LITHIA MOTORS INC - FORM 10-Q

Attached files

file	filename
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - LITHIA MOTORS INC	ex31-1.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - LITHIA MOTORS INC	ex31-2.htm
EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - LITHIA MOTORS INC	ex32-2.htm
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - LITHIA MOTORS INC	ex32-1.htm
EX-10.5 - EXHIBIT 10.5 - LITHIA MOTORS INC	ex10-5.htm
EX-10.4 - EXHIBIT 10.4 - LITHIA MOTORS INC	ex10-4.htm
EXCEL - IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT - LITHIA MOTORS INC	Financial_Report.xls

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission file number: 001-14733

LITHIA MOTORS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Oregon			93-0572810
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)			(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

150 N. Bartlett Street, Medford, Oregon			97501
(Address of principal executive offices)			(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 541-776-6401

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 whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer [X] Accelerated filer [ ] Non-accelerated filer [ ] (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [ ] No [X]

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Class A common stock without par value		23,778,453
Class B common stock without par value		2,562,231
(Class)		(Outstanding at May 1, 2015)

LITHIA MOTORS, INC.

FORM 10-Q

INDEX

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION		Page

Item 1.	Financial Statements

	Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) – March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014		2

	Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) – Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014		3

	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) – Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014		4

	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) – Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014		5

	Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)		6

Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		18

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		37

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures		37

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1A.	Risk Factors		38

Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		38

Item 6.	Exhibits		39

Signatures			40

LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

	March 31,			December 31,
	2015			2014
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	21,023		$	29,898
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,977 and $2,191		290,638			295,379
Inventories, net		1,286,614			1,249,659
Other current assets		32,498			32,010
Assets held for sale		4,026			8,563
Total Current Assets		1,634,799			1,615,509

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $123,816 and $117,679		828,707			816,745
Goodwill		199,286			199,375
Franchise value		150,856			150,892
Other non-current assets		110,737			98,411
Total Assets	$	2,924,385		$	2,880,932

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current Liabilities:
Floor plan notes payable	$	42,139		$	41,047
Floor plan notes payable: non-trade		1,113,428			1,137,632
Current maturities of long-term debt		40,543			31,912
Trade payables		76,517			70,853
Accrued liabilities		154,786			153,661
Deferred income taxes		3,140			2,603
Liabilities related to assets held for sale		2,688			4,892
Total Current Liabilities		1,433,241			1,442,600

Long-term debt, less current maturities		621,890			609,066
Deferred revenue		56,849			54,403
Deferred income taxes		41,474			42,795
Other long-term liabilities		63,094			58,963
Total Liabilities		2,216,548			2,207,827

Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock - no par value; authorized 15,000 shares; none outstanding		-			-
Class A common stock - no par value; authorized 100,000 shares; issued and outstanding 23,782 and 23,671		272,625			276,058
Class B common stock - no par value; authorized 25,000 shares; issued and outstanding 2,562 and 2,562		319			319
Additional paid-in capital		31,364			29,775
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(787	)		(926	)
Retained earnings		404,316			367,879
Total Stockholders' Equity		707,837			673,105
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$	2,924,385		$	2,880,932

See accompanying condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.

LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014
Revenues:
New vehicle	$	1,007,816		$	579,522
Used vehicle retail		462,931			301,893
Used vehicle wholesale		62,208			42,693
Finance and insurance		64,604			39,631
Service, body and parts		173,475			104,617
Fleet and other		18,144			9,750
Total revenues		1,789,178			1,078,106
Cost of sales:
New vehicle		946,042			540,498
Used vehicle retail		403,489			261,097
Used vehicle wholesale		60,047			41,362
Service, body and parts		89,036			53,785
Fleet and other		17,189			9,303
Total cost of sales		1,515,803			906,045
Gross profit		273,375			172,061
Asset impairments		4,130			-
Selling, general and administrative		191,618			121,829
Depreciation and amortization		9,726			5,507
Operating income		67,901			44,725
Floor plan interest expense		(4,649	)		(2,984	)
Other interest expense		(4,828	)		(1,974	)
Other (expense) income, net		(368	)		937
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		58,056			40,704
Income tax provision		(17,403	)		(16,010	)
Income from continuing operations, net of income tax		40,653			24,694
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax		-			40
Net income	$	40,653		$	24,734

Basic income per share from continuing operations	$	1.55		$	0.95
Basic income per share from discontinued operations		-			-
Basic net income per share	$	1.55		$	0.95

Shares used in basic per share calculations		26,283			25,973

Diluted income per share from continuing operations	$	1.53		$	0.94
Diluted income per share from discontinued operations		-			-
Diluted net income per share	$	1.53		$	0.94

Shares used in diluted per share calculations		26,519			26,320

See accompanying condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.

LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015		2014
Net income	$	40,653	$	24,734
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax expense of $86 and $93, respectively		139		149
Comprehensive income	$	40,792	$	24,883

See accompanying condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.

LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	40,653		$	24,734
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Asset impairments		4,130			-
Depreciation and amortization		9,726			5,507
Stock-based compensation		2,727			1,538
Loss on disposal of other assets		8			20
Gain on disposal of franchise		(3,349	)		-
Deferred income taxes		3,863			1,866
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements		(4,733	)		(5,846	)
(Increase) decrease (net of acquisitions and dispositions):
Trade receivables, net		7,569			(12,259	)
Inventories		(39,460	)		(56,748	)
Other assets		(2,078	)		(2,290	)
Increase (net of acquisitions and dispositions):
Floor plan notes payable		1,092			1,675
Trade payables		6,799			1,774
Accrued liabilities		4,444			12,521
Other long-term liabilities and deferred revenue		6,838			5,121
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		38,229			(22,387	)

Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures		(24,917	)		(12,630	)
Proceeds from sales of assets		103			27
Cash paid for other investments		(9,804	)		(3,530	)
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired		-			(31,689	)
Proceeds from sales of stores		3,680			-
Net cash used in investing activities		(30,938	)		(47,822	)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings (repayments), net on floor plan notes payable: non-trade		(21,984	)		51,783
Borrowings on lines of credit		271,023			233,000
Repayments on lines of credit		(293,960	)		(209,725	)
Principal payments on long-term debt, scheduled		(3,619	)		(1,890	)
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital leases, other		(9,189	)		-
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		50,350			-
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		1,039			1,168
Repurchase of common stock		(10,343	)		(7,941	)
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements		4,733			5,846
Dividends paid		(4,216	)		(3,378	)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities		(16,166	)		68,863

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents		(8,875	)		(1,346	)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		29,898			23,686
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	21,023		$	22,340


Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for interest	$	12,494		$	5,102
Cash paid during the period for income taxes, net		6,542			3,706

Supplemental schedule of non-cash activities:
Debt issued in connection with acquisitions	$	-		$	3,161
Floor plan debt paid in connection with store disposals		2,208			-

See accompanying condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.

LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 1. Interim Financial Statements

Basis of Presentation

These condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contain unaudited information as of March 31, 2015 and for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. The unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations for reporting on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, certain disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for annual financial statements are not included herein. In management’s opinion, these unaudited financial statements reflect all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the information when read in conjunction with our 2014 audited Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes thereto. The financial information as of December 31, 2014 is derived from our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 2, 2015. The interim condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto included in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications of amounts previously reported have been made to the accompanying consolidated financial statements to maintain consistency and comparability between periods presented.

These reclassifications had no impact on previously reported net income.

Note 2. Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable consisted of the following (in thousands):

	March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
Contracts in transit	$	164,003		$	162,785
Trade receivables		37,472			37,194
Vehicle receivables		31,941			34,876
Manufacturer receivables		51,717			56,008
Auto loan receivables		27,931			25,424
Other receivables		4,501			4,554
		317,565			320,841
Less: Allowances		(2,996	)		(3,130	)
Less: Long-term portion of accounts receivable, net		(23,931	)		(22,332	)
Total accounts receivable, net	$	290,638		$	295,379

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 third parties 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 allowances are 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, net, was included as a component of other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Note 3. Inventories

The components of inventories, net, consisted of the following (in thousands):

	March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
New vehicles	$	967,485	$	958,876
Used vehicles		269,681		240,908
Parts and accessories		49,448		49,875
Total inventories	$	1,286,614	$	1,249,659

Note 4. Goodwill and Franchise Value

The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill and franchise value are as follows (in thousands):

	Domestic		Import			Luxury		Consolidated
Balance as of December 31, 2013⁽¹⁾	$	22,548	$	16,797		$	10,166	$	49,511
Additions through acquisitions		68,463		62,804			18,597		149,864
Balance as of December 31, 2014⁽¹⁾		91,011		79,601			28,763		199,375
Reduction related to divestiture		-		(89	)		-		(89	)
Balance as of March 31, 2015⁽¹⁾	$	91,011	$	79,512		$	28,763	$	199,286

(1)	Net of accumulated impairment losses of $299.3 million recorded during the year ended December 31, 2008.

	Franchise Value
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	71,199
Additions through acquisitions		80,233
Transfers to assets held for sale		(540	)
Balance as of December 31, 2014		150,892
Reduction related to divestiture		(36	)
Balance as of March 31, 2015	$	150,856

Note 5. Stockholders’ Equity

Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive loss was as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,				Affected Line Item in the Consolidated
	2015		2014		Statements of Operations
Loss on cash flow hedges	$	(125)	$	(134)	Floor plan interest expense
Income taxes		48		51	Income tax provision
Loss on cash flow hedges, net	$	(77)	$	(83)

See Note 8 for more details regarding our derivative contracts.

Repurchases of Class A Common Stock

In August 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 2,000,000 shares of our Class A common stock and, on July 20, 2012, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of 1,000,000 additional shares of our Class A common stock. Through March 31, 2015, we have repurchased 1,538,221 shares under this program at an average price of $32.68 per share. Of this amount, 38,445 shares were repurchased during the first quarter of 2015 at an average price of $90.87 per share for a total of $3.5 million. As of March 31, 2015, 1,461,779 shares remained available for repurchase pursuant to this program. The authority to repurchase does not have an expiration date.

In addition, during the first quarter of 2015, we repurchased 77,438 shares at an average price of $88.45, for a total of $6.8 million, related to tax withholdings associated with the vesting of restricted stock units. 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.

Dividends

Dividends paid on our Class A and Class B common stock were as follows:

Three Months Ended March 31,

Dividend

amount per

share

Total amount

of dividend

(in thousands)

2014

0.13

3,378

2015

0.16

4,216

See Note 14 for a discussion of a dividend related to our first quarter 2015 financial results.

Note 6. Deferred Compensation and Long-Term Incentive Plan

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 make discretionary contributions to the LTIP. Discretionary contributions vest over one to seven years depending on the employee’s age and position. 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:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014
Compensation expense	$	457		$	700
Discretionary contribution	$	2,096		$	2,100
Guaranteed annual return		5.25	%		5.25	%

As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the balance due to participants was $15.0 million and $14.2 million, respectively, and was included as a component of other long-term liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Note 7. 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.

The inputs or methodology used for valuing financial assets and liabilities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in them.

We use the income approach to determine the fair value of our interest rate swap using observable Level 2 market expectations at each measurement date and an income approach to convert estimated future cash flows to a single present value amount (discounted) assuming that participants are motivated, but not compelled, to transact. Level 2 inputs for the swap valuation are limited to quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets (specifically futures contracts on LIBOR for the first two years) and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (specifically LIBOR cash and swap rates and credit risk at commonly quoted intervals). Mid-market pricing is used as a practical expedient for fair value measurements. Key inputs, including the cash rates for very short term borrowings, futures rates for up to two years and LIBOR swap rates beyond the derivative maturity, are used to predict future reset rates to discount those future cash flows to present value at the measurement date.

Inputs are collected from Bloomberg on the last market day of the period and used to determine the rate used to discount the future cash flows. The valuation of the interest rate swap also takes into consideration our own, as well as the counterparty’s, risk of non-performance under the contract. See Note 8 for more details regarding our derivative contracts.

We estimate the value of our equity-method investment that is recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis based on a market valuation approach. We use prices and other relevant information generated primarily by recent market transactions involving similar or comparable assets. Because these valuations contain unobservable inputs, we classified the measurement of fair value of our equity-method investment as Level 3.

There were no changes to our valuation techniques during the three-month period ended March 31, 2015.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value

Following are the disclosures related to our assets and (liabilities) that are measured at fair value (in thousands):

Fair Value at March 31, 2015	Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
Measured on a recurring basis:
Derivative contracts, net	$	-	$	(1,488	)	$	-

Measured on a non-recurring basis:
Equity-method investment	$	-	$	-		$	39,871

Fair Value at December 31, 2014	Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
Measured on a recurring basis:
Derivative contracts, net	$	-	$	(1,750	)	$	-

Measured on a non-recurring basis:
Equity-method investment	$	-	$	-		$	33,282

Based on operating losses recognized by the equity-method investment, we determined that an impairment of our investment had occurred. Accordingly, we performed a fair value calculation for this investment and determined that a $4.1 million impairment was required to be recorded as asset impairments in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015. See Note 11.

Fair Value Disclosures for Financial Assets and Liabilities

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 and calculate the estimated fair value of our fixed rate debt using a discounted cash flow methodology. Using 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 March 31, 2015, this debt had maturity dates between July 2016 and October 2034. A summary of the aggregate carrying values and fair values of our long-term fixed interest rate debt is as follows (in thousands):

March 31,
2015

December 31,

2014

Carrying value

312,790

257,780

Fair value

312,097

270,781

Note 8. Derivative Financial Instruments

From time to time, we enter 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.

As of March 31, 2015, we had a $25 million interest rate swap outstanding with U.S. Bank Dealer Commercial Services. This interest rate swap matures on June 15, 2016 and has a fixed rate of 5.587% per annum. The variable rate on the interest rate swap is the one-month LIBOR rate. At March 31, 2015, the one-month LIBOR rate was 0.18% per annum, as reported in the Wall Street Journal.

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. See Note 7.

The estimated amount that we expect to reclassify from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income within the next twelve months is $1.1 million at March 31, 2015.

The fair value of our derivative instruments was included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows (in thousands):

Balance Sheet Information	Fair Value of Liability Derivatives
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments	Location in Balance Sheet	March 31, 2015

Interest Rate Swap Contract	Accrued liabilities	$	1,194
	Other long-term liabilities		294
		$	1,488

Balance Sheet Information	Fair Value of Liability Derivatives
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments	Location in Balance Sheet	December 31, 2014

Interest Rate Swap Contract	Accrued liabilities	$	1,194
	Other long-term liabilities		556
		$	1,750

The effect of derivative instruments on our Consolidated Statements of Operations was as follows (in thousands):

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)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
Interest Rate Swap Contracts	$	100	Floor plan interest expense	$	(125	)	Floor plan interest expense	$	(177	)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
Interest Rate Swap Contracts	$	108	Floor plan interest expense	$	(134	)	Floor plan interest expense	$	(171	)

See also Note 7.

Note 9. Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations

Assets Held for Sale

We classify an asset group as held for sale if the location has been sold, we have ceased operations at that location or the store meets the criteria required by U.S. generally accepted accounting standards as follows:

●

our management team, possessing the necessary authority, commits to a plan to sell the store;

●

the store is available for immediate sale in its present condition;

●

an active program to locate buyers and other actions that are required to sell the store are initiated;

●

a market for the store exists and we believe its sale is likely within one year;

●

active marketing of the store commences at a price that is reasonable in relation to the estimated fair market value; and

●

our management team believes it is unlikely changes will be made to the plan or the plan to dispose of the store will be withdrawn.

As of December 31, 2014, we had two Import stores classified as held for sale. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we completed the sale of one Import store, which was previously classified as held for sale, and recognized a gain of $3.3 million as a component of selling, general and administrative on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

As of March 31, 2015, we had one Import store classified as held for sale. Assets held for sale included the following (in thousands):

	March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
Inventories	$	3,379	$	6,284
Property, plant and equipment		107		1,739
Intangible assets		540		540
	$	4,026	$	8,563

Liabilities related to assets held for sale included the following (in thousands):

March 31,

2015

December 31,

2014

Floor plan notes payable

2,688

4,892

Discontinued Operations

In the third quarter of 2014, we early-adopted guidance that redefined discontinued operations. As a result, we determined that individual stores which met the criteria for held for sale after our adoption date would no longer qualify for classification as discontinued operations. We had previously reclassified a store’s operations to discontinued operations in our Consolidated Statements of Operations, on a comparable basis for all periods presented, provided we did not expect to have any significant continuing involvement in the store’s operations after its disposal.

Certain financial information related to discontinued operations was as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015		2014
Revenue	$	-	$	8,650

Pre-tax income from discontinued operations	$	-	$	65
Income tax expense		-		(25	)
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax expense	$	-	$	40

Note 10. 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. Under our Restated Articles of Incorporation, 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 that would adversely alter 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 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 the income from continuing operations and weighted average shares used for our basic earnings per share (“EPS”) and diluted EPS (in thousands, except per share amounts):

Three Months Ended March 31,	2015						2014
Basic EPS from Continuing Operations	Class A			Class B			Class A			Class B
Numerator:
Income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders	$	36,690		$	3,963		$	22,258		$	2,436
Distributed income applicable to common stockholders		(3,805	)		(411	)		(3,045	)		(333	)
Basic undistributed income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders	$	32,885		$	3,552		$	19,213		$	2,103

Denominator:
Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate basic income per share		23,721			2,562			23,411			2,562

Basic income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders	$	1.55		$	1.55		$	0.95		$	0.95
Basic distributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders		(0.16	)		(0.16	)		(0.13	)		(0.13	)
Basic undistributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders	$	1.39		$	1.39		$	0.82		$	0.82

Three Months Ended March 31,	2015						2014
Diluted EPS from Continuing Operations	Class A			Class B			Class A			Class B
Numerator:
Distributed income applicable to common stockholders	$	3,805		$	411		$	3,045		$	333
Reallocation of distributed income as a result of conversion of dilutive stock options		4			(4	)		4			(4	)
Reallocation of distributed income due to conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding		407			-			329			-
Diluted distributed income applicable to common stockholders	$	4,216		$	407		$	3,378		$	329
Undistributed income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders	$	32,885		$	3,552		$	19,213		$	2,103
Reallocation of undistributed income as a result of conversion of dilutive stock options		32			(32	)		28			(28	)
Reallocation of undistributed income due to conversion of Class B to Class A		3,520			-			2,075			-
Diluted undistributed income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders	$	36,437		$	3,520		$	21,316		$	2,075

Denominator:
Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate basic income per share from continuing operations		23,721			2,562			23,411			2,562
Weighted average number of shares from stock options		236			-			347			-
Conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding		2,562			-			2,562			-
Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate diluted income per share from continuing operations		26,519			2,562			26,320			2,562

Diluted income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders	$	1.53		$	1.53		$	0.94		$	0.94
Diluted distributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders		(0.16	)		(0.16	)		(0.13	)		(0.13	)
Diluted undistributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders	$	1.37		$	1.37		$	0.81		$	0.81

Three Months Ended March 31,

2015

2014

Diluted EPS

Class A

Class B

Class A

Class B

Antidilutive Securities

Shares issuable pursuant to stock options not included since they were antidilutive

Note 11. Equity-Method Investment

In October 2014, we acquired a 99.9% membership interest in a limited liability company managed by U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation. We made an additional equity contribution to the entity in January 2015. This investment generates 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 exercises management control over the limited liability company, due to the economic interest we hold in the entity, we determined our ownership portion of the entity was appropriately accounted for using the equity method. We are obligated to make $49.8 million of equity contributions to the entity over a two-year period ending October 2016, $9.8 million of which had been contributed as of March 31, 2015.

The following amounts related to this equity-method investment were recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands):

March 31,

2015

December 31,

2014

Carrying value, recorded as a component of other non-current assets

39,871

33,282

Present value of obligation associated with future equity contributions, recorded as a component of accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities

39,076

32,177

The following amounts related to this equity-method investment were recorded in our Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015		2014
Asset impairments to write investment down to fair value	$	4,130	$	-
Our portion of the partnership’s operating losses		1,732		-
Non-cash interest expense related to the amortization of the discounted fair value of future equity contributions		211		-
Tax benefits and credits generated		7,250		-

Note 12. Segments

While we have determined that each individual store is an operating segment, we have aggregated our operating segments 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 is comprised of our stand-alone collision center; unallocated corporate overhead expenses, such as corporate personnel costs, certain interest expense and depreciation expense, and retrospective commissions for certain finance and insurance transactions that we arrange under agreements with third parties.

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. Management measures the performance of each operating segment based on several metrics, including earnings from operations. Management uses these results, in part, to evaluate the performance of, and to allocate resources to, each of the operating segments.

Certain financial information on a segment basis is as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014
Revenues:
Domestic	$	691,404		$	568,930
Import		758,638			351,061
Luxury		336,922			158,611
		1,786,964			1,078,602
Corporate and other		2,214			(496	)
	$	1,789,178		$	1,078,106

*Segment income:**
Domestic	$	27,129		$	22,421
Import		16,100			9,265
Luxury		5,899			2,185
		49,128			33,871
Corporate and other		8,928			6,833
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	58,056		$	40,704

*Segment income is defined as operating income less floor plan interest expense.

Floor plan interest expense:
Domestic	$	4,736		$	4,058
Import		3,698			1,808
Luxury		2,062			1,129
		10,496			6,995
Corporate and other		(5,847	)		(4,011	)
	$	4,649		$	2,984

	March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
Total assets:
Domestic	$	869,313	$	831,574
Import		707,736		696,162
Luxury		399,373		405,222
Corporate and other		947,963		947,974
	$	2,924,385	$	2,880,932

Note 13. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued accounting standards update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which amends the accounting guidance related to revenues. This amendment will replace most of the existing revenue recognition guidance when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Early application is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We are evaluating the effect this amendment will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures and believe the financial impact will not differ significantly from our current revenue recognition practices. We have not yet selected a transition method nor have we determined the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting.

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, “Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718).” ASU 2014-12 addresses accounting for share-based payments when the terms of an award provide that a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period. ASU 2014-12 indicates that, in such situations, the performance target should be treated as a performance condition and, accordingly, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. Instead, compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved. ASU 2014-12 is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-12 to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, “Consolidation (Topic 810).” ASU 2015-02 amends guidance regarding the consolidation of certain legal entities. ASU 2015-02 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted provided that the guidance is applied from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2015-02 to have any effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30).” ASU 2015-03 amends guidance in order to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs. ASU 2015-03 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2015-03 to have any effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Note 14. Subsequent Events

Common Stock Dividend

On April 20, 2015, our Board of Directors approved a dividend of $0.20 per share on our Class A and Class B common stock related to our first quarter 2015 financial results. The dividend will total approximately $5.3 million and will be paid on May 29, 2015 to shareholders of record on May 15, 2015.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors

Certain statements under the sections entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Form 10-Q constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning 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-Q include, among others, statements we make regarding:

●

Future market conditions, including the availability of consumer credit;

●

Expected operating results, such as improved store performance, our expectation that SG&A as a percentage of gross profit will be in the lower 70% range in 2015 and targeting incremental throughput in a range of 45% to 50%;

●

Anticipated ability to remain in compliance with the financial and restrictive covenants in our credit facility and other debt agreements;

●

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.

The forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and situations that may cause our actual results to materially differ from the results expressed or implied by these statements. Certain important factors that could cause actual results to differ from our expectations are discussed in Part II - Other Information, Item 1A in this Form 10-Q and in the Risk Factors section of our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as supplemented and amended from time to time in Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events that depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement.

Overview

We are a leading operator of automotive franchises and a retailer of new and used vehicles and related services. As of May 1, 2015, we offered 30 brands of new vehicles and all brands of used vehicles in 130 stores in the United States and online at Lithia.com and DCHauto.com. We sell new and used cars and replacement parts; provide vehicle maintenance, warranty, paint and repair services; arrange related financing; and sell service contracts, vehicle protection products and credit insurance.

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.

Our mission statement is: “Driven by our employees and preferred by our customers, Lithia is the leading automotive retailer in each of our markets.” We offer customers personal, convenient, flexible personalized service combined with the large company advantages of selection, competitive pricing, broad access to financing, and warranties. We strive for diversification in our products, services, brands and geographic locations to insulate us from market risk and to maintain profitability. We have developed a centralized support structure to reduce store level administrative functions. This allows store personnel to focus on providing a positive customer experience. With our management information systems and centrally-performed administrative functions in Medford, Oregon, and regional accounting processing centers, we seek to gain economies of scale from our dealership network.

Results of Continuing Operations

For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, we reported income from continuing operations, net of tax, of $40.7 million, or $1.53 per diluted share, and $24.7 million, or $0.94 per diluted share, respectively.

Discontinued Operations

In the third quarter of 2014, we early-adopted guidance that redefined discontinued operations. As a result, we determined that individual stores that met the criteria for held for sale after our adoption date would no longer qualify for classification as discontinued operations. We had previously reclassified a store’s operations to discontinued operations in our Consolidated Statements of Operations, on a comparable basis for all periods presented, provided we did not expect to have any significant continuing involvement in the store’s operations after its disposal.

We realized income from discontinued operations, net of tax, for the three months ended March 31, 2014 of $40,000. See Note 9 of the Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Key Revenue and Gross Profit Metrics

Key performance metrics for revenue and gross profit were as follows (dollars in thousands):

Three months ended March 31, 2015	Revenues		Percent of Total Revenues			Gross Profit		Gross Profit Margin			Percent of Total Gross Profit
New vehicle	$	1,007,816		56.3	%	$	61,774		6.1	%		22.6	%
Used vehicle retail		462,931		25.9			59,442		12.8			21.7
Used vehicle wholesale		62,208		3.5			2,161		3.5			0.8
Finance and insurance⁽¹⁾		64,604		3.6			64,604		100.0			23.6
Service, body and parts		173,475		9.7			84,439		48.7			30.9
Fleet and other		18,144		1.0			955		5.3			0.4
	$	1,789,178		100.0	%	$	273,375		15.3	%		100.0	%

Three months ended March 31, 2014	Revenues		Percent of Total Revenues			Gross Profit		Gross Profit Margin			Percent of Total Gross Profit
New vehicle	$	579,522		53.8	%	$	39,024		6.7	%		22.7	%
Used vehicle retail		301,893		28.0			40,796		13.5			23.7
Used vehicle wholesale		42,693		4.0			1,331		3.1			0.8
Finance and insurance⁽¹⁾		39,631		3.7			39,631		100.0			23.0
Service, body and parts		104,617		9.7			50,832		48.6			29.5
Fleet and other		9,750		0.8			447		4.6			0.3
	$	1,078,106		100.0	%	$	172,061		16.0	%		100.0	%

(1)

Commissions reported net of anticipated cancellations.

Same Store Operating Data

In 2014, we completed the acquisition of 36 stores. As a result, we experienced significant growth in the first three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. We believe that same store comparisons are an important indicator of our financial performance. Same store measures demonstrate our ability to grow our existing locations. As a result, same store measures have been integrated 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 February 2014 would be included in same store operating data beginning in March 2015, after its first full complete comparable month of operation. The first quarter operating results for the same store comparisons would include results for that store in only the period of March for both comparable periods.

New Vehicle Revenue and Gross Profit

	Three Months Ended March 31,						Increase			% Increase
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)	2015			2014			(Decrease)			(Decrease)
Reported
Revenue	$	1,007,816		$	579,522		$	428,294			73.9	%
Gross profit	$	61,774		$	39,024		$	22,750			58.3
Gross margin		6.1	%		6.7	%	(60)		bp

Retail units sold		30,623			17,274			13,349			77.3
Average selling price per retail unit	$	32,910		$	33,549		$	(639	)		(1.9	)
Average gross profit per retail unit	$	2,017		$	2,259		$	(242	)		(10.7	)

Same store
Revenue	$	639,501		$	574,540		$	64,961			11.3	%
Gross profit	$	40,245		$	38,638		$	1,607			4.2
Gross margin		6.3	%		6.7	%	(40)		bp

Retail units sold		18,567			17,109			1,458			8.5
Average selling price per retail unit	$	34,443		$	33,581		$	862			2.6
Average gross profit per retail unit	$	2,168		$	2,258		$	(90	)		(4.0	)

(1) A basis point is equal to 1/100^th of one percent.

New vehicle sales increased 73.9% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014, primarily driven by the acquisition of the DCH Auto Group in the fourth quarter of 2014. On a same store basis, new vehicle sales increased 11.3%, primarily due to unit volume growth of 8.5% in the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. Same store unit sales increased in all reportable segments in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the first quarter of 2014 as follows:

	First quarter 2015 compared to first quarter 2014			National growth in first quarter 2015 compared to first quarter 2014
Domestic		6.8	%		4.4	%
Import		9.8			6.0
Luxury		12.0			10.7
Overall		8.5	%		5.6	%

Our unit volume growth rate for the current quarter was higher than the national average in all reportable segments. We continue to focus on increasing our share of overall new vehicle sales within our markets.

New vehicle gross profit increased 58.3% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014, primarily driven by the acquisition of the DCH Auto Group in the fourth quarter of 2014. On a same store basis, new vehicle gross profit increased 4.2% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. These increases were due to a greater number of vehicles sold, slightly offset by lower gross profit per unit and gross margins.

With our volume-based strategy, on a same store basis, the average gross profit per new retail unit decreased $90, or 4.0%, in the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. We believe our volume-based strategy creates additional used vehicle trade-in opportunities, finance and insurance sales and future service work, which will generate incremental business in future periods that will more than offset the lower new vehicle gross profit per unit that has occurred with the pursuit of a volume-based strategy.

Used Vehicle Retail Revenue and Gross Profit

	Three Months Ended March 31,						Increase			% Increase
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)	2015			2014			(Decrease)			(Decrease)
Reported
Retail revenue	$	462,931		$	301,893		$	161,038			53.3	%
Retail gross profit	$	59,442		$	40,796		$	18,646			45.7
Retail gross margin		12.8	%		13.5	%	(70)		bp

Retail units sold		24,204			16,316			7,888			48.3
Average selling price per retail unit	$	19,126		$	18,503		$	623			3.4
Average gross profit per retail unit	$	2,456		$	2,500		$	(44	)		(1.8	)

Same store
Retail revenue	$	333,300		$	300,115		$	33,185			11.1	%
Retail gross profit	$	44,847		$	40,583		$	4,264			10.5
Retail gross margin		13.5	%		13.5	%	-		bp

Retail units sold		17,237			16,204			1,033			6.4
Average selling price per retail unit	$	19,336		$	18,521		$	815			4.4
Average gross profit per retail unit	$	2,602		$	2,505		$	97			3.9

Used vehicle retail sales are a strategic focus for organic growth. We offer three categories of used vehicles: manufacturer certified pre-owned vehicles; core vehicles, or late-model vehicles with lower mileage; and value autos, or vehicles with over 80,000 miles. Additionally, our volume-based strategy for new vehicle sales increases the organic opportunity to convert vehicles acquired via trade to retail used vehicle sales.

Same store sales increased in all three categories of used vehicles as follows:

	First quarter 2015 compared to first quarter 2014
Certified pre-owned vehicles		14.9	%
Core vehicles		5.4
Value autos		2.2
Overall		6.4

On average, in the first quarter of 2015 and 2014, each of our stores sold 57 and 55 retail used vehicle units, respectively, per month. We continue to target increasing sales to 75 units per store per month.

Used retail vehicle gross profit increased 45.7% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014, primarily driven by the acquisition of the DCH Auto Group in the fourth quarter of 2014. On a same store basis, gross profit increased 10.5% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. These increases were related to both increased unit volume and, on a same store basis, higher average gross profit earned per vehicle. The unit volume growth and the higher gross profit earned per vehicle were mainly driven by a mix shift toward certified pre-owned vehicles, which had the largest increase in gross profit earned per vehicle.

Used Vehicle Wholesale Revenue and Gross Profit

	Three Months Ended March 31,						Increase			% Increase
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)	2015			2014			(Decrease)			(Decrease)
Reported
Wholesale revenue	$	62,208		$	42,693		$	19,515			45.7	%
Wholesale gross profit	$	2,161		$	1,331		$	830			62.4
Wholesale gross margin		3.5	%		3.1	%	40		bp

Wholesale units sold		9,144			5,853			3,291			56.2
Average selling price per wholesale unit	$	6,803		$	7,294		$	(491	)		(6.7	)
Average gross profit per retail unit	$	236		$	227		$	9			4.0

Same store
Wholesale revenue	$	45,055		$	42,649		$	2,406			5.6	%
Wholesale gross profit	$	1,687		$	1,334		$	353			26.5
Wholesale gross margin		3.7	%		3.1	%	60		bp

Wholesale units sold		5,968			5,848			120			2.1
Average selling price per wholesale unit	$	7,549		$	7,293		$	256			3.5
Average gross profit per retail unit	$	283		$	228		$	55			24.1

Wholesale transactions are sales of vehicles we have purchased from customers or vehicles we have attempted to sell via retail that we elect to dispose of due to inventory age or other factors. Wholesale vehicles are typically sold at or near inventory cost and do not comprise a meaningful component of our gross profit.

Finance and Insurance

	Three Months Ended March 31,				Increase			% Increase
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)	2015		2014		(Decrease)			(Decrease)
Reported
Revenue	$	64,604	$	39,631	$	24,973			63.0	%
Average finance and insurance per retail unit	$	1,178	$	1,180	$	(2	)		(0.2	)%

Same store
Revenue	$	44,136	$	39,355	$	4,781			12.1	%
Average finance and insurance per retail unit	$	1,233	$	1,181	$	52			4.4	%

The increase in total finance and insurance revenue was primarily due to higher unit volume, which was primarily driven by the acquisition of the DCH Auto Group in the fourth quarter of 2014. On a same store basis, the increase was due to higher unit volume sales and an increase in the average finance and insurance revenue earned per unit. Trends in penetration rates for total new and used retail vehicles sold are detailed below:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014
Finance and insurance		77	%		79	%
Service contracts		42			44
Lifetime lube, oil and filter contracts		25			37

We believe the availability of credit is one of the key indicators of our ability to retail automobiles, as we arrange financing on almost 80% of the vehicles we sell and believe a significant amount of the vehicles we do not arrange financing for are financed elsewhere. To evaluate the availability of credit, we categorize our customers based on their Fair, Isaac and Company (FICO) credit score.

The distribution by credit score for the customers we arranged financing for was as follows:

			Three Months Ended March 31,
	FICO Score Range		2015			2014
Prime	680 and above			68.3	%		67.2	%
Non-prime		620-679		18.8			18.8
Sub-prime	619 or less			12.9			14.0

We continued to see the availability of consumer credit expand in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014.

Service, Body and Parts Revenue and Gross Profit

	Three Months Ended March 31,						Increase			% Increase
(Dollars in thousands)	2015			2014			(Decrease)			(Decrease)
Reported
Customer pay	$	96,968		$	56,829		$	40,139			70.6	%
Warranty		37,372			17,918			19,454			108.6
Wholesale parts		27,591			19,794			7,797			39.4
Body shop		11,544			10,076			1,468			14.6
Total service, body and parts	$	173,475		$	104,617		$	68,858			65.8	%

Service, body and parts gross profit	$	84,439		$	50,832		$	33,607			66.1	%
Service, body and parts gross margin		48.7	%		48.6	%	10		bp
Same store
Customer pay	$	61,409		$	56,403		$	5,006			8.9	%
Warranty		23,385			17,791			5,594			31.4
Wholesale parts		20,710			19,730			980			5.0
Body shop		9,821			10,076			(255	)		(2.5	)
Total service, body and parts	$	115,325		$	104,000		$	11,325			10.9	%

Service, body and parts gross profit	$	55,844		$	50,514		$	5,330			10.6	%
Service, body and parts gross margin		48.4	%		48.6	%	(20)		bp

Our service, body and parts sales grew in all areas except same store body shop in the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period of the prior year. There are more late-model vehicles in operation as new vehicle sales volumes have been increasing since 2010. We believe this increase in units in operation will benefit our service, body and parts sales 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. We increased our same store customer pay business 8.9% in the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014.

Same store warranty sales increased 31.4% in the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014, primarily due to the significant vehicle recalls from 2014. Additionally, we continue to see increases due to the growing numbers of units in operation. Routine maintenance, such as oil changes, offered by certain brands, including BMW, Toyota and General Motors, for two to four years after a vehicle is sold, provides for future work as consumers return to the franchised dealer for this ‘prepaid’ maintenance item.

Increases in same-store warranty work by segment were as follows:

	First quarter of 2015 compared to first quarter of 2014
Domestic		40.3	%
Import		12.1	%
Luxury		38.0	%

Wholesale parts represented 18.0% of our same store service, body and parts revenue mix in the first three months of 2015 and 19.0% in the first three months of 2014. Same store wholesale parts grew 5.0% in the first three months of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014, primarily due to targeting fleet and mechanical wholesale accounts.

Body shop represented 8.5% of our same store service, body and parts revenue mix in the first three months of 2015, and 9.7% in the first three months of 2014. Same store body shop decreased 2.5% in the first three months of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014, primarily due to a milder winter in the Pacific Northwest in 2015 where the majority of our body shops are located, and as a result of new personnel in certain stores.

Same store service, body and parts gross profit increased 10.6% in the first three months of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014, which is in line with our revenue growth. Our gross margins were consistent in the first three months of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014.

Segments

Certain financial information by segment is as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2015		2014			Increase		% Increase
Revenues:
Domestic	$	691,404	$	568,930		$	122,474		21.5	%
Import		758,638		351,061			407,577		116.1
Luxury		336,922		158,611			178,311		112.4
		1,786,964		1,078,602			708,362		65.7
Corporate and other		2,214		(496	)		2,710		546.4
	$	1,789,178	$	1,078,106		$	711,072		66.0	%

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2015		2014		Increase		% Increase
*Segment income:**
Domestic	$	27,129	$	22,421	$	4,708		21.0	%
Import		16,100		9,265		6,835		73.8
Luxury		5,899		2,185		3,714		170.0
		49,128		33,871		15,257		45.0
Corporate and other		8,928		6,833		2,095		30.7
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	58,056	$	40,704	$	17,352		42.6	%

*Segment income is defined as operating income less floor plan interest expense.

	Three Months Ended March 31,						Increase			% Increase
	2015			2014			(Decrease)			(Decrease)
Retail new vehicle unit sales:
Domestic		10,043			8,634			1,409			16.3	%
Import		16,774			7,139			9,635			135.0
Luxury		3,865			1,595			2,270			142.3
		30,682			17,368			13,314			76.7
Allocated to management		(59	)		(94	)		(35	)		(37.2	)
		30,623			17,274			13,349			77.3	%

Domestic

A summary of financial information for our Domestic segment follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2015		2014		Increase		% Increase
Revenue	$	691,404	$	568,930	$	122,474		21.5	%
Segment income	$	27,129	$	22,421	$	4,708		21.0
Retail new vehicle unit sales		10,043		8,634		1,409		16.3

Improvements in our Domestic operating results in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 were primarily a result of the improvements in all revenue categories as discussed above, overall improvements in the economy, acquisitions and overall growth in the market share of our Chrysler stores, which comprised 19% of our total overall new vehicle unit sales and over 50% of our Domestic segment revenue in the first quarter of 2015. We acquired six Domestic locations in 2014.

Import

A summary of financial information for our Import segment follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2015		2014		Increase		% Increase
Revenue	$	758,638	$	351,061	$	407,577		116.1	%
Segment income	$	16,100	$	9,265	$	6,835		73.8
Retail new vehicle unit sales		16,774		7,139		9,635		135.0

Improvements in our Import operating results in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 were primarily a result of the improvements in all revenue categories as discussed above, overall improvements in the economy and a strategic focus to diversify our dependence on Domestic brands through the acquisition of Import branded stores. We added 21 import locations in 2014. As of March 31, 2015, Honda and Toyota were our largest brands, representing 22% and 19% of our total overall new vehicle unit sales in the first quarter of 2015, respectively.

Luxury

A summary of financial information for our Luxury segment follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2015		2014		Increase		% Increase
Revenue	$	336,922	$	158,611	$	178,311		112.4	%
Segment income	$	5,899	$	2,185	$	3,714		170.0
Retail new vehicle unit sales		3,865		1,595		2,270		142.3

Improvements in our Luxury operating results in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 were primarily a result of the improvements in all revenue categories as discussed above, overall improvements in the economy and a strategic focus to diversify our dependence on Domestic brands through the acquisition of Luxury branded stores. We added nine luxury locations in 2014.

Asset Impairments

Asset impairments recorded as a component of continuing operations consist of the following (in thousands):

Three Months Ended

March 31,

2015

2014

Asset impairments

4,130

Asset impairments in the first quarter of 2015 are associated with our equity-method investment in a limited liability company that participates in the New Markets Tax Credit (“NMTC”) Program. The equity-method investment generates operating losses on a quarterly basis and, accordingly, we will be required to assess the investment for other than temporary impairment on a quarterly basis. The investment provides a return in the form of tax credits. We recorded a reduction to our income tax provision of $7.3 million related to tax credits under the NMTC Program in the first quarter of 2015. See Note 11 of Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements elsewhere in this Form 10-Q for additional information.

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.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2015		2014		Increase		% Increase
Personnel	$	133,014	$	80,677	$	52,337		64.9	%
Advertising		15,345		9,685		5,660		58.4
Rent		5,920		3,561		2,359		66.2
Facility costs		8,344		7,585		759		10.0
Other		28,995		20,321		8,674		42.7
Total SG&A	$	191,618	$	121,829	$	69,789		57.3	%

	Three Months Ended March 31,				Increase
As a % of gross profit	2015		2014		(Decrease)
Personnel		48.7%		46.9%	180		bp
Advertising		5.6		5.6		-
Rent		2.2		2.1		10
Facility costs		3.1		4.4		(130	)
Other		10.5		11.8		(130	)
Total SG&A		70.1%		70.8%	(70		)bp

SG&A expense increased $69.8 million in the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. SG&A as a percentage of gross profit was 70.1% and 70.8%, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

This increase in SG&A expense was primarily driven by increased variable cost associated with increased sales volume and store count, offset by a $3.3 million gain recognized associated with the sale of a store in the first quarter of 2015. Additionally, the first quarter of 2014 includes non-core charges of $3.9 million related to a reserve associated with a lawsuit filed in 2006 and settled in 2013, a loss reserve for a hailstorm in Texas and a reserve for a contract assumed in an acquisition.

SG&A expense adjusted for non-core charges was as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2015		2014		Increase		% Increase
Personnel	$	133,014	$	80,677	$	52,337		64.9	%
Advertising		15,345		9,685		5,660		58.4
Rent		5,920		3,561		2,359		66.2
Facility costs		11,693		7,585		4,108		54.2
Adjusted other		28,995		16,390		12,605		76.9
Adjusted total SG&A	$	194,967	$	117,898	$	77,069		65.4	%

	Three Months Ended March 31,				Increase
As a % of gross profit	2015		2014		(Decrease)
Personnel		48.7%		46.9%		180	bp
Advertising		5.6		5.6		-
Rent		2.2		2.1		10
Facility costs		4.3		4.4		(10	)
Adjusted other		10.5		9.5		100
Adjusted total SG&A		71.3%		68.5%	280		bp

See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for more details of the non-GAAP reconciliation.

Due to the effects of the integration of DCH Auto Group, which we acquired in October 2014, we expect SG&A expense to increase in 2015 compared to our core operations.

We also measure the leverage of our cost structure by evaluating throughput, which is the incremental percentage of gross profit retained after deducting SG&A expense.

	Three Months Ended March 31,									% of Change in
(Dollars in thousands)	2015			2014			Change			Gross Profit
Gross profit	$	273,375		$	172,061		$	101,314			100.0	%
SG&A expense		(191,618	)		(121,829	)		(69,789	)		(68.9	)
Throughput contribution							$	31,525			31.1	%

Throughput, excluding the non-core items of $3.3 million in the first quarter of 2015 and $3.9 million in the first quarter of 2014, was as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,									% of Change in
(Dollars in thousands)	2015			2014			Change			Gross Profit
Gross profit	$	273,375		$	172,061		$	101,314			100.0	%
Adjusted SG&A expense		(194,967	)		(117,898	)		(77,069	)		(76.1	)
Adjusted throughput contribution							$	24,245			23.9	%

See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for more details.

Throughput contributions for newly opened or acquired stores reduce overall throughput because, in the first year of operation, a store’s throughput is equal to the inverse of its SG&A as a percentage of gross profit. For example, a store which achieves SG&A as a percentage of gross profit of 70% will have throughput of 30% in the first year of operation.

We opened two new stores and acquired 33 stores since the first quarter of 2014. Adjusting for these locations and the adjustments discussed above, our throughput contribution on a same store basis was 45.1% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015. We continue to target a same store throughput contribution in a range of 45% to 50%.

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 of certain intangible assets, including trade name, customer lists and non-compete agreements.

Three Months Ended

March 31,

(Dollars in thousands)

2015

2014

Increase

Depreciation and amortization

9,726

5,507

4,219

76.6

Depreciation and amortization increased $4.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. A majority of this increase is due to our acquisition activity since the first quarter of 2014. Additionally, we purchased previously leased facilities, built new facilities subsequent to the acquisition of stores and invested in improvements at our facilities and replacement of equipment. These investments increase the amount of depreciable assets and amortizable expenses. In the full year of 2014 and the first three months of 2015, we had capital expenditures of $86.0 million and $24.9 million, respectively.

Operating Income

Operating income as a percentage of revenue, or operating margin, was as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015		2014
Operating margin		3.8%		4.1%
Operating margin adjusted for non-core charges⁽¹⁾		3.8%		4.5%

⁽¹⁾	See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for additional information.

Due to the effects of the integration of the DCH Auto Group, which has a lower operating efficiency than our other stores, we expect our operating margin to be below 4.0% throughout 2015. We continue to focus on cost control, which allows us to leverage our cost structure in an environment of improving sales and aspire to increase our operating margin above 4.0%.

Floor Plan Interest Expense and Floor Plan Assistance

Floor plan interest expense increased $1.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 as a result of changes in the average outstanding balances on our floor plan facilities.

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.

The following table details the carrying costs for new vehicles and includes new vehicle floor plan interest net of floor plan assistance earned.

	Three Months Ended March 31,								%
(Dollars in thousands)	2015			2014			Change		Change
Floor plan interest expense (new vehicles)	$	4,649		$	2,984		$	1,665		55.8	%
Floor plan assistance (included as an offset to cost of sales)		(9,127	)		(5,618	)		3,509		62.5
Net new vehicle carrying costs	$	(4,478	)	$	(2,634	)	$	1,844		70.0	%

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.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2015			2014			Increase		% Increase
Mortgage interest	$	3,016		$	1,557		$	1,459		93.7	%
Other interest		1,889			446			1,443		323.5
Capitalized interest		(77	)		(29	)		48		165.5
Total other interest expense	$	4,828		$	1,974		$	2,854		144.6	%

Other interest expense increased $2.9 million in the first three months of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 primarily due to higher volumes of borrowing on our credit facility and higher mortgage interest due to additional mortgage financings, partially offset by increased capitalized interest.

Other (Expense) Income, Net

Other income, net primarily includes interest income and the gains and losses related to an equity-method investment.

Three Months Ended

March 31, 2015

(Dollars in thousands)

2015

2014

Increase

Other (expense) income, net

(368

)

937

(1,305

)

Income Tax Provision

Our effective income tax rate was 30.0% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 compared to 39.3% in the comparable period of 2014. For the full year of 2015, we forecast our income tax rate to be approximately 32.7%.

Our effective income tax rate in the first quarter of 2015 was positively affected by new markets tax credits that are generated through our equity-method investment with U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation. Excluding the non-core tax attributes associated with the treatment of the tax credits generated through this investment and adjusting for other non-core items, our effective income tax rate was 39.0% in the first quarter of 2015. Excluding this investment and adjusting for other non-core items, we forecast our income tax rate to be 39.5% for the full year 2015. See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for more details.

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. Our management uses 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.

The following tables reconcile certain reported non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP measure from our Consolidated Statements of Operations (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	As reported			Gain from sale of store			Equity- method investment			Adjusted
Asset impairment	$	4,130		$	-		$	(4,130	)	$	-
Selling, general and administrative		191,618			3,349			-			194,967

Operating income (loss)	$	67,901		$	(3,349	)	$	4,130		$	68,682

Other (expense) income		(368	)		-			1,732			1,364

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	$	58,056		$	(3,349	)	$	5,862		$	60,569
Income tax (provision) benefit		(17,403	)		1,004			(7,250	)		(23,649	)
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax	$	40,653		$	(2,345	)	$	(1,388	)	$	36,920

Diluted income (loss) per share from continuing operations	$	1.53		$	(0.09	)	$	(0.05	)	$	1.39
Diluted share count		26,519

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	As reported			Accrual adjustments			Adjusted
Selling, general and administrative	$	121,829		$	(3,931	)	$	117,898

Operating income	$	44,725		$	3,931		$	48,656

Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	40,704		$	3,931		$	44,635
Income tax provision		(16,010	)		(1,546	)		(17,556	)
Income from continuing operations, net of income tax	$	24,694		$	2,385		$	27,079

Diluted income per share from continuing operations	$	0.94		$	0.09		$	1.03
Diluted share count		26,320

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 available funds (in thousands):

	As of March 31,							%
	2015		2014		(Decrease)			(Decrease)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	21,023	$	22,340	$	(1,317	)		(5.9	)%
Available credit on the Credit Facility		49,971		132,701		(82,730	)		(62.3	)
Total current available funds		70,994		155,041		(84,047	)		(54.2	)
Estimated funds from unfinanced real estate		115,952		144,800		(28,848	)		(19.9	)
Total estimated available funds	$	186,946	$	299,841	$	(112,895	)		(37.7	)%

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 March 31, 2015, our unencumbered owned operating real estate had a book value of $154.6 million. Assuming we can obtain financing on 75% of this value, we estimate we could have obtained additional funds of approximately $116.0 million at March 31, 2015; 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 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.

Information about our cash flows, by category, is presented in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The following table summarizes our cash flows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,						Increase (Decrease)
	2015			2014			in Cash Flow
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	38,229		$	(22,387	)	$	60,616
Net cash used in investing activities		(30,938	)		(47,822	)		16,884
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(16,166	)		68,863			(85,029	)

Operating Activities

Cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 increased $60.6 million, primarily as a result of increased profitability, as well as less cash used for inventory purchases and improved trade receivables collections.

Borrowings from and repayments to our syndicated lending group related to our new vehicle inventory floor plan financing are presented as financing activities. Additionally, cash generated from the financing of new vehicles purchased as part of an acquisition are included as a financing activity. 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 and excluding cash activity associated with acquired inventory.

Adjusted net cash provided by operating activities is presented below:

	Three Months Ended March 31,						Increase (Decrease)
(Dollars in thousands)	2015			2014			in Cash Flow
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities – as reported	$	38,229		$	(22,387	)	$	60,616
Add: Net borrowings (repayments) on floor plan notes payable, non-trade		(21,984	)		51,783			(73,767	)
Less: Borrowings on floor plan notes payable, non-trade associated with acquired new vehicle inventory		-			(19,525	)		19,525
Net cash provided by operating activities – adjusted	$	16,245		$	9,871		$	6,374

Inventories are the most significant component of our cash flow from operations. As of March 31, 2015, our new vehicle days supply was 62, which was consistent with our days supply as of December 31, 2014. Our days supply of used vehicles was 49 days as of March 31, 2015, or 4 days lower than our days supply as of December 31, 2014. 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 $30.9 million and $47.8 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Cash flows from investing activities relate primarily to capital expenditures and acquisition activity.

Below are highlights of significant activity related to our cash flows from investing activities:

	Three Months Ended March 31,				Increase (Decrease)
(Dollars in thousands)	2015		2014		in Cash Flow
Capital expenditures	$	24,917	$	12,630	$	12,287
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired		-		31,689		(31,689	)
Cash paid for other investments		9,804		3,530		6,274

Capital expenditures

Below is a summary of our capital expenditure activities:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2015		2014
Post-acquisition capital improvements	$	4,683	$	2,819
Facilities for open points		2,498		2,457
Purchases of previously leased real estate		5,301		3,702
Existing facility improvements		7,001		1,746
Maintenance		5,434		1,906
Total capital expenditures	$	24,917	$	12,630

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.

We expect to make 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.

We expect to make capital expenditures in 2015 of approximately $120 million for capital improvements at recently acquired stores, purchases of land for expansion of existing stores, facility image improvements, purchases of store facilities, purchases of previously leased facilities and replacement of equipment.

Acquisitions

We did not have any acquisition activity in the first three months of 2015. We acquired four stores in the first three months of 2014.

We focus on acquiring stores at opportunistic 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.

We are able to subsequently obtain floor plan financing for new vehicle inventory acquired as part of an acquisition; however, the cash generated by this transaction is recorded as borrowings on floor plan notes payable, non-trade. Adjusted net cash paid for acquisition is presented below:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2015		2014			Change
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	$	-	$	31,689		$	(31,689	)
Less: Borrowings on floor plan notes payable: non-trade associated with acquired new vehicle inventory		-		(19,525	)		19,525
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired – adjusted	$	-	$	12,164		$	(12,164	)

We evaluate potential capital investments based on certain criteria, primarily associated with targeted rates of return on assets and return on our net equity investment.

Other Investments

Our cash paid associated with other investments increased $6.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 mainly associated with our equity investment related to the NMTC Program.

Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities totaled $16.2 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $68.9 million in the same period of 2014.

Net cash provided by financing activities, adjusted for borrowing on floor plan facilities: non-trade was as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2015			2014
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities, as reported	$	(16,166	)	$	68,863
Adjust: cash (used for payments) provided by borrowings on floor plan notes payable: non-trade		21,984			(51,783	)
Cash provided by financing activities, as adjusted	$	5,818		$	17,080

Below are highlights of significant activity related to our cash flows from financing activities:

	Three Months Ended March 31,						Increase (Decrease)
(Dollars in thousands)	2015			2014			in Cash Flow
Net borrowings (repayments) on lines of credit	$	(22,937	)	$	23,275		$	(46,212	)
Principal payments on long-term debt, unscheduled		(9,189	)		-			(9,189	)
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term mortgage debt		50,350			-			50,350
Repurchases of common stock		(10,343	)		(7,941	)		(2,402	)
Dividends paid		(4,216	)		(3,378	)		(838	)

Borrowing and Repayment Activity

During the first three months of 2015, we had net repayments of $22.9 million associated with our lines of credit. We raised net mortgage proceeds of $41.2 million during the first quarter of 2015, which were used to pay down our line of credit, increasing availability on our credit facility. During the first three months of 2014, we had net borrowings of $23.3 million associated with our line of credit to fund acquisition activity.

Our debt to total capital ratio, excluding floor plan notes payable, was 48.3% at March 31, 2015 compared to 33.2% at March 31, 2014. We partially funded our 2014 acquisition activity, including the DCH Auto Group acquisition, 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 115,883 shares of our Class A common stock at an average price of $89.25 per share in the first three months of 2015. As of March 31, 2015, we had 1,461,779 shares available for repurchase under the program. The authority to repurchase does not have an expiration date.

In the first three months of 2015, we declared and paid dividends on our Class A and Class B common stock as follows:

Dividend paid:

Dividend

amount per

share

Total amount of

dividend (in

thousands)

March 2015

0.16

4,216

Management evaluates performance and makes 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 thousands):

	Outstanding as of March 31, 2015		Remaining Available as of March 31, 2015
Floor plan note payable: non-trade	$	1,113,428	$	-	⁽¹⁾⁽⁴⁾
Floor plan notes payable		42,139		-
Used vehicle inventory financing facility		142,000		1,458	⁽²⁾
Revolving lines of credit		103,831		48,513	^(2),(3)
Real estate mortgages		372,080		-
Other debt		44,522		-
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale		2,688		-	⁽⁴⁾
Total debt	$	1,820,688	$	49,971

⁽¹⁾

As of March 31, 2015, we had a $1.25 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 March 31, 2015. This amount is reduced by $7.4 million for outstanding letters of credit.

⁽⁴⁾

As of March 31, 2015, an additional $2.7 million of floor plan notes payable outstanding on our new vehicle floor plan commitment was recorded as liabilities related to assets held for sale.

Credit Facility

We have a $1.7 billion revolving syndicated credit facility. This syndicated credit facility is comprised of 16 financial institutions, including seven manufacturer-affiliated finance companies. Our credit facility provides for up to $1.25 billion in new vehicle inventory floor plan financing, up to $150 million in used vehicle inventory floor plan financing and a maximum of $300 million in revolving financing for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions and working capital. This credit facility may be expanded to $1.85 billion total availability, subject to lender approval.

We may request a reallocation of any unused portion of our credit facility provided that the used vehicle inventory floor plan commitment does not exceed $250 million, the revolving financing commitment does not exceed $300 million, and the sum of those commitments plus the new vehicle inventory floor plan financing commitment does not exceed the total aggregate financing commitment. All borrowings from, and repayments to, our lending group are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as financing activities.

The new vehicle floor plan commitment is collateralized by our new vehicle inventory. Our used vehicle inventory financing facility is collateralized by our used vehicle inventory that has been in stock for less than 180 days. Our revolving line of credit is secured by our outstanding receivables related to vehicle sales, unencumbered vehicle inventory, other eligible receivables, parts and accessories and equipment.

We have the ability to deposit up to $50 million in cash in Principal Reduction (PR) accounts associated with our new vehicle inventory floor plan commitment. The PR accounts are recognized as offsetting credits against outstanding amounts on our new vehicle floor plan commitment and would reduce interest expense associated with the outstanding principal balance. As of March 31, 2015, we had no balances in our PR accounts.

If the outstanding principal balance on our new vehicle inventory floor plan commitment, plus requests on any day, exceeds 95% of the loan commitment, a portion of the revolving line of credit must be reserved. The reserve amount is equal to the lesser of $15.0 million or the maximum revolving line of credit commitment less the outstanding balance on the line less outstanding letters of credit. The reserve amount will decrease the revolving line of credit availability and may be used to repay the new vehicle floor plan commitment balance.

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, excluding the effects of our interest rate swaps, was 1.4% at March 31, 2015. The annual interest rate associated with our used vehicle inventory financing facility and our revolving line of credit was 1.7% and 2.2%, respectively, at March 31, 2015.

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	Requirement	As of March 31, 2015
Current ratio	Not less than 1.10 to 1		1.21 to 1
Fixed charge coverage ratio	Not less than 1.20 to 1		3.15 to 1
Leverage ratio	Not more than 5.00 to 1		2.19 to 1
Funded debt restriction	Not to exceed $600 million	$417.4 million

As of March 31, 2015, 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.

Floor Plan Notes Payable

We have floor plan agreements with manufacturer-affiliated finance companies for vehicles that are designated for use as service loaners. The variable interest rates on these floor plan notes payable commitments vary by manufacturer. At March 31, 2015, $42.1 million was outstanding on these arrangements. 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 1.7% to 5.0% at March 31, 2015. The mortgages are payable in various installments through October 2034. As of March 31, 2015, we had fixed interest rates on 72% of our outstanding mortgage debt.

Our other debt includes capital leases, sellers’ notes and our equity contribution obligations associated with the new markets tax credit equity investment. The interest rates associated with our other debt ranged from 2.0% to 9.0% at March 31, 2015. This debt, which totaled $44.5 million at March 31, 2015, is due in various installments through January 2024.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 13 of the Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates

There have been no material changes in the critical accounting policies and use of estimates described in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 2, 2015.

Seasonality and Quarterly Fluctuations

Historically, our sales have been lower in the first and fourth quarters of each year due to consumer purchasing patterns during the holiday season, inclement weather in certain of our markets and the reduced number of business days during the holiday season. As a result, financial performance is expected to be lower during the first and fourth quarters than during the second and third quarters of each fiscal year. More recently, our franchise diversification and cost control efforts have moderated the significance of our seasonality. We believe that interest rates, levels of consumer debt, consumer confidence and manufacturer sales incentives, as well as general economic conditions, also contribute to fluctuations in sales and operating results.

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.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

There have been no material changes in our reported market risks or risk management policies since the filing of our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 2, 2015.

Item 4. 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 our Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. 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.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. 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 or the proceedings described below will have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows, we cannot predict this with certainty.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Except for the risk factor set forth below, there have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The information in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the risk factors and information disclosed in that report, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 2, 2015.

We may not be able to utilize certain income tax benefits.

Our ability to utilize the income tax benefits and credits generated by our equity investments intended to generate new market tax credits (NMTC) depends on compliance with NMTC program requirements, which we do not control. Our ability to utilize NMTC, and other deferred tax assets, also depends on our generating sufficient taxable income from operations in the future. The inability to utilize the income tax benefits could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

We repurchased the following shares of our Class A common stock during the first quarter of 2015:

	Total number of shares purchased			Average price paid per share		Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plan⁽¹⁾		Maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans
January 1 to January 31		13,053	⁽²⁾	$	85.98		10,000		1,490,224
February 1 to February 28		39,895	⁽²⁾		88.00		9,237		1,480,987
March 1 to March 31		62,935	⁽²⁾		90.72		19,208		1,461,779
Total		115,883			89.25		38,445		1,461,779

(1)

In 2011 and 2012, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to a total of 3,000,000 shares of our Class A common stock. Through March 31, 2015, we have repurchased 1,538,221 shares at an average price of $32.68 per share. This authority to repurchase shares does not have an expiration date nor a maximum aggregate dollar amount for repurchases.

(2)	Of the shares repurchased in January, February and March of 2015, 3,053, 30,658 and 43,727, respectively, were related to the payment of taxes associated with the exercise of stock options or the vesting of restricted stock units.

Item 6. Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed herewith. An asterisk (*) beside the exhibit number indicates the exhibits containing a management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement.

3.1		Restated Articles of Incorporation of Lithia Motors, Inc., as amended May 13, 1999 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.1 to our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999).
3.2		2013 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Lithia Motors, Inc. (incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K dated August 20, 2013 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 26, 2013).
10.1*		Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (2015 Performance- and Time-vesting) (for Senior Executives) (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.3.7 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014)
10.2*		Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (2015 Long-term Performance-vesting) (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.3.8 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014)
10.3*		Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (2015 Time-vesting) (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.3.9 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014)
10.4		First Amendment to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement
10.5*		Brad Gray incentive arrangement
31.1		Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
31.2		Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
32.1		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.
32.2		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.
101.PRE		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements 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: May 1, 2015

LITHIA MOTORS, INC.

By: /s/ Christopher S. Holzshu

Christopher S. Holzshu

Senior Vice President,

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

(Principal Financial Officer)

By: /s/ John F. North III

John F. North III

Vice President

(Principal Accounting Officer)

Attached files

Stock widget

Investing forum

LITHIA MOTORS INC Reports