and LHM ATO, LLC, as Borrowers, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-13461) filed
on February 14, 2024).
50
21.1†
23.1†
31.1†
31.2†
32.1**
32.2**
97.1†
101.INS
101.SCH
101.CAL
101.DEF
101.LAB
101.PRE
104
†
*
**
#
+
— Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Subsidiary List
— Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
— Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
— Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
— Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
—
Group 1 Automotive Inc. Incentive-Based Compensation Recoupment Policy
— XBRL Instance Document
— XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
— XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
— XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
— XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
— XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
—
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibits 101)
Filed herewith
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement
Furnished herewith
The exhibits and schedules have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K and will be provided to the Securities and
Exchange Commission upon request.
Exhibits marked with a (+) exclude certain immaterial schedules and exhibits pursuant to the provisions of Regulation S-K, Item 601(a)(5). A
copy of any of the omitted schedules and exhibits will be furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.
51
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary
None.
52
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 on February 14, 2024.
SIGNATURES
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
in the capacities indicated on February 14, 2024.
Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
By:
/s/ Daryl A. Kenningham
Daryl A. Kenningham
President and Chief Executive Officer
Signature
/s/ Daryl A. Kenningham
Daryl A. Kenningham
/s/ Daniel J. McHenry
Daniel J. McHenry
/s/ Charles L. Szews
Charles L. Szews
/s/ Carin M. Barth
Carin M. Barth
/s/ Lincoln da Cunha Pereira Filho
Lincoln da Cunha Pereira Filho
/s/ Steven C. Mizell
Steven C. Mizell
/s/ Stephen D. Quinn
Stephen D. Quinn
/s/ Steven Stanbrook
Steven Stanbrook
/s/ Anne Taylor
Anne Taylor
/s/ MaryAnn Wright
MaryAnn Wright
53
Title
President and Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
Chairman and Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID: 34)
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-2
F-5
F-6
F-7
F-8
F-9
F-10
F- 1
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Group 1 Automotive, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2023
and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued
by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 14, 2024, expressed an unqualified opinion on
the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial
statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the
Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the
PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing
procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to
those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits
also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the
financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or
required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2)
involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion
on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical
audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Intangible Franchise Rights in Acquisitions and Impairment Assessments — Refer to Notes 1, 3 and 12 to the consolidated financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company acquired six dealerships for a total of $365.8 million, net of cash acquired (“the acquisitions”).
The acquisitions were accounted for as business combinations. Accordingly, the purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed
based on their respective fair values, including indefinite-lived intangible assets, related to rights under franchise agreements with manufacturers. The fair
value of acquired intangible franchise rights is estimated using the income approach.
The Company’s annual impairment assessment for intangible franchise rights is performed in the fourth quarter, or more frequently if events or
circumstances indicate possible impairment. In evaluating intangible franchise rights for impairment, a qualitative assessment is initially performed to
determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that an impairment exists. If it is concluded that it is more-likely-than-not that an impairment exists, a
quantitative test is performed. The fair value is estimated using a discounted cash flow model, or income approach. The Company’s impairment analyses
performed in fiscal year 2023 resulted in an impairment of $25.1 million of intangible franchise rights.
F-2
We identified the fair value of acquired intangible franchise rights for the acquisitions, as well as the fair value estimates used in the quantitative
impairment test of intangible franchise rights as a critical audit matter because of the significant estimates and assumptions management makes related to
forecasts of revenue growth rates, future EBITDA margins, weighted average cost of capital, and terminal growth rates. This required a high degree of
auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort, including the need to involve our fair value specialists, when performing audit procedures to evaluate
the reasonableness of management’s assumptions.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures for the acquisitions and the impairment analyses related to the forecasts of revenue growth rates, future EBITDA margins, weighted
average cost of capital and terminal growth rates included the following, among others:
• We tested the effectiveness of internal controls over the intangible franchise rights fair value estimates, including those over the inputs,
assumptions, and calculations.
• We evaluated the reasonableness of management’s forecasts of revenue growth rates and future EBITDA margins by comparing the forecasts to:
◦
◦
◦
The Company’s historical revenue and EBITDA margins.
Internal communications to management and the Board of Directors.
Current industry, market and economic trends.
• We performed a sensitivity analysis of certain assumptions such as revenue growth rates, future EBITDA margins, weighted average cost of
capital, and terminal growth rates to evaluate the potential change in the fair value resulting from changes in underlying assumptions.
• With the assistance of our fair value specialists, we evaluated the reasonableness of the weighted average cost of capital and terminal growth rates
by:
◦ Developing a range of independent estimates and comparing those to the weighted average cost of capital selected by management.
◦
Testing the source information underlying the determination of the terminal growth rates and testing the mathematical accuracy of the
calculations.
Goodwill Impairment Assessments — Refer to Notes 1 and 12 to the consolidated financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
The Company’s annual impairment assessment for goodwill is performed in the fourth quarter, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate
possible impairment. The Company’s evaluation of goodwill for impairment involves the comparison of the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying
value. The fair value is estimated using the income approach and market approach, weighted equally. The goodwill balance was $1,651.9 million as of
December 31, 2023, of which $1,532.1 million and $119.8 million was allocated to the US and UK reporting units, respectively. The fair values of the US
and UK reporting units exceeded their carrying values as of the measurement date and, therefore, no impairment was recognized.
We identified the fair value estimates used in the goodwill impairment analyses as a critical audit matter because of the significant estimates and
assumptions management makes related to forecasts of revenue growth rates, future EBITDA margins, weighted average cost of capital, and terminal
growth rates. This required a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort, including the need to involve our fair value specialists,
when performing audit procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of management’s assumptions.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures for the impairment analyses related to the forecasts of revenue growth rates, future EBITDA margins, weighted average cost of
capital and terminal growth rates included the following, among others:
• We tested the effectiveness of internal controls over the goodwill fair value estimates, including those over the inputs, assumptions, and
calculations.
• We evaluated the reasonableness of management’s forecasts of revenue growth rates and future EBITDA margins by comparing the forecasts to:
◦
◦
◦
The Company’s historical revenue and EBITDA margins.
Internal communications to management and the Board of Directors.
Current industry, market and economic trends.
F-3
• We performed a sensitivity analysis of certain assumptions such as revenue growth rates, future EBITDA margins, weighted average cost of
capital, and terminal growth rates to evaluate the potential change in the fair value resulting from changes in underlying assumptions.
• With the assistance of our fair value specialists, we evaluated the reasonableness of the weighted average cost of capital and terminal growth rates
by:
◦ Developing a range of independent estimates and comparing those to the weighted average cost of capital selected by management.
◦
Testing the source information underlying the determination of the terminal growth rates and testing the mathematical accuracy of the
calculations.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Houston, Texas
February 14, 2024
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2020.
F-4
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except share data)
ASSETS
As of December 31,
2023
2022
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net
Accounts and notes receivables, net
Inventories
Prepaid expenses
Other current assets
Current assets classified as held for sale
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
Property and equipment, net
Operating lease assets
Goodwill
Intangible franchise rights
Other long-term assets
TOTAL ASSETS
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other, net of offset account of $236.7 and $140.2, respectively
Floorplan notes payable — manufacturer affiliates, net of offset account of $38.5 and $13.4, respectively
Current maturities of long-term debt
Current operating lease liabilities
Accounts payable
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Current liabilities classified as held for sale
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
Long-term debt
Long-term operating lease liabilities
Deferred income taxes
Other long-term liabilities
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 17)
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized; 25,131,460 and 25,232,620 issued, respectively
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Treasury stock, at cost; 11,447,422 and 10,940,298 shares, respectively
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$
$
$
$
57.2 $
369.2
238.4
1,963.4
38.9
25.1
99.1
2,791.3
2,248.7
216.5
1,651.9
701.2
164.6
7,774.1 $
1,153.0 $
412.4
109.4
20.9
499.3
303.4
7.2
2,505.7
1,989.4
209.4
256.6
138.6
—
0.3
349.1
3,649.8
28.1
(1,352.8)
2,674.4
7,774.1 $
47.9
278.5
199.2
1,356.6
30.5
19.1
53.6
1,985.3
2,128.2
249.1
1,661.8
516.3
176.8
6,717.5
762.1
243.1
130.3
21.8
488.0
271.5
4.8
1,921.4
1,952.2
238.4
238.1
129.8
—
0.3
338.7
3,073.6
22.5
(1,197.5)
2,237.5
6,717.5
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In millions, except per share data)
2023
Years Ended December 31,
2022
2021
REVENUES:
New vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle wholesale sales
Parts and service sales
Finance, insurance and other, net
Total revenues
COST OF SALES:
New vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle wholesale sales
Parts and service sales
Total cost of sales
GROSS PROFIT
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Depreciation and amortization expense
Asset impairments
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
INTEREST EXPENSE:
Floorplan interest expense
Other interest expense, net
Other expense
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
Provision for income taxes
Net income from continuing operations
Net loss from discontinued operations
NET INCOME
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE:
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Total
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE:
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Total
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:
Basic
Diluted
$
$
$
$
$
$
8,774.6 $
5,693.5
441.4
2,222.3
741.9
17,873.7
8,007.6
5,392.6
445.2
1,008.0
14,853.4
3,020.3
1,926.8
92.0
32.9
968.6
64.1
99.8
4.5
800.2
198.2
602.0
(0.4)
601.6 $
42.92 $
(0.03)
42.89 $
42.75 $
(0.03)
42.73 $
13.7
13.7
7,452.5 $
5,673.3
364.6
2,009.5
722.2
16,222.1
6,627.0
5,359.6
364.6
905.8
13,256.9
2,965.2
1,783.3
88.4
2.1
1,091.4
27.3
77.5
1.2
985.3
231.1
754.2
(2.7)
751.5 $
47.46 $
(0.17)
47.29 $
47.31 $
(0.17)
47.14 $
15.4
15.5
6,504.8
4,438.8
365.7
1,591.2
581.4
13,481.9
5,894.0
4,084.6
340.9
721.8
11,041.2
2,440.7
1,477.2
77.4
1.7
884.4
27.6
55.8
—
800.9
175.5
625.4
(73.3)
552.1
34.23
(4.01)
30.22
34.11
(4.00)
30.11
17.7
17.7
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-6
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In millions)
NET INCOME
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:
Net foreign currency translation adjustments:
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments
Reclassification of cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments associated with the Brazil Disposal
Reclassification of other cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of reclassifications
Net unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate risk management activities, net of tax:
Unrealized gain arising during the period, net of tax provision of $(3.3), $(25.8) and $(6.9), respectively
Reclassification adjustment for (gain) loss included in interest expense, net of tax (provision) benefit of $(7.9),
$(0.8) and $1.8, respectively
Reclassification related to de-designated interest rate swaps, net of tax (provision) benefit of $(1.0), $— and $1.9,
respectively
Unrealized (loss) gain on interest rate risk management activities, net of tax
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, NET OF TAX
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Years Ended December 31,
2022
2021
2023
$
601.6 $
751.5 $
552.1
23.7
—
—
23.7
10.4
(25.4)
(3.1)
(27.2)
122.8
1.5
97.1
84.1
(2.5)
—
(18.0)
5.7
607.3 $
81.6
178.7
930.2 $
$
(6.7)
—
—
(6.7)
22.6
5.8
6.1
34.5
27.8
579.9
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-7
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In millions, except share data)
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2020
Net income
Other comprehensive income, net of taxes
Purchases of treasury stock
Net issuance of treasury shares to stock
compensation plans
Stock-based compensation
Dividends declared ($1.33 per share)
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2021
Net income
Other comprehensive income, net of taxes
Purchases of treasury stock
Net issuance of treasury shares to stock
compensation plans
Stock-based compensation
Dividends declared ($1.50 per share)
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2022
Net income
Other comprehensive income, net of taxes
Purchases of treasury stock, including excise tax
Net issuance of treasury shares to stock
compensation plans
Stock-based compensation
Dividends declared ($1.80 per share)
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2023
Common Stock
Shares
25,433,048 $
—
—
—
(96,994)
—
—
25,336,054 $
—
—
—
(103,434)
—
—
25,232,620 $
—
—
—
(101,160)
—
—
25,131,460 $
Amount
0.3 $
—
—
—
—
—
—
0.3 $
—
—
—
—
—
—
0.3 $
—
—
—
—
—
—
0.3 $
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Treasury
Stock
Total
308.3 $
—
—
—
(10.8)
28.3
—
325.8 $
—
—
—
(14.1)
27.0
—
338.7 $
—
—
—
(9.7)
20.1
—
349.1 $
1,817.9 $
552.1
—
—
—
—
(24.1)
2,345.9 $
751.5
—
—
—
—
(23.9)
3,073.6 $
601.6
—
—
—
—
(25.4)
3,649.8 $
(184.0) $
—
27.8
—
—
—
—
(156.2) $
—
178.7
—
—
—
—
22.5 $
—
5.7
—
—
—
—
28.1 $
(492.8) $
—
—
(210.6)
13.0
—
—
(690.4) $
—
—
(521.2)
14.2
—
—
(1,197.5) $
—
—
(174.2)
18.9
—
—
(1,352.8) $
1,449.6
552.1
27.8
(210.6)
2.2
28.3
(24.1)
1,825.2
751.5
178.7
(521.2)
0.1
27.0
(23.9)
2,237.5
601.6
5.7
(174.2)
9.2
20.1
(25.4)
2,674.4
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-8
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
Change in operating lease assets
Deferred income taxes
Asset impairments
Stock-based compensation
Amortization of debt discount and issue costs
Gain on disposition of assets
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments
Other
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and dispositions:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Accounts and notes receivable
Inventories
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables
Prepaid expenses and other assets
Floorplan notes payable — manufacturer affiliates
Deferred revenues
Operating lease liabilities
Net cash provided by operating activities
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Cash paid for acquisitions, net, including repayment of sellers’ floorplan notes payable of $66.3, $25.3 and $65.2, respectively
Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment
Purchases of property and equipment
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations, net
Other
Net cash used in investing activities
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings on credit facility — floorplan line and other
Repayments on credit facility — floorplan line and other
Borrowings on credit facility — acquisition line
Repayments on credit facility — acquisition line
Debt issuance costs
Borrowings of senior notes
Borrowings on other debt
Principal payments on other debt
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan
Payments of tax withholding for stock-based compensation
Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date
Dividends paid
Other
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period
Years Ended December 31,
2023
2022
2021
$
601.6
$
751.5
$
552.1
92.0
25.3
18.7
32.9
20.1
3.0
(23.3)
—
(3.7)
(2.7)
39.2
(37.4)
(567.6)
(88.1)
(21.2)
126.7
(0.9)
(24.4)
190.2
(366.1)
193.8
(185.4)
—
(8.3)
(366.1)
11,366.2
(10,940.4)
200.0
(178.2)
(0.3)
—
150.2
(223.6)
21.3
(12.1)
(172.8)
(25.2)
—
185.2
89.3
29.5
28.0
8.5
27.0
3.0
(41.1)
—
—
0.5
66.5
(17.4)
(282.1)
(55.4)
0.4
7.5
(0.4)
(29.4)
585.9
(528.7)
141.4
(155.5)
59.4
(1.3)
(484.6)
10,236.1
(9,766.5)
406.6
(429.6)
(4.6)
—
315.5
(286.4)
19.5
(11.8)
(521.2)
(23.7)
(1.2)
(67.3)
0.1
9.4
47.9
57.2
$
(4.8)
29.2
18.7
47.9
$
$
78.9
25.0
31.0
79.2
28.3
2.5
(6.0)
3.8
—
2.6
48.1
11.2
529.8
(6.4)
(2.1)
(90.7)
(1.5)
(25.9)
1,259.6
(1,099.6)
24.8
(143.6)
—
(33.3)
(1,251.7)
8,333.2
(8,801.8)
349.3
(66.6)
(2.8)
200.0
334.3
(187.3)
15.2
(13.0)
(210.6)
(23.9)
—
(74.0)
(2.5)
(68.6)
87.3
18.7
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-9
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION, CONSOLIDATION AND SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto, have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and reflect the
consolidated accounts of the parent company, Group 1 Automotive, Inc., and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned. All intercompany balances
and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Group 1 Automotive, Inc. and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to as the “Company” in these
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
On November 12, 2021, the Company entered into a Share Purchase Agreement (the “Brazil Agreement”) with Original Holdings S.A. (“Buyer”).
Pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the Brazil Agreement, Buyer agreed to acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding equity interests of the
Company’s Brazilian operations (the “Brazil Disposal Group”) for approximately BRL 510 million in cash (the “Brazil Disposal”). On July 1, 2022, the
Company completed the Brazil Disposal. The Brazil Disposal Group met the criteria to be reported as held for sale and discontinued operations. Therefore,
the related assets, liabilities and operating results of the Brazil Disposal Group are reported as discontinued operations (the “Brazil Discontinued
Operations”) for all periods presented. Unless otherwise specified, disclosures in these Consolidated Financial Statements reflect continuing operations
only.
Certain prior-period amounts related to the Brazil Discontinued Operations, have been reclassified in the Consolidated Financial Statements and
accompanying notes to conform to current-period presentation. Refer to Note 4. Discontinued Operations and Other Divestitures for additional information
on the Brazil Discontinued Operations.
Certain amounts in the Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes may not compute due to rounding. All computations have
been calculated using unrounded amounts for all periods presented. These Consolidated Financial Statements reflect, in the opinion of management, all
normal recurring adjustments necessary to fairly state, in all material respects, the Company’s financial position and results of operations for the periods
presented.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the Company’s financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and
assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the
balance sheet date and the amounts of revenues and expenses recognized during the reporting period. Management analyzes the Company’s estimates based
on historical experience and other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, however, actual results could differ materially
from such estimates. The significant estimates made by management in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include, but are not limited
to, inventory valuation adjustments, reserves for future chargebacks on finance, insurance and VSC fees, self-insured property and casualty insurance
exposure, the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations, the valuation of goodwill and intangible franchise rights, and
reserves for potential litigation.
Revenue Recognition
Refer to the discussion of the Company’s revenue streams and accounting policies related to revenue recognition in Note 2. Revenues.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include demand deposits and various other short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less at the
date of purchase.
Receivables
Refer to Note 8. Receivables, Net and Contract Assets for further discussion of the Company’s receivable accounts and related accounting policies.
Inventories
New and used retail vehicles are carried at the lower of specific cost or net realizable value. Specific cost consists of the amount paid to acquire the
vehicle, plus the cost of reconditioning, equipment addition and transportation. In determining the lower of specific cost or net realizable value of new and
used vehicles, the Company considers historical loss experience and current market trends.
F-10
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Parts and accessories inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value and determined on a first-in, first-out basis. The Company
incurs shipping costs in connection with selling parts to customers which is included in Cost of Sales in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Certain manufacturers offer vehicle rebates, in the form of purchase discounts, once applicable incentive targets are met. Incentive targets typically
consist of volume incentives to order and/or sell certain models and/or volumes of inventory over designated periods of time. The Company also receives
dealer rebates and incentive payments on parts purchases from the automobile manufacturers on new vehicle retail sales. Additionally, the Company
receives interest assistance from certain automobile manufacturers that is reflected as a vehicle purchase price discount. The rebates, interest assistance and
other dealer incentives reduce inventory costs in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are reflected as a reduction to Cost of Sales in the Consolidated
Statements of Operations as the vehicles are sold.
Refer to Note 9. Inventories for further discussion of the Company’s inventory accounts.
Property and Equipment, Net
Property and equipment, recorded at cost, is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets to estimated
salvage values. Leasehold improvements are capitalized and amortized over the lesser of the estimated term of the lease or the estimated useful life of the
asset.
Property and equipment estimated useful lives are as follows:
Buildings and leasehold improvements
Machinery and dealership equipment
Office equipment, furniture and fixtures
Company vehicles
Estimated
Useful Lives
in Years
25 to 50
7 to 20
3 to 20
3 to 5
Expenditures for major additions or improvements, which improve or extend the useful lives of the assets are capitalized. Minor replacements and
routine maintenance and repairs, which do not improve or extend the lives of the assets, are expensed as incurred. Disposals are removed at cost less
accumulated depreciation, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of
Operations.
The Company performs an impairment analysis on long-lived assets used in operations when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value
of such assets may not be recoverable. This review consists of comparing the carrying amount of the asset group with its expected future undiscounted cash
flows. Estimates of expected future cash flows represent management’s best estimate based on currently available information and reasonable and
supportable assumptions. If the asset group’s carrying amount exceeds its future undiscounted cash flows, an impairment charge is measured as the amount
by which its carrying amount exceeds its fair value. Refer to Note 10. Property and Equipment, Net for further discussion. The fair value of property is
typically based on a third-party appraisal which requires adjustments to market-based valuation inputs to reflect the different characteristics between the
property being measured and comparable properties, which are considered level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy described further in Note 7.
Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements.
Business Combinations
Business acquisitions are accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting, whereby the Company measures and recognizes the fair value of
assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. The operating results of entities acquired are included in the accompanying Consolidated
Statements of Operations from the date of acquisition. For material acquisitions, the Company typically utilizes third-party experts to determine the fair
values of property acquired.
The fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations are estimated using various assumptions. The most significant
assumptions, and those requiring the most judgment, involve the estimated fair values of property and intangible franchise rights.
If the initial accounting for a business combination has not been concluded by the end of the reporting period in which the acquisition occurs, an
estimate will be recorded and disclosure of those open areas will be provided. The Company will record any material adjustments to the initial estimates
based on new information obtained that would have existed as of the date of the acquisition within a year of the acquisition date.
Refer to Note 3. Acquisitions for further discussion of the Company’s business combinations.
F-11
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Goodwill and Intangible Franchise Rights
Goodwill represents the excess, at the date of acquisition, of the purchase price of an acquired business over the fair value of the net tangible and
intangible assets acquired. The Company is organized into two geographic regions, the U.S. region and the U.K. region. The Company has determined that
each region represents a reporting unit for the purpose of assessing goodwill for impairment.
In addition to goodwill, the Company recognizes, at the dealership level, separately identifiable intangible assets for rights under franchise
agreements with manufacturers. Most of the Company’s franchise agreements continue indefinitely. The Company believes that these agreements can be
renewed without substantial cost based on the history with the manufacturer. As such, the Company’s intangible assets for rights under franchise
agreements are considered non-amortizing indefinite lived intangible assets, expected to contribute to cash flows of the Company for an indefinite period of
time.
The Company evaluates goodwill and intangible franchise rights for impairment annually as of October 31, or more frequently if events or
circumstances indicate possible impairment has occurred.
Refer to Note 12. Intangible Franchise Rights and Goodwill for further discussion of the Company’s goodwill and intangibles, including results of its
impairment testing.
Income Taxes
The Company is subject to income taxes at the federal level and in 17 states in the U.S., as well as in the U.K., each of which has unique tax
calculations. As the amount of income generated in each jurisdiction varies from period to period, the Company’s effective tax rate can vary based on the
proportion of taxable income generated in each jurisdiction.
The Company follows the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recorded based on
differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect
when the underlying assets are realized or liabilities are settled. A valuation allowance reduces deferred tax assets when it is more-likely-than-not that some
or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company has recognized deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances, that it believes will be
realized, based primarily on the assumption of future taxable income. Refer to Note 15. Income Taxes for further discussion.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company holds derivative financial instruments consisting of interest rate swaps that are designated as cash flow hedges. Refer to the discussion
of the Company’s accounting policies relating to its derivative financial instruments, including fair value measurements, in Note 7. Financial Instruments
and Fair Value Measurements.
Advertising
The Company expenses the costs of advertising as incurred. Advertising expense is included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the
Consolidated Statements of Operations and totaled $83.0 million, $76.5 million and $65.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021,
respectively. The Company receives advertising assistance from certain automobile manufacturers, which the Company is required to spend on qualified
advertising, and which is subject to audit and chargeback by the manufacturer. The assistance is accounted for as a reduction to SG&A expenses as earned
and amounted to $22.3 million, $17.4 million and $14.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Statements of Cash Flows
With respect to all new vehicle floorplan borrowings, the vehicle manufacturers draft the funds directly from the Company’s credit facilities with no
cash flow to or from the Company. With respect to borrowings for used vehicle financing in the U.S., the Company finances up to 85% of the value of the
used vehicle inventory and the borrowed funds flow from the lender directly to the Company. In the U.K., the Company chooses which used vehicles to
finance and the borrowings flow directly to the Company from the lender.
Excluding the cash flows from or to manufacturer affiliated lenders participating in the Company’s syndicated lending group under the Revolving
Credit Facility as defined in Note 13. Floorplan Notes Payable, all borrowings from, and repayments to, lenders affiliated with the vehicle manufacturers
are presented within Cash Flows from Operating Activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. All borrowings from, and repayments to, the
Company’s credit facilities (including the cash flows from or to manufacturer affiliated lenders participating in the Revolving Credit Facility) are presented
within Cash Flows from Financing Activities.
F-12
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Leases
Refer to the discussion of the Company’s leases and related accounting policies in Note 11. Leases.
Foreign Currency Translation
The functional currency for the Company’s U.K. subsidiaries is GBP. All assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated into USD using
period-end foreign currency exchange rates and all revenues and expenses are translated at average foreign currency exchange rates during the respective
period. The gains and losses resulting from translation adjustments are recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss) in the Consolidated
Statements of Stockholders’ Equity.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 820): Improvements to
Reportable Segment Disclosures. The amendments require the disclosure of significant segment expenses as well as expanded interim disclosures, along
with other changes to segment disclosure requirements. The standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim
periods beginning on or after January 1, 2025. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have on
its consolidated financial statements.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The amendments require the
disclosure of a reconciliation between income tax expense from continuing operations and the amount computed by multiplying income from continuing
operations before income taxes by the applicable statutory rate as well as an annual disaggregation of the income tax rate reconciliation between certain
specified categories by both percentage and reported amounts, along with other changes to income tax disclosure requirements. The standard will be
effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, and interim periods for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2025. The Company is
currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.
2. REVENUES
The Company derives its revenues primarily from the sale of new and used vehicles; sale of vehicle parts; performance of maintenance and repair
services; and arrangement of vehicle financing and sale of service and other insurance contracts. Revenue recognition for each of these streams is discussed
below. With respect to the cost of freight and shipping from the Company’s dealerships to its customers, the Company’s policy is to recognize such cost
within Cost of Sales in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are reported on
a net basis in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, thus excluded from revenues.
The following tables present the Company’s revenues disaggregated by its geographical segments (in millions):
U.S.
Year Ended December 31, 2023
U.K.
Total
New vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle wholesale sales
Total new and used vehicle sales
Parts and service sales
Finance, insurance and other, net
(1)
(2)
Total revenues
$
$
7,433.6 $
4,458.7
314.4
12,206.6
1,933.3
674.3
14,814.2 $
F-13
1,341.0 $
1,234.8
127.1
2,702.9
289.0
67.6
3,059.5 $
8,774.6
5,693.5
441.4
14,909.5
2,222.3
741.9
17,873.7
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
U.S.
Year Ended December 31, 2022
U.K.
Total
6,238.5 $
4,531.5
238.8
11,008.8
1,761.4
656.9
13,427.1 $
1,214.0 $
1,141.8
125.8
2,481.6
248.2
65.2
2,795.1 $
U.S.
Year Ended December 31, 2021
U.K.
Total
5,371.4 $
3,356.3
232.2
8,959.9
1,361.4
525.0
10,846.3 $
1,133.3 $
1,082.5
133.6
2,349.4
229.8
56.4
2,635.6 $
7,452.5
5,673.3
364.6
13,490.4
2,009.5
722.2
16,222.1
6,504.8
4,438.8
365.7
11,309.3
1,591.2
581.4
13,481.9
$
$
$
$
New vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle wholesale sales
Total new and used vehicle sales
Parts and service sales
Finance, insurance and other, net
(1)
(2)
Total revenues
New vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle wholesale sales
Total new and used vehicle sales
Parts and service sales
Finance, insurance and other, net
(2)
(1)
Total revenues
(1)
The Company has elected not to disclose revenues related to remaining performance obligations on its maintenance and repair services as the duration of these contracts is
less than one year.
(2)
Includes variable consideration recognized of $24.1 million, $30.8 million and $22.3 million during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively,
relating to performance obligations satisfied in previous periods on the Company’s retrospective commission income contracts. Refer to Arrangement of Vehicle
Financing and the Sale of Service and Other Insurance Contracts section within this Note for further discussion of these arrangements. Refer to Note 8. Receivables, Net
and Contract Assets for the balance of the Company’s contract assets associated with revenues from the arrangement of financing and sale of service and insurance
contracts.
New and Used Retail Vehicle Sales
Revenues from the sale of new and used vehicles is recognized upon delivery of the vehicle to the customer, which is the point at which transfer of
control occurs and when the performance obligation is satisfied. In some cases, the Company uses a third-party transport company to facilitate delivery of
used vehicles to the customer.
The transaction price for new and used vehicle sales is the stand-alone sales price of each individual vehicle and is generally settled within 30 days of
the satisfaction of the performance obligation.
Used Vehicle Wholesale Sales
When the Company uses a third-party auction to facilitate the delivery of used vehicles to the customer, the Company has determined that the auction
acts as an agent under the arrangement. Therefore, the Company recognizes revenues and cost of sales on a gross basis upon delivery of the vehicle at the
auction to the customer, which is the point at which transfer of control occurs and when the performance obligation is satisfied.
The transaction price for wholesale vehicle sales is established by the winning bid under the auction process and is generally settled within 30 days of
the satisfaction of the performance obligation.
Parts Sales
Revenues from the sale of vehicle parts is recognized upon delivery of the parts to the customer, which is the point at which transfer of control occurs
and when the performance obligation is satisfied.
The transaction price for vehicle parts sales is the stand-alone sales price of each individual part and is generally settled within 30 days of the
satisfaction of the performance obligation.
Service Sales
The Company performs maintenance and repair services, including collision restoration.
F-14
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
In certain jurisdictions, the Company has an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date on open work orders and as such, the
transfer of control of vehicle maintenance and repair services and satisfaction of the performance obligation to its customer occurs over time. For these
contracts that qualify for revenue recognition over time, the Company uses the input method for the measurement of progress and recognition of revenues,
utilizing labor cost incurred to estimate the services performed for which the Company has an enforceable right to payment. The Company believes this
method is the most objective measure of progress and provides a faithful depiction of the Company’s transfer of services to the customer.
The transaction price for maintenance and repair services is the total of the labor and, if applicable, vehicle parts used in the performance of the
service, as well as the margin above cost charged to the customer.
Arrangement of Vehicle Financing and the Sale of Service and Other Insurance Contracts
The Company receives commissions from F&I providers for the arrangement of vehicle financing and the sale of service and other insurance
products. Within the context of these contracts with the F&I providers, the Company has determined that it is an agent for the F&I providers.
The Company has a single performance obligation associated with the F&I contracts, which is the facilitation of the financing of the vehicle or sale of
the insurance product. Revenues from these contracts is recognized when the facilitated contract between the F&I provider and the customer is executed,
which is when the performance obligation is satisfied.
With regards to the upfront commission for these contracts, the transaction price is the amount earned for each individual contract executed and is
generally collected within 30 days of the satisfaction of the performance.
Charge Backs
The Company may be charged back in the future for commissions received on F&I contract or VSC fees in the event of early termination of the
contracts by customers. A reserve for future amounts estimated to be charged back, representing variable consideration, is recorded as a reduction to
Finance, insurance and other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The reserve is estimated based on the Company’s historical charge back
results and the termination provisions of the applicable contracts, and was $70.4 million and $65.1 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Retrospective Commissions and Associated Contract Assets
In some cases, the Company also earns retrospective commission income by participating in the future profitability of the portfolio of product
contracts sold by the Company. This contingent consideration is variable and is generally settled over five to seven years from the satisfaction of the
performance obligation. The Company utilizes the “expected value” method to predict the amount of consideration to which the Company will be entitled,
subject to constraint in the estimate. The estimated amount under the expected value method is accrued upfront when the facilitated contract between the
F&I provider and the customer is executed, which is when the performance obligation is satisfied. The estimated amount is reflected as a contract asset
within Other current assets and Other long-term assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets until the right to such consideration becomes unconditional, at
which time amounts due are reclassified to accounts receivable. Changes in the estimated amount of variable consideration are adjusted through revenues.
The change in contract assets during the year ended December 31, 2023, is reflected in the table below (in millions):
Contract Assets, January 1, 2023
Changes related to revenue recognition during the period
Amounts invoiced during the period
Contract Assets, December 31, 2023
$
$
F&I, Net
47.9
24.1
(17.0)
55.0
F-15
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
3. ACQUISITIONS
The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting, under which the Company allocates the purchase price
to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on an estimate of fair value.
Prime Acquisition
In November 2021, the Company completed the acquisition of the Prime Automotive Group (“Prime”), including 28 dealerships, certain real estate
and three collision centers in the Northeastern U.S. (collectively referred to as the “Prime Acquisition”), for aggregate consideration of $934.2 million.
The Company analyzed and assessed all available information related to property and equipment and property lease contracts, determining the
preliminary fair values established in 2021 were appropriate and no material adjustments were recorded to these fair values in the year ended December 31,
2022 upon finalization of the purchase price allocation. The Company previously recorded a $33.4 million deposit for the purchase of an additional
dealership as part of the Prime Acquisition, which had not closed as of December 31, 2021. Pursuant to the purchase agreement with the seller, the seller
initiated legal action against the distributor to compel the approval of the sale of the dealership. In March 2022, upon the contractual release of funds from
escrow to the seller related to the dealership, the deposit was recognized as additional consideration paid and reflected as additional goodwill, resulting in
total consideration associated with the Prime Acquisition of $967.6 million.
In October 2023, the Company closed on the acquisition of the remaining Prime dealership after settlement of legal action with the distributor which
had opposed the acquisition. The previously recorded goodwill of $33.4 million was allocated to the identifiable assets and liabilities of the acquired
dealership. The accounting for the acquisition is considered to be preliminary and subject to change as the Company’s fair value assessments are finalized.
The Company is continuing to analyze and assess relevant information related to the valuation of equipment and intangible assets. The Company will
reflect any required fair value adjustments in subsequent periods.
The results of the Prime Acquisition are included in the U.S. segment. The goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes.
The following table summarizes the consideration paid and aggregate amounts of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of December 31, 2022
(in millions):
Total consideration
Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Inventories
Property and equipment
Intangible franchise rights
Operating lease assets
Other assets
(1)
Total assets acquired
Operating lease liabilities
Other liabilities
(2)
Total liabilities assumed
Total identifiable net assets
Goodwill
(3)
$
$
$
967.6
136.7
266.8
135.3
58.3
62.2
659.3
56.6
38.3
94.9
564.4
403.2
(1)
Other assets acquired in connection with the Prime Acquisition include $55.3 million of assets classified as held for sale as of the acquisition date. See the table below for
additional details.
(2)
Other liabilities assumed in connection with the Prime Acquisition include $1.7 million of liabilities classified as held for sale as of the acquisition date. See the table
below for additional details.
(3)
Goodwill as of December 31, 2022 has not been adjusted for the impact of the remaining Prime dealership acquired in October 2023 as described above.
F-16
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Prime assets classified as held for sale as of the acquisition date (in millions)
Inventories
Property and equipment
Operating lease assets
Goodwill
Total other assets classified as held for sale
Prime liabilities classified as held for sale as of the acquisition date (in millions)
Operating lease liabilities
$
$
$
10.4
28.1
1.7
15.1
55.3
1.7
The Company recorded $12.9 million of acquisition related costs attributable to the Prime Acquisition during the year ended December 31, 2021.
These costs are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations included revenues and net income attributable to Prime for the year ended December 31,
2022, of $1.7 billion and $110.2 million, respectively. These revenue and net income amounts attributable to Prime include amounts up to the date of
disposal, from certain stores which have been disposed of since the date of the Prime Acquisition.
The Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations included revenues and net income attributable to Prime from the acquisition date through
December 31, 2021, of $199.9 million and $14.3 million, respectively.
The following represents the unaudited pro forma financial information as if Prime had been included in the Company’s consolidated results since
January 1, 2021 (in millions):
Revenues
Net income
Year Ended December 31,
2021
$
$
15,243.5
594.7
Pro forma data may not be indicative of the results that would have been obtained had these events actually occurred at the beginning of the period
presented and is not intended to be a projection of future results.
Other Acquisitions
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company acquired six dealerships in the U.S., including the remaining Prime dealership described
above. Aggregate consideration paid for these dealerships, which were accounted for as business combinations, was $365.8 million, net of cash acquired.
Goodwill associated with these acquisitions totaled $49.7 million.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company acquired six dealerships and a collision center in the U.S. Aggregate consideration paid for
these dealerships, which were accounted for as business combinations, was $507.5 million, net of cash acquired. Goodwill associated with these
acquisitions totaled $236.1 million.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company acquired a dealership and related collision center in the U.K. Consideration paid, which was
accounted for as a business combination, was $34.1 million, consisting of cash paid of $32.9 million and a payable of $1.2 million, net of cash acquired.
Goodwill associated with the acquisition totaled $10.2 million.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company acquired five dealerships in the U.S., excluding the dealerships acquired in the Prime
Acquisition, and seven dealerships in the U.K. Aggregate consideration paid for these dealerships, which were accounted for as business combinations,
totaled $166.8 million, net of cash acquired. Goodwill associated with these acquisitions totaled $70.1 million.
In February 2024, the Company announced the acquisition of five dealerships and three collision centers in the U.S. Aggregate consideration paid for
these dealerships, which will be accounted for as business combinations, was approximately $273.3 million.
F-17
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
4. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND OTHER DIVESTITURES
Brazil Discontinued Operations
On November 12, 2021, the Company entered into an agreement to effect the Brazil Disposal. The sale price of approximately BRL 510.0 million
included a holdback amount as of July 1, 2022 (the “Brazil Disposition Date”), for general representations and warranties, of BRL 115.0 million, to be held
in escrow for a period of five years from the close of the transaction (the “Brazil Disposal Escrow”). At the conclusion of the five-year period, the
remaining funds held in the Brazil Disposal Escrow will be released to the Company. This amount has been included in the proceeds received.
On the Brazil Disposition Date, the Company closed on the Brazil Disposal. The Company recorded a total net loss of $87.5 million on the Brazil
Disposal, of which $10.0 million was recognized during the year ended December 31, 2022 and $77.5 million was recognized during the year ended
December 31, 2021. The loss on sale is presented as part of the results within Discontinued Operations.
Upon sale of a foreign entity, amounts recorded within Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) on the Consolidated Balance
Sheets are required to be reclassified into earnings on the date of disposition. For purposes of determining the net gain or loss on the Brazil Disposal, the
Company included the currency translation adjustments recorded in AOCI as a loss of $122.8 million attributable to the Brazil Disposal Group. The loss on
sale indicated an impairment of assets, however, the loss was entirely the result of the reclassification of the translation adjustment from AOCI. Prior to the
Brazil Disposition Date, the Company recorded a valuation allowance against the assets held for sale for the Brazil Disposal to reflect the expected loss not
attributable to a particular asset within the Brazil Disposal Group. On and following the Brazil Disposition Date, the Company reclassified into earnings the
currency translation loss attributable to the Brazil Disposal Group. The currency translation loss was offset by the reversal of the previously recorded
valuation allowance.
In addition, the purchase price of the Brazil Disposal is denominated in BRL, which is subject to foreign currency exchange risk. In order to partially
mitigate this risk, the Company entered into a foreign currency derivative for the conversion of BRL to USD in the form of a costless collar which protects
the Company from significant downside exposure on $70.0 million of the expected purchase consideration. Losses associated with the foreign currency
derivative are presented as incremental costs to sell in the table below and are fully offset by corresponding foreign currency impacts to the fair value of
proceeds from the disposition. On June 30, 2022, the Company settled the foreign currency derivative for a loss of $8.4 million.
Subsequent to the Brazil Disposition Date, the Company received additional proceeds for working capital adjustments related to the Brazil Disposal
of $4.1 million. The resulting gain was recognized within Discontinued Operations and included within the net loss recorded for the year ended December
31, 2022 as described above.
Additionally, the Buyer, with the Company’s approval, entered into a tax settlement associated with the Brazil Disposal with the Brazilian tax
authority for BRL 23.0 million or approximately $4.5 million. The settlement was accrued within Accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the
Consolidated Balance Sheet and recorded as Provision for income taxes within Discontinued Operations and included within the net loss recorded for the
year ended December 31, 2022. The settlement will be paid out of the existing Brazil Disposal Escrow balance within one year.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had a remaining receivable balance of $21.1 million associated with the Brazil Disposal Escrow recorded in
Other long-term assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, of which $4.3 million is expected to be paid to settle the Company’s portion of accrued
liabilities retained subsequent to the Brazil Disposition Date, including the tax settlement described above.
The following table summarizes the fair value of the proceeds received from the disposition and net carrying value of the assets disposed as of
December 31, 2022 (in millions):
Fair value of proceeds from disposition
Net assets disposed
Gain before currency translation adjustments
Amount of currency translation loss recorded in AOCI
Incremental costs to sell
Net loss on the Brazil Disposal
$
$
92.5
48.8
43.7
(122.8)
8.4
(87.5)
F-18
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Results of the Brazil Discontinued Operations were as follows (in millions):
2023
Years Ended December 31,
2022
2021
REVENUES:
New vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle wholesale sales
Parts and service sales
Finance, insurance and other, net
Total revenues
COST OF SALES:
New vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle retail sales
Used vehicle wholesale sales
Parts and service sales
Total cost of sales
GROSS PROFIT
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Depreciation and amortization expense
Asset impairments
(LOSS) INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Floorplan interest expense
Other interest (income) expense, net
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Other expenses
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES — DISCONTINUED
OPERATIONS
Provision for income taxes
NET LOSS — DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
$
$
F-19
— $
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
2.0
—
—
(2.0)
—
(2.6)
—
—
109.0 $
44.0
10.1
23.8
3.3
190.2
98.5
41.2
10.0
14.5
164.2
26.1
15.1
0.9
6.3
3.7
1.4
(1.8)
—
1.5
0.6
1.0
(0.4) $
2.6
5.3
(2.7) $
205.6
58.1
11.3
38.7
6.1
319.8
184.9
53.1
10.5
22.0
270.6
49.2
34.3
1.5
77.5
(64.1)
1.1
0.9
3.8
—
(69.9)
3.4
(73.3)
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Cash flows from operating and investing activities for the Brazil Discontinued Operations were immaterial for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Cash flows from operating and investing activities for the Brazil Discontinued Operations for the prior periods were as follows (in millions):
Net cash provided by operating activities — discontinued operations
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities — discontinued operations
Assets and liabilities of the Brazil Discontinued Operations were as follows (in millions):
Prepaid expenses
Other current assets
Other long-term assets
Total assets of discontinued operations
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Total liabilities of discontinued operations
F-20
Years Ended December 31,
2022
2021
26.6 $
59.1 $
As of December 31,
2023
2022
0.7 $
—
21.1
21.8 $
4.3 $
4.3 $
5.2
(1.5)
—
1.3
22.8
24.1
7.8
7.8
$
$
$
$
$
$
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale
Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale consisted of the following (in millions):
Current assets classified as held for sale
(1)
Prime Acquisition
Other
(2)
Total current assets classified as held for sale
Current liabilities classified as held for sale
Prime Acquisition
Other
(1)
Total current liabilities classified as held for sale
As of December 31,
2023
2022
$
$
$
$
— $
99.1
99.1 $
— $
7.2
7.2 $
9.8
43.8
53.6
1.1
3.7
4.8
(1)
For additional details on current assets and current liabilities classified as held for sale in connection with the Prime Acquisition, refer to Note 3. Acquisitions.
(2)
Includes $39.8 million and $13.4 million of goodwill reclassified to assets held for sale as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
Other Divestitures
The Company’s dispositions generally consist of dealership assets and related real estate. Gains and losses on dispositions are recorded in Selling,
general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded a net pre-tax gain totaling $16.3 million related to the disposition of eleven
dealerships representing fifteen franchises in the U.S. The dispositions reduced goodwill by $52.9 million. The Company also terminated two franchises in
the U.S.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded a net pre-tax gain totaling $30.8 million related to the disposition of five
dealerships, representing five franchises, as well as a collision center in the U.S. The dispositions reduced goodwill by $37.3 million. The Company also
terminated one franchise representing one dealership in the U.K.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recorded a net pre-tax gain totaling $4.4 million related to the disposition of three
dealerships, representing three franchises and one franchise within an existing dealership in the U.S. The dispositions reduced goodwill by $4.0 million.
The Company terminated one franchise within an existing dealership in the U.S. The Company also terminated one dealership representing one franchise in
the U.K.
In February 2024, the Company disposed of six dealerships, representing ten franchises, as well as a collision center in the U.S. Assets and liabilities
associated with this disposition were recorded within Current assets and current liabilities classified as held for sale in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as
of December 31, 2023 and are included in the table above. The disposition will reduce goodwill by approximately $39.8 million.
5. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
Under the Company’s 2014 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “Incentive Plan”), the Company currently grants RSAs, RSUs and PSUs to Company
employees and non-employee directors. The aggregate maximum number of shares that may be issued or transferred under the Incentive Plan is 2.2
million. The Incentive Plan expires on May 21, 2024. The terms of the awards (including vesting schedules) are established by the Compensation
Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. As of December 31, 2023, there were 1.1 million shares available for issuance under the Incentive Plan.
F-21
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Restricted Stock Awards
The Company grants RSAs to employees and non-employee directors. RSAs qualify as participating securities as each award contains non-forfeitable
rights to dividends. As such, the two-class method is required for the computation of EPS. RSAs contain voting rights and are considered outstanding at the
date of grant. Refer to Note 6. Earnings Per Share for further details. RSAs are subject to vesting periods of up to five years. Compensation expense for
RSAs is calculated based on the average market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant and recognized over the requisite vesting period
on a straight-line basis. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of valuation and reduce expense ratably over the vesting period. This estimate is adjusted
annually based on the extent to which actual or expected forfeitures differ from the previous estimate. The Company issues new shares of common stock or
treasury shares, if available, to settle vested RSAs.
The following table summarizes RSA activity and related information for 2023:
Nonvested at January 1, 2023
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Nonvested at December 31, 2023
Awards
Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
420,115 $
61,695 $
(151,010) $
(11,845) $
318,955 $
116.05
222.77
94.25
144.16
145.83
The total fair value of RSAs that vested during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, was $14.2 million, $14.7 million and $13.6
million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2023, there was $21.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to RSAs which is expected to be recognized over
a weighted-average period of 2.4 years.
Restricted Stock Units
The Company grants RSUs to non-employee directors. RSUs are vested 100% at the time of grant and settled on the date of the directors “separation
of service,” as such term is defined in internal revenue service code §1.409A-1(h), and generally includes departure due to either death, disability, or
retirement. RSUs convey no voting rights, and therefore are not considered outstanding when granted. Granted RSUs participate in dividends, however the
dividends are not payable until a director’s separation of service with the Company. In the event a director terminates his or her directorship with the
Company for reasons other than defined above, the RSUs granted and any accrued dividends will be forfeited.
RSUs settle in a cash payment equal to the average of the Company’s high and low stock price on the separation of service date and therefore
constitute liability instruments, which require remeasurements to fair value each reporting period. The changes in fair value as a result of the changes in the
Company’s stock price are recognized in Selling, general and administrative expenses within the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of
December 31, 2023, the total liability for unsettled cash-settled RSUs, recorded at fair value, was $9.5 million.
Performance Share Units
The Company grants PSUs to certain key employees. PSUs are evaluated over a two-year performance period based on actual performance targets
achieved, as well as the market-based return of the Company’s common stock relative to that of their peer group. PSU payout percentages can range
between 0% and 200% and are subject to vesting over a three-year service period, which at the end of year three, will convert into shares of the Company’s
common stock. Compensation cost for PSUs is based on the Company’s closing stock price on the date of grant, forecasted achievement of performance
targets and the estimated grant date per share value of market-based performance utilizing a Monte Carlo simulation model.
F-22
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The following table summarizes PSU activity and related information for 2023:
Nonvested at January 1, 2023
Granted
Vested
Performance adjustment
Nonvested at December 31, 2023
Awards
Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
43,536 $
13,570 $
(10,695) $
9,263 $
55,674 $
161.87
230.21
305.93
305.93
188.82
The total fair value of PSUs that vested during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, was $3.3 million, $4.7 million and $9.3 million,
respectively.
The weighted average grant date fair value of PSUs granted during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, was $3.1 million, $5.0
million and $2.1 million, respectively.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
The Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Purchase Plan”) authorizes the issuance of up to 4.5 million shares of common stock and provides that no
options to purchase shares may be granted under the Purchase Plan after May 19, 2025. The Purchase Plan is available to all employees of the Company
and its participating subsidiaries and is a qualified plan as defined by Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code. At the end of each fiscal quarter (the
“Option Period”) during the term of the Purchase Plan, employees can acquire shares of common stock from the Company at 85% of the fair market value
of the common stock on the first or the last day of the Option Period, whichever is lower. As of December 31, 2023, there were 270,833 shares available for
issuance under the Purchase Plan. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company issued 112,189, 146,416 and 116,680 shares,
respectively, of common stock to employees participating in the Purchase Plan. With respect to shares issued under the Purchase Plan, the Company’s
Board of Directors has authorized specific share repurchases to fund the shares issuable under the Purchase Plan.
The weighted average per share fair value of employee stock purchase rights issued pursuant to the Purchase Plan was $50.04, $39.45 and $43.57
during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The fair value of stock purchase rights is calculated using the grant date stock
price, the value of the embedded call option and the value of the embedded put option. Employees can contribute a maximum of 10% of their
compensation, up to a maximum of $25,000 annually under the Purchase Plan. Cash received from Purchase Plan purchases was $21.3 million, $19.5
million and $15.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Stock-Based Compensation
Total stock-based compensation includes expenses for both equity and cash-settled awards and is recognized in Selling, general and administrative
expenses within the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Stock-based compensation related to equity-settled awards was $20.1 million, $27.0 million
and $28.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Stock-based compensation related to cash-settled awards was
$4.8 million, $0.5 million and $2.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Tax benefits related to total stock-based
compensation were $8.5 million, $5.2 million and $4.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
6. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The two-class method is utilized for the computation of the Company’s EPS. The two-class method requires a portion of net income to be allocated to
participating securities, which are unvested awards of share-based payments with non-forfeitable rights to receive dividends that are paid in cash. The
Company’s RSAs are participating securities. Income allocated to these participating securities is excluded from net earnings available to common shares,
as shown in the table below. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income available to basic common shares by the weighted average number of basic
common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income available to diluted common shares by the weighted
average number of dilutive common shares outstanding during the period.
F-23
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The following table sets forth the calculation of EPS on total net income for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 (in millions, except
share and per share data):
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding
Dilutive effect of stock-based awards and employee stock purchases
Weighted average dilutive common shares outstanding
Basic:
Net income
Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities from continuing operations
Less: Loss allocated to participating securities from discontinued operations
Net income available to basic common shares
Basic earnings per common share
Diluted:
Net income
Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities from continuing operations
Less: Loss allocated to participating securities from discontinued operations
Net income available to diluted common shares
Diluted earnings per common share
Years Ended December 31,
2022
15,441,292
52,324
15,493,616
2023
13,681,660
53,139
13,734,799
2021
17,655,365
66,847
17,722,212
$
$
$
$
$
$
601.6 $
14.8
—
586.8 $
42.89 $
601.6 $
14.8
—
586.9 $
42.73 $
751.5 $
21.3
(0.1)
730.3 $
47.29 $
751.5 $
21.3
(0.1)
730.3 $
47.14 $
552.1
21.1
(2.5)
533.5
30.22
552.1
21.0
(2.5)
533.6
30.11
7. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Accounting standards define fair value as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the most advantageous
market in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Accounting standards establish a fair value hierarchy that 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 — Quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2 — Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not
active; or model-derived valuations or other inputs that are observable or that 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.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Contracts-In-Transit and Vehicle Receivables, Accounts and Notes Receivable, Accounts Payable, Variable Rate Long-
Term Debt and Floorplan Notes Payable
The fair values of these financial instruments approximate their carrying values due to the short-term nature of these instruments and/or the existence
of variable interest rates.
Fixed Rate Long-Term Debt
The Company estimates the fair value of its $750.0 million 4.00% Senior Notes due August 2028 (“4.00% Senior Notes”) using quoted prices for the
identical liability (Level 1) and estimates the fair value of its fixed-rate mortgage facilities using a present value technique based on current market interest
rates for similar types of financial instruments (Level 2). Refer to Note 14. Debt for further discussion of the Company’s long-term debt arrangements.
F-24
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The carrying value and fair value of the Company’s 4.00% Senior Notes and fixed-rate mortgages were as follows (in millions):
4.00% Senior Notes
Real estate related
Total
(1)
Carrying value excludes unamortized debt issuance costs.
Derivative Financial Instruments
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Carrying Value
(1)
Fair Value
Carrying Value
(1)
Fair Value
$
$
750.0 $
90.9
840.9 $
697.5 $
83.1
780.6 $
750.0 $
99.2
849.2 $
633.9
90.5
724.4
The Company holds interest rate swaps to hedge against variability of interest payments indexed to SOFR. The Company’s interest rate swaps are
measured at fair value utilizing a SOFR forward yield curve matched to the identical maturity term of the instrument being measured. Observable inputs
utilized in the income approach valuation technique incorporate identical contractual notional amounts, fixed coupon rates, periodic terms for interest
payments and contract maturity. The fair value of the interest rate swaps also considers the credit risk of the Company for instruments in a liability position
or the counterparty for instruments in an asset position. The credit risk is calculated using the spread between the SOFR yield curve and the relevant
interest rate according to rating agencies. The inputs to the fair value measurements reflect Level 2 of the hierarchy framework.
Assets and liabilities associated with the Company’s interest rate swaps, as reflected gross in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, were as follows (in
millions):
Assets:
Other current assets
Other long-term assets
(1)
Total assets
Liabilities:
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Long-term interest rate swap liabilities
Total liabilities
December 31,
2023
2022
$
$
$
$
1.2 $
88.1
89.3 $
— $
—
— $
0.1
109.2
109.3
—
—
—
(1)
As of December 31, 2023, the balance included gross fair value of $3.7 million related to the de-designated swap as described below.
Interest Rate Swaps De-designated as Cash Flow Hedges
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company de-designated one mortgage interest rate swap due to the Company settling the underlying
mortgages associated with the swap during the same period. As of December 31, 2023, the de-designated swap had an aggregate notional value of
$29.7 million that fixed its underlying one-month SOFR at an annual interest rate of 0.60% and will mature on March 1, 2030.
The Company reclassified the entire previously deferred gain associated with the de-designated interest rate swap of $3.1 million, net of tax of
$1.0 million, from AOCI into income as an adjustment to Other interest expense, net, as the remaining forecasted hedged transactions associated with the
interest rate swap were probable of not occurring due to the settlement of the mortgages described above. As of December 31, 2023, the Company recorded
unrealized mark-to-market losses of $0.3 million and realized gains of $1.0 million associated with the de-designated interest rate swap within Other
interest expense, net.
Interest Rate Swaps Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges and the related gains or losses are deferred in stockholders’ equity as a component of AOCI in the
Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The deferred gains or losses are recognized in income in the period in which the related items being hedged are
recognized in expense. Monthly contractual settlements of the positions are recognized as Floorplan interest expense or Other interest expense, net, in the
Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Gains or losses for periods where future forecasted hedged transactions are deemed probable of not
occurring are reclassified from AOCI into income as Floorplan interest expense or Other interest expense, net.
F-25
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
As of December 31, 2023, the Company held 36 interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges with a total notional value of $909.6 million that
fixed its underlying SOFR at a weighted average rate of 1.25%. The Company also held one additional interest rate swap designated as cash flow hedges
with forward start dates beginning in January 2024, that had a notional value of $50.0 million and a weighted average interest rate of 0.72% as of
December 31, 2023. The Company’s designated interest rate swap with a forward start date has a maturity date of December 2028. As of December 31,
2022, the Company held 39 interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges with a total notional value of $931.1 million that fixed its underlying one-
month SOFR at a weighted average rate of 1.22%. The Company completed the transition of interest rate swaps from London Interbank Offered Rate to
SOFR during 2022.
The following tables present the impact of the Company’s interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges (in millions):
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship
Interest rate swaps
Statement of Operations Classification
Floorplan interest expense, net
Other interest expense, net
Amount of Unrealized Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Recognized in Other
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Years Ended December 31,
2022
2023
2021
$
$
$
10.4 $
84.1 $
22.6
Amount Reclassified from Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into
Statements of Operations
Years Ended December 31,
2023
2022
2021
15.4 $
17.9 $
0.8 $
2.4 $
(3.7)
(4.1)
The amount of gain expected to be reclassified out of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings as an offset to Floorplan interest
expense or Other interest expense, net in the next twelve months is $18.8 million.
8. RECEIVABLES, NET AND CONTRACT ASSETS
Contracts-in-Transit and Vehicle Receivables
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables consist primarily of amounts due from financing institutions on retail finance contracts from vehicle sales,
and also includes receivables related to vehicle wholesale sales.
Accounts and Notes Receivables
Accounts and notes receivable consist primarily of amounts due from manufacturers related to dealer incentives, and also includes receivables related
to parts and service sales.
The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts that is calculated under the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model. The CECL
model applies to financial assets measured at amortized cost, as shown in the following table, and requires the Company to reflect expected credit losses
over the remaining contractual term of the asset. As the large majority of the Company’s receivables settle within 30 days, the forecast period under the
CECL model is a relatively short horizon. The Company uses an aging method to estimate allowances for doubtful accounts under the CECL model as the
Company has determined that the aging method adequately reflects expected credit losses, as corroborated by historical loss rates.
F-26
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The Company’s receivables, net and contract assets consisted of the following (in millions):
December 31,
2023
2022
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net:
Contracts-in-transit
Vehicle receivables
Total contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts
Total contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net
Accounts and notes receivables, net:
Manufacturer receivables
Parts and service receivables
F&I receivables
Other
Total accounts and notes receivables
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts
Total accounts and notes receivables, net
Within Other current assets and Other long-term assets:
(1)
Total contract assets
$
$
$
$
$
259.2 $
110.3
369.5
0.3
369.2 $
128.3 $
64.3
35.6
14.4
242.5
4.2
238.4 $
55.0 $
(1)
See further discussion of the Company’s Contract Assets balance at Note 2. Revenues. No allowance for doubtful accounts was recorded for contract assets as of
December 31, 2023, or December 31, 2022.
9. INVENTORIES
The Company’s inventories consisted of the following (in millions):
New vehicles
Used vehicles
Rental vehicles
Parts, accessories and other
Total inventories
December 31,
2023
2022
$
$
1,061.0 $
549.0
217.2
136.2
1,963.4 $
188.2
90.9
279.0
0.6
278.5
94.6
68.0
30.0
12.1
204.7
5.5
199.2
47.9
536.2
537.3
155.0
128.0
1,356.6
As described in Note 1. Basis of Presentation, Consolidation and Summary of Accounting Policies, inventories are valued at lower of cost or net
realizable value. The lower of specific cost or net realizable value adjustments reduced total inventory cost by $9.2 million and $5.4 million at
December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Interest assistance reduced inventory costs by $7.0 million and $2.8 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and reduced cost of sales
by $71.2 million, $56.0 million and $54.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Impairments of inventory, net of insurance proceeds, related to catastrophic events are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the
Consolidated Statements of Operations. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company recorded $3.4 million, $0.3 million and
$0.1 million of impairment charges, respectively.
Refer to Note 1. Basis of Presentation, Consolidation and Summary of Accounting Policies for further discussion of the Company’s accounting
policies for inventories.
F-27
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
10. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
The Company’s property and equipment consisted of the following (in millions):
Land
Buildings and leasehold improvements
Machinery and dealership equipment
Office equipment, furniture and fixtures
Company vehicles
Construction in progress
Total
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
Property and equipment, net
December 31,
2023
2022
$
$
888.8 $
1,516.6
181.6
149.1
14.6
85.7
2,836.4
587.7
2,248.7 $
838.8
1,459.8
173.0
141.7
17.3
52.0
2,682.6
554.4
2,128.2
For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company recognized $6.8 million, $0.8 million and $1.7 million, respectively, in asset
impairment charges related to property and equipment in the Company’s U.S. segment. Property and equipment impairment charges are reflected in Asset
impairments in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Depreciation and amortization expense totaled $92.0 million, $88.4 million and $77.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021,
respectively.
The Company capitalized $2.0 million, $1.1 million and $1.0 million of interest on construction projects for the years ended December 31, 2023,
2022 and 2021, respectively.
11. LEASES
The Company leases real estate, office equipment and dealership operating assets under long-term lease agreements and subleases certain real estate
to third parties.
The Company recognizes ROU assets and lease liabilities at commencement based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. For
such leases, the aggregate present value of the Company’s lease payments may include options to purchase the leased property or lease terms with options
to renew or terminate the lease, when the option is at the Company’s sole discretion, and it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise such an
option. The Company’s leases may also include rental payments adjusted periodically for inflation. Payments based on a change in an index or rates are not
considered in the determination of lease payments for purposes of measuring the related lease liability. The Company discounts lease payments using its
incremental borrowing rate based on information available as of the measurement date. Subsequent to the recognition of its ROU assets and lease liabilities,
the Company recognizes lease expense related to its operating lease payments on a straight-line basis over the lease term. None of the Company’s lease
agreements contain material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.
For the Company’s dealership operating leases, the Company has elected to separate lease and non-lease components and has allocated the
consideration between the lease and non-lease components based on the estimated fair value of the leased component. For all other asset classes, the
Company has elected to combine and account for both lease and non-lease components as a single component.
The Company has elected not to record leases with an initial term of 12 months or less on the balance sheet for all asset classes.
F-28
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The Company reviews ROU assets for impairment at the lowest level of identifiable cash flows whenever evidence exists that the carrying value of an
asset may not be recoverable (i.e., triggering events). This review consists of comparing the carrying amount of the asset group with its expected future
undiscounted cash flows. Estimates of expected future cash flows represent management’s best estimate based on currently available information and
reasonable and supportable assumptions. If the asset group’s carrying amount exceeds its future undiscounted cash flows, an impairment charge is
measured as the amount by which its carrying amount exceeds its fair value. The fair value of the ROU asset is calculated based on the discounted market
rent over the remaining lease period. The market rent reflects current lease rates on comparable properties and requires adjustments to reflect the different
characteristics between the property being measured and the comparable property, which are considered level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy
described further in Note 7. Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded
$1.8 million of impairments of ROU assets related to the U.S. segment. No impairments of ROU assets were recorded during the years ended
December 31, 2022 and 2021. The impairment charges were recognized within Asset impairments in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of
Operations. Additional information regarding the Company’s operating and finance leases is as follows (in millions, except for lease term and discount rate
information):
Leases
Assets:
Operating
Finance
Total
Liabilities:
Current:
Operating
Finance
Noncurrent:
Operating
Finance
Total
Lease Expense
Operating
Operating
Variable
Sublease income
Finance:
Balance Sheet Classification
Operating lease assets
Property and equipment, net
Current operating lease liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion
Long-term debt, net of current maturities
Income Statement Classification
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Asset impairments
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Amortization of lease assets
Interest on lease liabilities
Depreciation and amortization expense
Other interest expense, net
Net lease expense
F-29
December 31,
2023
2022
$
$
$
$
216.5 $
271.3
487.7 $
20.9 $
6.5
209.4
266.1
503.0 $
2023
Years Ended December 31,
2022
2021
$
$
38.1 $
1.8
6.6
(1.3)
9.9
12.6
67.6 $
42.4 $
—
4.5
(2.3)
9.1
8.2
61.9 $
249.1
221.4
470.5
21.8
18.8
238.4
201.6
480.6
35.1
—
3.3
(1.9)
7.3
7.2
50.9
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Maturities of Lease Liabilities
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
Thereafter
Total lease payments
Less: lease payments representing interest
Present value of lease liabilities
Weighted-Average Lease Term and Discount Rate
Weighted-average remaining lease terms:
Operating
Finance
Weighted-average discount rates:
Operating
Finance
Other Information
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows used in operating leases
Operating cash flows used in finance leases
Financing cash flows used in finance leases
ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases, initial recognition
Operating leases, modifications and remeasurements
Finance leases, initial recognition
Finance leases, modifications and remeasurements
12. INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS AND GOODWILL
December 31, 2023
Operating Leases
Finance Leases
$
$
31.8 $
33.1
30.2
28.5
26.1
190.3
339.9
(109.6)
230.3 $
2023
Years Ended December 31,
2022
2021
13.5
7.2
5.2 %
5.3 %
13.6
17.2
5.1 %
5.1 %
2023
Years Ended December 31,
2022
2021
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
36.6 $
12.6 $
26.4 $
1.5 $
(0.2) $
70.6 $
(3.6) $
42.2 $
8.2 $
9.1 $
12.9 $
25.0 $
39.3 $
23.1 $
20.0
59.6
48.2
52.3
67.8
98.9
346.9
(74.2)
272.7
12.0
17.1
4.8 %
4.9 %
36.2
7.2
10.9
77.8
9.4
63.8
(4.5)
The Company evaluates its intangible assets, including goodwill, for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate
possible impairment. Refer to Note 1. Basis of Presentation, Consolidation and Summary of Accounting Policies for further discussion of the Company’s
accounting policies relating to impairment testing.
For the October 31, 2023 annual goodwill impairment testing, the Company elected to perform a quantitative assessment to determine whether the
fair values of the Company’s reporting units were less than their carrying values. Based on the results of the quantitative assessment, the Company did not
record a goodwill impairment charge.
F-30
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
When a quantitative impairment assessment is performed, the Company estimates fair value of goodwill using a combination of the discounted cash
flow, or income approach, and the market approach. The Company weights the income approach and market approach 50% and 50%, respectively, in the
fair value model. For intangible franchise rights, the fair value of the respective franchise right is estimated using a discounted cash flow, or income
approach. The income approach measures fair value by discounting expected future cash flows at a WACC that proportionately weights the cost of debt and
equity. Significant assumptions in the model include revenue growth rates, future EBITDA margins, the WACC and terminal growth rates. The Company
applies a five-year projection period which aligns with the Company’s strategic plan. Key considerations in the assumed growth rates include industry
seasonally adjusted annual rate of vehicle sales (“SAAR”) projections, macroeconomic conditions including consumer confidence levels, unemployment
rates and gross domestic product “GDP”) growth, and internal measures such as historical financial performance, cost control and planned capital
expenditures.
Beyond the five forecasted years, the terminal value is determined using a perpetuity growth rate based on long-term inflation projections for each
reporting unit. Significant inputs to the WACC include the risk-free rate, an adjustment for stock market risk, an adjustment for company size risk and
country risk adjustments for the U.K. For the market approach, the Company utilizes recent market multiples of guideline companies for both revenue and
pre-tax net income weighted as appropriate by reporting unit.
Each of the significant assumptions to the fair value model are considered level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy described further in Note 7.
Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements. Developing these assumptions requires applying management’s knowledge of the industry, recent
transactions and reasonable performance expectations for its operations.
For the October 31, 2023 annual intangible franchise rights assessment, the Company elected to perform a qualitative assessment. Based on the
results of the qualitative assessment, certain dealerships required a quantitative assessment based on their actual results through October 31, 2023 and an
update of the annual budget in the fourth quarter of 2023. To perform the intangible franchise rights quantitative assessment, the Company estimated the
fair values of the respective franchise rights using a discounted cash flow, or income approach, following the income approach as described for Goodwill.
This resulted in franchise rights impairment charges of $25.1 million in the U.S. segment and none in the U.K. segment for the year ended December 31,
2023. The impairment charges were recognized within Asset impairments in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded impairment charges of $1.3 million in the U.S. segment and none in the U.K.
segment on intangible franchise rights. No impairment was recorded for intangible franchise rights during the year ended December 31, 2021. The
impairment charges were recognized within Asset impairments in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded additional indefinite-lived intangible franchise rights acquired through business
combinations of $215.1 million in the U.S. segment and none in the U.K. segment. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded
additional intangible franchise rights acquired through business combinations of $127.4 million in the U.S. segment and none in the U.K. segment.
Refer to Note 3. Acquisitions for further discussion of the Company’s acquisitions.
The following table presents the Company’s intangible franchise rights balances by segment as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 (in millions):
Balance, December 31, 2022
Balance, December 31, 2023
$
$
Intangible Franchise Rights
U.K.
Total
498.0 $
682.0 $
18.3 $
19.2 $
516.3
701.2
U.S.
F-31
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The following is a roll-forward of the Company’s goodwill accounts by reporting unit (in millions):
U.S.
Goodwill
U.K.
Total
Balance, December 31, 2021
(1)
Additions through acquisitions
Purchase price allocation adjustments
Disposals
Reclassified from (to) assets held for sale, net
Currency translation
Balance, December 31, 2022
(1)
Additions through acquisitions
Purchase price allocation adjustments
Disposals
Reclassified from (to) assets held for sale, net
Currency translation
Balance, December 31, 2023
(1)
$
$
$
1,307.3 $
236.1
35.0
(37.3)
8.8
—
1,549.9 $
49.7
9.1
(52.9)
(23.6)
—
1,532.1 $
(1)
Net of accumulated impairments of $40.6 million in the U.S. reporting unit.
13. FLOORPLAN NOTES PAYABLE
The Company’s Floorplan Notes Payable consisted of the following (in millions):
112.9 $
10.2
—
—
—
(11.2)
111.9 $
—
1.9
—
—
6.0
119.8 $
Revolving Credit Facility — Floorplan notes payable
Revolving Credit Facility — Floorplan notes payable offset account
Revolving Credit Facility — Floorplan notes payable, net
Other non-manufacturer facilities
Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other, net
FMCC facility
FMCC facility offset account
FMCC facility, net
GM Financial Facility
Other manufacturer affiliate facilities
Floorplan notes payable — manufacturer affiliates, net
Floorplan Notes Payable — Credit Facility
Revolving Credit Facility
December 31,
2023
2022
$
$
$
$
1,358.2 $
(236.7)
1,121.6
31.4
1,153.0 $
156.6 $
(38.5)
118.1
37.9
256.4
412.4 $
1,420.2
246.3
35.0
(37.3)
8.8
(11.2)
1,661.8
49.7
11.0
(52.9)
(23.6)
6.0
1,651.9
833.5
(140.2)
693.3
68.8
762.1
55.1
(13.4)
41.8
—
201.3
243.1
In the U.S., the Company has a $2.0 billion revolving syndicated credit arrangement with 20 participating financial institutions that matures on
March 9, 2027 (“Revolving Credit Facility”). The Company has the option to increase the availability to $2.4 billion, under certain conditions. The
Revolving Credit Facility currently consists of two tranches: (i) a $1.2 billion maximum capacity tranche for U.S. vehicle inventory floorplan financing
(“U.S. Floorplan Line”) which the outstanding balance, net of offset account discussed below, is reported in Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and
other, net; and (ii) an $800.0 million maximum capacity tranche (“Acquisition Line”), which is not due until maturity of the Revolving Credit Facility and
is therefore classified in Long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets — refer to Note 14. Debt for additional discussion. The capacity under
these two tranches can be re-designated within the overall $2.0 billion commitment. The Acquisition Line includes a $100 million sub-limit for letters of
credit and $50.0 million minimum capacity tranche. The Company had $12.2 million in letters of credit outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
F-32
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The U.S. Floorplan Line bears interest at rates equal to SOFR plus 120 basis points for new vehicle inventory and SOFR plus 150 basis points for
used vehicle inventory. The weighted average interest rate on the U.S. Floorplan Line was 6.59% as of December 31, 2023, excluding the impact of the
Company’s interest rate swap derivative instruments. The Acquisition Line bears interest at SOFR or a SOFR equivalent plus 110 to 210 basis points,
depending on the Company’s total adjusted leverage ratio, on borrowings in USD, Euros or GBP. The U.S. Floorplan Line requires a commitment fee of
0.15% per annum on the unused portion. Amounts borrowed by the Company under the U.S. Floorplan Line for specific vehicle inventory are to be repaid
upon the sale of the vehicle financed and in no case is a borrowing for a vehicle to remain outstanding for greater than one year. The Acquisition Line
requires a commitment fee ranging from 0.15% to 0.40% per annum, depending on the Company’s total adjusted leverage ratio, based on a minimum
commitment of $50.0 million less outstanding borrowings.
In conjunction with the Revolving Credit Facility, the Company had $3.8 million and $5.0 million of unamortized debt issuance costs as of
December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, which are included in Prepaid expenses and Other long-term assets in the Company’s Consolidated Balance
Sheets and amortized over the term of the facility.
Under the Revolving Credit Facility, dividends are permitted to the extent that no event of default exists, and the Company is in compliance with the
financial covenants contained therein.
Floorplan Notes Payable — Manufacturer Affiliates
FMCC Facility
The Company has a $300.0 million floorplan arrangement with FMCC for financing of new Ford vehicles in the U.S. (the “FMCC Facility”). The
FMCC Facility bears interest at the U.S. Prime rate which was 8.50% as of December 31, 2023.
GM Financial Facility
During December 2023, the Company entered into a master loan agreement with General Motors Financial (the “GM Financial Facility”). As of
December 31, 2023, the GM Financial Facility had a total capacity of $84.5 million. The GM Financial Facility bears interest at the U.S. Prime rate less
100 basis points.
Other Manufacturer Facilities
The Company has other credit facilities in the U.S. and the U.K. with financial institutions affiliated with manufacturers for financing of new, used
and rental vehicle inventories. As of December 31, 2023, borrowings outstanding under these facilities totaled $256.4 million, comprised of $142.6 million
in the U.S., with annual interest rates ranging from 1% to approximately 9%, and $113.8 million in the U.K., with annual interest rates ranging from
approximately 5% to 9%.
Offset Accounts
Offset accounts consist of immediately available cash used to pay down the U.S. Floorplan Line and FMCC Facility, and therefore offset the
respective outstanding balances in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The offset accounts are the Company’s primary options for the short-term
investment of excess cash.
F-33
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
14. DEBT
Long-term debt consisted of the following (in millions):
4.00% Senior Notes due August 15, 2028
Acquisition Line
Other debt:
Real estate related
Finance leases
Other
Total other debt
Total debt
Less: unamortized debt issuance costs
Less: current maturities
Total long-term debt
December 31,
2023
2022
$
$
750.0 $
325.0
751.0
272.7
8.8
1,032.5
2,107.5
8.7
109.4
1,989.4 $
The aggregate annual maturities of debt for the next five years, excluding debt issuance costs, are as follows (in millions):
Years Ended December 31,
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
Thereafter
Total
Acquisition Line
Total
$
$
750.0
303.2
796.9
220.4
22.3
1,039.6
2,092.7
10.2
130.3
1,952.2
109.9
123.9
198.9
517.7
878.1
278.9
2,107.5
The proceeds of the Acquisition Line are used for working capital, general corporate and acquisition purposes. As of December 31, 2023, borrowings
under the Acquisition Line, a component of the Revolving Credit Facility, totaled $325.0 million. The average interest rate on this facility was 5.66% as of
December 31, 2023.
Real Estate Related
The Company has mortgage loans in the U.S. and the U.K. that are paid in installments. As of December 31, 2023, borrowings outstanding under
these facilities totaled $751.0 million, gross of debt issuance costs, comprised of $620.3 million in the U.S. and $130.7 million in the U.K.
The Company’s mortgage loans are secured by real property owned by the Company. The carrying values of the related collateralized real estate as
of December 31, 2023 and 2022 were $1,153.2 million and $1,215.7 million, respectively.
In February 2024, the Company entered into a master credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (the “Wells Fargo Credit
Agreement”) with a maximum capacity of $250.0 million. The Wells Fargo Credit Agreement accrues interest at SOFR plus 175 basis points and matures
on March 1, 2031.
Finance Leases
Refer to Note 11. Leases for further information regarding the Company’s finance leases.
F-34
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
15. INCOME TAXES
Income from continuing operations before income taxes by geographic area was as follows (in millions):
Domestic
Foreign
Total income before income taxes
2023
Years Ended December 31,
2022
2021
$
$
732.1 $
68.1
800.2 $
897.4 $
87.9
985.3 $
Federal, state and foreign income tax provisions from continuing operations were as follows (in millions):
Federal:
Current
Deferred
State:
Current
Deferred
Foreign:
Current
Deferred
Provision for income taxes
2023
Years Ended December 31,
2022
2021
$
$
142.9 $
11.8
23.8
4.6
12.8
2.3
198.2 $
160.7 $
24.6
24.5
5.9
18.0
(2.6)
231.1 $
721.8
79.2
800.9
116.4
30.7
13.8
1.6
14.8
(1.8)
175.5
A reconciliation of the statutory federal rate to the effective tax rate on income before income taxes from continuing operations, was as follows (in
millions):
Provision at the U.S. federal statutory rate
Increase (decrease) resulting from:
State income tax, net of benefit for federal deduction
Foreign income tax rate differential
Change in enacted tax rate — U.K.
Tax credits
Change in valuation allowance
Stock-based compensation
Deferred state tax effect
Gain on dispositions
Other
Provision for income taxes
2023
Years Ended December 31,
2022
2021
168.0 $
25.2
0.6
—
(0.5)
(2.6)
(3.6)
(1.1)
5.5
6.7
198.2 $
206.9 $
22.3
(2.3)
—
(0.4)
(2.1)
(1.6)
4.3
—
4.0
231.1 $
168.1
15.3
(1.0)
(1.9)
(0.8)
(2.9)
(2.2)
—
—
0.9
175.5
$
$
F-35
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows (in millions):
December 31,
2023
2022
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued liabilities
Net operating losses
Operating lease liabilities
Other
Deferred tax assets
Less: valuation allowance on deferred tax assets
Net deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities:
Goodwill and intangible franchise rights
Fixed asset basis differences
Interest rate swaps
Operating lease ROU assets
Other
Deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax liability
$
$
$
$
62.6 $
13.0
65.5
—
141.1
7.6
133.5 $
195.9 $
114.7
21.3
53.8
0.3
386.0
252.5 $
56.4
18.9
71.1
2.5
148.9
10.2
138.7
171.2
110.0
26.1
59.6
1.7
368.6
229.9
The classification of the continued operations of the Company’s net deferred tax liability within the Consolidated Balance Sheets is as follows (in
millions):
Deferred tax asset, included in Other long-term assets
Deferred tax liability, included in Deferred income taxes
Net deferred tax liability
December 31,
2023
2022
$
$
4.1 $
256.6
252.5 $
8.2
238.1
229.9
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had state pre-tax NOL carryforwards in the U.S. of $247.9 million that will expire between 2024 and 2043 in
certain states while some may be carried forward indefinitely. To the extent that the Company expects that net income will not be sufficient to realize these
NOLs in certain jurisdictions, a valuation allowance has been established.
The Company believes it is more-likely-than-not that its deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances provided, will be realized, based primarily on
its expectation of future taxable income and considering future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company maintains a permanent reinvestment assertion on the Company’s foreign subsidiaries. An immaterial amount
of tax would be payable upon any distribution of unremitted earnings or a recognition of any outside basis difference.
Based on the statutes of limitations in the applicable jurisdictions in which the Company operates, the Company is generally no longer subject to
examinations by tax authorities in years prior to 2018.
F-36
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
A reconciliation of the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in millions):
2023
2022
2021
Balance at January 1
Additions for current tax
Additions based on tax positions in prior years
Reductions for tax positions
Settlements with tax authorities
Reductions due to lapse of statutes of limitations
Balance at December 31
$
$
2.0 $
0.6
—
—
—
(0.4)
2.2 $
2.0 $
0.5
—
—
—
(0.5)
2.0 $
2.0
0.5
—
—
—
(0.5)
2.0
Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, are $1.9 million, $1.7 million and $1.6 million,
respectively, of tax benefits that would affect the effective tax rate if recognized.
For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 the Company recorded approximately $0.3 million, $0.3 million and $0.3 million,
respectively, of interest and penalty related to its uncertain tax positions. Consistent with prior practice, the Company recognizes interest and penalties
related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
16. EMPLOYEE SAVINGS PLANS
The Company has a deferred compensation plan to provide select employees with the opportunity to accumulate additional savings for retirement on
a tax-deferred basis (the “Deferred Compensation Plan”). Participants in the Deferred Compensation Plan are allowed to defer receipt of a portion of their
salary, compensation or bonus. Participants receive a rate of return as determined by management and approved by the Board of Directors. The balances
due to participants of the Deferred Compensation Plan as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, were $108.4 million and $100.4 million, respectively, with $8.1
million and $3.9 million classified as current for each respective period.
In the U.S., the Company offers a 401(k) plan to eligible employees and provides matching contribution to employees that participate in the plan. For
the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the matching contributions paid by the Company totaled $11.7 million, $10.9 million and $8.4 million,
respectively.
In the U.K., the Company offers private personal pension plans and provides matching contributions to eligible employees that participate in the plan.
For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the matching contributions paid by the Company totaled $5.2 million, $4.5 million and
$3.8 million, respectively.
17. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
From time to time, the Company or its dealerships are named in various types of litigation involving customer claims, employment matters, class
action claims, purported class action claims, claims involving the manufacturers of automobiles, contractual disputes, vehicle related incidents and other
matters arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company may be involved in legal proceedings or suffer losses that could have a material adverse
effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. In the normal course of business, the Company is required to respond to
customer, employee and other third-party complaints. In addition, the manufacturers of the vehicles that the Company sells and services have audit rights
allowing them to review the validity of amounts claimed for incentive, rebate or warranty-related items and charge the Company back for amounts
determined to be invalid payments under the manufacturers’ programs, subject to the Company’s right to appeal any such decision.
Legal Proceedings
As of December 31, 2023, the Company was not party to any legal proceedings that, individually or in the aggregate, are reasonably expected to have
a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. However, the results of current or future matters cannot
be predicted with certainty; an unfavorable resolution of one or more of such matters could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of
operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Other Matters
In connection with dealership dispositions where the Company did not own the real estate and was a tenant, it assigned the lease to the purchaser but
remained liable as a guarantor for the remaining lease payments in the event of non-payment by the purchaser. Although the Company has no reason to
believe that it will be called upon to perform under any such assigned leases, the Company estimates that lessee remaining rental obligations were $35.0
million as of December 31, 2023.
F-37
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
18. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Changes in the balances of each component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and
2021 were as follows (in millions):
Balance, December 31, 2022
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:
Pre-tax
Tax effect
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Floorplan interest income (pre-tax)
Other interest income, net (pre-tax)
Reclassification related to de-designated interest rate swaps (pre-tax)
Provision for income taxes
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance, December 31, 2023
Balance, December 31, 2021
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:
Pre-tax
Tax effect
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Floorplan interest expense (pre-tax)
Other interest expense (pre-tax)
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments associated with the Brazil
Disposal
Other cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments
Provision for income taxes
Net current period other comprehensive income
Balance, December 31, 2022
Year Ended December 31, 2023
Accumulated Income
(Loss) on Foreign
Currency Translation
Accumulated Income
(Loss) on Interest Rate
Swaps
Total
$
(61.1) $
83.6 $
23.7
—
—
—
—
—
23.7
(37.4) $
13.7
(3.3)
(15.4)
(17.9)
(4.0)
8.9
(18.0)
65.6 $
22.5
37.3
(3.3)
(15.4)
(17.9)
(4.0)
8.9
5.7
28.1
Year Ended December 31, 2022
Accumulated Income
(Loss) on Foreign
Currency Translation
Accumulated Income
(Loss) on Interest Rate
Swaps
Total
(158.2) $
2.0 $
(156.2)
(27.2)
—
—
—
122.8
1.5
—
97.1
(61.1) $
110.0
(25.8)
(0.8)
(2.4)
—
—
0.8
81.6
83.6 $
82.7
(25.8)
(0.8)
(2.4)
122.8
1.5
0.8
178.7
22.5
$
$
$
F-38
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Balance, December 31, 2020
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:
Pre-tax
Tax effect
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Floorplan interest expense (pre-tax)
Other interest expense (pre-tax)
Reclassification related to de-designated interest rate swaps (pre-tax)
Benefit for income taxes
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income
Balance, December 31, 2021
19. CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Non-cash Activities
$
$
Accumulated Income
(Loss) on Foreign
Currency Translation
Year Ended December 31, 2021
Accumulated Income
(Loss) on Interest Rate
Swaps
(151.6) $
(32.5) $
Total
(6.7)
—
—
—
—
—
(6.7)
(158.2) $
29.5
(6.9)
3.7
4.1
7.9
(3.7)
34.5
2.0 $
(184.0)
22.8
(6.9)
3.7
4.1
7.9
(3.7)
27.8
(156.2)
The accrual for capital expenditures increased $2.0 million, decreased $1.6 million, and increased $2.9 million for the years ended December 31,
2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Interest and Income Taxes Paid
Cash paid for interest, including the monthly settlement of the Company’s interest rate swaps, was $154.3 million, $92.9 million and $72.8 million for
the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Refer to Note 7. Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements for further
discussion of the Company’s interest rate swaps.
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds, was $183.8 million, $202.2 million and $163.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and
2021, respectively.
20. SEGMENT INFORMATION
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had two reportable segments: the U.S. and the U.K. The Company defines its segments as those operations
whose results the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, who is the Chief Operating Decision Maker, regularly reviews to analyze performance and allocate
resources. Each segment is comprised of retail automotive franchises that sell new and used cars and light trucks; arrange related vehicle financing; sell
service and insurance contracts; provide automotive maintenance and repair services; and sell vehicle parts.
Selected reportable segment data for continuing operations as follows (in millions):
U.S.
Year Ended December 31, 2023
U.K.
Total
Total revenues
Gross profit
SG&A expenses
Depreciation and amortization expense
Floorplan interest expense
Other interest expense, net
Income before income taxes
Capital expenditures:
Real estate related capital expenditures
Non-real estate related capital expenditures
Total capital expenditures
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
14,814.2 $
2,610.1 $
1,622.9 $
76.9 $
53.5 $
91.4 $
732.1 $
41.5 $
114.6
156.2 $
F-39
3,059.5 $
410.1 $
303.9 $
15.1 $
10.6 $
8.4 $
68.1 $
4.7 $
24.5
29.3 $
17,873.7
3,020.3
1,926.8
92.0
64.1
99.8
800.2
46.3
139.2
185.4
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Total revenues
Gross profit
SG&A expenses
Depreciation and amortization expense
Floorplan interest expense
Other interest expense, net
Income before income taxes
Capital expenditures:
Real estate related capital expenditures
Non-real estate related capital expenditures
Total capital expenditures
Total revenues
Gross profit
SG&A expenses
Depreciation and amortization expense
Floorplan interest expense
Other interest expense, net
Income before income taxes
Capital expenditures:
Real estate related capital expenditures
Non-real estate related capital expenditures
Total capital expenditures
Property and equipment, net
Total assets
Property and equipment, net
Total assets
U.S.
Year Ended December 31, 2022
U.K.
Total
13,427.1 $
2,582.3 $
1,516.9 $
73.1 $
21.4 $
71.0 $
897.4 $
17.7 $
100.2
117.8 $
2,795.1 $
382.9 $
266.5 $
15.2 $
5.9 $
6.6 $
87.9 $
22.0 $
15.3
37.3 $
U.S.
Year Ended December 31, 2021
U.K.
Total
10,846.3 $
2,089.5 $
1,234.9 $
60.4 $
22.2 $
48.5 $
721.8 $
18.9 $
82.3
101.2 $
2,635.6 $
351.2 $
242.2 $
17.0 $
5.4 $
7.3 $
79.2 $
27.0 $
13.9
40.9 $
U.S.
U.S.
December 31, 2023
U.K.
1,915.2 $
6,665.7 $
333.5 $
1,086.6 $
December 31, 2022
U.K.
1,824.1 $
5,710.8 $
304.1 $
983.8 $
Total
Total
16,222.1
2,965.2
1,783.3
88.4
27.3
77.5
985.3
39.6
115.5
155.1
13,481.9
2,440.7
1,477.2
77.4
27.6
55.8
800.9
45.9
96.2
142.1
2,248.7
7,752.3
2,128.2
6,694.7
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Refer to Note 12. Intangible Franchise Rights and Goodwill for further discussion of the Company’s intangible franchise rights and goodwill by
segment.
F-40
Exhibit 10.27
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. 2014 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
RESTRICTED STOCK GRANT NOTICE
Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Group 1 Automotive, Inc. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time (the “Plan”),
Group 1 Automotive, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) hereby grants to the individual listed below (“you” or the “Employee”) the number of
shares of restricted common stock of the Company (the “Restricted Shares”) set forth below. This award of Restricted Shares (this “Award”) is subject to
the terms and conditions set forth herein within this Restricted Stock Grant Notice (the “Grant Notice”) and in the Restricted Stock Agreement attached
hereto as Exhibit A (together with the Grant Notice, the “Agreement”) and the Plan, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Capitalized terms
used but not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Plan.
Employee:
Employee I.D.:
Grant Type:
Date of Grant:
Total Number of Restricted Shares:
Vesting Schedule:
_____________________
_____________________
_____________________
_____________________
_____________________
Except as expressly provided in Section 2 of the Agreement, the Plan and the other terms and conditions set
forth herein, this Award shall vest according to the following schedule, so long as you remain continuously
employed by the Company or an Affiliate from the Date of Grant through each vesting date set forth below:
Vesting Date
First Anniversary of Date of Grant
Second Anniversary of Date of Grant
Third Anniversary of Date of Grant
Portion of Restricted Shares that Vest
33% of the total number of Restricted Shares
33% of the total number of Restricted Shares
34% of the total number of Restricted Shares
You agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Plan and the Agreement including future amendments thereto, if any. You acknowledge that you
have reviewed the Agreement and the Plan in their entirety and fully understand all provisions of the Agreement and the Plan. You hereby agree to accept
as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Company regarding any questions or determinations that arise under the Agreement
or the Plan. This Grant Notice may be executed in one or more counterparts (including portable document format (.pdf) and facsimile counterparts), each of
which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Acceptance of this Award will be via
electronic signature on netbenefits.fidelity.com.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]
1
Exhibit 10.27
EXHIBIT A
RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT
THIS RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT (together with the Grant Notice to which this Agreement is attached, this “Agreement”) is
effective as of the Date of Grant noted within the Grant Notice, between GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and
the employee set forth on the Grant Notice (“Employee”).
1.
Award. Pursuant to the GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. 2014 LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN (the “Plan”), the number of
shares (the “Restricted Shares”) of the Company’s common stock set forth in the Grant Notice shall be issued as hereinafter provided in Employee’s name,
subject to certain restrictions thereon, in consideration of the services to be rendered by the Employee to the Company. The Restricted Shares shall be
issued upon satisfaction of the conditions of this Agreement. Employee hereby specifically agrees to comply with the Additional Employee Obligations
(defined below), if and when applicable. In the event of any conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the Plan, the Plan shall control. Capitalized
terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings attributed to such terms in the Plan.
2.
Restricted Shares. Employee hereby accepts the Restricted Shares when issued and agrees with respect thereto as follows:
(a)
Forfeiture Restrictions. The Restricted Shares may not be sold, assigned, pledged, exchanged, hypothecated or otherwise
transferred, encumbered or disposed of to the extent then subject to the Forfeiture Restrictions (as hereinafter defined), and in the event of
termination of Employee’s employment with the Company for any reason other than a Qualified Retirement (as hereinafter defined), death or
Disability (as hereinafter defined), Employee shall, for no consideration, forfeit to the Company all Restricted Shares to the extent then subject to
the Forfeiture Restrictions. In the case of a Qualified Retirement, Employee shall, for no consideration, forfeit to the Company (y) all Restricted
Shares to the extent subject to the forfeiture restrictions on the date of such termination if Employee fails to comply with the Additional Employee
Obligations continuously from the date of the termination of Employee’s employment as a result of a Qualified Retirement until the Compliance
Expiration Date (as hereinafter defined) and (z) as of the date of such Qualified Retirement, Restricted Shares granted to Employee less than six
months prior to (or any time after) the earlier to occur of (1) the date Employee provides notification of his or her intent to terminate his or her
employment due to Qualified Retirement or (2) the date of such Qualified Retirement. The prohibition against transfer and the obligation to forfeit
and surrender Restricted Shares to the Company upon termination of employment, or thereafter in the case of non-compliance with the Additional
Employee Obligations following termination of employment as a result of a Qualified Retirement, are herein referred to as the “Forfeiture
Restrictions.”
(b)
Lapse of Forfeiture Restrictions. The Forfeiture Restrictions shall lapse as to the Restricted Shares in accordance with the
schedule set forth on the Grant Notice, provided that Employee has been continuously employed by the Company from the date of this Agreement
through the lapse date set forth on the Grant Notice. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Forfeiture Restrictions shall lapse as to all of the
Restricted Shares then subject to the Forfeiture Restrictions on the date Employee’s employment with the Company is terminated by reason of
death or Disability. Further notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that Employee’s employment with the Company terminates as a result of a
Qualified Retirement, all of the Restricted Shares that are then subject to the Forfeiture Restrictions shall remain subject to forfeiture under this
Agreement until the Compliance Expiration Date and, upon the Compliance Expiration Date, provided that Employee has complied with the
Additional Employee Obligations continuously from the date of the termination of his employment with the Company as a result of such Qualified
Retirement until the Compliance Expiration Date, the Forfeiture Restrictions shall lapse as to all of the Restricted Shares then subject to the
Forfeiture Restrictions (which, for purposes of clarity, shall not include Restricted Shares granted to Employee less than six months prior to (or
any time after) the earlier to occur of (1) the date Employee provides notification of his or her intent to terminate his or her employment due to
Qualified Retirement or (2) the date of such Qualified Retirement, which Restricted Shares shall be forfeited upon the Qualified Retirement).
(c)
Certificates. A certificate evidencing the Restricted Shares shall be issued by the Company in Employee’s name, pursuant to
which Employee shall have all of the rights of a stockholder of the Company with respect to the Restricted Shares, including, without limitation,
voting rights and the right to receive dividends (provided, however, that dividends paid in shares of the Company’s stock shall be subject to the
Forfeiture Restrictions and provided further that dividends that are paid other than in shares of the Company’s stock shall be paid no later than the
end of the calendar year in which the dividend for
2
Exhibit 10.27
such class of stock is paid to stockholders of such class or, if later, the 15th day of the third month following the date the dividend is paid to
stockholders of such class of stock). Employee may not sell, transfer, pledge, exchange, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of the stock until the
Forfeiture Restrictions have expired and a breach of the terms of this Agreement shall cause a forfeiture of the Restricted Shares. The certificate
shall be delivered upon issuance to the Secretary of the Company or to such other depository as may be designated by the Committee as a
depository for safekeeping until the forfeiture of such Restricted Shares occurs or the Forfeiture Restrictions lapse pursuant to the terms of the
Plan and this award. On the date of this Agreement, Employee shall deliver to the Company a stock power, endorsed in blank, relating to the
Restricted Shares. Upon the lapse of the Forfeiture Restrictions without forfeiture, the Company shall cause a new certificate or certificates to be
issued without legend (except for any legend required pursuant to applicable securities laws or any other agreement to which Employee is a party)
in the name of Employee in exchange for the certificate evidencing the Restricted Shares. However, the Company, in its sole discretion, may elect
to deliver the certificate either in certificate form or electronically to a brokerage account established for Employee’s benefit at a
brokerage/financial institution selected by the Company. Employee agrees to complete and sign any documents and take additional action that the
Company may request to enable it to deliver the shares on Employee’s behalf.
(d)
Corporate Acts. The existence of the Restricted Shares shall not affect in any way the right or power of the Board or the
stockholders of the Company to make or authorize any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or other change in the Company’s capital
structure or its business, any merger or consolidation of the Company, any issue of debt or equity securities, the dissolution or liquidation of the
Company or any sale, lease, exchange or other disposition of all or any part of its assets or business or any other corporate act or proceeding. The
prohibitions of Section 2(a) hereof shall not apply to the transfer of Restricted Shares pursuant to a plan of reorganization of the Company, but the
stock, securities or other property received in exchange therefor shall also become subject to the Forfeiture Restrictions and provisions governing
the lapsing of such Forfeiture Restrictions applicable to the original Restricted Shares for all purposes of this Agreement and the certificates
representing such stock, securities or other property shall be legended to show such restrictions.
(e)
Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following capitalized words and terms shall have the meanings indicated
below:
(i)
"Additional Employee Obligations” shall mean those obligations of Employee to the Company and its Affiliates that
apply during or after Employee’s employment by the Company as attached hereto in Annex A and incorporated herein by reference as a
part of this Agreement.
(ii)
“Affiliate” shall have the meaning set forth in the Plan.
(iii)
“Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.
(iv)
“Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Reference to any section of the Code shall be
deemed to include any amendments or successor provisions to such section and any regulations under such section.
(v)
“Committee” shall mean the committee of the Board that is selected by the Board to administer the Plan as provided in
Paragraph IV(a) of the Plan.
(vi)
“Compliance Expiration Date” shall mean the date that is two years following the effective date of the termination of
Employee’s employment with the Company or, if earlier, the date of Employee’s death or Disability after a Qualified Retirement.
(vii)
“Disability” shall mean that Employee has become disabled within the meaning of section 409A(a)(2)(C) of the Code
and applicable administrative authority thereunder.
(viii)
“Qualified Retirement” shall mean the termination of Employee’s employment with the Company on a date that is on
or after Employee’s attainment of age 63 and following the date on which the sum of the Employee’s age and years of Service equals or
exceeds 70, and so long as the Employee has completed, in the aggregate, five (5) years of Service.
(ix)
“Service” shall mean the years of service credited to Employee for vesting purposes under the Group 1 Automotive Inc.
401(k) Savings Plan, as amended from time to time.
3
Exhibit 10.27
3.
Withholding of Tax/Tax Election. To the extent that the receipt of the Restricted Shares or the lapse of any Forfeiture Restrictions
results in compensation income to Employee for federal or state income tax purposes, Employee shall deliver to the Company at the time of such receipt or
lapse, as the case may be, such amount of money as the Company may require to meet its obligation under applicable tax laws or regulations or make such
other arrangements to satisfy such withholding obligation as the Company, in its sole discretion, may approve. In addition, the Company may withhold
unrestricted shares of stock of the Company (valued at their fair market value on the date of withholding of such shares) otherwise to be issued upon the
lapse of the Forfeiture Restrictions to satisfy its withholding obligations. If Employee makes the election authorized by section 83(b) of the Code in
connection with the award of the Restricted Shares, Employee shall submit to the Company a copy of the statement filed by Employee to make such
election.
4.
Status of Stock. Employee agrees that the Restricted Shares issued under this Agreement will not be sold or otherwise disposed of in any
manner that would constitute a violation of any applicable securities laws, whether federal, state or applicable non-U.S. law or the Company’s Code of
Conduct. Employee also agrees that (a) the certificates representing the Restricted Shares may bear such legend or legends as the Committee deems
appropriate in order to reflect the Forfeiture Restrictions and to assure compliance with applicable securities laws, (b) the Company may refuse to register
the transfer of the Restricted Shares on the stock transfer records of the Company if such proposed transfer would constitute a violation of the Forfeiture
Restrictions or, in the opinion of counsel satisfactory to the Company, of any applicable securities law and (c) the Company may give related instructions to
its transfer agent, if any, to stop registration of the transfer of the Restricted Shares. The Company (or to such other depository as may be designated
pursuant to Section 2(c) above) shall hold the Restricted Shares (and the related stock powers) pursuant to the terms of this Agreement until such time as
(y) a certificate or certificates for the Restricted Shares are delivered to Employee free of restrictions (which, for purposes of clarity in the event of a
Qualified Retirement, shall not be prior to the Compliance Expiration Date provided that Employee has complied with the Additional Employee
Obligations continuously from the date of the termination of his employment with the Company as a result of a Qualified Retirement until the Compliance
Expiration Date), or (z) the Restricted Shares are canceled and forfeited pursuant to this Agreement.
5.
Employment Relationship. For purposes of this Agreement, Employee shall be considered to be in the employment of the Company as
long as Employee remains an employee or a consultant of either the Company, a parent or subsidiary corporation (as defined in section 424 of the Code) of
the Company, or any successor corporation. Nothing in the adoption of the Plan, nor the award of the Restricted Shares thereunder pursuant to this
Agreement, shall confer upon Employee the right to continued employment or engagement as a consultant by the Company or affect in any way the right of
the Company to terminate such employment or consulting relationship at any time, subject to applicable law. Unless otherwise provided in a written
employment or consulting agreement or by applicable law, Employee’s employment or engagement as a consultant by the Company shall be on an at-will
basis, and the employment and/or consulting relationship may be terminated at any time by either Employee or the Company for any reason whatsoever or
no reason at all, with or without cause, subject to applicable law. Any question as to whether and when there has been a termination of such employment
and/or consulting relationship, and the cause of such termination, shall be determined by the Committee, and its determination shall be final.
6.
Notices. Any notices or other communications provided for in this Agreement must be provided in writing. In the case of Employee, such
notices or communications shall be effectively delivered if hand-delivered to Employee at his principal place of employment or if sent by registered or
certified mail to Employee at the last address Employee has filed with the Company. In the case of the Company, such notices or communications shall be
effectively delivered if sent by registered or certified mail to the Company at its principal offices.
7.
Entire Agreement; Amendment. This Agreement and the documents incorporated by reference, including, but not limited to, the
documents referenced in Section 2(a)(i) above, herein replace and merge all previous agreements and discussions relating to the same or similar subject
matters between Employee and the Company and constitute the entire agreement between Employee and the Company with respect to the subject matters
of this Agreement; provided, however, that the vesting terms of this Agreement shall not modify and shall be subject to the terms and conditions of any
employment, consulting and/or severance agreement between the Company and Employee that provides for accelerated vesting of the Restricted Shares
upon or after termination of employment. Without limiting the scope of the preceding sentence, except as provided therein, all prior understandings and
agreements, if any, among the parties hereto relating to the subject matters hereof are hereby null and void and of no further force and effect. Any
modification of this Agreement shall be effective only if it is in writing and signed by both Employee and an authorized officer of the Company.
8.
Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of any successors to the Company and all persons
lawfully claiming under Employee.
4
Exhibit 10.27
9.
Forfeiture (“Clawback”) Policy. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, any Restricted Shares granted
and/or shares issued hereunder, hereunder are subject to recovery under any law, government regulation, or applicable stock exchange listing and are
subject to any written clawback policies that the Company has adopted or may adopt either prior to or following the effective date of this Agreement,
whether required pursuant to or related to any applicable law, government regulation, or stock exchange listing. Any such clawback policy may subject
your Restricted Shares and amounts paid or realized with respect to your Restricted Shares to reduction, cancelation, forfeiture, or recoupment if certain
specified events occur, including but not limited to an accounting restatement, or other events or wrongful conduct specified in any such clawback policy.
The Company will make any determination for reduction, cancelation, forfeiture, or recoupment in its sole discretion and in accordance with any applicable
law or regulation.
10.
Controlling Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware,
without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof.
5
Exhibit 10.27
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION, NON-COMPETITION AND NON-SOLICITATION
ANNEX A
1.
Defined Terms; Employment Relationship. Capitalized terms used in this Annex A that are not defined in this Annex A shall have the
meanings assigned to such terms in the Restricted Stock Agreement to which this Annex A is attached (the “Restricted Stock Agreement”). For purposes of
this Annex A, Employee shall be considered to be in the employment of the Company as provided in Section 5 of the Restricted Stock Agreement.
As used herein, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(a)
“Business” means the business of auto retailing (whether public or private), automobile dealership consolidation and any other
business that is the same as, or competitive with, the business in which Employee was engaged during Employee’s employment by the Company
and its Affiliates. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the “Business” shall not include automotive manufacturing or any business in which the
Company and its Affiliates have permanently refrained from engaging.
(b)
“Restricted Area” means the geographic area within a 50-mile radius of any automotive dealership in which the Company or an
Affiliate has an ownership interest as of the date of the termination of Employee’s employment by the Company, which such area includes,
without limitation, the Louisiana parishes listed on Annex A-1; provided, however, that the Restricted Area shall not include any area within the
State of California.
2.
Protection of Confidential Information. Except as required by law, Employee promises that Employee will not, at any time during or
after Employee’s employment by the Company, make any unauthorized disclosure of any confidential information or trade secrets of the Company or its
Affiliates, or make any use thereof, except in the carrying out of Employee’s responsibilities on behalf of the Company and its Affiliates. Employee also
agrees to preserve and protect the confidentiality of confidential information and trade secrets belonging to third parties, such as customers, suppliers,
partners, and joint venturers of the Company and its Affiliates to the same extent, and on the same basis, as the Company’s and its Affiliates’ confidential
information and trade secrets.
3.
Non-Competition; Non-Solicitation. As an express incentive for the Company to enter into the Restricted Stock Agreement, and in
order to protect the Company’s and its Affiliates’ confidential information, goodwill and legitimate business interests, Employee expressly acknowledges
and agrees that, until the Compliance Expiration Date, Employee will not, directly or indirectly, on Employee’s own behalf or on behalf of others:
(a)
within the Restricted Area, engage or carry on in the Business (other than on behalf of the Company or its Affiliates); for
purposes of this Section 3(a), employee acknowledges that the following constitute non-exclusive examples of engaging or carrying on in the
Business, in violation of this agreement: rendering advice or services to, or otherwise assisting, any other person, association or entity that is
engaged in, or planning to engage in, the Business in such a manner that Employee performs duties or services that are the same or similar to those
duties or services that Employee performed on behalf of the Company and its Affiliates;
(b)
within the Restricted Area, solicit or attempt to solicit the business of any customer or client of the Company or its Affiliates
with whom or which Employee has had any material business dealings during Employee’s employment by the Company and its Affiliates for the
furtherance of, or on behalf of, a competitive business or a competitive activity; and
(c)
encourage or induce any current or former employee of the Company or any of its Affiliates to leave the employment of the
Company or any of its Affiliates or offer employment, retain, hire or assist in the hiring of any such employee by any person, association, or entity
not affiliated with the Company or any of its Affiliates; provided, however, that nothing in this subsection (c) shall prohibit Employee from
offering employment to any prior employee of the Company or any of its Affiliates who was not employed by the Company or any of its Affiliates
at any time in the twelve (12) months prior to the termination of Employee’s employment by the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of Sections 3(a) and 3(b) above will not apply in that portion of the Restricted Area, if any, located within the
State of Oklahoma. Instead, Employee agrees that, within that portion of the Restricted Area that is located within the State of Oklahoma, in addition to the
restrictions set forth in Section 3(c) above, Employee shall not directly or indirectly solicit the sale of goods, services or a combination of goods and
services from the established customers of the Company and its Affiliates. In addition, the provisions of Sections
6
Exhibit 10.27
3(a) and 3(b) above shall not apply following Employee’s termination of employment with the Company if such termination does not constitute a Qualified
Retirement.
4.
Employee’s Acknowledgements. Employee acknowledges and agrees that, during the course of Employee’s employment with the
Company, Employee has been provided with the Company’s and its Affiliates’ confidential information and become associated with the Company’s and its
Affiliates’ goodwill. Employee further acknowledges and agrees that, as a consequence of Employee’s continued employment and entry into the Restricted
Stock Agreement, Employee will receive benefits to which Employee was not otherwise entitled and will be provided with, and have access to, additional
confidential information of the Company and its Affiliates and become further associated with, and will further build, customer relationships and the
Company’s and its Affiliates’ goodwill. Employee acknowledges and agrees that the provisions of this Annex A are no greater than necessary to protect the
Company’s and its Affiliates’ legitimate business interests, including the protection of their confidential information, customer relationships and goodwill;
the provisions of this Annex A create no undue hardship on Employee; and Employee is receiving sufficient consideration in exchange for Employee’s
entry into this agreement. Employee further acknowledges and agrees that the restrictions set forth in this Annex A are reasonable and that Employee has
had, or will have, responsibilities with regard to, and has received or will receive, confidential information about, the Business operated by the Company
and its Affiliates throughout the Restricted Area.
5.
Reformation. Notwithstanding the Employee’s acknowledgements in Section 4 above, if any of the restrictions hereunder are found by a
court of competent jurisdiction to be unreasonable, or overly broad as to geographic area or time, or otherwise unenforceable, Employee and the Company
intend for the restrictions herein set forth to be modified by the court making such determination so as to be reasonable and enforceable and, as so
modified, to be fully enforced. By agreeing to this contractual modification prospectively at this time, Employee and the Company intend to make this
provision enforceable under the law or laws of all applicable states and other jurisdictions so that the entire agreement not to compete and this Annex A as
prospectively modified shall remain in full force and effect and shall not be rendered void or illegal.
7
Exhibit 10.27
ANNEX A-1
LOUISIANA PARISHES
[Select which of the following parishes are within, or reasonably expected to be within, the 50-mile radius described above]
[Acadia, Allen, Ascension, Assumption, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Calcasieu, Caldwell, Cameron, Catahoula, Claiborne,
Concordia, De Soto, East Baton Rouge, East Carroll, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Franklin, Grant, Iberia, Iberville, Jackson, Jefferson, Jefferson David, La
Salle, Lafayette, Lafourche, Lincoln, Livingston, Madison, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Orleans, Ouachita, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, Red River,
Richland, Sabine, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Tensas,
Terrebonne, Union, Vermillion, Vernon, Washington, Webster, West Baton Rouge, West Carroll, West Feliciana, Winn.]
8
Exhibit 10.27
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
2014 LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
APPENDIX TO RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT
ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
This Appendix, which is part of the Agreement, contains additional terms and conditions that govern the Restricted Shares granted to the Employee under
the Plan if he or she resides outside the United States. The terms and conditions in Part A of this Appendix apply to all Employees outside the United
States. The country-specific terms and conditions and/or notifications in Part B of this Appendix will also apply to the Employee if he or she resides in one
of the countries listed below. Unless otherwise defined, capitalized terms used but not defined in this Appendix have the meanings set forth in the Plan
and/or the Agreement.
NOTIFICATIONS
This Appendix also includes information regarding exchange controls and certain other issues of which the Employee should be aware with respect to
participation in the Plan. The information is based on the exchange control, securities and other laws in effect in the respective countries as of June 2014.
Such laws are often complex and change frequently. As a result, the Company strongly recommends that the Employee not rely on the information in this
Appendix as the only source of information relating to the consequences of his or her participation in the Plan because the information may be out of date
at the time that the Employee vests in the Restricted Shares or sell shares of common stock acquired under the Plan.
In addition, the information contained herein is general in nature and may not apply to the Employee’s particular situation, and the Company is not in a
position to assure the Employee of a particular result. Accordingly, the Employee is advised to seek appropriate professional advice as to how the relevant
laws in his or her country may apply to the Employee’s situation.
Finally, if the Employee is a citizen or resident, or is considered a resident, of a country other than the one in which he or she is currently working, or
transferred employment after the Restricted Shares were granted to him or her, the information contained herein may not be applicable. In addition, the
Company shall, in its sole discretion, determine to what extent the additional terms and conditions included herein will apply to you under these
circumstances.
A.
ALL NON-U.S. COUNTRIES ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The following additional terms and conditions will apply to the Employee if he or she resides in any country outside the United States.
Responsibility for Taxes. The following section replaces Section 3 of the Agreement in its entirety:
The Employee acknowledges that, regardless of any action taken by the Company or, if different, the Employee’s employer (the “Employer”), the ultimate
liability for all income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, fringe benefits tax, payment on account or other tax-related items related to the Employee’s
participation in the Plan and legally applicable to the Employee (“Tax-Related Items”) is and remains the Employee’s responsibility and may exceed the
amount actually withheld by the Company or the Employer. The Employee further acknowledges that the Company and/or the Employer (1) make no
representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the Restricted Shares, including, but not
limited to, the grant or vesting of the Restricted Shares, the subsequent sale of shares of common stock acquired pursuant to such settlement and the receipt
of any dividends; and (2) do not commit to and are under no obligation to structure the terms of the grant or any aspect of the Restricted Shares to reduce or
eliminate the Employee’s liability for Tax-Related Items or achieve any particular tax result. Further, if the Employee is subject to Tax-Related Items in
more than one jurisdiction between the date of grant and the date of any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, the Employee
acknowledges that the Company and/or the Employer (or former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for Tax-Related Items in
more than one jurisdiction.
1
Exhibit 10.27
Prior to any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, the Employee agrees to make adequate arrangements satisfactory to the Company
and/or the Employer to satisfy all Tax-Related Items. In this regard, the Employee authorizes the Company and/or the Employer to satisfy the obligations
with regard to all Tax-Related Items by one or a combination of the following methods: (i) requiring payment by the Employee to the Company, on
demand, by cash, check or other method of payment as may be determined acceptable by the Company; (ii) withholding from the Employee’s wages or
other cash compensation paid to the Employee by the Company and/or the Employer; (iii) withholding from proceeds of the sale of shares of common
stock at vesting of the Restricted Shares either through a voluntary sale or through a mandatory sale arranged by the Company (on the Employee’s behalf
pursuant to this authorization) without further consent; or (iv) withholding shares of common stock at vesting of the Restricted Shares.
Depending on the withholding method, the Company and/or the Employer may withhold or account for Tax-Related Items by considering applicable
minimum statutory withholding rates or other applicable withholding rates, including maximum applicable rates, in which case the Employee will receive a
refund of any over-withheld amount in cash and will have no entitlement to the common stock equivalent. If the obligation for Tax-Related Items is
satisfied by withholding in shares of common stock, for tax purposes, the Employee is deemed to have been issued the full number of shares of common
stock subject to the vested Restricted Shares, notwithstanding that a number of the shares of common stock are held back solely for the purpose of paying
the Tax-Related Items.
Finally, the Employee agrees to pay the Company or the Employer any amount of Tax-Related Items that the Company or the Employer may be required to
withhold or account for as a result of the Employee’s participation in the Plan that cannot be satisfied by the means previously described. The Company
may refuse to issue or deliver the shares or the proceeds of the sale of shares of common stock, if the Employee fails to comply with the Employee’s
obligations in connection with the Tax-Related Items.
Nature of Grant. The following section is added to Section 5 of the Agreement:
In accepting the grant, the Employee acknowledges, understands and agrees that: (1) the Plan is established voluntarily by the Company, it is discretionary
in nature and it may be modified, amended, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time, to the extent permitted by the Plan; (2) all decisions with
respect to future Restricted Share or other grants, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Company; (3) the Employee is voluntarily participating in the
Plan; (4) the Restricted Shares are not intended to replace any pension rights or compensation; (5) the future value of the underlying shares of common
stock is unknown, indeterminable and cannot be predicted with certainty; (6) no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages shall arise from
forfeiture of the Restricted Shares resulting from the termination of the Employee’s employment or other service relationship (for any reason whatsoever,
whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where the Employee is employed or the terms of the
Employee’s employment agreement, if any), and in consideration of the grant of the Restricted Shares to which the Employee is otherwise not entitled, the
Employee irrevocably agrees never to institute any claim against the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or the Employer, waives the Employee’s ability, if
any, to bring any such claim, and releases the Company, its Subsidiaries and the Employer from any such claim; if, notwithstanding the foregoing, any such
claim is allowed by a court of competent jurisdiction, then, by participating in the Plan, the Employee shall be deemed irrevocably to have agreed not to
pursue such claim and agree to execute any and all documents necessary to request dismissal or withdrawal of such claim; (7) for purposes of the Restricted
Shares, the Employee’s employment or service relationship will be considered terminated as of the date the Employee is no longer actively providing
services to the Company or one of its Subsidiaries (regardless of the reason for such termination and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of
employment laws in the jurisdiction where the Employee is employed or providing services or the terms of the Employee’s employment or service
agreement, if any) and unless otherwise expressly provided in these terms and conditions or determined by the Company, the Employee’s right to vest in
the Restricted Shares under the Plan, if any, will terminate as of such date and will not be extended by any notice period (e.g., the Employee’s period of
service would not include any contractual notice period or any period of “garden leave” or similar period mandated under employment laws in the
jurisdiction where the Employee is employed or providing services or the terms of the Employee’s employment or service agreement, if any); the Company
shall have the exclusive discretion to determine when the Employee is no longer actively providing services for purposes of the Employee’s Restricted
Share grant (including whether the Employee may still be considered to be providing services while on an approved leave of absence); (8) unless otherwise
provided in the Plan or by the Company in its discretion, the Restricted Shares and the benefits evidenced by these terms and conditions do not create any
entitlement to have the Restricted Shares or any such benefits transferred to, or assumed by, another company nor to be exchanged, cashed out or
substituted for, in connection with any corporate transaction affecting the shares of the Company; (9) the Restricted Shares and the shares of common stock
subject to the Restricted Shares, and the income and value of same, are not part of normal or expected compensation for any purpose, including, without
limitation, calculating severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end-of-service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, pension or
retirement or welfare benefits or similar payments; and (10) the Employee acknowledges and agrees that neither the Company, the Employer nor any
subsidiary or affiliate of the Company shall be liable for any foreign exchange rate fluctuation
2
Exhibit 10.27
between the Employee’s local currency and the United States Dollar that may affect the value of the Restricted Shares or of any amounts due to the
Employee pursuant to the settlement of the Restricted Shares or the subsequent sale of any shares of common stock acquired upon settlement.
No Advice Regarding Grant. The Company is not providing any tax, legal or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations
regarding the Employee’s participation in the Plan, or the Employee’s acquisition or sale of the underlying shares of common stock. The Employee is
hereby advised to consult with the Employee’s own personal tax, legal and financial advisors regarding the Employee’s participation in the Plan before
taking any action related to the Plan.
Data Privacy. The Employee hereby explicitly and unambiguously consents to the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of the
Employee’s personal data as described in the Agreement and any other Restricted Share grant materials (“Data”) by and among, as applicable, the
Employer, the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing the Employee’s
participation in the Plan.
The Employee understands that the Company and the Employer may hold certain personal information about the Employee, including, but not limited
to, the Employee’s name, home address and telephone number, date of birth, social insurance number or other identification number, salary,
nationality, job title, any shares of stock or directorships held in the Company, details of all Restricted Shares or any other entitlement to shares of
stock awarded, canceled, exercised, vested, unvested or outstanding in the Employee’s favor, for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering
and managing the Plan.
The Employee understands that Data will be transferred to a stock plan service provider as may be selected by the Company in the future, which is
assisting the Company with the implementation, administration and management of the Plan. The Employee understands that the recipients of the
Data may be located in the United States or elsewhere (including outside the EEA), and that the recipient’s country (e.g., the United States) may have
different data privacy laws and protections than the Employee’s country. The Employee understands that the Employee may request a list with the
names and addresses of any potential recipients of the Data by contacting the Employee’s local human resources representative. The Employee
authorizes the Company and any other possible recipients which may assist the Company (presently or in the future) with implementing, administering
and managing the Plan to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer the Data, in electronic or other form, for the sole purpose of implementing,
administering and managing the Employee’s participation in the Plan. The Employee understands that Data will be held only as long as is necessary to
implement, administer and manage the Employee’s participation in the Plan. The Employee understands that the Employee may, at any time, view
Data, request additional information about the storage and processing of Data, require any necessary amendments to Data or refuse or withdraw the
consents herein, in any case without cost, by contacting in writing the Employee’s local human resources representative. Further, the Employee
understands that the Employee is providing the consents herein on a purely voluntary basis. If the Employee does not consent, or if the Employee later
seeks to revoke the Employee’s consent, the Employee’s employment status or service and career with the Employer will not be adversely affected; the
only adverse consequence of refusing or withdrawing the Employee’s consent is that the Company would not be able to grant the Employee Restricted
Shares or other equity awards or administer or maintain such awards. Therefore, the Employee understands that refusing or withdrawing the
Employee’s consent may affect the Employee’s ability to participate in the Plan. For more information on the consequences of the Employee’s refusal
to consent or withdrawal of consent, the Employee understands that the Employee may contact the Employee’s local human resources representative.
Language. If the Employee has received the Agreement or any other document related to the Plan translated into a language other than English and if the
meaning of the translated version is different than the English version, the English version will control.
B.
COUNTRY-SPECIFIC ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND NOTIFICATIONS
UNITED KINGDOM
See Appendix A-1
3
Exhibit 10.27
Appendix A-1
UNITED KINGDOM
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
U.K. Sub-Plan. The terms of the U.K. Sub-plan apply to the grant of Restricted Shares.
4
Exhibit 10.28
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
PERFORMANCE SHARE UNIT AGREEMENT
This Performance Share Unit Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into by and between Group 1 Automotive, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the “Company”), and you. This Agreement is entered into as of the [●] day of [●], 2024 (the “Date of Grant”).
1.
Grant. The Company hereby grants to you as of the Date of Grant a Performance Award that is a Phantom Stock Award consisting of [●]
performance share units (the “Performance Share Units”), subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement (this “Award”). Depending on
the Company’s performance, you may earn from zero percent (0%) to two hundred percent (200%) of the Performance Share Units, based on the
Company’s performance on two measures set forth in Section 3 over the designated performance period, with each measure applying to 50% of the
Performance Share Units granted under this Award. Acceptance of this Award will be via electronic signature on netbenefits.fidelity.com.
2.
The Plan. The Performance Share Units granted to you by this Agreement shall be granted under the Group 1 Automotive, Inc. 2014
Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time (the “Plan”). A copy of the Plan has been furnished to you and shall be deemed a part of this
Agreement as if fully set forth herein and the terms capitalized but not defined in this Agreement or on Appendix A attached hereto shall have the meanings
set forth in the Plan. This Agreement is subject to all the terms, conditions, limitations, and restrictions contained in the Plan.
3.
Performance Period and Measures. You will be entitled to a payment in shares of Common Stock in the amount determined under
Section 3(b) and payable at the time indicated in Section 5, subject to (i) your continuous employment with the Company through the Vesting Date and
(ii) the satisfaction of the performance conditions set forth in this Section 3 measured as of December 31, 2025 .
(a)
Performance Measures. The number of Performance Share Units earned for the Performance Period is determined based on the
Company’s performance with respect to Return on Invested Capital and Total Shareholder Return over the Performance Period.
(b)
Shares Payable. Subject to Sections 4 and 5, the number of shares of Common Stock payable is equal to the product determined by
multiplying the total number of Performance Share Units awarded pursuant to this Agreement by the Performance Unit Payout Percentage achieved with
respect to the Performance Period. Because the Performance Unit Payout Percentage reflects the Company’s performance on two separate performance
measures averaged together, 50% of the Performance Share Units are treated as subject to one performance measure and 50% of the Performance Share
Units are treated as subject to the other performance measure.
4.
Termination of Employment.
(a)
Termination Generally. If, prior to the Vesting Date, you voluntarily separate from employment with the Company (other than due to your
Planned Retirement, death, or Disability) or your employment is terminated by the Company, all Performance Share Units awarded hereunder (and any
related Dividend Equivalents) will be forfeited. In the case of a Planned Retirement, if you fail to comply with the Post-Retirement Obligations
continuously from the date of the termination of your employment as a result of a Planned Retirement until the Compliance Expiration Date, all
Performance Share Units awarded hereunder (or any Restricted Stock Award granted pursuant to Section 4(b) and any unpaid Dividend Equivalents) will
be forfeited for no consideration and be null and void.
(b)
Planned Retirement. If, prior to the Vesting Date, you separate from employment due to Planned Retirement, within thirty (30) days
following the end of the Performance Period you will receive an unvested Restricted Stock Award with respect to the number of shares of Common Stock
equal to the product determined by multiplying the total number of Performance Share Units awarded pursuant to this Agreement by the Performance Unit
Payout Percentage achieved with respect to the Performance Period, which Restricted Stock Award will vest and become nonforfeitable to the extent you
comply with the Post-Retirement Obligations continuously from the date of the termination of your employment as a result of a Planned Retirement until
the Compliance Expiration Date.
(c)
Death or Disability. If, prior to the Vesting Date, you separate from employment with the Company due to death or Disability, within
thirty (30) days following the end of the Performance Period you will receive the number of shares of Common Stock equal to the product determined by
multiplying the total number of
1
Exhibit 10.28
Performance Share Units awarded pursuant to this Agreement by the Performance Unit Payout Percentage achieved with respect to the Performance
Period.
(d)
Leave of Absence. With respect to the Performance Share Units, the Company may, in its sole discretion, determine that if you are on
leave of absence for any reason you will be considered to still be in the employ of the Company, provided that your rights to the Performance Share Units,
if any, during a Performance Period in which such a leave of absence occurs may be prorated to reflect the period of time during the Performance Period
that you provided actual services to the Company.
5.
Payment of Performance Share Units. The number of shares of Common Stock earned hereunder shall be issued as soon as reasonably
practicable after the Vesting Date but in no event later than thirty (30) days following the Vesting Date, in the amount determined in accordance with
Section 3; provided, however, in the event that you separate from employment with the Company (a) pursuant to Section 4(b), the shares shall be issued in
the form of a Restricted Stock Award within thirty (30) days following the end of the Performance Period, or (b) pursuant to Section 4(c), the shares of
Common Stock shall be issued within thirty (30) days following your death or Disability. The issuance of shares of Common Stock, or the Restricted Stock
Award, will be subject to withholding for all applicable taxes and other payroll adjustments, as applicable. The Committee’s determination of the amount
payable shall be binding upon you and your beneficiaries or estate. The value of such shares shall not bear any interest owing to the passage of time. The
number of shares of Common Stock payable will be rounded down to the nearest share. No fractional shares of Common Stock will be issued pursuant to
this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, in no event may the number of shares of Common Stock (or, if applicable,
Restricted Stock) payable to you pursuant to the half of the Performance Share Units granted under this Award that are based on Total Shareholder Return
have an aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of the last day of the Performance Period or, if sooner, the date of Planned Retirement, death or
Disability) that exceeds the aggregate Fair Market Value on the Date of Grant of the number of shares of Common Stock underlying such half of the
Performance Share Units granted hereunder, multiplied by four (the “Maximum Value”). For the sake of clarity, this Maximum Value is calculated solely
with respect to the half of the Performance Share Units subject to the TSR performance measure. In the event the aggregate Fair Market Value of the shares
of Common Stock payable pursuant to this Section 5 (determined as of the last day of the Performance Period or, if sooner, the date of Planned Retirement,
death, or Disability) exceeds the Maximum Value with respect to the TSR half of this Award, the number of shares of Common Stock payable pursuant to
this Section 5 will be reduced to a number of whole shares of Common Stock, the aggregate Fair Market Value of which is equal to or less than the
Maximum Value relating to the TSR half of the Award. In the event the number of shares of Common Stock is reduced pursuant to this Section 5 but, as of
the Vesting Date (or, if sooner, the date of Planned Retirement, death, or Disability), the aggregate Fair Market Value of the shares of Common Stock
payable to you pursuant to this agreement is less than the Maximum Value, the number of shares of Common Stock previously reduced pursuant to this
Section 5 will become payable to you in accordance with this Section 5 but only to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value as of the Vesting Date
(or, if sooner, the date of Planned Retirement, death or Disability) does not exceed the Maximum Value.
6.
Limited Stockholder Rights and Dividend Equivalents. The Performance Share Units granted pursuant to this Agreement do not and shall
not entitle you to any rights of a holder of Common Stock, including the right to vote, prior to the date shares are issued to you in settlement of the
Performance Share Units pursuant to Section 5; provided, however, that in the event the Company declares and pays a cash dividend in respect of its
outstanding shares of Common Stock and, on the record date of that dividend, you hold Performance Share Units granted pursuant to this Agreement that
have not been settled, you will be eligible to receive an amount in cash equal to the cash dividends you would have received if you were the holder of
record as of such record date, of the number of shares of Common Stock earned pursuant to Section 3 (prior to any reduction for withholding) (such
payment the “Dividend Equivalents”). Dividend Equivalents will be paid to you, less any applicable withholding for taxes or payroll adjustments, at the
time the Performance Share Units are settled as described in Sections 4(c) or 6, as applicable, and will be subject to forfeiture at the same times and to the
same extent as the Performance Share Units; provided, however, in the event of your Planned Retirement the Dividend Equivalents will be paid to you
within thirty (30) days following the end of the Performance Period provided you have complied with the Post-Retirement Obligations continuously from
the date of your Planned Retirement through the date of such payment. Your rights with respect to the Performance Share Units and the Dividend
Equivalents shall remain forfeitable at all times prior to the date on which the rights become vested and earned as set forth in Sections 3, 4(b), or 4(c), as
applicable.
7.
Adjustment in Number of Performance Share Units. The number of Performance Share Units subject to this Agreement shall be adjusted
to reflect stock splits or other changes in the capital structure of the Company, all in accordance with the Plan. In the event that the outstanding shares of the
Company are exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or other securities, or if additional, new, or different shares are distributed with respect to
the shares through merger, consolidation, or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, there shall be substituted for the shares under the
Performance Share Units subject to this Agreement the
2
Exhibit 10.28
appropriate number and kind of shares of new or replacement securities as determined in the sole discretion of the Committee, subject to the terms and
provisions of the Plan.
8.
Compliance with Securities Law. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the issuance of shares will be subject
to compliance with all applicable requirements of federal, state, or foreign law with respect to such securities and with the requirements of any stock
exchange or market system upon which the shares may then be listed. No shares will be issued hereunder if such issuance would constitute a violation of
any applicable federal, state, or foreign securities laws or other law or regulations or the requirements of any stock exchange or market system upon which
the shares may then be listed. In addition, shares will not be issued hereunder unless (a) a registration statement under the Securities Act, is at the time of
issuance in effect with respect to the shares issued or (b) in the opinion of legal counsel to the Company, the shares issued may be issued in accordance
with the terms of an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The inability of the Company to obtain from any
regulatory body having jurisdiction the authority, if any, deemed by the Company’s legal counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any
shares subject to the Award will relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue such shares as to which such requisite authority has
not been obtained. As a condition to any issuance hereunder, the Company may require you to satisfy any qualifications that may be necessary or
appropriate to evidence compliance with any applicable law or regulation and to make any representation or warranty with respect to such compliance as
may be requested by the Company. From time to time, the Board and appropriate officers of the Company are authorized to take the actions necessary and
appropriate to file required documents with governmental authorities, stock exchanges, and other appropriate Persons to make shares available for issuance.
9.
Payment of Taxes. The Company may require you to pay to the Company an amount the Company deems necessary to satisfy its current
or future withholding with respect to federal, state, or local income or other taxes that you incur as a result of the Award. With respect to any tax
withholding and to the extent permissible pursuant to Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, you may (a) direct the Company to withhold from the shares to
be issued to you under this Agreement the number of shares necessary to satisfy the Company’s withholding of such taxes, which determination will be
based on the shares’ Fair Market Value at the time such determination is made; (b) deliver to the Company shares sufficient to satisfy the Company’s tax
withholding, based on the shares’ Fair Market Value at the time such determination is made; or (c) deliver cash to the Company sufficient to satisfy its tax
withholding obligations. If you desire to elect to use the stock withholding option described in subparagraph (a), you must make the election at the time and
in the manner the Company prescribes. The maximum number of shares that may be so withheld or surrendered shall be a number of shares that have an
aggregate Fair Market Value on the date of withholding or repurchase of up to the aggregate amount of such tax liabilities determined based on the greatest
withholding rates for federal, state, foreign, and/or local tax purposes, including payroll taxes, that may be utilized without creating adverse accounting
treatment with respect to the Award. The Company, in its discretion, may deny your request to satisfy its tax withholding obligations using a method
described under subparagraph (a) or (b). In the event the Company determines that the aggregate Fair Market Value of the shares withheld as payment of
any tax withholding obligation is insufficient to discharge that tax withholding obligation, then you must pay to the Company, in cash, the amount of that
deficiency immediately upon the Company’s request.
10.
Right of the Company to Terminate Services. Nothing in this Agreement confers upon you the right to continue in the employ of or
performing services for the Company or interfere in any way with the rights of the Company to terminate your employment or service relationship at any
time.
11.
Furnish Information. You agree to furnish to the Company all information requested by the Company to enable it to comply with any
reporting or other requirements imposed upon the Company by or under any applicable statute or regulation.
12.
Remedies. The Company shall be entitled to recover from you reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with the successful
enforcement of the terms and provisions of this Agreement, whether by an action to enforce specific performance or for damages for its breach or
otherwise.
13.
No Liability for Good Faith Determinations. The Company and the members of the Board shall not be liable for any act, omission, or
determination taken or made in good faith with respect to this Agreement or the Performance Share Units granted hereunder.
14.
Execution of Receipts and Releases. Any payment of cash or any issuance or transfer of shares or other property to you, or to your legal
representative, heir, legatee, or distributee, in accordance with the provisions hereof, will, to the extent thereof, be in full satisfaction of all claims of such
Persons hereunder. In addition, the Company may require you or your legal representative, heir, legatee, or distributee, as a condition precedent to such
3
Exhibit 10.28
payment or issuance, to execute a general release of all claims in favor of the Company, any Affiliate, and the employees, officers, stockholders or board
members of the foregoing in such form as the Company may determine.
15.
Clawback. Notwithstanding any other provisions in this Agreement to the contrary, your Performance Share Units granted hereunder are
subject to recovery under any law, government regulation, or applicable stock exchange listing and are subject to any written clawback policies that the
Company has adopted or may adopt either prior to or following the Date of Grant, whether required pursuant to or related to any applicable law,
government regulation or stock exchange listing. Any such clawback policy may subject your Performance Share Units and amounts paid or realized with
respect to your Performance Share Units to reduction, cancelation, forfeiture, or recoupment if certain specified events occur, including but not limited to
an accounting restatement, or other events or wrongful conduct specified in any such clawback policy. The Company will make any determination for
reduction, cancelation, forfeiture, or recoupment in its sole discretion and in accordance with any applicable law, regulation, or policy.
16.
or depreciation.
No Guarantee of Interests. The Board and the Company do not guarantee the shares of Common Stock underlying this Award from loss
17.
Company Records. Records of the Company regarding your period of service, termination of service, and the reason(s) therefor, leaves of
absence, re-employment, and other matters shall be conclusive for all purposes hereunder, unless determined by the Company to be incorrect.
18.
Notice. All notices required or permitted under this Agreement must be in writing and personally delivered or sent by mail and shall be
deemed to be delivered on the date on which it is actually received by the person to whom it is properly addressed or if earlier the date it is sent via certified
United States mail.
19.
Waiver of Notice. Any person entitled to notice hereunder may waive such notice in writing.
20.
Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon you, your legal representatives, heirs, legatees, and distributees, and upon the
Company, its successors, and assigns.
21.
Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal or invalid for any reason, the illegality or invalidity shall not affect
the remaining provisions hereof, but such provision shall be fully severable, and this Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if the illegal or invalid
provision had never been included herein.
22.
Company Action. Any action required of the Company shall be by resolution of the Board or by a person or entity authorized to act by
resolution of the Board.
23.
Headings. The titles and headings of Sections are included for convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in the
construction of the provisions hereof.
24.
Controlling Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without
regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof.
25.
Amendment. This Agreement may be amended by the Board or by the Committee at any time (a) if the Board or the Committee
determines, in its sole discretion, that amendment is necessary or advisable in light of any addition to or change in any federal or state, tax, or securities law
or other law or regulation, which change occurs after the Date of Grant and by its terms applies to the Award; or (b) other than in the circumstances
described in clause (a) or provided in the Plan, with your consent.
26.
Section 409A. It is intended that the Performance Share Units awarded hereunder shall be exempt from the requirements of Section 409A
of the Code (and any regulations and guidelines issued thereunder), and this Agreement shall be interpreted on a basis consistent with such intent.
Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if you are a “specified employee” under Section 409A of the Code at the time of separation
from service and if payment of any amount under this Agreement is required to be delayed for a period of six months after the separation from service
pursuant to Section 409A of the Code, payment of such amount shall be delayed as required by Section 409A of the Code, and the accumulated postponed
amount shall be paid in a lump sum payment within 10 days after the end of the six-month period. If you die during the postponement period prior to the
payment of the postponed amount, the accumulated postponed amount shall be paid to the personal representative of your estate within 60 days after the
date of your death.
4
Exhibit 10.28
27.
Nontransferability of Agreement. This Agreement and all rights under this Agreement shall not be transferable by you during your life
other than by will or pursuant to applicable laws of descent and distribution. Any of your rights and privileges in connection herewith shall not be
transferred, assigned, pledged, or hypothecated by you or by any other person or persons, in any way, whether by operation of law, or otherwise, and shall
not be subject to execution, attachment, garnishment, or similar process. In the event of any such occurrence, this Agreement shall automatically be
terminated and shall thereafter be null and void. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all or some of the Performance Share Units or rights under this Agreement
may be transferred to a spouse pursuant to a domestic relations order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Blank]
5
Appendix A
Defined Terms
For purposes of the Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings assigned below:
“Affiliate” has the meaning provided in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act.
“Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.
“Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
“Committee” shall mean the committee of the Board that is selected by the Board to administer the Plan as provided in Paragraph IV(a) of the
Plan.
“Compliance Expiration Date” shall mean the date that is two years following the effective date of the termination of your employment with the
Company.
“Disability” shall mean you become disabled within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(C) of the Code and applicable administrative authority
thereunder.
“Peer Group” means Asbury Automotive Group, Inc., AutoNation, Inc., Lithia Motors, Inc., Penske Automotive Group, Inc., and Sonic
Automotive, Inc. If a member of the Peer Group ceases to be a public company during the Performance Period (whether by merger, consolidation,
liquidation, bankruptcy, or otherwise) or it fails to file financial statements with the SEC in a timely manner, it shall be treated as if it had not been a Peer
Group member for the entire Performance Period.
“Performance Period” means the period commencing on January 1, 2024, and ending on December 31, 2025.
“Performance Unit Payout Percentage” means the percentile obtained by dividing the sum of (1) the ROIC Performance Percentage and (2) the
TSR Performance Percentage, by two.
“Person” has the meaning given in section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act as modified and used in sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act.
“Planned Retirement” shall mean that the Board has accepted your resignation under terms relating to the date and conditions of resignation that
are mutually agreeable to you and the Company.
“Post-Retirement Obligations” shall mean any of your obligations that apply following the termination of your employment with the Company,
including, without limitation, pursuant to any employment agreement, restricted stock award agreement, or any other agreement between you and the
Company, as such agreements may be amended from time to time, and any such other obligations that apply following the termination of your employment
with the Company pursuant to any other agreement that may be entered into by you and the Company from time to time.
“Return on Invested Capital,” or “ROIC,” shall mean, as calculated by the Committee in its sole discretion, (i) operating income less taxes
divided by (ii) invested capital.
“ROIC Performance Percentage” means the percentage set forth in the table below:
A-1
ROIC of the Company
14.0% or Greater
Less than 14.0%, but Equal to or Greater than 13%
Less than 13%, but Equal to or Greater than 12%
Less than 12%, but Greater than 10.5%
Equal to 10.5%
Less than 10.5%
“SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
ROIC Performance Percentage
Maximum (200% of Target)
Interpolate between 100% and 200%
Target (100%)
Interpolate between 50% and 100%
50% (Minimum)
Zero
“Total Shareholder Return” or “TSR,” means (A) the sum of (1) share price appreciation (calculated as the closing share price of the Common
Stock for the last business day of the Performance Period less the closing share price of the Common Stock for the first business day of the Performance
Period), plus (2) cumulative dividends during the Performance Period, plus (3) any additional value or compensation received by shareholders (such as
stock received from spinoffs), divided by (B) the closing share price of the Common Stock on the first business day of the Performance Period, adjusted to
take into account any stock splits, changes in capitalization, or other similar events. Such determinations and adjustments shall be made by the Committee
in its discretion.
“TSR Performance Percentage” means a percentile calculated based upon the median TSR performance of the Peer Group. To the extent the
Company’s TSR equals the median TSR of the Peer Group, the TSR Performance Percentage will be 100%. For every 1% that the Company’s TSR
exceeds the median TSR of the Peer Group, the TSR Performance Percentage will increase by 2%. For every 1% that the Company’s TSR is less than the
median TSR of the Peer Group, the TSR will decrease by 2%. In the event the Company’s TSR percentage is more than 25 percentage points less than the
median TSR of the Peer Group, the TSR Performance Percentage will be deemed to be 0%, and in no event will the TSR Performance Percentage exceed
200%. For purposes of calculating the TSR Performance Percentage, TSR percentages can be negative. By way of example, in the event the median TSR of
the Peer Group is 10% and the Company’s TSR is 8%, the TSR Performance Percentage will be 96%. In the event the median TSR of the Peer Group is
10% and the Company’s TSR is 15%, the TSR Performance Percentage will be 110%. If the median TSR of the Peer Group is 15% and the Company’s
TSR is -5%, the TSR Performance Percentage will be 60%. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent the Company’s TSR is less than 0%, the TSR
Performance Percentage may be no higher than 100%.
“Vesting Date” means December 31, 2026.
A-2
Subsidiaries of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
Exhibit 21.1
1855 Hylan Realty, LLC (DE)
3670 Oceanside Realty, LLC (DE)
510 Sunrise Realty, LLC (DE)
Advantagecars.com, Inc. (DE)
dba
Sterling McCall Hyundai
Genesis of Southwest Houston
Amarillo Motors-F, Inc. (DE)
dba
Gene Messer Ford of Amarillo
Gene Messer Lincoln of Amarillo
Gene Messer Auto Group
Gene Messer Ford of Amarillo Collision Center
Gene Messer Collision Center of Amarillo
AMR Real Estate Holdings, LLC (DE)
Baron Development Company, LLC (KS)
Baron Leasehold, LLC (KS)
Bob Howard Automotive-East, Inc. (OK)
dba
South Pointe Chevrolet
South Pointe Truck Annex
Bob Howard Chevrolet, Inc. (OK)
dba
Bob Howard Chevrolet
Bob Howard Dodge, Inc. (OK)
dba
Bob Howard Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Bob Howard Motors, Inc. (OK)
dba
Bob Howard Toyota
Bob Howard Auto Group
Bob Howard Nissan, Inc. (OK)
dba
Bob Howard Nissan
Bohn-FII, LLC (DE)
Bohn Holdings, LLC (DE)
Caliber Motors Inc. (CA)
dba
Mercedes-Benz of Anaheim
Chaperral Dodge, Inc. (DE)
dba
Dallas Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Dallas PDC
Danvers-S, Inc. (DE)
dba
Audi Peabody
Danvers-SB, Inc. (DE)
dba
Ira BMW of Stratham
BMW of Stratham
Ira Preowned of Exeter
Danvers-SU, LLC (DE)
dba
Ira Subaru
Danvers-T, Inc. (DE)
dba
Ira Toyota
Ira Toyota of Danvers
Ira Collision Center
Ira Collision Center of Danvers
Danvers-TII, Inc. (DE)
Danvers-TIV, Inc. (MA)
dba
Ira Toyota of Hyannis
Danvers-TL, Inc. (DE)
dba
Ira Lexus
Ira Lexus of Danvers
Danvers-TV, Inc. (MA)
dba
Ira Toyota of Orleans
G1R CA, LLC (CA)
G1R Clear Lake, LLC (TX)
G1R Florida, LLC (DE)
G1R Mass, LLC (DE)
GPI, Ltd. (TX)
GPI AL-N, Inc. (DE)
dba
Nissan of Mobile
GPI AL-SB, LLC (DE)
dba
BMW of Mobile
BMW of Mobile Collision Center
GPI CA-DMIII, LLC (CA)
GPI CA-H, Inc. (CA)
dba
Capital City Honda
Capital City Collision Center
GPI CA-HSC, Inc. (CA)
GPI CA-LXI (CA)
dba
Tustin Lexus
Newport Lexus
GPI CA-SV, Inc. (DE)
dba
Volkswagen Kearny Mesa
GPI CA-TII, Inc. (DE)
dba
Toyota of Anaheim
GPI CC, Inc. (DE)
dba
Group 1 Automotive Call Center
Subsidiaries of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
Exhibit 21.1
GPI FL-A, LLC (NV)
dba
Audi North Miami
GPI FL-G, LLC (FL)
dba
Estero Bay Chevrolet
GPI FL-H, LLC (DE)
dba
Honda of Bay County
GPI FL-VW, LLC (DE)
dba
Volkswagen of Panama City
GPI GA-CC, LLC (GA)
GPI GA-CGM, LLC (NV)
dba
Rivertown Buick GMC
GPI GA-DM, LLC (DE)
dba
Mercedes-Benz of Augusta
GPI GA-FII, LLC (DE)
dba
Jim Tidwell Ford
Group 1 Atlanta
Group 1 Automotive – Southeast Region
Tidwell Ford Collision Center
Tidwell Collision Center of Kennesaw
GPI GA-FIII, LLC (DE)
dba
Rivertown Ford
GPI GA-SU, LLC (NV)
dba
Rivertown Subaru
Rivertown Bargain Center
Rivertown Auto Mall
Rivertown Auto Mall Bargain Center of Columbus
GPI GA-T, LLC (DE)
dba
World Toyota
World Toyota Collision & Glass Center
World Toyota Collision Center of Atlanta
GPI GA-TII, LLC (NV)
dba
Rivertown Toyota
Rivertown Supercenter
Rivertown Toyota Collision Center
Rivertown Collision Center of Columbus
GPI GA Holdings, Inc. (DE)
GPI GA Liquidation, LLC (DE)
GPI KS-SB, Inc. (DE)
dba
Baron BMW
Baron MINI
Baron BMW Collision Center
Baron Collision Center of Kansas City
GPI KS-SK, Inc. (DE)
dba
Shawnee Mission Kia
GPI LA-DM, LLC (LA)
dba
Mercedes-Benz of Shreveport
GPI LA-FII, LLC (DE)
dba
Rountree Ford
Rountree Lincoln
GPI LA-H, LLC (LA)
dba
Honda of Slidell
GPI LA-J, LLC (LA)
dba
Land Rover Shreveport
Jaguar Shreveport
GPI LA-V, LLC (LA)
dba
Volvo Cars Shreveport
GPI MA-AII, Inc. (MA)
dba
Audi Westwood
Ira Collision Center South
GPI MA-DM, Inc. (MA)
dba
Mercedes-Benz of Hanover
GPI MA-DMII, Inc. (MA)
dba
Mercedes-Benz of Westwood
GPI MA-F, Inc. (MA)
dba
Ira Ford Auburn
GPI MA-FM, Inc. (MA)
dba
Ira Mazda
Prime Mazda
GPI MA-FV, Inc. (MA)
dba
Ira Volvo Cars South Shore
GPI MA-GM, Inc. (MA)
dba
Ira Buick GMC – Hanover
Prime Buick GMC – Hanover
GPI MA-H, Inc. (MA)
GPI MA-HA, Inc. (MA)
dba
Ira Acura Westwood
GPI MA-HII, Inc. (MA)
GPI MA-LR, Inc. (MA)
dba
Land Rover Hanover
Subsidiaries of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
Exhibit 21.1
GPI MA-P, Inc. (MA)
dba
Porsche Westwood
GPI MA-SB, Inc. (MA)
dba
BMW of Norwood
GPI MA-SBII, Inc. (MA)
dba
South Shore BMW
South Shore MINI
Ira Collision Center Norwell
GPI MA-SV, Inc. (MA)
GPI MA-TVI, Inc. (MA)
GPI MD Holdings, Inc. (MD)
GPI MD-SB, LLC (DE)
dba
BMW of Annapolis
MINI of Annapolis
BMW of Annapolis Collision Center
GPI MD-H Greenbelt, LLC (MD)
dba
Honda of Greenbelt
Beltway Collision Center
GPI MD-HII, LLC (MD)
dba
Honda of Owings Mills
Owings Mills Pre Owned Center
GPI MD-HY, LLC (MD)
dba
College Park Hyundai
GPI MD-K, LLC (MD)
dba
Kia of Bowie
GPI MD-T, LLC (MD)
dba
Toyota of Bowie
Toyota Certified at Capital Plaza Pre Owned
GPI ME-DC, Inc. (ME)
dba
Ira Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
GPI ME-DM, Inc. (ME)
dba
Mercedes-Benz of Scarborough
GPI ME-F, Inc. (ME)
dba
Ira Ford Saco
GPI ME-H, Inc. (ME)
dba
Ira Honda – Saco
GPI ME-SV, Inc. (ME)
dba
Volkswagen Saco
GPI ME-T, Inc. (ME)
dba
Ira Toyota Saco
Ira Collision Center North
GPI MS-H, Inc. (DE)
dba
Pat Peck Honda
GPI MS-N, Inc. (DE)
GPI MS-SK, Inc. (DE)
GPI NH-DM, Inc. (NH)
dba
Mercedes-Benz of Manchester
GPI NH-SU, Inc. (NH)
GPI NH-T, Inc. (DE)
dba
Ira Toyota of Manchester
GPI NH-TL, Inc. (DE)
dba
Ira Lexus of Manchester
GPI NJ-DC, Inc. (NJ)
dba
World Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
GPI NJ-HA, LLC (NV)
dba
Elite Acura
GPI NJ-HII, LLC (NV)
dba
Boardwalk Honda
GPI NJ-SB, LLC (NV)
dba
BMW of Atlantic City
BMW of Atlantic City Collision Center
GPI NJ-SU Inc. (NJ)
dba
World Subaru
GPI NM-J, Inc. (NM)
dba
Jaguar Land Rover Albuquerque
GPI NM-LRII, Inc. (NM)
dba
Land Rover Santa Fe
GPI NM-SB, Inc. (NM)
dba
Sandia BMW
Sandia MINI
GPI NM-SBII, Inc. (NM)
dba
Santa Fe BMW
Santa Fe MINI
GPI NM-SC, LLC (NM)
dba
Sandia BMW Motorcycles
Subsidiaries of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
Exhibit 21.1
GPI NM-SCII, LLC (NM)
dba
Santa Fe BMW Motorcycles
GPI NM-TL, Inc. (NM)
dba
Lexus of Albuquerque
Lexus of Santa Fe
GPI NY-GM, LLC (NY)
dba
Staten Island Buick GMC
GPI NY-GMII, LLC (NY)
dba
Rockville Centre GMC
GPI NY-SU, LLC (NY)
dba
Bill Kolb Jr. Subaru
GPI NY Holdings, Inc. (NV)
GPI OK-HII, Inc. (NV)
dba
South Pointe Honda
South Pointe Used Car and Truck Center
GPI OK-SH, Inc. (DE)
dba
Bob Howard Hyundai
GPI SA, LLC (DE)
GPI SAC-T, Inc. (DE)
dba
Folsom Lake Toyota
Folsom Lake Collision Center
Folsom Lake Toyota Collision Center
GPI SC-DM, LLC (SC))
dba
Mercedes-Benz of Hilton Head
GPI SC-H, LLC (SC))
dba
Hilton Head Honda
GPI SC-SB, LLC (DE)
dba
BMW of Columbia
GP1 Collision Center of Columbia
GPI SC-SBII, LLC (DE)
dba
Hilton Head BMW
GPI SC-T, LLC (DE)
dba
Toyota of Rock Hill
GPI SC, Inc. (DE)
dba
Sterling McCall Collision Center of Jersey Village
Sterling McCall Collision of Jersey Village
GPI SC Holdings, Inc. (DE)
GPI TX-A, Inc. (NV)
dba
Audi Grapevine
GPI TX-AII, Inc. (TX)
dba
Audi Fort Worth
GPI TX-AIII, Inc. (TX)
dba
Audi El Paso
GPI TX-ARGMIII, Inc. (NV)
GPI TX-DCIV, Inc. (TX)
dba
Denton Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Denton Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Pre-Owned
GPI TX-DMII, Inc. (NV)
dba
Mercedes-Benz of Clear Lake
Sprinter of Clear Lake
Mercedes-Benz and Sprinter of Clear Lake
GPI TX-DMIII, Inc. (NV)
dba
Mercedes-Benz of Boerne
Sprinter of Boerne
GPI TX-DMIV, Inc. (NV)
dba
Mercedes-Benz of Georgetown
Sprinter of Georgetown
smart center of Georgetown
Georgetown Mercedes-Benz
Georgetown Sprinter
Georgetown smart center
GPI TX-EPGM, Inc. (DE)
dba
Shamaley Buick GMC
GPI TX-F, Inc. (DE)
dba
Shamaley Ford
Shamaley Collision Center
Shamaley Collision Center of El Paso
GPI TX-FMII, Inc. (TX)
dba
Denton Mazda
GPI TX-G, Inc. (TX)
dba
Beck & Masten Buick GMC
Beck & Masten Buick GMC North
Beck & Masten North
GPI TX-GII, Inc. (TX)
dba
Beck & Masten Buick GMC
Beck & Masten Buick GMC Gulf Freeway
Beck & Masten Buick GMC South
Beck & Masten Gulf Freeway
Subsidiaries of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
Exhibit 21.1
GPI TX-GIII, Inc. (TX)
dba
Beck & Masten Buick GMC
Beck & Masten Buick GMC Certified Pre Owned
Beck & Masten Coastal Bend
Beck & Masten Buick GMC Costal Bend
Beck & Masten Buick GMC Robstown
Beck & Masten Commercial
Beck & Masten Pre Owned
GPI TX-HAII, Inc. (NV)
dba
Sterling McCall Acura Sugar Land
GPI TX-HGM, Inc. (DE)
GPI TX-HGMII, Inc. (NV)
dba
Sterling McCall Buick GMC
GPI TX-HGMIV, Inc. (NV)
dba
Sterling McCall Chevrolet
Sterling McCall Collision Center North
Sterling McCall Pre-Owned Center
GPI TX-HIII, Inc. (TX)
dba
Fernandez Honda
GPI TX-NVI, Inc. (NV)
dba
Cedar Park Nissan
GPI TX-P, Inc. (TX)
dba
Porsche El Paso
GPI TX-SBII, Inc. (DE)
dba
BMW of El Paso
GPI TX-SBIII, Inc. (NV)
dba
BMW of Arlington
MINI of Arlington
BMW-MINI of Arlington
GP1 Collision Center of Arlington
GPI TX-SBIV, Inc. (TX)
dba
BMW of Clear Lake
MINI of Clear Lake
BMW-MINI Clear lake
GPI TX-SHII, Inc. (DE)
GPI TX-SK, Inc. (DE)
dba
Gene Messer Kia
Gene Messer Auto Group
GPI TX-SKII, Inc. (NV)
dba
Kia of South Austin
GPI TX-SKIII, Inc. (TX)
GPI TX-SU, Inc. (TX)
dba
Subaru El Paso
GPI TX-SVII, Inc. (DE)
dba
Volkswagen of Beaumont
Mike Smith Auto Group
GPI TX-SVIII Inc. (DE)
dba
Volkswagen of Alamo Heights
Group 1 Associates, Inc. (DE)
Group 1 FL Holdings, Inc. (DE)
Group 1 Funding, Inc. (DE)
Group 1 Holdings-DC, LLC (DE)
Group 1 Holdings-F, LLC (DE)
Group 1 Holdings-GM, LLC (DE)
Group 1 Holdings-H, LLC (DE)
Group 1 Holdings-N, LLC (DE)
Group 1 Holdings-S, LLC (DE)
Group 1 Holdings-T, LLC (DE)
Group 1 LP Interests-DC, Inc. (DE)
Group 1 Realty, Inc. (DE)
dba
Group 1 Realty, Inc. of Delaware (LA)
G1R New Hampshire (NH)
Group 1 Realty NE, LLC (MA)
Harvey Ford, LLC (DE)
dba
Bohn Ford
BohnZone Collision Center
BohnZone Collision Center of West Bank
Harvey GM, LLC (DE)
Harvey Operations-T, LLC (DE)
dba
Bohn Toyota
Bohn Quality Select Used Cars
Howard-DCIII, LLC (DE)
dba
South Pointe Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
South Pointe Automall
Howard-GM, Inc. (DE)
dba
Bob Howard Buick GMC
Bob Howard GMC Truck
Bob Howard Collision Center
Bob Howard Collision Center of Edmond
Subsidiaries of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
Exhibit 21.1
Howard-GM II, Inc. (DE)
dba
Smicklas Chevrolet
John Smicklas Chevrolet
Bob Howard PDC
Group 1 Autoparts.com
Group 1 Autoparts
Howard Parts Distribution Center
Smicklas PDC
Smicklas Chevrolet Collision Center
Smicklas Collision Center of Oklahoma City
Howard-H, Inc. (DE)
dba
Bob Howard Honda
Howard-HA, Inc. (DE)
dba
Bob Howard Acura
Howard-SB, Inc. (DE)
dba
BMW of Tulsa
HRI Procurement, Inc. (TX)
Ira Automotive Group, LLC (DE)
Ivory Auto Properties of South Carolina, LLC (SC)
Key Ford, LLC (DE)
dba
World Ford Pensacola
World Ford Collision Center of Pensacola
Kutz-N, Inc. (DE)
dba
Courtesy Nissan
Lubbock Motors-F, Inc. (DE)
dba
Gene Messer Ford
Gene Messer Lincoln
Gene Messer Ford Collision Center
Gene Messer Collision Center of Lubbock
Gene Messer Auto Group
Lubbock Motors-GM, Inc. (DE)
dba
Gene Messer Chevrolet
Gene Messer Auto Group
Gene Messer Accessories
Gene Messer Quality Used Cars
Lubbock Motors-S, Inc. (DE)
dba
Gene Messer Volkswagen
Gene Messer Auto Group
Lubbock Motors-SH, Inc. (DE)
dba
Gene Messer Hyundai
Gene Messer Auto Group
Lubbock Motors-T, Inc. (DE)
dba
Gene Messer Toyota
Gene Messer Auto Group
Maxwell Ford, Inc. (DE)
dba
Maxwell Ford
Maxwell Ford Supercenter
Maxwell Collision Center of Austin
Maxwell Ford Collision Center
Maxwell-GMII, Inc. (DE)
dba
Freedom Chevrolet
Maxwell-N, Inc. (DE)
dba
Town North Nissan
Maxwell-NII, Inc. (DE)
dba
Round Rock Nissan
GP1 Collision Center of Round Rock
GP1 Collision of Round Rock
McCall-F, Inc. (DE)
dba
Sterling McCall Ford
Sterling McCall Ford Collision Center
Sterling McCall Collision Center of Houston
McCall-H, Inc. (DE)
dba
Sterling McCall Honda
McCall-HA, Inc. (DE)
dba
Sterling McCall Acura
McCall-N, Inc. (DE)
dba
Sterling McCall Nissan
Sterling McCall Nissan Collision Center
Sterling McCall Nissan Collision Center of Stafford
McCall-SB, Inc. (DE)
dba
Advantage BMW
Advantage BMW Midtown
McCall-T, Inc. (DE)
dba
Sterling McCall Toyota
West Region Management Group
McCall-TII, Inc. (DE)
dba
Sterling McCall Toyota Fort Bend
Fort Bend Toyota Collision Center
McCall-TL, Inc. (DE)
dba
Sterling McCall Lexus
Sterling McCall Lexus Clear Lake
SMR Auto Glass
Sterling McCall Restoration Center
Sterling McCall Collision Center of Clear Lake
Subsidiaries of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
Exhibit 21.1
Mike Smith Automotive-H, Inc. (DE)
dba
Mike Smith Honda
Mike Smith Auto Group
Mike Smith Collision Center
Mike Smith Collision Center of Beaumont
Mike Smith Automotive-N, Inc. (TX)
dba
Mike Smith Nissan
Mike Smith Auto Group
Mike Smith Autoplaza, Inc. (TX)
Mike Smith Autoplex, Inc. (TX)
Mike Smith Autoplex Dodge, Inc. (TX)
dba
Mike Smith Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Mike Smith Auto Group
Mike Smith Autoplex-German Imports, Inc. (TX)
dba
Mercedes-Benz of Beaumont
Mike Smith Mercedes-Benz
Mike Smith Auto Group
Mike Smith Imports, Inc. (TX)
dba
BMW of Beaumont
Mike Smith BMW
Mike Smith Auto Group
Miller-DM, Inc. (DE)
dba
Mercedes-Benz of Beverly Hills
Miller’s Mercedes-Benz of Beverly Hills
smart center Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, Ltd.
NJ-H, Inc. (DE)
NJ-HAII, Inc. (DE)
dba
Boardwalk Acura
NJ-SV, Inc. (DE)
Rockwall Automotive-DCD, Ltd. (TX)
dba
Rockwall Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Rockwall Automotive-F, Inc. (DE)
dba
Rockwall Ford
Rockwall Ford Collision Center
Tate CG, LLC (MD)
Subsidiaries of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
Exhibit 21.1
Autodevotion Holdings Limited (UK)
Group 1 Automotive UK Limited (UK)
Autodevotion Limited (UK)
dba
Group 1 Assured (fka Auto Devotion Ipswich)
Group 1 Assured (fka Auto Devotion Lowestoft)
Group 1 Assured (fka Auto Devotion Norwich)
Group 1 Assured (fka Auto Devotion Peterborough)
Barons Automotive Limited (UK)
dba
Barons Bedford BMW/MINI
Barons Cambridge Cambourne BMW/MINI
Barons Farnborough Hampshire BMW/MINI
Barons Hindhead BMW/MINI
Barons Stansted Bishop's Stortford BMW/MINI
Chandlers Brighton Portslade BMW/MINI
Chandlers Hailsham East Sussex BMW/MINI
Chandlers Worthing Rustington BMW/MINI
Barons Autostar Limited (UK)
dba
Bury St. Edmunds Mercedes-Benz
Cambridge Mercedes-Benz
Cambridge smart
Kings Lynn Mercedes-Benz
Norwich Mercedes-Benz
Norwich smart
Peterborough Mercedes-Benz
Peterborough smart
Beadles Aylesford Limited (UK)
dba
Beadles Vauxhall Maidstone Aftersales
Beadles Coulsdon Limited (UK)
dba
Group 1 (fka Beadles Kia Coulsdon)
Group 1 (fka Beadles Kia Maidstone)
Beadles Dartford Limited (UK)
dba
Beadles Volkswagen Bromley
Beadles Volkswagen Dartford
Beadles Volkswagen Maidstone
Beadles Volkswagen Sevenoaks
Beadles Van Centre
Beadles Group Limited (UK)
Beadles Maidstone Limited (UK)
dba
Group 1 (fka Beadles Škoda Maidstone)
Group 1 (fka Škoda Southend)
Beadles Medway Limited (UK)
dba
Group 1 (fka Beadles Toyota Maidstone)
Group 1 (fka Beadles Toyota Medway)
Beadles Sidcup Limited (UK)
dba
Group 1 (fka Beadles Jaguar Land Rover Sidcup)
Group 1 (fka Beadles Jaguar Land Rover Southend)
Chandlers Garage Holdings Limited (UK)
Elms Stansted Limited (UK)
Fairfield Garage (Leigh-on-Sea) Limited (UK)
Hodgson Automotive Limited (UK)
dba
Group 1 (fka Beadles Volkswagen Chelmsford)
Group 1 (fka Beadles Volkswagen Colchester)
Group 1 (fka Beadles Volkswagen Colchester CV Aftersales)
Group 1 (fka Beadles Volkswagen Romford)
Group 1 (fka Beadles Volkswagen Southend)
Group 1 (fka Beadles Volkswagen Commercials Chelmsford)
Chelmsford Audi
Chingford Audi
Colchester Audi
Harold Wood Audi
Southend Audi
Stansted Audi
Robinsons Autoservices Holdings Limited (UK)
Robinsons Autoservices Limited (UK)
dba
Audi Norwich, Audi Approved Used Lowestoft
Group 1 (fka Citroen Peterborough)
Group 1 (fka SEAT Ipswich)
Group 1 (fka SEAT Service Lowestoft)
Group 1 (fka Škoda Norwich)
Group 1 (fka Volkswagen Norwich)
Group 1 (fka Volkswagen Lowestoft)
Group 1 (fka Volkswagen Peterborough)
Group 1 (fka Volkswagen CV Norwich)
Group 1 (fka Volkswagen CV Peterborough)
Robinsons Autostar Garages Holdings Limited (UK)
Robinsons TPS Limited (UK)
Spire Automotive Limited (UK)
dba
Group 1 (fka Barons Borehamwood - BMW/MINI)
Group 1 (fka Barons Kentish Town BMW/MINI Aftersales)
Group 1 (fka Barons Ruislip BMW/MINI Aftersales)
Group 1 (fka Beadles Jaguar Land Rover Watford)
Group 1 (fka Beadles Jaguar Land Rover North West London)
Finchley Road Audi
Hatfield Audi
Hatfield SEAT
Lakeside SEAT
Shenley Pre-Delivery Center
Watford Audi
Westfield SEAT
Whetstone Audi
Spire Holdings Limited (UK)
Spire Lakeside Limited (UK)
Spire Used Cars Limited (UK)
Sterling Management Holdings Limited (Cayman Islands)
Think One Limited (UK)
dba
Group 1 (fka Think Ford Basingstoke)
Group 1 (fka Think Ford Bracknell)
Group 1 (fka Think Ford Farnborough)
Group 1 (fka Think Ford Guildford)
Group 1 (fka Think Ford Newbury)
Group 1 (fka Think Ford Wokingham)
Walter Holdings Limited (UK)
Exhibit 23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 333-205923, 333-145034, 333-196424, 333-168365, 333-253446, 333-83260
and 333-115962 on Form S-8 of our reports dated February 14, 2024, relating to the financial statements of Group 1 Automotive, Inc. and the effectiveness
of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2023.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Houston, Texas
February 14, 2024
Exhibit 31.1
I, Daryl A. Kenningham, certify that:
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
1.
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 of Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (“registrant”);
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 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 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)
b)
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
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 14, 2024
/s/ Daryl A. Kenningham
Daryl A. Kenningham
Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 31.2
I, Daniel J. McHenry, certify that:
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
1.
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 of Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (“registrant”);
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 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 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)
b)
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
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 14, 2024
/s/ Daniel J. McHenry
Daniel J. McHenry
Chief Financial Officer
Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION OF
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
OF GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. § 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE
SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
the date hereof (“Report”), I, Daryl A. Kenningham, Chief Executive Officer of Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (“Company”), hereby certify 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.
Date: February 14, 2024
/s/ Daryl A. Kenningham
Daryl A. Kenningham
Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 32.2
CERTIFICATION OF
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
OF GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. § 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE
SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
the date hereof (“Report”), I, Daniel J. McHenry, Chief Financial Officer of Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (“Company”), hereby certify 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.
Date: February 14, 2024
/s/ Daniel J. McHenry
Daniel J. McHenry
Chief Financial Officer
Exhibit 97.1
Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
Incentive-Based Compensation Recoupment Policy
(this “Policy”)
Adopted by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Committee”) on November 15, 2023.
1. Recoupment. If Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (the “Company”) is required to prepare a Restatement, the Committee shall, unless
determined to be Impracticable, take reasonably prompt action to recoup all Recoverable Compensation from any Covered Person. This Policy is
in addition to (and not in lieu of) any right of repayment, forfeiture or off-set against any Covered Person that may be available under applicable
law or otherwise (whether implemented prior to or after adoption of this Policy). The Committee may, in its sole discretion and in the exercise of
its business judgment, determine whether and to what extent additional action is appropriate to address the circumstances surrounding any
Restatement to minimize the likelihood of any recurrence and to impose such other discipline as it deems appropriate.
2. Method of Recoupment. Subject to applicable law, the Committee may seek to recoup Recoverable Compensation by (i) requiring a
Covered Person to repay such amount to the Company; (ii) offsetting a Covered Person’s other compensation; or (iii) such other means or
combination of means as the Committee, in its sole discretion, determines to be appropriate. To the extent that a Covered Person fails to repay all
Recoverable Compensation to the Company as determined pursuant to this Policy, the Company shall take all actions reasonable and appropriate
to recover such amount, subject to applicable law. The applicable Covered Person shall be required to reimburse the Company for any and all
expenses reasonably incurred (including legal fees) by the Company in recovering such amount.
3. Administration of Policy. The Committee shall have full authority to administer, amend or terminate this Policy. The Committee
shall, subject to the provisions of this Policy, make such determinations and interpretations and take such actions in connection with this Policy as
it deems necessary, appropriate or advisable. All determinations and interpretations made by the Committee shall be final, binding and conclusive.
Notwithstanding anything in this Section 3 to the contrary, no amendment or termination of this Policy shall be effective if such amendment or
termination would (after taking into account any actions taken by the Company contemporaneously with such amendment or termination) cause
the Company to violate any federal securities laws, rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or the rules of any national
securities exchange or national securities association on which the Company’s securities are then listed. The Committee shall consult with the
Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Audit Committee”) and the Company’s chief accounting officer as needed in
order to properly administer and interpret any provision of this Policy.
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Exhibit 97.1
4. Acknowledgement by Executive Officers. The Committee shall provide notice to and seek written acknowledgement of this Policy
from each Executive Officer by using a form substantially similar to the form attached hereto as Exhibit A; provided that the failure to provide
such notice or obtain such acknowledgement shall not affect the applicability or enforceability of this Policy.
5. No Indemnification. Notwithstanding the terms of any of the Company’s organizational documents, any corporate policy or any
contract, the Company shall not indemnify any Covered Person against the loss of any Recoverable Compensation.
6. Disclosures and Record Keeping. The Company shall make all disclosures and filings with respect to this Policy and maintain all
documents and records that are required by the applicable rules and forms of the SEC (including, without limitation, Rule 10D-1 under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) and any applicable exchange listing standard.
7. Governing Law. The validity, construction, and effect of this Policy and any determinations relating to this Policy shall be construed
in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to its conflicts of laws principles.
8.
Successors. This Policy shall be binding and enforceable against all Covered Persons and their beneficiaries, heirs, executors,
administrators or other legal representatives.
9. Definitions. In addition to terms otherwise defined in this Policy, the following terms, when used in this Policy, shall have the
following meanings:
“Applicable Period” means the three completed fiscal years preceding the earlier of:
(i) the date that the Committee, or the officer or officers of the Company authorized to take such action if Committee action is not required,
concludes, or reasonably should have concluded, that the Company is required to prepare a Restatement; or (ii) the date a court, regulator, or other
legally authorized body directs the Company to prepare a Restatement. For purposes of this Policy, the Committee shall be deemed to have
reasonably concluded that a Restatement is required on the date that the Company’s Audit Committee or the Company’s chief accounting officer,
as applicable, informs the Committee in writing that such a Restatement will be required, unless the Audit Committee informs the Committee that
an alternative date is more accurate for purposes of determining the Applicable Period.
“Covered Person” means any person who receives Recoverable Compensation.
“Executive Officer” includes the Company’s president, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer (or if there is no such
accounting officer, the controller), any vice-president of the Company in charge of a principal business unit, division, or function (such as sales,
administration, or finance), any other officer who performs a policy-making function, or any other person (including any executive officer of the
Company’s controlled affiliates) who performs similar policy-making functions for the Company.
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Exhibit 97.1
“Financial Reporting Measure” means a measure that is determined and presented in accordance with the accounting principles used in
preparing the Company’s financial statements (including “non- GAAP” financial measures, such as those appearing in earnings releases), and any
measure that is derived wholly or in part from such measure. Examples of Financial Reporting Measures include, but are not limited to, measures
based on: revenues, net income, operating income, financial ratios, EBITDA, liquidity measures, return measures (such as return on assets),
profitability of one or more segments, sales per square foot, same store sales, revenue per user or cost per employee. Stock price and total
shareholder return (“TSR”) also are Financial Reporting Measures.
“Impracticable” means, after exercising a normal due process review of all the relevant facts and circumstances and taking all steps
required by Exchange Act Rule 10D- 1 and any applicable exchange listing standard, the Committee determines that recovery of the Incentive-
Based Compensation is impracticable because: (i) it has determined that the direct expense that the Company would pay to a third party to assist in
recovering the Incentive-Based Compensation would exceed the amount to be recovered;
(ii) it has concluded that the recovery of the Incentive-Based Compensation would violate home country law adopted prior to November 28, 2022;
or (iii) it has determined that the recovery of Incentive-Based Compensation would cause a tax-qualified retirement plan, under which benefits are
broadly available to the Company’s employees, to fail to meet the requirements of 26 U.S.C. 401(a)(13) or 26 U.S.C. 411(a) and regulations
thereunder.
“Incentive-Based Compensation” includes any compensation that is granted, earned, or vested based wholly or in part upon the
attainment of a Financial Reporting Measure; however it does not include:
(i) base salaries; (ii) discretionary cash bonuses; (iii) awards (either cash or equity) that are based upon subjective, strategic or operational
standards; and (iv) equity awards that vest solely on the passage of time.
“Received” – Incentive-Based Compensation is deemed “Received” in any Company fiscal period during which the Financial Reporting
Measure specified in the Incentive-Based Compensation award is attained, even if the payment or grant of the Incentive-Based Compensation
occurs after the end of that period.
“Recoverable Compensation” means all Incentive-Based Compensation (calculated on a pre-tax basis) Received after October 2, 2023 by
a person: (i) after beginning service as an Executive Officer; (ii) who served as an Executive Officer at any time during the performance period for
that Incentive-Based Compensation; (iii) while the Company had a class of securities listed on a national securities exchange or national securities
association; and (iv) during the Applicable Period, that exceeded the amount of Incentive-Based Compensation that otherwise would have been
Received had the amount been determined based on the Financial Performing Measures, as reflected in the Restatement. With respect to Incentive-
Based Compensation based on stock price or TSR, when the amount of erroneously awarded compensation is not subject to mathematical
recalculation directly from the information in an accounting restatement, the amount must be based on a reasonable
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Exhibit 97.1
estimate of the effect of the Restatement on the stock price or TSR upon which the Incentive- Based Compensation was received.
“Restatement” means an accounting restatement of any of the Company’s financial statements due to the Company’s material
noncompliance with any financial reporting requirement under U.S. securities laws, including any required accounting restatement to correct an
error in previously issued financial statements that is material to the previously issued financial statements (often referred to as a “Big R”
restatement), or that would result in a material misstatement if the error were corrected in the current period or left uncorrected in the current
period (often referred to as a “little r” restatement). As of the effective date of this Policy (but subject to changes that may occur in accounting
principles and rules following the effective date), a Restatement does not include situations in which financial statement changes did not result
from material non-compliance with financial reporting requirements, such as, but not limited to retrospective: (i) application of a change in
accounting principles; (ii) revision to reportable segment information due to a change in the structure of the Company’s internal organization; (iii)
reclassification due to a discontinued operation; (iv) application of a change in reporting entity, such as from a reorganization of entities under
common control; (v) adjustment to provision amounts in connection with a prior business combination; and (vi) revision for stock splits, stock
dividends, reverse stock splits or other changes in capital structure.
4