Filed by Bowne Pure Compliance
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2007
or
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from            to
Commission file number 1-12297
United Auto Group, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Delaware   22-3086739
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)   Identification No.)
     
2555 Telegraph Road,   48302-0954
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan   (Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive offices)    
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
(248) 648-2500
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 þ      No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (check one)
Large Accelerated Filer þ Accelerated Filer o      Non-accelerated Filer o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o     No þ
As of May 1, 2007, there were 94,880,292 shares of voting common stock outstanding.
 
 

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
         
    Page
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
       
 
Item 1. Financial Statements
       
 
    3  
 
    4  
 
    5  
 
    6  
 
    7  
 
    22  
 
    39  
 
    39  
 
       
       
 
       
    40  
 
       
 
    40  
 
       
 Exhibit 4.1
 Exhibit 4.2
 Exhibit 12
 Exhibit 31
 Exhibit 32

 

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UNITED AUTO GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
                 
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2007     2006  
    (Unaudited)  
    (In thousands, except  
    per share amounts)  
ASSETS
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 25,202     $ 13,147  
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,664 and $2,865
    509,348       469,601  
Inventories, net
    1,602,193       1,521,424  
Other current assets
    85,078       71,524  
Assets held for sale
    181,598       200,083  
 
           
 
Total current assets
    2,403,419       2,275,779  
Property and equipment, net
    584,710       582,220  
Goodwill
    1,264,908       1,255,949  
Franchise value
    246,789       246,118  
Other assets
    94,318       109,736  
 
           
 
               
Total assets
  $ 4,594,144     $ 4,469,802  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Floor plan notes payable
  $ 1,072,369     $ 874,326  
Floor plan notes payable — non-trade
    476,224       297,069  
Accounts payable
    272,727       301,221  
Accrued expenses
    214,882       214,406  
Current portion of long-term debt
    14,513       13,385  
Liabilities held for sale
    103,115       52,703  
 
           
 
Total current liabilities
    2,153,830       1,753,110  
Long-term debt
    864,510       1,168,666  
Other long-term liabilities
    272,805       252,373  
 
           
 
               
Total liabilities
    3,291,145       3,174,149  
 
           
 
               
Commitments and contingent liabilities
               
Stockholders’ Equity
               
Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value; 100 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding
           
Common Stock, $0.0001 par value, 240,000 shares authorized; 94,755 shares issued at March 31, 2007; 94,468 shares issued at December 31, 2006
    9       9  
Non-voting Common Stock, $0.0001 par value, 7,125 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding
           
Class C Common Stock, $0.0001 par value, 20,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding
           
Additional paid-in-capital
    770,277       768,794  
Retained earnings
    496,290       492,704  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    81,656       79,379  
Treasury stock, at cost; 5,306 shares at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006
    (45,233 )     (45,233 )
 
           
 
               
Total stockholders’ equity
    1,302,999       1,295,653  
 
           
 
               
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 4,594,144     $ 4,469,802  
 
           
See Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

 

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UNITED AUTO GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 31,  
    2007     2006  
          (Restated)*  
    (Unaudited)  
    (In thousands, except per  
    share amounts)  
Revenue:
               
New vehicle
  $ 1,645,014     $ 1,432,768  
Used vehicle
    786,910       555,102  
Finance and insurance, net
    68,894       58,049  
Service and parts
    352,570       293,656  
Fleet and wholesale vehicle
    249,782       213,211  
 
           
 
               
Total revenues
    3,103,170       2,552,786  
 
           
 
               
Cost of sales:
               
New vehicle
    1,506,668       1,306,680  
Used vehicle
    725,763       504,955  
Service and parts
    156,934       131,916  
Fleet and wholesale vehicle
    246,848       210,478  
 
           
Total cost of sales
    2,636,213       2,154,029  
 
           
 
Gross profit
    466,957       398,757  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    374,971       322,321  
Depreciation and amortization
    12,803       10,175  
 
           
Operating income
    79,183       66,261  
Floor plan interest expense
    (16,112 )     (13,950 )
Other interest expense
    (18,859 )     (11,947 )
Equity in (losses) earnings of affiliates
    (821 )     1,150  
Loss on debt redemption
    (18,634 )      
 
           
 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interests
    24,757       41,514  
Income taxes
    (8,412 )     (15,122 )
Minority interests
    (294 )     (422 )
 
           
Income from continuing operations
    16,051       25,970  
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
    (1,469 )     (2,015 )
 
           
Net income
  $ 14,582     $ 23,955  
 
           
 
               
Basic earnings per share:
               
Continuing operations
  $ 0.17     $ 0.28  
Discontinued operations
    (0.02 )     (0.02 )
Net income
    0.16       0.26  
Shares used in determining basic earnings per share
    93,808       93,024  
 
               
Diluted earnings per share:
               
Continuing operations
  $ 0.17     $ 0.28  
Discontinued operations
    (0.02 )     (0.02 )
Net income
    0.15       0.25  
Shares used in determining diluted earnings per share
    94,412       94,272  
 
               
Cash dividends per share
  $ 0.07     $ 0.06  
*   See Note 1
See Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

 

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UNITED AUTO GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 31,  
    2007     2006  
          (Restated)*  
    (Unaudited)  
    (In thousands)  
Operating Activities:
               
Net income
  $ 14,582     $ 23,955  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from continuing operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    12,803       10,175  
Undistributed losses (earnings) of equity method investments
    821       (1,107 )
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
    1,469       2,015  
Deferred income taxes
    3,172       3,961  
Debt redemption premium
    18,634        
Minority interests
    294       422  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable
    (35,763 )     26,015  
Inventories
    (80,782 )     (68,682 )
Floor plan notes payable
    198,044       40,448  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    (26,144 )     84,440  
Other
    (11,390 )     (26,405 )
 
           
 
               
Net cash from continuing operating activities
    95,740       95,237  
 
           
 
               
Investing Activities:
               
Purchase of equipment and improvements
    (36,837 )     (43,406 )
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions
    23,600       19,739  
Dealership acquisitions net, including repayment of sellers’ floorplan notes payable of $0 and $66,449, respectively
    (1,373 )     (176,230 )
Other
    8,764        
 
           
 
               
Net cash from continuing investing activities
    (5,846 )     (199,897 )
 
           
 
               
Financing Activities:
               
Proceeds from borrowings under U.S. credit agreement
    71,000       132,000  
Repayments under U.S. credit agreement
    (71,000 )     (396,000 )
Redemption 9 5/8% Senior Subordinated debt
    (314,439 )      
Issuance of convertible subordinated debt
          375,000  
Net repayments of other long-term debt
    (3,748 )     (2,784 )
Net borrowings of floor plan notes payable — non-trade
    179,155       19,728  
Payment of deferred financing costs
          (11,513 )
Proceeds from exercises of options, including excess tax benefit
    333       11,868  
Repurchase of common stock
          (18,955 )
Dividends
    (6,566 )     (5,522 )
 
           
 
               
Net cash from continuing financing activities
    (145,265 )     103,822  
 
           
 
               
Discontinued operations:
               
Net cash from discontinued operating activities
    24,272       (2,861 )
Net cash from discontinued investing activities
    19,175       7,046  
Net cash from discontinued financing activities
    23,979       (2,513 )
 
           
 
               
Net cash from discontinued operations
    67,426       1,672  
 
           
 
               
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    12,055       834  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    13,147       8,957  
 
           
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 25,202     $ 9,791  
 
           
 
               
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
Cash paid for:
               
Interest
  $ 33,592     $ 34,659  
Income taxes
    5,423       2,815  
*   See Note 1
See Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

 

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UNITED AUTO GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                                         
    Common Stock                     Accumulated                
                    Additional             Other             Total  
    Issued             Paid-In     Retained     Comprehensive     Treasury     Stockholders’  
    Shares     Amount     Capital     Earnings     Income     Stock     Equity  
                                                         
    (Unaudited)  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
                                                         
Balances, January 1, 2007
    94,468,013     $ 9     $ 768,794     $ 492,704     $ 79,379     $ (45,233 )   $ 1,295,653  
 
                                                       
Adoption of FIN 48 (Note 1)
                      (4,430 )                 (4,430 )
Restricted stock
    262,244             1,150                             1,150  
Exercise of options, including tax benefit of $144
    24,469             333                         333  
Dividends
                      (6,566 )                 (6,566 )
Foreign currency translation
                            2,099             2,099  
Other
                            178             178  
Net income
                      14,582                   14,582  
 
                                         
Balances, March 31, 2007
    94,754,726     $ 9     $ 770,277     $ 496,290     $ 81,656     $ (45,233 )   $ 1,302,999  
 
                                         
See Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

 

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UNITED AUTO GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
1. Interim Financial Statements
Basis of Presentation
The following unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements of United Auto Group, Inc. (the “Company”) have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and disclosures normally included in the Company’s annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the SEC rules and regulations. The information presented as of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 and for the three month periods ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 is unaudited, but includes all adjustments which the management of the Company believes to be necessary for the fair presentation of results for the periods presented. The consolidated condensed financial statements for prior periods have been revised for entities which have been treated as discontinued operations through March 31, 2007. The results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year. These consolidated condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2006, which are included as part of the Company’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K.
On June 1, 2006, the Company effected a two-for-one split of its voting common stock in the form of a dividend. Shareholders of record as of May 11, 2006 received one additional share for each share they owned. All share and per share information herein reflects the stock split.
Tax returns filed by the Company in all jurisdictions are subject to periodic audit by various tax authorities, certain of which are currently underway. To date, no material adjustments have been proposed in connection with these audits, and we do not anticipate that these audits will result in a material change to our financial position or results of operations. FASB Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” clarifies the accounting for uncertain tax positions, prescribing a minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized, and providing guidance on the derecognition, measurement, classification and disclosure relating to income taxes.
The Company adopted FIN No. 48 as of January 1, 2007, pursuant to which the Company recorded a $4,430 increase in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits, which was accounted for as a reduction to the January 1, 2007 balance of retained earnings. As of January 1,2007, the Company’s total amount of unrecognized tax benefit was approximately $36,600, of which approximately $23,600 could favorably impact the Company’s effective tax rate in the future.
We recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. As of March 31, 2007, we had approximately $5,500 of interest and penalties accrued relating to uncertain tax positions. We do not expect the amount of accrued interest and penalties to change materially in the next twelve months.
In September 2006, the SEC released Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements When Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements” (“SAB 108”), which permitted the Company to adjust for the cumulative effect of prior period immaterial errors in the carrying amount of assets and liabilities as of the beginning of 2006, with an offsetting adjustment to retained earnings as of January 1, 2006. SAB 108 requires the adjustment of any previously issued quarterly financial statements within 2006 for the effects of such errors on the quarters when the information is next presented. Such adjustments do not require previously filed reports with the SEC to be amended. In accordance with SAB 108, the Company adjusted its opening retained earnings as of January 1, 2006 and its financial results for the first three quarters of fiscal 2006 to correct an error related to operating leases with scheduled rent increases which were not accounted for on a straight line basis over the rental period. The error, which was previously determined to be immaterial on a quantitative and qualitative basis under the Company’s assessment methodology for each individual period, impacted net income by $804 and $2,115 during the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. A summary of the impact of the error on previously issued 2006 quarterly financial statements follows:
         
    2006
 
Cumulative effect on stockholders’ equity as of January 1,
  $ (10,792 )
Effect on:
       
Net income for the three months ended March 31,
  $ (138 )
Net income for the three months ended June 30,
  $ (143 )
Net income for the three months ended September 30,
  $ (143 )

 

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UNITED AUTO GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Discontinued Operations
The Company accounts for dispositions as discontinued operations when it is evident that the operations and cash flows of a franchise being disposed of will be eliminated from the Company’s on-going operations and that the Company will not have any significant continuing involvement in its operations. In reaching the determination as to whether the cash flows of a dealership will be eliminated from ongoing operations, the Company considers whether it is likely that customers will migrate to similar franchises that it owns in the same geographic market. The Company’s consideration includes an evaluation of the brands sold at other dealerships it operates in the market and their proximity to the disposed dealership. When the Company disposes of franchises, it typically does not have continuing brand representation in that market. If the franchise being disposed of is located in a complex of Company dealerships, the Company does not treat the disposition as a discontinued operation if the Company believes that the cash flows generated by the disposed franchise will be replaced by expanded operations of the remaining franchises. Combined financial information regarding dealerships accounted for as discontinued operations follows:
                 
    Three Months Ended
    March 31,
    2007   2006
Revenues
  $ 142,384     $ 228,175  
Pre-tax loss
    (2,147 )     (1,751 )
Gain (loss) on disposal
    231       (1,568 )
                 
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2007     2006  
Inventories
  $ 90,675     $ 105,341  
Other assets
    90,923       94,742  
 
           
                 
Total assets
  $ 181,598     $ 200,083  
 
           
 
               
Floor plan notes payable (trade and non-trade)
  $ 83,858     $ 30,190  
Other liabilities
    19,257       22,513  
 
           
 
               
Total Liabilities
  $ 103,115     $ 52,703  
 
           
Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The accounts requiring the use of significant estimates include accounts receivable, inventories, income taxes, intangible assets and certain reserves.
Intangible Assets
The Company’s principal intangible assets relate to its franchise agreements with vehicle manufacturers, which represent the estimated value of franchises acquired in business combinations, and goodwill, which represents the excess of cost over the fair value of tangible and identified intangible assets acquired in connection with business combinations. Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives. The

 

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UNITED AUTO GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Company believes the franchise value of its dealerships has an indefinite useful life based on the following facts:
    Automotive retailing is a mature industry and is based on franchise agreements with the vehicle manufacturers;
 
    There are no known changes or events that would alter the automotive retailing franchise environment;
 
    Certain franchise agreement terms are indefinite;
 
    Franchise agreements that have limited terms have historically been renewed without substantial cost; and
 
    The Company’s history shows that manufacturers have not terminated franchise agreements.
The following is a summary of the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill and franchise value for the three months ended March 31, 2007:
                 
            Franchise  
    Goodwill     Value  
Balance — January 1, 2007
  $ 1,255,949     $ 246,118  
Additions during period
    6,960        
Foreign currency translation
    1,999       671  
 
           
 
               
Balance — March 31, 2007
  $ 1,264,908     $ 246,789  
 
           
As of March 31, 2007, approximately $674,475 of the Company’s goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. The Company has established deferred tax liabilities related to the temporary differences arising from such tax deductible goodwill.
New Accounting Pronouncements
SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosure requirements relating to fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this pronouncement.
SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value and consequently report unrealized gains and losses on such items in earnings. SFAS No. 159 will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this pronouncement.
2. Inventories
Inventories consisted of the following:
                 
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2007     2006  
New vehicles
  $ 1,124,360     $ 1,080,822  
Used vehicles
    399,799       361,984  
Parts, accessories and other
    78,034       78,618  
 
           
 
               
Total inventories
  $ 1,602,193     $ 1,521,424  
 
           
The Company receives non-refundable credits from certain vehicle manufacturers which are treated as a reduction of cost of goods sold when the vehicles are sold. Such credits amounted to $7,056 and $6,480 during the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

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UNITED AUTO GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
3. Business Combinations
The Company acquired 31 franchises during the three months ended March 31, 2006. The Company’s financial statements include the results of operations of the acquired dealerships from the date of acquisition. Purchase price allocations may be subject to final adjustment. A summary of the aggregate purchase price allocations for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 follows:
                 
    March 31,  
    2007     2006  
 
Accounts receivable
  $     $ 12,175  
Inventory
          72,199  
Other current assets
          4,469  
Property and equipment
          2,791  
Goodwill
    1,373       84,422  
Franchise value
          27,482  
Current liabilities
          (27,308 )
 
           
 
               
Cash used in dealership acquisitions
  $ 1,373     $ 176,230  
 
           
The following unaudited consolidated pro forma results of operations of the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 give effect to acquisitions consummated during 2007 and 2006 as if they had occurred on January 1, 2006.
                 
    Three Months Ended
    March 31,
    2007   2006
Revenues
  $ 3,103,170     $ 2,820,990  
Income from continuing operations
    16,051       26,140  
Net income
    14,613       24,236  
Income from continuing operations per diluted common share
    0.17       0.28  
Net income per diluted common share
  $ 0.15     $ 0.26  

 

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UNITED AUTO GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
4. Floor Plan Notes Payable — Trade and Non-trade
The Company finances the majority of its new and a portion of its used vehicle inventories under revolving floor plan arrangements with various lenders. In the U.S., the floor plan arrangements are due on demand; however, the Company is generally not required to make loan principal repayments prior to the sale of the financed vehicles. The Company typically makes monthly interest payments on the amount financed. Outside the U.S., substantially all of the floor plan arrangements are payable on demand or have an original maturity of 90 days or less and the Company is generally required to repay floor plan advances at the earlier of the sale of the financed vehicles or the stated maturity. All of the floor plan agreements grant a security interest in substantially all of the assets of the Company’s dealership subsidiaries. Interest rates under the floor plan arrangements are variable and increase or decrease based on changes in defined benchmarks. The Company classifies floor plan notes payable to a party other than the manufacturer of a particular new vehicle, and all floor plan notes payable relating to pre-owned vehicles, as floor plan notes payable — non-trade on its consolidated condensed balance sheets and classifies related cash flows as a financing activity on its consolidated condensed statements of cash flows.
5. Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed using net income and weighted average shares of voting common stock outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed using net income and the weighted average shares of voting common stock outstanding, adjusted for the dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock. A reconciliation of the number of shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 follows:
                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 31,  
    2007     2006  
Weighted average shares outstanding
    93,808       93,024  
Effect of stock options
    274       764  
Effect of restricted stock
    330       484  
 
           
 
               
Weighted average shares outstanding, including effect of dilutive securities
    94,412       94,272  
 
           
In addition, the Company has senior subordinated convertible notes outstanding which, under certain circumstances discussed in Note 6, may be converted to voting common stock. As of March 31, 2007, no shares related to the senior subordinated convertible notes were included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the effect of such securities was not dilutive.
6. Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consisted of the following:
                 
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2007     2006  
 
U.S. credit agreement
  $     $  
U.K. credit agreement
    118,074       117,544  
7.75% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2016
    375,000       375,000  
3.5% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2026
    375,000       375,000  
9.625% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2012
          300,000  
Other
    10,949       14,507  
 
           
 
               
Total long-term debt
    879,023       1,182,051  
Less: Current portion
    (14,513 )     (13,385 )
 
           
 
               
Net long-term debt
  $ 864,510     $ 1,168,666  
 
           

 

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UNITED AUTO GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
U.S. Credit Agreement
The Company is party to a credit agreement with DaimlerChrysler Financial Services Americas LLC and Toyota Motor Credit Corporation, as amended (the “U.S. Credit Agreement”), which provides for up to $250,000 in revolving loans for working capital, acquisitions, capital expenditures, investments and for other general corporate purposes, and for an additional $10,000 of availability for letters of credit, through September 30, 2009. The revolving loans bear interest between defined LIBOR plus 2.50% and defined LIBOR plus 3.50%.
The U.S. Credit Agreement is fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by the Company’s domestic subsidiaries and contains a number of significant covenants that, among other things, restrict the Company’s ability to dispose of assets, incur additional indebtedness, repay other indebtedness, pay dividends, create liens on assets, make investments or acquisitions and engage in mergers or consolidations. The Company is also required to comply with specified financial and other tests and ratios, each as defined in the U.S. Credit Agreement, including: a ratio of current assets to current liabilities, a fixed charge coverage ratio, a ratio of debt to stockholders’ equity, a ratio of debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), a ratio of domestic debt to domestic EBITDA, and a measurement of stockholders’ equity. A breach of these requirements would give rise to certain remedies under the agreement, the most severe of which is the termination of the agreement and acceleration of the amounts owed. As of March 31, 2007, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the U.S. Credit Agreement.
The U.S. Credit Agreement also contains typical events of default, including change of control, non-payment of obligations and cross-defaults to the Company’s other material indebtedness. Substantially all of the Company’s domestic assets not pledged as security under floor plan arrangements are subject to security interests granted to lenders under the U.S. Credit Agreement. Outstanding letters of credit under the U.S. Credit Agreement amounted to $6,500 as of March 31, 2007. No other amounts were outstanding under this facility as of March 31, 2007.
U.K. Credit Agreement
The Company’s subsidiaries in the U.K. (the “U.K. Subsidiaries”) are party to an agreement with the Royal Bank of Scotland plc, as agent for National Westminster Bank plc, which provides for a five year multi-option credit agreement, a fixed rate credit agreement and a seasonally adjusted overdraft line of credit (collectively, the “U.K. Credit Agreement”) to be used to finance acquisitions, working capital, and general corporate purposes. The U.K. Credit Agreement provides for (1) up to £70,000 in revolving loans through August 31, 2011, which have an original maturity of 90 days or less and bear interest between defined LIBOR plus 0.65% and defined LIBOR plus 1.25%, (2) a £30,000 funded term loan which bears interest between 5.94% and 6.54% and is payable ratably in quarterly intervals commencing on June 30, 2007 through June 30, 2011, and (3) a seasonally adjusted overdraft line of credit for up to £30,000 that bears interest at the Bank of England Base Rate plus 1.00% and matures on August 31, 2011.
          The U.K. Credit Agreement is fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by the U.K. Subsidiaries, and contains a number of significant covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of the U.K. Subsidiaries to pay dividends, dispose of assets, incur additional indebtedness, repay other indebtedness, create liens on assets, make investments or acquisitions and engage in mergers or consolidations. In addition, the U.K. Subsidiaries are required to comply with specified ratios and tests, each as defined in the U.K. Credit Agreement, including: a ratio of earnings before interest and taxes plus rental payments to interest plus rental payments (as defined), a measurement of maximum capital expenditures, and a debt to EBITDA ratio (as defined). A breach of these requirements would give rise to certain remedies under the agreement, the most severe of which is the termination of the agreement and acceleration of the amounts owed. As of March 31, 2007, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the U.K. Credit Agreement.
          The U.K. Credit Agreement also contains typical events of default, including change of control and non-payment of obligations and cross-defaults to other material indebtedness of the U.K. Subsidiaries. Substantially all of the U.K. Subsidiaries’ assets not pledged as security under floor plan arrangements are subject to security interests granted to lenders under the U.K. Credit Agreement. As of March 31, 2007, outstanding loans under the U.K. Credit Agreement amounted to £60,000 ($118,074).

 

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UNITED AUTO GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
7.75% Senior Subordinated Notes
On December 4, 2006, the Company issued $375,000 aggregate principal amount of 7.75% Senior Subordinated Notes (the “7.75% Notes”) due 2016. The 7.75% Notes are unsecured senior subordinated notes and are subordinate to all existing and future senior debt, including debt under the Company’s credit agreements and floor plan indebtedness. The 7.75% Notes are guaranteed by substantially all wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries on a senior subordinated basis. The Company can redeem all or some of the 7.75% Notes at its option beginning in December 2011 at specified redemption prices, or prior to December 2011 at 100% of the principal amount of the notes plus an applicable “make-whole” premium, as defined. In addition, the Company may redeem up to 40% of the 7.75% Notes at specified redemption prices using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before December 15, 2009. Upon certain sales of assets or specific kinds of changes of control the Company is required to make an offer to purchase the 7.75% Notes. The 7.75% Notes also contain customary negative covenants and events of default. As of March 31, 2007, the Company was in compliance with all negative covenants and there were no events of default.
The Company entered into a registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers of the 7.75% Notes under which the Company agreed to file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission to allow holders to exchange the 7.75% Notes for registered notes having substantially the same terms. The Company will use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective and to complete the exchange offer within 240 days after the original issuance of the 7.75% Notes. The Company will be required to pay additional interest, subject to some limitations, to the holders of the 7.75% Notes if it fails to comply with these obligations or the registration statement ceases to be effective or fails to be usable for certain periods of time, in each case subject to certain exceptions outlined in the registration rights agreement.
Senior Subordinated Convertible Notes
On January 31, 2006, the Company issued $375,000 aggregate principal amount of 3.50% senior subordinated convertible notes due 2026 (the “Convertible Notes”). The Convertible Notes mature on April 1, 2026, unless earlier converted, redeemed or purchased by the Company. The Convertible Notes are unsecured senior subordinated obligations and are guaranteed on an unsecured senior subordinated basis by substantially all of the Company’s wholly owned domestic subsidiaries. The Convertible Notes also contain customary negative covenants and events of default. As of March 31, 2007, the Company was in compliance with all negative covenants and there were no events of default.
Holders may convert based on a conversion rate of 42.2052 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the Convertible Notes (which is equal to an initial conversion price of approximately $23.69 per share), subject to adjustment, only under the following circumstances: (1) in any quarterly period commencing after March 31, 2006, if the closing price of the common stock for twenty of the last thirty trading days in the prior quarter exceed $28.43 (subject to adjustment), (2) for specified periods, if the trading price of the Convertible Notes falls below specific thresholds, (3) if the Convertible Notes are called for redemption, (4) if specified distributions to holders of common stock are made or specified corporate transactions occur, (5) if a fundamental change (as defined) occurs, or (6) during the ten trading days prior to, but excluding, the maturity date.
Upon conversion of the Convertible Notes, for each $1,000 principal amount of the Convertible Notes, a holder will receive an amount in cash, in lieu of shares of the Company’s common stock, equal to the lesser of (i) $1,000 or (ii) the conversion value, determined in the manner set forth in the related indenture covering the Convertible Notes, of the number of shares of common stock equal to the conversion rate. If the conversion value exceeds $1,000, the Company will also deliver, at its election, cash, common stock or a combination of cash and common stock with respect to the remaining value deliverable upon conversion.
If a holder elects to convert its Convertible Notes in connection with certain events that constitute a change of control on or before April 6, 2011, the Company will pay, to the extent described in the Indenture, a make-whole premium by increasing the conversion rate applicable to such Convertible Notes. In addition, the Company will pay contingent interest in cash, commencing with any six-month period from April 1 to September 30 and from October 1 to March 31, beginning on April 1, 2011, if the average trading price of a Convertible Note for the five trading days ending on the third trading day immediately preceding the first day of that six-month period equals 120% or more of the principal amount of the Convertible Note.

 

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UNITED AUTO GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
On or after April 6, 2011, the Company may redeem the Convertible Notes, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, for cash at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes to be redeemed, plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the applicable redemption date. Holders of the Convertible Notes may require the Company to purchase all or a portion of their Securities for cash on each of April 1, 2011, April 1, 2016 and April 1, 2021 at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes to be purchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, the applicable purchase date.
9.625% Senior Subordinated Notes
In March 2007, the Company redeemed its $300,000 aggregate principal amount of 9.625% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2012 (the “9.625% Notes”) at a price of 104.813%. The 9.625% Notes were unsecured senior subordinated notes and were subordinate to all existing senior debt, including debt under the Company’s credit agreements and floor plan indebtedness. The Company incurred an $18,634 pre-tax charge in connection with the redemption, consisting of the $14,439 redemption premium and the write-off of $4,195 of unamortized deferred financing costs.
7. Stockholders’ Equity
On January 26, 2006, the Company repurchased 1,000 shares of its outstanding common stock for $18,960, or $18.96 per share.
Comprehensive income
Other comprehensive income includes changes in the fair value of interest rate swap agreements, foreign currency translation gains and losses and available for sale securities valuation adjustments that have been excluded from net income and reflected in equity. Total comprehensive income is summarized as follows:
                 
    Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
    2007     2006  
Net income
  $ 14,582     $ 23,955  
Other comprehensive income:
               
Foreign currency translation
    2,099       3,993  
Other
    178       1,305  
 
           
 
               
Comprehensive income
  $ 16,859     $ 29,253  
 
           
8. Interest Rate Swaps
The Company is party to an interest rate swap agreement through January 2008 pursuant to which a notional $200,000 of its U.S. floating rate debt was exchanged for fixed rate debt. The swap was designated as a cash flow hedge of future interest payments of the LIBOR based U.S. floor plan borrowings. During the three months ended March 31, 2007, the swap reduced the weighted average interest rate on floorplan borrowings by approximately 0.1%. As of March 31, 2007, the Company expects approximately $613 associated with the swap to be recognized as a reduction of interest expense over the next twelve months.

 

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UNITED AUTO GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
9. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
The Company is involved in litigation which may relate to issues with customers, employment related matters, class action claims, purported class action claims, and claims brought by governmental authorities. As of March 31, 2007, the Company is not party to any legal proceedings, including class action lawsuits, that, individually or in the aggregate, are reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. However, the results of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, and an unfavorable resolution of one or more of these matters could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
The Company is party to a joint venture agreement with respect to one of the Company’s franchises pursuant to which the Company is required to repurchase its partner’s interest in July 2008. The Company expects this payment to be approximately $4.0 million.
The Company leases the majority of its dealership facilities and corporate offices under non-cancelable operating lease agreements with terms from three to thirty years. Such leases typically include escalation clauses tied to an inflation index such as the Consumer Price Index and additional option periods of up to thirty years that are available to the Company.

 

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UNITED AUTO GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
10. Consolidating Condensed Financial Information
The following tables include consolidating condensed financial information as of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 and for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 for United Auto Group, Inc. (as the issuer of the Convertible Notes and the 7.75% Notes), guarantor subsidiaries and non-guarantor subsidiaries (primarily representing foreign entities). The condensed consolidating financial information includes certain allocations of balance sheet, income statement and cash flow items which are not necessarily indicative of the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of these entities on a stand-alone basis.
CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
March 31, 2007
                                         
                                    Non-  
    Total             United Auto     Guarantor     Guarantor  
    Company     Eliminations     Group, Inc.     Subsidiaries     Subsidiaries  
                    (In Thousands)                  
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 25,202     $     $ 13,558     $     $ 11,644  
Accounts receivable, net
    509,348       (176,799 )     176,799       274,711       234,637  
Inventories, net
    1,602,193                   840,734       761,459  
Other current assets
    85,078             5,814       25,662       53,602  
Assets held for sale
    181,598                   167,378       14,220  
 
                             
 
                                       
Total current assets
    2,403,419       (176,799 )     196,171       1,308,485       1,075,562  
Property and equipment, net
    584,710             3,578       310,788       270,344  
Intangible assets
    1,511,697                   939,638       572,059  
Other assets
    94,318       (1,094,665 )     1,106,951       27,040       54,992  
 
                             
 
                                       
Total assets
  $ 4,594,144     $ (1,271,464 )   $ 1,306,700     $ 2,585,951     $ 1,972,957  
 
                             
 
                                       
Floor plan notes payable
  $ 1,072,369     $     $     $ 504,804     $ 567,565  
Floor plan notes payable — non-trade
    476,224                   275,149       201,075  
Accounts payable
    272,727             2,973       94,660       175,094  
Accrued expenses
    214,882       (176,799 )     728       78,724       312,229  
Current portion of long-term debt
    14,513                   444       14,069  
Liabilities held for sale
    103,115                   89,249       13,866  
 
                             
 
                                       
Total current liabilities
    2,153,830       (176,799 )     3,701       1,043,030       1,283,898  
Long-term debt
    864,510       (254,970 )           750,821       368,659  
Other long-term liabilities
    272,805                   232,181       40,624  
 
                             
 
                                       
Total liabilities
    3,291,145       (431,769 )     3,701       2,026,032       1,693,181  
Total stockholders’ equity
    1,302,999       (839,695 )     1,302,999       559,919       279,776  
 
                             
 
                                       
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 4,594,144     $ (1,271,464 )   $ 1,306,700     $ 2,585,951     $ 1,972,957  
 
                             

 

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UNITED AUTO GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except per share amounts) — (Continued)
CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
December 31, 2006
                                         
                                    Non-  
    Total             United Auto     Guarantor     Guarantor  
    Company     Eliminations     Group, Inc.     Subsidiaries     Subsidiaries  
                    (In Thousands)                  
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 13,147     $     $ 2,419     $     $ 10,728  
Accounts receivable, net
    469,601       (200,621 )     200,621       295,224       174,377  
Inventories, net
    1,521,424                   788,333       733,091  
Other current assets
    71,524             9,426       23,454       38,644  
Assets held for sale
    200,083                   185,136       14,947  
 
                             
 
                                       
Total current assets
    2,275,779       (200,621 )     212,466       1,292,147       971,787  
Property and equipment, net
    582,220             3,824       318,510       259,886  
Intangible assets
    1,502,067                   938,142       563,925  
Other assets
    109,736       (1,070,783 )     1,082,128       42,425       55,966  
 
                             
 
                                       
Total assets
  $ 4,469,802     $ (1,271,404 )   $ 1,298,418     $ 2,591,224     $ 1,851,564  
 
                             
 
                                       
Floor plan notes payable
  $ 874,326     $     $     $ 408,647     $ 465,679  
Floor plan notes payable — non-trade
    297,069       (35,000 )           145,720       186,349  
Accounts payable
    301,221             2,738       102,957       195,526  
Accrued expenses
    214,406       (165,621 )     27       63,624       316,376  
Current portion of long-term debt
    13,385                   3,057       10,328  
Liabilities held for sale
    52,703                   37,666       15,037  
 
                             
 
                                       
Total current liabilities
    1,753,110       (200,621 )     2,765       761,671       1,189,295  
Long-term debt
    1,168,666       (260,171 )           1,050,930       377,907  
Other long-term liabilities
    252,373                   237,014       15,359  
 
                             
 
                                       
Total liabilities
    3,174,149       (460,792 )     2,765       2,049,615       1,582,561  
Total stockholders’ equity
    1,295,653       (810,612 )     1,295,653       541,609       269,003  
 
                             
 
                                       
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 4,469,802     $ (1,271,404 )   $ 1,298,418     $ 2,591,224     $ 1,851,564  
 
                             

 

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UNITED AUTO GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except per share amounts) — (Continued)
CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME
Three Months Ended March 31, 2007
                                         
                    United                
                    Auto             Non-  
    Total             Group,     Guarantor     Guarantor  
    Company     Eliminations     Inc.     Subsidiaries     Subsidiaries  
                    (In Thousands)                  
 
Revenues
  $ 3,103,170     $     $     $ 1,663,470     $ 1,439,700  
Cost of sales
    2,636,213                   1,398,348       1,237,865  
 
                             
 
                                       
Gross profit
    466,957                   265,122       201,835  
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
    374,971             4,112       216,318       154,541  
Depreciation and amortization
    12,803             345       7,021       5,437  
 
                             
 
                                       
Operating income (loss)
    79,183             (4,457 )     41,783       41,857  
Floor plan interest expense
    (16,112 )                 (8,858 )     (7,254 )
Other interest expense
    (18,859 )                 (12,238 )     (6,621 )
Equity in income (losses) of affiliates
    (821 )                 255       (1,076 )
Loss on Debt Redemption
    (18,634 )                 (18,634 )      
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
          (28,920 )     28,920              
 
                             
 
                                       
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interests
    24,757       (28,920 )     24,463       2,308       26,906  
Income taxes
    (8,412 )     9,833       (8,412 )     (1,720 )     (8,113 )
Minority interests
    (294 )                       (294 )
 
                             
 
                                       
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    16,051       (19,087 )     16,051       588       18,499  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
    (1,469 )     1,469       (1,469 )     (1,642 )     173  
 
                             
 
                                       
Net income (loss)
  $ 14,582     $ (17,618 )   $ 14,582     $ (1,054 )   $ 18,672  
 
                             

 

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UNITED AUTO GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except per share amounts) — (Continued)
CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME
Three Months Ended March 31, 2006
                                         
                    United             Non-  
    Total             Auto     Guarantor     Guarantor  
    Company     Eliminations     Group, Inc.     Subsidiaries     Subsidiaries  
                    (In Thousands)                  
 
Revenues
  $ 2,552,786     $     $     $ 1,559,934     $ 992,852  
Cost of sales
    2,154,029                   1,311,673       842,356  
 
                             
 
                                       
Gross profit
    398,757                   248,261       150,496  
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
    322,321             3,699       203,757       114,865  
Depreciation and amortization
    10,175             341       5,938       3,896  
 
                             
 
                                       
Operating income (loss)
    66,261             (4,040 )     38,566       31,735  
Floor plan interest expense
    (13,950 )                 (9,491 )     (4,459 )
Other interest expense
    (11,947 )                 (7,583 )     (4,364 )
Equity in earnings of affiliates
    1,150                   406       744  
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
          (45,132 )     45,132              
 
                             
 
                                       
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interests
    41,514       (45,132 )     41,092       21,898       23,656  
Income taxes
    (15,122 )     16,609       (15,122 )     (9,421 )     (7,188 )
Minority interests
    (422 )                       (422 )
 
                             
 
                                       
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    25,970       (28,523 )     25,970       12,477       16,046  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
    (2,015 )     2,015       (2,015 )     (2,247 )     232  
 
                             
 
                                       
Net income (loss)
  $ 23,955     $ (26,508 )   $ 23,955     $ 10,230     $ 16,278  
 
                             

 

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UNITED AUTO GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except per share amounts) — (Continued)
CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Three Months Ended March 31, 2007
                                 
                            Non-  
    Total     United Auto     Guarantor     Guarantor  
    Company     Group, Inc.     Subsidiaries     Subsidiaries  
    (In Thousands)  
 
Net cash from continuing operating activities
  $ 95,740     $ 2,474     $ 86,191     $ 7,075  
 
                       
 
                               
Investing activities:
                               
Purchase of property and equipment
    (36,837 )     (99 )     (21,889 )     (14,849 )
Proceeds from sale — leaseback transactions
    23,600             23,446       154  
Dealership acquisitions, net
    (1,373 )           (2,355 )     982  
Other
    8,764       8,764              
 
                       
 
                               
Net cash from continuing investing activities
    (5,846 )     8,665       (798 )     (13,713 )
 
                       
 
                               
Financing activities:
                               
Net borrowings (repayments) of long-term debt
    (3,748 )     6,233       (5,773 )     (4,208 )
Floor plan notes payable – non-trade
    179,155             164,429       14,726  
Proceeds from exercise of common stock including excess tax benefit
    333       333              
Redemption 9 5/8% Senior Subordinated Debt
    (314,439 )           (314,439 )      
Distributions from (to) parent
                2,520       (2,520 )
Dividends
    (6,566 )     (6,566 )            
 
                       
 
                               
Net cash from continuing financing activities
    (145,265 )           (153,263 )     7,998  
 
                       
 
                               
Net cash from discontinued operations
    67,426             67,870       (444 )
 
                       
 
                               
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    12,055       11,139             916  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    13,147       2,419             10,728  
 
                       
 
                               
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 25,202     $ 13,558     $     $ 11,644  
 
                       

 

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UNITED AUTO GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except per share amounts) — (Continued)
CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Three Months Ended March 31, 2006
                                 
                            Non-  
    Total     United Auto     Guarantor     Guarantor  
    Company     Group, Inc.     Subsidiaries     Subsidiaries  
            (In Thousands)          
 
Net cash from continuing operating activities
  $ 95,237     $ (1,953 )   $ 25,152     $ 72,038  
 
                       
 
                               
Investing activities:
                               
Purchase of property and equipment
    (43,406 )     (119 )     (20,357 )     (22,930 )
Proceeds from sale — leaseback transactions
    19,739             16,792       2,947  
Dealership acquisitions, net
    (176,230 )           (99,940 )     (76,290 )
 
                       
 
                               
Net cash from continuing investing activities
    (199,897 )     (119 )     (103,505 )     (96,273 )
 
                       
 
                               
Financing activities:
                               
Net borrowings (repayments) of long-term debt
    (266,784 )     24,122       (286,435 )     (4,471 )
Issuance of Subordinated Debt
    375,000             375,000        
Floor plan notes payable — non-trade
    19,728             (15,301 )     35,029  
Payment of deferred financing fees
    (11,513 )     (11,513 )            
Proceeds from exercise of common stock including excess tax benefit
    11,868       11,868              
Repurchase of common stock
    (18,955 )     (18,955 )            
Distributions from (to) parent
                1,525       (1,525 )
Dividends
    (5,522 )     (5,522 )            
 
                       
 
                               
Net cash from continuing financing activities
    103,822             74,789       29,033  
 
                       
 
                               
Net cash from discontinued operations
    1,672             1,409       263  
 
                       
 
                               
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    834       (2,072 )     (2,155 )     5,061  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    8,957       2,210       2,155       4,592  
 
                       
 
                               
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 9,791     $ 138     $     $ 9,653  
 
                       

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. See “Forward Looking Statements.” We have acquired a number of dealerships since inception. Our financial statements include the results of operations of acquired dealerships from the date of acquisition. This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations has been updated for the effects of revising our financial statements for entities which have been treated as discontinued operations through March 31, 2007 in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”, revised to reflect our two-for-one split of our voting common stock in the form of a stock dividend, and restated for our adoption of Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 108 “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements When Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements”.
Overview
We are the second largest automotive retailer in the United States as measured by total revenues. As of March 31, 2007, we owned and operated 165 franchises in the United States and 145 franchises outside of the U.S., primarily in the United Kingdom. We offer a full range of vehicle brands. In addition to selling new and used vehicles, we generate higher-margin revenue at each of our dealerships through maintenance and repair services and the sale and placement of higher-margin products, such as third party finance and insurance products, third-party extended service contracts and replacement and aftermarket automotive products.
New and used vehicle revenues include sales to retail customers and to leasing companies providing consumer automobile leasing. We generate finance and insurance revenues from sales of third-party extended service contracts, sales of third-party insurance policies, fees for facilitating the sale of third-party finance and lease contracts and the sale of certain other products. Service and parts revenues include fees paid for repair, maintenance and collision services, the sale of replacement parts and the sale of aftermarket accessories.
We and Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. (“Sirius”) have agreed to jointly promote Sirius Satellite Radio service. Pursuant to the terms of our arrangement with Sirius, our dealerships in the U.S. endeavor to order a significant percentage of eligible vehicles with a factory installed Sirius radio. We and Sirius have also agreed to jointly market the Sirius service under a best efforts arrangement through January 4, 2009. Our costs relating to such marketing initiatives are expensed as incurred. As compensation for our efforts, we received warrants to purchase ten million shares of Sirius common stock at $2.392 per share in 2004 that are being earned ratably on an annual basis through January 2009. We earned warrants to purchase two million shares in each of 2004, 2005 and 2006. We measure the fair value of the warrants earned ratably on the date they are earned as there are no significant disincentives for non-performance. Since we can reasonably estimate the number of warrants that will be earned pursuant to the ratable schedule, the estimated fair value (based on current fair value) of these warrants is being recognized ratably during each annual period.
We also have received the right to earn additional warrants to purchase Sirius common stock at $2.392 per share based upon the sale of certain units of specified brands through December 31, 2007. We earned 108,600, 1,269,700 and 522,400 of these warrants during the quarter ended March 31, 2007 and the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Since we cannot reasonably estimate the number of warrants that will be earned subject to the sale of units, the fair value of these warrants is being recognized when they are earned.
The value of Sirius stock has been and is expected to be subject to significant fluctuations, which may result in variability in the amount we earn under this arrangement. The warrants may be cancelled upon the termination of our arrangement in January 2009 and we may not be able to achieve the performance targets outlined in the warrants.
Our gross profit tends to vary with the mix of revenues we derive from the sale of new vehicles, used vehicles, finance and insurance products, and service and parts. Our gross profit generally varies across product lines, with vehicle sales usually resulting in lower gross profit margins and our other revenues resulting in higher gross profit margins. Factors such as seasonality, weather, cyclicality and manufacturers’ advertising and incentives may impact the mix of our revenues, and therefore influence our gross profit margin.
Our selling expenses consist of advertising and compensation for sales personnel, including commissions and related bonuses. General and administrative expenses include compensation for administration, finance, legal and general management personnel, rent, insurance, utilities and other outside services. A significant portion of our selling expenses are variable, and a significant portion of our general and administrative expenses are subject to our control, allowing us to adjust them over time to reflect economic trends.

 

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Floor plan interest expense relates to obligations incurred in connection with the acquisition of new and used vehicle inventories. Other interest expense consists of interest charges on all of our interest-bearing debt, other than interest relating to floor plan financing.
The future success of our business will likely be dependent on, among other things, our ability to consummate and integrate acquisitions, our ability to increase sales of higher margin products, especially service and parts services, and our ability to realize returns on our significant capital investment in new and upgraded dealerships. See “Forward-Looking Statements.”
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires the application of accounting policies that often involve making estimates and employing judgments. Such judgments influence the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses recognized in our financial statements. Management, on an ongoing basis, reviews these estimates and assumptions. Management may determine that modifications in assumptions and estimates are required, which may result in a material change in our results of operations or financial position.
The following are the accounting policies applied in the preparation of our financial statements that management believes are most dependent upon the use of estimates and assumptions.
Revenue Recognition
Vehicle, Parts and Service Sales
We record revenue when vehicles are delivered and title has passed to the customer, when vehicle service or repair work is performed and when parts are delivered to our customers. Sales promotions that we offer to customers are accounted for as a reduction of revenues at the time of sale. Rebates and other incentives offered directly to us by manufacturers are recognized as a reduction of cost of sales. Reimbursement of qualified advertising expenses are treated as a reduction of selling, general and administrative expenses. The amounts received under various manufacturer rebate and incentive programs are based on the attainment of program objectives, and such earnings are recognized either upon the sale of the vehicle for which the award was received, or upon attainment of the particular program goals if not associated with individual vehicles. During the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, we earned $81.9 million and $63.5 million, respectively, of rebates incentives and reimbursements from manufacturers, of which $80.3 million and $62.2 million was recorded as a reduction of cost of sales.
Finance and Insurance Sales
Subsequent to the sale of the vehicle to a customer, we sell our credit contracts to various financial institutions on a non-recourse basis to mitigate the risk of default. We receive a commission from the lender equal to either the difference between the interest rates charged to customers and the interest rates set by the financing institution or a flat fee. We also receive commissions for facilitating the sale of various third-party insurance products to customers, including credit and life insurance policies and extended service contracts. These commissions are recorded as revenue at the time the customer enters into the contract. In the case of finance contracts, a customer may prepay or fail to pay their contract, thereby terminating the contract. Customers may also terminate extended service contracts and other insurance products, which are fully paid at purchase, and become eligible for refunds of unused premiums. In these circumstances, a portion of the commissions we received may be charged back to us based on the terms of the contracts. The revenue we record relating to these transactions is net of an estimate of the amount of chargebacks we will be required to pay. Our estimate is based upon our historical experience with similar contracts, including the impact of refinance and default rates on retail finance contracts and cancellation rates on extended service contracts and other insurance products. Aggregate reserves relating to chargeback activity were $18.5 million and $16.9 million as of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively. Changes in reserve estimates relate primarily to an increase in the amount of revenues subject to chargeback.

 

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Intangible Assets
Our principal intangible assets relate to our franchise agreements with vehicle manufacturers, which represent the estimated value of franchises acquired in business combinations, and goodwill, which represents the excess of cost over the fair value of tangible and identified intangible assets acquired in connection with business combinations. Intangible assets are required to be amortized over their estimated useful lives. We believe the franchise values of our dealerships have an indefinite useful life based on the following facts:
    Automotive retailing is a mature industry and is based on franchise agreements with the vehicle manufacturers;
 
    There are no known changes or events that would alter the automotive retailing franchise environment;
 
    Certain franchise agreement terms are indefinite;
 
    Franchise agreements that have limited terms have historically been renewed without substantial cost; and
 
    Our history shows that manufacturers have not terminated franchise agreements.
Impairment Testing
Franchise value impairment is assessed as of October 1 every year through a comparison of the carrying amounts of our franchises with their estimated fair values. We also evaluate our franchises in connection with the annual impairment testing to determine whether events and circumstances continue to support our assessment that the franchise has an indefinite life.
Goodwill impairment is assessed at the reporting unit level as of October 1 every year and upon the occurrence of an indicator of impairment. If an indication of impairment exists, the impairment is measured by comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill and an impairment loss may be recognized equal to that excess.
The fair values of franchise value and goodwill are determined using a discounted cash flow approach, which includes assumptions relating to revenue and profitability growth, franchise profit margins, residual values and our cost of capital. If future events and circumstances cause significant changes in the assumptions underlying our analysis which results in a reduction of our estimates of fair value, we may incur an impairment charge.
Investments
Investments include marketable securities and investments in businesses accounted for under the equity method and the cost method. Investments held by us are typically classified as available for sale and are stated at fair value on our balance sheet with unrealized gains and losses included in other comprehensive income (loss), a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Declines in investment values that are deemed to be other than temporary would be an indicator of impairment and may result in an impairment charge reducing the investments’ carrying value to fair value. A majority of our investments are in joint venture relationships that are more fully described in “Joint Venture Relationships” below. Such joint venture relationships are accounted for under the equity method, pursuant to which we record our proportionate share of the joint venture’s income each period.
The net book value of the Company’s investments was $68.9 million and $69.5 million as of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively. Investments for which there is not a liquid, actively traded market are reviewed periodically by management for indicators of impairment. If an indicator of impairment was identified, management would estimate the fair value of the investment using a discounted cash flow approach, which would include assumptions relating to revenue and profitability growth, profit margins, residual values and our cost of capital. Declines in investment values that are deemed to be other than temporary may result in an impairment charge reducing the investments’ carrying value to fair value. No impairments were recognized during the periods presented.

 

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Self-Insurance
We retain risk relating to certain of our general liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, auto physical damage insurance, property insurance and employee medical benefits in the United States. As a result, we are likely to be responsible for a majority of the claims and losses incurred under these programs. The amount of risk we retain varies by program, and, for certain exposures, we have pre-determined maximum exposure limits for certain individual claims and/or insurance periods. Losses, if any, above the pre-determined exposure limits are paid by third-party insurance carriers. Our estimate of future losses is prepared by management using our historical loss experience and industry-based development factors. Aggregate reserves relating to retained risk were $14.5 million and $13.4 million as of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively. Changes in the reserve estimate during 2007 relate primarily to incremental loss experience in our employee medical, general liability and workers compensation programs.
Income Taxes
Tax regulations may require items to be included in our tax return at different times than the items are reflected in our financial statements. Some of these differences are permanent, such as expenses that are not deductible on our tax return, and some are timing differences, such as the timing of depreciation expense. Timing differences create deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets generally represent items that can be used as a tax deduction or credit in our tax return in future years which we have already recorded in our financial statements. Deferred tax liabilities generally represent deductions taken on our tax return that have not yet been recognized as expense in our financial statements. We establish valuation allowances for our deferred tax assets if the amount of expected future taxable income is not likely to allow for the use of the deduction or credit. A valuation allowance of $3.9 million has been recorded relating to state net operating loss and credit carryforwards in the United States based on our determination that it is more likely than not that they will not be utilized.
Classification of Franchises in Continuing and Discontinued Operations
We classify the results of our operations in our consolidated financial statements based on the provisions of SFAS No. 144. Many of these provisions involve judgment in determining whether a franchise will be reported within continuing or discontinued operations. Such judgments include whether a franchise will be sold or terminated, the period required to complete the disposition, and the likelihood of changes to a plan for sale. If in future periods we determine that a franchise should be either reclassified from continuing operations to discontinued operations or from discontinued operations to continuing operations, our consolidated financial statements for prior periods would be revised to reflect such reclassification.
New Accounting Pronouncements
SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosure requirements relating to fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2008. We are currently evaluating the impact of this pronouncement.
SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value and consequently report unrealized gains and losses on such items in earnings. SFAS No. 159 will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2008. We are currently evaluating the impact of this pronouncement.

 

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Results of Operations
The following tables present comparative financial data relating to our operating performance in the aggregate and on a “same store” basis. Dealership results are only included in same store comparisons when we have consolidated the acquired entity during the entirety of both periods being compared. As an example, if a dealership was acquired on January 15, 2005, the results of the acquired entity would be included in annual same store comparisons beginning with the year ended December 31, 2007 and in quarterly same store comparisons beginning with the quarter ended June 30, 2006.
Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 (dollars in millions, except per unit amounts)
Our results for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 include a charge of $18.6 million ($12.3 million after-tax), or $0.13 per share, relating to the redemption of the $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9.625% Senior Subordinated Notes at a price of 104.813%.
Total Retail Data
                                 
                    2007 vs. 2006
    2007   2006   Change   % Change
Total retail unit sales
    71,158       62,300       8,858       14.2 %
Total same store retail unit sales
    64,141       60,846       3,295       5.4 %
Total retail sales revenue
  $ 2,853.4     $ 2,339.6     $ 513.8       22.0 %
Total same store retail sales revenue
  $ 2,525.1     $ 2,278.3     $ 246.8       10.8 %
Total retail gross profit
  $ 464.0     $ 396.0     $ 68.0       17.2 %
Total same store retail gross profit
  $ 417.4     $ 386.1     $ 31.3       8.1 %
Total retail gross margin
    16.3 %     16.9 %     (0.6 )%     (3.6 %)
Total same store retail gross margin
    16.5 %     16.9 %     (0.4 )%     (2.4 %)
Units
Retail data includes retail new vehicle, retail used vehicle, finance and insurance and service and parts transactions. Retail unit sales of vehicles increased by 8,858 units, or 14.2%, from 2006 to 2007. The increase is due to a 3,295 unit, or 5.4%, increase in same store retail unit sales, coupled with a 5,563 unit increase from net dealership acquisitions during the period. The increase in same store retail unit sales in 2007 was driven primarily by increases in our premium and volume foreign brands in both the U.K. and U.S.
Revenues
Retail sales revenue increased $513.8 million, or 22.0%, from 2006 to 2007. The increase is due to a $246.8 million, or 10.8%, increase in same store revenues, coupled with a $267.0 million increase from net dealership acquisitions during the period. The same store revenue increase is due to (1) a $1,784, or 5.3%, increase in average new vehicle revenue per unit, which increased revenue by $74.0 million, (2) a $1,907, or 6.9%, increase in average used vehicle revenue per unit, which increased revenue by $36.9 million, (3) a $46, or 4.9%, increase in average finance and insurance revenue per unit, which increased revenue by $2.8 million, (4) a $27.9 million, or 9.7%, increase in service and parts revenues, and (5) a 5.4% increase in retail unit sales which increased revenue by $105.2 million.
Gross Profit
Retail gross profit increased $68.0 million, or 17.2%, from 2006 to 2007. The increase is due to a $31.3 million, or 8.1%, increase in same store retail gross profit, coupled with a $36.7 million increase from net dealership acquisitions during the period. The same store retail gross profit increase is due to (1) a $9, or 0.3%, increase in average gross profit per new vehicle retailed, which increased retail gross profit by $0.4 million, (2) a $46, or 4.9%, increase in average finance and insurance revenue per unit, which increased retail gross profit by $2.8 million, (3) a $17.5 million, or 11.1%, increase in service and parts gross profit, and (4) the 5.4% increase in retail unit sales, which increased retail gross profit by $11.6 million, offset by a $50, or 2.0%, decrease in average gross profit per used vehicle retailed, which decreased retail gross profit by $1.0 million.

 

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New Vehicle Data
                                 
                    2007 vs. 2006
    2007   2006   Change   % Change
New retail unit sales
    45,516       42,316       3,200       7.6 %
Same store new retail unit sales
    42,231       41,471       760       1.8 %
New retail sales revenue
  $ 1,645.0     $ 1,432.8     $ 212.2       14.8 %
Same store new retail sales revenue
  $ 1,500.0     $ 1,399.0     $ 101.0       7.2 %
New retail sales revenue per unit
  $ 36,141     $ 33,859     $ 2,282       6.7 %
Same store new retail sales revenue per unit
  $ 35,519     $ 33,735     $ 1,784       5.3 %
Gross profit — new
  $ 138.4     $ 126.1     $ 12.3       9.8 %
Same store gross profit — new
  $ 125.6     $ 123.0     $ 2.6       2.1 %
Average gross profit per new vehicle retailed
  $ 3,040     $ 2,980     $ 60       2.0 %
Same store average gross profit per new vehicle retailed
  $ 2,974     $ 2,965     $ 9       0.3 %
Gross margin % — new
    8.4 %     8.8 %     (0.4 %)     (4.5 %)
Same store gross margin % — new
    8.4 %     8.8 %     (0.4 %)     (4.5 %)
Units
Retail unit sales of new vehicles increased 3,200 units, or 7.6%, from 2006 to 2007. The increase is due to a 760 unit, or 1.8%, increase in same store retail unit sales, coupled with a 2,440 unit increase from net dealership acquisitions during the period. The same store increase was due primarily to increases in our premium and volume foreign brands in the U.K.
Revenues
New vehicle retail sales revenue increased $212.2 million, or 14.8%, from 2006 to 2007. The increase is due to a $101.0 million, or 7.2%, increase in same store revenues, coupled with a $111.2 million increase from net dealership acquisitions during the period. The same store revenue increase is due to the 1.8% increase in retail unit sales, which increased revenue by $27.0 million, coupled with a $1,784, or 5.3%, increase in comparative average selling prices per unit, which increased revenue by $74.0 million.
Gross Profit
Retail gross profit from new vehicle sales increased $12.3 million, or 9.8%, from 2006 to 2007. The increase is due to a $2.6 million, or 2.1%, increase in same store gross profit, coupled with a $9.7 million increase from net dealership acquisitions during the period. The same store increase is due to the 1.8% increase in new retail unit sales, which increased gross profit by $2.2 million, coupled with the $9, or 0.3%, increase in average gross profit per new vehicle retailed, which increased gross profit by $0.4 million.

 

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Used Vehicle Data
                                 
                    2007 vs. 2006
    2007   2006   Change   % Change
Used retail unit sales
    25,642       19,984       5,658       28.3 %
Same store used retail unit sales
    21,910       19,375       2,535       13.1 %
Used retail sales revenue
  $ 786.9     $ 555.1     $ 231.8       41.8 %
Same store used retail sales revenue
  $ 647.3     $ 535.4     $ 111.9       20.9 %
Used retail sales revenue per unit
  $ 30,688     $ 27,777     $ 2,911       10.5 %
Same store used retail sales revenue per unit
  $ 29,543     $ 27,636     $ 1,907       6.9 %
Gross profit — used
  $ 61.1     $ 50.1     $ 11.0       22.0 %
Same store gross profit — used
  $ 53.5     $ 48.2     $ 5.3       11.0 %
Average gross profit per used vehicle retailed
  $ 2,385     $ 2,509     $ (124 )     (4.9 %)
Same store average gross profit per used vehicle retailed
  $ 2,440     $ 2,490     $ (50 )     (2.0 %)
Gross margin % — used
    7.8 %     9.0 %     (1.2 %)     (13.3 %)
Same store gross margin % — used
    8.3 %     9.0 %     (0.7 %)     (7.8 %)
Units
Retail unit sales of used vehicles increased 5,658 units, or 28.3%, from 2006 to 2007. The increase is due to a 2,535 unit, or 13.1%, increase in same store retail unit sales, coupled with a 3,123 unit increase from net dealership acquisitions during the period. The same store increase was due primarily to increases in premium brands in the U.S. and U.K. and volume foreign brands in the U.S.
Revenues
Used vehicle retail sales revenue increased $231.8 million, or 41.8%, from 2006 to 2007. The increase is due to a $111.9 million, or 20.9%, increase in same store revenues, coupled with a $119.9 million increase from net dealership acquisitions during the period. The same store revenue increase is due primarily to the 13.1% increase in retail unit sales, which increased revenue by $75.0 million, coupled with a $1,907, or 6.9%, increase in comparative average selling prices per vehicle, which increased revenue by $36.9 million.
Gross Profit
Retail gross profit from used vehicle sales increased $11.0 million, or 22.0%, from 2006 to 2007. The increase is due to a $5.3 million, or 11.0%, increase in same store gross profit, coupled with a $5.7 million increase from net dealership acquisitions during the period. The increase in same store gross profit is due primarily to the 13.1% increase in used retail unit sales, which increased gross profit by $6.3 million, offset by the $50, or 2.0%, decrease in average gross profit per used vehicle retailed, which decreased retail gross profit by $1.0 million.
Finance and Insurance Data
                                 
                    2007 vs. 2006
    2007   2006   Change   % Change
Finance and insurance revenue
  $ 68.9     $ 58.0     $ 10.9       18.8 %
Same store finance and insurance revenue
  $ 63.0     $ 57.0     $ 6.0       10.6 %
Finance and insurance revenue per unit
  $ 968     $ 932     $ 36       3.9 %
Same store finance and insurance revenue per unit
  $ 982     $ 936     $ 46       4.9 %
Finance and insurance revenue increased $10.9 million, or 18.8%, from 2006 to 2007. The increase is due to a $6.0 million, or 10.5%, increase in same store revenues, coupled with a $4.9 million increase from net dealership acquisitions during the period. The same store revenue increase is due primarily to the 5.4% increase in retail unit sales, which increased revenue by $3.2 million, coupled with the $46, or 4.9%, increase in comparative average finance and insurance revenue per unit, which increased revenue by $2.8 million.

 

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Service and Parts Data
                                 
                    2007 vs. 2006
    2007   2006   Change   % Change
Service and parts revenue
  $ 352.6     $ 293.7     $ 58.9       20.1 %
Same store service and parts revenue
  $ 314.8     $ 286.9     $ 27.9       9.7 %
Gross profit
  $ 195.6     $ 161.7     $ 33.9       21.0 %
Same store gross profit
  $ 175.4     $ 157.9     $ 17.5       11.1 %
Gross margin
    55.5 %     55.1 %     0.4 %     0.7 %
Same store gross margin
    55.7 %     55.1 %     0.6 %     1.1 %
Revenues
Service and parts revenue increased $58.9 million, or 20.1%, from 2006 to 2007. The increase is due to the $27.9 million, or 9.7%, increase in same store revenues, coupled with a $31.0 million increase from net dealership acquisitions during the period. We believe that our service and parts business is being positively impacted by the growth in total retail unit sales at our dealerships in recent years and capacity increases in our service and parts operations resulting from our ongoing facility improvement and expansion programs.
Gross Profit
Service and parts gross profit increased $33.9 million, or 21.0%, from 2006 to 2007. The increase is due to the $17.5 million, or 11.1%, increase in same store gross profit, coupled with a $16.4 million increase from net dealership acquisitions during the period. The same store gross profit increase is due to the $27.9 million, or 9.7%, increase in same store revenues, which increased gross profit by $15.6 million, and a 70 basis point increase in gross margin, which increased gross profit by $1.9 million.
Selling, General and Administrative
Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) increased $52.7 million, or 16.3%, from $322.3 million to $375.0 million. The aggregate increase is primarily due to a $22.4 million, or 7.1%, increase in same store SG&A, coupled with a $30.3 million increase from net dealership acquisitions during the period. The increase in same store SG&A is due in large part to a net increase in variable selling expenses, including increases in variable compensation as a result of the 8.1% increase in same store retail gross profit over the prior year, coupled with increased rent and other costs relating to our ongoing facility improvement and expansion programs. SG&A expenses decreased as a percentage of total revenue from 12.6% to 12.1% and decreased as a percentage of gross profit from 80.8% to 80.3%.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization increased $2.6 million, or 25.8%, from $10.2 million to $12.8 million. The increase is due to a $1.6 million, or 16.9%, increase in same store depreciation and amortization, coupled with a $1.0 million increase from net dealership acquisitions during the period. The same store increase is due in large part to our ongoing facility improvement and expansion program.
Floor Plan Interest Expense
Floor plan interest expense increased $2.1 million, or 15.5%, from $14.0 million to $16.1 million. The increase is due to a $0.5 million, or 3.4%, increase in same store floor plan interest expense, coupled with a $1.6 million increase from net dealership acquisitions during the period. The same store increase is due in large part to increases in the underlying variable rates of our revolving floor plan arrangements, somewhat offset by decreases in our average amounts outstanding.

 

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Other Interest Expense
Other interest expense increased $6.9 million, or 57.5%, from $12.0 million to $18.9 million. The increase is due primarily to an increase in our average total outstanding indebtedness in 2007 versus 2006, offset in part by a decrease in our weighted average interest rate.
In March 2007, we redeemed our outstanding $300.0 million 9.625% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2012 at a price of 104.813%. We incurred a $18.6 million pretax charge in connection with the redemption, consisting of the $14.4 million redemption premium and the write-off of $4.2 million of unamortized deferred financing costs.
Income Taxes
Income taxes decreased $6.7 million, or 44.4%, from $15.1 million to $8.4 million. The decrease from 2006 to 2007 is due primarily to our decrease in pre-tax income versus the prior year, coupled with a reduction in our overall effective income tax rate.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our cash requirements are primarily for working capital, inventory financing, the acquisition of new dealerships, the improvement and expansion of existing facilities, the construction of new facilities and dividends. Historically, these cash requirements have been met through cash flow from operations, borrowings under our credit agreements and floor plan arrangements, the issuance of debt securities, sale-leaseback transactions or the issuance of equity securities. As of March 31, 2007, we had working capital of $249.6 million, including $25.2 million of cash available to fund our operations and capital commitments. In addition, we had $250.0 million and £60 million ($118.6 million) available for borrowing under our U.S. credit agreement and our U.K. credit agreement, respectively, each of which are discussed below.
We paid a dividend of six cents per share on March 1, 2006 and dividends of seven cents per share on June 1, 2006, September 1, 2006, December 1, 2006 and March 1, 2007. We have also declared a dividend of $0.07 cents per share payable on June 1, 2007 to shareholders of record on May 11, 2007. Future quarterly or other cash dividends will depend upon our earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, restrictions on any then existing indebtedness and other factors considered relevant by our Board of Directors.
We have grown primarily through organic growth and through the acquisition of automotive dealerships. We believe that cash flow from operations and our existing capital resources, including the liquidity provided by our credit agreements and floor plan financing arrangements, will be sufficient to fund our operations and commitments for at least the next twelve months. To the extent we pursue additional significant acquisitions, we may need to raise additional capital either through the public or private issuance of equity or debt securities or through additional bank borrowing which sources of funds may not necessarily be available on terms acceptable to us, if at all.
Inventory Financing
We finance substantially all of our new and a portion of our used vehicle inventories under revolving floor plan arrangements with various lenders. In the U.S., the floor plan arrangements are due on demand; however, we are generally not required to make loan principal repayments prior to the sale of the vehicles financed. We typically make monthly interest payments on the amount financed. In the U.K., substantially all of our floor plan arrangements are payable on demand or have an original maturity of 90 days or less and we are generally required to repay floor plan advances at the earlier of the sale of the vehicles financed or the stated maturity. The floor plan agreements grant a security interest in substantially all of the assets of our dealership subsidiaries. Interest rates under the floor plan arrangements are variable and increase or decrease based on changes in defined benchmarks. We receive non-refundable credits from certain of our vehicle manufacturers, which are treated as a reduction of cost of goods sold as vehicles are sold.

 

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U.S. Credit Agreement
We are party to a credit agreement with DaimlerChrysler Financial Services Americas LLC and Toyota Motor Credit Corporation, as amended, which provides for up to $250.0 million in revolving loans for working capital, acquisitions, capital expenditures, investments and for other general corporate purposes, and for an additional $10.0 million of availability for letters of credit, through September 30, 2009. The revolving loans bear interest between defined LIBOR plus 2.50% and defined LIBOR plus 3.50%.
The U.S. credit agreement is fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by our domestic subsidiaries and contains a number of significant covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to dispose of assets, incur additional indebtedness, repay other indebtedness, pay dividends, create liens on assets, make investments or acquisitions and engage in mergers or consolidations. We are also required to comply with specified financial and other tests and ratios, each as defined in the U.S. credit agreement, including: a ratio of current assets to current liabilities, a fixed charge coverage ratio, a ratio of debt to stockholders’ equity, a ratio of debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), a ratio of domestic debt to domestic EBITDA, and a measurement of stockholders’ equity. A breach of these requirements would give rise to certain remedies under the agreement, the most severe of which is the termination of the agreement and acceleration of the amounts owed. As of March 31, 2007, we were in compliance with all covenants under the U.S. credit agreement, and we believe we will remain in compliance with such covenants for the foreseeable future. In making such determination, we have considered the current margin of compliance with the covenants and the expected future results of operations, working capital requirements, acquisitions, capital expenditures and investments in the U.S.
The U.S. credit agreement also contains typical events of default, including change of control, non-payment of obligations and cross-defaults to our other material indebtedness. Substantially all of our domestic assets not pledged as security under floor plan arrangements are subject to security interests granted to lenders under the U.S. credit agreement. Outstanding letters of credit under the U.S. credit agreement amounted to $6.5 million as of March 31, 2007. No other amounts were outstanding under the U.S. credit facility as of March 31, 2007.
U.K. Credit Agreement
Our subsidiaries in the U.K. are party to an agreement with the Royal Bank of Scotland plc, as agent for National Westminster Bank plc, which provides for a five year multi-option credit agreement, a fixed rate credit agreement and a seasonally adjusted overdraft line of credit to be used to finance acquisitions, working capital, and general corporate purposes. The U.K. credit agreement provides for (1) up to £70.0 million in revolving loans through August 31, 2011, which have an original maturity of 90 days or less and bear interest between defined LIBOR plus 0.65% and defined LIBOR plus 1.25%, (2) a £30.0 million funded term loan which bears interest between 5.94% and 6.54% and is payable ratably in quarterly intervals commencing on June 30, 2007 through June 30, 2011, and (3) a seasonally adjusted overdraft line of credit for up to £30.0 million that bears interest at the Bank of England Base Rate plus 1.00% and matures on August 31, 2011.
The U.K. credit agreement is fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by the U.K. Subsidiaries, and contains a number of significant covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of the U.K. Subsidiaries to pay dividends, dispose of assets, incur additional indebtedness, repay other indebtedness, create liens on assets, make investments or acquisitions and engage in mergers or consolidations. In addition, our U.K. subsidiaries are required to comply with specified ratios and tests, each as defined in the U.K. credit agreement, including: a ratio of earnings before interest and taxes plus rental payments to interest plus rental payments (as defined), a measurement of maximum capital expenditures, and a debt to EBITDA ratio (as defined). A breach of these requirements would give rise to certain remedies under the agreement, the most severe of which is the termination of the agreement and acceleration of the amounts owed. As of March 31, 2007, we were in compliance with all covenants under the U.K. credit agreement, and we believe we will remain in compliance with such covenants for the foreseeable future. In making such determination, we have considered the current margin of compliance with the covenants and the expected future results of operations, working capital requirements, acquisitions, capital expenditures and investments in the U.K.
The U.K. credit agreement also contains typical events of default, including change of control and non-payment of obligations and cross-defaults to other material indebtedness of the U.K. subsidiaries. Substantially all of our U.K. subsidiaries’ assets not pledged as security under floor plan arrangements are subject to security interests granted to lenders under the U.K. credit agreement. As of March 31, 2007, outstanding loans under the U.K. credit agreement amounted to £60.0 million ($118.1 million).

 

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7.75% Senior Subordinated Notes
On December 4, 2006 we issued $375.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.75% Senior Subordinated Notes (the “7.75% Notes”) due 2016. The 7.75% Notes are unsecured senior subordinated notes and are subordinate to all existing and future senior debt, including debt under our credit agreements and floor plan indebtedness. The 7.75% Notes are guaranteed by substantially all wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries on a senior subordinated basis. We can redeem all or some of the 7.75% Notes at our option beginning in December 2011 at specified redemption prices, or prior to December 2011 at 100% of the principal amount of the notes plus an applicable “make-whole” premium, as defined. In addition, we may redeem up to 40% of the 7.75% Notes at specified redemption prices using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before December 15, 2009. Upon certain sales of assets or specific kinds of changes of control we are required to make an offer to purchase the 7.75% Notes. The 7.75% Notes also contain customary negative covenants and events of default. As of March 31, 2007, we were in compliance with all negative covenants and there were no events of default.
We entered into a registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers of the 7.75% Notes under which we agreed to file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission to allow holders to exchange the 7.75% Notes for registered notes having substantially the same terms. We will use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective and to complete the exchange offer within 240 days after the original issuance of the 7.75% Notes. We will be required to pay additional interest, subject to some limitations, to the holders of the 7.75% Notes if we fail to comply with these obligations or the registration statement ceases to be effective or fails to be usable for certain periods of time, in each case subject to certain exceptions outlined in the registration rights agreement.
Senior Subordinated Convertible Notes
On January 31, 2006, we issued $375.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.50% senior subordinated convertible notes due 2026 (the “Convertible Notes”). The Convertible Notes mature on April 1, 2026, unless earlier converted, redeemed or purchased by the Company. The Convertible Notes are unsecured senior subordinated obligations and are guaranteed on an unsecured senior subordinated basis by substantially all of our wholly owned domestic subsidiaries. The Convertible Notes also contain customary negative covenants and events of default. As of March 31, 2007, we were in compliance with all negative covenants and there were no events of default.
Holders may convert based on a conversion rate of 42.2052 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the Convertible Notes (which is equal to a conversion price of approximately $23.69 per share), subject to adjustment, only under the following circumstances: (1) in any quarterly period commencing after March 31, 2006, if the closing price of our common stock for twenty of the last thirty trading days in the prior quarter exceeds $28.43 (subject to adjustment), (2) for specified periods, if the trading price of the Convertible Notes falls below specific thresholds, (3) if the Convertible Notes are called for redemption, (4) if specified distributions to holders of our common stock are made or specified corporate transactions occur, (5) if a fundamental change (as defined) occurs, or (6) during the ten trading days prior to, but excluding, the maturity date.
Upon conversion of the Convertible Notes, for each $1,000 principal amount of the Convertible Notes, a holder will receive an amount in cash, in lieu of shares of our common stock, equal to the lesser of (i) $1,000 or (ii) the conversion value, determined in the manner set forth in the related indenture covering the Convertible Notes, of the number of shares of common stock equal to the conversion rate. If the conversion value exceeds $1,000, we will also deliver, at our election, cash, common stock or a combination of cash and common stock with respect to the remaining value deliverable upon conversion.
If a holder elects to convert its Convertible Notes in connection with certain events that constitute a change of control on or before April 6, 2011, we will pay, to the extent described in the related Indenture, a make-whole premium by increasing the conversion rate applicable to such Convertible Notes. In addition, we will pay contingent interest in cash, commencing with any six-month period from April 1 to September 30 and from October 1 to March 31, beginning on April 1, 2011, if the average trading price of a Convertible Note for the five trading days ending on the third trading day immediately preceding the first day of that six-month period equals 120% or more of the principal amount of the Convertible Note.
On or after April 6, 2011, we may redeem the Convertible Notes, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, for cash at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes to be redeemed, plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the applicable redemption date. Holders of the Convertible Notes may require us to purchase all or a portion of their Convertible Notes for cash on each of April 1, 2011, April 1, 2016 and April 1, 2021 at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes to be purchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the applicable purchase date.
9.625% Senior Subordinated Notes
In March 2007, we redeemed our outstanding $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9.625% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2012 (the “9.625% Notes”) at a price of 104.813%. The 9.625% Notes were unsecured senior subordinated notes and were subordinate to all existing senior debt, including debt under our credit agreements and floor plan indebtedness. We incurred an $18.6 million pre-tax charge in connection with the redemption, consisting of the $14.4 million redemption premium and the write-off of $4.2 million of unamortized deferred financing costs.

 

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Share Repurchase
On January 26, 2006, we repurchased 1.0 million shares of our outstanding common stock for $19.0 million, or $18.96 per share.
Interest Rate Swaps
We are party to an interest rate swap agreement through January 2008 pursuant to which a notional $200.0 million of our U.S. floating rate debt was exchanged for fixed rate debt. The swap was designated as a cash flow hedge of future interest payments of LIBOR based U.S. floor plan borrowings. As of March 31, 2007, we expect approximately $0.6 million associated with the swap to be recognized as a reduction of interest expense over the next twelve months.
Other Financing Arrangements
We have in the past and expect in the future to enter into significant sale-leaseback transactions to finance certain property acquisitions and capital expenditures, pursuant to which we sell property and/or leasehold improvements to a third-party and agree to lease those assets back for a certain period of time. Such sales generate proceeds which vary from period to period.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements – 3.5% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due 2026
The Convertible Notes are convertible into shares of our common stock, at the option of the holder, based on certain conditions described above. Certain of these conditions are linked to the market value of our common stock. This type of financing arrangement was selected by us in order to achieve a more favorable interest rate (as opposed to other forms of available financing). Since we or the holders of the Convertible Notes can redeem these notes on or after April 2011, a conversion or a redemption of these notes is likely to occur in 2011. The repayment will include cash for the principal amount of the Convertible Notes then outstanding plus an amount payable in either cash or stock, at our option, depending on the trading price of our common stock.
Cash Flows
Cash and cash equivalents increased by $12.1 million and $0.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The major components of these changes are discussed below.
Cash Flows from Continuing Operating Activities
Cash provided by continuing operating activities was $95.7 million and $95.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Cash flows from operating activities include net income, as adjusted for non-cash items and the effects of changes in working capital.
We finance substantially all of our new and a portion of our used vehicle inventories under revolving floor plan arrangements with various lenders. We report all cash flows arising in connection with floor plan arrangements with the manufacturer of a particular new vehicle as an operating activity and all cash flows arising in connection with floor plan arrangements with a party other than the manufacturer of a particular new vehicle and all floor plan notes payable relating to pre-owned vehicles as a financing activity.

 

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We believe that changes in aggregate floor plan liabilities are linked to changes in vehicle inventory and, therefore, are an integral part of understanding changes in our working capital and operating cash flow. Consequently, we have provided below a reconciliation of cash flow from operating activities as reported in our condensed consolidated statement of cash flows as if all changes in vehicle floor plan were classified as an operating activity:
                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 31,  
    2007     2006  
Net cash from operating activities as reported
  $ 95,740     $ 95,237  
Floor plan notes payable — non-trade as reported
    179,155       19,728  
 
           
Net cash from operating activities including all floor plan notes payable
  $ 274,895     $ 114,965  
 
           
Cash Flows from Continuing Investing Activities
Cash used in continuing investing activities was $5.8 million and $199.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Cash flows from investing activities consist primarily of cash used for capital expenditures, proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions and net expenditures for dealership acquisitions. Capital expenditures were $36.8 million and $43.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Capital expenditures relate primarily to improvements to our existing dealership facilities and the construction of new facilities. Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions were $23.6 million and $19.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Cash used in business acquisitions, net of cash acquired, was $1.4 million and $176.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and included cash used to repay sellers floorplan liabilities in such business acquisitions of $66.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2006.
Cash Flows from Continuing Financing Activities
Cash used in continuing financing activities was $145.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2007 and cash provided by continuing financing activities was $103.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2006. Cash flows from financing activities include net borrowings or repayments of long-term debt, net borrowings or repayments of floor plan notes payable non-trade, payments of deferred financing costs, proceeds from the issuance of common stock, including proceeds from the exercise of stock options, repurchases of common stock and dividends. We had net repayments of long-term debt of $318.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2007, including $14.4 million of premium paid on the redemption of our 9.625% Senior Subordinated Notes, and net borrowings of long-term debt of $108.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2006. We had net borrowings of floor plan notes payable non-trade of $179.2 million and $19.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2006, we paid $11.5 million of deferred financing costs related to our issuance of the Convertible Notes. During the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, we received proceeds of $0.3 million and $11.9 million, respectively from the issuance of common stock. During the three months ended March 31, 2006, we repurchased 1.0 million shares of our outstanding common stock for $19.0 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, we paid $6.6 million and $5.5 million, respectively, of cash dividends to our stockholders.
Cash Flows from Discontinued Operations
Cash flows relating to discontinued operations are not currently considered, nor are they expected to be considered material to our liquidity of our capital resources. Management does not believe that there is any significant past, present or upcoming cash impact as a result of our discontinued operations.
Commitments
We are party to a joint venture with respect to our Honda of Mentor dealership in Ohio. We are required to repurchase our partners’ interest in this joint venture in July 2008. We expect this payment to be approximately $4.0 million.

 

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Related Party Transactions
Stockholders Agreement
Roger S. Penske, our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, is also Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Penske Corporation, and through entities affiliated with Penske Corporation, our largest stockholder owning approximately 41% of our outstanding common stock. Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and Mitsui & Co. (USA), Inc. (collectively, “Mitsui”) own approximately 15% of our outstanding common stock. Mitsui, Penske Corporation and certain other affiliates of Penske Corporation are parties to a stockholders agreement pursuant to which the Penske affiliated companies agreed to vote their shares for one director who is a representative of Mitsui. In turn, Mitsui agreed to vote their shares for up to fourteen directors voted for by the Penske affiliated companies. This agreement terminates in March 2014, upon the mutual consent of the parties or when either party no longer owns any of our common stock.
Other Related Party Interests and Transactions
Roger S. Penske is also a managing member of Penske Capital Partners and Transportation Resource Partners, each organizations that undertake investments in transportation-related industries. Richard J. Peters, one of our directors, is a managing director of Transportation Resource Partners. Mr. Peters and Roger S. Penske, Jr. are each directors of Penske Corporation. Eustace W. Mita and Lucio A. Noto (two of our directors) are investors in Transportation Resource Partners. One of our directors, Hiroshi Ishikawa, serves as our Executive Vice President — International Business Development and serves in a similar capacity for Penske Corporation. Robert H. Kurnick, Jr., our Vice Chairman, is also the President and a director of Penske Corporation and Paul F. Walters, our Executive Vice President — Human Resources serves in a similar human resources capacity for Penske Corporation.
We are currently a tenant under a number of non-cancelable lease agreements with Automotive Group Realty, LLC and its subsidiaries (together “AGR”), which are subsidiaries of Penske Corporation. From time to time, we may sell AGR real property and improvements that are subsequently leased by AGR to us. In addition, we may purchase real property or improvements from AGR. Each of these transactions is valued at a price that is independently confirmed. We sometimes pay to and/or receive fees from Penske Corporation and its affiliates for services rendered in the normal course of business, or to reimburse payments made to third parties on each others’ behalf. These transactions and those relating to AGR mentioned above, are reviewed periodically by our Audit Committee and reflect the provider’s cost or an amount mutually agreed upon by both parties.
We and Penske Corporation have entered into a joint insurance agreement which provides that, with respect to our joint insurance policies (which includes our property policy), available coverage with respect to a loss shall be paid to each party as stipulated in the policies. In the event of losses by us and Penske Corporation in excess of the limit of any policy during a policy period, the total policy proceeds shall be allocated based on the ratio of premiums paid.
We have entered into joint ventures with certain related parties as more fully discussed below.

 

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Joint Venture Relationships
From time to time, we enter into joint venture relationships in the ordinary course of business, pursuant to which we acquire dealerships together with other investors. We may provide these dealerships with working capital and other debt financing at costs that are based on our incremental borrowing rate. As of March 31, 2007, our joint venture relationships were as follows:
             
        Ownership
Location   Dealerships   Interest
Fairfield, Connecticut
  Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche     91.70% (A)(B)
Edison, New Jersey
  Ferrari     70.00 %(B)
Tysons Corner, Virginia
  Aston Martin, Audi, Maybach,     90.00% (B)(C)
 
  Mercedes-Benz, Porsche        
Las Vegas, Nevada
  Ferrari, Maserati     50.00 %(D)
Mentor, Ohio
  Honda     75.00 %(B)
Munich, Germany
  BMW, MINI     50.00 %(D)
Frankfurt, Germany
  Lexus, Toyota     50.00 %(D)
Achen, Germany
  Audi, Lexus, Toyota, Volkswagen     50.00 %(D)
Mexico
  Toyota     48.70 %(D)
Mexico
  Toyota     45.00 %(D)
(A)   An entity controlled by one of our directors, Lucio A. Noto (the “Investor”), owns an 8.3% interest in this joint venture, which entitles the Investor to 20% of the joint venture’s operating profits. In addition, the Investor has an option to purchase up to a 20% interest in the joint venture for specified amounts
 
(B)   Entity is consolidated in our financial statements
 
(C)   Roger S. Penske, Jr. owns a 10% interest in this joint venture
 
(D)   Entity is accounted for using the equity method of accounting
Cyclicality
Unit sales of motor vehicles, particularly new vehicles, historically have been cyclical, fluctuating with general economic cycles. During economic downturns, the automotive retailing industry tends to experience periods of decline and recession similar to those experienced by the general economy. We believe that the industry is influenced by general economic conditions and particularly by consumer confidence, the level of personal discretionary spending, fuel prices, interest rates and credit availability.
Seasonality
Our business is modestly seasonal overall. Our U.S. operations generally experience higher volumes of vehicle sales in the second and third quarters of each year due in part to consumer buying trends and the introduction of new vehicle models. Also, demand for cars and light trucks is generally lower during the winter months than in other seasons, particularly in regions of the United States where dealerships may be subject to severe winters. The greatest U.S. seasonality exists at the dealerships we operate in northeastern and upper mid-western states, for which the second and third quarters are the strongest with respect to vehicle-related sales. Our U.K. operations generally experience higher volumes of vehicle sales in the first and third quarters of each year, due primarily to vehicle registration practices in the U.K. The service and parts business at all dealerships experiences relatively modest seasonal fluctuations.
Effects of Inflation
We believe that inflation rates over the last few years have not had a significant impact on revenues or profitability. We do not expect inflation to have any near-term material effects on the sale of our products and services, however, we cannot be sure there will be no such effect in the future.
We finance substantially all of our inventory through various revolving floor plan arrangements with interest rates that vary based on the prime rate, LIBOR or the Euro Interbank Offer Rate. Such rates have historically increased during periods of increasing inflation.

 

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Forward Looking Statements
This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “forecast,” “continue” or variations of such terms, or the use of these terms in the negative. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our current plans, forecasts, estimates, beliefs or expectations, including, without limitation, statements with respect to:
    our future financial performance;
 
    future acquisitions;
 
    future capital expenditures;
 
    our ability to obtain cost savings and synergies;
 
    our ability to respond to economic cycles;
 
    trends in the automotive retail industry and in the general economy in the various countries in which we operate dealerships;
 
    our ability to access the remaining availability under our credit agreements;
 
    our liquidity;
 
    interest rates;
 
    trends affecting our future financial condition or results of operations; and
 
    our business strategy.
Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are not assurances of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results due to a variety of factors, including the factors identified in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations include the following:
    the ability of automobile manufacturers to exercise significant control over our operations, since we depend on them in order to operate our business;
 
    because we depend on the success and popularity of the brands we sell, adverse conditions affecting one or more automobile manufacturers may negatively impact our revenues and profitability;
 
    we may not be able to satisfy our capital requirements for acquisitions, dealership renovation projects or financing the purchase of our inventory;
 
    our failure to meet a manufacturer’s consumer satisfaction requirements may adversely affect our ability to acquire new dealerships, our ability to obtain incentive payments from manufacturers and our profitability;
 
    automobile manufacturers may impose limits on our ability to issue additional equity and on the ownership of our common stock by third parties, which may hamper our ability to meet our financing needs;
 
    our business and the automotive retail industry in general are susceptible to adverse economic conditions, including changes in interest rates, consumer confidence, fuel prices and credit availability;
 
    substantial competition in automotive sales and services may adversely affect our profitability;

 

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    if we lose key personnel, especially our Chief Executive Officer, or are unable to attract additional qualified personnel, our business could be adversely affected;
 
    our quarterly operating results may fluctuate due to seasonality in the automotive retail business and other factors;
 
    because most customers finance the cost of purchasing a vehicle, increased interest rates in the U.S. or the U.K. may adversely affect our vehicle sales;
 
    our business may be adversely affected by import product restrictions and foreign trade risks that may impair our ability to sell foreign vehicles profitably;
 
    our automobile dealerships are subject to substantial regulation which may adversely affect our profitability;
 
    if state dealer laws in the United States are repealed or weakened, our automotive dealerships may be subject to increased competition and may be more susceptible to termination, non-renewal or renegotiation of their franchise agreements;
 
    our U.K. dealerships are not afforded the same legal franchise protections as those in the U.S. so we could be subject to addition competition from other local dealerships in the U.K.;
 
    our automotive dealerships are subject to environmental regulations that may result in claims and liabilities; our dealership operations may be affected by severe weather or other periodic business interruptions; our principal stockholders have substantial influence over us and may make decisions with which other stockholders may disagree;
 
    some of our directors and officers may have conflicts of interest with respect to certain related party transactions and other business interests;
 
    our level of indebtedness may limit our ability to obtain financing for acquisitions and may require that a significant portion of our cash flow be used for debt service;
 
    we may be involved in legal proceedings that could have a material adverse effect on our business;
 
    our operations outside of the United States subject our profitability to fluctuations relating to changes in foreign currency valuations; and
 
    we are a holding company and, as a result, must rely on the receipt of payments from our subsidiaries, which are subject to limitations, in order to meet our cash needs and service our indebtedness.
 
    the price of our common stock is subject to substantial fluctuation, which may be unrelated to our performance; and
 
    shares eligible for future sale, or issuable under the terms of our convertible notes, may cause the market price of our common stock to drop significantly, even if our business is doing well.
We urge you to carefully consider these risk factors in evaluating all forward-looking statements regarding our business. Readers of this report are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this report. All forward-looking statements attributable to us are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Except to the extent required by the federal securities laws and Securities and Exchange Commission rules and regulations, we have no intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Interest Rates. We are exposed to market risk from changes in the interest rates on a significant portion of our outstanding indebtedness. Outstanding balances under our credit agreements bear interest at variable rates based on a margin over defined benchmarks. Based on the amount outstanding as of March 31, 2007, a 100 basis point change in interest rates would result in an approximate $0.7 million change to our annual interest expense. Similarly, amounts outstanding under floor plan financing arrangements bear interest at a variable rate based on a margin over defined benchmarks.
We continually evaluate our exposure to interest rate fluctuations and follow established policies and procedures to implement strategies designed to manage the amount of variable rate indebtedness outstanding at any point in time in an effort to mitigate the effect of interest rate fluctuations on our earnings and cash flows. We are currently party to a swap agreement pursuant to which a notional $200.0 million of our floating rate floor plan debt was exchanged for fixed rate debt through January 2008. Based on an average of the aggregate amounts outstanding under our floor plan financing arrangements subject to variable interest payments during the trailing twelve months ended March 31, 2007, a 100 basis point change in interest rates would result in an approximate $10.2 million change to our annual interest expense.
Interest rate fluctuations affect the fair market value of our swaps and fixed rate debt, including the 7.75% Notes and the Convertible Notes and certain seller financed promissory notes, but, with respect to such fixed rate debt instruments, do not impact our earnings or cash flows.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rates. As of March 31, 2007, we have dealership operations in the U.K. and Germany. In each of these markets, the local currency is the functional currency. Due to our intent to remain permanently invested in these foreign markets, we do not hedge against foreign currency fluctuations. Other than the U.K., the Company’s foreign operations are not significant. In the event we change our intent with respect to the investment in any of our international operations, we would expect to implement strategies designed to manage those risks in an effort to mitigate the effect of foreign currency fluctuations on our earnings and cash flows. A ten percent change in average exchange rates versus the U.S. Dollar would have resulted in an approximate $125.0 million change to our revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2007.
In common with other automotive retailers, we purchase certain of our new vehicle and parts inventories from foreign manufacturers. Although we purchase the majority of our inventories in the local functional currency, our business is subject to certain risks, including, but not limited to, differing economic conditions, changes in political climate, differing tax structures, other regulations and restrictions and foreign exchange rate volatility which may influence such manufacturers’ ability to provide their products at competitive prices in the local jurisdictions. Our future results could be materially and adversely impacted by changes in these or other factors.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the principal executive and financial officers, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), as of the end of the period covered by this report. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive and financial officers, to allow timely discussions regarding required disclosure.
Based upon this evaluation, the Company’s principal executive and financial officers concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report. In addition, we maintain internal controls designed to provide us with the information required for accounting and financial reporting purposes. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our first quarter of 2007 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
From time to time, we are involved in litigation relating to claims arising in the normal course of business. Such claims may relate to litigation with customers, employment related lawsuits, class action lawsuits, purported class action lawsuits and actions brought by governmental authorities. As of March 31, 2007, we are not a party to any legal proceedings, including class action lawsuits, that, individually or in the aggregate, are reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. However, the results of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, and an unfavorable resolution of one or more of these matters could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Item 6. Exhibits
     
4.1
  Amended and Restated Supplemental Indenture regarding 3.5% Senior Subordinated
 
  Convertible Notes due 2026 dated as of May 10, 2007, among us, as Issuer, and certain of our
 
  domestic subsidiaries, as Guarantors, and Bank of New York Trust Company, N. A., as Trustee
 
   
4.2
  Supplemental Indenture regarding 7.75% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2016 dated as of
 
  May 10, 2007, among us, as Issuer, and certain of our domestic subsidiaries, as Guarantors, and
 
  Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as trustee
 
   
31
  Rule 13a-14(a)/15(d)-14(a) Certifications
 
   
32
  Section 1350 Certifications

 

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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.
             
    UNITED AUTO GROUP, INC.    
 
           
 
  By:   /s/ Roger S. Penske
 
Roger S. Penske
   
 
      Chief Executive Officer    
 
           
Date: May 10, 2007
           
 
           
 
  By:   /s/ Robert T. O’Shaughnessy    
 
           
 
      Robert T. O’Shaughnessy    
 
      Chief Financial Officer    
 
           
Date: May 10, 2007
           

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX
     
Exhibits    
Number:   Description
     
4.1
  Amended and Restated Supplemental Indenture regarding 3.5% Senior Subordinated Convertible Notes due 2026 dated as of May 10, 2007, among us, as Issuer, and certain of our domestic subsidiaries, as Guarantors, and Bank of New York Trust Company, N. A., as Trustee
 
   
4.2
  Supplemental Indenture regarding 7.75% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2016 dated as of May 10, 2007, among us, as Issuer, and certain of our domestic subsidiaries, as Guarantors, and Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as trustee
 
   
31
  Rule 13a-14(a)/15(d)-14(a) Certifications
 
   
32
  Section 1350 Certifications

 

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