UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-K
___________________
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended: December 31, 2018
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number: 001-14733
LITHIA MOTORS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Oregon
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
93-0572810
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
150 N. Bartlett Street, Medford, Oregon
(Address of principal executive offices)
97501
(Zip Code)
541-776-6401
(Registrant’s telephone number including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Class A common stock, without par value
Name of each exchange on which registered
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
(Title of Class)
__________ _________
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act: Yes [X] 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: [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for
such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days: Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant
to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [X] No
[ ]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in
definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K, or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions
of "large accelerated filer,” "accelerated filer” and "smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer [X] Accelerated filer [ ]
Non-accelerated filer [ ] (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company [ ] Emerging growth company [ ]
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the 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 is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [ ] No [ X ]
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was approximately $2,216,050,000 computed by reference to the last sales price
($94.57) as reported by the New York Stock Exchange for the Registrant’s Class A common stock, as of the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter
(June 30, 2018).
The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant’s common stock as of February 22, 2019 was: Class A: 22,347,635 shares and Class B: 800,000 shares.
The Registrant has incorporated into Part III of Form 10-K, by reference, portions of its Proxy Statement for its 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Documents Incorporated by Reference
LITHIA MOTORS, INC.
2018 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
Item 1.
Business
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
Item 2.
Properties
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosure
Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
PART II
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
Item 9B.
Other Information
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Item 11.
Executive Compensation
PART III
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Item 14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
Item 16.
Form 10-K Summary
Signatures
PART IV
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Item 1. Business
PART I
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this Annual Report, including in the sections entitled "Risk Factors,” Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations” and "Business” constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "Safe Harbor” provisions of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Generally, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as "project”, "outlook,” "target”, "may,” "will,” "would,”
"should,” "seek,” "expect,” "plan,” "intend,” "forecast,” "anticipate,” "believe,” "estimate,” "predict,” "potential,” "likely,” "goal,” "strategy,” "future,” "maintain,”
and "continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terms. Examples of forward-looking statements in this Form 10-K include, among others,
statements we make regarding:
• Future market conditions, including anticipated national new car sales levels;
• Expected operating results, such as improved store performance; continued improvement of selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A”) as a
percentage of gross profit and all projections;
• Anticipated integration, success and growth of acquired stores;
• Anticipated ability to capture additional market share;
• Anticipated ability to find accretive acquisitions;
• Expected revenues from acquired stores;
• Anticipated synergies, ability to increase ownership and ability to monetize our investment in Shift;
• Anticipated additions of dealership locations to our portfolio in the future;
• Anticipated availability of liquidity from our unfinanced operating real estate;
• Anticipated levels of capital expenditures in the future; and
• Our strategies for customer retention, growth, market position, financial results and risk management.
Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to
predict and many of which are outside of our control. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and our actual results of
operations, financial condition and liquidity and development of the industry in which we operate may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the
forward-looking statements in this Annual Report. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties that
could cause actual results to differ materially from estimated or projected results include, without limitation, the factors as discussed in Part I, Item 1A. Risk
Factors, and in Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and, from time to time, in our other
filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Any forward-looking statement made by us in this Annual Report is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which
it is made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether
as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
Overview
Lithia Motors, Inc. is one of the largest automotive retailers and providers of personal transportation solutions in the United States, and in 2018 was ranked
#294 on the Fortune 500. As of December 31, 2018, we operated 181 stores representing 28 brands in 18 states. We offer convenient, personalized service
complemented by the reach and scale of a nationwide network, one of the largest online inventories and competitive pricing on vehicles and service. Our vision
to create personal transportation solutions wherever, whenever and however consumers desire, combined with our mission, "Growth Powered by People,"
focuses us on our customers and our teams, creating our competitive advantage.
We offer a wide range of products and services including new and used vehicles, finance and insurance products and automotive repair and maintenance. We
strive for diversification in our products, services, brands and geographic locations to reduce dependence on any one manufacturer, reduce susceptibility to
changing consumer preferences, manage market risk and maintain profitability. As of December 31, 2018, we had three reportable segments: Domestic, Import
and Luxury. For certain financial information by segment, see Notes 1 and 18 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this
Annual Report.
Founded in 1946 and incorporated in Oregon in 1968, we completed our initial public offering in 1996.
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The following table sets forth information about stores that were part of our operations as of December 31, 2018:
State
Number of Stores
California
New Jersey
Oregon
Texas
New York
Pennsylvania
Montana
Washington
Alaska
Idaho
Nevada
Hawaii
Iowa
North Dakota
Vermont
Wyoming
Massachusetts
New Mexico
Total
Percent of 2018 Revenue
25.4%
14.7
13.1
10.2
7.5
5.7
4.6
3.6
3.3
2.4
2.4
2.0
2.0
0.9
0.6
0.6
0.5
0.5
100.0%
41
15
26
15
16
13
11
6
9
5
4
5
7
3
2
1
1
1
181
Business Strategy
Our values guide us in serving our customers, developing our people, reaching our potential and growing our Company. Our stores create a welcoming and
highly-responsive environment to proactively engage customers wherever, whenever and however they desire. We strive to create an omni-channel retail
experience that provides our customers with freedom, selection and choice throughout the ownership life cycle.
We build long-term value for our customers, employees and shareholders through the following strategies:
Driving operational excellence and unlocking store potential
We remain focused on improving performance at existing locations. Operations are structured to promote an entrepreneurial environment at the dealership
level. Each store’s general manager and department managers, with assistance from regional and corporate management, are responsible for developing
successful retail plans in their local markets. They are responsible for driving dealership operations, personnel development, manufacturer relationships, store
culture and financial performance. Strong performance creates synergistic benefits such as increased vehicle trade-ins resulting in additional used vehicle sales,
incremental finance and insurance sales and ultimately, increased units in operation and customer retention, which generate additional service revenues.
In order to mitigate fluctuations in vehicle sales and general economic conditions, we link compensation to performance for the majority of our management and
sales personnel. We develop pay plans that are measured based upon various factors such as dealership and department profitability, customer satisfaction and
individual performance metrics. These plans also serve to reward personnel for meeting their annual operating plans and achieving store potential.
We have centralized many administrative functions to drive efficiencies and streamline store-level operations. The reduction of administrative functions at our
stores allows our local managers to focus on customer-facing opportunities to increase revenues and gross profit. Our operations are supported by our
dedicated training and personnel development program, which shares best practices across our dealership network and seeks to develop management talent.
Growth through acquisition and network optimization
Our value-based acquisition strategy targets underperforming stores with strong franchises in desirable markets. As we integrate these stores into our existing
network, we focus on improving performance. Our success is measured by achieving profitability
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through increasing market share and retaining customers while controlling costs. With our performance management strategy, standardized information systems
and centrally- and regionally-performed administrative functions, we seek to gain economies of scale from our dealership network.
We target acquiring domestic, import and luxury franchises in cities ranging from mid-sized regional markets to metropolitan markets. We evaluate all brands
for expansion opportunities provided the market is large enough to support adequate new vehicle sales to justify the required capital investment. During 2018,
we acquired 17 stores, opened one store, de-dualed two stores and divested eight stores. We invested $253.8 million, net of floor plan debt, to acquire these
stores and we expect these acquisitions to add over $1.2 billion in annual revenues. Additionally, these acquisitions allow us to maintain a diverse franchise mix
and further leverage our cost structure. We focus on successfully integrating acquired stores to achieve targeted returns. Platform acquisitions may include one
or more locations which do not meet our criteria. We regularly optimize and balance our network through strategic divestitures to ensure continued high
performance. Approximately half of the divested stores during 2018 were from platform acquisitions. The divestiture of these underperforming stores increases
availability of capital and personnel resources and reduces future capital expenditures for facility improvements. These divestitures generated approximately
$34 million in proceeds and reduced forecasted capital expenditures by approximately $15 million to be redeployed for investment in growth and innovation. We
believe our disciplined approach and the current economic environment provide us with attractive acquisition opportunities and expanded coast to coast
coverage.
Innovation and diversification
Driving growth and achieving earnings potential generates the free cash flow that allows us to invest in innovation, diversification and digital initiatives, thereby
providing more ways to meet consumers' personal transportation needs. Through innovation and technology, we strive to provide a personalized customer
experience wherever, whenever and however consumers desire. During the third quarter of 2018, we entered into a strategic partnership with Shift
Technologies, Inc. ("Shift"), a San Francisco-based digital retailer. Shift provides an innovative platform to consumers for a digital vehicle purchase and selling
experience, providing vehicle pickup and delivery at the customer's location. We invested $54 million in Shift, leading the series D fundraising round and
becoming its largest shareholder. In addition, during the fourth quarter of 2018, we collaborated with Shift in two areas, resulting in Lithia receiving additional
equity ownership in Shift. In early October 2018, we assisted in Shift securing a credit line for acquiring used vehicle inventory and, in December 2018, we
entered into a lease agreement to provide Shift with use of one of our retail locations for inventory storage and reconditioning. The strategic partnership with
Shift will allow both companies to share and scale technology, data, inventory and business relationships, allowing us to capture more of the approximately 40
million used vehicles sold in the United States annually.
Thoughtful capital allocation
We constantly evaluate how to allocate capital, including returning cash to our investors and investing in our stores. During 2018, we paid $27.7 million in
dividends, and spent $148.9 million to repurchase 2.1 million shares, or approximately 9% of total outstanding shares. We also invested in our facilities,
allocating $158.0 million to capital expenditures. We continue to manage our liquidity and available cash to prepare for future acquisition and innovation
opportunities. As of December 31, 2018, we had $211.2 million in available funds in cash and availability on our credit facilities, with an estimated additional
$247.7 million available if we financed our unencumbered owned real estate.
Marketing
One of our core values is to create customer experiences so satisfying that we earn their business for life. To facilitate customer retention for service and
repeat purchase, we design marketing strategies utilizing database analysis and multi-channel communications to anticipate, listen and respond to customer
needs. We tailor each store's strategy to the individual store, market, brand and manufacturer partners.
We use a combination of digital, social and traditional media, as well as inventory listing sites to increase awareness and drive traffic to our websites and stores.
During 2018, online traffic increased 28%. Total advertising expense, net of manufacturer credits, was $108.7 million in 2018, $93.3 million in 2017 and $81.4
million in 2016. In 2018, 78% was spent on digital, social, listings and owner communications while 22% of those funds were spent in traditional media. In all of
our communications, we seek to convey the promise of a positive customer experience, competitive pricing and wide selection. We expect the portion of
spending in digital channels to continue to increase as traditional media evolves to online consumption models.
Certain advertising and marketing expenditures are offset by manufacturer cooperative programs, which require us to submit requests for reimbursement to
manufacturers for qualifying advertising expenditures. These advertising credits are not tied to specific vehicles and are earned as qualifying expenses are
incurred. These reimbursements are recognized as a reduction of advertising expense. Manufacturer cooperative advertising credits were $25.5 million in 2018,
$22.8 million in 2017 and $20.3 million in 2016.
4
Mobile traffic now accounts for over 60% of our web traffic and all of our sites utilize responsive technology to enhance the mobile and tablet experience. We
are monitoring the increased use of voice search and have initiated partnerships with search engine platforms to ensure our stores' presence and to develop the
tools customers desire. Our stores' websites aim to provide customers with a simple, transparent way to interact with us including: search new and used
inventories, view current pricing and specials, calculate payments for purchase or lease, submit credit application, buy online, schedule service appointments and
provide feedback about their experience.
We list our inventory on new and used vehicle listing services (e.g. cars.com, autotrader.com, cargurus.com, kbb.com, edmunds.com, craigslist, and local
webpages) to reach more online shoppers. We also employ search engine optimization, search engine marketing, online display and re-targeting as well as video
pre-roll to reach more online prospects. We also encourage our stores to dedicate a larger percentage of their advertising spend to promoting service and
repair work as we focus on customer acquisition and the value of customer retention.
Franchise Agreements
Each of our stores operates under a separate agreement (a "Franchise Agreement”) with the manufacturer of the new vehicle brand it sells.
Typical automobile Franchise Agreements specify the locations within a designated market area at which the store may sell vehicles and related products and
perform approved services. The designation of such areas and the allocation of new vehicles among stores are at the discretion of the manufacturer. Franchise
Agreements do not, however, guarantee exclusivity within a specified territory.
A Franchise Agreement may impose requirements on the store with respect to:
• facilities and equipment;
• inventories of vehicles and parts;
• minimum working capital;
• training of personnel; and
• performance standards for market share and customer satisfaction.
Each manufacturer closely monitors compliance with these requirements and requires each store to submit monthly financial statements. Franchise
Agreements also grant a store the right to use and display manufacturers’ trademarks, service marks and designs in the manner approved by each
manufacturer.
We have determined the useful life of a Franchise Agreement is indefinite, even though certain Franchise Agreements are renewed after one to six years. In
our experience, agreements are routinely renewed without substantial cost and there are legal remedies to help prevent termination. Certain Franchise
Agreements have no termination date. In addition, state franchise laws protect franchised automotive retailers. Under certain laws, a manufacturer may not
terminate or fail to renew a franchise without good cause or prevent any reasonable changes in the capital structure or financing of a store.
The typical Franchise Agreement provides for early termination or non-renewal by the manufacturer upon:
• a change of management or ownership without manufacturer consent;
• insolvency or bankruptcy of the dealer;
• death or incapacity of the dealer/manager;
• conviction of a dealer/manager or owner of certain crimes;
• misrepresentation of certain sales or inventory information by the store, dealer/manager or owner to the manufacturer;
• failure to adequately operate the store;
• failure to maintain any license, permit or authorization required for the conduct of business;
• poor market share; or
• low customer satisfaction index scores.
Franchise Agreements generally provide for prior written notice before a franchise may be terminated under most circumstances. We also sign master
framework agreements with most manufacturers that impose additional requirements. See Item 1A, "Risk Factors.”
Competition
The retail automotive business is highly competitive. Currently, there are approximately 18,000 stores in the United States, many of which are independent
stores managed by individuals, families or small retail groups. We compete primarily with other automotive retailers, both publicly- and privately-held and other
retailers such as Carvana, Shift and Vroom.
5
Vehicle manufacturers have designated specific marketing and sales areas within which only one dealer of a vehicle brand may operate. In addition, our
Franchise Agreements typically limit our ability to acquire multiple dealerships of a given brand within a particular market area. Certain state franchise laws
also restrict us from relocating our dealerships, or establishing new dealerships of a particular brand, within any area that is served by another dealer with the
same brand. To the extent that a market has multiple dealers of a particular brand, as certain markets we operate in do, we are subject to significant intra-
brand competition.
We are larger and have more financial resources than most private automotive retailers with which we currently compete in the majority of our regional
markets. We compete directly with retailers with similar or greater resources in our existing metro and non-metro markets. If we enter other new markets, we
may face competitors that are larger or have access to greater financial resources. We do not have any cost advantage in purchasing new vehicles from
manufacturers. We rely on advertising and merchandising, pricing, our customer guarantees and sales model, our sales expertise, service reputation and the
location of our stores to sell new vehicles.
Regulation
Automotive and Other Laws and Regulations
We operate in a highly regulated industry. A number of state and federal laws and regulations affect our business. In every state in which we operate, we must
obtain various licenses to operate our businesses, including dealer, sales and finance and insurance licenses issued by state regulatory authorities. Numerous
laws and regulations govern our business, including those relating to our sales, operations, financing, insurance, advertising and employment practices. These
laws and regulations include state franchise laws and regulations, consumer protection laws, privacy laws, escheatment laws, anti-money laundering laws and
federal and state wage-hour, anti-discrimination and other employment practices laws.
Our financing activities with customers are subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations. In recent years, there has been an increase in
activity related to oversight of consumer lending by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ("CFPB"), which has broad regulatory powers. The CFPB does
not have direct authority over automotive dealers; however, its regulation of larger automotive finance companies and other financial institutions could affect
our financing activities. Claims arising out of actual or alleged violations of law may be asserted against us or our stores by individuals, a class of individuals, or
governmental entities. These claims may expose us to significant damages or other penalties, including revocation or suspension of our licenses to conduct store
operations and fines.
The vehicles we sell are also subject to rules and regulations of various federal and state regulatory agencies.
Environmental, Health, and Safety Laws and Regulations
Our operations involve the use, handling, storage and contracting for recycling and/or disposal of materials such as motor oil and filters, transmission fluids,
antifreeze, refrigerants, paints, thinners, batteries, cleaning products, lubricants, degreasing agents, tires and fuel. Consequently, our business is subject to a
complex variety of federal, state and local requirements that regulate the environment and public health and safety.
Most of our stores use above ground storage tanks, and, to a lesser extent, underground storage tanks, primarily for petroleum-based products. Storage tanks
are subject to periodic testing, containment, upgrading and removal under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and its state law counterparts. Clean-
up or other remedial action may be necessary in the event of leaks or other discharges from storage tanks or other sources. In addition, water quality protection
programs under the federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act), the Safe Drinking Water Act and comparable state and
local programs govern certain discharges from our operations. Similarly, certain air emissions from operations, such as auto body painting, may be subject to the
federal Clean Air Act and related state and local laws. Health and safety standards promulgated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the
United States Department of Labor and related state agencies also apply.
Certain stores may become a party to proceedings under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, or CERCLA, typically
in connection with materials that were sent to former recycling, treatment and/or disposal facilities owned and operated by independent businesses. The
remediation or clean-up of facilities where the release of a regulated hazardous substance occurred is required under CERCLA and other laws.
We incur certain costs to comply with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations in the ordinary course of our business. We do not anticipate,
however, that the costs of such compliance will have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition, although
such outcome is possible given the nature of our operations and the extensive environmental, public health and safety regulatory framework. We may become
aware of minor contamination at certain of our
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facilities, and we conduct investigations and remediation at properties as needed. In certain cases, the current or prior property owner may conduct the
investigation and/or remediation or we have been indemnified by either the current or prior property owner for such contamination. We do not currently expect
to incur significant costs for remediation. However, no assurances can be given that material environmental commitments or contingencies will not arise in the
future, or that they do not already exist but are unknown to us.
Employees
Our mission statement is "Growth Powered by People." We cultivate an entrepreneurial, high-performance culture and strive to develop leaders from within.
We continue to develop tools, training and growth opportunities that accelerate the depth of our talent. One example of this is our AMP program (Accelerate
My Potential), which began in 2016. This program is designed to deepen the knowledge of future leaders in all aspects of our business and develop leadership
skills to better position participants for a future as a general manager in one of our stores. During 2018, we realized a 76% year-over-year increase in the
number of internal management hires compared to 2017.
The U.S. economy is highly dependent upon the retail sector as a significant employer. Wages are typically low in the sector given that there are often no
formal eduction credentials required. As of December 31, 2018, we employed approximately 13,643 persons on a full-time equivalent basis in our nationwide
network of 181 retail locations. Unlike many standard retailers, employees within our dealership network earn above average wages. Employees in our retail
locations earned an average wage of $16.94 per hour during 2018 compared to the national median pay for retail workers of $11.70 per hour, according to the
2017 survey from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This equates to average annual earnings in excess of $35,000 per year, 45% higher than the median pay in
the retail sector. In addition, the average hourly wage for our retail locations exceeds the minimum wage in all 18 states in which we operate.
Seasonality and Quarterly Fluctuations
Historically, our sales have been lower during the first quarter of each year due to consumer purchasing patterns during the holiday season and inclement
weather in certain of our markets. The timing of our acquisition activity, which varies, and ability to integrate stores into our existing cost structure has
moderated this seasonality. However, if conditions occur that weaken automotive sales, such as severe weather in the geographic areas in which our
dealerships operate, war, high fuel costs, depressed economic conditions including unemployment or weakened consumer confidence or similar adverse
conditions, or if our ability to acquire stores changes, our revenues for the year may be disproportionately adversely affected.
Available Information and NYSE Compliance
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC”) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act”). The SEC maintains an Internet Web site at http://www.sec.gov where you may access copies of our
SEC filings. We also make available free of charge, on our website at www.lithiainvestorrelations.com, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on
Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as soon
as reasonably practicable after they are filed electronically with the SEC. The information found on our website is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-
K. You may also obtain copies of these reports by contacting Investor Relations at 877-331-3084.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
You should carefully consider the risks described below before making an investment decision. The risks described below are not the only ones facing our
company. Additional risks not presently known to us, or that we currently deem immaterial, may also impair our business operations.
Risks related to our business
The automotive retail industry is sensitive to changing economic conditions and various other factors. Our business and results of operations are
substantially dependent on new vehicle sales levels in the United States and in our particular geographic markets and the level of gross profit
margins that we can achieve on our sales of new vehicles, all of which are very difficult to predict.
Our business is heavily dependent on consumer demand and preferences. A downturn in overall levels of consumer spending may materially and adversely
affect our revenues and gross profit margins. Retail vehicle sales are cyclical and historically have experienced periodic downturns characterized by weak
demand. These cycles are often dependent on general economic conditions and consumer confidence, as well as the level of discretionary personal income and
credit availability. Economic conditions may
7
be anemic for an extended period of time, or deteriorate in the future. This would have a material adverse effect on our retail business, particularly sales of
new and used automobiles.
In addition, our performance is subject to local economic, competitive and other conditions prevailing in our various geographic areas. Our dealerships are
currently located in limited markets in 18 states, with sales in the top three states accounting for 53% of our revenue in 2018. Our results of operations,
therefore, depend substantially on general economic conditions, consumer spending levels and other factors in those markets and could be materially adversely
affected to the extent these markets experience sustained economic downturns regardless of improvements in the U.S. economy overall.
Historically, in times of rapid increase in crude oil and fuel prices, sales of vehicles have dropped, particularly in the short term, as the economy slows,
consumer confidence wanes and fuel costs become more prominent to the consumer’s buying decision. In sustained periods of higher fuel costs, consumers
who do purchase vehicles tend to prefer smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles (which typically have lower margins) or hybrid vehicles (which can be in limited
supply during these periods). A significant portion of our new vehicle revenue and gross profit is derived from domestic manufacturers. These manufacturers
have historically sold a higher percentage of trucks and SUVs than import or luxury brands. They may, therefore, experience a more significant decline in sales
in the event that fuel prices increase.
Approximately 17.3 million, 17.2 million, and 17.5 million new vehicles were sold in the United States in 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. Certain industry
analysts have predicted that new vehicle sales will decline below 17 million for 2019. If new vehicle production exceeds the rate at which new vehicles are
sold, our gross profit per vehicle could be adversely affected by this excess and any resulting changes in manufacturer incentive and marketing programs. See
the risk factor "If manufacturers or distributors discontinue or change sales incentives, warranties and other promotional programs, our business, results of
operations, financial condition and cash flows may be materially adversely affected” below. Economic conditions and the other factors described above may
also materially adversely impact our sales of used vehicles, parts and repair and maintenance services, and automotive finance and insurance products.
Natural disasters and adverse weather conditions can disrupt our business.
Our dealerships are in states and regions in the U.S. in which actual or threatened natural disasters and severe weather events (such as hurricanes,
earthquakes, fires, floods, landslides, wind and/or hail storms) or other extraordinary events have in the past, and may in the future, disrupt our dealership
operations and impair the value of our dealership property. A disruption in our operations may 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 at dealership locations. The exposure on any single claim under our property and casualty insurance, medical insurance and workers’
compensation insurance varies based upon type of coverage. Our maximum exposure on any single claim is $5 million, subject to certain aggregate limit
thresholds.
The automotive manufacturing supply chain spans the globe. As such, supply chain disruptions resulting from natural disasters and adverse weather events may
affect the flow of inventory or parts to us or our manufacturing partners. Such disruptions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
Increasing competition among automotive retailers reduces our profit margins on vehicle sales and related businesses. Further, the use of the
Internet in the car purchasing process could materially adversely affect us.
Automobile retailing is a highly competitive business. Our competitors include publicly and privately-owned dealerships, of which certain competitors are larger
and have greater financial and marketing resources than we have. Many of our competitors sell the same or similar makes of new and used vehicles that we
offer in our markets at competitive prices. We do not have any cost advantage in purchasing new vehicles from manufacturers due to the volume of purchases
or otherwise.
Our finance and insurance business and other related businesses, which have higher margins than sales of new and used vehicles, are subject to strong
competition from various financial institutions and others.
The Internet has become a significant part of the sales process in our industry. Customers are using the Internet to compare pricing for vehicles and related
finance and insurance services, which may further reduce margins for new and used vehicles and profits for related finance and insurance services. If Internet
new vehicle sales are allowed to be conducted without the involvement of franchised dealers, our business could be materially adversely affected. In addition,
other franchise groups have aligned themselves with services offered on the Internet or are investing heavily in the development of their own Internet
capabilities, which could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
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Our Franchise Agreements do not grant us the exclusive right to sell a manufacturer’s product within a given geographic area. Our revenues or profitability
could be materially adversely affected if any of our manufacturers award franchises to others in the same markets where we operate or if existing franchised
dealers increase their market share in our markets.
In addition, we may face increasingly significant competition as we strive to gain market share through acquisitions or otherwise. Our operating margins may
decline over time as we expand into markets where we do not have a leading position.
Changes to the automotive industry and consumer views on car ownership could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations,
financial condition and cash flows.
The automotive industry is predicted to experience rapid change in the years to come, including increases in ride-sharing services, advances in electric vehicle
production and driverless technology. Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft provide consumers with mobility options outside of the traditional car
ownership and lease alternatives. The overall impact of these options on the automotive industry is uncertain, and may include lower levels of new vehicle
sales. Manufacturers continue to invest in increasing production and quality of BEVs (battery-electric vehicles), which generally require less maintenance than
traditional cars and trucks. The effects of BEVs on the automotive industry are uncertain and may include reduced parts and service revenues, as well as
changes in the level of sales of certain F&I products such as extended warranty and lifetime lube, oil and filter contracts. Technological advances are also
facilitating the development of driverless vehicles. The eventual timing of availability of driverless vehicles is uncertain due to regulatory requirements,
technological hurdles, and uncertain consumer acceptance of these technologies. The effect of driverless vehicles on the automotive industry is uncertain and
could include changes in the level of new and used vehicle sales, the price of new vehicles, and the role of franchised dealers, any of which could materially
and adversely affect our business.
Changes to the retail delivery model and increased digital retailer competition could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial
condition and cash flows.
The automotive industry is beginning to experience change and disruption in the retail delivery model, including growing competition in the used vehicle market
from companies with a primarily online business model. Competition in this market includes companies such as Carvana, Vroom and Shift. In addition, larger
traditional automotive retailers are also moving in this direction, providing consumers with vehicle purchasing experiences outside of the traditional brick and
mortar automotive dealership model.
We have certain collaborative relationships and may develop additional relationships with Shift. We continue to develop our nationwide network of service and
delivery points with options for our customers to interact with us wherever, whenever and however they choose. We may face increased competition for
market share with these other delivery models and digital retailers over time which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.
A decline of available financing in the lending market may adversely affect our vehicle sales volume.
A significant portion of buyers finance their vehicle purchases. One of the primary finance sources used by consumers in connection with the purchase of a
new or used vehicle is the manufacturer captive finance company. These captive finance companies rely, to a certain extent, on the public debt markets to
provide the capital necessary to support their financing programs. In addition, the captive finance companies will occasionally change their loan underwriting
criteria to alter the risk profile of their loan portfolio. In addition, sub-prime lenders have historically provided financing for consumers who, for a variety of
reasons, including poor credit histories and lack of down payment, do not have access to more traditional finance sources. If lenders tighten their credit
standards or there is a decline in the availability of credit in the lending market, the ability of consumers to purchase vehicles could be limited, which could have
a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Adverse conditions affecting one or more key manufacturers may negatively affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash
flows.
We depend on our manufacturers to provide a supply of vehicles which supports expected sales levels. Events that adversely affect a manufacturer’s ability to
timely deliver new vehicles may adversely affect us by reducing our supply of popular new vehicles, leading to lower sales in our stores during those periods
than would otherwise occur. We depend on our manufacturers to deliver high-quality, defect-free vehicles. If manufacturers experience quality issues, our
financial performance may be adversely impacted. In addition, the discontinuance of a particular brand could negatively impact our revenues and profitability.
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Vehicle manufacturers would be adversely affected by economic downturns or recessions, adverse fluctuations in currency exchange rates, significant declines
in the sales of their new vehicles, increases in interest rates, declines in their credit ratings, port closures, labor strikes or similar disruptions (including within
their major suppliers), supply shortages or rising raw material costs, rising employee benefit costs, adverse publicity that may reduce consumer demand for their
products, product defects, vehicle recall campaigns, litigation, poor product mix or unappealing vehicle design, or other adverse events. These and other risks
could materially adversely affect any manufacturer and limit its ability to profitably design, market, produce or distribute new vehicles, which, in turn, could
materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
We are subject to a concentration of risk in the event of financial distress, including potential reorganization or bankruptcy, of a major vehicle manufacturer.
We purchase substantially all of our new vehicles from various manufacturers or distributors at the prevailing prices available to all franchised dealers. Our
sales volume could be materially adversely impacted by the manufacturers’ or distributors’ inability to supply our stores with an adequate supply of vehicles.
In the event of a manufacturer or distributor bankruptcy, we could be held liable for damages related to product liability claims, intellectual property suits or
other legal actions. These legal actions are typically directed towards the vehicle manufacturer and it is customary for manufacturers to indemnify us from
exposure related to any judgments associated with the claims. However, if damages could not be collected from the manufacturer or distributor, we could be
named in lawsuits and judgments could be levied against us.
Many new manufacturers are entering the automotive industry. New companies have raised capital to produce fully electric vehicles or to license battery
technology to existing manufacturers. Tesla has demonstrated the ability to successfully introduce electric vehicles to the marketplace. Foreign manufacturers
from China and India are producing significant volumes of new vehicles and are entering the U.S. and selecting partners to distribute their products. Because
the automotive market in the U.S. is mature and the overall level of new vehicle sales may not increase in the coming years, the success of new competitors
will likely be at the expense of other, established brands. This could have a material adverse impact on our success in the future.
Federal regulations around fuel economy standards and "greenhouse gas” emissions have continued to increase. New requirements may adversely affect any
manufacturer’s ability to profitably design, market, produce and distribute vehicles that comply with such regulations. We could be adversely impacted in our
ability to market and sell these vehicles at affordable prices and in our ability to finance these inventories. These regulations could have a material adverse
effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
If manufacturers or distributors discontinue or change sales incentives, warranties and other promotional programs, our business, results of
operations, financial condition and cash flows may be materially adversely affected.
We depend upon the manufacturers and distributors for sales incentives, warranties and other programs that are intended to promote new vehicle sales or
supplement dealer income. Manufacturers and distributors routinely make changes to their incentive programs. Key incentive programs include:
• customer rebates;
• dealer incentives on new vehicles;
• special financing rates on certified, pre-owned cars; and
• below-market financing on new vehicles and special leasing terms.
Our financial condition could be materially adversely impacted by a discontinuation or change in our manufacturers’ or distributors’ incentive programs. In
addition, certain manufacturers use criteria such as a dealership’s manufacturer-determined customer satisfaction index ("CSI" score), facility image
compliance, employee training, digital marketing and parts purchase programs as factors governing participation in incentive programs. To the extent we do not
meet minimum score requirements, we may be precluded from receiving certain incentives, which could materially adversely affect our business, results of
operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Franchised automotive retailers perform factory authorized service work and sell original replacement parts on vehicles covered by warranties issued by the
automotive manufacturer. For the year ended December 31, 2018, approximately 24% of our service, body and parts revenue was for work covered by
manufacturer warranties or manufacturer-sponsored maintenance services. To the extent a manufacturer reduces the labor rates or markup of replacement
parts for such warranty work, our service, body and parts sales volume could be adversely affected.
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The ability of our stores to make new vehicle sales depends in large part upon the manufacturers and, therefore, any disruption or change in our
relationships could impact our business.
We depend on the manufacturers to provide us with a desirable mix of new vehicles. The most popular vehicles usually produce the highest profit margins and
are frequently in short supply. If we cannot obtain sufficient quantities of the most popular models, our profitability may be adversely affected. Sales of less
desirable models may reduce our profit margins.
Each of our stores operates pursuant to a Franchise Agreement with each of the respective manufacturers for which it serves as franchisee. Each of our
stores may obtain new vehicles from manufacturers, service vehicles, sell new vehicles, and display vehicle manufacturers’ brand only to the extent permitted
under these agreements. As a result of the terms of our Franchise Agreements, manufacturers exert significant control over the day-to-day operations at our
stores. Such agreements contain provisions for termination or non-renewal for a variety of causes, including service retention, facility compliance, customer
satisfaction and sales and financial performance. From time to time, certain of our stores have failed to comply with certain provisions of their Franchise
Agreements, and we cannot ensure that our stores will be able to comply with these provisions in the future.
Our Franchise Agreements expire at various times, and there can be no assurances that we will be able to renew these agreements on a timely basis or on
acceptable terms or at all. Actions taken by a manufacturer to exploit its bargaining position in negotiating the terms of renewals of Franchise Agreements or
otherwise could also have a material adverse effect on our revenues and profitability. If a manufacturer terminates or fails to renew one or more of our
significant Franchise Agreements or a large number of our Franchise Agreements, such action could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of
operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Our Franchise Agreements also specify that, except in certain situations, we cannot operate a franchise by another manufacturer in the same building as the
manufacturer’s franchised store. This may require us to build new facilities at a significant cost. Moreover, our manufacturers generally require that the store
meet defined image standards. These commitments could require us to make significant capital expenditures.
Our Franchise Agreements do not give us the exclusive right to a given geographic area. Manufacturers may be able to establish new franchises or relocate
existing franchises, subject to applicable state franchise laws. The establishment of or relocation of franchises in our markets could have a material adverse
effect on the business, financial condition and results of operations of our stores in the market in which the action is taken.
Manufacturer stock ownership requirements and restrictions may impair our ability to maintain or renew Franchise Agreements or issue additional
equity.
Certain of our Franchise Agreements prohibit transfers of ownership interests of a store or, in some cases, the ownership interests of the store’s indirect parent
companies, including the Company. Agreements with various manufacturers, including, among others, Honda/Acura, Hyundai, Mazda, Volkswagen, Mercedes-
Benz, Subaru, Toyota, Ford/Lincoln, GM, and Nissan, provide that, under certain circumstances, we may lose a franchise and/or be forced to sell one or more
stores or their assets if there occurs a prohibited transfer of ownership interests (in some cases not defined or defined ambiguously) or a person or entity
acquires an ownership interest in us above a specified level (ranging from 20% to 50% depending on the particular manufacturer’s restrictions and falling as
low as 5% if another vehicle manufacturer or distributor is the entity acquiring the ownership interest) without the approval of the manufacturer. Transactions
in our stock by our shareholders or prospective shareholders, including transactions in our Class B common stock, are generally outside of our control and may
result in the termination or non-renewal of one or more of our franchises, may result in a forced sale of one or more of our stores or their assets at a price
below fair market value or may impair our ability to negotiate new Franchise Agreements for dealerships we desire to acquire in the future, which may have a
material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. These restrictions may also prevent or deter a prospective
acquirer from acquiring control of us or otherwise adversely affect the market price of our Class A common stock or limit our ability to restructure our debt
obligations.
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If state dealer laws are repealed or weakened, our dealerships will be more susceptible to termination, non-renewal or renegotiation of their
Franchise Agreements. Additionally, federal bankruptcy law can override protections afforded under state dealer laws.
State dealer laws generally provide that a manufacturer may not terminate or refuse to renew a franchise agreement unless it has first provided the dealer with
written notice setting forth good cause and stating the grounds for termination or non-renewal. Certain state dealer laws allow dealers to file protests or
petitions or attempt to comply with the manufacturer’s criteria within the notice period to avoid the termination or non-renewal. If dealer laws are repealed in
the states where we operate, manufacturers may be able to terminate our franchises without providing advance notice, an opportunity to cure or a showing of
good cause. Without the protection of state dealer laws, it may also be more difficult to renew our Franchise Agreements upon expiration or on terms
acceptable to us.
In addition, these laws restrict the ability of automobile manufacturers to directly enter the retail market in the future. Manufacturer lobbying efforts (including
those of Tesla) may lead to the repeal or revision of these laws. If manufacturers obtain the ability to directly retail vehicles and do so in our markets, such
competition could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
As evidenced by the bankruptcy proceedings of both Chrysler and GM in 2009, state dealer laws do not afford continued protection from manufacturer
terminations or non-renewal of Franchise Agreements. No assurances can be given that a manufacturer will not seek protection under bankruptcy laws, or
that, in this event, they will not seek to terminate franchise rights held by us.
Import product restrictions, currency valuations, and foreign trade risks may impair our ability to sell foreign vehicles or parts profitably.
A significant portion of the vehicles we sell are manufactured outside the U.S., and all of the vehicles we sell include parts manufactured outside the U.S. As a
result, our operations are subject to customary risks of importing merchandise, including currency fluctuation, import duties, exchange rates, trade restrictions,
work stoppages, transportation costs, natural or man-made disasters, and general political and socio economic conditions in other countries. The U.S. or the
countries from which our products are imported, may, from time to time, impose new quotas, duties, tariffs or other restrictions, or adjust presently prevailing
quotas, duties or tariffs, which may affect our operations and our ability to purchase imported vehicles and/or parts at reasonable prices. Changes in U.S. trade
policies, including the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement or policies intended to penalize foreign manufacturing or imports, and policies of foreign countries in
reaction to those changes, could increase the prices we pay for some of the new vehicles and parts we sell. Any changes that increase the costs of vehicles
and parts generally, to the extent passed on to customers, could negatively affect customer demand and our revenues and profitability. If not passed on to our
customers, any cost increases will adversely affect our profitability. Any cost increase that disproportionately applies to manufacturers that sell to us could
adversely affect our business compared to other automobile retailers.
Our operations are subject to extensive governmental laws and regulations. If we are found to be in purported violation of or subject to liabilities
under any of these laws, or if new laws or regulations are enacted that adversely affect our operations, our business, operating results, and prospects
could suffer.
We are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations in the 18 states in which we operate, such as those relating to franchising, motor vehicle sales,
retail installment sales, leasing, finance and insurance, marketing, licensing, consumer protection, consumer privacy, escheatment, anti-money laundering,
environmental, vehicle emissions and fuel economy, and health and safety. In addition, with respect to employment practices, we are subject to various laws
and regulations, including complex federal, state and local wage and hour and anti-discrimination laws. New laws and regulations are enacted on an ongoing
basis. With the number of stores we operate, the number of personnel we employ and the large volume of transactions we handle, it is likely that technical
mistakes will be made. These regulations affect our profitability and require ongoing training. Current practices in stores may become prohibited. We are
responsible for ensuring that continued compliance with laws is maintained. If there are unauthorized activities, the state and federal authorities have the power
to impose civil penalties and sanctions, suspend or withdraw dealer licenses or take other actions. These actions could materially impair our activities or our
ability to acquire new stores in those states where violations occurred. Further, private causes of action on behalf of individuals or a class of individuals could
result in significant damages or injunctive relief.
We may be involved in legal proceedings arising from the conduct of our business, including litigation with customers, employee-related lawsuits, class actions,
purported class actions and actions brought by governmental authorities. Claims arising out of actual or alleged violations of law may be asserted against us or
any of our dealers by individuals, either individually or through class actions, or by governmental entities in civil or criminal investigations and proceedings. Such
actions may expose us to substantial
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monetary damages and legal defense costs, injunctive relief, criminal and civil fines and penalties and damage our reputation and sales.
Our financing activities are subject to federal truth-in-lending, consumer leasing and equal credit opportunity laws and regulations, as well as state and local
motor vehicle finance laws, installment finance laws, insurance laws, usury laws and other installment sales laws and regulations. Some states regulate finance,
documentation and administrative fees that may be charged in connection with vehicle sales. In recent years, private plaintiffs and state attorneys general in the
U.S. have increased their scrutiny of advertising, sales, and finance and insurance activities in the sale and leasing of motor vehicles. These activities have led
many lenders to limit the amounts that may be charged to customers as fee income for these activities. If these or similar activities were to significantly restrict
our ability to generate revenue from arranging financing for our customers, we could be adversely affected.
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act"), which was signed into law on July 21, 2010, established the
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the "CFPB"), a new independent federal agency funded by the U.S. Federal Reserve with broad regulatory powers
and limited oversight from the U.S. Congress. Although automotive dealers are generally excluded, the Dodd-Frank Act has led to additional, indirect regulation
of automotive dealers, in particular, their sale and marketing of finance and insurance products, through its regulation of automotive finance companies and
other financial institutions. In March 2013, the CFPB issued supervisory guidance highlighting its concern that the practice of automotive dealers being
compensated for arranging customer financing through discretionary markup of wholesale rates offered by financial institutions ("dealer markup”) results in a
significant risk of pricing disparity in violation of The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (the "ECOA”). The CFPB recommended that financial institutions under its
jurisdiction take steps to ensure compliance with the ECOA, which may include imposing controls on dealer markup, monitoring and addressing the effects of
dealer markup policies, and eliminating dealer discretion to markup buy rates and fairly compensating dealers using a different mechanism that does not result in
disparate impact to certain groups of consumers.
Our marketing and disclosure regarding the sale and servicing of vehicles is regulated by federal, state and local agencies including the Federal Trade
Commission ("FTC") and state attorneys general. For example, in January 2016, we settled FTC allegations that we did not adequately disclose information
about used vehicles with open safety recalls. Under the settlement, we did not make any payments or admit wrong-doing, but we did agree to make specified
disclosures on our website and to provide that disclosure to certain customers who had previously purchased a used vehicle from us.
If we or any of our employees at any individual dealership violate or are alleged to violate laws and regulations applicable to them or protecting consumers
generally, we could be subject to individual claims or consumer class actions, administrative, civil or criminal investigations or actions and adverse publicity.
Such actions could expose us to substantial monetary damages and legal defense costs, injunctive relief and criminal and civil fines and penalties, including
suspension or revocation of our licenses and franchises to conduct dealership operations.
Environmental laws and regulations govern, among other things, discharges into the air and water, storage of petroleum substances and chemicals, the handling
and disposal of wastes and remediation of contamination arising from spills and releases. In addition, we may also have liability in connection with materials that
were sent to third-party recycling, treatment and/or disposal facilities under federal and state statutes. These federal and state statutes impose liability for
investigation and remediation of contamination without regard to fault or the legality of the conduct that contributed to the contamination. Similar to many of our
competitors, we have incurred and expect to continue to incur capital and operating expenditures and other costs in complying with such federal and state
statutes. In addition, we may be subject to broad liabilities arising out of contamination at our currently and formerly owned or operated facilities, at locations to
which hazardous substances were transported from such facilities, and at such locations related to entities formerly affiliated with us. Although for some such
potential liabilities we believe we are entitled to indemnification from other entities, we cannot assure you that such entities will view their obligations as we do
or will be able or willing to satisfy them. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations, or significant additional expenditures required to maintain
compliance therewith, may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and prospects.
Breaches in our data security systems or in systems used by our vendor partners, including cyber-attacks or unauthorized data distribution by
employees or affiliated vendors, or disruptions to access and connectivity of our information systems could impact our operations or result in the loss
or misuse of customers’ proprietary information.
Our information technology systems are important to operating our business efficiently. We employ information technology systems, including websites, that
allow for the secure handling and processing of customers’ proprietary information. The failure of our information technology systems, and those of our partner
software and technology vendors, to perform as we anticipate could disrupt our business and could expose us to a risk of loss or misuse of this information,
litigation and potential liability.
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We collect, process, and retain personally identifiable information regarding customers, associates and vendors in the normal course of our business. Our
internal and third-party systems are under a moderate level of risk from hackers or other individuals with malicious intent to gain unauthorized access to our
systems. Cyber-attacks are growing in number and sophistication thus presenting an ongoing threat to systems, whether internal or external, used to operate the
business on a day-to-day basis. We invest in reasonable commercial security technology to protect our data and business processes against many of these
risks. We also purchase insurance to mitigate the potential financial impact of many of these risks. Despite the security measures we have in place, our
facilities and systems, and those of our third-party service providers, could be vulnerable to security breaches, computer viruses, lost or misplaced data,
programming errors, human errors, acts of vandalism, or other events. Any security breach or event resulting in the misappropriation, loss, or other unauthorized
disclosure of confidential information, or degradation of services provided by critical business systems, whether by us directly or our third-party service
providers, could adversely affect our business operations, sales, reputation with current and potential customers, associates or vendors, as well as other
operational and financial impacts derived from investigations, litigation, imposition of penalties or other means.
Our ability to increase revenues and profitability through acquisitions depends on our ability to acquire and successfully integrate additional stores.
General
The U.S. automobile industry is considered a mature industry in which minimal growth is expected in unit sales of new vehicles. Accordingly, a principal
component of our growth in sales is to make acquisitions in our existing markets and in new geographic markets. To complete the acquisition of additional
stores, we need to successfully address each of the following challenges.
Manufacturers
We are required to obtain consent from the applicable manufacturer prior to the acquisition of a franchised store. In determining whether to approve an
acquisition, a manufacturer considers many factors, including our financial condition, ownership structure, the number of stores currently owned and our
performance with those stores. Obtaining manufacturer approval of acquisitions also takes a significant amount of time, typically 60 to 90 days. In the past,
manufacturers have not consented to our purchase of franchised stores due to the performance of existing stores. We cannot assure you that manufacturers
will approve future acquisitions timely, if at all, which could significantly impair the execution of our acquisition strategy.
Most major manufacturers have now established limitations or guidelines on the:
• number of such manufacturers’ stores that may be acquired by a single owner;
• number of stores that may be acquired in any market or region;
• percentage of market share that may be controlled by one automotive retailer group;
• ownership of stores in contiguous markets;
• performance requirements for existing stores; and
• frequency of acquisitions.
In addition, such manufacturers generally require that no other manufacturers’ brands be sold from the same store location, and many manufacturers have site
control agreements in place that limit our ability to change the use of the facility without their approval.
A manufacturer also considers our past performance as measured by the Minimum Sales Responsibility ("MSR”) scores, CSI scores and Sales Satisfaction
Index ("SSI”) scores at our existing stores. At any point in time, certain stores may have scores below the manufacturers’ sales zone averages or have
achieved sales below the targets manufacturers have set. Our failure to maintain satisfactory scores and to achieve market share performance goals could
restrict our ability to complete future store acquisitions.
Acquisition Risks
We face risks commonly encountered with growth through acquisitions. These risks include, without limitation:
• failing to assimilate the operations and personnel of acquired dealerships;
• straining our existing systems, procedures, structures and personnel;
• failing to achieve predicted sales levels;
• incurring significantly higher capital expenditures and operating expenses, which could substantially limit our operating or financial flexibility;
• entering new, unfamiliar markets;
• encountering undiscovered liabilities and operational difficulties at acquired dealerships;
• disrupting our ongoing business;
• diverting our management resources;
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• failing to maintain uniform standards, controls and policies;
• impairing relationships with employees, manufacturers and customers as a result of changes in management;
• incurring increased expenses for accounting and computer systems, as well as integration difficulties;
• failing to obtain a manufacturer’s consent to the acquisition of one or more of its dealership franchises or renew the franchise agreement on terms
acceptable to us;
• incorrectly valuing entities to be acquired; and
• incurring additional facility renovation costs or other expenses required by the manufacturer.
In addition, we may not adequately anticipate all of the demands that growth will impose on our systems, procedures and structures.
Consummation and Competition
We may not be able to complete future acquisitions at acceptable prices and terms or identify suitable candidates. In addition, increased competition in the
future for acquisition candidates could result in fewer acquisition opportunities for us and higher acquisition prices. The magnitude, timing, pricing and nature of
future acquisitions will depend upon various factors, including:
• the availability of suitable acquisition candidates;
• competition with other dealer groups for suitable acquisitions;
• the negotiation of acceptable terms with sellers and with manufacturers;
• our financial capabilities and ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms;
• our stock price;
• our ability to maintain required financial covenant levels after the acquisition; and
• the availability of skilled employees to manage the acquired businesses.
Operating and Financial Condition
Although we conduct what we believe to be a prudent level of investigation, an unavoidable level of risk remains regarding the actual operating condition of
acquired stores and we may not have an accurate understanding of each acquired store’s financial condition and performance. Similarly, most of the
dealerships we acquire do not have financial statements audited or prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. We may not
have an accurate understanding of the historical financial condition and performance of our acquired businesses. Until we assume control of the business, we
may not be able to ascertain the actual value or understand the potential liabilities of the acquired businesses and their earnings potential. These risks may not
be adequately mitigated by the indemnification obligations we negotiated with sellers.
Limitations on Our Capital Resources
We make a substantial capital investment when we acquire dealerships. Limitations on our capital resources would restrict our ability to complete new
acquisitions or could limit our operating or financial flexibility.
We finance acquisitions activity with cash flows from our operations, borrowings under our credit arrangements, proceeds from our offering of senior notes,
proceeds from mortgage financing and the issuance of shares of Class A common stock. The size of our acquisition activity in recent years magnifies risks
associated with debt service obligations. These risks include potential lower earnings per share, our inability to pay dividends and potential negative impacts to
the debt covenants we negotiated under our credit agreement.
If we fail to meet the covenants in our credit facility or our senior notes indenture, or if some other event occurs that results in a default or an acceleration of
our repayment obligations under our debt instruments, we may not be able to refinance our debt on terms acceptable to us or at all. We may not be able to
obtain financing in the future due to the market price of our Class A common stock and overall market conditions. Additionally, a substantial amount of assets
of our dealerships are pledged to secure the indebtedness under our credit facility and our other floor plan financing indebtedness. These pledges may limit our
ability to borrow from other sources in order to fund our acquisitions.
Goodwill and other intangible assets comprise a significant portion of our total assets. We must test our goodwill and other intangible assets for
impairment at least annually, which could result in a material, non-cash write-down of goodwill or franchise rights and could materially adversely
affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are subject to impairment assessments at least annually (or more frequently when events or changes in
circumstances indicate that an impairment may have occurred) by applying a fair-value based test. Our principal intangible assets are goodwill and our rights
under our Franchise Agreements with vehicle manufacturers. A decrease in our market capitalization or profitability increases the risk of goodwill impairment.
Negative or declining cash flows or a decline in actual or planned revenues for our stores increases the risk of franchise rights impairment. An impairment loss
could have a
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material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. As of December 31, 2018, our balance sheet reflected
carrying amounts of $434.9 million in goodwill, and $288.7 million in franchise value.
We are subject to substantial risk of loss under our various self-insurance programs including property and casualty, open lot vehicle coverage,
workers’ compensation and employee medical coverage. 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.
We have a significant concentration of our property values at each dealership location, including vehicle and parts inventories and our facilities. Natural
disasters and severe weather events (such as hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, floods, landslides and wind or hail storms) or other extraordinary events subject us
to property loss and business interruption. Illegal or unethical conduct by employees, customers, vendors and unaffiliated third parties can also impact our
business. Other potential liabilities arising out of our operations may involve claims by employees, customers or third parties for personal injury or property
damage and potential fines and penalties in connection with alleged violations of regulatory requirements.
Under our self-insurance programs, we retain various levels of aggregate loss limits, per claim deductibles and claims-handling expenses. Costs in excess of
these retained risks may be insured under various contracts with third-party insurance carriers. As of December 31, 2018, we had total reserve amounts
associated with these programs of $39.9 million.
The level of risk we retain may change in the future as insurance market conditions or other factors affecting the economics of our insurance purchasing
change. The operation of automobile dealerships is subject to a broad variety of risks. In certain instances, our insurance may not fully cover an insured loss
depending on the magnitude and nature of the claim. Accordingly, we cannot assure that we will not be exposed to uninsured or underinsured losses that could
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. 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.
Our indebtedness and lease obligations could materially adversely affect our financial health, limit our ability to finance future acquisitions and
capital expenditures and prevent us from fulfilling our financial obligations. Much of our debt is secured by a substantial portion of our assets. Much
of our debt has a variable interest rate component that may significantly increase our interest costs in a rising rate environment.
Our indebtedness and lease obligations could have important consequences to us, including the following:
• limitations on our ability to make acquisitions;
• impaired ability to obtain additional financing for acquisitions, capital expenditures, working capital or general corporate purposes;
• reduced funds available for our operations and other purposes, as a larger portion of our cash flow from operations would be dedicated to the payment of
principal and interest on our indebtedness; and
• exposure to the risk of increasing interest rates as certain borrowings are, and will continue to be, at variable rates of interest.
In addition, our loan agreements and our senior note indenture contain covenants that limit our discretion with respect to business matters, including incurring
additional debt, granting additional security interests in our assets, acquisition activity, disposing of assets and other business matters. Other covenants are
financial in nature, including current ratio, fixed charge coverage and leverage ratio calculations. A breach of any of these covenants could result in a default
under the applicable agreement. In addition, a default under one agreement could result in a default and acceleration of our repayment obligations under the
other agreements under the cross-default provisions in such other agreements.
We have granted in favor of certain of our lenders and other secured parties, including those under our $2.6 billion revolving syndicated credit facility, a security
interest in a substantial portion of our assets. If we default on our obligations under those agreements, the secured parties may be able to foreclose upon their
security interests and otherwise be entitled to obtain or control those assets.
Certain debt agreements contain subjective acceleration clauses based on a lender deeming itself insecure or if a "material adverse change” in our business has
occurred. If these clauses are implicated, and the lender declares that an event of default has occurred, the outstanding indebtedness would likely be
immediately due and owing.
16
If these events were to occur, we may not be able to pay our debts or borrow sufficient funds to refinance them. Even if new financing were available, it may
not be on terms acceptable to us. As a result of this risk, we could be forced to take actions that we otherwise would not take, or not take actions that we
otherwise might take, in order to comply with these agreements.
In addition, the lenders' obligations to make loans or other credit accommodations under certain credit agreements is subject to the satisfaction of certain
conditions precedent including, for example, that our representations and warranties in the agreement are true and correct in all material respects as of the date
of the proposed credit extension. If any of our representations and warranties in those agreements are not true and correct in all material respects as of the
date of a proposed credit extension, or if other conditions precedent are not satisfied, we may not be able to request new loans or other credit accommodations
under those credit facilities, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Additionally, our real estate debt generally has a five to ten-year term, after which the debt needs to be renewed or replaced. A decline in the appraised value
of real estate or a reduction in the loan-to-value lending ratios for new or renewed real estate loans could result in our inability to renew maturing real estate
loans at the debt level existing at maturity, or on terms acceptable to us, requiring us to find replacement lenders or to refinance at lower loan amounts.
As of December 31, 2018, 79% of our total debt was variable rate. The majority of our variable rate debt is indexed to the one-month LIBOR rate. The current
interest rate environment is at historically low levels, and interest rates will likely increase in the future. In the event interest rates increase, our borrowing costs
may increase substantially. Additionally, fixed rate debt that matures may be renewed at interest rates significantly higher than current levels. As a result, this
could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
We may not be able to satisfy our debt obligations upon the occurrence of a change in control under our debt instruments.
Upon the occurrence of a change in control as defined in our credit agreement, the agent under the credit agreement will have the right to declare all
outstanding obligations immediately due and payable and to terminate the availability of future advances to us. Upon the occurrence of a change in control, as
defined in our senior notes indenture, the holders of our senior notes will have the right to require us to purchase all or any part of such holders' notes at a price
equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. There can be no assurance that we would have sufficient resources
available to satisfy all of our obligations under the credit agreement in the event of a change in control or fundamental change. In the event we were unable to
satisfy these obligations, it could have a material adverse impact on our business and our common stock holders. A "change in control" as defined in our credit
agreement includes, among other events, the acquisition by any person, or two or more persons acting in concert, in either case other than Lithia Holdings
Company, L.L.C., Sid DeBoer or Bryan DeBoer, of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934) of 20% or more of the outstanding shares of our voting stock on a fully diluted basis.
We have a significant relationship with a third-party warranty insurer and administrator. This third-party is the obligor of service warranty policies
sold to our customers. Additionally, we have agreements in place that allow for future income based on the claims experience on policies sold to our
customers.
We sell service warranty policies to our customers issued by a third-party obligor. We receive additional fee income if actual claims are less than the amounts
reserved for anticipated claims and the costs of administration and administrator profit.
A decline in the financial health of the third-party insurer could jeopardize the claims reserves held by the administrator, and prevent us from collecting the
experience payments anticipated to be earned in future years. While the amount we receive varies annually, the loss of this income could negatively impact our
business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Further, the inability of the insurer to honor service warranty claims would likely result in
reputational risk to us and might result in claims to cover any default by the insurer.
The loss of key personnel or the failure to attract additional qualified management personnel could adversely affect our operations and growth.
Our success depends to a significant degree on the efforts and abilities of our senior management. Further, we have identified Bryan B. DeBoer in most of our
store Franchise Agreements as the individual who controls the franchises and upon whose financial resources and management expertise the manufacturers
may rely when awarding or approving the transfer of any franchise. If we lose these key personnel, our business may suffer.
17
In addition, as we expand, we will need to hire additional managers and other employees. The market for qualified employees in the industry and in the regions
in which we operate, particularly for general managers and sales and service personnel, is highly competitive and may subject us to increased labor costs during
periods of low unemployment. The loss of the services of key employees or the inability to attract additional qualified managers could have a material adverse
effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. In addition, the lack of qualified managers or other employees employed by
potential acquisition candidates may limit our ability to consummate future acquisitions.
Investments in start-up companies may be risky and may negatively affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
We recently entered into a strategic partnership with Shift, a San Francisco-based start-up company, by investing $54 million, leading their Series D fundraising
round. Additionally, we have the ability to increase our ownership through successful execution of operational, collaborative milestones. These milestones may
involve activities such as jointly participating in agreements or sharing data and technology with Shift. As a start-up company, Shift has a lack of operating
history, is not subject to Sarbanes-Oxley regulations and may lack financial controls and procedures often found at public companies. There can be no
guarantees that Shift will achieve profitability, raise sufficient funds for operations or continue to successfully develop their technology platform. Additionally,
start-up companies often face risk from lawsuits and regulations. Our investment is subject to potential impairment if there are indications of an other-than-
temporary decline in value and our strategic partnership may expose us to additional risk. There is no guarantee we will receive a return on our investment.
These conditions may adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flow.
Risks related to investing in our Class A common stock
Oregon law and our Restated Articles of Incorporation may impede or discourage a takeover, which could impair the market price of our Class A
common stock.
We are an Oregon corporation, and certain provisions of Oregon law and our Restated Articles of Incorporation may have anti-takeover effects. These
provisions could delay, defer or prevent a tender offer or takeover attempt that a shareholder might consider to be in his or her best interest. These provisions
may also affect attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the shares held by shareholders, and may make removal of the incumbent
management and directors more difficult, which, under certain circumstances, could reduce the market price of our Class A common stock.
Our issuance of preferred stock could adversely affect holders of Class A common stock.
Our Board of Directors is authorized to issue a series of preferred stock without any action on the part of our holders of Class A common stock. Our Board of
Directors also has the power, without shareholder approval, to set the terms of any such series of preferred stock that may be issued, including voting powers,
preferences over our Class A common stock with respect to dividends or if we voluntarily or involuntarily dissolve or distribute our assets, and other terms. If
we issue preferred stock in the future that has preference over our Class A common stock with respect to the payment of dividends or upon our liquidation,
dissolution or winding up, or if we issue preferred stock with voting rights that dilute the voting power of our Class A common stock, the rights of holders of our
Class A common stock or the price of our Class A common stock could be adversely affected.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2. Properties
Our stores and other facilities consist primarily of automobile showrooms, display lots, service facilities, collision repair and paint shops, supply facilities,
automobile storage lots, parking lots and offices located in the states listed under the caption Overview in Item 1. We believe our facilities are currently
adequate for our needs and are in good repair. Some of our facilities do not currently meet manufacturer image or size requirements and we are actively
working to find a mutually acceptable outcome in terms of timing and overall cost. We own our corporate headquarters in Medford, Oregon, and numerous
other properties used in our operations. Certain of our owned properties are mortgaged. As of December 31, 2018, we had outstanding mortgage debt of
$592.3 million. We also lease certain properties, providing future flexibility to relocate our retail stores as demographics, economics, traffic patterns or sales
methods change. Most leases provide us the option to renew the lease for one or more lease extension periods. We also hold certain vacant facilities and
undeveloped land for future expansion.
18
Our corporate headquarters is LEED certified and incorporates roof-mounted solar panels to offset energy usage. Two of our stores are also LEED certified
and we have completed solar projects at four others. Our stores also integrate energy-saving practices and materials. This includes practices such as recycling
used tires, used engine oil and used oil filters; the use of waste oil heaters and carwash reclaim systems; using biodegradable products in our detail services;
upgrading to energy efficient LED lighting and installing electric vehicle charging stations.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
We are party to numerous legal proceedings arising in the normal course of our business. Although we do not anticipate that the resolution of legal proceedings
arising in the normal course of business will have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows, we cannot
predict this with certainty.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosure
Not applicable.
19
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Our Class A common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol LAD.
The number of shareholders of record and approximate number of beneficial holders of Class A common stock as of February 22, 2019 was 502 and 28,356,
respectively. All shares of Lithia’s Class B common stock are held by Lithia Holding Company, LLC. Sidney B. DeBoer Trust U.T.A.D. January 30, 1997 (the
"Trust") is the manager of Lithia Holding Company, L.L.C., and Sidney DeBoer, as the trustee of the Trust, has the authority to vote all of the issued and
outstanding shares of our Class B common stock.
At the special meeting of shareholders held on January 21, 2019, Sidney B. DeBoer and the Company executed a Class B Conversion Agreement pursuant to
which Mr. DeBoer agreed to cause all of the remaining 1,000,000 shares of our class B common stock to be converted into shares of our class A common
stock by December 31, 2025. The Class B Conversion Agreement will require the conversion of at least 15% of the 1,000,000 class B shares by the end of
every two years, with the first 15% to be converted by December 31, 2020, a total of 30% by December 31, 2022, a total of 45% by December 31, 2024, and
the balance by December 31, 2025.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
Information regarding securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans is included in Item 12.
Recent Sale of Unregistered Securities
On May 1, 2017, we agreed to issue 22,446 shares of Class A common stock to Lee W. Baierl as partial consideration for the purchase of Northland Ford,
Inc., an entity we acquired in connection with our acquisition of the Baierl Auto Group. Under the agreement, we issued 4,489 shares to Mr. Baierl on both
May 1, 2017 and January 1, 2018. We will issue 4,489 additional shares to him on each of January 1, 2019 and 2020; on January 1, 2021, we will issue to him
the final 4,490 shares. The shares were issued to Mr. Baierl, an accredited investor, in a transaction exempt from Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933.
Repurchases of Equity Securities
We made the following repurchases of our common stock during the fourth quarter of 2018:
Total number of shares
purchased
Average
price paid per
share
Total number of shares
purchased as part of
publicly announced plan(1)
Maximum dollar value of
shares that may yet be
purchased under publicly
announced plan (in
thousands)(1)
423,863 $
165
489,329
913,357
76.85
90.06
70.96
73.70
423,863 $
—
489,250
913,113
268,318
268,318
233,603
233,603
In February 2016, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $250 million of our Class A common stock. In October 2018, our Board of
Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $250 million of our Class A common stock. Through December 31, 2018, we have repurchased
3,155,095 shares at an average price of $84.43 per share. This authority to repurchase shares does not have an expiration date.
Includes 244 shares repurchased in association with tax withholdings on the vesting of RSUs.
(2)
20
October
November
December
Total(2)
(1)
Stock Performance Graph
The following line-graph shows the annual percentage change in the cumulative total returns for the past five years on an assumed $100 initial investment and
reinvestment of dividends, on (a) Lithia Motors, Inc.’s Class A common stock; (b) the Russell 2000; and (c) an auto peer group index composed of Penske
Automotive Group, AutoNation, Sonic Automotive, Group 1 Automotive, and Asbury Automotive Group, the only other comparable publicly traded automobile
dealerships in the United States as of December 31, 2018. The peer group index utilizes the same methods of presentation and assumptions for the total return
calculation as does Lithia Motors and the Russell 2000. All companies in the peer group index are weighted in accordance with their market capitalizations.
Company/Index
Lithia Motors, Inc.
Auto Peer Group
Russell 2000
Base Period
12/31/2013
12/31/2014
Indexed Returns for the Year Ended
12/31/2016
12/31/2017
12/31/2015
$100.00 $
100.00
100.00
125.90 $
119.04
104.90
156.02 $
109.25
100.27
143.26 $
107.16
121.63
169.83 $
105.38
139.45
21
12/31/2018
115.54
84.37
124.09
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
You should read the Selected Financial Data in conjunction with "Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations,” our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto and other financial information contained elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-
K.
(In millions, except per share amounts)
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:
Revenues:
2018
Year Ended December 31,
2016
2017
2015
2014
New vehicle
Used vehicle retail
Used vehicle wholesale
Finance and insurance
Service, body and parts
Fleet and other
Total revenues
Gross Profit:
New vehicle
Used vehicle retail
Used vehicle wholesale
Finance and insurance
Service, body and parts
Fleet and other
Total gross profit
Operating income (1) (2)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes (1)
Income from continuing operations (1)
Basic income per share from continuing operations
Basic income per share from discontinued operations
Basic net income per share
Shares used in basic per share
Diluted income per share from continuing operations
Diluted income per share from discontinued operations
Diluted net income per share
Shares used in diluted per share
Cash dividends paid per common share
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
6,602.8 $
3,079.0
331.3
454.8
1,222.3
131.2
11,821.4 $
385.1 $
322.9
5.5
454.8
600.7
8.0
1,777.0 $
5,763.6 $
2,544.4
277.8
385.9
1,015.8
99.0
10,086.5 $
339.8 $
286.8
4.8
385.9
493.1
5.7
1,516.1 $
4,938.4 $
2,227.0
276.6
330.9
844.5
60.8
8,678.2 $
289.4 $
263.7
4.3
330.9
410.3
2.7
1,301.3 $
4,552.3 $
1,927.0
261.5
283.0
739.0
101.5
7,864.3 $
280.4 $
241.2
4.5
283.0
363.9
2.6
1,175.6 $
447.0 $
409.0 $
338.4 $
302.7 $
337.5 $
347.1 $
283.5 $
262.7 $
265.7 $
245.2 $
197.1 $
183.0 $
10.91 $
—
10.91 $
24.4
10.86 $
—
10.86 $
24.5
9.78 $
—
9.78 $
25.1
9.75 $
—
9.75 $
25.1
7.76 $
—
7.76 $
25.4
7.72 $
—
7.72 $
25.5
6.96 $
—
6.96 $
26.3
6.91 $
—
6.91 $
26.5
1.14 $
1.06 $
0.95 $
0.76 $
22
3,077.7
1,362.5
195.7
190.4
512.1
51.9
5,390.3
198.2
179.3
3.6
190.4
249.7
2.1
823.3
231.9
210.5
135.5
5.19
0.12
5.31
26.1
5.14
0.12
5.26
26.4
0.61
(In millions)
Consolidated Balance Sheets Data:
Working capital
Inventories
Total assets
Floor plan notes payable
Long-term debt, including current maturities
Total stockholders’ equity
(1)
2018
2017
As of December 31,
2016
2015
2014
$
497.9 $
481.8 $
365.2 $
288.0 $
2,365.3
5,384.0
2,057.7
1,384.1
1,197.2
2,132.7
4,683.1
1,919.1
1,047.4
1,083.2
1,772.6
3,844.2
1,601.5
790.9
910.8
1,471.0
3,225.1
1,314.0
643.2
828.1
172.9
1,249.7
2,879.1
1,178.6
639.1
673.1
Includes $1.3 million, $14.0 million, $20.1 million and $1.9 million in non-cash charges related to asset impairments for the years ended 2018, 2016, 2015
and 2014 respectively. We did not record any non-cash charges related to asset impairments in 2017. See Notes 1, 4 and 17 of Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
You should read the following discussion in conjunction with Item 1. Business, Item 1A. Risk Factors, and our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes
thereto.
Overview
We are one of the largest automotive franchises in the United States and as of 2018 were ranked #294 on the Fortune 500. As of February 22, 2019, we
offered 28 brands of new vehicles and all brands of used vehicles in 182 stores in the United States and online at over 200 websites. We offer a wide range of
products and services including new and used vehicles, finance and insurance products and automotive repair and maintenance.
During the year ended December 31, 2018, we had net income of $265.7 million, or $10.86 per diluted share, compared to net income of $245.2 million, or
$9.75 per diluted share, during 2017. We experienced growth of revenue and gross profit in all major business lines in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily driven
by increases in volume related to acquisitions, complimented by organic growth in used vehicles, finance and insurance and service, body and parts sales. On a
same store basis, new vehicle revenues and gross profits experienced headwinds with plateauing national new vehicle sales and declining manufacturer
incentives. For the year ended December 31, 2018, new vehicle sales accounted for approximately 56% of our revenue and approximately 22% of our gross
profit. Used vehicle retail sales accounted for approximately 26% of our revenue and approximately 18% of our gross profit. Our parts and service and finance
and insurance operations accounted for approximately 14% of our revenue and contributed approximately 59% of our gross profit.
We had total available liquidity of $211.2 million as of December 31, 2018, which consisted of $31.6 million of cash and cash equivalents and $179.6 million of
availability on our credit facilities, with an estimated additional $247.7 million available if we financed our unencumbered owned real estate. For further
discussion of our liquidity, please refer to "Liquidity and Capital Resources" below.
23
Results of Operations
For the year ended December 31, 2018, we reported net income of $265.7 million, or $10.86 per diluted share. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and
2016, we reported net income of $245.2 million, or $9.75 per diluted share, and $197.1 million, or $7.72 per diluted share, respectively.
($ in millions, except per vehicle data)
Revenues
New vehicle
Used vehicle retail
Finance and insurance
Service, body and parts
Total Revenues
Gross profit
New vehicle
Used vehicle retail
Finance and insurance
Service, body and parts
Total Gross Profit
Gross profit margins
New vehicle
Used vehicle retail
Finance and insurance
Service, body and parts
Total Gross Profit Margin
Retail units sold
New vehicles
Used vehicles
Average selling price per retail unit
New vehicles
Used vehicles
Average gross profit per retail unit
New vehicles
Used vehicles
Finance and insurance
$
$
$
$
Years Ended December 31,
2018
2017
2018 vs. 2017
%
Change
2017 vs. 2016
%
Change
2016
$
$
6,602.8
3,079.0
454.8
1,222.3
11,821.4
385.1
322.9
454.8
600.7
1,777.0
5,763.6
2,544.4
385.9
1,015.8
10,086.5
339.8
286.8
385.9
493.1
1,516.1
$
$
839.2
534.6
68.9
206.5
1,734.9
45.3
36.1
68.9
107.6
260.9
14.6 % $
21.0
17.9
20.3
17.2
13.3 % $
12.6
17.9
21.8
17.2
4,938.4
2,227.0
330.9
844.5
8,678.2
289.4
263.7
330.9
410.3
1,301.3
$
$
825.2
317.4
55.0
171.3
1,408.3
50.4
23.1
55.0
82.8
214.8
16.7 %
14.3
16.6
20.3
16.2
17.4 %
8.8
16.6
20.2
16.5
5.8%
10.5
100.0
49.1
15.0
5.9%
11.3
100.0
48.5
15.0
-10 bp
-80 bp
0 bp
60 bp
0 bp
5.9%
11.8
100.0
48.6
15.0
0 bp
-50 bp
0 bp
-10 bp
0 bp
184,601
151,234
167,146
129,913
17,455
21,321
10.4 %
16.4
145,772
113,498
21,374
16,415
14.7 %
14.5
$
35,768
20,359
$
34,482
19,585
1,286
774
3.7 % $
4.0
$
33,878
19,621
604
(36)
1.8 %
(0.2)
$
2,086
2,135
1,354
$
2,033
2,208
1,299
53
(73)
55
2.6 % $
(3.3)
4.2
$
1,985
2,323
1,276
48
(115)
23
2.4 %
(5.0)
1.8
24
Same Store Operating Data
We believe that same store comparisons are an important indicator of our financial performance. Same store measures demonstrate our ability to grow
revenues in our existing locations. Therefore, we have integrated same store measures into the discussion below.
Same store measures reflect results for stores that were operating in each comparison period, and only include the months when operations occurred in both
periods. For example, a store acquired in November 2017 would be included in same store operating data beginning in December 2018, after its first complete
comparable month of operations. The fourth quarter operating results for the same store comparisons would include results for that store in only the period of
December for both comparable periods.
($ in millions, except per
vehicle data)
Revenues
New vehicle
Used vehicle retail
Finance and insurance
Service, body and parts
Total Revenues
Gross profit
New vehicle
Used vehicle retail
Finance and insurance
Service, body and parts
Total Gross Profit
Gross profit margins
New vehicle
Used vehicle retail
Finance and insurance
Service, body and parts
Total Gross Profit Margin
Retail units sold
New vehicles
Used vehicles
Years Ended December 31,
2018 vs. 2017
2017 vs. 2016
2018
2017
Change
%
2017
2016
Change
%
$
$
$
$
5,463.5
2,639.0
390.7
1,021.1
9,888.7
310.9
289.2
390.7
504.6
1,507.0
5,569.4
2,470.7
373.6
985.6
9,768.2
326.8
280.9
373.6
478.4
1,469.9
$
$
(105.9)
168.3
17.1
35.5
120.5
(15.9)
8.3
17.1
26.2
37.1
(1.9)% $
6.8
4.6
3.6
1.2
(4.9)% $
3.0
4.6
5.5
2.5
$
$
4,826.8
2,243.8
339.1
861.6
8,584.6
281.4
261.3
339.1
420.2
1,310.6
$
$
4,767.3
2,157.7
320.5
820.4
8,393.7
278.2
257.6
320.5
398.2
1,261.7
59.5
86.1
18.6
41.2
190.9
3.2
3.7
18.6
22.0
48.9
1.2 %
4.0
5.8
5.0
2.3
1.2 %
1.4
5.8
5.5
3.9
5.7%
11.0
100.0
49.4
15.2
5.9%
11.4
100.0
48.5
15.0
-20 bp
-40 bp
0 bp
90 bp
20 bp
5.8%
11.6
100.0
48.8
15.3
5.8%
11.9
100.0
48.5
15.0
0 bp
-30 bp
0 bp
30 bp
30 bp
153,600
130,965
160,746
125,789
(7,146)
5,176
(4.4)%
4.1
139,652
114,465
140,024
109,658
(372)
4,807
(0.3)%
4.4
Average selling price per
retail unit
New vehicles
Used vehicles
$
Average gross profit per
retail unit
New vehicles
Used vehicles
Finance and insurance
$
$
35,570
20,150
$
34,647
19,642
923
508
2.7 % $
2.6
$
34,563
19,602
$
34,046
19,677
517
(75)
1.5 %
(0.4)
$
2,024
2,208
1,373
$
2,033
2,233
1,304
(9)
(25)
69
(0.4)% $
(1.1)
5.3
$
2,015
2,283
1,334
$
1,987
2,349
1,284
28
(66)
50
1.4 %
(2.8)
3.9
25
New Vehicles
The decrease in same store new vehicle revenues for 2018 compared to 2017 was driven by a decrease in unit volume of 4.4% , partially offset by an increase
in average selling prices of 2.7%. As the national new vehicle market plateaus, our stores focus on improving gross profit per new vehicle sold. On a same
store basis, gross profit per new vehicle remained flat during 2018 compared to 2017. Our recently acquired stores are also focused on improving gross profit
per new vehicle as total company gross profit per unit increased 2.6% during 2018 compared to 2017. Acquisitions during 2018 included six stores each in our
import and luxury segments where we have experienced larger increases in gross profit per unit on a same store basis, including increases of 21.8% for
Subaru, 11.0% for Mercedes and 1.5% for Toyota, offset by a decrease of 4.2% for Lexus compared to 2017.
The same store new vehicle sales increase in 2017 over 2016 of 1.2% included an increase of 1.5% in average selling prices, partially offset by a 0.3%
decrease in volume.
Under our business strategy, we believe that our new vehicle sales create incremental profit opportunities through certain manufacturer incentive programs,
provides used vehicle inventory through trade-ins, arranging of third party financing, vehicle service and insurance contracts, future resale of used vehicles
acquired through trade-in and parts and service work.
Used Vehicles
Used vehicle retail sales are a strategic focus for organic growth. We offer three categories of used vehicles: manufacturer certified pre-owned ("CPO")
vehicles; core vehicles, or late-model vehicles with lower mileage; and value autos, or vehicles with over 80,000 miles. We have established a company-wide
target of achieving a per store average of 85 used retail units per month. Strategies to achieve this target include reducing wholesale sales and selling the full
spectrum of used units, from late model CPO models to vehicles over ten years old. During 2018, our stores sold an average of 69 used vehicles per store per
month. This compares to 67 used vehicles per store per month in 2017 and 66 in 2016.
Used vehicle revenues increased 21.0% during 2018 compared to 2017 and 14.3% in 2017 compared to 2016. These increases are due to a combination of
increased volume from acquisitions and organic growth in our core and value auto categories at our seasoned stores. Excluding the impact of acquisitions, on a
same store basis, used vehicle revenues increased 6.8% during 2018 and included a 4.1% increase in unit volume and a 2.6% increase in average selling price
per retail unit compared to 2017. These revenue increases were driven by increases in our core and value auto categories of 12.5% and 5.0%, respectively,
offset by a decrease in CPO vehicle revenues of 1.9%. The increase in our core vehicle category includes a 7.9% increase in volume, complimented by a
4.4% increase in average selling price per vehicle. The increase in our value auto category is due to an increase in unit sales of 3.0% and an increase in
average selling price per vehicle of 2.0%.
Used vehicle gross profits increased 12.6% during 2018 compared to 2017 and 8.8% in 2017 compared to 2016. On a same store basis, used vehicle gross
profit increased 3.0% in 2018 compared to 2017, led by the performance in our core vehicle category with an increase of 10.5%, offset by decreases in our
value auto and CPO vehicles of 1.3% and 9.4%, respectively. The increase in our core vehicle category is due to increased volume and increased gross profit
per unit. Gross profit per unit in our core vehicle category, which accounted for 52.4% of our used vehicle unit sales in 2018, increased 2.5%, from $2,333 in
2017 to $2,391 in 2018. The decrease in same store gross profit in our value auto category is due to a 4.2% decrease in gross profit per unit from $2,134 in
2017 to $2,045 in 2018, offset by a 3.0% increase in unit sales. Our CPO category experience declines in both gross profit per unit and volume during 2018
compared to 2017. Gross profit per unit decreased 7.3%, from $2,127 in 2017 to $1,971 in 2018 and unit sales decreased 2.1% during the same period.
Used vehicle revenues increased in 2017 compared to 2016 on a same store basis due primarily to an increase in unit volume of 4.4%, partially offset by a
decline in average selling prices of 0.4%. Our core and value auto categories experienced increased revenues of 6.7% and 10.1%, respectively, in 2017
compared to 2016. These increases were offset by a decline in same store CPO revenues of 2.8% over the same period. Same store used vehicle gross profit
increased 1.4% in 2017 compared to 2016, again led by strong performance in our core vehicle category, offset by a decline in our CPO category and relatively
flat performance in our value auto category.
Our used vehicle operations provide an opportunity to generate sales to customers unable or unwilling to purchase a new vehicle, sell brands other than the
store's new vehicle franchise(s), access additional used vehicle inventory through trade-ins and increase sales from finance and insurance products and parts
and service.
Finance and Insurance
We believe that arranging timely vehicle financing is an important part of providing personal transportation solutions, and we attempt to arrange financing for
every vehicle we sell. We also offer related products such as extended warranties, insurance contracts and vehicle and theft protection.
26
The increases in finance and insurance revenue in 2018 compared to 2017 and in 2017 compared to 2016 were primarily due to increased volume related to
acquisitions, combined with expanded product offerings and increasing penetration rates. Third party extended warranty and insurance contracts yield higher
profit margins than vehicle sales and contribute significantly to our profitability. During 2018, finance and insurance sales accounted for 3.8% of total revenues
and 25.6% of total gross profits. On a same store basis, finance and insurance sales accounted for 4.0% of total revenues and 25.9% of total gross profits in
2018. Same store finance and insurance revenues increased 4.6% during 2018 compared to 2017 and 5.8% during 2017 compared to 2016. These increases
were driven by increases in finance and insurance revenues per retail unit, combined with increases in used vehicle unit volume, offset by decreases in new
vehicle unit volume. On a same store basis, our finance and insurance revenues per retail unit increased $69 per unit to $1,373 in 2018 compared to 2017 and
$50 per unit to $1,334 in 2017 compared to 2016. The increase in 2018 compared to 2017 was primarily due to increases in financing and service contract
penetration rates of 180 basis points each in 2018 compared to 2017, from 71.6% to 73.4% and from 44.5% to 46.3%, respectively.
We seek to increase our penetration of vehicle financing on the number of vehicles that we sell and to offer a comprehensive suite of products. We target an
average F&I per retail unit of $1,450. We believe improved performance from sales training, continued optimization of product offerings and pricing, and
revised compensation plans will be critical factors in achieving this target.
Service, body and parts
We provide service, body and parts for the new vehicle brands sold by our stores, as well as service and repairs for most other makes and models. Our parts
and service operations are an integral part of our customer retention and the largest contributor to our overall profitability. Earnings from service, body and
parts have historically been more resilient during economic downturns, when owners have tended to repair their existing vehicles rather than buy new vehicles.
Our service, body and parts revenue grew in all areas in 2018 compared to 2017 and in 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to acquisitions, combined with
more late-model units in operation from 2010 to 2016 and a plateauing new vehicle market. We believe the increased number of units in operation will continue
to benefit our service, body and parts revenue in the coming years as more late-model vehicles age, necessitating repairs and maintenance.
We focus on retaining customers by offering competitively-priced routine maintenance and through our marketing efforts. On a same store basis, service, body
and parts revenue increased 3.6% during 2018, primarily driven by increases in customer pay and warranty revenues of 5.6% and 2.4% , respectively.
Performance in parts wholesale and body shop was similar to the same period of 2017.
Same store service, body and parts gross profit increased 5.5% during 2018 compared to 2017 and 5.5% during 2017 compared to 2016. This performance was
also driven by increases in customer pay and warranty work. Our gross margins continue to increase as our mix has shifted towards customer pay, which has
higher margins than other service work.
Segments
Certain financial information by segment is as follows:
(Dollars in millions)
Revenues:
Domestic
Import
Luxury
Corporate and other
2018
2017
Change
Year Ended December 31,
2018 vs. 2017
%
2016
2017 vs. 2016
%
Change
$
4,215.0 $
5,038.1
2,560.3
11,813.4
8.0
$
11,821.4 $
3,845.8 $
4,432.8
1,810.1
10,088.7
(2.2)
369.2
605.3
750.2
1,724.7
10.2
10,086.5 $ 1,734.9
9.6 % $
13.7
41.4
17.1
(463.6)
17.2
$
3,381.7 $
3,764.3
1,528.7
8,674.7
3.5
464.1
668.5
281.4
1,414.0
(5.7)
8,678.2 $ 1,408.3
13.7 %
17.8
18.4
16.3
(162.9)
16.2
27
2018
2017
Change
Year Ended December 31,
2018 vs. 2017
%
2016
2017 vs. 2016
%
Change
(Dollars in millions)
Segment income*:
Domestic
Import
Luxury
$
105.2 $
117.8
37.0
260.0
167.4
Corporate and other
(57.7)
Depreciation and amortization
(34.8)
Other interest expense
12.2
Other (expense) income, net
347.1 $
Income before income taxes
*Segment income for each reportable segment is defined as Income before income taxes, depreciation and amortization, other interest expense and other
(expense) income, net.
NM - Not meaningful
97.6 $
116.2
43.9
257.7
202.4
(75.4)
(56.0)
8.8
337.5 $
106.2 $
110.2
31.5
247.9
114.2
(49.3)
(23.2)
(6.1)
283.5 $
(7.2)% $
(1.4)
18.6
(0.9)
20.9
30.7
60.9
(1.0)
7.6
5.5
12.1
53.2
8.4
11.6
(18.3)
63.6
(7.6)
(1.6)
6.9
(2.3)
35.0
17.7
21.2
(3.4)
(9.6)
(0.9)%
6.9
17.5
4.9
46.6
17.0
50.0
(2.8)
22.4
NM
NM
$
$
2018
2017
Change
Year Ended December 31,
2018 vs. 2017
%
2016
2017 vs. 2016
%
Change
Retail new vehicle unit sales:
Domestic
Import
Luxury
Allocated to management
55,653
102,454
26,915
185,022
(421)
184,601
53,288
94,634
19,597
167,519
(373)
167,146
2,365
7,820
7,318
17,503
(48)
17,455
4.4 %
8.3
37.3
10.4
(12.9)
10.4
47,707
80,769
17,591
146,067
(295)
145,772
5,581
13,865
2,006
21,452
(78)
21,374
11.7 %
17.2
11.4
14.7
(26.4)
14.7
Domestic
A summary of financial information for our Domestic segment follows:
(Dollars in millions)
Revenue:
New vehicle
Used vehicle retail
Used vehicle wholesale
Finance and insurance
Service, body and parts
Fleet and other
Segment income
Retail new vehicle unit sales
2018
2017
Change
Year Ended December 31,
2018 vs. 2017
%
2016
2017 vs. 2016
%
Change
$
$
$
2,290.1 $
1,107.4
134.9
166.4
451.4
64.8
4,215.0 $
97.6 $
55,653
2,153.7 $
987.4
120.5
151.4
395.5
37.3
3,845.8 $
105.2 $
53,288
136.4
120.0
14.4
15.0
55.9
27.5
369.2
(7.6)
2,365
6.3 % $
12.2 %
12.0 %
9.9 %
14.1 %
73.7 %
9.6 % $
$
(7.2)
4.4
1,876.6 $
891.6
132.6
131.7
324.0
25.2
3,381.7 $
106.2 $
47,707
277.1
95.8
(12.1)
19.7
71.5
12.1
464.1
(1.0)
5,581
14.8 %
10.7 %
(9.1)%
15.0 %
22.1 %
48.0 %
13.7 %
(0.9)
11.7
Revenues in our Domestic segment increased in all major business lines in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily related to acquiring five stores and opening one
store during 2018. New vehicle unit sales increased 4.4% overall, but declined 5.2% on a same store basis. Additionally, our Domestic stores increased their
used vehicle unit sales 9.4%, improved finance and insurance income per retail unit 3.0% to $1,539 per unit and experienced strong growth in service, body and
parts revenues. The acquisition of five stores
28
in 2017 and strong performance on a same store basis in used vehicles, finance and insurance and service, body and parts contributed to the 13.7% increase in
revenue over 2016.
Our Domestic segment income decreased 7.2% in 2018 compared to 2017 due to gross profit growth of 9.7% being more than offset by an 11.2% increase in
SG&A and a 40.9% increase in floor plan interest expense. The increase in floor plan interest was primarily driven by increasing rates, compounded by
increased volume related to acquisitions.
The decrease in our Domestic operating results in 2017 compared to 2016 was primarily a result of increased floor plan interest expense and SG&A expenses,
which offset an increase in gross profits. The increase in SG&A during 2017 was primarily driven by increased variable costs associated with increased sales
volume and the acquisition of eight stores.
Import
A summary of financial information for our Import segment follows:
(Dollars in millions)
Revenue:
New vehicle
Used vehicle retail
Used vehicle wholesale
Finance and insurance
Service, body and parts
Fleet and other
Segment income
Retail new vehicle unit sales
2018
2017
Change
Year Ended December 31,
2018 vs. 2017
%
2016
2017 vs. 2016
%
Change
$
$
$
2,933.1 $
1,283.4
123.4
220.3
453.8
24.1
5,038.1 $
116.2 $
102,454
2,638.5 $
1,073.6
105.2
186.4
396.2
32.9
4,432.8 $
117.8 $
94,634
294.6
209.8
18.2
33.9
57.6
(8.8)
605.3
(1.6)
7,820
11.2 % $
19.5 %
17.3 %
18.2 %
14.5 %
(26.7)%
13.7 % $
$
(1.4)
8.3
2,214.0 $
940.6
96.5
161.1
329.9
22.2
3,764.3 $
110.2 $
80,769
424.5
133.0
8.7
25.3
66.3
10.7
668.5
7.6
13,865
19.2%
14.1%
9.0%
15.7%
20.1%
48.2%
17.8%
6.9
17.2
The increase in our Import segment revenue in 2018 compared to 2017 resulted from increases in all major business lines and primarily related to acquiring six
stores during 2018. New vehicle unit sales in our import segment increased 8.3%, but decreased 4.3% on a same store basis primarily related to decreases in
Honda and Toyota, offset by increasing unit sales with Subaru. Additionally, Import revenues benefited from improved used vehicle sales due to a 17.0%
increase in volume, increases in finance and insurance revenues as a result of increased volume combined with a 5.7% increase in finance and insurance
income per retail unit sold to $1,245 per unit, and improved service, body and parts revenues.
Our segment income decreased 1.4% in 2018 compared to 2017 mainly due to increases in SG&A and floor plan interest expenses that outpaced the increase
in gross profit. Gross profit for our import segment increased 13.6% in 2018 compared to 2017, in line with our revenues. Our Import segment experienced a
15.4% increase in SG&A, primarily driven by increases in personnel, rent, and other miscellaneous costs. Floor plan interest expense increased 43.2% during
2018 and was a significant contributor to lower segment income growth compared to 2017. This increase was driven by a combination of increased volume due
to the acquisition of six stores during 2018 and increasing interest rates.
Improvements in our Import operating results in 2017 compared to 2016 were primarily a result of increased revenues in all major business lines and a slight
increase in gross margins, offset by increases in SG&A and floor plan expenses.
29
Luxury
A summary of financial information for our Luxury segment follows:
(Dollars in millions)
Revenue:
New vehicle
Used vehicle retail
Used vehicle wholesale
Finance and insurance
Service, body and parts
Fleet and other
Segment income
Retail new vehicle unit sales
2018
2017
Change
Year Ended December 31,
2018 vs. 2017
%
2016
2017 vs. 2016
%
Change
$
$
$
1,397.8 $
688.1
72.9
62.0
298.9
40.6
2,560.3 $
43.9 $
26,915
991.5 $
483.1
51.9
40.8
215.0
27.8
1,810.1 $
37.0 $
19,597
406.3
205.0
21.0
21.2
83.9
12.8
750.2
6.9
7,318
41.0% $
42.4%
40.5%
52.0%
39.0%
46.0%
41.4% $
18.6
$
37.3
857.9 $
394.9
47.7
33.8
182.0
12.4
1,528.7 $
31.5 $
17,591
133.6
88.2
4.2
7.0
33.0
15.4
281.4
5.5
2,006
15.6%
22.3%
8.8%
20.7%
18.1%
124.2%
18.4%
17.5
11.4
Our Luxury segment revenue increased in 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to our acquisition of six stores and improvements in finance and insurance and
service, body and parts revenues. Overall, new vehicle unit sales increased 37.3% but declined 2.9% on a same store basis mainly related to our BMW and
Audi franchises. Our luxury segment revenues also benefited from a 38.4% increase in used vehicle unit sales, a 10.2% increase in finance and insurance
revenues per retail unit to $1,212 per unit and growth in service, body and parts during 2018 compared to 2017.
Our Luxury segment income increased 18.6% in 2018 compared to 2017. This increase was due to gross profit growth of 42.2%, offset by an increase in
SG&A of 44.9%, primarily related to acquisition activity, as well as increases in personnel expense, rent and facility expenses and other miscellaneous expense
and an increase in floor plan interest expense of 62.6%. As a percentage of gross profit, SG&A increased 150 basis points in 2018 compared to 2017. The
62.6% increase in floor plan interest expense during 2018 compared to 2017 was due to a combination of increased volume from acquisitions and rising interest
rates.
Our Luxury segment revenue increased in 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to our acquisition of four stores and improvements in finance and insurance
and service body and parts revenues. New vehicle unit sales declined on a same store basis mainly related to our BMW and Mercedes franchises. Our Luxury
segment income increased in 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to gross profits growth of 17.6% that outpaced an increase in SG&A of 16.0%.
Corporate and Other
Revenue attributable to Corporate and other includes the results of operations of our stand-alone collision centers, offset by certain unallocated reserve and
elimination adjustments.
(Dollars in millions)
Revenue, net
Segment income
NM - not meaningful
2018
2017
Change
2016
Change
Year Ended December 31,
2018 vs. 2017
%
NM $
20.9 $
10.2
35.0
2017 vs. 2016
%
NM
(5.7)
53.2
46.6
3.5 $
114.2 $
$
$
8.0 $
202.4 $
(2.2) $
167.4 $
The increase in Corporate and other revenues in 2018 compared to 2017 was primarily related to the addition of two stand-alone body shops, changes in certain
reserves that are not specifically identified with our domestic, import or luxury segment revenue, such as our reserve for revenue reversals associated with
unwound vehicle sales, and elimination of revenues associated with internal corporate vehicle purchases and leases with our stores. Corporate and other
revenues were affected in 2017 by an increase in internal corporate vehicle purchases and leases with our stores resulting in negative revenues compared to
2016.
These internal corporate expense allocations are also used to increase comparability of our dealerships and reflect the capital burden a stand-alone dealership
would experience. Examples of these internal allocations include internal rent expense, internal
30
floor plan financing charges, and internal fees charged to offset employees within our corporate headquarters who perform certain dealership functions.
The increase in Corporate and other segment income in 2018 compared to 2017 is primarily due to gains on the divestiture of stores of $15.1 million and the
addition of 17 stores, offset by changes to certain insurance and auto loan related reserves. In addition, 2018 included $4.3 million of acquisition expense
compared to $6.0 million during 2017. The increase in Corporate and other segment income in 2017 compared to 2016 was primarily related to increased
internal corporate expense allocations and increased store count.
See Note 18 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
Asset Impairment Charges
Asset impairments recorded as a component of operations consist of the following (in millions):
Equity-method investment
Long-lived assets
Year Ended December 31,
2017
2016
2018
$
— $
1.3
— $
—
14.0
—
During 2018, we recorded an asset impairment of $1.3 million associated with certain real properties. The long-lived assets were tested for recoverability and
were determined to have a carrying value exceeding their fair value.
Additionally, we recorded an asset impairment in 2016 associated with our equity-method investment in a limited liability company that participated in the
NMTC Program. We evaluated this equity-method investment at the end of each reporting period and identified indications of loss resulting from other than
temporary declines in value. We exited this equity-method investment in December 2016.
See Notes 1, 4, 12 and 17 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report.
Selling, General and Administrative Expense ("SG&A”)
SG&A includes salaries and related personnel expenses, advertising (net of manufacturer cooperative advertising credits), rent, facility costs, and other general
corporate expenses.
(Dollars in millions)
Personnel
Advertising
Rent
Facility costs
Gain on sale of assets
Other
Total SG&A
2018
2017
Change
2016
Change
Year Ended December 31,
2018 vs. 2017
%
18.6% $
16.5
29.6
17.5
169.1
27.9
19.4
129.3
15.4
9.9
10.7
(9.3)
47.9
203.9
$
2017 vs. 2016
%
16.5%
14.6
24.6
24.3
1.9
14.0
16.7
98.3
11.9
6.6
12.0
(0.1)
21.1
149.8
597.2 $
81.4
26.8
49.3
(5.4)
150.3
899.6 $
$
$
824.8 $
108.7
43.3
72.0
(14.8)
219.3
1,253.3 $
695.5 $
93.3
33.4
61.3
(5.5)
171.4
1,049.4 $
31
As a % of gross profit
Personnel
Advertising
Rent
Facility costs
Gain on sale of assets
Other
Total SG&A
2018
2017
46.4 %
6.1 %
2.4 %
4.1 %
(0.8)%
12.3 %
70.5 %
45.9 %
6.2 %
2.2 %
4.0 %
(0.3)%
11.2 %
69.2 %
Year Ended December 31,
2018 vs. 2017
Change
2016
2017 vs. 2016
Change
50 bps
(10)
20
10
(50)
110
130 bps
45.9 %
6.3 %
2.1 %
3.8 %
(0.4)%
11.4 %
69.1 %
—
(10)
10
20
10
(20)
10 bps
SG&A increased 19.4%, or $203.9 million in 2018 compared to 2017. Overall increases in SG&A were primarily due to growth through acquisitions, acquisition
expenses and increased allowance losses associated with auto loan receivables, offset by decreases in losses related to storm insurance reserve charges and
acquisition expenses and an increase in gains on the disposal of stores. Other expenses in 2018 included acquisition expenses of $4.3 million, compared to $6.0
million in 2017; $3.2 million of storm related insurance charges, compared to $5.6 million in 2017; and auto loan allowance losses of $4.2 million compared to
$1.2 million in 2017. Gains on the sale of stores were $15.1 million and $5.1 million in 2018 and 2017, respectively.
On a same store basis and excluding non-core charges, SG&A as a percent of gross profit was 70.6% in 2018 compared to 68.4% in 2017. Increases included
auto loan allowance losses, data processing, rent, legal and professional fees and miscellaneous expense. Increases in data processing and professional fees
include initiatives focusing on innovation and cyber security measures.
SG&A increased $149.8 million in 2017 compared to 2016, primarily due to growth through acquisitions, as well as the various reserve charges mentioned
above. SG&A in 2016 included a $3.9 million legal reserve adjustment, offset by a $1.1 million gain from the disposal of one of our stores.
SG&A adjusted for non-core charges was as follows (in millions):
2018
2017
Change
2016
Change
(Dollars in millions)
Personnel
Advertising
Rent
Facility costs
Adjusted loss (gain) on sale of assets
Adjusted Other
Total Adjusted SG&A
$
$
824.8 $
108.7
43.3
72.0
0.5
214.6
1,263.9 $
695.5 $
93.3
33.4
61.3
(0.4)
160.1
1,043.2 $
Year Ended December 31,
2018 vs. 2017
%
18.6 % $
16.5
29.6
17.5
(225.0)
34.0
21.2
129.3
15.4
9.9
10.7
0.9
54.5
220.7
$
2017 vs. 2016
%
16.5 %
14.6
24.6
24.3
(90.7)
9.4
16.3
98.3
11.9
6.6
12.0
3.9
13.8
146.5
597.2 $
81.4
26.8
49.3
(4.3)
146.3
896.7 $
As a % of gross profit
Personnel
Advertising
Rent
Facility costs
Adjusted loss (gain) on sale of assets
Adjusted Other
Total Adjusted SG&A
See "Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for more details.
2018
2017
46.4%
6.1%
2.4%
4.1%
—%
12.1%
71.1%
45.9%
6.2%
2.2%
4.0%
—%
10.5%
68.8%
32
Year Ended December 31,
2018 vs. 2017
Change
50 bps
(10)
20
10
—
160
230 bps
2016
45.9 %
6.3 %
2.1 %
3.8 %
(0.3)%
11.1 %
68.9 %
2017 vs. 2016
Change
—
(10)
10
20
30
(60)
(10) bps
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization is comprised of depreciation expense related to buildings, significant remodels or improvements, furniture, tools, equipment and
signage and amortization related to tradenames.
(Dollars in millions)
Depreciation and amortization
2018
2017
Change
$
75.4 $
57.7 $
Year Ended December 31,
2018 vs. 2017
%
30.7% $
17.7
2016
Change
49.3 $
2017 vs. 2016
%
17.0%
8.4
Acquisition activity contributed to the increases in depreciation and amortization in 2018 compared to 2017 and in 2017 compared to 2016. During 2018, we
purchased approximately $108 million in depreciable property as part of our acquisitions of Day Auto Group and Prestige Auto Group. During 2017, we
purchased approximately $105 million in depreciable property as a part of our acquisitions of Baierl Auto Group and Downtown LA Auto Group. Capital
expenditures totaled $158.0 million and $105.4 million, respectively, in 2018 and 2017. These investments increase the amount of depreciable assets. See the
discussion under Liquidity and Capital Resources for additional information.
Operating Income
Operating income as a percentage of revenue, or operating margin, was as follows:
Operating margin
Operating margin adjusted for non-core charges(1)
(1) See "Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for additional information.
Year Ended December 31,
2017
4.1%
4.1%
2016
3.9%
4.1%
2018
3.8%
3.7%
In 2018, our operating margin decreased 30 basis points compared to 2017. Adjusting for non-core charges, including storm related insurance charges and
acquisition expenses, our operating margin decreased 40 basis points in 2018 compared to 2017. In 2018, the decrease in our operating margin was driven by
our SG&A expense outpacing increases in gross profit. Adjusting for those non-core charges, our operating margin was 3.7% in 2018. Acquired stores
generally have a lower operating efficiency than our other stores and negatively impact our operating margin as we integrate them into our cost structure.
In 2016, our operating margin was affected by acquisition activity, as well as a legal reserve adjustment. Adjusting for those non-core charges, our operating
margin was 4.1% in 2016.
Floor Plan Interest Expense and Floor Plan Assistance
Floor plan interest expense increased $23.0 million in 2018 compared to 2017, due to an increase in inventory levels related to acquisitions and increasing
interest rates. Increases in outstanding balances on our floor plan facilities related to acquisitions increased the expense $8.8 million and changes in the interest
rates on our floor plan facilities increased the expense $14.2 million during 2018 compared to 2017.
Floor plan interest expense increased $13.7 million in 2017 compared to 2016, as a result of increases in the average outstanding balances on our floor plan
facilities due to an increase in new vehicle inventory levels and increasing interest rates. Changes in the average outstanding balances on our floor plan facilities
increased the expense $5.1 million and in the interest rates on our floor plan facilities increased the expense $8.6 million during 2017 compared to 2016.
Floor plan assistance is provided by manufacturers to support store financing of new vehicle inventory. Under accounting standards, floor plan assistance is
recorded as a component of new vehicle gross profit when the specific vehicle is sold. However, because manufacturers provide this assistance to offset
inventory carrying costs, we believe a comparison of floor plan interest expense to floor plan assistance is a useful measure of the efficiency of our new
vehicle sales relative to stocking levels.
33
The following tables detail the carrying costs for new vehicles and include new vehicle floor plan interest net of floor plan assistance earned:
(Dollars in millions)
Floor plan interest expense (new vehicles)
Floor plan assistance (included as an offset to cost of
sales)
Net new vehicle carrying costs (benefit)
2018
2017
Change
$
62.3 $
39.3 $
Year Ended December 31,
2018 vs. 2017
%
58.5 % $
23.0
2016
Change
2017 vs. 2016
%
53.5 %
13.7
25.6 $
(66.9)
(4.6) $
(56.0)
(16.7) $
(10.9)
12.1
$
19.5
(72.5)% $
(46.3)
(20.7) $
(9.7)
4.0
21.0
(19.3)%
Other Interest Expense
Other interest expense includes interest on debt incurred related to acquisitions, real estate mortgages, our used vehicle inventory financing facility and our
revolving line of credit.
(Dollars in millions)
Mortgage interest
Other interest
Capitalized interest
Total other interest expense
2018
2017
Change
2016
Change
$
$
25.0 $
32.3
(1.3)
56.0 $
19.1 $
16.2
(0.5)
34.8 $
Year Ended December 31,
2018 vs. 2017
%
30.9% $
99.4
160.0
60.9% $
5.9
16.1
(0.8)
21.2
15.1 $
8.5
(0.4)
23.2 $
2017 vs. 2016
%
26.5%
90.6
25.0
50.0%
4.0
7.7
(0.1)
11.6
The increase in other interest expense in 2018 compared to 2017 was primarily due to the issuance of $300 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.25%
Senior Notes due 2025 in July 2017 and increases in mortgage borrowings related to acquisitions. See also Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements for additional information.
The increase in other interest expense in 2017 compared to 2016 was also primarily due to the issuance of our 5.25% Senior Notes due 2025 in July 2017 and
an increase in other interest related to higher volumes of borrowing on our credit facility and higher mortgage borrowings.
Other Income (Expense), net
Other income (expense), net primarily includes other income associated with legal settlements with the OEMs, interest income and the gains and losses related
to equity-method investments.
(Dollars in millions)
Other income (expense), net
NM - Not meaningful
2018
2017
Change
$
8.8 $
12.2
Year Ended December 31,
2018 vs. 2017
%
NM
(3.4)
2016
Change
(6.1)
2017 vs. 2016
%
NM
18.3
The decrease in other income (expense), net in 2018 compared to 2017 was primarily due to a $9.1 million gain related to legal settlements with OEMs
associated with diesel emissions litigation recorded in the first quarter of 2017. 2018 included gains totaling approximately $2.9 million related to proceeds from
corporate owned life insurance and gains on miscellaneous investments.
The increase in other income (expense), net in 2017 compared to 2016 was primarily due to $8.3 million in operating losses recorded in 2016 related to our
equity-method investment with U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation, which we exited in December 2016, compared to the $9.1 million gain
recorded in 2017 related to legal settlements with OEMs as discussed above.
34
Income Tax Provision
Our effective income tax rate was as follows:
Effective income tax rate
Effective income tax rate excluding tax credits generated through our equity-method investment and
other non-core items(1)
(1) See "Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for more details
Year Ended December 31,
2017
2016
2018
21.3%
29.3%
25.6%
38.7%
30.5%
38.6%
Our effective income tax rate in 2018 was positively impacted by the enactment of tax legislation commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Act"),
signed into law on December 22, 2017, which reduced the Federal corporate income tax rate to 21.0%. Our effective income tax rate in 2018 also benefited
from return to provision adjustments to our income tax receivable and deferred taxes as a result of finalizing calculations supporting our 2017 federal income
tax return. These adjustments are the result of tax planning undertaken in 2018 to change certain established tax accounting methods. Additionally, our
effective income tax rate in 2018 was positively impacted by excess tax benefits related to our stock-based compensation and the revaluation of certain
acquired deferred tax liabilities, resulting in a lower effective rate than expected for the full year. Partially offsetting these benefits were negative impacts from
an increasing presence in states with higher income tax rates, including the impact of New Jersey Assembly Bill 4202, and the impact of tax reform on the
deductibility of officer compensation. We continued to refine our calculations during 2018 and the accounting for the effects of the Act has been completed.
Our effective income tax rate for 2017 was also positively impacted by the Act, as well as by new stock guidance during 2017 that was applied to our stock-
based compensation. Our effective income tax rate for 2016 was positively impacted by new markets tax credits that were generated through our equity-
method investment with U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation.
Non-GAAP Reconciliations
We believe each of the non-GAAP financial measures below improves the transparency of our disclosures, provides a meaningful presentation of our results
from the core business operations because they exclude adjustments for items not related to our ongoing core business operations and other non-cash
adjustments, and improves the period-to-period comparability of our results from the core business operations. We use these measures in conjunction with
GAAP financial measures to assess our business, including our compliance with covenants in our credit facility and in communications with our Board of
Directors concerning financial performance. These measures should not be considered an alternative to GAAP measures.
35
The following tables reconcile certain reported non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP measure from our Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in millions, except per share amounts):
As reported
Disposal gain on
sale of stores
Year Ended December 31, 2018
Insurance
Reserves
Acquisition
expenses
Asset impairment
Tax Attribute
Adjusted
Asset impairments
$
1.3 $
— $
(1.3) $
— $
— $
— $
—
Selling, general and
administrative
1,253.3
15.4
Operating income
447.0
(15.4)
—
1.3
(1.5)
1.5
(3.3)
3.3
—
1,263.9
—
437.7
Income before income
taxes
Income tax (provision)
benefit
Net income
Diluted net income per
share
Diluted share count
$
$
$
337.5 $
(15.4) $
1.3 $
1.5 $
3.3 $
— $
328.2
(71.8)
265.7 $
4.0
(11.4) $
(0.3)
1.0 $
(0.4)
1.1 $
(0.9)
2.4 $
(14.8)
(14.8) $
(84.2)
244.0
10.86 $
24.5
(0.47) $
0.04 $
0.05 $
0.10 $
(0.60) $
9.98
As
reported
Disposal gain on
sale of stores
Year Ended December 31, 2017
Acquisition
expenses
Insurance Reserves
OEM Settlement
Tax Reform
Adjusted
Selling, general and
administrative
$
1,049.4 $
5.1 $
(5.6) $
(5.7) $
— $
— $
1,043.2
Operating income
409.0
(5.1)
5.6
5.7
—
—
415.2
Other (expense) income,
net
Income before income
taxes
Income tax (provision)
benefit
Net income
Diluted net income per
share
Diluted share count
$
$
$
12.2
—
—
—
(9.1)
—
3.1
347.1 $
(5.1) $
5.6 $
5.7 $
(9.1) $
— $
344.2
(101.9)
245.2 $
2.5
(2.6) $
(2.2)
3.4 $
(2.2)
3.5 $
3.4
(5.7) $
(32.9)
(32.9) $
(133.3)
210.9
9.75 $
25.1
(0.10) $
0.14 $
0.14 $
(0.23) $
(1.31) $
8.39
36
Asset impairments
$
14.0 $
— $
— $
(14.0) $
— $
—
Year Ended December 31, 2016
As
reported
Disposal gain on
sale of stores
Legal Reserve
Equity-method
investment
Tax attribute
Adjusted
Selling, general and administrative
899.6
1.1
(3.9)
—
—
896.8
Income from operations
338.4
(1.1)
3.9
14.0
—
355.2
Other (expense) income, net
(6.1)
—
—
8.3
—
2.2
Income before income taxes
Income tax (provision) benefit
Net income
Diluted net income per share
Diluted share count
$
$
$
283.5 $
(86.4)
197.1 $
7.72 $
25.5
(1.1) $
0.4
(0.7) $
3.9 $
(3.2)
0.7 $
22.3 $
(28.6)
(6.3) $
— $
(1.3)
(1.3) $
308.6
(119.1)
189.5
(0.03) $
0.03 $
(0.25) $
(0.05) $
7.42
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We manage our liquidity and capital resources to fund our operating, investing and financing activities. We rely primarily on cash flows from operations and
borrowings under our credit facilities as the main sources for liquidity. We use those funds to invest in capital expenditures, increase working capital and fulfill
contractual obligations. Remaining funds are used for acquisitions, debt retirement, cash dividends, share repurchases and general business purposes.
Available Sources
Below is a summary of our immediately available funds (in millions):
Cash and cash equivalents
Available credit on the credit facilities
Total current available funds
Estimated funds from unfinanced real estate
Total estimated available funds
As of December 31,
2018
2017
Change
%
$
$
31.6 $
179.6
211.2
247.7
458.9 $
57.3 $
222.5
279.8
236.1
515.9 $
(25.7)
(42.9)
(68.6)
11.6
(57.0)
(44.9)%
(19.3)
(24.5)
4.9
(11.0)
Cash flows generated by operating activities and from our credit facility are our most significant sources of liquidity. We also have the ability to raise funds
through mortgaging real estate. As of December 31, 2018, our unencumbered owned operating real estate had a book value of $330.2 million. Assuming we
can obtain financing on 75% of this value, we estimate we could have obtained additional funds of approximately $247.7 million at December 31, 2018;
however, no assurances can be provided that the appraised value of these properties will match or exceed their book values or that this capital source will be
available on terms acceptable to us.
In July 2017, we issued $300 million in aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes in a private placement under Rule 144A and Regulation S of the Securities
Act of 1933. We used the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, including funding acquisitions, capital expenditures and debt repayment.
In addition to the above sources of liquidity, potential sources include the placement of subordinated debentures or loans, the sale of equity securities and the
sale of stores or other assets. We evaluate all of these options and may select one or more of them depending on overall capital needs and the availability and
cost of capital, although no assurances can be provided that these capital sources will be available in sufficient amounts or with terms acceptable to us.
37
Information about our cash flows, by category, is presented in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The following table summarizes our cash flows (in
millions):
Net cash provided by operating activities
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash provided by financing activities
Year Ended December 31,
2017
2016
2018
$
519.7 $
(557.1)
11.7
148.9 $
(538.2)
396.3
90.9
(351.7)
266.1
Operating Activities
Cash provided by operating activities increased $370.8 million in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily as a result of increased profitability and a decrease in trade
receivables growth related to the timing of collections, a decrease in growth of same store inventory levels, an increase in floor plan notes payable due to a
higher level of inventories floored through our manufacturer partners, and increases related to deferred tax balances that were positively impacted by the
recently enacted tax legislation compared to the previous year's cash flows.
In 2018, we entered into a floor plan credit facility with Ford Motor Credit Company. This facility provides floor plan financing for new vehicle inventory at all
of our Ford stores. As this facility is provided through a manufacturer partner, we classify these changes as an operating activity. During 2018 we reclassified
$214.4 million from financing activities to operating activities as these funds were used to pay off our Ford inventory previously floored under our syndicated
line.
Borrowings from and repayments to our syndicated lending group related to our new vehicle inventory floor plan financing are presented as financing activities.
To better understand the impact of changes in inventory and the associated financing, we also consider our net cash provided by operating activities adjusted to
include cash activity associated with our new vehicle credit facility.
Adjusted net cash provided by operating activities is presented below (in millions):
(Dollars in millions)
Net cash provided by operating activities – as reported
Add (Less): Net borrowings on floor plan notes payable: non-trade
Less: Borrowings on floor plan notes payable: non-trade associated
with acquired new vehicle inventory
Net cash provided by operating activities – adjusted
$
$
2018
2017
519.7 $
(21.9)
148.9
241.5
Year Ended December 31,
2018 vs. 2017
Change
370.8
(263.4)
2016
90.9
252.9
(120.0)
377.8 $
(111.0)
279.4 $
(9.0)
98.4 $
(94.5)
249.3 $
2017 vs. 2016
Change
58.0
(11.4)
(16.5)
30.1
Inventories are the most significant component of our cash flow from operations. As of December 31, 2018, our new vehicle days supply was 71 days, or two
days higher than our days supply as of December 31, 2017. Our days supply of used vehicles was 66 days, or one day lower than our days supply as of
December 31, 2017. We calculate days supply of inventory based on current inventory levels, excluding in-transit vehicles, and a 30-day historical cost of sales
level. We have continued to focus on managing our unit mix and maintaining an appropriate level of new and used vehicle inventory.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities totaled $557.1 million and $538.2 million, respectively, for 2018 and 2017. Cash flows from investing activities relate
primarily to capital expenditures, acquisition and divestiture activity and sales of property and equipment.
38
Below are highlights of significant activity related to our cash flows from investing activities (in millions):
(Dollars in millions)
Capital expenditures
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired
Cash paid for other investments
Proceeds from sales of stores
Capital Expenditures
Below is a summary of our capital expenditure activities (in millions):
Post-acquisition capital improvements
Facilities for open points
Purchases of previously leased facilities
Existing facility improvements
Maintenance
Total capital expenditures
Year Ended December 31,
$
2018
(158.0) $
(373.8)
(62.7)
34.3
2017
(105.4)
(460.4)
(8.6)
20.9
2018 vs. 2017
Change
(52.6)
86.6
(54.1)
13.4
2016
(100.8)
(234.7)
(30.3)
11.9
2017 vs. 2016
Change
(4.6)
(225.7)
21.7
9.0
Year Ended December 31,
2017
2016
2018
59.0 $
8.4
7.9
53.5
29.2
158.0 $
41.2 $
0.5
—
29.6
34.1
105.4 $
31.5
—
24.0
24.2
21.1
100.8
$
$
Many manufacturers provide assistance in the form of additional incentives or assistance if facilities meet manufacturer image standards and requirements. We
expect that certain facility upgrades and remodels will generate additional manufacturer incentive payments. Also, tax laws allowing accelerated deductions for
capital expenditures reduce the overall investment needed and encourage accelerated project timelines.
We expect to use a portion of our future capital expenditures to upgrade facilities that we recently acquired. This additional capital investment is contemplated
in our initial evaluation of the investment return metrics applied to each acquisition and is usually associated with manufacturer image standards and
requirements.
If we undertake a significant capital commitment in the future, we expect to pay for the commitment out of existing cash balances, construction financing and
borrowings on our credit facility. Upon completion of the projects, we believe we would have the ability to secure long-term financing and general borrowings
from third party lenders for 70% to 90% of the amounts expended, although no assurances can be provided that these financings will be available to us in
sufficient amounts or on terms acceptable to us.
Acquisitions
We focus on acquiring stores using our value-based strategy at purchase prices that meet our return thresholds and strategic objectives. We look for
acquisitions that diversify our brand and geographic mix as we continue to evaluate our portfolio to minimize exposure to any one manufacturer and achieve
financial returns.
39
We are able to subsequently floor new vehicle inventory acquired as part of an acquisition; however, the cash generated by these transactions are recorded as
borrowings on floor plan notes payable, non-trade. Adjusted net cash paid for acquisitions, as well as certain other acquisition-related information is presented
below (dollars in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
2017
2016
2018
Number of stores acquired
Number of stores opened
Number of franchises added
17
1
—
18
1
—
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired
Less: Borrowings on floor plan notes payable: non-trade associated with acquired new
$
(373.8) $
(460.4) $
vehicle inventory
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired – adjusted
$
120.0
(253.8) $
111.0
(349.4) $
We evaluate potential capital investments primarily based on targeted rates of return on assets and return on our net equity investment.
15
1
1
(234.7)
94.5
(140.2)
Other Investments
During the third quarter of 2018, we entered into a strategic partnership with Shift Technologies, Inc., a San Francisco-based digital retailer. Shift provides an
innovative platform to consumers for a digital vehicle purchase and selling experience, providing vehicle pickup and delivery at a customer's location. We
invested $54 million, leading the series D fundraising round and becoming the largest shareholder.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities, adjusted for borrowing on floor plan facilities: non-trade was as follows (in millions):
Cash provided by financing activities, as reported
Add (Less): Borrowings on floor plan notes payable: non-trade
Cash provided by financing activities, as adjusted
Year Ended December 31,
2017
2016
2018
$
$
11.7 $
21.9
33.6 $
396.3
(241.5)
154.8
$
$
266.1
(252.9)
13.2
During 2018 we reclassified $214.4 million from financing activities to operating activities related to the payoff of Ford new vehicle inventories that were
previously floored through our syndicated line and are now floored through a floor plan credit facility with Ford Motor Credit Company. As this facility is
provided through a manufacturer partner, we classify these changes as an operating activity.
Below are highlights of significant activity related to our cash flows from financing activities, excluding net borrowings on floor plan notes payable: non-trade,
which are discussed above (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
Net borrowings (repayments) on lines of credit
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital leases, other
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt
Repurchases of common stock
Dividends paid
Other financing activity
$
2018
2017
191.8 $
(26.1)
62.1
(148.9)
(27.7)
—
(81.7) $
(50.3)
395.9
(33.8)
(26.5)
(33.4)
2018 vs. 2017
Change
273.5 $
24.2
(333.8)
(115.1)
(1.2)
33.4
2016
121.3 $
(27.7)
66.5
(112.9)
(24.1)
—
2017 vs. 2016
Change
(203.0)
(22.6)
329.4
79.1
(2.4)
(33.4)
Borrowing and Repayment Activity
During 2018, we raised net proceeds of $62.1 million through mortgages and borrowed $191.8 million, net, on our lines of credit. These funds were primarily
used for acquisitions, share repurchases and capital expenditures.
40
Our debt to total capital ratio, excluding floor plan notes payable, was 53.6% at December 31, 2018 compared to 49.2% at December 31, 2017. We partially
funded our 2018 acquisition activity with additional debt.
Equity Transactions
Under the share repurchase program authorized by our Board of Directors and repurchases associated with stock compensation activity, we repurchased 2.1
million shares of our Class A common stock at an average price of $85.10 per share in 2018. During the fourth quarter of 2018, our Board of Directors
increased our share repurchase authorization by an additional $250 million. As of December 31, 2018, we had $233.6 million available for repurchase under the
program. The authority to repurchase does not have an expiration date.
In order to lower the average cost of acquiring shares in our ongoing share repurchase program, in December 2017, we entered into a structured repurchase
agreement involving the use of capped call options for the purchase of our Class A common stock. We paid a fixed sum upon execution of the agreement in
exchange for the right to receive either a pre-determined amount of cash or stock. As of December 31, 2018, the capped call options had expired and all
outstanding options were settled.
During 2018, we paid dividends on our Class A and Class B Common Stock as follows:
Dividend paid:
March 2018
May 2018
August 2018
November 2018
Dividend amount per
share
$
0.27 $
0.29
0.29
0.29
Total amount of
dividend (in millions)
6.7
7.2
7.0
6.8
We evaluate performance and make a recommendation to the Board of Directors on dividend payments on a quarterly basis.
Summary of Outstanding Balances on Credit Facilities and Long-Term Debt
Below is a summary of our outstanding balances on credit facilities and long-term debt (in millions):
Outstanding as of
December 31, 2018
Remaining Available as of
December 31, 2018
$
Floor plan notes payable: non-trade
Floor plan notes payable
Used vehicle inventory financing facility
Revolving lines of credit
Real estate mortgages
5.25% Senior notes due 2025
Other debt
Unamortized debt issuance costs
Total debt
(1) As of December 31, 2018, we had a $2.0 billion new vehicle floor plan commitment as part of our credit facility.
(2) The amount available on the credit facility is limited based on a borrowing base calculation and fluctuates monthly.
(3) Available credit is based on the borrowing base amount effective as of November 30, 2018. This amount is reduced by $12.3 million for outstanding letters
1,733.3 $
324.4
332.0
131.6
592.3
300.0
34.2
(6.0)
3,441.8 $
— (1)
—
— (2)
179.6 (2),(3)
—
—
—
— (4)
179.6
$
of credit.
(4) We adopted an accounting standard update that requires debt issuance costs be presented on the balance sheet as a reduction from the carrying amount of
the related debt liability. We adopted the standard retrospectively and have presented all debt issuance costs as a reduction from the carrying amount of
the related debt liability for both current and prior periods. See Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this
Annual Report.
Credit Facility
Effective June 25, 2018, we amended our syndicated credit facility increasing the total financing commitment to $2.6 billion and extended the term to July 2023.
This syndicated credit facility is comprised of 20 financial institutions, including seven manufacturer-affiliated finance companies.
41
We have the option to reallocate the commitments, provided that the used vehicle inventory floor plan financing commitment does not exceed 16.5% of
aggregate commitments, the revolving loan commitment does not exceed 18.75% of aggregate commitments, and the sum of these commitments plus the new
vehicle inventory floor plan financing commitment does not exceed the aggregate total financing commitment of $2.6 billion. Additionally, we may request an
increase in the aggregate new vehicle floor plan commitment of up to $400 million provided that the aggregate commitment does not exceed $3 billion total
availability. All borrowings from, and repayments to, our lending group are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as financing activities.
Our obligations under our revolving syndicated credit facility are secured by a substantial amount of our assets, including our inventory (including new and used
vehicles, parts and accessories), equipment, accounts receivable (and other rights to payment) and our equity interests in certain of our subsidiaries. Under our
revolving syndicated credit facility, our obligations relating to new vehicle floor plan loans are secured only by collateral owned by borrowers of new vehicle
floor plan loans under the credit facility.
The interest rate on the credit facility varies based on the type of debt, with the rate of one-month LIBOR plus 1.25% for new vehicle floor plan financing, one-
month LIBOR plus 1.50% for used vehicle floor plan financing; and a variable interest rate on the revolving financing ranging from the one-month LIBOR plus
1.25% to 2.50%, depending on our leverage ratio. The annual interest rate associated with our new vehicle floor plan commitment was 3.77% at December 31,
2018. The annual interest rate associated with both our used vehicle inventory financing facility and our revolving line of credit was 4.02% at December 31,
2018.
Under the terms of our credit facility we are subject to financial covenants and restrictive covenants that limit or restrict our incurring additional indebtedness,
making investments, selling or acquiring assets and granting security interests in our assets.
Under our credit facility, we are required to maintain the ratios detailed in the following table:
Debt Covenant Ratio
Current ratio
Fixed charge coverage ratio
Leverage ratio
Requirement
Not less than 1.10 to 1
Not less than 1.20 to 1
Not more than 5.00 to 1
As of December 31,
2018
1.27 to 1
1.91 to 1
2.86 to 1
As of December 31, 2018, we were in compliance with all covenants. We expect to remain in compliance with the financial and restrictive covenants in our
credit facility and other debt agreements. However, no assurances can be provided that we will continue to remain in compliance with the financial and
restrictive covenants.
If we do not meet the financial and restrictive covenants and are unable to remediate or cure the condition or obtain a waiver from our lenders, a breach would
give rise to remedies under the agreement, the most severe of which are the termination of the agreement, acceleration of the amounts owed and the seizure
and sale of our assets comprising the collateral for the loans. A breach would also trigger cross-defaults under other debt agreements.
Although we refer to the lenders’ obligations to make loans as "commitments,” each lender’s obligations to make any loan or other credit accommodations
under the revolving syndicated credit facility is subject to the satisfaction of the conditions precedent specified in the credit agreement including, for example,
that our representations and warranties in the agreement are true and correct in all material respects as of the date of each credit extension. If we are unable
to satisfy the applicable conditions precedent, we may not be able to request new loans or other credit accommodations under our revolving syndicated credit
facility.
Other Lines of Credit
During 2018 we entered into a revolving line of credit agreement with Ford Motor Credit Company. The revolving line of credit includes a commitment of up to
$40 million, secured by certain assets and up to another $20 million unsecured. The interest rate on this revolving line varies based upon which component is
utilized, with a rate of one-month LIBOR plus 2.70% for the secured commitment and one-month LIBOR plus 5.55% for the unsecured commitment. Including
this new revolving line with Ford, we have other lines of credit with a total financing commitment of $60.5 million for general corporate purposes, including
acquisitions and working capital. Substantially all of these other lines of credit mature in 2021 and have interest rates ranging up to 8.07%. As of December 31,
2018, $0.4 million was outstanding on these other lines of credit.
42
Floor Plan Notes Payable
We have floor plan agreements with manufacturer-affiliated finance companies for certain new vehicles and vehicles that are designated for use as service
loaners. As discussed above in Operating activities, during 2018 we expanded our floor plan agreement with Ford Motor Credit Company. This facility provides
floor plan financing for new vehicle inventory at all of our Ford stores. The interest rates on these floor plan notes payable commitments vary by manufacturer
and are variable rates. As of December 31, 2018, $324.4 million was outstanding on these agreements at interest rates ranging up to 6.75%. Borrowings from,
and repayments to, manufacturer-affiliated finance companies are classified as operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Real Estate Mortgages and Other Debt
We have mortgages associated with our owned real estate. Interest rates related to this debt ranged from 3.0% to 5.3% at December 31, 2018. The mortgages
are payable in various installments through August 2038. As of December 31, 2018, we had fixed interest rates on 69.5% of our outstanding mortgage debt.
Our other debt includes capital leases and sellers’ notes. The interest rates associated with our other debt ranged from 3.1% to 8.0% at December 31, 2018.
This debt, which totaled 34.2 million at December 31, 2018, is due in various installments through December 2050.
5.25% Senior Notes Due 2025
On July 24, 2017, we issued $300 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.25% Senior Notes due 2025 ("Notes") to eligible purchasers in a private placement
under Rule 144A and Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933. Interest accrues on the Notes from July 24, 2017 and is payable semiannually on February 1
and August 1. We may redeem the Notes in whole or in part at any time prior to August 1, 2020 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus a make-
whole premium set forth in the Indenture and accrued and unpaid interest. After August 1, 2020, we may redeem some or all of the Notes subject to the
redemption prices set forth in the Indenture. If we experience specific kinds of changes of control, as described in the Indenture, we must offer to repurchase
the Notes at 101% of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase.
Contractual Payment Obligations
A summary of our contractual commitments and obligations as of December 31, 2018, was as follows (in millions):
Payments Due By Period
Contractual Obligation
Total
2019
Floor plan notes payable: non-trade(1)
$
1,733.3 $
1,733.3 $
2020 and 2021 2022 and 2023
— $
— $
Floor plan notes payable(1)
Used vehicle inventory financing facility(1)
Revolving lines of credit(1)(3)
Real estate mortgages, including interest(3)
5.25% Senior Notes Due 2025, including interest (3)
Other debt, including capital leases and interest
324.4
332.0
131.6
765.9
410.3
324.4
—
0.4
49.4
15.8
—
—
—
139.0
31.5
—
332.0
131.2
159.0
31.5
2024 and
beyond
—
—
—
—
418.5
331.5
Charge-backs on various contracts
Operating leases(2)
Self-insurance programs
362.0
56.0
464.9
39.8
4,620.2 $
(1) Amounts for new vehicle floor plan commitment, floor plan notes payable, the used vehicle inventory financing facility and the revolving lines of credit do
3.6
30.7
43.6
15.4
2,216.6 $
7.4
22.6
78.9
18.2
297.6 $
7.3
2.7
65.6
3.4
732.7 $
343.7
—
276.8
2.8
1,373.3
$
not include estimated interest payments. See Notes 1 and 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(2) Amounts for operating lease commitments do not include sublease income, and certain operating expenses such as maintenance, insurance and real estate
taxes. See Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(3) Balances exclude net impact of debt issuance costs. See Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on our financial condition,
changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
43
Inflation and Changing Prices
Inflation and changing prices did not have a material impact on our revenues or income from operations in the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires us to make certain estimates, judgments and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and reported amounts of revenues and
expenses at the date of the financial statements. Certain accounting policies require us to make difficult and subjective judgments on matters that are inherently
uncertain. The following accounting policies involve critical accounting estimates because they are particularly dependent on assumptions made by
management. While we have made our best estimates based on facts and circumstances available to us at the time, different estimates could have been used in
the current period. Changes in the accounting estimates we used are reasonably likely to occur from period to period, which may have a material impact on the
presentation of our financial condition and results of operations.
Our most critical accounting estimates include those related to goodwill and franchise value, income taxes, and acquisitions. We also have other key accounting
policies for valuation of accounts receivable and expense accruals. However, these policies either do not meet the definition of critical accounting estimates
described above or are not currently material items in our financial statements. We review our estimates, judgments and assumptions periodically and reflect
the effects of revisions in the period that they are deemed to be necessary. We believe that these estimates are reasonable. However, actual results could
differ materially from these estimates.
Goodwill and Franchise Value
We are required to test our goodwill and franchise value for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if conditions indicate that an impairment may have
occurred. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level. Our reporting units are individual retail automotive stores as this is the level at which
discrete financial information is available and for which operating results are regularly reviewed by our chief operating decision maker to allocate resources and
assess performance.
We have the option to qualitatively or quantitatively assess goodwill for impairment and, in 2018, we evaluated our goodwill using a qualitative assessment
process. If the qualitative factors determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying amount, goodwill is not
impaired. If the qualitative assessment determines it is more likely than not the fair value is less than the carrying amount, we would further evaluate for
potential impairment.
As of December 31, 2018, we had $434.9 million of goodwill on our balance sheet associated with 166 reporting units. No reporting unit accounted for more
than 2.5% of our total goodwill as of December 31, 2018. The annual goodwill impairment analysis, which we perform as of October 1 of each year, did not
result in an indication of impairment in 2018, 2017 or 2016.
We have determined the appropriate unit of accounting for testing franchise rights for impairment is on an individual store basis. We have the option to
qualitatively or quantitatively assess indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. In 2018, we evaluated our indefinite-lived intangible assets using a
qualitative assessment process. If the qualitative factors determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the individual store's franchise value
exceeds the carrying amount, the franchise value is not impaired and the second step is not necessary. If the qualitative assessment determines it is more likely
than not that the fair value is less than the carrying amount, then a quantitative valuation of our franchise value is performed and an impairment would be
recorded.
As of December 31, 2018, we had $288.7 million of franchise value on our balance sheet associated with 166 stores. No individual store accounted for more
than 6.3% of our total franchise value as of December 31, 2018. Our impairment testing of franchise value did not indicate any impairment in 2018, 2017 or
2016.
We are subject to financial statement risk to the extent that our goodwill or franchise rights become impaired due to decreases in the fair value. A future
decline in performance, decreases in projected growth rates or margin assumptions or changes in discount rates could result in a potential impairment, which
could have a material adverse impact on our financial position and results of operations. Furthermore, if a manufacturer becomes insolvent, we may be required
to record a partial or total impairment on the franchise value and/or goodwill related to that manufacturer. No individual manufacturer accounted for more than
17.6% of our total franchise value and goodwill as of December 31, 2018.
See Notes 1 and 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report.
44
Income Taxes
As of December 31, 2018, we had deferred tax assets of $87.2 million, net of valuation allowance of $1.1 million, and deferred tax liabilities of $178.4 million.
The principal components of our deferred tax assets are related to allowances and accruals, deferred revenue and cancellation reserves. The principal
components of our deferred tax liabilities are related to depreciation on property and equipment, inventories and goodwill. As a result of the tax reform passed
in December 2017, we recorded a reduction in the value of our net deferred tax liability of $15.8 million.
We consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax
assets is dependent upon future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. We consider the scheduled
reversal of deferred tax liabilities (including the impact of available carryback and carryforward periods), projected future taxable income, and tax-planning
strategies in making this assessment.
Based upon the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, and our projections of future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are
deductible, we believe it is more likely than not that we will realize the benefits of the unreserved deductible differences.
As of December 31, 2018, we had a $1.1 million valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets associated with state net operating losses. Since these
amounts are dependent on generating future taxable income, we evaluated the income expectations in the underlying states and determined that it is unlikely
these amounts will be fully utilized. If we are unable to meet the projected taxable income levels utilized in our analysis, and depending on the availability of
feasible tax planning strategies, we might record an additional valuation allowance on a portion or all of our deferred tax assets in the future.
See Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report.
Acquisitions
We account for acquisitions using the purchase method of accounting which requires recognition of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at fair value as of
the date of the acquisition. Determination of the estimated fair value assigned to each assets acquired or liability assumed can materially impact the net income
in subsequent periods through depreciation and amortization and potential impairment charges.
The most significant items we generally acquire in a transaction are inventory, long-lived assets, intangible franchise rights and goodwill. The fair value of
acquired inventory is based on manufacturer invoice cost and market data. We estimate the fair value of property and equipment based on a market valuation
approach. Additionally, we may use a cost valuation approach to value long-lived assets when a market valuation approach is unavailable. We apply an income
approach for the fair value of intangible franchise rights which discounts the projected future net cash flow using an appropriate discount rate that reflects the
risks associated with such projected future cash flow.
See Notes 1 and 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Variable Rate Debt
Our syndicated credit facility, other floor plan notes payable and certain real estate mortgages are structured as variable rate debt. The interest rates on our
variable rate debt are tied to either the one-month LIBOR, 3-month LIBOR, or the prime rate. These debt obligations, therefore, expose us to variability in
interest payments due to changes in these rates. Certain floor plan debt is based on open-ended lines of credit tied to each individual store from the various
manufacturer finance companies.
Our variable-rate floor plan notes payable, variable rate mortgage notes payable and other credit line borrowings subject us to market risk exposure. As of
December 31, 2018, we had $2.7 billion outstanding under such agreements at a weighted average interest rate of 3.8% per annum. A 10% increase in interest
rates, or 38 basis points, would increase annual interest expense by approximately $7.7 million, net of tax, based on amounts outstanding as of December 31,
2018.
Fixed Rate Debt
The fair value of our long-term fixed interest rate debt is subject to interest rate risk. Generally, the fair value of fixed interest rate debt will increase as interest
rates fall because we would expect to be able to refinance for a lower rate. Conversely, the fair value of fixed interest rate debt will decrease as interest rates
rise. The interest rate changes affect the fair value but do not impact earnings or cash flows.
45
As of December 31, 2018, we had $745.8 million of long-term fixed interest rate debt outstanding and recorded on the balance sheet, with maturity dates
between January 12, 2019 and December 31, 2050. Based on discounted cash flows using current interest rates for comparable debt, we have determined that
the fair value of this long-term fixed interest rate debt was approximately $727.3 million as of December 31, 2018.
Risk Management Policies
We assess interest rate cash flow risk by identifying and monitoring changes in interest rate exposures that may adversely impact expected future cash flows
and by evaluating hedging opportunities. Our policy is to manage this risk through a mix of fixed rate and variable rate debt structures.
We maintain risk management controls to monitor interest rate cash flow attributable to both our outstanding and forecasted debt obligations, as well as our
offsetting hedge positions. The risk management controls include assessing the impact to future cash flows of changes in interest rates.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Financial Data
The financial statements and notes thereto required by this item begin on page F-1 as listed in Item 15 of Part IV of this document. Quarterly financial data for
each of the eight quarters in the two-year period ended December 31, 2018 is included following the financial statements and notes thereto.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management evaluated, with the participation and under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of
our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive
Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information we are required to
disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief
Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and that such information is recorded,
processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that has materially affected or is reasonably
likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control over financial reporting is
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.
Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018. In making this assessment, we used the
criteria set forth in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
In accordance with guidance issued by the SEC, companies are permitted to exclude acquisitions from their final assessment of internal controls over financial
reporting during the year of the acquisition while integrating the acquired operations. Management’s evaluation of internal control over financial reporting
excludes the operations of the seventeen stores acquired in 2018, which represented 9% of total assets as of December 31, 2018 and 8% of total revenues for
the year ended December 31, 2018.
Based on our assessment, our management concluded that, as of December 31, 2018, our internal control over financial reporting was effective.
46
KPMG LLP, our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, has issued an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2018, which is included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Item 9B. Other Information
None.
47
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
PART III
Information required by this item will be included in our Proxy Statement for our 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and, upon filing with the SEC within 120
days of December 31, 2018, is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Information required by this item will be included in our Proxy Statement for our 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and, upon filing with the SEC within 120
days of December 31, 2018, is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table summarizes equity securities authorized for issuance as of December 31, 2018.
Plan Category
Number of securities to be
issued upon exercise of
outstanding options, warrants
and rights (a)
Weighted average exercise
price of outstanding options,
warrants and rights (b)
Number of securities
remaining available for future
issuance under equity
compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (a)) (c) (2)
Equity compensation plans approved by
shareholders
Equity compensation plans not approved by
shareholders
Total
(1) There is no exercise price associated with our restricted stock units.
(2)
409,865
—
409,865
$—
—
$—
(1)
1,403,645
—
1,403,645
Includes 1,265,002 shares available pursuant to our 2013 Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan and 138,643 shares available pursuant to our
Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
The additional information required by this item will be included in our Proxy Statement for our 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and, upon filing with the
SEC within 120 days of December 31, 2018, is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Information required by this item will be included in our Proxy Statement for our 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and, upon filing with the SEC within 120
days of December 31, 2018, is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Information required by this item will be included in our Proxy Statement for our 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and, upon filing with the SEC within 120
days of December 31, 2018, is incorporated herein by reference.
48
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
PART IV
Financial Statements and Schedules
The Consolidated Financial Statements, together with the reports thereon of KPMG LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, are included on the
pages indicated below:
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
There are no schedules required to be filed herewith.
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary
None.
Page
F- 1
F- 3
F- 4
F- 5
F- 6
F- 7
F- 8
F- 34
Exhibit Index
The following exhibits are filed herewith. An asterisk (*) beside the exhibit number indicates the exhibits containing a management contract, compensatory plan
or arrangement.
Exhibit
Description
2.1
2.1.1
2.1.2
3.1
3.2
4.1
4.2
10.1*
10.1.1*
Stock Purchase Agreement between Lithia Motors, Inc. and DCH Auto Group (USA) Limited dated June 14, 2014 (incorporated by reference
to exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed October 3, 2014)
First Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement between Lithia Motors, Inc. and DCH Auto Group (USA) Limited effective July 15, 2014
(incorporated by reference to exhibit 2.2 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014)
Second Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement between Lithia Motors, Inc. and DCH Auto Group (USA) Limited effective November 13,
2014 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 2.1.2 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014)
Restated Articles of Incorporation of Lithia Motors, Inc., as amended May 13, 1999 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999)
2013 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Lithia Motors, Inc. (incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed August
26, 2013)
Indenture, dated as of July 24, 2017, among Lithia Motors, Inc., the Guarantors and the Trustee (incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.1 to
Form 8-K dated July 24, 2017 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 24, 2017).
Form of 5.250% Senior Notes due 2025 (included as part of Exhibit 4.1)(incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K dated July 24,
2017 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 24, 2017).
2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2009 annual meeting
of shareholders filed on March 20, 2009)
Amendment 2014-1 to the Lithia Motors, Inc. 2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1.1 to the
Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014)
49
Exhibit
10.2*
10.2.1*
10.2.2*
10.2.3*
10.3*
10.3.1*
10.3.2*
10.3.3*
10.3.4*
10.4*
10.5*
10.6
10.6.1
10.6.2
10.7*
10.8*
10.9*
10.10*
10.10.1*
10.10.2*
10.11*
Description
Lithia Motors, Inc. 2013 Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K
filed May 2, 2013)
RSU Deferral Plan (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.3.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011)
Amendment to RSU Deferral Plan (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2.2 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2014)
Restricted Stock Unit (RSU) Deferral Election Form (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2.3 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2014)
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (2016 Performance- and Time-Vesting) (for Senior Executives) (incorporated by reference to exhibit
10.3.3 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015)
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (2017 Performance- and Time-Vesting) (for Senior Executives) (incorporated by reference to exhibit
10.3.1 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016)
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (2018 Performance- and Time-Vesting) (for Senior Executives) (incorporated by reference to exhibit
10.3.2 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017)
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (2019 Performance- and Time-Vesting) (for Senior Executives)
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Time-Vesting)
Lithia Motors, Inc. 2013 Discretionary Support Services Variable Performance Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2 to
the Company’s Form 8-K filed May 2, 2013)
Form of Outside Director Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Agreement (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.20 to the Company’s Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005)
Second Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated June 25, 2018, among Lithia Motors, Inc., the subsidiaries of Lithia Motors, Inc. listed
on the signature pages of the agreement or that thereafter become borrowers thereunder, the lenders party thereto from time to time, and U.S.
Bank National Association (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed June 29, 2018)
First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated August 31, 2018, among Lithia Motors, Inc., the subsidiaries of
Lithia Motors, Inc. listed on the signature pages of the agreement or that thereafter become borrowers thereunder, the lenders party thereto
from time to time, and U.S. Bank National Association (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed October
26,2018)
Second Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated October 19, 2018, among Lithia Motors, Inc., the subsidiaries of
Lithia Motors, Inc. listed on the signature pages of the agreement or that thereafter become borrowers thereunder, the lenders party thereto
from time to time, and U.S. Bank National Association
Amended and Restated Split-Dollar Agreement (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.17 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2012)
Form of Indemnity Agreement for each Named Executive Officer (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed
May 29, 2009)
Form of Indemnity Agreement for each non-management Director (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed
May 29, 2009)
Executive Management Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation and Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the
Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016)
Form of Executive Management Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation and Long-Term Incentive Plan – Notice of Discretionary Contribution
Award for Sidney DeBoer (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.22.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010)
Form of Executive Management Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation and Long-Term Incentive Plan – Notice of Discretionary Contribution
Award (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.22.2 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010)
Transition Agreement dated September 14, 2015 between Lithia Motors, Inc. and Sidney B. DeBoer (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1
to the Company’s Form 8-K filed September 17, 2015)
50
Exhibit
Description
10.11.1*
10.11.2*
10.12*
10.13*
21
23
31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2
Amendment to Transition Agreement dated January 22, 2019 between Lithia Motors, Inc. and Sidney B. DeBoer (incorporated by reference to
exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed January 25, 2019)
Class B Conversion Agreement dated January 22, 2019 between Lithia Motors, Inc. and Sidney B. DeBoer (incorporated by reference to
exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 8-K filed January 25, 2019)
Director Service Agreement effective January 1, 2016 between Lithia Motors, Inc. and Sidney B. DeBoer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed September 17, 2015)
Form of Employment and Change in Control Agreement dated February 4, 2016 between Lithia Motors, Inc. and Bryan DeBoer (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed February 5, 2016)(1)
Subsidiaries of Lithia Motors, Inc.
Consent of KPMG LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350.
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350.
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
101.PRE
(1) Substantially similar agreements exist between Lithia Motors, Inc. and each of Mark DeBoer, Tom Dobry, Scott Hillier, Christopher S. Holzshu, Erik
Lewis, George Liang, John F. North III, and Bryan Osterhout. The "Cash Change in Control Benefits" under the agreements with Mark DeBoer and Tom
Dobry provide for 12 months of base salary rather than 24 months.
51
SIGNATURES
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.
Date: February 22, 2019
LITHIA MOTORS, INC.
By /s/ Bryan B. DeBoer
Bryan B. DeBoer
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant
and in the capacities indicated on February 22, 2019:
Signature
/s/ Bryan B. DeBoer
Bryan B. DeBoer
/s/ John F. North, III
John F. North, III
/s/ Sidney B. DeBoer
Sidney B. DeBoer
/s/ Thomas R. Becker
Thomas Becker
/s/ Susan O. Cain
Susan O. Cain
/s/ Louis P. Miramontes
Louis P. Miramontes
/s/ Kenneth E. Roberts
Kenneth E. Roberts
/s/ David J. Robino
David J. Robino
Title
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer.
(Principal Executive Officer)
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
Chairman of the Board
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
52
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Lithia Motors, Inc.:
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Lithia Motors, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the
related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash
flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, 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 22, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion on the
effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated
financial statements based on our audits. We 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 consolidated 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 consolidated 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 consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ KPMG LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1993.
Portland, Oregon
February 22, 2019
F- 1
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Lithia Motors, Inc.:
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Lithia Motors, Inc. and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria
established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our
opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria
established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated
balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in
stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes (collectively, the
consolidated financial statements), and our report dated February 22, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
The Company acquired 17 stores during 2018, and management excluded from its assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over
financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, all of these acquired stores’ internal control over financial reporting. The total assets of these 17 stores
represented approximately 9% of consolidated total assets as of December 31, 2018 and approximately 8% of consolidated revenues for the year ended
December 31, 2018. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of the Company also excluded an evaluation of the internal control over financial
reporting of these 17 stores.
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 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 of internal control over financial
reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and
evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as
we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
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/ KPMG LLP
Portland, Oregon
February 22, 2019
F- 2
LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In millions)
December 31,
2018
2017
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $7.2 and $7.4
Inventories, net
Other current assets
Total Current Assets
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $240.5 and $197.8
Goodwill
Franchise value
Other non-current assets
Total Assets
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current Liabilities:
Floor plan notes payable
Floor plan notes payable: non-trade
Current maturities of long-term debt
Trade payables
Accrued liabilities
Total Current Liabilities
Long-term debt, less current maturities
Deferred revenue
Deferred income taxes
Other long-term liabilities
Total Liabilities
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock - no par value; authorized 15.0 shares; none outstanding
Class A common stock - no par value; authorized 100.0 shares; issued and outstanding 22.0 and 24.0
Class B common stock - no par value; authorized 25.0 shares; issued and outstanding 1.0 and 1.0
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Total Stockholders' Equity
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
$
$
$
$
31.6 $
529.4
2,365.3
65.1
2,991.4
1,448.0
434.9
288.7
221.0
5,384.0 $
324.4 $
1,733.3
25.9
126.3
283.6
2,493.5
1,358.2
121.7
91.2
122.2
4,186.8
—
—
0.1
35.0
1,162.1
1,197.2
5,384.0 $
57.3
521.9
2,132.7
70.9
2,782.8
1,185.2
256.3
187.0
271.8
4,683.1
116.8
1,802.3
18.9
111.4
251.6
2,301.0
1,028.5
103.1
56.3
111.0
3,599.9
—
149.1
0.1
11.3
922.7
1,083.2
4,683.1
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F- 3
Revenues:
New vehicle
Used vehicle retail
Used vehicle wholesale
Finance and insurance
Service, body and parts
Fleet and other
Total revenues
Cost of sales:
New vehicle
Used vehicle retail
Used vehicle wholesale
Service, body and parts
Fleet and other
Total cost of sales
Gross profit
Asset impairments
Selling, general and administrative
Depreciation and amortization
Operating income
Floor plan interest expense
Other interest expense
Other income (expense), net
Income before income taxes
Income tax provision
Net income
Basic net income per share
Shares used in basic per share calculations
Diluted net income per share
Shares used in diluted per share calculations
Cash dividends paid per Class A and Class B share
LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In millions, except per share amounts)
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
$
$
$
$
$
6,602.8 $
3,079.0
331.3
454.8
1,222.3
131.2
11,821.4
6,217.7
2,756.1
325.8
621.6
123.2
10,044.4
1,777.0
1.3
1,253.3
75.4
447.0
(62.3)
(56.0)
8.8
337.5
(71.8)
265.7 $
10.91 $
24.4
10.86 $
24.5
5,763.6 $
2,544.4
277.8
385.9
1,015.8
99.0
10,086.5
5,423.8
2,257.6
273.0
522.7
93.3
8,570.4
1,516.1
—
1,049.4
57.7
409.0
(39.3)
(34.8)
12.2
347.1
(101.9)
245.2 $
9.78 $
25.1
9.75 $
25.1
1.14 $
1.06 $
4,938.4
2,227.0
276.6
330.9
844.5
60.8
8,678.2
4,649.0
1,963.3
272.3
434.2
58.1
7,376.9
1,301.3
14.0
899.6
49.3
338.4
(25.6)
(23.2)
(6.1)
283.5
(86.4)
197.1
7.76
25.4
7.72
25.5
0.95
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F- 4
LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(In millions)
Net income
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax expense of $0, $0 and $0.2
Comprehensive income
Year Ended December 31,
2017
2016
2018
265.7 $
245.2 $
—
265.7 $
—
245.2 $
197.1
0.3
197.4
$
$
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F- 5
LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
(In millions)
Common Stock
Class A
Class B
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Additional Paid-
In Capital
23.6 $
—
258.5
—
2.6 $
—
0.3 $
—
38.8 $
—
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Loss
(0.3)
—
$
Retained
Earnings
530.8 $
197.1
Balance at December 31, 2015
Net income
Gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax
expense of $0.2
Issuance of stock in connection with
employee stock plans
Issuance of restricted stock to
employees
Repurchase of Class A common stock
Class B common stock converted to
Class A common stock
Compensation for stock and stock
option issuances and excess tax
benefits from option exercises
Dividends paid
Balance at December 31, 2016
Adjustment to adopt ASU 2016-09
Net income
Issuance of stock in connection with
employee stock plans
Issuance of restricted stock to
employees
Repurchase of Class A common stock
Class B common stock converted to
Class A common stock
Compensation for stock and stock
option issuances and excess tax
benefits from option exercises
Option premiums paid
Dividends paid
Issuance of stock in connection with
acquisitions
Balance at December 31, 2017
Net income
Issuance of stock in connection with
employee stock plans
Issuance of restricted stock to
employees
Repurchase of Class A common stock
Compensation for stock and stock
option issuances and excess tax
benefits from option exercises
Dividends paid
Cumulative effect adjustment to adopt
ASC 606
Balance at December 31, 2018
—
0.1
0.2
(1.4)
0.8
—
—
23.3
—
—
0.1
0.1
(0.4)
0.8
—
—
—
—
23.9
—
—
6.9
—
(112.9)
—
—
—
—
—
—
0.1
(0.8)
(0.1)
13.0
—
165.6
—
—
7.5
—
(33.8)
—
—
1.8
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
0.2
—
—
—
—
—
0.1
(0.8)
(0.1)
7.6
—
—
2.1
149.1
—
0.1
10.1
0.1
(2.1)
—
(168.5)
—
—
—
22.0 $
9.3
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
1.0
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
0.1
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
1.0 $
—
0.1 $
Total
Stockholders'
Equity
828.1
197.1
0.3
6.9
—
(112.9)
—
15.4
(24.1)
910.8
—
245.2
7.5
—
(33.8)
—
11.3
(33.4)
(26.5)
2.1
1,083.2
265.7
10.1
—
(148.9)
13.4
(27.7)
1.4
1,197.2
—
—
—
—
—
2.4
—
41.2
(0.2)
—
—
—
—
—
3.7
(33.4)
—
—
11.3
—
—
—
19.6
4.1
—
—
35.0 $
0.3
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(24.1)
703.8
0.2
245.2
—
—
—
—
—
—
(26.5)
—
922.7
265.7
—
—
—
—
(27.7)
—
— $
1.4
1,162.1 $
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F- 6
LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
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:
Asset impairments
Depreciation and amortization
Stock-based compensation
Loss (gain) on disposal of other assets
Gain from disposal activities
Deferred income taxes
(Increase) decrease (net of acquisitions and dispositions):
Trade receivables, net
Inventories
Other assets
Increase (decrease) (net of acquisitions and dispositions):
Floor plan notes payable
Trade payables
Accrued liabilities
Other long-term liabilities and deferred revenue
Net cash provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures
Proceeds from sales of assets
Cash paid for other investments
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired
Proceeds from sales of stores
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
(Repayments) borrowings on floor plan notes payable: non-trade, net
Borrowings on lines of credit
Repayments on lines of credit
Principal payments on long-term debt, scheduled
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital leases, other
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
Payment of debt issuance costs
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
Repurchase of common stock
Dividends paid
Payments of contingent consideration related to acquisitions
Other financing activity
Net cash provided by financing activities
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for interest
Cash paid during the period for income taxes, net
Floor plan debt paid in connection with store disposals
Supplemental schedule of non-cash activities:
Debt issued in connection with acquisitions
Non-cash assets transferred in connection with acquisitions
Debt assumed in connection with acquisitions
Acquisition of assets with capital leases
Issuance of Class A common stock in connection with acquisition
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
$
265.7 $
245.2 $
197.1
1.3
75.4
13.3
0.2
(15.1)
33.0
4.7
(108.9)
(16.0)
196.9
15.1
28.9
25.2
519.7
(158.0)
3.1
(62.7)
(373.8)
34.3
(557.1)
(21.9)
2,691.4
(2,499.6)
(26.5)
(26.1)
62.1
(0.4)
10.1
(148.9)
(27.7)
(0.8)
—
11.7
(25.7)
57.3
31.6 $
117.1 $
32.9
33.1
125.1 $
—
10.8
—
—
—
57.7
11.3
(0.4)
(5.1)
(2.8)
(57.4)
(193.1)
(3.1)
20.3
20.0
37.2
19.1
148.9
(105.4)
15.3
(8.6)
(460.4)
20.9
(538.2)
241.5
1,754.5
(1,836.2)
(18.2)
(50.3)
395.9
(4.7)
7.5
(33.8)
(26.5)
—
(33.4)
396.3
7.0
50.3
57.3 $
68.9 $
127.3
3.7
1.8 $
—
84.3
—
2.1
14.0
49.3
11.0
(4.3)
(1.1)
10.1
(106.0)
(168.8)
(13.3)
16.4
16.4
42.9
27.2
90.9
(100.8)
2.2
(30.3)
(234.7)
11.9
(351.7)
252.9
1,244.3
(1,123.1)
(16.7)
(27.7)
66.5
—
6.9
(112.9)
(24.1)
—
—
266.1
5.3
45.0
50.3
49.7
57.2
5.3
—
2.6
48.1
8.9
—
$
$
$
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F- 7
LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Organization and Business
We are one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States and are among the fastest growing companies in the Fortune 500 (#294-2018) with 182
stores representing 28 brands in 18 states. We offer vehicles online and through our nationwide retail network. Our "Growth Powered by People" strategy
drives us to innovate and continuously improve the customer experience. Our dealerships are located across the United States. We seek domestic, import and
luxury franchises in cities ranging from mid-sized regional markets to metropolitan markets. We evaluate all brands for expansion opportunities provided the
market is large enough to support adequate new vehicle sales to justify the required capital investment.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements reflect the results of operations, the financial position and the cash flows for Lithia Motors, Inc. and its
directly and indirectly wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are defined as cash on hand and cash in bank accounts without restrictions.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable classifications include the following:
• Contracts in transit are receivables from various lenders for the financing of vehicles that we have arranged on behalf of the customer and are typically
received within five to ten days of selling a vehicle.
• Trade receivables are comprised of amounts due from customers, lenders for the commissions earned on financing and others for commissions earned on
service contracts and insurance products.
• Vehicle receivables represent receivables for the portion of the vehicle sales price paid directly by the customer.
• Manufacturer receivables represent amounts due from manufacturers, including holdbacks, rebates, incentives and warranty claims.
• Auto loan receivables include amounts due from customers related to retail sales of vehicles and certain finance and insurance products.
Receivables are recorded at invoice and do not bear interest until they are 60 days past due. The allowance for doubtful accounts represents an estimate of the
amount of net losses inherent in our portfolio of accounts receivable as of the reporting date. We estimate an allowance for doubtful accounts based on our
historical write-off experience and consider recent delinquency trends and recovery rates. Account balances are charged against the allowance after all
appropriate means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. The annual activity for charges and subsequent
recoveries is immaterial. See Note 2.
Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of net realizable value or cost, using the specific identification method for new vehicles, pooled approach for used vehicles,
and the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market method for parts. The cost of new and used vehicle inventories includes the cost of any equipment added,
reconditioning and transportation. Certain acquired inventories are valued using the last-in first-out (LIFO) method. The LIFO reserve associated with this
inventory as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 was immaterial.
Manufacturers reimburse us for holdbacks, floor plan interest assistance and advertising assistance, which are reflected as a reduction in the carrying value of
each vehicle purchased. We recognize advertising assistance, floor plan interest assistance, holdbacks, cash incentives and other rebates received from
manufacturers that are tied to specific vehicles as a reduction to cost of sales as the related vehicles are sold.
Parts purchase discounts that we receive from the manufacturer are reflected as a reduction in the carrying value of the parts purchased from the
manufacturer and are recognized as a reduction to cost of goods sold as the related inventory is sold. See Note 3.
F- 8
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated over their estimated useful lives on the straight-line basis. Leasehold improvements made at the
inception of the lease or during the term of the lease are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the life of the improvement or the remaining term
of the lease.
The range of estimated useful lives is as follows:
Buildings and improvements
Service equipment
Furniture, office equipment, signs and fixtures
5 to 40 years
5 to 15 years
3 to 10 years
The cost for maintenance, repairs and minor renewals is expensed as incurred, while significant remodels and betterments are capitalized. In addition, interest
on borrowings for major capital projects, significant remodels, and betterments are capitalized. Capitalized interest becomes a part of the cost of the depreciable
asset and is depreciated according to the estimated useful lives as previously stated. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, we recorded
capitalized interest of $1.3 million, $0.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively.
When an asset is retired, or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is
credited or charged to income from operations.
Leased property meeting certain criteria are recorded as capital leases. We have capital leases for certain locations, expiring at various dates through
December 31, 2050. Our capital leases are included in property and equipment on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Amortization of capitalized leased assets is
computed on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, unless the lease transfers title or it contains a bargain purchase option, in which case, it is
amortized over the asset’s useful life and is included in depreciation expense. Capital lease obligations are recorded as the lesser of the estimated fair market
value of the leased property or the net present value of the aggregated future minimum payments and are included in current maturities of long-term debt and
long-term debt on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Interest associated with these obligations is included in other interest expense in the Consolidated
Statements of Operations. See Note 7.
Long-lived assets held and used by us are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of assets may not be
recoverable. We consider several factors when evaluating whether there are indications of potential impairment related to our long-lived assets, including store
profitability, overall macroeconomic factors and the impact of our strategic management decisions. If recoverability testing is performed, we evaluate assets to
be held and used by comparing the carrying amount of an asset to future net undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset, including its disposition. If such
assets are considered to be impaired, the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets is recognized as a charge to
income from operations. See Note 4.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired which is not allocable to separately identifiable intangible assets. Other
identifiable intangible assets, such as franchise rights, are separately recognized if the intangible asset is obtained through contractual or other legal right or if
the intangible asset can be sold, transferred, licensed or exchanged.
Goodwill is not amortized but tested for impairment at least annually, and more frequently if events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the
reporting unit more likely than not exceeds fair value. We have the option to qualitatively or quantitatively assess goodwill for impairment and we evaluated our
goodwill using a qualitative assessment process. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level. Our reporting units are individual stores as this is
the level at which discrete financial information is available and for which operating results are regularly reviewed by our chief operating decision maker to
allocate resources and assess performance.
We test our goodwill for impairment on October 1 of each year. In 2018, we evaluated our goodwill using a qualitative assessment process. If the qualitative
factors determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying amount, goodwill is not impaired. If the qualitative
assessment determines it is more likely than not the fair value is less than the carrying amount, we would further evaluate for potential impairment. See Note 5.
Franchise Value
We enter into agreements ("Franchise Agreements”) with the manufacturers. Franchise value represents a right received under Franchise Agreements with
manufacturers and is identified on an individual store basis.
F- 9
We evaluated the useful lives of our Franchise Agreements based on the following factors:
• certain of our Franchise Agreements continue indefinitely by their terms;
• certain of our Franchise Agreements have limited terms, but are routinely renewed without substantial cost to us;
• other than franchise terminations related to the unprecedented reorganizations of Chrysler and General Motors, and allowed by bankruptcy law, we are not
aware of manufacturers terminating Franchise Agreements against the wishes of the franchise owners in the ordinary course of business. A manufacturer
may pressure a franchise owner to sell a franchise when the owner is in breach of the franchise agreement over an extended period of time;
• state dealership franchise laws typically limit the rights of the manufacturer to terminate or not renew a franchise;
• we are not aware of any legislation or other factors that would materially change the retail automotive franchise system; and
• as evidenced by our acquisition and disposition history, there is an active market for most automotive dealership franchises within the United States. We
attribute value to the Franchise Agreements acquired with the dealerships we purchase based on the understanding and industry practice that the
Franchise Agreements will be renewed indefinitely by the manufacturer.
Accordingly, we have determined that our Franchise Agreements will continue to contribute to our cash flows indefinitely and, therefore, have indefinite lives.
As an indefinite-lived intangible asset, franchise value is tested for impairment at least annually, and more frequently if events or circumstances indicate the
carrying value may exceed fair value. The impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets requires the comparison of estimated fair value to carrying
value. An impairment charge is recorded to the extent the fair value is less than the carrying value. We have the option to qualitatively or quantitatively assess
indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. We evaluated our indefinite-lived intangible assets using a qualitative assessment process. We have determined
the appropriate unit of accounting for testing franchise value for impairment is each individual store.
We test our franchise value for impairment on October 1 of each year. In 2018, we evaluated our franchise value using a qualitative assessment process. If the
qualitative factors discussed above determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the individual store's franchise value exceeds the carrying
amount, the franchise value is not impaired and the second step is not necessary. If the qualitative assessment determines it is more likely than not the fair
value is less than the carrying value, then a quantitative valuation of our franchise value is performed and an impairment would be recorded. See Note 5.
Equity-Method Investments
In 2016, we owned investments in certain partnerships which we accounted for under the equity method. These investments were included as a component of
other non-current assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We determined that we lacked certain characteristics to direct the operations of the businesses
and, as a result, did not qualify to consolidate these investments. Activity related to our equity-method investments is recognized in our Consolidated Statements
of Operations as follows:
• an other than temporary decline in fair value is reflected as an asset impairment;
• our portion of the operating gains and losses is included as a component of other (expense) income, net;
• the amortization related to the discounted fair value of future equity contributions is recognized over the life of the investments as non-cash interest
expense; and
• tax benefits and credits are reflected as a component of our income tax provision.
Periodically, whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of assets may be impaired, we evaluate the equity-method investments for
indications of loss resulting from an other than temporary decline. If the equity-method investment is determined to be impaired, the amount by which the
carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the investment is recognized as a charge to income from operations. See Notes 12 and 17.
Advertising
We expense production and other costs of advertising as incurred as a component of selling, general and administrative expense. Additionally, manufacturer
cooperative advertising credits for qualifying, specifically-identified advertising expenditures are recognized as a reduction of advertising expense. Advertising
expense and manufacturer cooperative advertising credits were as follows (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
Advertising expense, gross
Manufacturer cooperative advertising credits
Advertising expense, net
2018
2017
2016
$
$
134.2 $
(25.5)
108.7 $
116.1 $
(22.8)
93.3 $
101.7
(20.3)
81.4
F- 10
Contract Origination Costs
Contract origination commissions paid to our employees directly related to the sale of our self-insured lifetime lube, oil and filter service contracts are deferred
and charged to expense in proportion to the associated revenue to be recognized.
Legal Costs
We are a party to numerous legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business. We accrue for certain legal costs, including attorney fees and potential
settlement claims related to various legal proceedings that are estimable and probable. See Note 7.
Stock-Based Compensation
Compensation costs associated with equity instruments exchanged for employee and director services are measured at the grant date, based on the fair value
of the award. If there is a performance-based element to the award, the expense is recognized based on the estimated attainment level, estimated time to
achieve the attainment level and/or the vesting period. Estimates of fair value are not intended to predict actual future events or the value ultimately realized by
persons who receive equity awards. The fair value of non-vested stock awards is based on the intrinsic value on the date of grant. Shares to be issued upon the
exercise of stock options and the vesting of stock awards will come from newly issued shares. See Note 10.
In January 2017, we adopted ASU 2016-09, which simplifies the accounting for several aspects of share-based payment transactions, including the income tax
consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows. As a result, we recorded the following:
• Reclassified $0.2 million as a decrease to additional paid-in capital and an increase to retained earnings upon adoption related to our policy election to
record forfeitures as they occur.
• All prior periods presented in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows have been adjusted for the presentation of excess tax benefits on the cash flow
statement. This resulted in a $4.4 million reclassification between financing and operating cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2016.
• We had $0.3 million of tax-affected state net operating loss carryforwards related to excess tax benefits for which a deferred tax asset had not been
recognized. At adoption, this amount was recorded with the offset to retained earnings. Additionally, we do not believe that it is more-likely-than-not that
the asset will be utilized and, as a result, a valuation allowance in the same amount was recorded that offset the impact to retained earnings. See Note 13.
Income and Other Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences
attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities, their respective tax bases, operating loss and tax
credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those
temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income
in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some or all of
the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
When there are situations with uncertainty as to the timing of the deduction, the amount of the deduction, or the validity of the deduction, we adjust our financial
statements to reflect only those tax positions that are more-likely-than-not to be sustained. Positions that meet this criterion are measured using the largest
benefit that is more than 50% likely to be realized. Interest and penalties are recorded as income tax provision in the period incurred or accrued when related to
an uncertain tax position. See Note 13.
We account for all taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are directly imposed on a revenue-producing transaction (i.e., sales, use, value-added) on a
net (excluded from revenues) basis.
Concentration of Risk and Uncertainties
We purchase substantially all of our new vehicles and inventory from various manufacturers at the prevailing prices charged by auto manufacturers to all
franchised dealers. Our overall sales could be impacted by the auto manufacturers’ inability or unwillingness to supply dealerships with an adequate supply of
popular models.
We depend on our manufacturers to provide a supply of vehicles which supports expected sales levels. In the event that manufacturers are unable to supply the
needed level of vehicles, our financial performance may be adversely impacted.
We depend on our manufacturers to deliver high-quality, defect-free vehicles. In the event that manufacturers experience future quality issues, our financial
performance may be adversely impacted.
F- 11
We are subject to a concentration of risk in the event of financial distress, including potential reorganization or bankruptcy, of a major vehicle manufacturer.
Our sales volume could be materially adversely impacted by the manufacturers’ or distributors’ inability to supply the stores with an adequate supply of
vehicles. We also receive incentives and rebates from our manufacturers, including cash allowances, financing programs, discounts, holdbacks and other
incentives. These incentives are recorded as accounts receivable in our Consolidated Balance Sheets until payment is received. Our financial condition could be
materially adversely impacted by the manufacturers’ or distributors’ inability to continue to offer these incentives and rebates at substantially similar terms, or to
pay our outstanding receivables.
We enter into Franchise Agreements with the manufacturers. The Franchise Agreements generally limit the location of the dealership and provide the auto
manufacturer approval rights over changes in dealership management and ownership. The auto manufacturers are also entitled to terminate the Franchise
Agreement if the dealership is in material breach of the terms. Our ability to expand operations depends, in part, on obtaining consents of the manufacturers for
the acquisition of additional dealerships. See also "Goodwill” and "Franchise Value” above.
We have a credit facility with a syndicate of 20 financial institutions, including seven manufacturer-affiliated finance companies. Several of these financial
institutions also provide vehicle financing for certain new vehicles, vehicles that are designated for use as service loaners and mortgage financing. This credit
facility is the primary source of floor plan financing for our new vehicle inventory and also provides used vehicle financing and a revolving line of credit. The
term of the facility extends through July 2023. At maturity, our financial condition could be materially adversely impacted if lenders are unable to provide credit
that has typically been extended to us or with terms unacceptable to us. Our financial condition could be materially adversely impacted if these providers incur
losses in the future or undergo funding limitations. See Note 6.
We anticipate continued organic growth and growth through acquisitions. This growth will require additional credit which may be unavailable or with terms
unacceptable to us. If these events were to occur, we may not be able to borrow sufficient funds to facilitate our growth.
Financial Instruments, Fair Value and Market Risks
The carrying amounts of cash equivalents, accounts receivable, trade payables, accrued liabilities and short-term borrowings approximate fair value because of
the short-term nature and current market rates of these instruments.
Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information about the financial instrument. These estimates are subjective in
nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could
significantly affect the estimates. See Note 12.
We have variable rate floor plan notes payable, mortgages and other credit line borrowings that subject us to market risk exposure. At December 31, 2018, we
had $2.7 billion outstanding in variable rate debt. These borrowings had interest rates ranging from 3.77% to 6.75% per annum. An increase or decrease in the
interest rates would affect interest expense for the period accordingly.
The fair value of long-term, fixed interest rate debt is subject to interest rate risk. Generally, the fair value of fixed interest rate debt will increase as interest
rates fall because we could refinance for a lower rate. Conversely, the fair value of fixed interest rate debt will decrease as interest rates rise. The interest rate
changes affect the fair value, but do not impact earnings or cash flows. We monitor our fixed interest rate debt regularly, refinancing debt that is materially
above market rates if permitted. See Note 12.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes to financial statements. Changes in such estimates
may affect amounts reported in future periods.
Estimates are used in the calculation of certain reserves maintained for charge-backs on estimated cancellations of service contracts; life, accident and
disability insurance policies; finance fees from customer financing contracts and uncollectible accounts receivable.
We also use estimates in the calculation of various expenses, accruals and reserves, including anticipated losses related to workers’ compensation insurance;
anticipated losses related to self-insurance components of our property and casualty and medical insurance; self-insured lifetime lube, oil and filter service
contracts; discretionary employee bonuses, the Transition Agreement with Sidney B. DeBoer, our Chairman of the Board; warranties provided on certain
products and services; legal reserves and stock-based compensation. We also make certain estimates regarding the assessment of the recoverability of long-
lived assets, indefinite-lived intangible assets and deferred tax assets.
F- 12
We offer a limited warranty on the sale of most retail used vehicles. This warranty is based on mileage and time. We also offer a mileage and time based
warranty on parts used in our service repair work and on tire purchases. The cost that may be incurred for these warranties is estimated at the time the related
revenue is recorded. A reserve for these warranty liabilities is estimated based on current sales levels, warranty experience rates and estimated costs per
claim. The annual activity for reserve increases and claims is immaterial. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the accrued warranty balance was $0.5 million
and $0.4 million, respectively.
Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed
We estimate the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination using various assumptions. The most significant assumptions
used relate to determining the fair value of property and equipment and intangible franchise rights.
We estimate the fair value of property and equipment based on a market valuation approach. We use prices and other relevant information generated primarily
by recent market transactions involving similar or comparable assets, as well as our historical experience in divestitures, acquisitions and real estate
transactions. Additionally, we may use a cost valuation approach to value long-lived assets when a market valuation approach is unavailable. Under this
approach, we determine the cost to replace the service capacity of an asset, adjusted for physical and economic obsolescence. When available, we use
valuation inputs from independent valuation experts, such as real estate appraisers and brokers, to corroborate our estimates of fair value.
We estimate the fair value of our franchise rights primarily using the Multi-Period Excess Earnings ("MPEE”) model. The forecasted cash flows used in the
MPEE model contain inherent uncertainties, including significant estimates and assumptions related to growth rates, margins, general operating expenses, and
cost of capital. We use primarily internally-developed forecasts and business plans to estimate the future cash flows that each franchise will generate. We have
determined that only certain cash flows of the store are directly attributable to the franchise rights. We estimate the appropriate interest rate to discount future
cash flows to their present value equivalent taking into consideration factors such as a risk-free rate, a peer group average beta, an equity risk premium and a
small stock risk premium. Additionally, we also may use a market approach to determine the fair value of our franchise rights. These market data points include
our acquisition and divestiture experience and third-party broker estimates.
We use a relief-from-royalty method to determine the fair value of a trade name. Future cost savings associated with owning, rather than licensing, a trade
name is estimated based on a royalty rate and management’s forecasted sales projections. The discount rate applied to the future cost savings factors an equity
market risk premium, small stock risk premium, an average peer group beta, a risk-free interest rate and a premium for forecast risk.
Revenue Recognition
The following describes our major product lines, which represent the disaggregation of our revenues to transactions that are similar in nature, amount, timing,
uncertainties and economic factors.
New Retail Vehicle and Used Retail Vehicle Sales
Revenue from the retail sale of a vehicle is recognized at a point in time, as all performance obligations are satisfied when a contract is signed by the customer,
financing has been arranged or collectibility is probable and the control of the vehicle is transferred to the customer. The transaction price for a retail vehicle
sale is specified in the contract with the customer and includes all cash and non-cash consideration. In a retail vehicle sale, customers often trade in their
current vehicle. The trade-in is measured at its stand-alone selling price in the contract, utilizing various third-party pricing sources. There are no other non-cash
forms of consideration related to retail sales. All vehicle rebates are applied to the vehicle purchase price at the time of the sale and are therefore incorporated
into the price of the contract at the time of the exchange. We do not allow the return of new or used vehicles, except where mandated by state law.
Service, Body and Parts Sales
Revenue from service, body and parts sales is recognized upon the transfer of control of the parts or service to the customer. We allow for customer returns
on sales of our parts inventory up to 30 days after the sale. Most parts returns generally occur within one to two weeks from the time of sale and are not
significant.
We are the obligor on our lifetime oil contracts. Revenue is allocated to these performance obligations and is recognized over time as services are provided to
the customer. The amount of revenue recognized is calculated, net of cancellations, using an input method, which most closely depicts performance of the
contracts. Our contract liability balances were $149.6 million and $126.1 million as of December 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017, respectively; and we
recognized $21.9 million of revenue in the year ended December 31, 2018, related to our opening contract liability balance. Our contract liability balance is
included in accrued liabilities and deferred revenue.
F- 13
Finance and Insurance Sales
Revenue from finance and insurance sales is recognized, net of estimated charge-backs, at the time of the sale of the related vehicle. As a part of the vehicle
sale, we seek to arrange financing for customers and sell a variety of add-ons, such as extended warranty service contracts. These products are inherently
attached to the governing vehicle and performance of the obligation cannot be performed without the underlying sale of the vehicle. We act as an agent in the
sale of these contracts as the pricing is set by the third-party provider, and our commission is preset. A portion of the transaction price related to sales of
finance and insurance contracts is considered variable consideration and is estimated and recognized upon the sale of the contract under the new standard. We
recognized a $9.2 million asset associated with future estimated variable consideration on January 1, 2018, related to contracts sold on or before December 31,
2017. Our contract asset balance was $9.2 million as of December 31, 2018, and is included in trade receivables and other non-current assets.
Segment Reporting
While we have determined that each individual store is a reporting unit, we have aggregated our reporting units into three reportable segments based on their
economic similarities: Domestic, Import and Luxury.
Our Domestic segment is comprised of retail automotive franchises that sell new vehicles manufactured by Chrysler, General Motors and Ford. Our Import
segment is comprised of retail automotive franchises that sell new vehicles manufactured primarily by Honda, Toyota, Subaru, Nissan and Volkswagen. Our
Luxury segment is comprised of retail automotive franchises that sell new vehicles manufactured primarily by BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus. The
franchises in each segment also sell used vehicles, parts and automotive services, and automotive finance and insurance products.
Corporate and other revenue and income include the results of operations of our stand-alone collision center offset by unallocated corporate overhead
expenses, such as corporate personnel costs, and certain unallocated reserve and elimination adjustments. Additionally, certain internal corporate expense
allocations increase segment income for Corporate and other while decreasing segment income for the other operating segments. These internal corporate
expense allocations are used to increase comparability of our dealerships and reflect the capital burden a stand-alone dealership would experience. Examples of
these internal allocations include internal rent expense, internal floor plan financing charges, and internal fees charged to offset employees within our corporate
headquarters that perform certain dealership functions.
We define our chief operating decision maker ("CODM”) to be certain members of our executive management group. Historical and forecasted operational
performance is evaluated on a store-by-store basis and on a consolidated basis by the CODM. We derive the operating results of the segments directly from
our internal management reporting system. The accounting policies used to derive segment results are substantially the same as those used to determine our
consolidated results, excepted for the internal allocation within Corporate and other discussed above. Our CODM measures the performance of each
reportable segment based on several metrics, including earnings from operations, and uses these results, in part, to evaluate the performance of, and to allocate
resources to, each of the reportable segments. See Note 18.
Note 2. Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable consisted of the following (in millions):
December 31,
Contracts in transit
Trade receivables
Vehicle receivables
Manufacturer receivables
Auto loan receivables
Other receivables
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts
Less: Long-term portion of accounts receivable, net
Total accounts receivable, net
F- 14
2018
2017
294.0 $
54.3
51.6
105.5
61.5
6.8
573.7
(7.2)
(37.1)
529.4 $
286.6
45.9
60.0
96.1
75.1
14.6
578.3
(7.4)
(49.0)
521.9
$
$
Accounts receivable classifications include the following:
• Contracts in transit are receivables from various lenders for the financing of vehicles that we have arranged on behalf of the customer and are typically
received within five to ten days of selling a vehicle.
• Trade receivables are comprised of amounts due from customers, lenders for the commissions earned on financing and others for commissions earned on
service contracts and insurance products.
• Vehicle receivables represent receivables for the portion of the vehicle sales price paid directly by the customer.
• Manufacturer receivables represent amounts due from manufacturers, including holdbacks, rebates, incentives and warranty claims.
• Auto loan receivables include amounts due from customers related to retail sales of vehicles and certain finance and insurance products.
Interest income on auto loan receivables is recognized based on the contractual terms of each loan and is accrued until repayment, charge-off or repossession.
Direct costs associated with loan originations are capitalized and expensed as an offset to interest income when recognized on the loans. All other receivables
are recorded at invoice and do not bear interest until they are 60 days past due.
The allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based on our historical write-off experience and is reviewed monthly. Consideration is given to recent
delinquency trends and recovery rates. Account balances are charged against the allowance after all appropriate means of collection have been exhausted and
the potential for recovery is considered remote. The annual activity for charges and subsequent recoveries is immaterial.
The long-term portion of accounts receivable was included as a component of other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Note 3. Inventories
The components of inventories consisted of the following (in millions):
December 31,
New vehicles
Used vehicles
Parts and accessories
Total inventories
2018
2017
1,700.1 $
576.8
88.4
2,365.3 $
1,553.8
500.0
78.9
2,132.7
$
$
The new vehicle inventory cost is generally reduced by manufacturer holdbacks and incentives, while the related floor plan notes payable are reflective of the
gross cost of the vehicle. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the carrying value of inventory had been reduced by $21.7 million and $19.8 million, respectively,
for assistance received from manufacturers as discussed in Note 1.
Note 4. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consisted of the following (in millions):
December 31,
Land
Building and improvements
Service equipment
Furniture, office equipment, signs and fixtures
Less accumulated depreciation
Construction in progress
F- 15
2018
2017
419.7 $
821.6
106.3
283.5
1,631.1
(240.5)
1,390.6
57.4
1,448.0 $
346.7
685.5
94.1
231.5
1,357.8
(197.8)
1,160.0
25.2
1,185.2
$
$
Long-lived Asset Impairment Charges
I n 2018, we recorded $1.3 million of impairment charges associated with certain property. The long-lived assets were tested for recoverability and were
determined to have a carrying value exceeding their fair value. We did not record any impairment charges associated with property and equipment in 2017 or
2016.
Note 5. Goodwill and Franchise Value
The following is a roll-forward of goodwill (in millions):
Domestic
Import
Luxury
Consolidated
$
Balance as of December 31, 2016 ¹
Adjustments to purchase price allocations 2
Reductions through divestitures
Balance as of December 31, 2017 ¹
Additions through acquisitions 3
Reductions through divestitures
Balance as of December 31, 2018 1, 4
(1) Net of accumulated impairment losses of $299.3 million recorded during the year ended December 31, 2008.
(2) Our purchase price allocation for the acquisition of the Carbone Auto Group was finalized in the third quarter of 2017, resulting in a reclassification of $2.2 million from goodwill to
114.8 $
(0.8)
—
114.0
51.4
(0.9)
164.5 $
106.2 $
(1.0)
(0.9)
104.3
85.8
(1.2)
188.9 $
38.4 $
(0.4)
—
38.0
43.5
—
81.5 $
259.4
(2.2)
(0.9)
256.3
180.7
(2.1)
434.9
$
franchise value.
(3) Our purchase price allocation for the 2017 acquisition of the Baierl Auto Group was finalized in the second quarter of 2018. Our purchase price allocation for the 2017 acquisitions of the
Downtown LA Auto Group, Crater Lake Ford Lincoln, and Crater Lake Mazda were finalized in the third quarter of 2018. Our purchase price allocation for 2018 acquisition of Broadway
Ford and the 2017 acquisition of Albany CJD Fiat were finalized in the fourth quarter of 2018. Our purchase price allocation for the 2018 acquisition of Prestige Auto Group is preliminary
and was allocated to our segments in the fourth quarter of 2018, but is subject to change upon final valuation analysis. As a result, we added $180.7 million of goodwill in 2018.
(4) Our purchase price allocation is preliminary for the acquisitions of Ray Laks Honda, Ray Laks Acura, Day Auto Group, and Buhler Ford. The primary balances still subject to analysis are
the real estate assets, goodwill allocation to our segments and franchise value. See Note 14.
The following is a roll-forward of franchise value (in millions):
Balance as of December 31, 2016
Additions through acquisitions
Adjustments to purchase price allocations 1
Balance as of December 31, 2017
Additions through acquisitions 2
Reductions through divestitures
Balance as of December 31, 2018 3
(1) Our purchase price allocation for the acquisition of the Carbone Auto Group was finalized in the third quarter of 2017, resulting in a reclassification of $2.2 million from goodwill to
$
Franchise Value
184.3
$
0.5
2.2
187.0
103.5
(1.8)
288.7
franchise value.
(2) Our purchase price allocation for the acquisition of the Baierl Auto Group was finalized in the second quarter of 2018. Our purchase price allocation for the acquisitions of the Downtown
LA Auto Group, Crater Lake Ford Lincoln, and Crater Lake Mazda were finalized in the third quarter of 2018. Our purchase price allocation for Broadway Ford and Albany CJD Fiat were
finalized in the fourth quarter of 2018. Our purchase price allocation for Prestige Auto Group is preliminary and was allocated to our segments in the fourth quarter of 2018, but is subject
to change upon final valuation analysis. As a result, we added $103.5 million of franchise value in 2018.
(3) Our purchase price allocation is preliminary for the acquisition of the Ray Laks Honda, Ray Laks Acura, Day Auto Group, and Buhler Ford and the associated franchise value has not been
allocated to each of our segments. The primary balances still subject to analysis are the real estate assets, goodwill allocation to our segments and franchise value. See Note 14.
F- 16
Note 6. Credit Facilities and Long-Term Debt
Below is a summary of our outstanding balances on credit facilities and long-term debt (in millions):
December 31,
Floor plan notes payable: non-trade
Floor plan notes payable
Total floor plan debt
Used vehicle inventory financing facility
Revolving lines of credit
Real estate mortgages
5.25% Senior notes due 2025
Other debt
Total long-term debt outstanding
Less: unamortized debt issuance costs
Less: current maturities (net of current debt issuance costs)
Long-term debt
2018
2017
1,733.3 $
324.4
2,057.7 $
332.0 $
131.6
592.3
300.0
34.2
1,390.1
(6.0)
(25.9)
1,358.2 $
1,802.3
116.8
1,919.1
177.2
94.6
470.0
300.0
12.5
1,054.3
(6.9)
(18.9)
1,028.5
$
$
$
$
Credit Facility
Effective June 25, 2018, we amended our syndicated credit facility increasing the total financing commitment to $2.6 billion which matures in July 2023. Our
syndicated credit facility is comprised of 20 financial institutions, including seven manufacturer-affiliated finance companies.
We have the option to reallocate the commitments, provided that the used vehicle inventory floor plan financing commitment does not exceed 16.5% of
aggregate commitments, the revolving loan commitment does not exceed 18.75% of aggregate commitments, and the sum of these commitments plus the new
vehicle inventory floor plan financing commitment does not exceed the aggregate total financing commitment of $2.6 billion. Additionally, we may request an
increase in the aggregate new vehicle floor plan commitment of up to $400 million provided that the aggregate commitment does not exceed $3.0 billion. All
borrowings from, and repayments to, our lending group are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as financing activities.
Our obligations under our revolving syndicated credit facility are secured by a substantial amount of our assets, including our inventory (including new and used
vehicles, parts and accessories), equipment, accounts receivable (and other rights to payment) and our equity interests in certain subsidiaries. Under our
revolving syndicated credit facility, our obligations relating to new vehicle floor plan loans are secured only be collateral owned by borrowers of new vehicle
floor plan loans under the credit facility.
The interest rate on the credit facility, as amended, varies based on the type of debt, with the rate of one-month LIBOR plus 1.25% for new vehicle floor plan
financing, one-month LIBOR plus 1.50% for used vehicle floor plan financing; and a variable interest rate on the revolving financing ranging from the one-
month LIBOR plus 1.25% to 2.50%, depending on our leverage ratio. The annual interest rate associated with our new vehicle floor plan commitment was
3.77% at December 31, 2018. The annual interest rate associated with both our used vehicle inventory financing facility and our revolving line of credit was
4.02% at December 31, 2018.
Under the terms of our credit facility we are subject to financial covenants and restrictive covenants that limit or restrict our incurring additional indebtedness,
making investments, selling or acquiring assets and granting security interests in our assets.
Under our credit facility, we are required to maintain the ratios detailed in the following table:
Debt Covenant Ratio
Current ratio
Fixed charge coverage ratio
Leverage ratio
Requirement
Not less than 1.10 to 1
Not less than 1.20 to 1
Not more than 5.00 to 1
F- 17
As of December 31, 2018
1.27 to 1
1.91 to 1
2.86 to 1
Other Lines of Credit
During 2018, we entered into a revolving line of credit agreement with Ford Motor Credit Company. The revolving line of credit includes a commitment of up to
$40 million, secured by certain assets and up to another $20 million unsecured. The interest rate on this revolving line varies based upon which component is
utilized, with a rate of one-month LIBOR plus 2.70% for the secured commitment and one-month LIBOR plus 5.55% for the unsecured commitment. Including
this new revolving line with Ford, we have other lines of credit with a total financing commitment of $60.5 million for general corporate purposes, including
acquisitions and working capital. Substantially all of these other lines of credit mature in 2021 and have interest rates ranging up to 8.07%. As of December 31,
2018, $0.4 million was outstanding on these other lines of credit.
Floor Plan Notes Payable
We have floor plan agreements with manufacturer-affiliated finance companies for certain new vehicles and vehicles that are designated for use as service
loaners. During 2018, we expanded our floor plan agreement with Ford Motor Credit Company. This facility provides floor plan financing for new vehicle
inventory at all of our Ford stores. The interest rates on these floor plan notes payable commitments vary by manufacturer and are variable rates. As of
December 31, 2018, $324.4 million was outstanding on these agreements at interest rates ranging up to 6.75%. Borrowings from, and repayments to,
manufacturer-affiliated finance companies are classified as operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Real Estate Mortgages and Other Debt
We have mortgages associated with our owned real estate. Interest rates related to this debt ranged from 3.0% to 5.3% at December 31, 2018. The mortgages
are payable in various installments through August 1, 2038. As of December 31, 2018, we had fixed interest rates on 69.5% of our outstanding mortgage debt.
Our other debt includes capital leases and sellers’ notes. The interest rates associated with our other debt ranged from 3.1% to 8.0% at December 31, 2018.
This debt, which totaled $34.2 million at December 31, 2018, is due in various installments through December 2050.
5.25% Senior Notes Due 2025
O n July 24, 2017, we issued $300 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.25% Senior Notes due 2025 ("the Notes") to eligible purchasers in a private
placement under Rule 144A and Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933. Interest accrues on the Notes from July 24, 2017 and is payable semiannually on
February 1 and August 1. The first interest payment was paid on February 1, 2018. We may redeem the Notes in whole or in part at any time prior to
August 1, 2020 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus a make-whole premium set forth in the Indenture and accrued and unpaid interest. After
August 1, 2020, we may redeem some or all of the Notes subject to the redemption prices set forth in the Indenture. If we experience specific kinds of changes
of control, as described in the Indenture, we must offer to repurchase the Notes at 101% of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date
of purchase.
Future Principal Payments
The schedule of future principal payments associated with real estate mortgages, our 5.25% Senior Notes and other debt as of December 31, 2018 was as
follows (in millions):
Year Ending December 31,
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Thereafter
Total principal payments
Note 7. Commitments and Contingencies
$
$
26.2
47.3
50.4
68.9
57.6
676.1
926.5
Leases
We lease certain facilities under non-cancelable operating and capital leases. These leases expire at various dates through 2050. Certain lease commitments
contain fixed payment increases at predetermined intervals over the life of the lease, while other lease commitments are subject to escalation clauses of an
amount equal to the increase in the cost of living based on the "Consumer Price Index - U.S. Cities Average - All Items for all Urban Consumers” published by
the U.S. Department of Labor, or a substantially equivalent regional index. Lease expense related to operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over
the life of the lease.
F- 18
The minimum lease payments under our operating and capital leases after December 31, 2018 are as follows (in millions):
Year Ending December 31,
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Thereafter
Total minimum lease payments
Less: sublease rentals
$
$
43.6
40.6
38.3
35.8
29.8
276.8
464.9
(10.3)
454.6
Rent expense, net of sublease income, for all operating leases was $43.3 million, $33.4 million, and $26.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017
a nd 2016, respectively. These amounts are included as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statements of
Operations.
In connection with dispositions of stores, we occasionally assign or sublet our interests in any real property leases associated with such stores to the purchaser.
We often retain responsibility for the performance of certain obligations under such leases to the extent that the assignee or sublessee does not perform.
Additionally, we may remain subject to the terms of any guarantees and have correlating indemnification rights against the assignee or sublessee in the event of
non-performance, as well as certain other defenses. We may also be called upon to perform other obligations under these leases, such as environmental
remediation of the premises or repairs upon termination of the lease. We currently have no reason to believe that we will be called upon to perform any such
services; however, there can be no assurance that any future performance required by us under these leases will not have a material adverse effect on our
financial condition or results of operations.
Charge-Backs for Various Contracts
We have recorded a liability of $56.0 million as of December 31, 2018 for our estimated contractual obligations related to potential charge-backs for vehicle
service contracts, lifetime oil change contracts and other various insurance contracts that are terminated early by the customer. We estimate that the charge-
backs will be paid out as follows (in millions):
Year Ending December 31,
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Thereafter
Total
F- 19
$
$
30.7
16.0
6.6
2.2
0.5
—
56.0
Lifetime Lube, Oil and Filter Contracts
We retain the obligation for lifetime lube, oil and filter service contracts sold to our customers and assumed the liability of certain existing lifetime lube, oil and
filter contracts. These amounts are recorded as a contract liability. At the time of sale, we defer the full sale price and recognize the revenue based on the rate
we expect future costs to be incurred. As of December 31, 2018, we had a contract liability balance of $150.5 million associated with these contracts and
estimate the contract liability will be recognized as follows (in millions):
Year Ending December 31,
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Thereafter
Total
$
$
30.1
23.9
19.0
15.8
13.4
48.3
150.5
The contract liability balance is recorded as components of deferred revenue and accrued liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
We periodically evaluate the estimated future costs of these assumed contracts and record a charge if future expected claim and cancellation costs exceed the
contract liability to be recognized. As of December 31, 2018, we had a reserve balance of $3.4 million recorded as a component of accrued liabilities and other
long-term liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The charges associated with this reserve were recognized in 2011 and earlier.
Self-insurance Programs
We self-insure a portion of our property and casualty insurance, vehicle open lot coverage, medical insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. Third
parties are engaged to assist in estimating the loss exposure related to the self-retained portion of the risk associated with these insurances. Additionally, we
analyze our historical loss and claims experience to estimate the loss exposure associated with these programs. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, we had
liabilities associated with these programs of $39.9 million and $31.2 million, respectively, recorded as a component of accrued liabilities and other long-term
liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Litigation
We are party to numerous legal proceedings arising in the normal course of our business. Although we do not anticipate that the resolution of legal proceedings
arising in the normal course of business will have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows, we cannot
predict this with certainty.
Note 8. Stockholders’ Equity
Class A and Class B Common Stock
The shares of Class A common stock are not convertible into any other series or class of our securities. Each share of Class B common stock, however, is
freely convertible into one share of Class A common stock at the option of the holder of the Class B common stock. All shares of Class B common stock shall
automatically convert to shares of Class A common stock (on a share-for-share basis, subject to adjustment) on the earliest record date for an annual meeting
of our shareholders on which the number of shares of Class B common stock outstanding is less than 1% of the total number of shares of common stock
outstanding. Shares of Class B common stock may not be transferred to third parties, except for transfers to certain family members and in other limited
circumstances.
Holders of Class A common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record and holders of Class B common stock are entitled to ten votes for
each share held of record. The Class A common stock and Class B common stock vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to shareholders.
At a special meeting of shareholders held on January 21, 2019, Sidney B. DeBoer and the Company executed a Class B Conversion Agreement pursuant to
which Mr. DeBoer agreed to cause all of the remaining 1,000,000 shares of our class B common stock to be converted into shares of our class A common
stock by December 31, 2025. The Class B Conversion Agreement will require the conversion of at least 15% of the 1,000,000 class B shares by the end of
every two years, with the first 15% to be converted
F- 20
by December 31, 2020, a total of 30% by December 31, 2022, a total of 45% by December 31, 2024, and the balance by December 31, 2025.
Repurchases of Class A Common Stock
Repurchases of our Class A Common Stock occurred under repurchase authorizations granted by our Board of Directors and related to shares withheld as part
of the vesting of restricted stock units ("RSUs").
Effective February 29, 2016, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $250 million of our Class A common stock. This authorization was fully
utilized as of December 31, 2018. On October 22, 2018, our Board of Directors approved an additional $250 million repurchase authorization.
Share repurchases under our authorizations were as follows:
Share Repurchase Authorization
Repurchases Occurring in 2018
Average Price
Shares
2,112,370 $
84.72
Cumulative Repurchases as of
December 31, 2018
Shares
Average Price
84.43
3,155,095 $
As of December 31, 2018, we had $233.6 million available for repurchases pursuant to our share repurchase authorization.
In addition, during 2018, we repurchased 30,119 shares at an average price of $112.05 per share, for a total of $3.4 million, related to tax withholdings
associated with the vesting of RSUs. The repurchase of shares related to tax withholdings associated with stock awards does not reduce the number of shares
available for repurchase as approved by our Board of Directors.
The following is a summary of our repurchases in the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016:
Year Ended December 31,
Shares repurchased pursuant to repurchase authorizations
Total purchase price (in millions)
Average purchase price per share
Shares repurchased in association with tax withholdings on the vesting of RSUs
2018
2,112,370
179.0 $
84.72 $
30,119
2017
2016
329,000
30.5 $
92.79 $
32,457
1,312,848
104.4
79.50
94,826
$
$
In December 2017, we entered into a structured repurchase agreement involving the use of capped call options for the purchase of our Class A common stock.
As of December 31, 2018, the capped call options had expired, and all outstanding options were settled.
During 2018, net repurchases and issuances of our Class A common stock exceeded our beginning of the year balance. The excess net repurchases were
recorded as a reduction of additional paid in capital as of December 31, 2018.
F- 21
Dividends
We declared and paid dividends on our Class A and Class B Common Stock as follows:
Quarter declared
2016
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
2017
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
2018
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Dividend amount
per Class A and
Class B share
Total amount of
dividends paid
(in millions)
$
$
$
0.20 $
0.25
0.25
0.25
0.25 $
0.27
0.27
0.27
0.27 $
0.29
0.29
0.29
5.1
6.4
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.8
6.7
6.7
6.7
7.2
7.0
6.8
Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive loss was as follows (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
Loss on cash flow hedges
Income tax benefits
Loss on cash flow hedges, net
See Note 11.
2018
2017
2016
Affected Line Item
in the Consolidated Statement of
Operations
$
$
— $
—
— $
— $
—
— $
(0.2) Floor plan interest expense
0.1 Income tax provision
(0.1)
Note 9. 401(k) Profit Sharing, Deferred Compensation and Long-Term Incentive Plans
We have a defined contribution 401(k) plan and trust covering substantially all full-time employees. The annual contribution to the plan is at the discretion of our
Board of Directors. Contributions of $5.7 million, $5.8 million, and $5.4 million were recognized for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016,
respectively. Employees may contribute to the plan if they meet certain eligibility requirements.
We offer a deferred compensation and long-term incentive plan (the "LTIP”) to provide certain employees the ability to accumulate assets for retirement on a
tax deferred basis. We may, depending on position, also make discretionary contributions to the LTIP. These discretionary contributions vest between one and
seven years based on the employee’s age. Additionally, a participant may defer a portion of his or her compensation and receive the deferred amount upon
certain events, including termination or retirement.
The following is a summary related to our LTIP (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
Compensation expense
Total discretionary contribution
Guaranteed annual return
$
$
2018
2017
2016
$
$
1.3
0.8
5.00%
$
$
1.1
1.7
5.00%
1.1
1.8
5.25%
F- 22
As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the balance due to participants was $32.9 million and $27.9 million, respectively, and was included as a component of other
long-term liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Note 10. Stock-Based Compensation
2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
The 2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "2009 ESPP”) allows for the issuance of 1,500,000 shares of our Class A common stock. The 2009 ESPP is
intended to qualify as an "Employee Stock Purchase Plan” under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and is administered by the
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.
Eligible employees are entitled to defer up to 10% of their base pay for the purchase of stock, up to $25,000 of fair market value of our Class A common stock
annually. The purchase price is equal to 85% of the fair market value at the end of the purchase period.
Following is information regarding our 2009 ESPP:
Year Ended December 31,
Shares purchased pursuant to 2009 ESPP
Weighted average per share price of shares purchased
Weighted average per share discount from market value for shares purchased
As of December 31,
Shares available for purchase pursuant to 2009 ESPP
$
$
2018
143,227
74.24
13.10
2018
138,643
Compensation expense related to our 2009 ESPP is calculated based on the 15% discount from the per share market price on the date of grant.
2013 Stock Incentive Plan
Our 2013 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, (the "2013 Plan”) allows for the grant of a total of 3.8 million shares in the form of stock appreciation rights,
qualified stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted share awards and restricted stock unit awards ("RSUs") to our officers, key employees, directors
and consultants. The 2013 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors and permits accelerated vesting of outstanding
awards upon the occurrence of certain changes in control. As of December 31, 2018, 1,265,002 shares of Class A common stock were available for future
grants. As of December 31, 2018, there were no stock appreciation rights, qualified stock options, nonqualified stock options or restricted share awards
outstanding.
Restricted Stock Unit Awards
RSU grants vest over a period of time up to four years from the date of grant. RSU activity was as follows:
Balance, December 31, 2017
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Balance, December 31, 2018
Weighted average
grant date fair
value
RSUs
344,804 $
182,893
(83,856)
(33,976)
409,865
91.81
86.84
91.97
94.33
99.72
We granted 40,979 time-vesting RSUs to members of our Board of Directors and employees in 2018. Each grant entitles the holder to receive shares of our
Class A common stock upon vesting. A portion of the RSUs vest over four years, beginning on the second anniversary of the grant date, for employees and
vests quarterly for our Board of Directors, over their service period.
F- 23
Certain key employees were granted 141,914 performance and time-vesting RSUs in 2018. Of these, 79,617 shares were earned based on attaining various
target levels of operational performance. Based on the levels of performance achieved in 2018, a weighted average attainment level of 56.1% for these RSUs
was met. These RSUs will vest over four years from the grant date.
Stock-Based Compensation
As of December 31, 2018, unrecognized stock-based compensation related to outstanding, but unvested RSUs was $13.4 million, which will be recognized over
the remaining weighted average vesting period of 2.0 years.
Certain information regarding our stock-based compensation was as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
Per share intrinsic value of non-vested stock granted
Weighted average per share discount for compensation expense recognized under the 2009
2018
2017
2016
$
86.84 $
99.24 $
ESPP
Fair value of non-vested stock that vested during the period (in millions)
Stock-based compensation recognized in Consolidated Statements of Operations, as a
component of selling, general and administrative expense (in millions)
Tax benefit recognized in Consolidated Statements of Operations (in millions)
Cash received from options exercised and shares purchased under all share-based
arrangements (in millions)
Tax deduction realized related to stock options exercised (in millions)
Note 11. Derivative Financial Instruments
13.10
92.0
13.4
3.5
10.6
9.0
15.20
69.6
11.3
3.5
7.8
9.0
82.90
13.00
47.5
11.0
3.8
7.0
8.9
From time to time, we have entered into interest rate swaps to fix a portion of our interest expense. We do not enter into derivative instruments for any purpose
other than to manage interest rate exposure to fluctuations in the one-month LIBOR benchmark. That is, we do not engage in interest rate speculation using
derivative instruments. Typically, we designate all interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges and, accordingly, we record the change in fair value for the
effective portion of these interest rate swaps in comprehensive income rather than net income until the underlying hedged transaction affects net income. If a
swap is no longer designated as a cash flow hedge and the forecasted transaction remains probable or reasonably possible of occurring, the gain or loss
recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss is recognized in income as the forecasted transaction occurs. If the forecasted transaction is probable of not
occurring, the gain or loss recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss is recognized in income immediately.
The effect of derivative instruments in our Consolidated Statements of Operations was as follows (in millions):
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging
Relationships
Amount of gain
recognized in
Accumulated OCI
(effective portion)
Location of loss
reclassified from
Accumulated
OCI into Income
(effective
portion)
Amount of loss
reclassified from
Accumulated OCI
into Income
(effective portion)
Location of loss
recognized in
Income on
derivative
(ineffective
portion and
amount excluded
from
effectiveness
testing)
Amount of loss
recognized in
Income on
derivative
(ineffective portion
and amount
excluded from
effectiveness
testing)
Year Ended December 31, 2016
Interest rate swap contract
$
Floor plan interest
expense
$
0.2
(0.2)
Floor plan interest
expense
$
(0.4)
We did not have any activity related to the effect of derivative instruments in 2017 or 2018.
F- 24
Note 12. Fair Value Measurements
Factors used in determining the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities are summarized into three broad categories:
•
•
•
Level 1 - quoted prices in active markets for identical securities;
Level 2 - other significant observable inputs, including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment spreads, credit risk; and
Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs, including our own assumptions in determining fair value.
We determined the carrying value of cash equivalents, accounts receivable, trade payables, accrued liabilities and short-term borrowings approximate their fair
values because of the nature of their terms and current market rates of these instruments. We believe the carrying value of our variable rate debt approximates
fair value.
We have fixed rate debt primarily consisting of amounts outstanding under our senior notes and real estate mortgages. We calculated the estimated fair value
of the senior notes using quoted prices for the identical liability (Level 1) and calculated the estimated fair value of the fixed rate real estate mortgages using a
discounted cash flow methodology with estimated current interest rates based on a similar risk profile and duration (Level 2). The fixed cash flows are
discounted and summed to compute the fair value of the debt. As of December 31, 2018, our real estate mortgages and other debt, which includes capital
leases, had maturity dates between January 12, 2019 and December 31, 2050.
We estimate the value of other long-lived assets that are recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis on a market valuation approach. We use prices and
other relevant information generated primarily by recent market transactions involving similar or comparable assets, as well as our historical experience in
divestitures, acquisitions and real estate transactions. Additionally, we may use a cost valuation approach to value long-lived assets when a market valuation
approach is unavailable. Under this approach, we determine the cost to replace the service capacity of an asset, adjusted for physical and economic
obsolescence. When available, we use valuation inputs from independent valuation experts, such as real estate appraisers and brokers, to corroborate our
estimates of fair value. Real estate appraisers' and brokers' valuations are typically developed using one or more valuation techniques including market, income
and replacement cost approaches. Because these valuations contain unobservable inputs, we classified the measurement of fair value of long-lived assets as
Level 3.
There were no changes to our valuation techniques during the year ended December 31, 2018.
A summary of the aggregate carrying values, excluding unamortized debt issuance cost, and fair values of our long-term fixed interest rate debt is as follows (in
millions):
December 31,
Carrying value
5.25% Senior Notes due 2025
Real Estate Mortgages and Other Debt
Fair value
5.25% Senior Notes due 2025
Real Estate Mortgages and Other Debt
2018
2017
$
$
$
$
300.0 $
445.8
745.8 $
278.6 $
448.7
727.3 $
300.0
376.9
676.9
312.8
385.3
698.1
Below are our long-lived assets that are measured at fair value (in millions):
Fair Value at December 31, 2018
Measured on a non-recurring basis:
Long-lived assets held and used:
Certain buildings and improvements
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
$
— $
— $
2.3
F- 25
Note 13. Income Taxes
Income Tax Provision
The income tax provision was as follows (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
Current:
Federal
State
Deferred:
Federal
State
Total
2018
2017
2016
$
$
30.3 $
11.5
41.8
20.4
9.6
30.0
71.8 $
95.1 $
16.9
112.0
(14.2)
4.1
(10.1)
101.9 $
68.1
13.8
81.9
4.9
(0.4)
4.5
86.4
A t December 31, 2018 and 2017, we had income taxes receivable of $17.1 million and $22.5 million, respectively, included as a component of other current
assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The reconciliation between amounts computed using the federal income tax rate of 21% in 2018 and 35% in all other years and our income tax provision is
shown in the following tabulation (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
Federal tax provision at statutory rate
State taxes, net of federal income tax benefit
Equity investment basis difference
Non-deductible items
Permanent differences related to stock-based compensation
Net change in valuation allowance
General business credits
Deferred revaluation for change in statutory tax rate
Other
Income tax provision
2018
2017
2016
70.9 $
16.1
—
1.5
(0.1)
0.5
(1.1)
(15.8)
(0.2)
71.8 $
121.5 $
13.3
—
1.3
(0.8)
0.3
(0.9)
(32.9)
0.1
101.9 $
99.2
10.8
9.5
1.4
0.1
(5.1)
(28.0)
—
(1.5)
86.4
$
$
F- 26
Deferred Taxes
Individually significant components of the deferred tax assets and (liabilities) are presented below (in millions):
December 31,
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred revenue and cancellation reserves
Allowances and accruals, including state NOL carryforward amounts
Credits and other
Valuation allowance
Total deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities:
Inventories
Goodwill
Property and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation
Prepaid expenses and other
Total deferred tax liabilities
Total
2018
2017
47.2 $
40.8
0.3
(1.1)
87.2
(42.0)
(48.2)
(78.0)
(10.2)
(178.4)
(91.2) $
39.4
36.3
1.1
(0.6)
76.2
(20.9)
(35.0)
(73.4)
(3.2)
(132.5)
(56.3)
$
$
As noted at December 31, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax
Act”) on December 22, 2017. The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code including, but not limited to, reduction of the U.S. federal
corporate income tax rate, expanded bonus depreciation provisions that will allow for full expensing of qualified property, a new limitation on the deductibility of
business interest expense, and expanded limitations on the deductibility of executive compensation for covered individuals.
As of December 31, 2018, we have completed our accounting for the effects of Tax Act. As part of this process, we remeasured federal deferred tax assets
and liabilities to reflect a change to the tax rate at which they are expected to reverse in the future, which is generally 21%. As of December 31, 2017, a
provisional benefit of $32.9 million was recorded related to the remeasurement of our deferred tax balances. As of December 31, 2018, an additional $15.8
million benefit was recorded, which primarily relates to return to provision adjustments to our deferred tax balances as a result of changes to certain established
tax accounting methods in 2018.
We consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax
assets is dependent upon future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. We consider the scheduled
reversal of deferred tax liabilities (including the impact of available carryback and carryforward periods), projected future taxable income, and tax-planning
strategies in making this assessment.
As of December 31, 2018, we had a $1.1 million valuation allowance recorded associated with our deferred tax assets. The entire allowance is associated with
state net operating losses generated in current and previous years. The valuation allowance increased $0.5 million in the current year as a result of losses
incurred, the benefits of which are not expected to be realized.
As of December 31, 2018, we had state net operating loss (NOL) carryforward amounts totaling approximately $3.0 million, tax effected, with expiration dates
through 2038. We believe that it is more likely than not that the benefit from certain state NOL carryforward amounts will not be realized. In recognition of this
risk, we have recorded a valuation allowance of $1.1 million on the deferred tax assets relating to these state NOL carryforwards. We had $0.4 million, tax
effected, in state tax credit carryforwards with expiration dates through 2027. We believe it is more likely than not that the benefits from these state tax credit
carryforwards will be realized.
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
We have no unrecognized tax benefits recorded as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.
Open tax years at December 31, 2018 included the following:
Federal
20 states
F- 27
2015 - 2018
2014 - 2018
Note 14. Acquisitions
In 2018, we completed the following acquisitions:
• On January 15, 2018, Ray Laks Honda in Orchard Park, New York and Ray Laks Acura in Buffalo, New York.
• On February 26, 2018, Day Auto Group, a seven store platform based in Pennsylvania.
• On March 1, 2018, Prestige Auto Group, a six store platform based in New Jersey and New York.
• On April 2, 2018, Broadway Ford in Idaho Falls, Idaho.
• On April 23, 2018, Buhler Ford in Eatontown, New Jersey.
Revenue and operating income contributed by the 2018 acquisitions subsequent to the date of acquisition were as follows (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
Revenue
Operating loss
$
2018
913.5
(2.6)
In 2017, we completed the following acquisitions:
• On May 1, 2017, Baierl Auto Group, an eight store platform based in Pennsylvania.
• On August 7, 2017, Downtown LA ("DTLA") Auto Group, a seven store platform based in California.
• On November 11, 2017, Albany CJD Fiat in Albany, New York.
• On November 15, 2017, Crater Lake Ford Lincoln and Crater Lake Mazda in Medford, Oregon.
All acquisitions were accounted for as business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. The results of operations of the acquired stores are
included in our Consolidated Financial Statements from the date of acquisition.
The following tables summarize the consideration paid in cash and equity securities for the acquisitions and the preliminary amount of identified assets acquired
and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date (in millions):
Consideration paid for the Year Ended December 31,
Cash paid, net of cash acquired
Equity securities issued
Debt issued
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed for the Year Ended December 31,
Trade receivables, net
Inventories
Franchise value
Property and equipment
Other assets
Floor plan notes payable
Debt and capital lease obligations
Deferred taxes, net
Other liabilities
Goodwill
2018
2017
373.8 $
—
125.1
498.9
$
2018
2017
0.7 $
180.0
29.8
179.7
48.6
(10.8)
—
—
(2.3)
425.7
73.2
498.9 $
460.4
2.1
1.8
464.3
46.9
189.8
73.7
166.0
18.3
(72.5)
(38.7)
(2.0)
(24.7)
356.8
107.5
464.3
$
$
$
$
The purchase price allocations for the Ray Laks Honda, Ray Laks Acura, Day Auto Group, Prestige Auto Group, and Buhler Ford acquisitions are preliminary
as we have not obtained all of the detailed information to finalize the opening balance sheet related to real estate purchased, leases assumed and the allocation
of franchise value to each reporting unit. Management has recorded the purchase price allocations based on the information that is currently available.
F- 28
We expect substantially all of the goodwill related to acquisitions completed in 2018 to be deductible for federal income tax purposes.
We account for franchise value as an indefinite-lived intangible asset. We recognized $4.3 million and $6.0 million, respectively, in acquisition related expenses
as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in 2018 and 2017, respectively.
The following unaudited pro forma summary presents consolidated information as if the acquisitions had occurred on January 1 of the previous year (in millions,
except for per share amounts):
Year Ended December 31,
Revenue
Net income
Basic net income per share
Diluted net income per share
$
2018
2017
12,021.6 $
264.4
10.85
10.81
12,039.9
248.9
9.93
9.90
These amounts have been calculated by applying our accounting policies and estimates. The results of the acquired stores have been adjusted to reflect the
following: depreciation on a straight-line basis over the expected lives for property, plant and equipment; accounting for inventory on a specific identification
method; and recognition of interest expense for real estate financing related to stores where we purchased the facility. No non-recurring pro forma adjustments
directly attributable to the acquisitions are included in the reported pro forma revenues and earnings.
Note 15. Related Party Transactions
Transition Agreement
In September 2015, we entered into a transition agreement with Sidney B. DeBoer, our Chairman of the Board, which provided him certain benefits until his
death. The agreement has an effective date of January 1, 2016 and the initial payment of these benefits began in the third quarter of 2016. On January 22,
2019, we amended the transition agreement to end the annual payments to Mr. DeBoer after 17 years, commencing January 1, 2019, or upon Mr. DeBoer's
death, whichever occurs first.
We recorded a charge of $18.3 million in 2015 as a component of selling, general and administrative expense in our Consolidated Statement of Operations
related to the present value of estimated future payments due pursuant to this agreement. We believe that this estimate is reasonable; however, actual cash
flows could differ materially. We will periodically evaluate whether significant changes in our assumptions have occurred and record an adjustment if future
expected cash flows are significantly different than the reserve recorded. As a result of the amendment to the agreement on January 22, 2019, no change was
made to the reserve.
The balance associated with this agreement was $15.7 million and $16.8 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and was included as a
component of accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Note 16. Net Income Per Share of Class A and Class B Common Stock
We compute net income per share of Class A and Class B common stock using the two-class method. Under this method, basic net income per share is
computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period excluding unvested common shares subject to repurchase or
cancellation. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares and, if dilutive, potential common shares
outstanding during the period. Potential common shares consist of the incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and unvested
restricted shares subject to repurchase or cancellation. The dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and other grants is reflected in diluted earnings per share
by application of the treasury stock method. The computation of the diluted net income per share of Class A common stock assumes the conversion of Class B
common stock, while the diluted net income per share of Class B common stock does not assume the conversion of those shares.
Except with respect to voting and transfer rights, the rights of the holders of our Class A and Class B common stock are identical. Our Restated Articles of
Incorporation require that the Class A and Class B common stock must share equally in any dividends, liquidation proceeds or other distribution with respect to
our common stock and the Articles of Incorporation can only be amended by a vote of the shareholders. Additionally, Oregon law provides that amendments to
our Articles of Incorporation, which would have the effect of adversely altering the rights, powers or preferences of a given class of stock, must be approved
by the class of stock adversely affected by the proposed amendment. As a result, the undistributed earnings for each year are allocated based on
F- 29
the contractual participation rights of the Class A and Class B common shares as if the earnings for the year had been distributed. Because the liquidation and
dividend rights are identical, the undistributed earnings are allocated on a proportionate basis.
Following is a reconciliation of net income and weighted average shares used for our basic earnings per share ("EPS”) and diluted EPS (in thousands, except
per share amounts):
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
Class A Class B Class A Class B Class A Class B
14.7
233.4 $
$
254.8 $
182.4 $
10.9 $
11.8 $
(in millions, except per share data)
Net income applicable to common stockholders - basic
Reallocation of distributed net income as a result of conversion
of dilutive stock options
Reallocation of distributed net income due to conversion of
Class B to Class A common shares outstanding
Conversion of Class B common shares into Class A common
shares
Effect of dilutive stock options on net income
Net income applicable to common stockholders - diluted
—
1.1
—
—
—
1.3
—
—
—
1.8
9.8
—
265.7 $
—
—
10.9 $
10.5
—
245.2 $
—
—
11.8 $
12.8
0.1
197.1 $
$
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic
Conversion of Class B common shares into Class A common
shares
Effect of employee stock purchases and restricted stock units
on weighted average common shares
Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted
23.4
1.0
0.1
24.5
1.0
—
—
1.0
23.9
1.2
—
25.1
1.2
—
—
1.2
23.5
1.9
0.1
25.5
—
—
—
(0.1)
14.6
1.9
—
—
1.9
Net income per common share - basic
Net income per common share - diluted
$
$
10.91 $
10.86 $
10.91 $
10.86 $
9.78 $
9.75 $
9.78 $
9.76 $
7.76 $
7.72 $
7.76
7.72
Antidilutive Securities
Shares issuable pursuant to employee stock purchases not
included since they were antidulutive
Note 17. Equity-Method Investments
—
—
—
—
—
—
In October 2014, we acquired a 99.9% membership interest in a limited liability company managed by U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation with
an initial equity contribution of $4.1 million. We made additional equity contributions to the entity of $22.9 million in 2015 and $22.8 million in 2016. We were
obligated to make $49.8 million of total contributions to the entity over a two-year period ended October 2016, all of which had been made as of December 31,
2016.
This investment generated new markets tax credits under the New Markets Tax Credit Program ("NMTC Program”). The NMTC Program was established
by Congress in 2000 to spur new or increased investments into operating businesses and real estate projects located in low-income communities.
While U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation exercised management control over the limited liability company, due to the economic interest we
held in the entity, we determined our ownership portion of the entity was appropriately accounted for using the equity method.
As of December 31, 2018 and 2017 no amounts related to this equity-method investment were recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
F- 30
The following amounts related to this equity-method investment were recorded in our Consolidated Statements of Operations (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
Asset impairments to write investment down to fair value
Our portion of the partnership’s operating losses
Non-cash interest expense related to the amortization of the discounted fair value of future
equity contributions
Tax benefits and credits generated
$
2018
2017
2016
— $
—
—
—
— $
—
—
—
14.0
8.3
0.2
28.5
Note 18. Segments
Certain financial information on a segment basis is as follows (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
Revenues:
Domestic
Import
Luxury
Corporate and other
Segment income*:
Domestic
Import
Luxury
Corporate and other
Depreciation and amortization
Other interest expense
Other (expense) income, net
Income before income taxes
2018
2017
2016
$
$
$
$
4,215.0 $
5,038.1
2,560.3
11,813.4
8.0
11,821.4 $
3,845.8 $
4,432.8
1,810.1
10,088.7
(2.2)
10,086.5 $
97.6 $
116.2
43.9
257.7
202.4
(75.4)
(56.0)
8.8
337.5 $
105.2 $
117.8
37.0
260.0
167.4
(57.7)
(34.8)
12.2
347.1 $
3,381.7
3,764.3
1,528.7
8,674.7
3.5
8,678.2
106.2
110.2
31.5
247.9
114.2
(49.3)
(23.2)
(6.1)
283.5
*Segment income for each of the segments is defined as Income from operations before income taxes, depreciation and amortization, other interest expense
and other (expense) income, net.
Year Ended December 31,
Floor plan interest expense:
Domestic
Import
Luxury
Corporate and other
2018
2017
2016
$
$
52.4 $
41.6
25.6
119.6
(57.3)
62.3 $
37.2 $
29.0
15.8
82.0
(42.7)
39.3 $
26.4
18.7
11.0
56.1
(30.5)
25.6
F- 31
December 31,
Total assets:
Domestic
Import
Luxury
Corporate and other
2018
2017
$
$
1,488.0 $
1,224.2
934.6
1,737.2
5,384.0 $
1,338.2
1,137.9
641.1
1,565.9
4,683.1
Note 19. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-02, "Leases." ASU 2016-02
increases transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and requires disclosing key
information about leasing arrangements. The new standard results in the recording of a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term longer
than 12 months. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those annual periods. We intend to
adopt this ASU on January 1, 2019. While management is still evaluating the impact of adopting the provisions of this ASU, we expect the impact to be the
present value of minimum lease payments described in Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company is in the final stages of implementing
software to calculate the impact. We continue to identify and evaluate if there are other leases impacted. The majority of our real estate leases are classified
as operating leases under the current guidance. We expect ASU 2016-02 to impact our consolidated balance sheets primarily due to the recognition of a right-
of-use asset and an associated lease liability and our consolidated income statement related to the changes in expense recognition.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) - Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment." ASU 2017-04
simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. An entity should perform its annual, or interim,
goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, and recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which
the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value, if applicable. The loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the
reporting unit. The same impairment test also applies to any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount. An entity still has the option to perform the
qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. ASU 2017-04 is effective for fiscal years, including
interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill
impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2017-04 to have a material effect on our financial position, results of
operations or cash flows.
Note 20. Investments
On September 12, 2018, we invested $54 million in Shift Technologies, Inc., a San Francisco-based digital retailer, in exchange for Series D convertible
preferred stock. We have determined that our investment in Shift does not meet the criteria for a variable interest entity, and we do not have control or
significant influence over Shift. As a result, we currently recorded a cost method investment within other non-current assets on our Consolidated Balance
Sheets as of December 31, 2018.
As of December 31, 2018, there were no identified events or changes in circumstances that would have a significant effect on the value of the investment. We
did not record any impairment charges associated with this investment in the year ended December 31, 2018.
F- 32
Note 21. Changes in Accounting Policies
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," which amends the accounting guidance related to revenues. This
amendment replaced most of the existing revenue recognition guidance. The new standard, as amended in July 2015, is effective for fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 2017, and interim periods therein. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We
adopted this standard utilizing a cumulative effect transition method effective January 2018. While the adoption of the new standard did not have a significant
effect on earnings or on the timing of our most significant types of transactions, we made the following changes to our revenue policies:
• A portion of the transaction price related to sales of finance and insurance contracts is considered variable consideration and subject to accelerated
recognition under the new standard. Accordingly, we recognized a $9.2 million asset associated with future estimated variable consideration and a net of
tax increase to retained earnings of $6.5 million. We do not believe there will be a significant impact to future revenue recognized.
• The adoption of the new standard clarifies the determination and capitalization of direct costs incurred. As a result, we reassessed the method used to
capitalize and amortize direct costs associated with the sale of lifetime lube, oil and filter contracts, which resulted in a $7.2 million reduction in prepaid
commissions and a net of tax $5.1 million reduction to retained earnings.
These changes had an immaterial effect on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and the following impact on our Consolidated Balance Sheets (in
millions):
Impact on Consolidated Balance Sheets
Accounts receivable, net
Other current assets
Other non-current assets
Total Assets
Accrued Liabilities
Deferred income taxes
Total Liabilities
Retained earnings
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Note 22. Subsequent Events
As Reported
December 31, 2018
Adjustments
$
529.4 $
65.1
221.0
5,384.0
283.6
91.2
4,186.8
1,162.1
5,384.0
$
Balances without the
adoption of Topic 606
525.8
63.2
226.4
5,383.9
284.0
90.6
4,186.6
1,162.2
5,383.9
(3.6)
(1.9)
5.4
(0.1)
0.4
(0.6)
(0.2)
0.1
(0.1)
Transition Agreement Amendment
At a special meeting of shareholders held on January 21, 2019 (the "Special Meeting”), our shareholders approved an amendment to the transition agreement,
dated September 14, 2015, between the Company and Sidney B. DeBoer (the "Transition Agreement”) that will end the annual payments to Mr. DeBoer under
the Transition Agreement after 17 years, commencing January 1, 2019, or Mr. DeBoer’s death, whichever occurs first. See Note 15.
Class B Conversion Agreement
Sidney B. DeBoer and the Company executed a Class B Conversion Agreement pursuant to which all of the remaining 1,000,000 shares of our class B
common stock will be converted into shares of our class A common stock by December 31, 2025. The Class B Conversion Agreement will require the
conversion of at least 15% of the 1,000,000 class B shares by the end of every two years, with the first 15% to be converted by December 31, 2020, a total of
30% by December 31, 2022, a total of 45% by December 31, 2024, and the balance by December 31, 2025. On January 21, 2019, Mr. DeBoer completed a
conversion of 200,000 Class B shares.
F- 33
LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
The following tables set forth our unaudited quarterly financial data (in millions, except per share amounts):(1)
Revenue
Gross profit
Operating income
Income before income taxes
Net income
Basic net income per share
Diluted net income per share
(1) Quarterly data may not add to yearly totals due to rounding.
$
2018
2017
2018
2017
2018
2017
2018
2017
2018
2017
2018
2017
2018
2017
F- 34
First Quarter
Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter
2,973.2
2,703.0
3,096.5 $
2,467.0
3,092.0 $
2,680.3
2,659.7 $
2,236.1
408.1
341.7
93.8
86.1
69.8
81.3
52.1
50.7
2.08
2.01
2.07
2.01
460.7
375.3
108.6
103.9
80.8
87.8
60.7
53.2
2.45
2.12
2.44
2.12
466.2
403.0
137.6
106.0
109.0
86.5
93.1
51.9
3.85
2.07
3.84
2.07
441.9
396.1
107.1
112.9
78.0
91.4
59.9
89.4
2.55
3.58
2.54
3.56
(Senior Executives, 2019 Performance- and Time-vesting)
LITHIA MOTORS, INC.
RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT
(2019 Performance- and Time-vesting)
This Restricted Stock Unit Agreement ("Agreement”) is entered into pursuant to the 2013 Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan (the
"Plan”) adopted by the Board of Directors and shareholders of Lithia Motors, Inc., an Oregon corporation (the "Company”), as amended from time to
time. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms in this Agreement have the meanings given to them in the Plan. Any inconsistency between this
Agreement and the terms and conditions of the Plan will be resolved in favor of the Plan.
"Recipient” [ ]
Number of Restricted Stock Units ("RSUs”) [ ]
"Date of Grant” [ ]
1. GRANT OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD
1.1 The Grant. The Company hereby awards to Recipient, and Recipient hereby accepts, the RSUs specified above on the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Plan (the "Award”). Each RSU represents the right to receive one share of Class A Common Stock of the
Company (a "Share”) on an applicable Settlement Date, as defined in Section 1.3 of this Agreement, subject to the terms of this Agreement and the Plan.
1.2 Forfeiture; Vesting; Clawback. The RSUs are subject to forfeiture in accordance with the performance criteria specified in Section 1.2(a)
of this Agreement. Any RSUs not forfeited will vest according to the schedule set forth in Section 1.2(b) of this Agreement. The RSUs, the Shares issued
upon vesting of the RSUs and any proceeds received upon the sale of the Shares are subject to recovery by the Company as specified in Section 1.2(c) of
this Agreement.
(a) Forfeiture.
(i)
The RSUs are subject to forfeiture based on the Company’s 2019 pro forma earnings per share, calculated as specified in
Section 1.2(a)(iii) of this Agreement (the "2019 Pro Forma EPS”). The number of RSUs that will be
forfeited is determined according to the highest earnings per share threshold set forth on the table
below (each, an "EPS Threshold”) that the 2019 Pro Forma EPS meets or exceeds. The table below
specifies the applicable percentage of RSUs that will be retained (the "Earned RSUs”), subject to
adjustment as provided in Section 1.2(a)(ii), at the specified EPS Threshold. When the Committee
certifies the number of Earned RSUs as provided in Section 1.2(a)(iii), all RSUs that are not Earned
RSUs will be forfeited.
99433118.1 0063724-00008 1
(Senior Executives, 2019 Performance- and Time-vesting)
EPS Threshold
$11.60 (highest)
Any amount between $9.80 and $10.50 (inclusive)
$7.60
Any amount between $0.01 and $7.59 (inclusive)
$ 0.00 or negative 2019 Pro Forma EPS (lowest)
Percentage of
Earned RSUs
150.0%
100.0%
75.0%
50.0%
0.0%
(ii) If the 2019 Pro Forma EPS is at least $7.60 and less than $9.80, the percentage of Earned RSUs will be determined on a pro-rata
basis and the number of Earned RSUs will be rounded to the nearest whole RSU. If the 2019 Pro Forma EPS is at least $10.50 and less than $11.60, the
percentage of Earned RSUs will be determined on a pro-rata basis and the number of Earned RSUs will be rounded to the nearest whole RSU. If the 2019
Pro Forma EPS is positive but less than $7.60, the percentage of Earned RSUs will be 50.0%.
Example 1: If the 2019 Pro Forma EPS is $7.75, the percentage of Earned RSUs would be 75.0% plus an additional
percentage calculated as follows: (a) 25%, multiplied by a fraction, (i) the numerator of which is the amount by which 2019 Pro
Forma EPS exceeds $7.60 and (ii) the denominator of which is $1.20:
25% ($0.15/1.20) = 3.1%
The resulting percentage of Earned RSUs correlating to an EPS of $7.75 would be 78.1%. If the Award were 1,000 RSUs,
the number of Earned RSUs would be 78.1% of 1,000, or 781 RSUs. The number of forfeited RSUs would be 1,000 minus
781, or 219. The Earned RSUs would be subject to the vesting according to the schedule specified in Section 1.2(b) of this
Agreement.
(iii) The 2019 Pro Forma EPS will be calculated by deducting from the Company’s consolidated diluted income (loss) per share, as set
forth in the audited consolidated statement of income for the Company and its subsidiaries for the 2019 fiscal year, non-operational transactions or disposal
activities, for example:
i. asset impairment and disposal gain;
ii. gains or losses on the sale of real estate or stores;
iii. gains or losses on equity investment;
iv.
v. related income tax adjustments for any of the above.
reserves for real estate leases, Company-owned service contracts (e.g., lifetime oil), and legal matters; and
As soon as practicable, the Director of Internal Audit of the Company shall calculate the 2019 Pro Forma EPS, and shall submit those calculations to the
Committee. At or prior to the regularly scheduled meeting of the Committee held in the first fiscal quarter of 2020, the Committee shall certify in writing
(which may consist of approved minutes of the meeting) the 2019 Pro Forma EPS and the number of Earned RSUs. Unless otherwise required under this
Agreement, no Shares or other amounts shall be delivered or paid unless
99433118.1 0063724-00008 2
(Senior Executives, 2019 Performance- and Time-vesting)
the Committee certifies the 2019 Pro Forma EPS and the number of Earned RSUs. The Committee may reduce the amount of the compensation payable
upon the attainment of the performance goals based on such factors as it deems appropriate, including subjective factors.
(b) Vesting. Subject to the continued employment of Recipient with the Company or any Subsidiary, (i) 0% of the Earned RSUs shall vest on
the date that the Committee certifies the number of Earned RSUs and (ii) the remaining Earned RSUs shall vest on the dates set forth in the table below
(each, a "Vesting Date”). The number of Shares to which Recipient is entitled on each Vesting Date shall be rounded up to the nearest whole Share
(except for the last Vesting Date, on which all remaining RSUs shall vest).
Vesting Date
January 1, 2021
January 1, 2022
January 1, 2023
Vesting of
Award
33%
33%
34%
Example 2: If there are 781 Earned RSUs, and the Committee certifies the number of Earned RSUs on February 1, 2020, the
Earned RSUs would vest and entitle Recipient to receive Shares, subject to continued employment, as follows.
(c) Clawback. If the Company’s financial statements are restated at any time within three years after the Committee certifies the number of
Earned RSUs under Section 1.2(a)(iii) of this Agreement, the 2019 Pro Forma EPS shall be recalculated (the resulting number, the "Recalculated 2019
Pro Forma EPS”) based on the restated financial statements. If, based on the Company’s restated financial statements, the Recalculated 2019 Pro Forma
EPS is less than the 2019 Pro Forma EPS that the Committee previously certified, (i) any Earned RSUs subject to vesting shall be adjusted to reflect the
number of RSUs that would have been Earned RSUs based on the Recalculated 2019 Pro Forma EPS and (ii) Recipient shall repay to the Company (1) a
number of Shares calculated by subtracting the number of Shares Recipient should have received based on the Recalculated 2019 Pro Forma EPS from the
number of Shares Recipient received under this Award (the "Excess Shares”) and (2) any dividend paid on the Excess Shares (the "Excess Dividends”).
If any Excess Shares are sold by Recipient before the Company’s demand for repayment (including any Shares withheld for taxes under Section 4 of this
Agreement), in lieu of repaying the Company the Excess Shares that were sold Recipient shall repay to the Company 100% of the proceeds of such sale or
sales. The Committee may, in its sole discretion, reduce the amount to be repaid by Recipient to take into account the tax consequences of such repayment
for Recipient. No additional RSUs shall be deemed Earned RSUs based on Recalculated 2019 Pro Forma EPS.
If any portion of the Excess Shares and Excess Dividends was deferred under the RSU Deferral Plan effective January 1, 2012 (the "Deferral
Plan”), that portion shall be recovered by canceling the amounts so deferred under the Deferral Plan and any dividends or other earnings credited under the
Deferral Plan with respect to such cancelled amounts. The Company may seek direct repayment from
99433118.1 0063724-00008 3
(Senior Executives, 2019 Performance- and Time-vesting)
Recipient of any Excess Shares, Excess Dividends and proceeds not so recovered and may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, offset such amounts
against any compensation or other amounts owed by the Company to Recipient. In particular, such amounts may be recovered by offset against the after-
tax proceeds of deferred compensation payouts under the Company’s Deferred Compensation Plan, the Company’s Supplemental Executive Retirement
Plan at the times such deferred compensation payouts occur under the terms of those plans. Amounts that remain unpaid for more than 60 days after
demand by the Company shall accrue interest at the rate used from time to time for crediting interest under the Deferred Compensation Plan.
1.3 Settlement of Earned RSUs. There is no obligation for the Company to make payments or distributions with respect to RSUs except,
subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the issuance of Shares to settle vested RSUs after the applicable Vesting Date. The Company’s
issuance of one Share for each vested Earned RSU ("Settlement”) may be subject to such conditions, restrictions and contingencies as the Committee
shall determine. Unless receipt of the Shares is validly deferred pursuant to the Deferral Plan, and except as otherwise provided in any Amended
Employment and Change in Control Agreement between the Company and Recipient (as the same may be amended and/or restated from time to time),
Earned RSUs shall be settled as soon as practicable after the applicable Vesting Date (each date of Settlement, a "Settlement Date”), but in no event later
than March 15 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Vesting Date occurs. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the payment dates set
forth in this Section 1.3 have been specified for the purpose of complying with the short-term deferral exception under Section 409A of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code”), and to the extent payments are made during the periods permitted under Code Section 409A (including applicable
periods before or after the specified payment dates set forth in this Section 1.3), the Company shall be deemed to have satisfied its obligations under the
Plan and shall be deemed not to be in breach of its payment obligations hereunder.
1.4 Termination of Recipient’s Employment.
(a) Voluntary or Involuntary Termination. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 1.4, if Recipient’s employment with the Company or
any Subsidiary terminates as a result of a voluntary or involuntary termination, all outstanding unvested RSUs (whether or not determined to be Earned
RSUs) shall immediately be forfeited. Recipient shall not be treated as terminating employment if Recipient is on an approved leave of absence.
(b) Death. If Recipient’s employment with the Company or any Subsidiary terminates as a result of Recipient’s death that occurs on or after
January 1, 2020, Earned RSUs shall continue to vest as scheduled in Section 1.2 of this Agreement.
( c ) Disability. If Recipient becomes Disabled while employed by the Company or a Subsidiary, Earned RSUs shall continue to vest as
scheduled in Section 1.2 of this Agreement for so long as Recipient remains Disabled.
Qualified Retirement. If Recipient terminates employment due to a Qualified Retirement that occurs on or after January 1, 2020, RSUs shall
continue to vest as scheduled in Section 1.2 of this Agreement. A "Qualified Retirement” means Recipient voluntarily terminates employment on or after
such time as Recipient is at least 55 years of age and the sum of Recipient’s attained age and completed years of Service at the time of such termination
equals or exceeds seventy (70) years.
Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, in no event will any Settlement occur prior to the applicable Vesting Date.
99433118.1 0063724-00008 4
(Senior Executives, 2019 Performance- and Time-vesting)
2. REPRESENTATIONS AND COVENANTS OF RECIPIENT
2.1 No Representations by or on Behalf of the Company. Recipient is not relying on any representation, warranty or statement made by the
Company or any agent, employee or officer, director, shareholder or other controlling person of the Company regarding the RSUs or this Agreement.
2.2 Tax Considerations. The Company has advised Recipient to seek Recipient’s own tax and financial advice with regard to the federal and
state tax considerations resulting from Recipient’s receipt of the Award, the vesting of the Award and Recipient’s receipt of the Shares upon Settlement of
the vested portion of the Award. Recipient understands that the Company, to the extent required by law, will report to appropriate taxing authorities the
payment to Recipient of compensation income upon the grant, vesting and/or Settlement of RSUs under the Award and Recipient shall be solely responsible
for the payment of all federal and state taxes resulting from such grant, vesting and/or Settlement.
2.3 Agreement to Enter into Lock-Up Agreement with an Underwriter. Recipient understands and agrees that whenever the Company
undertakes a firmly underwritten public offering of its securities, Recipient will, if requested to do so by the managing underwriter in such offering, enter into
an agreement not to sell or dispose of any securities of the Company owned or controlled by Recipient, including any of the RSUs or the Shares, provided
that such restriction will not extend beyond 12 months from the effective date of the registration statement filed in connection with such offering.
3. GENERAL RESTRICTIONS OF TRANSFERS OF RSUS
3.1 No Transfers of RSUs. Recipient agrees for himself or herself and his or her executors, administrators and other successors in interest that
none of the RSUs, nor any interest therein, may be voluntarily or involuntarily sold, transferred, assigned, donated, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise
disposed of, gratuitously or for consideration.
3.2 Award Adjustments. The number of RSUs granted under this Award shall, at the discretion of the Committee, be subject to adjustment
under the Plan in the event the outstanding shares of Common Stock are hereafter increased, decreased, changed into or exchanged for a different number
or kind of shares of Common Stock or for other securities of the Company or of another corporation, by reason of any reorganization, merger,
consolidation, reclassification, stock split up, combination of shares of Common Stock, or dividend payable in shares of Common Stock or other securities
of the Company. If Recipient receives any additional RSUs pursuant to the Plan, such additional (or other) RSUs shall be deemed granted hereunder and
shall be subject to the same restrictions and obligations on the RSUs as originally granted as imposed by this Agreement.
3.3 Invalid Transfers. Any disposition of the RSUs other than in strict compliance with the provisions of this Agreement shall be void.
4. PAYMENT OF TAX WITHHOLDING AMOUNTS. To the extent the Company is responsible for withholding income taxes, Recipient must pay
to the Company or make adequate provision for the payment of all Tax Withholding. If any RSUs are scheduled to vest during a period in which trading is
not permitted under the Company’s insider trading policy, to satisfy the Tax Withholding requirement, Recipient irrevocably elects to settle the Tax
Withholding obligation by the Company withholding a number of Shares otherwise deliverable upon vesting having a market value sufficient to satisfy the
statutory minimum tax withholding of Recipient. If the Company later determines that additional Tax Withholding was or has become
99433118.1 0063724-00008 5
(Senior Executives, 2019 Performance- and Time-vesting)
required beyond any amount paid or provided for by Recipient, Recipient will pay such additional amount to the Company immediately upon demand by
the Company. If Recipient fails to pay the amount demanded, the Company may withhold that amount from other amounts payable by the Company to
Recipient.
5. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
5.1 Amendment and Modification. Except as otherwise provided by the Plan, this Agreement may be amended, modified and
supplemented only by written agreement of all of the parties hereto.
5.2 Assignment. This Agreement and all of the provisions hereof shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their
respective successors and permitted assigns, but neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder shall be assigned by
Recipient without the prior written consent of the Company.
5.3 Governing Law. To the extent not preempted by federal law, this Agreement and the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Oregon applicable to the construction and enforcement of contracts wholly
executed in Oregon by residents of Oregon and wholly performed in Oregon. Any action or proceeding brought by any party hereto shall be brought only
in a state or federal court of competent jurisdiction located in the County of Multnomah in the State of Oregon and all parties hereto hereby submit to the in
personal jurisdiction of such court for purposes of any such action or procedure.
5.4 Arbitration. The parties agree to submit any dispute arising under this Agreement to final, binding, private arbitration in Portland, Oregon.
This includes not only disputes about the meaning or performance of this Agreement, but disputes about its negotiation, drafting or execution. The dispute
will be determined by a single arbitrator in accordance with the then-existing rules of arbitration procedure of Multnomah County, Oregon Circuit Court,
except that there shall be no right of de novo review in Circuit Court and the arbitrator may charge his or her standard arbitration fees rather than the fees
prescribed in the Multnomah County Circuit Court arbitration procedures. The proceeding will be commenced by the filing of a civil complaint in
Multnomah County Circuit Court and a simultaneous request for transfer to arbitration. The parties expressly agree that they may choose an arbitrator who
is not on the list provided by the Multnomah County Circuit Court Arbitration Department, but if they are unable to agree upon the single arbitrator within
10 days of receipt of the Arbitration Department list, they will ask the Arbitration Department to make the selection for them. The arbitrator will have full
authority to determine all issues, including arbitrability; to award any remedy, including permanent injunctive relief; and to determine any request for costs
and expenses in accordance with Section 5.5 of this Agreement. The arbitrator’s award may be reduced to final judgment in Multnomah County Circuit
Court. The complaining party shall bear the arbitration expenses and may seek their recovery if it prevails. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Agreement, an aggrieved party may seek a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction in Multnomah County Circuit Court to preserve the status
quo during the arbitration proceeding.
5.5 Attorney Fees. If any suit, action or proceeding is instituted in connection with any controversy arising out of this Agreement or the
enforcement of any right hereunder, the prevailing party will be entitled to recover, in addition to costs, such sums as the court or arbitrator may adjudge
reasonable as attorney fees, including fees on any appeal.
5.6 Headings. The headings of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not constitute a part
hereof.
99433118.1 0063724-00008 6
(Senior Executives, 2019 Performance- and Time-vesting)
5.7 Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Plan embody the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the
subject matter contained herein and supersedes all prior written or oral communications or agreements all of which are merged herein. There are no
restrictions, promises, warranties, covenants or undertakings, other than those expressly set forth or referred to herein.
5.8 No Waiver. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any rights or obligations of any party hereunder shall be effective, except
pursuant to a written instrument signed by the party or parties waiving compliance, and any such waiver shall be effective only in the specific instance and
for the specific purpose stated in such writing.
5.9 Severability of Provisions. In the event that any provision hereof is found invalid or unenforceable pursuant to judicial decree or decision,
the remainder of this Agreement shall remain valid and enforceable according to its terms.
5.10 Incorporation by Reference, Etc. The provisions of the Plan are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Except as otherwise set forth
herein, this Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the provisions of the Plan and any interpretations, amendments, rules and regulations
promulgated by the Committee from time to time pursuant to the Plan. The Committee shall have the final authority to interpret and construe the Plan and
this Agreement and to make any and all determinations under them, and its decision shall be final, binding and conclusive upon Recipient and his or her legal
representative in respect to any questions arising under the Plan or this Agreement.
5.11 Notices. All notices or other communications pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed duly given if delivered
personally or by courier service, or if mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested, prepaid and addressed to the Company executive offices to the
attention of the Corporate Secretary, or if to Recipient, to the address maintained by the personnel department, or such other address as such party shall
have furnished to the other party in writing.
5.12 Acceptance of Agreement. Unless Recipient notifies the Corporate Secretary in writing within 14 days after the Date of Grant that
Recipient does not wish to accept this Agreement, Recipient will be deemed to have accepted this Agreement and will be bound by the terms of this
Agreement and the Plan.
5.13 No Right of Employment. Nothing contained in the Plan or this Agreement shall be construed as giving Recipient any right to be retained,
in any position, as an employee of the Company or any Subsidiary.
99433118.1 0063724-00008 7
[Remainder of this page left blank intentionally.]
(Senior Executives, 2019 Performance- and Time-vesting)
Recipient and the Company have executed this Agreement effective as of the Date of Grant.
RECIPIENT
Signature
Type or Print Name:
Social Security Number:
COMPANY LITHIA MOTORS, INC.
By:
Name: Chris Holzshu
Title: Executive Vice President
* Please take the time to read and understand this Agreement. If you have any specific questions or do not fully understand any of the
provisions, please contact stockinfo@lithia.com.
99433118.1 0063724-00008 8
(Non-executives, 2019 Time-vesting)
LITHIA MOTORS, INC.
RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT
(2019 Time-vesting)
This Restricted Stock Unit Agreement ("Agreement”) is entered into pursuant to the 2013 Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan (the
"Plan”) adopted by the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Lithia Motors, Inc., an Oregon corporation (the "Company”), as amended from time to
time. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms in this Agreement have the meanings given to them in the Plan. Any inconsistency between this
Agreement and the terms and conditions of the Plan will be resolved in favor of the Plan.
"Recipient” []
Number of Restricted Stock Units ("RSUs”) []
"Date of Grant” []
1. GRANT OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD
1.1 The Grant. The Company hereby awards to Recipient, and Recipient hereby accepts, the RSUs specified above on the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Plan (the "Award”). Each RSU represents the right to receive one share of Class A Common Stock of the
Company (a "Share”) on an applicable Settlement Date, as defined in Section 1.3 of this Agreement, subject to the terms of this Agreement and the Plan.
1.2 Vesting. Subject to the continued employment of Recipient with the Company or any Subsidiary, the RSUs (rounded to the nearest whole
RSU) shall vest on the dates set forth in the table below (each, a "Vesting Date”).
Vesting Date
January 1, 2021
January 1, 2022
January 1, 2023
Vesting of
Award
33%
33%
34%
Vested RSUs
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
1.3 Settlement of RSUs. There is no obligation for the Company to make payments or distributions with respect to RSUs except for the
issuance of Shares to settle vested RSUs after the applicable Vesting Date. The Company’s issuance of one Share for each vested RSU ("Settlement”)
may be subject to such conditions, restrictions and contingencies as the Committee shall determine. Unless receipt of the Shares is validly deferred pursuant
to the RSU Deferral Plan effective January 1, 2012, RSUs shall be settled as soon as practicable after the applicable Vesting Date (each date of
Settlement, a "Settlement Date”), but in no event later than March 15 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Vesting Date occurs.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the payment dates set forth in this Section 1.3 have been specified for the purpose of complying with the short-term deferral
exception under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and to the extent payments are made during the periods permitted under Section
409A (including applicable periods before or after the specified payment dates set forth in this Section 1.3),
99531438.2 0063724-00008 1
(Non-executives, 2019 Time-vesting)
the Company shall be deemed to have satisfied its obligations under the Plan and shall be deemed not to be in breach of its payment obligations hereunder.
1.4 Termination of Recipient’s Employment.
(a) Voluntary or Involuntary Termination. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 1.4, if Recipient’s employment with the Company or
any Subsidiary terminates as a result of a voluntary or involuntary termination, all outstanding unvested RSUs shall immediately be forfeited. Recipient shall
not be treated as terminating employment if Recipient is on an approved leave of absence.
(b) Death. If Recipient’s employment with the Company or any Subsidiary terminates as a result of Recipient’s death that occurs on or after
January 1, 2020, RSUs shall continue to vest as scheduled in Section 1.2 of this Agreement.
(c ) Disability. If Recipient becomes Disabled while employed by the Company or a Subsidiary, RSUs shall continue to vest as scheduled in
Section 1.2 of this Agreement for so long as Recipient remains Disabled.
(d) Qualified Retirement. If Recipient terminates employment due to a Qualified Retirement that occurs on or after January 1, 2020, RSUs shall
continue to vest as scheduled in Section 1.2 of this Agreement. A "Qualified Retirement” means Recipient voluntarily terminates employment on or after
such time as Recipient is at least 55 years of age and the sum of Recipient’s attained age and completed years of Service at the time of such termination
equals or exceeds seventy (70) years.
Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, in no event will any Settlement occur prior to the applicable Vesting Date.
2. REPRESENTATIONS AND COVENANTS OF RECIPIENT
2.1 No Representations by or on Behalf of the Company. Recipient is not relying on any representation, warranty or statement made by the
Company or any agent, employee or officer, director, shareholder or other controlling person of the Company regarding the RSUs or this Agreement.
2.2 Tax Considerations. The Company has advised Recipient to seek Recipient’s own tax and financial advice with regard to the federal and
state tax considerations resulting from Recipient’s receipt of the Award and Recipient’s receipt of the Shares upon Settlement of the vested portion of the
Award. Recipient understands that the Company, to the extent required by law, will report to appropriate taxing authorities the payment to Recipient of
compensation income upon the Settlement of RSUs under the Award and Recipient shall be solely responsible for the payment of all federal and state taxes
resulting from such Settlement.
2.3 Agreement to Enter into Lock-Up Agreement with an Underwriter. Recipient understands and agrees that whenever the Company
undertakes a firmly underwritten public offering of its securities, Recipient will, if requested to do so by the managing underwriter in such offering, enter into
an agreement not to sell or dispose of any securities of the Company owned or controlled by Recipient, including any of the RSUs or the Shares, provided
that such restriction will not extend beyond 12 months from the effective date of the registration statement filed in connection with such offering.
99531438.2 0063724-00008 2
(Non-executives, 2019 Time-vesting)
3. GENERAL RESTRICTIONS OF TRANSFERS OF UNVESTED RSUS
3.1 No Transfers of Unvested RSUs. Recipient agrees for himself or herself and his or her executors, administrators and other successors in
interest that none of the RSUs, nor any interest therein, may be voluntarily or involuntarily sold, transferred, assigned, donated, pledged, hypothecated or
otherwise disposed of, gratuitously or for consideration prior to their vesting in accordance with this Agreement.
3.2 Award Adjustments. The number of RSUs granted under this Award shall, at the discretion of the Committee, be subject to adjustment
under the Plan in the event the outstanding shares of Common Stock are hereafter increased, decreased, changed into or exchanged for a different number
or kind of shares of Common Stock or for other securities of the Company or of another corporation, by reason of any reorganization, merger,
consolidation, reclassification, stock split up, combination of shares of Common Stock, or dividend payable in shares of Common Stock or other securities
of the Company. If Recipient receives any additional RSUs pursuant to the Plan, such additional (or other) RSUs shall be deemed granted hereunder and
shall be subject to the same restrictions and obligations on the RSUs as originally granted as imposed by this Agreement.
3.3 Invalid Transfers. Any disposition of the RSUs other than in strict compliance with the provisions of this Agreement shall be void.
4. PAYMENT OF TAX WITHHOLDING AMOUNTS.
To the extent the Company is responsible for withholding income taxes, upon the vesting of
the Award Recipient must pay to the Company or make adequate provision for the payment of all Tax Withholding. If any RSUs are scheduled to vest
during a period in which trading is not permitted under the Company’s insider trading policy, to satisfy the Tax Withholding requirement, Recipient
irrevocably elects to settle the Tax Withholding obligation by the Company withholding a number of Shares otherwise deliverable upon vesting having a
market value sufficient to satisfy the statutory minimum tax withholding of Recipient. If the Company later determines that additional Tax Withholding was or
has become required beyond any amount paid or provided for by Recipient, Recipient will pay such additional amount to the Company immediately upon
demand by the Company. If Recipient fails to pay the amount demanded, the Company may withhold that amount from other amounts payable by the
Company to Recipient.
5. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
5.1 Amendment and Modification. Except as otherwise provided by the Plan, this Agreement may be amended, modified and
supplemented only by written agreement of all of the parties hereto.
5.2 Assignment. This Agreement and all of the provisions hereof shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their
respective successors and permitted assigns, but neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder shall be assigned by
Recipient without the prior written consent of the Company.
5.3 Governing Law. To the extent not preempted by federal law, this Agreement and the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Oregon applicable to the construction and enforcement of contracts wholly
executed in Oregon by residents of Oregon and wholly performed in Oregon. Any action or proceeding brought by any party hereto shall be brought only
in a state or federal court of competent jurisdiction located in the County of Multnomah in the State of Oregon and all parties hereto hereby submit to the in
personal jurisdiction of such court for purposes of any such action or procedure.
99531438.2 0063724-00008 3
(Non-executives, 2019 Time-vesting)
5.4 Arbitration. The parties agree to submit any dispute arising under this Agreement to final, binding, private arbitration in Portland, Oregon.
This includes not only disputes about the meaning or performance of this Agreement, but disputes about its negotiation, drafting, or execution. The dispute
will be determined by a single arbitrator in accordance with the then-existing rules of arbitration procedure of Multnomah County, Oregon Circuit Court,
except that there shall be no right of de novo review in Circuit Court and the arbitrator may charge his or her standard arbitration fees rather than the fees
prescribed in the Multnomah County Circuit Court arbitration procedures. The proceeding will be commenced by the filing of a civil complaint in
Multnomah County Circuit Court and a simultaneous request for transfer to arbitration. The parties expressly agree that they may choose an arbitrator who
is not on the list provided by the Multnomah County Circuit Court Arbitration Department, but if they are unable to agree upon the single arbitrator within
ten days of receipt of the Arbitration Department list, they will ask the Arbitration Department to make the selection for them. The arbitrator will have full
authority to determine all issues, including arbitrability; to award any remedy, including permanent injunctive relief; and to determine any request for costs
and expenses in accordance with Section 5.5 of this Agreement. The arbitrator’s award may be reduced to final judgment in Multnomah County Circuit
Court. The complaining party shall bear the arbitration expenses and may seek their recovery if it prevails. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Agreement, an aggrieved party may seek a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction in Multnomah County Circuit Court to preserve the status
quo during the arbitration proceeding.
5.5 Attorney Fees. If any suit, action, or proceeding is instituted in connection with any controversy arising out of this Agreement or the
enforcement of any right hereunder, the prevailing party will be entitled to recover, in addition to costs, such sums as the court or arbitrator may adjudge
reasonable as attorney fees, including fees on any appeal.
5.6 Headings. The headings of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not constitute a part
hereof.
5.7 Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Plan embody the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the
subject matter contained herein and supersedes all prior written or oral communications or agreements all of which are merged herein. There are no
restrictions, promises, warranties, covenants, or undertakings, other than those expressly set forth or referred to herein.
5.8 No Waiver. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any rights or obligations of any party hereunder shall be effective, except
pursuant to a written instrument signed by the party or parties waiving compliance, and any such waiver shall be effective only in the specific instance and
for the specific purpose stated in such writing.
5.9 Severability of Provisions. In the event that any provision hereof is found invalid or unenforceable pursuant to judicial decree or decision,
the remainder of this Agreement shall remain valid and enforceable according to its terms.
5.10 Incorporation by Reference, Etc. The provisions of the Plan are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Except as otherwise set forth
herein, this Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the provisions of the Plan and any interpretations, amendments, rules and regulations
promulgated by the Committee from time to time pursuant to the Plan. The Committee shall have the final authority to interpret and construe the Plan and
this Agreement and to make any and all determinations under them, and its decision shall be final, binding and conclusive upon Recipient and his or her legal
representative in respect to any questions arising under the Plan or this Agreement.
99531438.2 0063724-00008 4
(Non-executives, 2019 Time-vesting)
5.11 Notices. All notices or other communications pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed duly given if delivered
personally or by courier service, or if mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested, prepaid and addressed to the Company executive offices to the
attention of the Corporate Secretary, or if to Recipient, to the address maintained by the personnel department, or such other address as such party shall
have furnished to the other party in writing.
5.12 Acceptance of Agreement. Unless Recipient notifies the Corporate Secretary in writing within 14 days after the Date of Grant that
Recipient does not wish to accept this Agreement, Recipient will be deemed to have accepted this Agreement and will be bound by the terms of this
Agreement and the Plan.
5.13 No Right of Employment. Nothing contained in the Plan or this Agreement shall be construed as giving Recipient any right to be retained,
in any position, as an employee of the Company or any Subsidiary.
[Remainder of this page left blank intentionally.]
99531438.2 0063724-00008 5
(Non-executives, 2019 Time-vesting)
Recipient and the Company have executed this Agreement effective as of the Grant Date.
RECIPIENT
Signature
Type or Print Name:
Social Security Number:
COMPANY LITHIA MOTORS, INC.
By:
Name: Chris Holzshu
Title: Executive Vice President
* Please take the time to read and understand this Agreement. If you have any specific questions or do not fully understand any of the
provisions, please contact stockinfo@lithia.com in writing.
99531438.2 0063724-00008
Execution Version
SECOND AMENDMENT
TO
SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AGREEMENT
This Second Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (this "Amendment”), dated as of
October 19, 2018, is entered into among Lithia Motors, Inc., an Oregon corporation (the "Company”), each of the Subsidiaries of
the Company listed on the signature pages of this Amendment (together with the Company, each a "Borrower” and any two or
more "Borrowers”), the Lenders under the Loan Agreement described below that are signatories to this Amendment, and U.S.
Bank National Association, as Agent for the Lenders (in such capacity, "Agent”).
R E C I T A L S:
A. The Company, certain of its Subsidiaries, the Lenders and Agent have entered into a Second Amended and
Restated Loan Agreement dated as of June 25, 2018, as amended by that certain First Amendment to Second Amended and
Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of August 31, 2018, (the "Loan Agreement”). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein
shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Loan Agreement.
B. The Company has requested that the Agent and the Lenders agree to the amendments to the Loan Agreement
set forth herein.
C. The Lenders that are signatories to this Amendment, constituting the Required Lenders under the Loan
Agreement, have agreed to the amendments to the Loan Agreement set forth herein, as more particularly as set forth herein.
For valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as
follows:
Definitions. Section 1.1 of the Loan Agreement is amended by deleting the definitions of
Excluded Subsidiary, Permitted Restrictions, Shift Facility and Silo Subsidiary and replacing them with the following, respectively:
1.
"Excluded Subsidiary” means any of (a) each Excluded NMT C Subsidiary or (b) from and after the time SCFC
has (i) executed and delivered to the Agent a Termination Agreement and (ii) incurred Funded Debt described in Section
13.10(r), SCFC.
"Permitted Restrictions” means restrictions on the ability of any Subsidiary to declare or pay any dividend or
make other distributions, or to advance or loan funds or transfer assets, to the Company or any other Subsidiary, to
borrow money from the Company or any other Subsidiary, to grant Liens on the assets of such Subsidiary, to secure the
Obligations or the Guarantor Obligations or to guaranty the Obligations: (a) as set forth on the Disclosure Schedule on the
Closing Date, including restrictions imposed by existing Other Floor Plan Financing arrangements; (b) pursuant to
modifications to Other Floor Plan Financing arrangements in effect on the Closing Date, provided that such modifications
are not materially more restrictive; (c) pursuant to Other Floor Plan Financing arrangements with any Other Floor Plan
Lender other than a Person which is an Other Floor Plan Lender on the Closing Date; (d) applicable to a Person at the
time such Person becomes a Subsidiary and not created in contemplation of such an event; (e) resulting from
manufacturer-imposed modifications to any Franchise Agreement; (f) imposed by applicable law; (g) as set forth in the
organizational documents of a Loan Party and consisting of requirements for director, manager, shareholder or member
approval; or (h) as set forth in any document relating to Funded Debt permitted under Section 13.10(o) but only to the
extent applicable to Silo Subsidiaries and to the extent such restriction does not directly or indirectly prohibit any Silo
Subsidiary from guarantying, or impose any restriction on the ability of any Silo Subsidiary to guaranty, the Obligations.
"Shift Facility” means a floor plan credit facility or debt financing provided by one or more lenders after the First
Amendment Effective Date to Shift (and/or one or more of its subsidiaries) in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed
$50,000,000 at any time outstanding, guaranteed in whole or in part by one or more Loan Parties.
"Silo Subsidiary” means a Subsidiary designated as a "Silo Subsidiary” in writing by the Company to the Agent
for the purpose of incurring Funded Debt permitted under subsection (o) of Section 13.10, provided that if, at the time of
such designation, such Subsidiary is a Loan Party:
(i) such Subsidiary shall have executed and delivered to the Agent a Termination Agreement solely with respect
to its status as a party to the Security Agreement, the Pledge Agreement and any other Collateral Documents and as a
Grantor (as defined in the Security Agreement and the Pledge Agreement) and its status as a New Vehicle Floorplan
Borrower (it being understood that such Termination Agreement shall not terminate such Subsidiary’s obligations under its
Guaranty, which shall remain in full force and effect),
(ii) the Company shall have provided to the Agent a Revolving Loan Borrowing Base Certificate as of the date of
and after giving effect to such designation of such Subsidiary as a Silo Subsidiary and certifying that after giving effect to
such designation the Revolving Loan Availability is not less than $1.00,
(iii) the Company shall have provided to the Agent a Used Vehicle Loan Borrowing Base Certificate as of the date
of and after giving effect to such designation of such Subsidiary as a Silo Subsidiary and deduction of all Used Vehicles of
such Silo Subsidiary from the Used Vehicle Borrowing Base,
(iv) the Company or such Subsidiary shall have repaid in full the Related Principal Portion, together with accrued
and unpaid interest thereon, with respect to each New Vehicle of such Subsidiary financed with a New Vehicle Loan
Advance, and
(v) the Company shall have repaid Used Vehicle Floorplan Loans and Used Vehicle Swing Line Loans to the
extent necessary such that, after giving effect to such repayment and the designation of such Subsidiary as a Silo
Subsidiary and deduction of all Used Vehicles of such Silo Subsidiary from the Used Vehicle Borrowing Base, (1) the
outstanding principal balance of all Used Vehicle Floorplan Loans does not exceed, in the aggregate, as to all Lenders, the
Maximum Used Vehicle Floorplan Amount, and (2) the outstanding principal balance of all Used Vehicle Floorplan Loans,
plus the outstanding principal balance of all Used Vehicle Swing Line Loans, does not exceed, in the aggregate, as to all
Lenders, the Maximum Used Vehicle Floorplan Amount.
Effective upon any such designation and satisfaction of the conditions set forth in clauses (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) above,
any Subsidiary so designated shall cease to be a New Vehicle Floorplan Borrower under this Agreement and the other
Loan Documents, and the Dealership Loan Limit (if any) for such Subsidiary shall be deleted.
2. Collateral. Section 8.1.1 of the Loan Agreement is amended by inserting, after the term "Excluded
Subsidiaries” therein, the words "and Silo Subsidiaries”.
3. Current Ratio. Section 11.1.1 of the Loan Agreement is deleted and replaced with the following:
Current Ratio. The Current Ratio for the Company and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis shall not be less than
1.10 to 1.0 as of the last day of any fiscal quarter.
As used herein,
"Current Assets” means the total assets of any Person that may properly be classified as current assets in accordance
with GAAP, but excluding all loans to and notes and receivables from officers, employees, directors, owners and affiliates
of such Person.
"Current Liabilities” means the total liabilities of any Person that may properly be classified as current liabilities in
accordance with GAAP.
"Current Ratio” means, for any Person at any time, the ratio at such time of (a) such Person’s Current Assets plus
Revolving Loan Availability at such time plus the aggregate amount of borrowing availability under any revolving credit
facilities (taking into account any applicable borrowing base and reserve limitations) provided to Silo Subsidiaries and
permitted under Section 13.10(o), to (b) such Person’s Current Liabilities.
4. Leverage Ratio. Section 11.1.3 of the Loan Agreement is deleted and replaced with the following:
11.1.3 Leverage Ratio. The Leverage Ratio for the Company and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, as of
the last day of any fiscal quarter, shall not be greater than 5.00 to 1.0.
As used herein:
"Leverage Ratio” means, as of the last day of any fiscal quarter, the ratio for the Company and its Subsidiaries on
a consolidated basis of: (a) (i) the then outstanding principal balance of all Funded Debt, minus (ii) the sum of the then
outstanding principal balance of the New Vehicle Floorplan Loans, New Vehicle Swing Line Loans, Used Vehicle
Floorplan Loans, Used Vehicle Swing Line Loans, Funded Debt permitted under subsection (o) of Section 13.10 (but only
to the extent constituting floor plan financing) and Funded Debt permitted under subsection (p) of Section 13.10, plus (iii)
eight times rental or lease expense for the Measurement Period ending on such date; to (b) (i) EBIT DAR for the
Measurement Period ending on such date, minus (ii) interest expense with respect to the New Vehicle Floorplan Loans,
New Vehicle Swing Line Loans, Used Vehicle Floorplan Loans, Used Vehicle Swing Line Loans, Funded Debt permitted
under subsection (o) of Section 13.10 (but only to the extent constituting floor plan financing) and Funded Debt permitted
under subsection (p) of Section 13.10 for the Measurement Period ending on such date.
5. Landlord’s Consents. Section 12.13 of the Loan Agreement is deleted and replaced with the following:
12.13 Landlord’s Consents. Promptly following the Closing Date and from time to time thereafter, each
Borrower shall, and the Company shall cause each present and future Subsidiary to, use commercially reasonable
efforts to obtain and deliver to Agent an agreement, release and consent to the security interest of Agent and the
Lenders in the Collateral, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Agent from any present or future owner
or landlord of any real property leased by a Loan Party (other than a Silo Subsidiary) as lessee (each a
"Landlord’s Consent”).
6. Deposit Accounts. Section 12.16 of the Loan Agreement is deleted and replaced with the following:
12.16 Deposit Accounts. Except as consented to in writing by Agent and Required Lenders, which consent shall
not be unreasonably withheld, each Borrower shall, and the Company shall cause each Subsidiary to, maintain its primary
operating deposit accounts with one or more of the Lenders. Except as provided in Subsection (c) of Section 8.1.4, all
deposit accounts other than trust accounts shall be subject to a control agreement (in form and content reasonably
satisfactory to the Agent and the Required Lenders) between any Lender having a security interest in such account,
depository bank, Agent, and the applicable Loan Parties (other than Silo Subsidiaries), which control agreement shall
establish a perfected priority security interest (subject only to the Permitted Liens) in favor of Agent, for the benefit of the
Lenders, in all such deposit accounts.
7. Joinder of New Subsidiaries. Section 12.17 of the Loan Agreement is amended by adding the following
sentence to the end of such section:
Each Person that becomes a Silo Subsidiary shall execute a Guarantor Joinder Agreement, but only to become a
"Guarantor” (as defined in the Loan Agreement and Guaranty) and a Loan Party, and not to become a "Grantor” (as
defined in the Security Agreement and Pledge Agreement).
8. Mergers, Etc. Section 13.1.1(a)(iii) is deleted and replaced with the following:
(iii) any wholly-owned Subsidiary may sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of its assets to the Company or to another
wholly-owned Subsidiary, so long as Agent and the Lenders shall continue to have a perfected security interest in any
transferred Collateral, subject to no Liens other than Permitted Liens existing on the date of the transfer.
9. Loans and Investments. Section 13.6(q) of the Loan Agreement is deleted and replaced with the following:
Following the First Amendment Effective Date, Investments by the Company and its Subsidiaries in Shift
consisting of (a) preferred equity investments, together with warrants to acquire additional equity interests and any
additional equity interests acquired upon exercise of such warrants provided, that the aggregate amount of such
Investments made by the Company and its Subsidiaries does not exceed $54,000,000, (b) loans and other extensions of
credit by the Company and its Subsidiaries to Shift (and/or one or more of its subsidiaries) in an aggregate principal
amount not to exceed $25,000,000 at any time outstanding and (c) guarantees by the Company and its Subsidiaries of the
Shift Facility (each a "Shift Investment” and collectively, the "Shift Investments”).
10. Indebtedness. Section 13.10(f) of the Loan Agreement is deleted and replaced with the following:
(f) Unsecured guarantees by the Company of, and unsecured co-borrower obligations of the Company in respect
of, (i) Other Floorplan Financing obligations of Dealerships to Other Floorplan Lenders, (ii) debt of any Real Estate
Subsidiary which is permitted under Section 13.10(d), (iii) operating leases of its Subsidiaries and Minority Dealer
Affiliates, (iv) extensions of credit to a Minority Dealer Affiliate, all proceeds of which are used to purchase New Vehicles
or Service Loaner Vehicles to be held by the Minority Dealer Affiliate for sale and/or lease in the ordinary course of
business, (v) obligations of Dealerships to manufacturers or distributors of New Vehicles under Seller Agreements, and
(vi) Indebtedness which is permitted under Section 13.10(o) and (p).
11. Indebtedness. Section 13.10(l) of the Loan Agreement is deleted and replaced with the following:
(l) Additional Funded Debt, including, without limitation, (i) Pari Passu Funded Debt, and (ii) Contingent Obligations in
respect of Funded Debt of the Company or any if its Subsidiaries but only to the extent such Funded Debt is otherwise
permitted under this Section 13.10, provided that, after giving pro forma effect to the incurrence of such additional
Funded Debt as if incurred and outstanding on the last day of the fiscal quarter most recently ended prior to such
incurrence, the Company would have been in compliance with Section 11.1.3 as of such day.
12. Indebtedness. Section 13.10(o) of the Loan Agreement is deleted and replaced with the following:
(o) Funded Debt owing by a Silo Subsidiary to an Original Equipment Manufacturer, its finance affiliate or a lender
using a trade name, service mark or trade style under license by an Original Equipment Manufacturer, under floor plan,
working capital and other financing arrangements, in an aggregate outstanding principal amount at any time not to exceed
25% of the amount of the Aggregate Commitments as in effect from time to time; provided that no Loan Party, other
than (i) the Company and (ii) one or more Silo Subsidiaries, has any obligation (contingent or otherwise) with respect to
such Funded Debt.
13. Condition Precedent. The effectiveness of this Amendment is subject to receipt by Agent of executed
originals of this Amendment signed by Agent, each Borrower, each Guarantor, and the Required Lenders.
14. Reaffirmation; Release. By signing this Amendment or the attached Acknowledgment:
14.1 Each Loan Party affirms that the representations and warranties in each of the existing Loan
Documents are true and correct in all material respects as of the date hereof (except that such representations and warranties that
speak as of a specified date or period of time shall be true and correct in all material respects only as of such date or period of
time), and agree that (i) except as amended previously or in connection herewith, each Loan Document is valid and enforceable
in accordance with its terms (except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent transfer
or similar laws relating to or limiting creditors’ rights generally or by equitable principles) and (ii) such Loan Party has no claims,
defenses, setoffs, counterclaims or claims for recoupment against Agent, the Lenders, the other Indemnified Persons or the
indebtedness and obligations represented by the Notes, Guaranties, Collateral Documents and other Loan Documents.
14.2 Each Loan Party hereby releases, acquits, and forever discharges Agent, each Lender, their
respective parent corporations, affiliates, subsidiaries, successors, assigns, officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys and
advisors (collectively, "Indemnified Persons”), and each of them, of and from any and all liability, claims, demands, damages,
actions, causes of action, defenses, counterclaims, setoffs, or claims for recoupment of whatsoever nature, whether known or
unknown, from the beginning of time to the date of this Amendment, whether in contract or tort or otherwise, arising directly or
indirectly from, or in any way related to the Loan Agreement, this Amendment, the Notes, Collateral Documents and the other
Loan Documents, any other indebtedness or obligations of any Loan Party to Agent or any one or more of the Lenders or to the
relationship between any Loan Party and Agent, any Lender, or the Indemnified Persons.
15. References. On and after the effective date of this Amendment, all references in the Loan Agreement and the
other Loan Documents to the Loan Agreement shall be deemed to refer to the Loan Agreement as amended hereby.
16. Representations and Warranties. By signing this Amendment or the attached Acknowledgment, each Loan
Party represents and warrants to Agent and the Lenders as follows:
16.1 Authorization. (a) It has all requisite power and authority to enter into this Amendment and to carry
out the transactions contemplated by, and perform its obligations under, the Loan Agreement as amended by this Amendment
(the "Amended Agreement”), (b) its execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment and the other Loan Documents to
be executed, delivered or performed by it have been duly authorized by all necessary entity action, do not require the approval of
any governmental agency or other Person, do not contravene any law, regulation, rule, order, or restriction of any Governmental
Body binding on it or its articles of incorporation or other organizational documents, and do not contravene the provisions of or
constitute a default under any agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it may be bound or affected, and (c) this
Amendment has been duly executed and delivered by each Loan Party and this Amendment and the Amended Agreement are the
legally valid and binding obligations of each Loan Party, enforceable against such Loan Party in accordance with their respective
terms, except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent transfer or similar laws
relating to or limiting creditors’ rights generally or by equitable principles.
after giving effect to the transactions contemplated by this Amendment.
16.2 Absence of Default. No Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or will exist
17. Expenses. Borrowers shall pay all reasonable costs, fees and expenses (including without limitation,
reasonable attorney fees of Agent’s counsel) incurred by Agent in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution, and
delivery of this Amendment and any other document required to be furnished herewith.
18. Recitals. The Recitals are hereby incorporated herein.
19. Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be
deemed to be an original, and all of said counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute but one document.
20. Disclosure. Under Oregon law, most agreements, promises and commitments made by a lender concerning
loans and other credit extensions which are not for personal, family or household purposes or secured solely by the borrower’s
residence must be in writing, express consideration and be signed by the lender to be enforceable.
BORROWERS:
LITHIA MOTORS, INC.
[Signature pages follow]
By:
Name:
Title:
BAIERL AUTOMOTIVE CORPORATION
BAIERL CHEVROLET, INC.
CADILLAC OF PORTLAND LLOYD CENTER, LLC
CAMP AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
CRANBERRY AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
DARON MOTORS LLC
DCH (OXNARD) INC.
DCH BLOOMFIELD LLC
DCH CA, LLC
DCH CALABASAS-A, LLC
DCH CALIFORNIA MOTORS INC.
DCH DEL NORTE, INC.
DCH ESSEX INC.
DCH FREEHOLD LLC
DCH FREEHOLD-V, LLC
DCH KOREAN IMPORTS LLC
DCH MAMARONECK LLC
DCH MISSION VALLEY LLC
DCH MONMOUTH LLC
DCH MONTCLAIR LLC
DCH MOTORS LLC
DCH NANUET LLC
DCH NY MOTORS LLC
DCH OXNARD 1521 IMPORTS INC.
DCH RIVERSIDE-S, INC.
DCH SIMI VALLEY INC.
DCH TEMECULA IMPORTS LLC
DCH TEMECULA MOTORS LLC
DCH TORRANCE IMPORTS INC.
FREEHOLD NISSAN LLC
HUTCHINS EUGENE NISSAN, INC.
HUTCHINS IMPORTED MOTORS, INC.
LAD CARSON-N, LLC
LAD-AU, LLC
LAD-MB, LLC
LAD-N, LLC
LAD-P, LLC
LAD-T, LLC
LAD-V, LLC
LBMP, LLC
LDLC, LLC
LFKF, LLC
LGPAC, INC.
LITHIA ACDM, INC.
LITHIA ARMORY GARAGE, LLC
LITHIA BRYAN TEXAS, INC.
LITHIA BUFFALO-A, LLC
LITHIA CCTF, INC.
LITHIA CDH, INC.
LITHIA CIMR, INC.
LITHIA CJDO, INC.
LITHIA CJDSA, INC.
LITHIA CJDSF, INC.
LITHIA CM, INC.
LITHIA CO, INC.
LITHIA CRATER LAKE-F, INC.
LITHIA CRATER LAKE-M, INC.
LITHIA CSA, INC.
LITHIA DE, INC.
LITHIA DM, INC.
LITHIA DMID, INC.
LITHIA DODGE OF TRI-CITIES, INC.
LITHIA EATONTOWN-F, LLC
LITHIA FLCC, LLC
LITHIA FMF, INC.
LITHIA FORD OF BOISE, INC.
LITHIA FRESNO, INC.
LITHIA HDM, INC.
LITHIA HGF, INC.
LITHIA HMID, INC.
LITHIA IDAHO FALLS-F, INC.
LITHIA IMPORTS OF ANCHORAGE, INC.
LITHIA JEF, INC.
LITHIA KLAMATH, INC.
LITHIA LBGGF, INC.
LITHIA LHGF, INC.
LITHIA LSGF, INC.
LITHIA MBDM, INC.
LITHIA MEDFORD HON, INC.
LITHIA MIDDLETOWN-L, LLC
LITHIA MONROEVILLE-A, LLC
LITHIA MONROEVILLE-C, LLC
LITHIA MOON-S, LLC
LITHIA MOON-V, LLC
LITHIA MTLM, INC.
LITHIA NA, INC.
LITHIA NC, INC.
LITHIA ND ACQUISITION CORP. #1
LITHIA ND ACQUISITION CORP. #3
LITHIA ND ACQUISITION CORP. #4
LITHIA NDM, INC.
LITHIA NF, INC.
LITHIA NSA, INC.
LITHIA OF ABILENE, INC.
LITHIA OF ANCHORAGE, INC.
LITHIA OF BEND #1, LLC
LITHIA OF BEND #2, LLC
LITHIA OF BENNINGTON – 1, LLC
LITHIA OF BENNINGTON – 2, LLC
LITHIA OF BENNINGTON – 3, LLC
LITHIA OF BENNINGTON – 4, LLC
LITHIA OF BILLINGS II, LLC
LITHIA OF BILLINGS, INC.
LITHIA OF CASPER, LLC
LITHIA OF CLEAR LAKE, LLC
LITHIA OF CONCORD I, INC.
LITHIA OF CONCORD II, INC.
LITHIA OF CORPUS CHRISTI, INC.
LITHIA OF DES MOINES, INC.
LITHIA OF EUREKA, INC.
LITHIA OF FAIRBANKS, INC.
LITHIA OF GREAT FALLS, INC.
LITHIA OF HELENA, INC.
LITHIA OF HONOLULU-A, INC.
LITHIA OF HONOLULU-BGMCC, LLC
LITHIA OF HONOLULU-V, LLC
LITHIA OF KILLEEN, LLC
LITHIA OF LODI, INC.
LITHIA OF MAUI-H, LLC
LITHIA OF MISSOULA II, LLC
LITHIA OF MISSOULA III, INC.
LITHIA OF MISSOULA, INC.
LITHIA OF POCATELLO, INC.
LITHIA OF PORTLAND I, INC.
LITHIA OF PORTLAND, LLC
LITHIA OF ROBSTOWN, LLC
LITHIA OF ROSEBURG, INC.
LITHIA OF SANTA ROSA, INC.
LITHIA OF SEATTLE, INC.
LITHIA OF SOUTH CENTRAL AK, INC.
LITHIA OF SPOKANE II, INC.
LITHIA OF SPOKANE, INC.
LITHIA OF STOCKTON, INC.
LITHIA OF STOCKTON-V, INC.
LITHIA OF TF, INC.
LITHIA OF TROY, LLC
LITHIA OF UTICA – 1, LLC
LITHIA OF UTICA – 2, LLC
LITHIA OF UTICA – 3, LLC
LITHIA OF UTICA - 4, LLC
LITHIA OF WALNUT CREEK, INC.
LITHIA OF WASILLA, LLC
LITHIA OF YORKVILLE – 1, LLC
LITHIA OF YORKVILLE – 2, LLC
LITHIA OF YORKVILLE – 3, LLC
LITHIA OF YORKVILLE – 4, LLC
LITHIA OF YORKVILLE – 5, LLC
LITHIA ORCHARD PARK-H, LLC
LITHIA PARAMUS-M, LLC
LITHIA PITTSBURGH-S, LLC
LITHIA RAMSEY-B, LLC
LITHIA RAMSEY-L, LLC
LITHIA RAMSEY-M, LLC
LITHIA RAMSEY-T, LLC
LITHIA RENO SUB-HYUN, INC.
LITHIA ROSE-FT, INC.
LITHIA SALMIR, INC.
LITHIA SEA P, INC.
LITHIA SEASIDE, INC.
LITHIA SOC, INC.
LITHIA SPOKANE-B, LLC
LITHIA SPOKANE-S, LLC
LITHIA TA, INC.
LITHIA TO, INC.
LITHIA TR, INC.
LITHIA UNIONTOWN-C, LLC
LITHIA VAUDM, INC.
LLL SALES CO LLC
LMBB, LLC
LMBP, LLC
LMOP, LLC
MILFORD DCH, INC.
NORTHLAND FORD INC.
PARAMUS WORLD MOTORS LLC
SALEM-B, LLC
SALEM-H, LLC
SALEM-V, LLC
SHARLENE REALTY LLC
TUSTIN MOTORS INC.
By:
Name: John F. North III
Title: Authorized Agent
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as
Agent, Lender, Swing Line Lender, and LC Issuer
By:
Name:
Title:
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Lender
By:
Name:
Title:
MERCEDES-BENZ FINANCIAL SERVICES
USA LLC, as Lender
By:
Name:
Title:
TOYOTA MOTOR CREDIT
CORPORATION, as Lender
By:
Name:
Title:
BMW FINANCIAL SERVICES NA, LLC, as
Lender
By:
Name:
Title:
By:
Name:
Title:
BANK OF AMERICA, NA, as Lender
By:
Name:
Title:
BANK OF THE WEST, as Lender
By:
Name:
Title:
NISSAN MOTOR ACCEPTANCE
CORPORATION, as Lender
By:
Name:
Title:
AMERICAN HONDA FINANCE
CORPORATION, as Lender
By:
Name:
Title:
TD BANK, N.A., as Lender
By:
Name:
Title:
ALLY BANK, as Lender
By:
Name:
Title:
SANTANDER BANK, N.A., as Lender
By:
Name:
Title:
VW CREDIT, INC., as Lender
By:
Name:
Title:
HYUNDAI CAPITAL AMERICA, as Lender
By:
Name:
Title:
CAPITAL ONE, N.A., as Lender
By:
Name:
Title:
BRANCH BANKING & TRUST COMPANY, as Lender
By:
Name:
Title:
BMO HARRIS BANK, N.A., as Lender
By:
Name:
Title:
WELLS FARGO BANK, NA, as Lender
By:
Name:
Title:
PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Lender
By:
Name:
Title:
M&T Bank, as Lender
By:
Name:
Title:
ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND CONSENT OF GUARANTORS
Each undersigned Guarantor hereby acknowledges, consents, and agrees to all terms and conditions of the
foregoing Amendment.
797 VALLEY STREET, LLC
BAIERL CHEVROLET, INC.
BAIERL AUTO PARTS, INC.
BAIERL AUTOMOTIVE CORPORATION
BAIERL HOLDING CORPORATION
CADILLAC OF PORTLAND LLOYD CENTER, LLC
CAMP AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
CARBONE AUTO BODY, LLC
CRANBERRY AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
DAH CHONG HONG CA TRADING LLC
DAH CHONG HONG TRADING CORPORATION
DARON MOTORS LLC
DCH (OXNARD) INC.
DCH AUTO GROUP (USA) INC.
DCH BLOOMFIELD LLC
DCH CA, LLC
DCH CALABASAS-A, LLC
DCH CALIFORNIA INVESTMENTS LLC
DCH CALIFORNIA MOTORS INC.
DCH DEL NORTE, INC.
DCH DMS, NJ, LLC
DCH ESSEX INC
DCH FINANCIAL NJ, LLC
DCH FREEHOLD - V, LLC
DCH FREEHOLD LLC
DCH HOLDINGS LLC
DCH INVESTMENTS, INC. (NEW JERSEY)
DCH INVESTMENTS, INC. (NEW YORK)
DCH KOREAN IMPORTS LLC
DCH MAMARONECK LLC
DCH MISSION VALLEY LLC
DCH MONMOUTH LLC
DCH MONTCLAIR LLC
DCH MOTORS LLC
DCH NANUET LLC
DCH NORTH AMERICA INC.
DCH NY MOTORS LLC
DCH OXNARD 1521 IMPORTS INC.
DCH RIVERSIDE-S, INC.
DCH SIMI VALLEY INC.
DCH SUPPORT SERVICES, LLC
DCH TEMECULA IMPORTS LLC
DCH TEMECULA MOTORS LLC
DCH TL HOLDINGS LLC
DCH TL NY HOLDINGS LLC
DCH TORRANCE IMPORTS INC.
ELIZABETH COLLISION, LLC
FREEHOLD NISSAN LLC
FUSE AUTO SALES, LLC
HUTCHINS EUGENE NISSAN, INC.
HUTCHINS IMPORTED MOTORS, INC.
LA MOTORS HOLDING, LLC
LAD ADVERTISING, INC.
LAD CARSON-N, LLC
LAD-AU, LLC
LAD-MB, LLC
LAD MOBU, INC.
LAD-N, LLC
LAD-P, LLC
LAD-T, LLC
LAD-V, LLC
LBMP, LLC
LDLC, LLC
LFKF, LLC
LGPAC, INC.
LITHIA ACDM, INC.
LITHIA AIRCRAFT, INC.
LITHIA ARMORY GARAGE, LLC
LITHIA AUCTION & RECON, LLC
LITHIA AUTO SERVICES, INC.
LITHIA AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
LITHIA BA HOLDING, INC.
LITHIA BNM, INC.
LITHIA BRYAN TEXAS, INC.
LITHIA BUFFALO-A, LLC
LITHIA CCTF, INC.
LITHIA CDH, INC.
LITHIA CIMR, INC.
LITHIA CJDO, INC.
LITHIA CJDSA, INC.
LITHIA CJDSF, INC.
LITHIA CM, INC.
LITHIA CO, INC.
LITHIA CSA, INC.
LITHIA CRATER LAKE-F, INC.
LITHIA CRATER LAKE-M, INC.
LITHIA DE, INC.
LITHIA DM, INC.
LITHIA DMID, INC.
LITHIA DODGE OF TRI-CITIES, INC.
LITHIA EATONTOWN-F, LLC
LITHIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION
LITHIA FLCC, LLC
LITHIA FMF, INC.
LITHIA FORD OF BOISE, INC.
LITHIA FRESNO, INC.
LITHIA HDM, INC.
LITHIA HGF, INC.
LITHIA HMID, INC.
LITHIA HPI, INC.
LITHIA IDAHO FALLS-F, INC.
LITHIA IMPORTS OF ANCHORAGE, INC.
LITHIA JEF, INC.
LITHIA KLAMATH, INC.
LITHIA LBGGF, INC.
LITHIA LHGF, INC.
LITHIA LSGF, INC.
LITHIA MBDM, INC.
LITHIA MEDFORD HON, INC.
LITHIA MIDDLETOWN-L, LLC
LITHIA MMF, INC.
LITHIA MONROEVILLE-A, LLC
LITHIA MONROEVILLE-C, LLC
LITHIA MONROEVILLE-V, LLC
LITHIA MOON-S, LLC
LITHIA MOON-V, LLC
LITHIA MOTORS SUPPORT SERVICES, INC.
LITHIA MTLM, INC.
LITHIA NA, INC.
LITHIA NC, INC.
LITHIA ND ACQUISITION CORP. #1
LITHIA ND ACQUISITION CORP. #3
LITHIA ND ACQUISITION CORP. #4
LITHIA NDM, INC.
LITHIA NF, INC.
LITHIA NORTHEAST REAL ESTATE, LLC
LITHIA NSA, INC.
LITHIA OF ABILENE, INC.
LITHIA OF ANCHORAGE, INC.
LITHIA OF BEND #1, LLC
LITHIA OF BEND #2, LLC
LITHIA OF BENNINGTON – 1, LLC
LITHIA OF BENNINGTON – 2, LLC
LITHIA OF BENNINGTON – 3, LLC
LITHIA OF BENNINGTON – 4, LLC
LITHIA OF BILLINGS II, LLC
LITHIA OF BILLINGS, INC.
LITHIA OF CASPER, LLC
LITHIA OF CLEAR LAKE, LLC
LITHIA OF CONCORD 1, INC.
LITHIA OF CONCORD II, INC.
LITHIA OF CORPUS CHRISTI, INC.
LITHIA OF DES MOINES, INC.
LITHIA OF EUREKA, INC.
LITHIA OF FAIRBANKS, INC.
LITHIA OF GREAT FALLS, INC.
LITHIA OF HELENA, INC.
LITHIA OF HONOLULU-A, INC.
LITHIA OF HONOLULU-BGMCC, LLC
LITHIA OF HONOLULU-V, LLC
LITHIA OF KILLEEN, LLC
LITHIA OF LODI, INC.
LITHIA OF MAUI-H, LLC
LITHIA OF MISSOULA II, LLC
LITHIA OF MISSOULA III, INC.
LITHIA OF MISSOULA, INC.
LITHIA OF POCATELLO, INC.
LITHIA OF PORTLAND I, INC.
LITHIA OF PORTLAND, LLC
LITHIA OF ROBSTOWN, LLC
LITHIA OF ROSEBURG, INC.
LITHIA OF SANTA ROSA, INC.
LITHIA OF SEATTLE, INC.
LITHIA OF SOUTH CENTRAL AK, INC.
LITHIA OF SPOKANE II, INC.
LITHIA OF SPOKANE, INC.
LITHIA OF STOCKTON, INC.
LITHIA OF STOCKTON-V, INC.
LITHIA OF TF, INC.
LITHIA OF TROY, LLC
LITHIA OF UTICA – 1, LLC
LITHIA OF UTICA – 2, LLC
LITHIA OF UTICA – 3, LLC
LITHIA OF UTICA – 4, LLC
LITHIA OF WALNUT CREEK, INC.
LITHIA OF WASILLA, LLC
LITHIA OF YORKVILLE - 1, LLC
LITHIA OF YORKVILLE – 2, LLC
LITHIA OF YORKVILLE – 3, LLC
LITHIA OF YORKVILLE – 4, LLC
LITHIA OF YORKVILLE – 5, LLC
LITHIA ORCHARD PARK-H, LLC
LITHIA OREGON INVESTMENTS – 1, LLC
LITHIA OREGON INVESTMENTS – 2, LLC
LITHIA PARAMUS-M, LLC
LITHIA PITTSBURGH-S, LLC
LITHIA RAMSEY-B, LLC
LITHIA RAMSEY-L, LLC
LITHIA RAMSEY-M, LLC
LITHIA RAMSEY-T, LLC
LITHIA REAL ESTATE, INC.
LITHIA RENO SUB-HYUN, INC.
LITHIA ROSE-FT, INC.
LITHIA SALMIR, INC.
LITHIA SEA P, INC.
LITHIA SEASIDE, INC.
LITHIA SOC, INC.
LITHIA SPOKANE-B, LLC
LITHIA SPOKANE-S, LLC
LITHIA TA, INC.
LITHIA TO, INC.
LITHIA TR, INC.
LITHIA UNIONTOWN-C, LLC
LITHIA VAUDM, INC.
LITHIA VF, INC.
LLL SALES CO LLC
LMBB, LLC
LMBP, LLC
LMOP, LLC
LSTAR, LLC
MEDFORD INSURANCE, LLC
MILFORD DCH, INC.
NORTHLAND FORD INC.
PA REAL ESTATE, LLC
PA SUPPORT SERVICES, LLC
PARAMUS COLLISION, LLC
PARAMUS WORLD MOTORS LLC
RFA HOLDINGS, LLC
SALEM-B, LLC
SALEM-H, LLC
SALEM-V, LLC
SHARLENE REALTY LLC
SOUTHERN CASCADES FINANCE CORPORATION
TUSTIN MOTORS, INC.
ZELIENOPLE REAL ESTATE, L.L.C.
ZELIENOPLE REAL ESTATE I, L.P.
By:
Name: Christopher S. Holzshu
Title: Authorized Agent
98732099.8 0063724-00071
SUBSIDIARIES OF LITHIA MOTORS, INC.
(as of December 31, 2018)
EXHIBIT 21
NAME OF ENTITY
Lithia Imports of Anchorage, Inc.
Lithia NA, Inc.
Lithia of Anchorage, Inc.
Lithia of Fairbanks, Inc.
Lithia of South Central AK, Inc.
Lithia of Wasilla, LLC
DCH (Oxnard) Inc.
DCH CA LLC
DCH Calabasas-A, LLC
DCH California Investments LLC
DCH California Motors Inc.
DCH Del Norte, INC.
DCH Korean Imports LLC
DCH Mission Valley LLC
DCH Oxnard 1521 Imports Inc.
DCH Riverside-S, Inc.
DCH Simi Valley Inc.
DCH Temecula Imports LLC
DCH Temecula Motors LLC
DCH Thousand Oaks-F, Inc.
DCH Torrance Imports Inc.
STATE OF
ORIGIN
Alaska
Alaska
Alaska
Alaska
Alaska
Alaska
California
California
California
California
California
California
California
California
California
California
California
California
California
California
California
ASSUMED BUSINESS NAME(S)
(if different than entity name)
Lithia Hyundai of Anchorage
Lithia Kia of Anchorage
Lithia Anchorage Auto Body
BMW of Anchorage
MINI of Anchorage
Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Anchorage
Lithia Value Autos
Chevrolet Buick GMC of Fairbanks
Chevrolet of South Anchorage
Chevrolet of Wasilla
Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of Wasilla
DCH Honda of Oxnard
Honda of Oxnard
Supercraft Auto Body & Paint
DCH Used Car Superstore
DCH Acura of Temecula
DCH Acura Temecula
Audi Calabasas
DCH Toyota of Oxnard
Toyota of Oxnard
DCH Scion of Oxnard
DCH Lexus of Oxnard
Lexus of Oxnard
DCH Lexus of Santa Barbara
DCH Kia of Temecula
DCH Honda of Mission Valley
DCH Audi of Oxnard
Audi of Oxnard
DCH Subaru of Riverside
DCH Toyota of Simi Valley
Toyota of Simi Valley
DCH Scion of Simi Valley
DCH Honda of Temecula
DCH Honda Temecula
DCH Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Temecula
DCH Chrysler Jeep of Temecula
DCH Dodge of Temecula
DCH Ford of Thousand Oaks
DCH Toyota of Torrance
DCH Scion of Torrance
Torrance Toyota
Torrance Scion
Toyota Scion
LA Motors Holding, LLC
California
LAD Carson-N, LLC
LAD-AU, LLC
LAD-MB, LLC
LAD-N, LLC
LAD-P, LLC
LAD-T, LLC
LAD-V, LLC
Lithia CIMR, Inc.
Lithia FMF, Inc.
Lithia Fresno, Inc.
Lithia JEF, Inc.
Lithia MMF, Inc.
Lithia NC, Inc.
Lithia NF, Inc.
Lithia of Concord I, Inc.
Lithia of Concord II, Inc.
Lithia of Eureka, Inc.
Lithia of Lodi, Inc.
Lithia of Santa Rosa, Inc.
Lithia of Stockton, Inc.
Lithia of Stockton-V, Inc.
Lithia of Walnut Creek, Inc.
Lithia Sea P, Inc.
Lithia Seaside, Inc.
Lithia TR, Inc.
Lithia VF, Inc.
LLL Sales CO LLC
Tustin Motors Inc.
Dah Chong Hong CA Trading LLC
DCH Auto Group (USA) Inc.
DCH Holdings LLC
DCH Mamaroneck LLC
DCH North America Inc.
DCH NY Motors LLC
DCH TL Holdings LLC
California
California
California
California
California
California
California
California
California
California
California
California
California
California
California
California
California
California
California
California
California
California
California
California
California
California
California
California
Delaware
Delaware
Delaware
Delaware
Delaware
Delaware
Delaware
Carson Nissan
Audi Downtown LA
Downtown LA Motors
Nissan of Downtown LA
Porsche Downtown LA
Toyota of Downtown LA
Volkswagen of Downtown LA
Lithia Chevrolet of Redding
Lithia Ford of Fresno
Lithia Ford Lincoln of Fresno
Lithia Subaru of Fresno
Fresno Mitsubishi
Lithia Hyundai of Fresno
Nissan of Clovis
Lithia Nissan of Fresno
Lithia Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Concord
Lithia FIAT of Concord
Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Eureka
Lodi Toyota
Lodi Scion
Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Santa Rosa
Nissan of Stockton,
Kia of Stockton
Volkswagen of Stockton
Diablo Subaru of Walnut Creek
Porsche of Monterey
BMW of Monterey
Lithia Toyota of Redding
Lithia Scion of Redding
DCH Gardena Honda
Gardena Honda
Gardena Honda, a DCH Company
All-Savers Auto Sales & Leasing
Honda Acura
DCH Tustin Acura
Tustin Acura
DCH Toyota City
DCH Scion City
DCH Wappingers Falls Toyota
DCH Wappingers Falls Auto Group
DCH Wappingers Falls Scion
DCH TL NY Holdings LLC
LAD Mobu, Inc.
Lithia Armory Garage, LLC
Lithia Auction & Recon, LLC
Lithia BA Holding, Inc.
Lithia Buffalo-A, LLC
Lithia Crater Lake-F, Inc.
Lithia Crater Lake-M, Inc.
Lithia Idaho Falls-F, Inc.
Lithia of Honolulu-F, LLC
Lithia of Robstown, LLC
Lithia Orchard Park-H, LLC
LMBP, LLC
Lithia of Honolulu-A, Inc.
Lithia of Honolulu-BGMCC, LLC
Lithia of Honolulu-V, LLC
Lithia of Maui-H, LLC
Lithia CCTF, Inc.
Lithia Ford of Boise, Inc.
Lithia of Pocatello, Inc.
Lithia of TF, Inc.
Lithia AcDM, Inc.
Lithia HDM, Inc.
Lithia MBDM, Inc.
Lithia NDM, Inc.
Lithia of Des Moines, Inc.
Lithia VAuDM, Inc.
Milford DCH, Inc.
Lithia CDH, Inc.
Lithia HGF, Inc.
Lithia LBGGF, Inc.
Lithia LHGF, Inc.
Lithia LSGF, Inc.
Delaware
Delaware
Delaware
Delaware
Delaware
Delaware
Delaware
Delaware
Delaware
Delaware
Delaware
Delaware
Delaware
Hawaii
Hawaii
Hawaii
Hawaii
Idaho
Idaho
Idaho
Idaho
Iowa
Iowa
Iowa
Iowa
Iowa
Iowa
Massachusetts
Montana
Montana
Montana
Montana
Montana
Armory Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat of Albany
Auction & Recon
Ray Laks Acura of Buffalo
Crater Lake Ford Lincoln
Crater Lake Mazda
Broadway Ford
Honolulu Ford
Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Calallen
Ray Laks Honda of Orchard Park
Mercedes-Benz of Portland
Smart Center of Portland
Acura of Honolulu
Honolulu Buick GMC
Honolulu Buick GMC Cadillac
Honolulu Cadillac
Honolulu Volkswagen
Island Honda
Chevrolet of Twin Falls
Lithia Ford of Boise
Lithia Ford Lincoln of Boise
Auto Credit of Idaho
Lithia Body & Paint of Boise
Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Pocatello
Lithia Hyundai of Pocatello
Lithia Dodge Trucks of Pocatello
Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Twin Falls
Acura of Johnston
Honda of Ames
Mercedes Benz of Des Moines
European Motorcars Des Moines
Lithia Nissan of Ames
BMW of Des Moines
European Motorcars Des Moines
Lithia Body and Paint of Des Moines
Audi Des Moines
Lithia Volkswagen of Des Moines
Assured Used Cars & Trucks
Lithia Audi of Des Moines
DCH Toyota of Milford
Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Helena
Honda of Great Falls
Lithia Buick GMC of Great Falls
Lithia Hyundai of Great Falls
Lithia Subaru of Great Falls
Lithia of Billings II LLC
Lithia of Billings, Inc.
Lithia of Great Falls, Inc.
Lithia of Helena, Inc.
Lithia of Missoula II LLC
Lithia of Missoula, Inc.
Lithia of Missoula III, Inc.
Lithia Reno Sub-Hyun, Inc.
Lithia SALMIR, Inc.
797 Valley Street, LLC
Dah Chong Hong Trading Corporation
Daron Motors LLC
DCH Bloomfield LLC
DCH DMS NJ, LLC
DCH Essex Inc.
DCH Financial NJ, LLC
DCH Freehold LLC
DCH Freehold-V, LLC
DCH Investments Inc. (New Jersey)
DCH Monmouth LLC
DCH Montclair LLC
DCH Motors LLC
DCH Support Services, LLC
Freehold Nissan LLC
Lithia Eatontown-F, LLC
Lithia Northeast Real Estate, LLC
Lithia Paramus-M, LLC
Lithia Ramsey-B, LLC
Montana
Montana
Montana
Montana
Montana
Montana
Montana
Nevada
Nevada
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
Lithia Toyota of Billings
Lithia Scion of Billings
Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Billings
Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Great Falls
Chevrolet of Helena
Lithia Toyota of Missoula
Lithia Scion of Missoula
Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Missoula
Lithia Auto Center of Missoula
Lithia Ford of Missoula
Lithia Reno Subaru
Lithia Body & Paint
Lithia Volkswagen of Reno
Lithia Hyundai of Reno
Lithia Chrysler Jeep of Reno
DCH Academy Honda
Academy Honda
DCH Bloomfield BMW
DCH Essex BMW
Essex BMW
BMW of Bloomfield
Parkway BMW
DCH Audi
DCH Maplewood Audi
DCH Millburn Audi
Essex Motors
Millburn Audi
Freehold Toyota
DCH Freehold Toyota
DCH Freehold Scion
DCH Volkswagen of Freehold
BMW of Freehold
Montclair Acura
DCH Montclair Acura
Kay Honda
DCH Motors
DCH Kay Honda
Prestige Mercedes-Benz of Paramus; DCH Prestige Mercedes-
Benz of Paramus; Mercedes-Benz of Paramus
Prestige BMW of Ramsey; DCH Prestige BMW of Ramsey;
BMW of Ramsey
Lithia Ramsey-L, LLC
Lithia Ramsey-M, LLC
Lithia Ramsey-T, LLC
Paramus Collision, LLC
Paramus World Motors LLC
Sharlene Realty LLC
LDLC, LLC
Lithia CJDSF, Inc.
Carbone Auto Body, LLC
DCH Investments, Inc. (New York)
DCH Management Inc.
DCH Nanuet LLC
Lithia Middletown-L, LLC
Lithia of Troy, LLC
Lithia of Utica-1, LLC
Lithia of Utica-2, LLC
Lithia of Utica-3, LLC
Lithia of Utica-4, LLC
Lithia of Yorkville-1, LLC
Lithia of Yorkville-2, LLC
Lithia of Yorkville-3, LLC
Lithia of Yorkville-4, LLC
Lithia of Yorkville-5, LLC
Lithia ND Acquisition Corp. #1
Lithia ND Acquisition Corp. #3
Lithia ND Acquisition Corp. #4
Cadillac of Portland Lloyd Center, LLC
Fuse Auto Sales, LLC
Hutchins Eugene Nissan, Inc.
Hutchins Imported Motors, Inc.
LAD Advertising, Inc.
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Mexico
New Mexico
New York
New York
New York
New York
New York
New York
New York
New York
New York
New York
New York
New York
New York
New York
New York
North Dakota
North Dakota
North Dakota
Oregon
Oregon
Oregon
Oregon
Oregon
Prestige Lexus of Ramsey; DCH Prestige Lexus of Ramsey
Prestige MINI of Ramsey; DCH Prestige MINI of Ramsey;
MINI of Ramsey; Prestige MINI of Dutchess County; DCH
Prestige MINI of Dutchess County; MINI of Wappingers Falls
Prestige Toyota of Ramsey; DCH Prestige Toyota of Ramsey
Prestige Auto Body; Prestige Collision Center
DCH Paramus Honda
Paramus Honda
Crown Leasing
DCH Brunswick Toyota
DCH Brunswick Scion
DCH Collision Center
Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Santa Fe
DCH Honda of Nanuet
DCH Prestige Lexus of Middletown; Prestige Lexus of
Middletown
Carbone Subaru
BMW of Utica
Don’s Ford
Don’s Subaru
Carbone Buick GMC Cadillac of Utica
Carbone Cadillac of Utica
Carbone Chevrolet Buick Cadillac GMC
Carbone Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Carbone Honda
Carbone Hyundai
Carbone Nissan
Lithia Ford Lincoln of Grand Forks
Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Grand Forks
Lithia Toyota of Grand Forks
Lithia Scion of Grand Forks
Lithia Toyota Scion of Grand Forks
Cadillac of Portland
Lithia Nissan of Eugene
Lithia Toyota of Springfield
Lithia Scion of Springfield
Lithia Toyota Scion of Springfield
LAD Advertising
LAD Printing
The Print Shop at the Commons
The Print Shop
LBMP, LLC
LFKF, LLC
LGPAC, Inc.
Lithia Aircraft, Inc.
Lithia Auto Services, Inc.
Lithia BNM, Inc.
Lithia Community Development Company, Inc.
Lithia DE, Inc.
Lithia DM, Inc.
Lithia Financial Corporation
Lithia HPI, Inc.
Lithia Klamath, Inc.
Lithia Medford Hon, Inc.
Lithia Motors Support Services, Inc.
Lithia MTLM, Inc.
Lithia of Bend #1, LLC
Lithia of Bend #2, LLC
Lithia of Portland, LLC
Lithia of Portland I, LLC
Lithia of Roseburg, Inc.
Lithia Oregon Investments - 1, LLC
Lithia Oregon Investments - 2, LLC
Lithia Real Estate, Inc.
Lithia Rose-FT, Inc.
Lithia SOC, Inc.
LMBB, LLC
LMOP, LLC
LSTAR, LLC
Medford Insurance, LLC
RFA Holdings, LLC
Salem-B, LLC
Salem-H, LLC
Salem-V, LLC
Oregon
Oregon
Oregon
Oregon
Oregon
Oregon
Oregon
Oregon
Oregon
Oregon
Oregon
Oregon
Oregon
Oregon
Oregon
Oregon
Oregon
Oregon
Oregon
Oregon
Oregon
Oregon
Oregon
Oregon
Oregon
Oregon
Oregon
Oregon
Oregon
Oregon
Oregon
Oregon
Oregon
BMW Portland
Lithia Ford of Klamath Falls
Lithia’s Grants Pass Auto Center
Xpress Lube
Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Eugene
Lithia Dodge
Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge
Xpress Lube
Lithia Leasing
Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Klamath Falls
Lithia Toyota of Klamath Falls
Lithia Scion of Klamath Falls
Lithia Klamath Falls Auto Center
Lithia Body and Paint of Klamath Falls
Lithia Honda
Lithia’s LAD Travel Service
Lithia Toyota
Lithia Scion
Lithia Toyota Scion
Bend Honda
Chevrolet Cadillac of Bend
Lithia Body & Paint of Bend
Buick GMC of Portland
Lithia Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Portland
Lithia Chrysler Dodge Ram of Portland
Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Roseburg
Lithia Roseburg Auto Center
Lithia Ford Lincoln of Roseburg
Assured Dealer Services of Roseburg
Lithia Subaru of Oregon City
Mercedes-Benz of Beaverton
MINI of Portland
BMW of Salem
Honda of Salem
Volkswagen of Salem
Southern Cascades Finance Corporation
Baierl Auto Parts, LLC
Baierl Automotive Corporation
Baierl Chevrolet, Inc.
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
Baierl Holding, LLC
Cranberry Automotive, Inc.
Elizabeth Collision, LLC
Lithia Monroeville-A, LLC
Lithia Monroeville-C, LLC
Lithia Monroeville-F, LLC
Lithia Monroeville-V, LLC
Lithia Moon-S, LLC
Lithia Moon-V, LLC
Lithia Pittsburgh-S, LLC
Lithia Pleasant Hills-T, LLC
Lithia Uniontown-C, LLC
Northland Ford Inc.
PA Real Estate, LLC
PA Support Services, LLC
Zelienople Real Estate I, L.P.
Zelienople Real Estate, L.L.C.
Lithia Automotive, Inc.
Lithia Bryan Texas, Inc.
Lithia CJDO, Inc.
Lithia CJDSA, Inc.
Lithia CM, Inc.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
South Dakota
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Baierl Acura
Baierl Automotive
Baierl Automotive
Baierl Budget Cars
Baierl Buick
Baierl Chevrolet
Baierl Chevrolet Cadillac
Baierl Cadillac
Baierl Collision Center
Baierl Daewoo
Baierl Honda
Baierl Honda Pre-Owned
Baierl Isuzu Truck
Baierl Mitsubishi
Baierl Subaru
Baierl Subaru-Buick
Baierl Subaru-Mitsubishi
Baierl Truck Depot
Baierl Used Car Supercenter
Baierl Used Cars
Baierl Automotive
Baierl Toyota-Scion
Baierl Toyota
Day Collision Center
Day Volkswagen
Audi Monroeville
Day Chevrolet
Day Ford
Day Apollo Subaru
Day Apollo Volkswagen
Day West Liberty Subaru
Day Toyota
Day Centennial Chevrolet
Baierl Ford
Baierl Collision Center
Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Bryan College Station
All American Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Odessa
All American Chrysler Jeep Dodge of San Angelo
All American Autoplex
All American Chevrolet of Midland
Lithia CO, Inc.
Lithia CSA, Inc.
Lithia DMID, Inc.
Lithia FLCC, LLC
Lithia HMID, Inc.
Lithia NSA, Inc.
Lithia of Abilene, Inc.
Lithia of Clear Lake, LLC
Lithia of Corpus Christi, Inc.
Lithia of Killeen, LLC
Lithia TA, Inc.
Lithia TO, Inc.
Lithia of Bennington - 1, LLC
Lithia of Bennington - 2, LLC
Lithia of Bennington - 3, LLC
Lithia of Bennington - 4, LLC
Camp Automotive, Inc.
Lithia Dodge of Tri-Cities, Inc.
Lithia of Seattle, Inc.
Lithia of Spokane, Inc.
Lithia of Spokane II, Inc.
Lithia Spokane-B, LLC
Lithia Spokane-S, LLC
Lithia of Casper, LLC
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Vermont
Vermont
Vermont
Vermont
Washington
Washington
Washington
Washington
Washington
Washington
Washington
Wyoming
All American Chevrolet of Odessa
All American Chevrolet of San Angelo
All American Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Midland
Access Ford Lincoln of Corpus Christi
Lithia Hyundai of Odessa
Honda of Abilene
Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Corpus Christi
Lithia Dodge of Corpus Christi
All American Chevrolet of Killeen
Lithia Toyota of Abilene
Lithia Scion of Abilene
Lithia Toyota of Odessa
Lithia Scion of Odessa
Carbone Ford of Bennington
Carbone Hyundai of Bennington
Carbone Honda of Bennington
Carbone Toyota of Bennington
Camp BMW
Camp Chevrolet
Subaru of Spokane
Camp Cadillac
Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Tri-Cities
BMW Seattle
Lithia Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Spokane
Greiner Ford Lincoln of Casper
EXHIBIT 23
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors
Lithia Motors, Inc.:
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements (Nos. 333-190192, 333-43593, 333-69169, 333-156410, 333-39092, 333-61802, 333-
106686, 333-116839, 333-116840, 333-135350, 333-161590 and 333-168737) on Forms S-8 of Lithia Motors, Inc. of our reports dated February 22, 2019, with
respect to the consolidated balance sheets of Lithia Motors, Inc. as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of operations,
comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2018, and the
related notes (collectively, the "consolidated financial statements”), and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018,
which reports appear in the December 31, 2018 annual report on Form 10-K of Lithia Motors, Inc.
Our report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018 contains an explanatory paragraph stating that
management excluded from its assessment of the effectiveness of Lithia Motors, Inc. and subsidiaries' internal control over financial reporting as of December
31, 2018, 17 acquired stores' internal control over financial reporting. The total assets of these 17 stores represented approximately 9% of consolidated total
assets as of December 31, 2018 and approximately 8% of consolidated revenues for the year ended December 31, 2018. Our audit of internal control over
financial reporting for Lithia Motors, Inc. and subsidiaries also excluded an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of these 17 stores.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Portland, Oregon
February 22, 2019
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a) OR RULE 15d-14(a)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
EXHIBIT 31.1
I, Bryan B. DeBoer, certify that:
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Lithia Motors, Inc.;
1.
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) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to
adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over
financial reporting.
Date: February 22, 2019
/s/ Bryan B. DeBoer
Bryan B. DeBoer
President and Chief Executive Officer
Lithia Motors, Inc.
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a) OR RULE 15d-14(a)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
EXHIBIT 31.2
I, John F. North, III, certify that:
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Lithia Motors, Inc.;
1.
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) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to
adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over
financial reporting.
Date: February 22, 2019
/s/ John F. North, III
John F. North, III
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Lithia Motors, Inc.
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(b) OR RULE 15d-14(b)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 AND 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
EXHIBIT 32.1
In connection with the Annual Report of Lithia Motors, Inc. (the "Company”) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 as filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report”), I, Bryan B. DeBoer, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to
18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
/s/ Bryan B. DeBoer
Bryan B. DeBoer
President and Chief Executive Officer
Lithia Motors, Inc.
February 22, 2019
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(b) OR RULE 15d-14(b)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 AND 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
EXHIBIT 32.2
In connection with the Annual Report of Lithia Motors, Inc. (the "Company”) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 as filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report”), I, John F. North, III, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, certify, pursuant to 18
U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
/s/ John F. North, III
John F. North, III
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Lithia Motors, Inc.
February 22, 2019