AutoNation, Inc.
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.
20549
Form 10-K
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(Mark One)
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ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR
15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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For the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2007
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OR
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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For the transition period
from to
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Commission File Number: 0-13107
AutoNation, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as
Specified in its Charter)
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DELAWARE
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73-1105145
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(State or Other Jurisdiction
of
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(I.R.S. Employer
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Incorporation or
Organization)
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Identification No.)
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110 S.E. 6TH STREET,
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA
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33301
(Zip Code)
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(Address of Principal Executive
Offices)
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(954) 769-6000
(Registrants Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the
Act:
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Title of Each Class
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Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
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Common Stock, Par Value $.01 Per Share
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The New York Stock Exchange
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Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the
Act:
None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known
seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes þ
No o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file
reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange
Act.
Yes o No þ
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 if disclosure of delinquent filers
pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein,
and will not be contained, to the best of registrants
knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or
any amendment to this Form
10-K. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large
accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated
filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of
large accelerated filer, accelerated
filer and smaller reporting company in
Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
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Large accelerated
filer þ
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Accelerated
filer o
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Non-accelerated
filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
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Smaller reporting
Company o
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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 June 29, 2007, the aggregate market value of the
common stock of the registrant held by non-affiliates was
approximately $3.4 billion based on the closing price of
the common stock on The New York Stock Exchange on such date.
As of February 26, 2008, the registrant had 180,018,415
shares of common stock outstanding.
DOCUMENTS
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrants Proxy Statement relating to
its 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated herein
by reference in Part III.
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Introduction
AutoNation, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is the largest
automotive retailer in the United States. As of
December 31, 2007, we owned and operated 322 new vehicle
franchises from 244 dealerships located in major metropolitan
markets, predominantly in the Sunbelt region of the United
States. Our stores, which we believe are some of the most
recognizable and well-known in our key markets, sell 38
different brands of new vehicles. The core brands of vehicles
that we sell, representing approximately 96% of the new vehicles
that we sold in 2007, are manufactured by Toyota, Ford, General
Motors, Honda, Nissan, Chrysler, Daimler, and BMW.
We operate in a single operating and reporting segment,
automotive retailing. We offer a diversified range of automotive
products and services, including new vehicles, used vehicles,
vehicle maintenance and repair services, vehicle parts, extended
service contracts, vehicle protection products, and other
aftermarket products. We also arrange financing for vehicle
purchases through third-party finance sources. We believe that
the significant scale of our operations and the quality of our
managerial talent allow us to achieve efficiencies in our key
markets by, among other things, leveraging our market brands and
advertising, improving asset management, implementing
standardized processes, and increasing productivity across all
of our stores.
We were incorporated in Delaware in 1991. Our common stock, par
value $.01 per share, is listed on The New York Stock Exchange
under the symbol AN. For information concerning our
financial condition, results of operations, and related
financial data, you should review the Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations and the Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data sections of this document. You also
should review and consider the risks relating to our business,
operations, financial performance, and cash flows that we
describe below under Risk Factors.
For convenience, the terms AutoNation,
Company, and we are used to refer
collectively to AutoNation, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless
otherwise required by the context. Our dealership operations are
conducted by our subsidiaries.
Availability
of Reports and Other Information
Our corporate website is located at http://corp.AutoNation.com.
We make available on this website, free of charge, access to our
Annual Reports on
Form 10-K,
Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q,
Current Reports on
Form 8-K,
Proxy Statements on Schedule 14A, and amendments to those
materials filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or
15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the Exchange Act), as soon as reasonably
practicable after we electronically submit such material to the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission).
We also make available on our website copies of materials
regarding our corporate governance policies and practices,
including the AutoNation, Inc. Corporate Governance Guidelines,
our company-wide Code of Business Ethics, our Code of Ethics for
Senior Officers, our Code of Business Ethics for the Board of
Directors, and the charters relating to the committees of our
Board of Directors. You also may obtain a printed copy of the
foregoing materials by sending a written request to: Investor
Relations Department, AutoNation, Inc., 110 S.E. 6th Street,
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. In addition, the
Commissions website is located at
http://www.sec.gov.
The Commission makes available on this website, free of charge,
reports, proxy and information statements, and other information
regarding issuers, such as us, that file electronically with the
Commission. Information on our website or the Commissions
website is not part of this document.
1
Business
Strategy
As a specialty retailer, our business model is focused on
developing and maintaining satisfied relationships with our
customers. The foundation of our business model is operational
excellence. We pursue the following strategies to achieve our
targeted level of operational excellence:
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Deliver a positive customer experience at our stores
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Leverage our significant scale to improve our operating
efficiency
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Increase our productivity
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Build a powerful brand in each of our local markets
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Our strategies are supported by our use of information
technology. We use the Internet to develop and acquire customer
leads and referrals, and we leverage information technology to
enhance our customer relationships.
A key component of our strategy is to maximize the return on
investment generated by the use of cash flow that our business
generates. We expect to use our cash flow to make capital
investments in our current business, to complete dealership
acquisitions, and to repurchase our common stock pursuant to our
Board-authorized share repurchase programs. Our capital
allocation decisions will be based on such factors as the
expected rate of return on our investment, the market price of
our common stock versus our view of its intrinsic value, the
potential impact on our capital structure, our ability to
complete dealership acquisitions that meet our return on
investment target, and limitations set forth in our debt
agreements. We also divest non-core stores in order to improve
our portfolio of stores in furtherance of our brand portfolio
strategy as described in the next paragraph and also to generate
sales proceeds that can be reinvested at a higher expected rate
of return.
As part of our business strategy, our acquisition and
divestiture program has been and is designed to improve our
store brand portfolio by diversifying our store mix more towards
volume import and premium luxury brands. In 1999, approximately
60% of our new vehicle revenue was attributable to our domestic
franchises (consisting of General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler
franchises), while approximately 40% was attributable to import
and premium luxury franchises. In 2007, approximately 65% of our
new vehicle revenue was generated by import and premium luxury
franchises and approximately 35% was generated by domestic
franchises. For the foreseeable future, we intend to continue
focusing on improving our brand portfolio by increasing our mix
of higher volume import and premium luxury stores.
Deliver
a Positive Customer Experience
Our goal is to deliver a positive customer experience at our
stores. Our efforts to improve our customers experience at
our stores include the following practices and initiatives in
key areas of our business:
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Improving Customer Service: The success
of our stores depends in significant part on our ability to
deliver positive experiences to our customers. We have developed
and implemented standardized customer-friendly sales and service
processes, including a customer-friendly sales menu designed to
provide clear disclosure of purchase or lease transaction terms.
We believe these processes improve the sales and service
experiences of our customers. We emphasize the importance of
customer satisfaction to our key store personnel by basing a
portion of their compensation on the quality of customer service
they provide in connection with vehicle sales and service.
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Increasing Parts and Service Sales: Our
goal is that our customers will use us for all of their vehicle
service needs. Our key initiatives for our parts and service
business are focused on optimizing our processes, pricing, and
promotion. We have implemented across all of our stores
standardized service processes and marketing communications,
which are designed to ensure that we offer our existing and
potential customers the complete range of vehicle maintenance
and repair services. Our service processes and marketing
communications are focused on increasing our customer-pay
service and parts business. As a result of our significant
scale, we believe we can communicate frequently and effectively
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with our customers. We optimize our pricing to maintain a
competitive offering for commonly performed vehicle services and
repairs for like-brand vehicles within each of our markets.
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Increasing Finance, Insurance and Other Aftermarket
Product Sales: We continue to improve our
finance and insurance business by using our standardized
processes across our store network. Our customers are presented
with the AutoNation Pledge, which provides clear
disclosure relating to the finance and insurance sales process,
and with a customer-friendly finance and insurance menu, which
is designed to ensure that we offer our customers the complete
range of finance, insurance, protection, and other aftermarket
products in a transparent manner. We believe the combination of
our pledge and our menu improves our customers shopping
experience for finance and insurance products at our stores. We
offer our customers aftermarket products such as extended
service contracts, maintenance programs, theft deterrent systems
and various insurance products. We continue to focus on
optimizing the mix of finance sources available for our
customers convenience.
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Leverage
Our Significant Scale
We leverage our scale as the largest automotive retailer in the
United States to further improve our cost structure by obtaining
significant cost savings in our business. The following
practices and initiatives reflect our commitment to leveraging
our scale and managing cost:
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Managing New Vehicle Inventories: We
manage our new vehicle inventories to optimize our stores
supply and mix of vehicle inventory. Through the use of our
planning and tracking systems in markets where our stores have
critical mass in a particular brand, we view new vehicle
inventories at those same brand stores in the aggregate and
coordinate vehicle ordering and inventories across those stores.
We manage our new vehicle inventory to achieve specific days
supply targets. We also target our new vehicle inventory
purchasing to our core, or most popular, model packages. We are
focused on maintaining appropriate inventory levels in order to
minimize carrying costs. We believe our inventory management
enables us to (1) respond to customer requests better than
independent retailers in the markets where we have a critical
mass in a particular brand, (2) minimize carrying costs by
maintaining lower days supply, and (3) better plan and
forecast inventory levels.
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Increasing Used Vehicle Sales and Managing Used Vehicle
Inventories: Each of our stores offers a
variety of used vehicles. We believe that we have access to
desirable used vehicle inventory and are in a position to
realize the benefits of vehicle manufacturer-supported certified
used vehicle programs, which we believe are improving
consumers attitudes toward used vehicles. Our used vehicle
business strategy is focused on (1) utilizing our web-based
vehicle inventory management system to leverage our local market
inventory and optimize our supply, mix, and pricing,
(2) managing our used vehicle inventory to enable us to
offer our customers a wide selection of desirable lower-cost
vehicles, which are often in high demand by consumers, and
(3) leveraging our scale with comprehensive used vehicle
marketing programs, such as market-wide promotional events and
standardized approaches to advertising that we can implement
more effectively than smaller retailers because of our size. We
have deployed used vehicle specialists in each of our key
markets to assist us in executing our strategy.
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Managing Costs: We actively manage our
business and leverage our scale to reduce costs. We continue to
focus on developing national vendor relationships to standardize
our stores approach to purchasing certain equipment,
supplies, and services, and to improve our cost efficiencies. As
an example, we realize cost efficiencies with respect to
advertising and facilities maintenance that are generally not
available to smaller retailers.
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Increase
Productivity
The following are examples of key initiatives we have
implemented to increase productivity:
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Managing Employee Productivity and
Compensation: We continue to enhance
standardized compensation guidelines and common element pay
plans at our stores. These guidelines and pay plans take into
account our sales volume, customer satisfaction, gross margin
objectives, vehicle brand, and the
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size of the store. Our goals are to improve employee
productivity, to reward and retain high-performing employees,
and to ensure appropriate variability of our compensation
expense.
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Using Information Technology: We are
leveraging information technology to enhance our customer
relationships and increase productivity. We use a web-based
customer relationship management tool across all of our stores.
We believe this tool enables us to promote and sell our vehicles
and other products more effectively by allowing us to better
understand our customer traffic flows and better manage our
showroom sales processes and customer relationships. We have
developed a company-wide customer database that contains
information on our stores existing and potential
customers. We believe our customer database enables us to
implement more effectively our vehicle sales and service
marketing programs. We expect our customer database and other
tools to empower us to implement our customer relationship
strategy more effectively and improve our productivity.
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Training Employees: One of our key
initiatives to improve our productivity is our customized
comprehensive training program for key store employees. We
believe that having well-trained personnel is an essential
requirement for implementing standardized operating practices
and policies across all of our stores. Our training program
educates our key store employees about their respective job
roles and responsibilities and our standardized processes in all
of our areas of operation, including sales, finance and
insurance, and parts and service. Our training program also
emphasizes the importance of conducting our operations,
including our finance and insurance sales operations, in
accordance with applicable laws and regulations and our policies
and ethical standards. As part of our training program, we
conduct specialized training for certain of our store employees
in areas such as finance and insurance, fixed operations, and
sales. We also require all of our employees, from our senior
management to our technicians, to participate in our Business
Ethics Program, which includes web-based interactive training
programs, live training workshops, written manuals, and videos
on specific topics. We also run the AutoNation General Manager
University to prepare our future general manager prospects to
become well-rounded successful leaders of our stores. We expect
our comprehensive training program to improve our productivity
by ensuring that all of our employees consistently execute our
business strategy and manage our daily operations in accordance
with our common processes and policies, applicable laws and
regulations, and our high standards of business ethics.
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Build
Powerful Local-Market Brands
In many of our key markets where we have significant presence,
we are marketing our non-premium luxury stores under a local
retail brand. We continue to position these local retail brands
to communicate to customers the key features that we believe
differentiate our stores in our branded markets from our
competitors, such as the large inventory available for
customers, our sales, service, and finance and insurance
standardized processes, and the competitive pricing we offer for
widely available services. We believe that by having our stores
within each local market speak with one voice to the
automobile-buying public, we can achieve marketing and
advertising cost savings and efficiencies that generally are not
available to many of our local competitors. We also believe that
we can create strong retail brand awareness in our markets.
We have fifteen local brands in our key markets, including
Maroone in South Florida; GO in Denver,
Colorado; AutoWay in Tampa, Florida;
Bankston in Dallas, Texas; Courtesy in
Orlando, Florida; Desert in Las Vegas, Nevada;
Team in Atlanta, Georgia; Mike Shad in
Jacksonville, Florida; Dobbs in Memphis, Tennessee;
Fox in Baltimore, Maryland; Mullinax in
Cleveland, Ohio; Appleway in Spokane, Washington;
Champion in South Texas; Power in
Southern California and Arizona; and AutoWest in
Northern California. The stores we operate under local retail
brands as of December 31, 2007, accounted for approximately
61% of our total revenue during fiscal 2007.
Operations
Each of our stores acquires new vehicles for retail sale either
directly from the applicable automotive manufacturer or
distributor or through dealer trades with other stores of the
same franchise. Accordingly, we depend in large part on the
automotive manufacturers and distributors to provide us with
high-quality vehicles
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that customers desire and to supply us with such vehicles at
suitable quantities and prices and at the right times. Our
operations, particularly our sales of new vehicles, are impacted
by the sales incentive programs conducted by the automotive
manufacturers to spur consumer demand for their vehicles. These
sales incentive programs are often not announced in advance and
therefore can be difficult to plan for when ordering inventory.
We generally acquire used vehicles from customer trade-ins,
auctions, lease terminations, and other sources. We generally
recondition used vehicles acquired for retail sale at our
stores service facilities and capitalize costs related
thereto as used vehicle inventory. Used vehicles that we do not
sell at our stores generally are sold at wholesale through
auctions.
We offer a wide variety of financial products and services to
our customers. We arrange for our customers to finance vehicles
through installment loans or leases with third-party lenders,
including the vehicle manufacturers and distributors
captive finance subsidiaries, in exchange for a commission
payable to us. Commissions that we receive may be subject to
chargeback, in full or in part, if loans that we arrange default
or are prepaid or upon other specified circumstances. However,
our exposure to loss in connection with these financing
arrangements generally is limited to the commissions that we
receive. We do not directly finance our customers vehicle
leases or purchases.
We also offer our customers various vehicle protection products,
including extended service contracts, maintenance programs,
guaranteed auto protection (known as GAP, this
protection covers the shortfall between a customers loan
balance and insurance payoff in the event of a casualty),
tire and wheel protection, and theft protection
products. The vehicle protection products that our stores
currently offer to customers are underwritten and administered
by independent third parties, including the vehicle
manufacturers and distributors captive finance
subsidiaries. We primarily sell the products on a straight
commission basis; however, we also participate in future
underwriting profit for certain products pursuant to
retrospective commission arrangements. Commissions that we
receive from these third-party providers may be subject to
chargebacks, in full or in part, if products that we sell, such
as extended service contracts, are cancelled.
Our stores also provide a wide range of vehicle maintenance,
repair, paint, and collision repair services, including warranty
work that can be performed only at franchised dealerships and
customer-pay service work.
Sales and
Marketing
We retailed approximately 540,000 new and used vehicles through
our stores in 2007. We sell a broad range of well-known vehicle
brands within each of our markets.
Our marketing efforts focus on mass marketing and targeted
marketing in our local markets and are designed to build our
business with a broad base of repeat, referral, and new
customers. We engage in marketing and advertising primarily
through newspapers, radio, television, direct mail, and outdoor
billboards in our local markets. As we have consolidated our
operations in certain of our key markets under one local retail
brand name, we have been able to focus our efforts on building
consumer awareness of the selected local retail brand name
rather than on the individual legacy names under which many of
our stores operated prior to their acquisition by us. We also
continue to develop newspaper, television, and radio advertising
campaigns that we can modify for use in multiple local markets.
We realize cost efficiencies with respect to advertising
expenses that are not generally available to smaller retailers
due to our ability to obtain efficiencies in developing
advertising campaigns and our ability to gain volume discounts
and other concessions as we increase our presence within our key
markets and operate our non-premium luxury stores under a single
retail brand name in our local markets.
We also have been able to use our significant scale to market
our stores and vehicle inventory via the Internet. According to
industry analysts, the majority of new car buyers nationwide
consult the Internet for new car information, which is resulting
in better-informed customers and a more efficient sales process.
As part of our
e-commerce
marketing strategy, we are focused on (1) developing
websites and an Internet sales process that appeal to on-line
automobile shoppers, (2) obtaining high visibility on the
Internet through alliances with Internet search engines, such as
Google, through our own websites, and through strategic
partnerships and alliances with
e-commerce
companies, and (3) developing and maintaining a cost
structure that permits us to operate efficiently.
5
Agreements
with Vehicle Manufacturers
We have entered into framework agreements with most major
vehicle manufacturers and distributors. These agreements, which
are in addition to the franchise agreements described in the
following paragraph, contain provisions relating to our
management, operation, advertising and marketing, and
acquisition and ownership structure of automotive stores
franchised by such manufacturers. These agreements contain
certain requirements pertaining to our operating performance
(with respect to matters such as sales volume, sales
effectiveness, and customer satisfaction), which, if we do not
satisfy, adversely impact our ability to make further
acquisitions of such manufacturers stores or could result
in us being compelled to take certain actions, such as divesting
a significantly underperforming store, subject to applicable
state franchise laws. Additionally, these agreements set limits
(nationally, regionally, and in local markets) on the number of
stores that we may acquire of the particular manufacturer and
contain certain restrictions on our ability to name and brand
our stores. Some of these framework agreements give the
manufacturer or distributor the right to acquire at fair market
value, or the right to compel us to sell, the automotive stores
franchised by that manufacturer or distributor under specified
circumstances in the event of a change in control of our company
(generally including certain material changes in the composition
of our board of directors during a specified time period, the
acquisition of 20% or more of the voting stock of our company by
another vehicle manufacturer or distributor, or the acquisition
of 50% or more of our voting stock by a person, entity, or group
not affiliated with a vehicle manufacturer or distributor) or
other extraordinary corporate transactions such as a merger or
sale of all of our assets. In addition, we have granted certain
manufacturers the right to acquire, at fair market value, our
automotive dealerships franchised by that manufacturer in
specified circumstances in the event of our default under the
indenture for our $300 million aggregate principal amount
of floating rate senior unsecured notes due 2013 and
$300 million aggregate principal amount of 7% senior
unsecured notes due 2014 (collectively referred to herein as the
senior unsecured notes) or the amended credit
agreement for our revolving credit facility and term loan
facility.
We operate each of our new vehicle stores under a franchise
agreement with a vehicle manufacturer or distributor. The
franchise agreements grant the franchised automotive store a
non-exclusive right to sell the manufacturer or
distributors brand of vehicles and offer related parts and
service within a specified market area. These franchise
agreements grant our stores the right to use the manufacturer or
distributors trademarks in connection with their
operations, and they also impose numerous operational
requirements and restrictions relating to inventory levels,
working capital levels, the sales process, marketing and
branding, showroom and service facilities and signage,
personnel, changes in management, and monthly financial
reporting, among other things. The contractual terms of our
stores franchise agreements provide for various durations,
ranging from one year to no expiration date, and in certain
cases manufacturers have undertaken to renew such franchises
upon expiration so long as the store is in compliance with the
terms of the agreement. We generally expect our franchise
agreements to survive for the foreseeable future and, when the
agreements do not have indefinite terms, anticipate routine
renewals of the agreements without substantial cost or
modification. Our stores franchise agreements provide for
termination of the agreement by the manufacturer or non-renewal
for a variety of causes (including performance deficiencies in
such areas as sales volume, sales effectiveness, and customer
satisfaction). However, in general, the states in which we
operate have automotive dealership franchise laws that provide
that, notwithstanding the terms of any franchise agreement, it
is unlawful for a manufacturer to terminate or not renew a
franchise unless good cause exists. It generally is
difficult for a manufacturer to terminate, or not renew, a
franchise under these laws, which were designed to protect
dealers. In addition, in our experience and historically in the
automotive retail industry, dealership franchise agreements are
rarely involuntarily terminated or not renewed by the
manufacturer. From time to time, certain manufacturers assert
sales and customer satisfaction performance deficiencies under
the terms of our framework and franchise agreements. We
generally work with these manufacturers to address the asserted
performance issues. For additional information, please refer to
the risk factor captioned We are subject to
restrictions imposed by, and significant influence from, vehicle
manufacturers that may adversely impact our business, financial
condition, results of operations, cash flows, and prospects,
including our ability to acquire additional stores in
the Risk Factors section of this document.
6
Regulations
Automotive
and Other Laws and Regulations
We operate in a highly regulated industry. A number of state and
federal laws and regulations affect our business. In every state
in which we operate, we must obtain various licenses in order to
operate our businesses, including dealer, sales and finance, and
insurance licenses issued by state regulatory authorities.
Numerous laws and regulations govern our conduct of business,
including those relating to our sales, operations, financing,
insurance, advertising, and employment practices. These laws and
regulations include state franchise laws and regulations,
consumer protection laws, privacy laws, escheatment laws,
anti-money laundering laws, and other extensive laws and
regulations applicable to new and used motor vehicle dealers, as
well as a variety of other laws and regulations. These laws also
include federal and state
wage-hour,
anti-discrimination, and other employment practices laws.
Our financing activities with customers are subject to federal
truth-in-lending,
consumer leasing, and equal credit opportunity laws and
regulations as well as state and local motor vehicle finance
laws, leasing laws, installment finance laws, usury laws, and
other installment sales and leasing laws and regulations, some
of which regulate finance and other fees and charges that may be
imposed or received in connection with motor vehicle retail
installment sales and leasing. Claims arising out of actual or
alleged violations of law may be asserted against us or our
stores by individuals, a class of individuals, or governmental
entities and may expose us to significant damages or other
penalties, including revocation or suspension of our licenses to
conduct store operations and fines.
Our operations are subject to the National Traffic and Motor
Vehicle Safety Act, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
promulgated by the United States Department of Transportation,
and the rules and regulations of various state motor vehicle
regulatory agencies. The imported automobiles we purchase are
subject to United States customs duties and, in the ordinary
course of our business we may, from time to time, be subject to
claims for duties, penalties, liquidated damages, or other
charges.
Environmental,
Health, and Safety Laws and Regulations
Our operations involve the use, handling, storage, and
contracting for recycling
and/or
disposal of materials such as motor oil and filters,
transmission fluids, antifreeze, refrigerants, paints, thinners,
batteries, cleaning products, lubricants, degreasing agents,
tires, and fuel. Consequently, our business is subject to a
complex variety of federal, state, and local requirements that
regulate the environment and public health and safety.
Most of our stores utilize aboveground storage tanks, and to a
lesser extent underground storage tanks, primarily for
petroleum-based products. Storage tanks are subject to periodic
testing, containment, upgrading, and removal under the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act and its state law counterparts.
Clean-up or
other remedial action may be necessary in the event of leaks or
other discharges from storage tanks or other sources. In
addition, water quality protection programs under the federal
Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water
Act), the Safe Drinking Water Act, and comparable state and
local programs govern certain discharges from some of our
operations. Similarly, certain air emissions from operations,
such as auto body painting, may be subject to the federal Clean
Air Act and related state and local laws. Certain health and
safety standards promulgated by the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration of the United States Department of Labor
and related state agencies also apply.
Some of our stores are parties to proceedings under the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act, or CERCLA, typically in connection with materials
that were sent to former recycling, treatment,
and/or
disposal facilities owned and operated by independent
businesses. The remediation or
clean-up of
facilities where the release of a regulated hazardous substance
occurred is required under CERCLA and other laws.
We incur significant costs to comply with applicable
environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations in the
ordinary course of our business. We do not anticipate, however,
that the costs of such compliance will have a material adverse
effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, or
financial
7
condition, although such outcome is possible given the nature of
our operations and the extensive environmental, public health,
and safety regulatory framework. We do not have any material
known environmental commitments or contingencies.
Competition
We operate in a highly competitive industry. We believe that the
principal competitive factors in the automotive retailing
business are location, service, price, and selection. Each of
our markets includes a large number of well-capitalized
competitors that have extensive automobile store managerial
experience and strong retail locations and facilities. According
to the National Automotive Dealers Association, Manheim
Auctions, and reports of various industry analysts, the
automotive retail industry is served by approximately 21,200
franchised automotive dealerships and approximately 43,000
independent used vehicle dealers. We face competition from
several other public companies that operate numerous automotive
retail stores on a national or regional basis and from private
market buyers and sellers of used vehicles. We are subject to
competition from dealers that sell the same brands of new
vehicles that we sell and from dealers that sell other brands of
new vehicles that we do not represent in a particular market.
Our new vehicle store competitors have franchise agreements with
the various vehicle manufacturers and, as such, generally have
access to new vehicles on the same terms as us. Additionally, we
compete with other dealers for qualified employees, particularly
for general managers and sales and service personnel.
In general, the vehicle manufacturers have designated specific
marketing and sales areas within which only one dealer of a
given vehicle brand may operate. Under most of our framework
agreements with the vehicle manufacturers, our ability to
acquire multiple dealers of a given brand within a particular
market is limited. We are also restricted by various state
franchise laws from relocating our stores or establishing new
stores of a particular brand within any area that is served by
another dealer of the same brand, and we generally need the
manufacturer to approve the relocation or grant a new franchise
in order to relocate or establish a store. However, to the
extent that a market has multiple dealers of a particular brand,
as most of our key markets do with respect to most vehicle
brands we sell, we are subject to significant intra-brand
competition.
We also are subject to competition from independent automobile
service shops and service center chains. We believe that the
principal competitive factors in the service and repair industry
are price, location, the use of factory-approved replacement
parts, expertise with the particular vehicle lines, and customer
service. In addition to competition for vehicle sales and
service, we face competition from a broad range of financial
institutions in our finance and insurance and aftermarket
products businesses. We believe the principal competitive
factors in these businesses are product selection, convenience,
price, contract terms, and the ability to finance vehicle
protection and aftermarket products.
Insurance
And Bonding
Our business exposes us to the risk of liabilities arising out
of our operations. For example, liabilities may arise out of
claims of employees, customers, or other third parties for
personal injury or property damage occurring in the course of
our operations. We could also be subject to fines and civil and
criminal penalties in connection with alleged violations of
federal and state laws or regulatory requirements.
The automotive retailing business is also subject to substantial
risk of property loss due to the significant concentration of
property values at store locations. In our case in particular,
our operations are concentrated in states and regions in which
natural disasters and severe weather events (such as hurricanes,
earthquakes, fires, landslides, and hail storms) may subject us
to substantial risk of property loss and operational disruption.
Under self-insurance programs, we retain various levels of
aggregate loss limits, per claim deductibles, and
claims-handling expenses as part of our various insurance
programs, including property and casualty, workers
compensation, and employee medical benefits. Costs in excess of
this retained risk per claim may be insured under various
contracts with third-party insurance carriers. We estimate the
ultimate costs of these retained insurance risks based on
actuarial evaluation and historical claims experience, adjusted
for current trends and changes in claims-handling procedures.
The level of risk we retain may change in the future as
insurance
8
market conditions or other factors affecting the economics of
our insurance purchasing change. Although we have, subject to
certain limitations and exclusions, substantial insurance, we
cannot assure you that we will not be exposed to uninsured or
underinsured losses that could have a material adverse effect on
our business, financial condition, results of operations, or
cash flows.
Provisions for retained losses and deductibles are made by
charges to expense based upon periodic evaluations of the
estimated ultimate liabilities on reported and unreported
claims. The insurance companies that underwrite our insurance
require that we secure certain of our obligations for deductible
reimbursements with collateral. Our collateral requirements are
set by the insurance companies and, to date, have been satisfied
by posting surety bonds, letters of credit,
and/or cash
deposits. Our collateral requirements may change from time to
time based on, among other things, our claims experience. We
include additional details about our collateral requirements in
the Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations section of this
document, as well as in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial
Statements.
Employees
As of December 31, 2007, we employed approximately 25,000
full time employees, approximately 230 of whom were covered by
collective bargaining agreements. We believe that we have good
relations with our employees.
Seasonality
Our operations generally experience higher volumes of vehicle
sales and service in the second and third quarters of each year
due in part to consumer buying trends and the introduction of
new vehicle models. Also, demand for vehicles and light trucks
is generally lower during the winter months than in other
seasons, particularly in regions of the United States where
stores may be subject to adverse winter conditions. Accordingly,
we expect our revenue and operating results generally to be
lower in the first and fourth quarters as compared to the second
and third quarters. However, revenue may be impacted
significantly from quarter to quarter by actual or threatened
severe weather events and other factors unrelated to weather
conditions, such as changing economic conditions and vehicle
manufacturer incentive programs.
Trademarks
We own a number of registered service marks and trademarks,
including, among other marks,
AutoNation
and
AutoNation
®.
Pursuant to agreements with vehicle manufacturers, we have the
right to use and display manufacturers trademarks, logos,
and designs at our stores and in our advertising and promotional
materials, subject to certain restrictions. We also have
licenses pursuant to various agreements with third parties
authorizing the use and display of the marks
and/or logos
of such third parties, subject to certain restrictions. The
current registrations of our service marks and trademarks in the
United States and foreign countries are effective for varying
periods of time, which we may renew periodically, provided that
we comply with all applicable laws.
Executive
Officers of AutoNation
We provide below information regarding each of our executive
officers.
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Age
|
|
Position
|
|
Mike Jackson
|
|
59
|
|
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
|
Michael E. Maroone
|
|
54
|
|
Director, President and Chief Operating Officer
|
Michael J. Short
|
|
46
|
|
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
|
Jonathan P. Ferrando
|
|
42
|
|
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
|
Kevin P. Westfall
|
|
52
|
|
Senior Vice President, Sales
|
Mike Jackson has served as our Chairman of the
Board since January 2003, and as our Chief Executive Officer and
Director since September 1999. From October 1998 until September
1999, Mr. Jackson served as
9
Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC, a North
American operating unit of DaimlerChrysler AG, a multinational
automotive manufacturing company. From April 1997 until
September 1999, Mr. Jackson also served as President of
Mercedes-Benz USA. From July 1990 until March 1997,
Mr. Jackson served in various capacities at Mercedes-Benz
USA, including as Executive Vice President immediately prior to
his appointment as President of Mercedes-Benz USA.
Mr. Jackson was also the managing partner from March 1979
to July 1990 of Euro Motorcars of Bethesda, Maryland, a regional
group that owned and operated eleven automotive dealership
franchises, including Mercedes-Benz and other brands of
automobiles.
Michael E. Maroone has served as a director since
July 2005 and as our President and Chief Operating Officer since
August 1999. Following our acquisition of the Maroone Automotive
Group in January 1997, Mr. Maroone served as President of
our New Vehicle Dealer Division. In January 1998,
Mr. Maroone was named President of our Automotive Retail
Group with responsibility for our new and used vehicle
operations. Prior to joining AutoNation, Mr. Maroone was
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Maroone Automotive
Group, one of the countrys largest privately-held
automotive retail groups prior to its acquisition by us.
Michael J. Short has served as our Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer since January 2007. From
2000 to January 2007, Mr. Short served as Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer of Universal City
Development Partners, Ltd. (dba Universal Orlando)
(Universal Orlando). From 2005 until January 2007,
he also served as Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of
Universal City Florida Holding Co. I, the limited partner
of Universal Orlando, and Universal City Florida Holding Co. II,
the general partner of Universal Orlando. From 1991 to 2000,
Mr. Short held various finance positions at Universal
Orlando, Joseph E. Seagram & Sons, Inc., and IBM
Corporation. Prior to that, he was a helicopter pilot and
tactics instructor for the United States Navy, based out of
Norfolk, Virginia.
Jonathan P. Ferrando has served as our Executive
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since March 2005.
Prior thereto, he served as Senior Vice President, General
Counsel and Secretary from January 2000 until March 2005. In
September 2004, Mr. Ferrando assumed responsibility for our
human resources and labor relations functions in addition to his
role as General Counsel. Mr. Ferrando joined our Company in
July 1996 and served in various capacities within our company,
including as Senior Vice President and General Counsel of our
Automotive Retail Group from March 1998 until January 2000.
Prior to joining our company, Mr. Ferrando was a corporate
attorney with Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
from 1991 until 1996.
Kevin P. Westfall has served as our Senior Vice
President Sales since October 2005. He served as our
Senior Vice President Finance and Insurance and
Fixed Operations from May 2003 until September 2005. From 2001
until May 2003, Mr. Westfall served as our Senior Vice
President Finance and Insurance. Previously, he
served as President of our former wholly-owned captive finance
company, AutoNation Financial Services, from 1997 through 2001.
He is also the former President of BMW Financial Services for
North America.
ITEM 1A. RISK
FACTORS
Our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash
flows, and prospects, and the prevailing market price and
performance of our common stock, may be adversely affected by a
number of factors, including the matters discussed below.
Certain statements and information set forth in this Annual
Report on
Form 10-K,
as well as other written or oral statements made from time to
time by us or by our authorized officers on our behalf,
constitute forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the Federal Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995. We intend for our forward-looking statements to be
covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking
statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995. You should note that our forward-looking statements
speak only as of the date of this Annual Report on
Form 10-K
or when made and we undertake no duty or obligation to update or
revise our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of
new information, future events, or otherwise. Although we
believe that the expectations, plans, intentions, and
projections reflected in our forward-looking statements are
reasonable, such statements are subject to known and unknown
risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our
actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially
different from any future results,
10
performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the
forward-looking statements. The risks, uncertainties, and other
factors that our stockholders and prospective investors should
consider include, but are not limited to, the following:
The
automotive retailing industry is sensitive to changing economic
conditions and various other factors. Our business and results
of operations are substantially dependent on new vehicle sales
levels in the United States and in our particular geographic
markets and the level of gross profit margins that we can
achieve on our sales of new vehicles, all of which are very
difficult to predict.
We believe that many factors affect sales of new vehicles and
automotive retailers gross profit margins in the United
States and in our particular geographic markets, including the
economy, inflation, recession or economic slowdown, consumer
confidence, housing markets, fuel prices, credit availability,
the level of manufacturers production capacity,
manufacturer incentives (and consumers reaction to such
offers), intense industry competition, interest rates, the
prospects of war, other international conflicts or terrorist
attacks, severe weather conditions, the level of personal
discretionary spending, product quality, affordability and
innovation, employment/unemployment rates, the number of
consumers whose vehicle leases are expiring, and the length of
consumer loans on existing vehicles. Changes in interest rates
could significantly impact industry new vehicle sales and
vehicle affordability, due to the direct relationship between
interest rates and monthly loan payments, a critical factor for
many vehicle buyers, and the impact interest rates can have on
customers borrowing capacity and disposable income. If
there is a decline in the availability of credit, particularly
in the
sub-prime
lending market, the ability of certain consumers to purchase
vehicles could be limited, resulting in a decline in sales or
profits. Sales of certain new vehicles, particularly larger
trucks and sports utility vehicles that historically have
provided us with higher gross margins, also could be impacted by
fuel prices and the level of construction activity. In 2006 and
2007, new vehicle sales in the United States experienced a
significant decline, driven in part by significant weakness in
the housing market, particularly in California and Florida. In
2007, approximately 50% of our new vehicle revenue was generated
by our stores in California and Florida. Continued weakness or a
lengthy downturn in the housing market could materially
adversely impact our sales.
Our new vehicle sales may differ from industry sales, due to
particular economic conditions and other factors in the
geographic markets in which we operate. We expect new vehicle
sales in the United States to decrease in 2008. A significant
decrease in new vehicle sales levels in the United States (or in
our particular geographic markets) in the future, or a decrease
in new vehicle gross profit margins, could cause our actual
earnings results to differ materially from our prior results and
projected trends. Economic conditions and the other factors
described above also may materially adversely impact our sales
of used vehicles, finance and vehicle protection products,
vehicle service, and parts and repair services.
We are
dependent upon the success and continued financial viability of
the vehicle manufacturers and distributors with which we hold
franchises.
The success of our stores is dependent on vehicle manufacturers
in several key respects. First, we rely exclusively on the
various vehicle manufacturers for our new vehicle inventory. Our
ability to sell new vehicles is dependent on a vehicle
manufacturers ability to produce and allocate to our
stores an attractive, high quality, and desirable product mix at
the right time in order to satisfy customer demand. Second,
manufacturers generally support their franchisees by providing
direct financial assistance in various areas, including, among
others, inventory financing assistance and advertising
assistance. Third, manufacturers provide product warranties and,
in some cases, service contracts, to customers. Our stores
perform warranty and service contract work for vehicles under
manufacturer product warranties and service contracts, and
direct bill the manufacturer as opposed to invoicing the store
customer. At any particular time, we have significant
receivables from manufacturers for warranty and service work
performed for customers. In addition, we rely on manufacturers
to varying extents for original equipment manufactured
replacement parts, training, product brochures and point of sale
materials, and other items for our stores.
The core brands of vehicles that we sell are manufactured by
Toyota, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Nissan, Chrysler, Daimler,
and BMW. In particular, our Ford Motor Company and General
Motors Corporation
11
stores represented over 27% of our new vehicle revenue in 2007.
We are subject to a concentration of risk in the event of
financial distress, including potential bankruptcy, of a major
vehicle manufacturer such as Ford or General Motors. In the
event of such a bankruptcy, among other things, (i) the
manufacturer could attempt to terminate all or certain of our
franchises, and we may not receive adequate compensation for
them, (ii) we may not be able to collect some or all of our
significant receivables that are due from such manufacturers and
we may be subject to preference claims relating to payments made
by manufacturers prior to bankruptcy, (iii) we may not be
able to obtain financing for our new vehicle inventory, or
arrange financing for our customers for their vehicle purchases
and leases, with the manufacturers captive finance
subsidiary, which may cause us to finance our new vehicle
inventory, and arrange financing for our customers, with
alternate finance sources on less favorable terms, and
(iv) consumer demand for their products could be materially
adversely affected. These events may result in a partial or
complete write-down of our goodwill, intangible franchise rights
with respect to any terminated franchises,
and/or
receivables due from such manufacturers and adversely impact our
results of operations. In addition, vehicle manufacturers may be
adversely impacted by economic downturns or recessions,
significant declines in the sales of their new vehicles,
increases in interest rates, declines in their credit ratings,
labor strikes or similar disruptions (including within their
major suppliers), supply shortages or rising raw material costs,
rising employee benefit costs, adverse publicity that may reduce
consumer demand for their products (including due to
bankruptcy), product defects, vehicle recall campaigns,
litigation, poor product mix or unappealing vehicle design,
governmental laws and regulations, or other adverse events.
Vehicle manufacturers are subject to federally mandated
corporate average fuel economy standards, which will increase
substantially as a result of legislation passed in 2007.
California and other states, in an effort to reduce greenhouse
gases, have enacted, or proposed to enact, automotive emissions
standards through legislation or regulations that, pending the
outcome of certain legal challenges
and/or
federal legislative or regulatory action, could significantly
increase fuel economy requirements in those states. Significant
increases in fuel economy requirements or automotive emissions
standards could materially adversely affect the ability of the
manufacturers to produce and for us to sell, at affordable
prices, the vehicles in demand by consumers, particularly larger
vehicles, which represent a significant portion of our business.
These and other risks could materially adversely affect any
manufacturer and impact its ability to profitably design,
market, produce, or distribute new vehicles, which in turn could
materially adversely affect our ability to obtain or finance our
new desired vehicle inventories, our ability to take advantage
of manufacturer financial assistance programs, our ability to
collect in full or on a timely basis our manufacturer warranty
and other receivables,
and/or our
ability to obtain other goods and services provided by the
impacted manufacturer. Our business, results of operations,
financial condition, shareholders equity, cash flows, and
prospects could be materially adversely affected as a result of
any event that has a material adverse effect on the vehicle
manufacturers or distributors who are our primary franchisors.
Our
new vehicle sales are impacted by the consumer incentive and
marketing programs of vehicle manufacturers.
Most vehicle manufacturers from time to time have established
various incentive and marketing programs designed to spur
consumer demand for their vehicles. In addition, certain
manufacturers offer extended product warranties or free service
programs to consumers. From time to time, manufacturers modify
and discontinue these dealer assistance and consumer incentive
and marketing programs, which could have a significant adverse
effect on our new vehicle and aftermarket product sales,
consolidated results of operations, and cash flows.
Natural
disasters and adverse weather events can disrupt our
business.
Our stores are concentrated in states and regions in the United
States, including primarily Florida, Texas, and California, in
which actual or threatened natural disasters and severe weather
events (such as hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, landslides, and
hail storms) may disrupt our store operations, which may
adversely impact our business, results of operations, financial
condition, and cash flows. In addition to business interruption,
the automotive retailing business is subject to substantial risk
of property loss due to the significant concentration of
property values at store locations. Although we have, subject to
certain deductibles, limitations, and exclusions, substantial
insurance, we cannot assure you that we will not be exposed to
uninsured or
12
underinsured losses that could have a material adverse effect on
our business, financial condition, results of operations, or
cash flows.
We are
subject to restrictions imposed by, and significant influence
from, vehicle manufacturers that may adversely impact our
business, financial condition, results of operations, cash
flows, and prospects, including our ability to acquire
additional stores.
Vehicle manufacturers and distributors with whom we hold
franchises have significant influence over the operations of our
stores. The terms and conditions of our framework, franchise,
and related agreements and the manufacturers interests and
objectives may, in certain circumstances, conflict with our
interests and objectives. For example, manufacturers can set
performance standards with respect to sales volume, sales
effectiveness, and customer satisfaction, and can influence our
ability to acquire additional stores, the naming and marketing
of our stores, the operations of our
e-commerce
sites, our selection of store management, the condition of our
store facilities, product stocking and advertising spending
levels, and the level at which we capitalize our stores.
Manufacturers may also have certain rights to restrict our
ability to provide guaranties of our operating companies,
pledges of the capital stock of our subsidiaries, and liens on
our assets, which could adversely impact our ability to obtain
financing for our business and operations on favorable terms or
at desired levels. From time to time, we are precluded under
agreements with certain manufacturers from acquiring additional
franchises, or subject to other adverse actions, to the extent
we are not meeting certain performance criteria at our existing
stores (with respect to matters such as sales volume, sales
effectiveness, and customer satisfaction) until our performance
improves in accordance with the agreements, subject to
applicable state franchise laws.
Manufacturers also have the right to establish new franchises or
relocate existing franchises, subject to applicable state
franchise laws. The establishment or relocation of franchises in
our markets could have a material adverse effect on the
financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and
prospects of our stores in the market in which the franchise
action is taken.
Our framework, franchise, and related agreements also grant the
manufacturer the right to terminate or compel us to sell our
franchise for a variety of reasons (including uncured
performance deficiencies, any unapproved change of ownership or
management, or any unapproved transfer of franchise rights or
impairment of financial standing or failure to meet capital
requirements), subject to applicable state franchise laws. From
time to time, certain major manufacturers assert sales and
customer satisfaction performance deficiencies under the terms
of our framework and franchise agreements. Additionally, our
framework agreements contain restrictions regarding a change in
control, which may be outside of our control. While we believe
that we will be able to renew all of our franchise agreements,
we cannot guarantee that all of our franchise agreements will be
renewed or that the terms of the renewals will be favorable to
us. We cannot assure you that our stores will be able to comply
with manufacturers sales, customer satisfaction
performance, and other requirements in the future, which may
affect our ability to acquire new stores or renew our franchise
agreements, or subject us to other adverse actions, including
termination or compelled sale of a franchise, any of which could
have a material adverse effect on our financial condition,
results of operations, cash flows, and prospects. Furthermore,
we rely on the protection of state franchise laws in the states
in which we operate and if those laws are repealed or weakened,
our framework and related agreements may become more susceptible
to termination, non-renewal, or renegotiation.
In addition, we have granted certain manufacturers the right to
acquire, at fair market value, our automotive dealerships
franchised by that manufacturer in specified circumstances in
the event of our default under the indenture for our senior
unsecured notes or the amended credit agreement for our
revolving credit facility and term loan facility.
13
We are
subject to numerous legal and administrative proceedings, which,
if the outcomes are adverse to us, could materially adversely
affect our business, results of operations, financial condition,
cash flows, and prospects.
We are involved, and will continue to be involved, in numerous
legal proceedings arising out of the conduct of our business,
including litigation with customers, employment-related
lawsuits, class actions, purported class actions, and actions
brought by governmental authorities. We do not believe that the
ultimate resolution of these matters will have a material
adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial
condition, or cash flows. However, the results of these matters
cannot be predicted with certainty, and an unfavorable
resolution of one or more of these matters could have a material
adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial
condition, cash flow, and prospects.
Our
operations, including, without limitation, our sales of finance
and insurance and vehicle protection products, are subject to
extensive governmental laws and regulations. If we are found to
be in violation of, or subject to liabilities under, any of
these laws or regulations, or if new laws or regulations are
enacted that adversely affect our operations, our business,
operating results, and prospects could suffer.
The automotive retailing industry, including our facilities and
operations, is subject to a wide range of federal, state, and
local laws and regulations, such as those relating to motor
vehicle sales, retail installment sales, leasing, sales of
finance, insurance, and vehicle protection products, licensing,
consumer protection, consumer privacy, escheatment, money
laundering, environmental, vehicle emissions and fuel economy,
health and safety,
wage-hour,
anti-discrimination, and other employment practices.
Specifically with respect to motor vehicle sales, retail
installment sales, leasing, and the sale of finance, insurance,
and vehicle protection products at our stores, we are subject to
various laws and regulations, the violation of which could
subject us to consumer class action or other lawsuits or
governmental investigations and adverse publicity, in addition
to administrative, civil, or criminal sanctions. The violation
of other laws and regulations to which we are subject also can
result in administrative, civil, or criminal sanctions against
us, which may include a cease and desist order against the
subject operations or even revocation or suspension of our
license to operate the subject business, as well as significant
fines and penalties. We currently devote significant resources
to comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulation
of health, safety, environmental, zoning, and land use
regulations, and we may need to spend additional time, effort,
and money to keep our operations and existing or acquired
facilities in compliance therewith. In addition, we may be
subject to broad liabilities arising out of contamination at our
currently and formerly owned or operated facilities, at
locations to which hazardous substances were transported from
such facilities, and at such locations related to entities
formerly affiliated with us. Although for some such liabilities
we believe we are entitled to indemnification from other
entities, we cannot assure you that such entities will view
their obligations as we do, or will be able to satisfy them.
Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations may have
an adverse effect on our business, results of operations,
financial condition, cash flows, and prospects.
Legislative or similar measures have recently been enacted or
pursued in certain states in which we operate to limit the fees
that dealerships may earn in connection with arranging financing
for vehicle purchasers, to require disclosure to consumers of
the fees that stores earn to arrange financing, and to enact
other additional regulations with respect to various aspects of
our business, including with respect to the sale of used
vehicles and finance and insurance products. Recent litigation
against certain vehicle manufacturers captive finance
subsidiaries alleging discriminatory lending practices has
resulted in settlements, and may result in future settlements,
that could reduce the fees earned by our stores in connection
with the origination of consumer loans. The enactment of laws
and regulations that materially impair or restrict our finance
and insurance or other operations could have a material adverse
effect on our business, results of operations, financial
condition, cash flows, and prospects.
14
Goodwill
and other intangible assets comprise a significant portion of
our total assets. We must test our intangible assets for
impairment at least annually, which may result in a material,
non-cash write down of goodwill or franchise rights and could
have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and
shareholders equity.
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles are subject to
impairment assessments at least annually (or more frequently
when events or circumstances indicate that an impairment may
have occurred) by applying a fair-value based test. Our
principal intangible assets are goodwill and our rights under
our franchise agreements with vehicle manufacturers. The risk of
impairment losses may increase to the extent our market
capitalization and earnings decline. Impairment losses may
result in a material, non-cash write-down of goodwill or
franchise values. Furthermore, impairment losses could have an
adverse impact on our ability to satisfy the financial ratios or
other covenants under our debt agreements and could have a
material adverse impact on our results of operations and
shareholders equity.
Our
ability to grow our business may be limited by our ability to
acquire automotive stores on favorable terms or at
all.
The automotive retail industry is a mature industry.
Accordingly, the growth of our automotive retail business since
our inception has been primarily attributable to acquisitions of
franchised automotive dealership groups. As described above,
manufacturer approval of our proposed acquisitions generally is
subject to our compliance with applicable performance standards
(including with respect to matters such as sales volume, sales
effectiveness, and customer satisfaction) or established
acquisition limits, particularly regional and local market
limits. In addition, in the current environment, it has been
difficult to identify dealership acquisitions in our core
markets that meet our return on investment targets. As a result,
we cannot assure you that we will be able to acquire stores
selling desirable automotive brands at desirable locations in
our key markets or that any such acquisitions can be completed
on favorable terms or at all. Acquisitions involve a number of
risks, many of which are unpredictable and difficult to quantify
or assess, including, among other matters, risks relating to
known and unknown liabilities of the acquired business and
projected operating performance.
We are
subject to interest rate risk in connection with our floorplan
notes payable, revolving credit facility, term loan facility,
and floating rate senior unsecured notes that could have a
material adverse effect on our profitability.
Most of our debt, including our floorplan notes, is subject to
variable interest rates. The variable interest rates under our
revolving credit facility, term loan facility, mortgage facility
(variable interest rate through November 20, 2007, fixed
interest rate thereafter), floating rate senior unsecured notes,
and certain of our floorplan notes payable all increased in 2006
and 2007. Our variable interest rate debt will fluctuate with
changing market conditions and, accordingly, our interest
expense will increase if interest rates rise. In addition, our
net inventory carrying cost (floorplan interest expense net of
floorplan assistance that we receive from automotive
manufacturers) may increase due to changes in interest rates,
inventory levels, and manufacturer assistance. We cannot assure
you that a significant increase in interest rates would not have
a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition,
results of operations, or cash flows.
Our
revolving credit facility, term loan facility, mortgage
facility, and the indenture relating to our senior unsecured
notes contain certain restrictions on our ability to conduct our
business.
The indenture relating to our senior unsecured notes and the
amended credit agreement relating to our revolving credit
facility and term loan facility contain numerous financial and
operating covenants that limit the discretion of our management
with respect to various business matters. These covenants place
significant restrictions on, among other things, our ability to
incur additional indebtedness, to create liens or other
encumbrances, to make certain payments (including dividends and
repurchases of our shares) and investments, and to sell or
otherwise dispose of assets and merge or consolidate with other
entities. Our amended credit agreement also requires us to meet
certain financial ratios and tests that may require us to take
action to reduce debt or act in a manner contrary to our
business objectives. A failure by us to comply with the
obligations contained in our amended credit agreement or the
indenture relating to our senior unsecured notes
15
could result in an event of default under our amended credit
agreement or the indenture, which could permit acceleration of
the related debt and acceleration of debt under other
instruments that may contain cross-acceleration or cross-default
provisions. If any debt is accelerated, our liquid assets may
not be sufficient to repay in full such indebtedness and our
other indebtedness. In addition, we have granted certain
manufacturers the right to acquire, at fair market value, our
automotive stores franchised by that manufacturer in specified
circumstances in the event of our default under the indenture
for our senior unsecured notes or the amended credit agreement
for our revolving credit facility and term loan facility.
Our
substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our financial
condition and operations and prevent us from fulfilling our debt
service obligations. We may still be able to incur more debt,
intensifying these risks.
As of December 31, 2007, we had approximately
$1.8 billion of total indebtedness (including amounts
outstanding under our mortgage facility and capital leases but
excluding floorplan financing), and our subsidiaries also had
$2.2 billion of floorplan financing. In addition, we had
the ability to borrow $361.2 million additional
indebtedness under our revolving credit facility. Our
substantial indebtedness could have important consequences. For
example:
|
|
|
|
|
We may have difficulty satisfying our debt service obligations
and, if we fail to comply with these requirements, an event of
default could result;
|
|
|
|
We may be required to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash
flow from operations to required payments on indebtedness,
thereby reducing the availability of cash flow for working
capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, and other general
corporate activities;
|
|
|
|
Covenants relating to our indebtedness may limit our ability to
obtain financing for working capital, capital expenditures,
acquisitions, and other general corporate activities;
|
|
|
|
Covenants relating to our indebtedness may limit our flexibility
in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the
industry in which we operate;
|
|
|
|
We may be more vulnerable to the impact of economic downturns
and adverse developments in our business;
|
|
|
|
We may be placed at a competitive disadvantage against any less
leveraged competitors;
|
|
|
|
Our variable interest rate debt will fluctuate with changing
market conditions and, accordingly, our interest expense will
increase if interest rates rise; and
|
|
|
|
Our future share repurchases are subject to limitations
contained in the indenture relating to our senior unsecured
notes.
|
The occurrence of any one of these events could have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of
operations, prospects, and ability to satisfy our debt service
obligations. Subject to restrictions in the indenture governing
our senior unsecured notes and in the amended credit agreement
governing our revolving credit facility and term loan facility,
we may incur additional indebtedness, which could increase the
risks associated with our already substantial indebtedness.
Our
largest stockholder, as a result of its voting ownership, may
have the ability to exert substantial influence over actions to
be taken or approved by our stockholders.
ESL Investments, Inc., together with its investment affiliates
(collectively, ESL), beneficially owns approximately
35% of the outstanding shares of our common stock (as of
February 26, 2008). As a result, ESL may have the ability to
exert substantial influence over actions to be taken or approved
by our stockholders, including the election of directors and any
transactions involving a change of control. William C. Crowley,
one of our directors, is the President and Chief Operating
Officer of ESL Investments, Inc. In the future, ESL may acquire
or sell shares of common stock and thereby increase or decrease
its ownership stake in us.
16
|
|
ITEM 1B.
|
UNRESOLVED
STAFF COMMENTS
|
None.
We lease our corporate headquarters facility in
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, pursuant to a lease expiring in
2010. As of February 2008, we also own or lease numerous
facilities relating to our operations in the following
15 states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida,
Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, Ohio, Tennessee,
Texas, Virginia, and Washington. These facilities consist
primarily of automobile showrooms, display lots, service
facilities, collision repair centers, supply facilities,
automobile storage lots, parking lots, and offices. We believe
that our facilities are sufficient for our current needs and are
in good condition in all material respects.
|
|
ITEM 3.
|
LEGAL
PROCEEDINGS
|
We are involved, and will continue to be involved, in numerous
legal proceedings arising out of the conduct of our business,
including litigation with customers, employment-related
lawsuits, class actions, purported class actions, and actions
brought by governmental authorities. We do not believe that the
ultimate resolution of these matters will have a material
adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial
condition, or cash flows. However, the results of these matters
cannot be predicted with certainty, and an unfavorable
resolution of one or more of these matters could have a material
adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial
condition, cash flow, and prospects.
|
|
ITEM 4.
|
SUBMISSION
OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
|
No matters were submitted to a vote of our stockholders during
the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31,
2007.
17
PART II
|
|
ITEM 5.
|
MARKET
FOR THE REGISTRANTS COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
|
Market
Information, Holders, and Dividends
Our common stock is traded on The New York Stock Exchange under
the symbol AN. The following table sets forth the
high and low sales prices of our common stock for the periods
indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
High
|
|
|
Low
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fourth Quarter
|
|
$
|
18.62
|
|
|
$
|
14.65
|
|
Third Quarter
|
|
$
|
22.72
|
|
|
$
|
17.03
|
|
Second Quarter
|
|
$
|
22.86
|
|
|
$
|
20.21
|
|
First Quarter
|
|
$
|
23.19
|
|
|
$
|
20.65
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fourth Quarter
|
|
$
|
21.52
|
|
|
$
|
19.43
|
|
Third Quarter
|
|
$
|
21.68
|
|
|
$
|
18.95
|
|
Second Quarter
|
|
$
|
22.94
|
|
|
$
|
20.56
|
|
First Quarter
|
|
$
|
22.90
|
|
|
$
|
20.54
|
|
As of February 22, 2008, there were approximately 2,265
holders of record of our common stock. A substantially greater
number of holders of our common stock are street
name or beneficial holders, whose shares are held of
record by banks, brokers, and other financial institutions.
We have not declared or paid any cash dividends on our common
stock during our two most recent fiscal years. We do not
anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. The
indenture for our senior unsecured notes and the amended credit
agreement for our revolving credit facility and term loan
facility restrict our ability to declare and pay cash dividends.
18
Issuer
Purchases of Equity Securities
The table below sets forth information with respect to shares of
common stock repurchased by AutoNation, Inc. during the three
months ended December 31, 2007. See Note 9,
Shareholders Equity, of the Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements for additional information regarding our
stock repurchase programs.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Number of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares Purchased as
|
|
|
Maximum Dollar Value
|
|
|
|
Total Number
|
|
|
Average
|
|
|
Part of Publicly
|
|
|
of Shares that May Yet Be
|
|
|
|
of Shares
|
|
|
Price Paid
|
|
|
Announced
|
|
|
Purchased Under the
|
|
Period
|
|
Purchased(1)
|
|
|
per Share
|
|
|
Programs(2)
|
|
|
Programs (In
millions)(2)(3)
|
|
|
October 1, 2007 to October 31, 2007
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
$
|
17.76
|
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
$
|
259.8
|
|
November 1, 2007 to November 30, 2007
|
|
|
2,382,000
|
|
|
$
|
16.62
|
|
|
|
2,382,000
|
|
|
$
|
220.2
|
|
December 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007
|
|
|
1,500,000
|
|
|
$
|
15.65
|
|
|
|
1,500,000
|
|
|
$
|
196.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
3,982,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,982,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
No shares were repurchased other than through our publicly
announced repurchase programs during the fourth quarter of our
fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. |
|
(2) |
|
On April 25, 2007, our Board of Directors approved a stock
repurchase program (referred to as the April 2007
Program), which authorized AutoNation to repurchase up to
$500 million in shares of our common stock. 678,875 of the
shares repurchased in October and November 2007 were repurchased
under the April 2007 Program. We have repurchased the entire
amount authorized under the April 2007 Program. On
October 23, 2007, our Board of Directors approved a new
stock repurchase program (referred to as the October 2007
Program), which authorized AutoNation to repurchase up to
$250 million in shares of our common stock. 3,303,125 of
the shares repurchased in November and December 2007 were
repurchased under the October 2007 Program. The October 2007
Program does not have an expiration date. |
|
(3) |
|
Future share repurchases are subject to limitations contained in
the indenture relating to our senior unsecured notes. As of
January 1, 2008, we had approximately $30 million
available for share repurchases and other restricted payments
that are subject to these limitations. This amount will increase
in future periods by 50% of our cumulative consolidated net
income (as defined in the indenture), the net proceeds of stock
option exercises and certain other items, and decrease by the
amount of future share repurchases and other restricted payments
subject to these limitations. For further information, see
Note 7, Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt, of the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements. |
19
Stock
Performance Graph
The following graph and table compare the cumulative total
stockholder return on our common stock from December 31,
2002 through December 31, 2007 with the performance of:
(i) the Standard & Poors (S&P) 500
Index and (ii) the S&P Specialty Stores Index
(currently comprised of Office Depot, Inc., OfficeMax
Incorporated, Staples, Inc., and Tiffany & Co.). We have
created these comparisons using data supplied by Research Data
Group, Inc. The comparisons reflected in the graph and table are
not intended to forecast the future performance of our stock and
may not be indicative of future performance. The graph and table
assume that $100 was invested on December 31, 2002 in each
of our common stock, the S&P 500 Index, and the S&P
Specialty Stores Index, and that any dividends were reinvested.
COMPARISON
OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
Among AutoNation Inc., The S&P 500 Index
And The S&P Specialty Stores Index
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12/02
|
|
|
12/03
|
|
|
12/04
|
|
|
12/05
|
|
|
12/06
|
|
|
12/07
|
|
AutoNation Inc.
|
|
|
100.00
|
|
|
|
146.26
|
|
|
|
152.95
|
|
|
|
173.01
|
|
|
|
169.75
|
|
|
|
124.68
|
|
S&P 500
|
|
|
100.00
|
|
|
|
128.68
|
|
|
|
142.69
|
|
|
|
149.70
|
|
|
|
173.34
|
|
|
|
182.87
|
|
S&P Specialty Stores
|
|
|
100.00
|
|
|
|
134.66
|
|
|
|
141.66
|
|
|
|
167.31
|
|
|
|
203.39
|
|
|
|
149.29
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The graph and table above shall not be deemed filed
for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), or otherwise
subject to the liabilities under that Section, and shall not be
deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing of
AutoNation, Inc. under the Securities Act of 1933 or the
Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific
reference in such filing.
20
|
|
ITEM 6.
|
SELECTED
FINANCIAL DATA
|
You should read the following Selected Financial Data in
conjunction with Managements Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, our
Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto, and other
financial information included elsewhere in this
Form 10-K.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of and for the Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2003
|
|
(In millions, except per share data)
|
|
|
Revenue
|
|
$
|
17,691.5
|
|
|
$
|
18,626.5
|
|
|
$
|
18,310.3
|
|
|
$
|
17,915.7
|
|
|
$
|
17,110.0
|
|
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
|
|
$
|
459.3
|
|
|
$
|
541.2
|
|
|
$
|
618.3
|
|
|
$
|
590.1
|
|
|
$
|
587.1
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
278.7
|
|
|
$
|
316.9
|
|
|
$
|
496.5
|
|
|
$
|
433.6
|
|
|
$
|
479.2
|
|
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuing operations
|
|
$
|
1.45
|
|
|
$
|
1.47
|
|
|
$
|
1.49
|
|
|
$
|
1.45
|
|
|
$
|
1.80
|
|
Discontinued operations
|
|
$
|
(.05
|
)
|
|
$
|
(.06
|
)
|
|
$
|
.40
|
|
|
$
|
.18
|
|
|
$
|
(.04
|
)
|
Cumulative effect of accounting
change(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
(.05
|
)
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
1.41
|
|
|
$
|
1.41
|
|
|
$
|
1.89
|
|
|
$
|
1.63
|
|
|
$
|
1.71
|
|
Weighted average common shares outstanding
|
|
|
198.3
|
|
|
|
225.2
|
|
|
|
262.7
|
|
|
|
266.7
|
|
|
|
279.5
|
|
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuing operations
|
|
$
|
1.44
|
|
|
$
|
1.44
|
|
|
$
|
1.46
|
|
|
$
|
1.41
|
|
|
$
|
1.75
|
|
Discontinued operations
|
|
$
|
(.05
|
)
|
|
$
|
(.06
|
)
|
|
$
|
.39
|
|
|
$
|
.18
|
|
|
$
|
(.03
|
)
|
Cumulative effect of accounting
change(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
(.05
|
)
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
1.39
|
|
|
$
|
1.38
|
|
|
$
|
1.85
|
|
|
$
|
1.59
|
|
|
$
|
1.67
|
|
Weighted average common shares outstanding
|
|
|
200.0
|
|
|
|
229.3
|
|
|
|
268.0
|
|
|
|
272.5
|
|
|
|
287.0
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$
|
8,479.6
|
|
|
$
|
8,601.4
|
|
|
$
|
8,824.5
|
|
|
$
|
8,698.9
|
|
|
$
|
8,823.1
|
|
Long-term debt, net of current maturities
|
|
$
|
1,751.9
|
|
|
$
|
1,557.9
|
|
|
$
|
484.4
|
|
|
$
|
797.7
|
|
|
$
|
808.5
|
|
Shareholders equity
|
|
$
|
3,473.5
|
|
|
$
|
3,712.7
|
|
|
$
|
4,669.5
|
|
|
$
|
4,263.1
|
|
|
$
|
3,949.7
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
During 2003, we recorded a $14.6 million ($9.1 million
after-tax) cumulative effect of accounting change to reflect the
deferral of certain manufacturer allowances, primarily floorplan
assistance, into inventory cost upon the adoption of Emerging
Issues Task Force Issue
No. 02-16,
Accounting by a Customer (Including a Reseller) for
Certain Consideration Received from a Vendor, as of
January 1, 2003. |
See the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for
discussion of Note 9, Shareholders Equity,
Note 11, Income Taxes, Note 12, Earnings Per Share,
Note 13, Discontinued Operations, and Note 15,
Acquisitions, and the effect on comparability of year-to-year
data. See Item 5. Market for the Registrants
Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases
of Equity Securities for a discussion of our dividend
policy.
21
|
|
ITEM 7.
|
MANAGEMENTS
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
|
You should read the following discussion in conjunction with
Part I, including matters set forth in the Risk
Factors section of this
Form 10-K,
and our Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto
included elsewhere in this
Form 10-K.
Certain reclassifications of amounts previously reported have
been made to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements
in order to maintain consistency and comparability between
periods presented.
Overview
AutoNation, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is the largest
automotive retailer in the United States. As of
December 31, 2007, we owned and operated 322 new vehicle
franchises from 244 dealerships located in major metropolitan
markets, predominantly in the Sunbelt region of the United
States. Our stores, which we believe include some of the most
recognizable and well known in our key markets, sell 38
different brands of new vehicles. The core brands of vehicles
that we sell, representing approximately 96% of the new vehicles
that we sold in 2007, are manufactured by Toyota, Ford, General
Motors, Honda, Nissan, Chrysler, Daimler, and BMW.
We operate in a single operating and reporting segment,
automotive retailing. We offer a diversified range of automotive
products and services, including new vehicles, used vehicles,
vehicle maintenance and repair services, vehicle parts, extended
service contracts, vehicle protection products, and other
aftermarket products. We also arrange financing for vehicle
purchases through third-party finance sources. We believe that
the significant scale of our operations and the quality of our
managerial talent allow us to achieve efficiencies in our key
markets by, among other things, leveraging our market brands and
advertising, improving asset management, implementing
standardized processes, and increasing productivity across all
of our stores.
For the year ended December 31, 2007, new vehicle sales
account for approximately 58% of our total revenue, but
approximately 25% of our total gross margin. Our parts and
service and finance and insurance operations, while comprising
approximately 18% of total revenue, contribute approximately 61%
of our gross margin. We believe that many factors affect sales
of new vehicles and retailers gross profit margins in the
United States and in our particular geographic markets,
including the economy, inflation, recession or economic
slowdown, consumer confidence, housing markets, fuel prices,
credit availability, the level of manufacturers production
capacity, manufacturer incentives (and consumers reaction
to such offers), intense industry competition, interest rates,
the prospects of war, other international conflicts or terrorist
attacks, severe weather conditions, the level of personal
discretionary spending, product quality, affordability and
innovation, employment/unemployment rates, the number of
consumers whose vehicle leases are expiring, and the length of
consumer loans on existing vehicles. Changes in interest rates
could significantly impact industry new vehicle sales and
vehicle affordability, due to the direct relationship between
interest rates and monthly loan payments, a critical factor for
many vehicle buyers, and the impact interest rates can have on
customers borrowing capacity and disposable income. Sales
of certain new vehicles, particularly larger trucks and sports
utility vehicles that historically have provided us with higher
gross margins, also are impacted by fuel prices.
The automotive retail environment was challenging in 2007,
especially in California and Florida, where the housing markets
experienced a significant decline. For 2008, we anticipate that
the automotive retail market will remain challenging and that
full-year industry new vehicle sales will decline from the
low-16 million unit level in 2007 to the
mid-15 million unit level. However, actual sales may
materially differ.
We had net income from continuing operations of
$288.0 million in 2007 and $330.8 million in 2006 and
diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $1.44
in 2007 and 2006. The 2007 results included favorable tax
adjustments of $12.0 million, or $.06 per share. The 2006
results included pre-tax charges of $34.5 million, or $.09
per share, for the debt tender premium and other financing costs
relating to our April 2006 recapitalization.
Our Board of Directors authorized a $500.0 million share
repurchase program in April 2007 and an additional
$250.0 million share repurchase program in October 2007. We
repurchased 33.2 million shares of
22
our common stock for an aggregate purchase price of
$645.7 million (average purchase price per share of $19.43)
during the year ended December 31, 2007. Future share
repurchases are subject to limitations contained in the
indenture relating to our senior unsecured notes. As of
January 1, 2008, we had approximately $30 million
available for share repurchases and other restricted payments
that are subject to these limitations. This amount will increase
in future periods by 50% of our cumulative consolidated net
income (as defined in the indenture), the net proceeds of stock
option exercises, and certain other items, and decrease by the
amount of future share repurchases and other restricted payments
subject to these limitations. For further information, see
Liquidity and Capital Resources and Note 7,
Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt, of the Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements. During 2007, 6.8 million shares of
our common stock were issued upon exercise of stock options,
resulting in proceeds of $96.6 million (average price per
share of $14.12).
We had a loss from discontinued operations totaling
$9.3 million in 2007 and $13.9 million in 2006, net of
income taxes. Certain amounts reflected in the accompanying
Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended
December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, have been adjusted to
reclassify as discontinued operations the results of stores that
were sold, that we have entered into an agreement to sell, or
for which we otherwise deem a proposed sales transaction to be
probable with no material changes expected.
Critical
Accounting Policies and Estimates
We prepare our Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States, which require us to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of
the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue
and expenses during the reporting period. We evaluate our
estimates on an ongoing basis and we base our estimates on
historical experience and various other assumptions we believe
to be reasonable. Actual outcomes could differ materially from
those estimates in a manner that could have a material effect on
our Consolidated Financial Statements. Set forth below are the
policies and estimates that we have identified as critical to
our business operations and an understanding of our results of
operations, based on the high degree of judgment or complexity
in their application.
Goodwill, Other Intangible Assets, and Long-Lived
Assets Goodwill, other intangible assets, and
long-lived assets are significant components of our Consolidated
Balance Sheets. Our policies regarding the valuation of
intangible assets affect the amount of future amortization and
possible impairment charges we may incur.
Goodwill consists of the cost of acquired businesses in excess
of the fair value of net assets acquired, using the purchase
method of accounting. Acquired intangible assets are separately
recognized if the benefit of the intangible asset is obtained
through contractual or other legal rights, or if the intangible
asset can be sold, transferred, licensed, rented, or exchanged,
regardless of our intent to do so. Our principal identifiable
intangible assets are rights under franchise agreements with
vehicle manufacturers. We generally expect our franchise
agreements to survive for the foreseeable future, and, when the
agreements do not have indefinite terms, anticipate routine
renewals of the agreements without substantial cost. We believe
that our franchise agreements will contribute to cash flows for
the foreseeable future and have indefinite lives.
Goodwill and franchise rights assets are tested for impairment
annually at June 30 or more frequently when events or
circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. We are
subject to financial statement risk to the extent that goodwill,
franchise rights assets, or other intangible assets become
impaired due to decreases in the fair value of the related
underlying business.
The risk of goodwill and franchise rights impairment losses may
increase to the extent that our market capitalization and
earnings decline. A sustained decrease in our market
capitalization, or a negative long-term performance outlook,
could cause the carrying value of our reporting unit to exceed
its fair value, which may result in an impairment loss.
Impairment losses could have an adverse impact on our ability to
satisfy the financial ratios or other covenants under our debt
agreements and could have a material adverse impact on our
results of operations and financial condition.
23
We estimate the depreciable lives of our property, plant, and
equipment, including leasehold improvements, and review them for
impairment when events or circumstances indicate that their
carrying amounts may be impaired. We periodically evaluate the
carrying value of assets held for sale to determine if, based on
market conditions, the values of these assets should be
adjusted. Although we believe our property, plant, and equipment
and assets held for sale are appropriately valued, the
assumptions and estimates used may change and we may be required
to record impairment charges to reduce the value of these assets.
Revenue Recognition/Reserves for Finance and Insurance
Chargebacks Revenue consists of the sales of
new and used vehicles, commissions from related finance and
insurance products, sales of parts and services, and sales of
other products. We recognize revenue in the period in which
products are sold or services are provided. We recognize vehicle
and finance and insurance revenue when a sales contract has been
executed, the vehicle has been delivered, and payment has been
received or financing has been arranged. Rebates, holdbacks,
floorplan assistance, and certain other dealer credits received
from manufacturers are recorded as a reduction of the cost of
the vehicle and recognized into income upon the sale of the
vehicle or when earned under a specific manufacturer program,
whichever is later.
Revenue on finance and insurance products represents commissions
earned by us for: (i) loans and leases placed with
financial institutions in connection with customer vehicle
purchases financed and (ii) vehicle protection products
sold. We primarily sell these products on a straight commission
basis; however we also participate in future underwriting profit
on certain extended service contracts pursuant to retrospective
commission arrangements, which are recognized as earned.
We may be charged back for unearned financing, insurance, or
vehicle protection product commissions in the event of early
termination of the contracts by customers
(chargebacks). Revenues from these fees are recorded
at the time of the sale of the vehicles net of an estimated
liability for chargebacks. Our estimate of chargebacks is based
primarily on our historical chargeback experience, and is
influenced by increases or decreases in early termination rates
resulting from cancellation of vehicle protection products,
defaults, refinancings and payoffs before maturity, and other
factors.
Income Taxes Accounting for our income taxes
requires significant judgment in the evaluation of our uncertain
tax positions and in the calculation of our provision for income
taxes. Effective January 1, 2007, we adopted Financial
Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Financial
Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income
Taxes-an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109
(FIN 48). FIN 48 contains a two-step
approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions.
The first step is to evaluate available evidence to determine if
it appears more likely than not that an uncertain tax position
will be sustained on an audit by a taxing authority, based
solely on the technical merits of the tax position. The second
step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is
more than 50% likely of being realized upon settling the
uncertain tax position.
Although we believe we have adequately reserved for our
uncertain tax positions, the ultimate outcome of these tax
matters may differ from our expectations. We adjust our reserves
in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the
completion of a tax audit, expiration of a statute of
limitations, the refinement of an estimate, and interest
accruals associated with uncertain tax positions until they are
resolved. To the extent that the final tax outcome of these
matters is different than the amounts recorded, such differences
will impact the provision for income taxes in the period in
which such determination is made.
Our future effective tax rates could be affected by changes in
our deferred tax assets or liabilities, the valuation of our
uncertain tax positions, or by changes in tax laws, regulations,
accounting principles, or interpretations thereof.
Other Additionally, significant estimates
have been made by us in the accompanying Consolidated Financial
Statements including allowances for doubtful accounts, accruals
related to self-insurance programs, certain legal proceedings,
estimated losses from disposals of discontinued operations, and
certain assumptions related to determining stock option
compensation.
24
Reported
Operating Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 vs. 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 vs. 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Favorable/
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
Favorable/
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
(Unfavorable)
|
|
|
Variance
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
(Unfavorable)
|
|
|
Variance
|
|
($ in millions, except per vehicle data)
|
|
|
Revenue:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New vehicle
|
|
$
|
10,195.6
|
|
|
$
|
10,985.0
|
|
|
$
|
(789.4
|
)
|
|
|
(7.2
|
)
|
|
$
|
10,995.8
|
|
|
$
|
(10.8
|
)
|
|
|
(0.1
|
)
|
Used vehicle
|
|
|
4,241.2
|
|
|
|
4,413.3
|
|
|
|
(172.1
|
)
|
|
|
(3.9
|
)
|
|
|
4,206.2
|
|
|
|
207.1
|
|
|
|
4.9
|
|
Parts and service
|
|
|
2,592.7
|
|
|
|
2,532.6
|
|
|
|
60.1
|
|
|
|
2.4
|
|
|
|
2,439.0
|
|
|
|
93.6
|
|
|
|
3.8
|
|
Finance and insurance, net
|
|
|
593.7
|
|
|
|
623.1
|
|
|
|
(29.4
|
)
|
|
|
(4.7
|
)
|
|
|
588.5
|
|
|
|
34.6
|
|
|
|
5.9
|
|
Other
|
|
|
68.3
|
|
|
|
72.5
|
|
|
|
(4.2
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
80.8
|
|
|
|
(8.3
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenue
|
|
$
|
17,691.5
|
|
|
$
|
18,626.5
|
|
|
$
|
(935.0
|
)
|
|
|
(5.0
|
)
|
|
$
|
18,310.3
|
|
|
$
|
316.2
|
|
|
|
1.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New vehicle
|
|
$
|
720.0
|
|
|
$
|
805.2
|
|
|
$
|
(85.2
|
)
|
|
|
(10.6
|
)
|
|
$
|
801.9
|
|
|
$
|
3.3
|
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
Used vehicle
|
|
|
358.9
|
|
|
|
400.4
|
|
|
|
(41.5
|
)
|
|
|
(10.4
|
)
|
|
|
407.8
|
|
|
|
(7.4
|
)
|
|
|
(1.8
|
)
|
Parts and service
|
|
|
1,132.2
|
|
|
|
1,113.0
|
|
|
|
19.2
|
|
|
|
1.7
|
|
|
|
1,070.2
|
|
|
|
42.8
|
|
|
|
4.0
|
|
Finance and insurance
|
|
|
593.7
|
|
|
|
623.1
|
|
|
|
(29.4
|
)
|
|
|
(4.7
|
)
|
|
|
588.5
|
|
|
|
34.6
|
|
|
|
5.9
|
|
Other
|
|
|
39.6
|
|
|
|
41.1
|
|
|
|
(1.5
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
46.3
|
|
|
|
(5.2
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total gross profit
|
|
|
2,844.4
|
|
|
|
2,982.8
|
|
|
|
(138.4
|
)
|
|
|
(4.6
|
)
|
|
|
2,914.7
|
|
|
|
68.1
|
|
|
|
2.3
|
|
Selling, general & administrative expenses
|
|
|
2,046.2
|
|
|
|
2,109.9
|
|
|
|
63.7
|
|
|
|
3.0
|
|
|
|
2,043.4
|
|
|
|
(66.5
|
)
|
|
|
(3.3
|
)
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
91.7
|
|
|
|
81.4
|
|
|
|
(10.3
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
76.9
|
|
|
|
(4.5
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Other expenses (income), net
|
|
|
1.7
|
|
|
|
(0.2
|
)
|
|
|
(1.9
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
|
|
0.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income
|
|
|
704.8
|
|
|
|
791.7
|
|
|
|
(86.9
|
)
|
|
|
(11.0
|
)
|
|
|
793.9
|
|
|
|
(2.2
|
)
|
|
|
(0.3
|
)
|
Floorplan interest expense
|
|
|
(133.1
|
)
|
|
|
(138.2
|
)
|
|
|
5.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(102.3
|
)
|
|
|
(35.9
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Other interest expense
|
|
|
(114.3
|
)
|
|
|
(90.9
|
)
|
|
|
(23.4
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(63.3
|
)
|
|
|
(27.6
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Other interest expense senior note repurchases
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(34.5
|
)
|
|
|
34.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(17.4
|
)
|
|
|
(17.1
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
3.4
|
|
|
|
8.3
|
|
|
|
(4.9
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.5
|
|
|
|
0.8
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other gains (losses), net
|
|
|
(1.5
|
)
|
|
|
4.8
|
|
|
|
(6.3
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.1
|
)
|
|
|
4.9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
|
|
$
|
459.3
|
|
|
$
|
541.2
|
|
|
$
|
(81.9
|
)
|
|
|
(15.1
|
)
|
|
$
|
618.3
|
|
|
$
|
(77.1
|
)
|
|
|
(12.5
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retail vehicle unit sales:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New vehicle
|
|
|
328,963
|
|
|
|
362,895
|
|
|
|
(33,932
|
)
|
|
|
(9.4
|
)
|
|
|
372,508
|
|
|
|
(9,613
|
)
|
|
|
(2.6
|
)
|
Used vehicle
|
|
|
206,140
|
|
|
|
219,271
|
|
|
|
(13,131
|
)
|
|
|
(6.0
|
)
|
|
|
221,640
|
|
|
|
(2,369
|
)
|
|
|
(1.1
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
535,103
|
|
|
|
582,166
|
|
|
|
(47,063
|
)
|
|
|
(8.1
|
)
|
|
|
594,148
|
|
|
|
(11,982
|
)
|
|
|
(2.0
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue per vehicle retailed:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New vehicle
|
|
$
|
30,993
|
|
|
$
|
30,270
|
|
|
$
|
723
|
|
|
|
2.4
|
|
|
$
|
29,518
|
|
|
$
|
752
|
|
|
|
2.5
|
|
Used vehicle
|
|
$
|
16,440
|
|
|
$
|
16,107
|
|
|
$
|
333
|
|
|
|
2.1
|
|
|
$
|
15,326
|
|
|
$
|
781
|
|
|
|
5.1
|
|
Gross profit per vehicle retailed:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New vehicle
|
|
$
|
2,189
|
|
|
$
|
2,219
|
|
|
$
|
(30
|
)
|
|
|
(1.4
|
)
|
|
$
|
2,153
|
|
|
$
|
66
|
|
|
|
3.1
|
|
Used vehicle
|
|
$
|
1,741
|
|
|
$
|
1,826
|
|
|
$
|
(85
|
)
|
|
|
(4.7
|
)
|
|
$
|
1,825
|
|
|
$
|
1.0
|
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
Finance and insurance
|
|
$
|
1,110
|
|
|
$
|
1,070
|
|
|
$
|
40
|
|
|
|
3.7
|
|
|
$
|
990
|
|
|
$
|
80
|
|
|
|
8.1
|
|
25
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
% 2007
|
|
|
% 2006
|
|
|
% 2005
|
|
|
Revenue mix percentages:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New vehicle
|
|
|
57.6
|
|
|
|
59.0
|
|
|
|
60.1
|
|
Used vehicle
|
|
|
24.0
|
|
|
|
23.7
|
|
|
|
23.0
|
|
Parts and service
|
|
|
14.7
|
|
|
|
13.6
|
|
|
|
13.3
|
|
Finance and insurance, net
|
|
|
3.4
|
|
|
|
3.3
|
|
|
|
3.2
|
|
Other
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit mix percentages:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New vehicle
|
|
|
25.3
|
|
|
|
27.0
|
|
|
|
27.5
|
|
Used vehicle
|
|
|
12.6
|
|
|
|
13.4
|
|
|
|
14.0
|
|
Parts and service
|
|
|
39.8
|
|
|
|
37.3
|
|
|
|
36.7
|
|
Finance and insurance
|
|
|
20.9
|
|
|
|
20.9
|
|
|
|
20.2
|
|
Other
|
|
|
1.4
|
|
|
|
1.4
|
|
|
|
1.6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating items as a percentage of revenue:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New vehicle
|
|
|
7.1
|
|
|
|
7.3
|
|
|
|
7.3
|
|
Used vehicle retail
|
|
|
10.6
|
|
|
|
11.3
|
|
|
|
11.9
|
|
Parts and service
|
|
|
43.7
|
|
|
|
43.9
|
|
|
|
43.9
|
|
Total
|
|
|
16.1
|
|
|
|
16.0
|
|
|
|
15.9
|
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses
|
|
|
11.6
|
|
|
|
11.3
|
|
|
|
11.2
|
|
Operating income
|
|
|
4.0
|
|
|
|
4.3
|
|
|
|
4.3
|
|
Other operating items as a percentage of total gross profit:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses
|
|
|
71.9
|
|
|
|
70.7
|
|
|
|
70.1
|
|
Operating income
|
|
|
24.8
|
|
|
|
26.5
|
|
|
|
27.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Days supply:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New vehicle (industry standard of selling days, including fleet)
|
|
|
53 days
|
|
|
|
51 days
|
|
Used vehicle (trailing 30 days)
|
|
|
44 days
|
|
|
|
42 days
|
|
The following table details net inventory carrying benefit
(cost), consisting of floorplan interest expense net of
floorplan assistance earned (amounts received from manufacturers
specifically to support store financing of inventory). Floorplan
assistance is accounted for as a component of new vehicle gross
profit.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variance 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variance 2006
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
vs. 2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
vs. 2005
|
|
($ in millions)
|
|
|
Floorplan assistance
|
|
$
|
100.0
|
|
|
$
|
108.8
|
|
|
$
|
(8.8
|
)
|
|
$
|
106.6
|
|
|
$
|
2.2
|
|
Floorplan interest expense
|
|
|
(133.1
|
)
|
|
|
(138.2
|
)
|
|
|
5.1
|
|
|
|
(102.3
|
)
|
|
|
(35.9
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net inventory carrying benefit (cost)
|
|
$
|
(33.1
|
)
|
|
$
|
(29.4
|
)
|
|
$
|
(3.7
|
)
|
|
$
|
4.3
|
|
|
$
|
(33.7
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26
Same
Store Operating Data
We have presented below our operating results on a same store
basis to reflect our internal performance. The Same
Store amounts presented below include the results of
dealerships for the identical months in each period presented in
the comparison, commencing with the first full month in which
the dealership was owned by us. For example, the results for a
dealership acquired in February 2006 would be included only in
our same store comparison of 2007 to 2006, not in our same store
comparison of 2006 to 2005. Results for a dealership that we
classified as a discontinued operation in October 2007 would be
removed entirely from our same store comparison of 2007 to 2006.
Therefore, the amounts presented in the year 2006 column that is
being compared to the year 2007 column may differ from the
amounts presented in the year 2006 column that is being compared
to the year 2005 column.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Favorable/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Favorable/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
(Unfavorable)
|
|
|
% Variance
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
(Unfavorable)
|
|
|
% Variance
|
|
($ in millions, except per vehicle data)
|
|
|
Revenue:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New vehicle
|
|
$
|
10,107.7
|
|
|
$
|
10,985.0
|
|
|
$
|
(877.3
|
)
|
|
|
(8.0
|
)
|
|
$
|
11,050.5
|
|
|
$
|
11,224.0
|
|
|
$
|
(173.5
|
)
|
|
|
(1.5
|
)
|
Used vehicle
|
|
|
4,205.7
|
|
|
|
4,410.9
|
|
|
|
(205.2
|
)
|
|
|
(4.7
|
)
|
|
|
4,472.1
|
|
|
|
4,312.3
|
|
|
|
159.8
|
|
|
|
3.7
|
|
Parts and service
|
|
|
2,563.9
|
|
|
|
2,532.5
|
|
|
|
31.4
|
|
|
|
1.2
|
|
|
|
2,572.7
|
|
|
|
2,508.5
|
|
|
|
64.2
|
|
|
|
2.6
|
|
Finance and insurance, net
|
|
|
596.5
|
|
|
|
624.6
|
|
|
|
(28.1
|
)
|
|
|
(4.5
|
)
|
|
|
632.3
|
|
|
|
600.5
|
|
|
|
31.8
|
|
|
|
5.3
|
|
Other
|
|
|
25.1
|
|
|
|
27.8
|
|
|
|
(2.7
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27.6
|
|
|
|
28.2
|
|
|
|
(0.6
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenue
|
|
$
|
17,498.9
|
|
|
$
|
18,580.8
|
|
|
$
|
(1,081.9
|
)
|
|
|
(5.8
|
)
|
|
$
|
18,755.2
|
|
|
$
|
18,673.5
|
|
|
$
|
81.7
|
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New vehicle
|
|
$
|
712.6
|
|
|
$
|
805.2
|
|
|
$
|
(92.6
|
)
|
|
|
(11.5
|
)
|
|
$
|
806.6
|
|
|
$
|
816.7
|
|
|
$
|
(10.1
|
)
|
|
|
(1.2
|
)
|
Used vehicle
|
|
|
355.2
|
|
|
|
398.2
|
|
|
|
(43.0
|
)
|
|
|
(10.8
|
)
|
|
|
404.6
|
|
|
|
416.2
|
|
|
|
(11.6
|
)
|
|
|
(2.8
|
)
|
Parts and service
|
|
|
1,116.4
|
|
|
|
1,111.7
|
|
|
|
4.7
|
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
|
|
1,126.8
|
|
|
|
1,099.9
|
|
|
|
26.9
|
|
|
|
2.4
|
|
Finance and insurance
|
|
|
596.5
|
|
|
|
624.6
|
|
|
|
(28.1
|
)
|
|
|
(4.5
|
)
|
|
|
632.3
|
|
|
|
600.5
|
|
|
|
31.8
|
|
|
|
5.3
|
|
Other
|
|
|
25.7
|
|
|
|
24.5
|
|
|
|
1.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25.5
|
|
|
|
27.1
|
|
|
|
(1.6
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total gross profit
|
|
$
|
2,806.4
|
|
|
$
|
2,964.2
|
|
|
$
|
(157.8
|
)
|
|
|
(5.3
|
)
|
|
$
|
2,995.8
|
|
|
$
|
2,960.4
|
|
|
$
|
35.4
|
|
|
|
1.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retail vehicle unit sales:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New vehicle
|
|
|
327,372
|
|
|
|
362,895
|
|
|
|
(35,523
|
)
|
|
|
(9.8
|
)
|
|
|
367,665
|
|
|
|
381,082
|
|
|
|
(13,417
|
)
|
|
|
(3.5
|
)
|
Used vehicle
|
|
|
205,490
|
|
|
|
219,271
|
|
|
|
(13,781
|
)
|
|
|
(6.3
|
)
|
|
|
224,980
|
|
|
|
228,528
|
|
|
|
(3,548
|
)
|
|
|
(1.6
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
532,862
|
|
|
|
582,166
|
|
|
|
(49,304
|
)
|
|
|
(8.5
|
)
|
|
|
592,645
|
|
|
|
609,610
|
|
|
|
(16,965
|
)
|
|
|
(2.8
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue per vehicle retailed:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New vehicle
|
|
$
|
30,875
|
|
|
$
|
30,270
|
|
|
$
|
605
|
|
|
|
2.0
|
|
|
$
|
30,056
|
|
|
$
|
29,453
|
|
|
$
|
603
|
|
|
|
2.0
|
|
Used vehicle
|
|
$
|
16,387
|
|
|
$
|
16,107
|
|
|
$
|
280
|
|
|
|
1.7
|
|
|
$
|
15,981
|
|
|
$
|
15,262
|
|
|
$
|
719
|
|
|
|
4.7
|
|
Gross profit per vehicle retailed:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New vehicle
|
|
$
|
2,177
|
|
|
$
|
2,219
|
|
|
$
|
(42
|
)
|
|
|
(1.9
|
)
|
|
$
|
2,194
|
|
|
$
|
2,143
|
|
|
$
|
51
|
|
|
|
2.4
|
|
Used vehicle
|
|
$
|
1,739
|
|
|
$
|
1,827
|
|
|
$
|
(88
|
)
|
|
|
(4.8
|
)
|
|
$
|
1,810
|
|
|
$
|
1,820
|
|
|
$
|
(10
|
)
|
|
|
(0.5
|
)
|
Finance and insurance
|
|
$
|
1,119
|
|
|
$
|
1,073
|
|
|
$
|
46
|
|
|
|
4.3
|
|
|
$
|
1,067
|
|
|
$
|
985
|
|
|
$
|
82
|
|
|
|
8.3
|
|
27
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December
|
|
|
Years Ended December
|
|
|
|
%2007
|
|
|
%2006
|
|
|
%2006
|
|
|
%2005
|
|
|
Revenue mix percentages:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New vehicle
|
|
|
57.8
|
|
|
|
59.1
|
|
|
|
58.9
|
|
|
|
60.1
|
|
Used vehicle
|
|
|
24.0
|
|
|
|
23.7
|
|
|
|
23.8
|
|
|
|
23.1
|
|
Parts and service
|
|
|
14.7
|
|
|
|
13.6
|
|
|
|
13.7
|
|
|
|
13.4
|
|
Finance and insurance, net
|
|
|
3.4
|
|
|
|
3.4
|
|
|
|
3.4
|
|
|
|
3.2
|
|
Other
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit mix percentages:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New vehicle
|
|
|
25.4
|
|
|
|
27.2
|
|
|
|
26.9
|
|
|
|
27.6
|
|
Used vehicle
|
|
|
12.7
|
|
|
|
13.4
|
|
|
|
13.5
|
|
|
|
14.1
|
|
Parts and service
|
|
|
39.8
|
|
|
|
37.5
|
|
|
|
37.6
|
|
|
|
37.2
|
|
Finance and insurance
|
|
|
21.3
|
|
|
|
21.1
|
|
|
|
21.1
|
|
|
|
20.3
|
|
Other
|
|
|
0.8
|
|
|
|
0.8
|
|
|
|
0.9
|
|
|
|
0.8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating items as a percentage of revenue:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New vehicle
|
|
|
7.1
|
|
|
|
7.3
|
|
|
|
7.3
|
|
|
|
7.3
|
|
Used vehicle retail
|
|
|
10.6
|
|
|
|
11.3
|
|
|
|
11.3
|
|
|
|
11.9
|
|
Parts and service
|
|
|
43.5
|
|
|
|
43.9
|
|
|
|
43.8
|
|
|
|
43.8
|
|
Total
|
|
|
16.0
|
|
|
|
16.0
|
|
|
|
16.0
|
|
|
|
15.9
|
|
28
New
Vehicle
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 vs. 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 vs. 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Favorable/
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
Favorable/
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
(Unfavorable)
|
|
|
Variance
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
(Unfavorable)
|
|
|
Variance
|
|
($ in millions, except per vehicle data)
|
|
|
Reported:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
|
|
$
|
10,195.6
|
|
|
$
|
10,985.0
|
|
|
$
|
(789.4
|
)
|
|
|
(7.2
|
)
|
|
$
|
10,995.8
|
|
|
$
|
(10.8
|
)
|
|
|
(0.1
|
)
|
Gross profit
|
|
$
|
720.0
|
|
|
$
|
805.2
|
|
|
$
|
(85.2
|
)
|
|
|
(10.6
|
)
|
|
$
|
801.9
|
|
|
$
|
3.3
|
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
Retail vehicle unit sales
|
|
|
328,963
|
|
|
|
362,895
|
|
|
|
(33,932
|
)
|
|
|
(9.4
|
)
|
|
|
372,508
|
|
|
|
(9,613
|
)
|
|
|
(2.6
|
)
|
Revenue per vehicle retailed
|
|
$
|
30,993
|
|
|
$
|
30,270
|
|
|
$
|
723
|
|
|
|
2.4
|
|
|
$
|
29,518
|
|
|
$
|
752
|
|
|
|
2.5
|
|
Gross profit per vehicle retailed
|
|
$
|
2,189
|
|
|
$
|
2,219
|
|
|
$
|
(30
|
)
|
|
|
(1.4
|
)
|
|
$
|
2,153
|
|
|
$
|
66
|
|
|
|
3.1
|
|
Gross profit as a percentage of revenue
|
|
|
7.1
|
%
|
|
|
7.3
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.3
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Days supply (industry standard of selling days, including fleet)
|
|
|
53 days
|
|
|
|
51 days
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 vs. 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 vs. 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Favorable/
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Favorable/
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
(Unfavorable)
|
|
|
Variance
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
(Unfavorable)
|
|
|
Variance
|
|
|
|
|
|
Same Store:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
|
|
$
|
10,107.7
|
|
|
$
|
10,985.0
|
|
|
$
|
(877.3
|
)
|
|
|
(8.0
|
)
|
|
$
|
11,050.5
|
|
|
$
|
11,224.0
|
|
|
$
|
(173.5
|
)
|
|
|
(1.5
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit
|
|
$
|
712.6
|
|
|
$
|
805.2
|
|
|
$
|
(92.6
|
)
|
|
|
(11.5
|
)
|
|
$
|
806.6
|
|
|
$
|
816.7
|
|
|
$
|
(10.1
|
)
|
|
|
(1.2
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Retail vehicle unit sales
|
|
|
327,372
|
|
|
|
362,895
|
|
|
|
(35,523
|
)
|
|
|
(9.8
|
)
|
|
|
367,665
|
|
|
|
381,082
|
|
|
|
(13,417
|
)
|
|
|
(3.5
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue per vehicle retailed
|
|
$
|
30,875
|
|
|
$
|
30,270
|
|
|
$
|
605
|
|
|
|
2.0
|
|
|
$
|
30,056
|
|
|
$
|
29,453
|
|
|
$
|
603
|
|
|
|
2.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit per vehicle retailed
|
|
$
|
2,177
|
|
|
$
|
2,219
|
|
|
$
|
(42
|
)
|
|
|
(1.9
|
)
|
|
$
|
2,194
|
|
|
$
|
2,143
|
|
|
$
|
51
|
|
|
|
2.4
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit as a percentage of revenue
|
|
|
7.1
|
%
|
|
|
7.3
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.3
|
%
|
|
|
7.3
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reported new vehicle performance during 2007 benefited from the
impact of acquisitions when compared to same store performance.
Same store new vehicle revenue decreased $877.3 million or
8.0% during 2007, as compared to 2006, primarily as a result of
a challenging automotive retail environment, which resulted in
decreased same store unit volume, particularly in California and
Florida. We believe these results were driven in part by
continued weakness in the housing market. These volume decreases
were partially offset by an increase in same store average
revenue per unit retailed, primarily as a result of the
continued shift in our brand mix to premium luxury brands, as
well as higher average prices for domestic vehicles. To the
extent that we continue to see weakness in the housing market,
we anticipate that the automotive retail market will remain
challenging in 2008. We also expect the declines in our domestic
brands to continue in 2008. Additionally, the potential
tightening in the automotive retail credit market may adversely
impact our vehicle sales, while the reduction in interest rates
is expected to have a positive impact. As a result of these
conditions, we believe that full year industry new vehicle sales
will decline from the low-16 million unit level in 2007 to
the mid-15 million unit level in 2008. However, actual
sales may materially differ.
Same store new vehicle revenue decreased $173.5 million or
1.5% during 2006, as compared to 2005, primarily as a result of
a decrease in same store unit volume, particularly in our
California and Florida businesses, which was consistent with
industry trends in a challenging automotive retail environment.
In 2006, we saw a significant decline in non-luxury truck sales,
offset in part by stronger car sales. We believe these results
reflected consumers reduced preference for trucks, due in
large part to economic issues that included a significant
decline in the California and Florida housing markets, higher
interest rates, and higher gas prices during portions of 2006.
In 2006, we saw a continued revenue shift in our brand mix from
domestic brands to volume import and premium luxury brands. In
June 2005, General Motors announced an employee pricing
for everyone program, which was followed in July 2005 with
similar programs introduced by Ford and Chrysler. These
programs, which concluded in October 2005, helped drive
increases in sales volume during
29
2005 that were partially offset by a challenging United States
retail market and the effects of Hurricane Wilma on our Florida
stores during the fourth quarter of 2005.
Same store gross profit per vehicle retailed decreased 1.9%
during 2007, as compared to 2006, primarily as a result of a
competitive retail environment resulting in pricing pressures
across all brand product lines, partially offset by the shift in
our sales mix to more premium luxury brands. Same store gross
profit per vehicle retailed increased 2.4% during 2006, as
compared to 2005, primarily as a result of the shift in our
sales mix to more imports, including premium luxury brands.
Our new vehicle inventories were $1.9 billion or
53 days supply at December 31, 2007, as compared to
new vehicle inventories of $1.9 billion or 51 days
supply at December 31, 2006.
The following table details net inventory carrying benefit
(cost), consisting of floorplan interest expense net of
floorplan assistance earned (amounts received from manufacturers
specifically to support store financing of inventory). Floorplan
assistance is accounted for as a component of new vehicle gross
profit.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variance 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variance 2006
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
vs. 2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
vs. 2005
|
|
($ in millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Floorplan assistance
|
|
$
|
100.0
|
|
|
$
|
108.8
|
|
|
$
|
(8.8
|
)
|
|
$
|
106.6
|
|
|
$
|
2.2
|
|
Floorplan interest expense
|
|
|
(133.1
|
)
|
|
|
(138.2
|
)
|
|
|
5.1
|
|
|
|
(102.3
|
)
|
|
|
(35.9
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net inventory carrying benefit (cost)
|
|
$
|
(33.1
|
)
|
|
$
|
(29.4
|
)
|
|
$
|
(3.7
|
)
|
|
$
|
4.3
|
|
|
$
|
(33.7
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The net inventory carrying cost (floorplan interest expense net
of floorplan assistance from manufacturers) increased in 2007,
as compared to 2006, primarily as a result of a decrease in
floorplan assistance due to lower new vehicle sales, partially
offset by a decrease in floorplan interest expense due to lower
new inventory levels. In 2008, we anticipate lower net inventory
carrying cost due to lower floorplan interest rates, partially
offset by decreases in floorplan assistance.
The net inventory carrying cost (floorplan interest expense net
of floorplan assistance from manufacturers) increased in 2006,
as compared to 2005, primarily as a result of increased
floorplan interest expense due to higher short-term LIBOR
interest rates.
30
Used
Vehicle
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 vs. 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 vs. 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Favorable/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Favorable/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
(Unfavorable)
|
|
|
% Variance
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
(Unfavorable)
|
|
|
% Variance
|
|
($ in millions, except per vehicle data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reported:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retail revenue
|
|
$
|
3,389.0
|
|
|
$
|
3,531.7
|
|
|
$
|
(142.7
|
)
|
|
|
(4.0
|
)
|
|
$
|
3,396.8
|
|
|
$
|
134.9
|
|
|
|
4.0
|
|
Wholesale revenue
|
|
|
852.2
|
|
|
|
881.6
|
|
|
|
(29.4
|
)
|
|
|
(3.3
|
)
|
|
|
809.4
|
|
|
|
72.2
|
|
|
|
8.9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenue
|
|
$
|
4,241.2
|
|
|
$
|
4,413.3
|
|
|
$
|
(172.1
|
)
|
|
|
(3.9
|
)
|
|
$
|
4,206.2
|
|
|
$
|
207.1
|
|
|
|
4.9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retail gross profit
|
|
$
|
358.8
|
|
|
$
|
400.4
|
|
|
$
|
(41.6
|
)
|
|
|
(10.4
|
)
|
|
$
|
404.6
|
|
|
$
|
(4.2
|
)
|
|
|
(1.0
|
)
|
Wholesale gross profit
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.2
|
|
|
|
(3.2
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total gross profit
|
|
$
|
358.9
|
|
|
$
|
400.4
|
|
|
$
|
(41.5
|
)
|
|
|
(10.4
|
)
|
|
$
|
407.8
|
|
|
$
|
(7.4
|
)
|
|
|
(1.8
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retail vehicle unit sales
|
|
|
206,140
|
|
|
|
219,271
|
|
|
|
(13,131
|
)
|
|
|
(6.0
|
)
|
|
|
221,640
|
|
|
|
(2,369
|
)
|
|
|
(1.1
|
)
|
Revenue per vehicle retailed
|
|
$
|
16,440
|
|
|
$
|
16,107
|
|
|
$
|
333
|
|
|
|
2.1
|
|
|
$
|
15,326
|
|
|
$
|
781
|
|
|
|
5.1
|
|
Gross profit per vehicle retailed
|
|
$
|
1,741
|
|
|
$
|
1,826
|
|
|
$
|
(85
|
)
|
|
|
(4.7
|
)
|
|
$
|
1,825
|
|
|
$
|
1
|
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
Gross profit as a percentage of retail revenue
|
|
|
10.6
|
%
|
|
|
11.3
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11.9
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Days supply (trailing 30 days)
|
|
|
44 days
|
|
|
|
42 days
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 vs. 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 vs. 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Favorable/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Favorable/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
(Unfavorable)
|
|
|
% Variance
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
(Unfavorable)
|
|
|
% Variance
|
|
|
Same Store:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retail revenue
|
|
$
|
3,367.4
|
|
|
$
|
3,531.7
|
|
|
$
|
(164.3
|
)
|
|
|
(4.7
|
)
|
|
$
|
3,595.4
|
|
|
$
|
3,487.8
|
|
|
$
|
107.6
|
|
|
|
3.1
|
|
Wholesale revenue
|
|
|
838.3
|
|
|
|
879.2
|
|
|
|
(40.9
|
)
|
|
|
(4.7
|
)
|
|
|
876.7
|
|
|
|
824.5
|
|
|
|
52.2
|
|
|
|
6.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenue
|
|
$
|
4,205.7
|
|
|
$
|
4,410.9
|
|
|
$
|
(205.2
|
)
|
|
|
(4.7
|
)
|
|
$
|
4,472.1
|
|
|
$
|
4,312.3
|
|
|
$
|
159.8
|
|
|
|
3.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retail gross profit
|
|
$
|
357.3
|
|
|
$
|
400.5
|
|
|
$
|
(43.2
|
)
|
|
|
(10.8
|
)
|
|
$
|
407.3
|
|
|
$
|
415.9
|
|
|
$
|
(8.6
|
)
|
|
|
(2.1
|
)
|
Wholesale gross profit
|
|
|
(2.1
|
)
|
|
|
(2.3
|
)
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2.7
|
)
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
|
|
(3.0
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total gross profit
|
|
$
|
355.2
|
|
|
$
|
398.2
|
|
|
$
|
(43.0
|
)
|
|
|
(10.8
|
)
|
|
$
|
404.6
|
|
|
$
|
416.2
|
|
|
$
|
(11.6
|
)
|
|
|
(2.8
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retail vehicle unit sales
|
|
|
205,490
|
|
|
|
219,271
|
|
|
|
(13,781
|
)
|
|
|
(6.3
|
)
|
|
|
224,980
|
|
|
|
228,528
|
|
|
|
(3,548
|
)
|
|
|
(1.6
|
)
|
Revenue per vehicle retailed
|
|
$
|
16,387
|
|
|
$
|
16,107
|
|
|
$
|
280
|
|
|
|
1.7
|
|
|
$
|
15,981
|
|
|
$
|
15,262
|
|
|
$
|
719
|
|
|
|
4.7
|
|
Gross profit per vehicle retailed
|
|
$
|
1,739
|
|
|
$
|
1,827
|
|
|
$
|
(88
|
)
|
|
|
(4.8
|
)
|
|
$
|
1,810
|
|
|
$
|
1,820
|
|
|
$
|
(10
|
)
|
|
|
(0.5
|
)
|
Gross profit as a percentage of retail revenue
|
|
|
10.6
|
%
|
|
|
11.3
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11.3
|
%
|
|
|
11.9
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reported used vehicle performance during 2007 benefited from the
impact of acquisitions when compared to same store performance.
Same store retail used vehicle revenue decreased
$164.3 million or 4.7% during 2007, as compared to 2006,
primarily as a result of a decrease in same store unit volume,
partially offset by an increase in same store average revenue
per unit retailed. Same store unit volume decreased as a result
of a challenging retail environment, particularly in California
and Florida. We also saw a decrease in used vehicle sales
volumes in our domestic brand stores in our markets, driven in
part by a decrease in trade-in volume associated with new
vehicle sales. Same store revenue per vehicle retailed during
2007 increased 1.7% as compared to 2006, due to a shift in our
sales mix toward premium luxury stores. To the extent that we
continue to see weakness in the
31
housing market, we anticipate that the automotive retail market
will remain challenging in 2008. Additionally, the potential
tightening in the automotive retail credit market may adversely
impact our vehicle sales, while the reduction in interest rates
is expected to have a positive impact.
Same store retail used vehicle revenue increased
$107.6 million or 3.1% during 2006, as compared to 2005,
primarily as a result of increased same store average revenue
per unit retailed, partially offset by decreased sales volume.
Same store revenue per vehicle retailed during 2006 increased
4.7%, as compared to 2005, due to a shift in our retail used
vehicle sales mix to import luxury vehicles.
Same store gross profit per vehicle retailed decreased 4.8%
during 2007, as compared to 2006, primarily as a result of an
increase in the average cost of our used vehicle inventory
combined with the competitive retail market environment. Same
store gross profit per vehicle retailed decreased 0.5% during
2006, as compared to 2005, primarily as a result of a
challenging automotive retail environment.
Used vehicle inventories were $313.1 million or
44 days supply at December 31, 2007, compared to
$299.9 million or 42 days at December 31, 2006.
32
Parts
and Service
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 vs. 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 vs. 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Favorable/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Favorable/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
(Unfavorable)
|
|
|
% Variance
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
(Unfavorable)
|
|
|
% Variance
|
|
($ in millions)
|
|
|
Reported:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
|
|
$
|
2,592.7
|
|
|
$
|
2,532.6
|
|
|
$
|
60.1
|
|
|
|
2.4
|
|
|
$
|
2,439.0
|
|
|
$
|
93.6
|
|
|
|
3.8
|
|
Gross profit
|
|
$
|
1,132.2
|
|
|
$
|
1,113.0
|
|
|
$
|
19.2
|
|
|
|
1.7
|
|
|
$
|
1,070.2
|
|
|
$
|
42.8
|
|
|
|
4.0
|
|
Gross profit as a percentage of revenue
|
|
|
43.7
|
%
|
|
|
43.9
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
43.9
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 vs. 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 vs. 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Favorable/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Favorable/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
(Unfavorable)
|
|
|
% Variance
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
(Unfavorable)
|
|
|
% Variance
|
|
|
Same Store:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
|
|
$
|
2,563.9
|
|
|
$
|
2,532.5
|
|
|
$
|
31.4
|
|
|
|
1.2
|
|
|
$
|
2,572.7
|
|
|
$
|
2,508.5
|
|
|
$
|
64.2
|
|
|
|
2.6
|
|
Gross profit
|
|
$
|
1,116.4
|
|
|
$
|
1,111.7
|
|
|
$
|
4.7
|
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
|
$
|
1,126.8
|
|
|
$
|
1,099.9
|
|
|
$
|
26.9
|
|
|
|
2.4
|
|
Gross profit as a percentage of revenue
|
|
|
43.5
|
%
|
|
|
43.9
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
43.8
|
%
|
|
|
43.8
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Parts and service revenue is primarily derived from vehicle
repairs paid directly by the customers or via reimbursement from
manufacturers and others under warranty programs. Reported parts
and service revenue and gross profit during 2007 benefited from
the impact of acquisitions when compared to same store
performance.
Same store parts and service revenue increased
$31.4 million or 1.2% during 2007, as compared to 2006,
primarily due to a $39.3 million increase in customer-paid
revenue for parts and service, a $19.1 million increase in
wholesale parts revenue, and smaller increases in other parts
and service revenues, such as service work outsourced to
third-parties and retail parts sales. Partially offsetting these
increases was a $27.4 million decrease in warranty revenue
and a $7.7 million decrease in revenues associated with the
preparation of vehicles for sales. Warranty declines were driven
in part by improved quality of vehicles manufactured in recent
years, as well as changes to certain manufacturers
warranty, prepaid service programs and lower vehicles sales
volume. The improvements to customer-paid business are
attributable to our service drive process, maintenance menu, and
service marketing program, as well as our pricing models and
training programs. Additionally, during 2007 we experienced a
6.5% increase in parts and service revenues and a 5.2% increase
in gross profit related to volume imports and premium luxury
vehicles, compared to 1.1% decrease in revenues and a 2.4%
decrease in gross profit related to parts and service for
domestic vehicles.
Same store parts and service revenue increased
$64.2 million or 2.6% during 2006, as compared to 2005,
primarily due to a $38.7 million increase in customer-paid
revenue for parts and service, a $17.7 million increase in
wholesale parts revenue, a $10.4 million increase in
revenues associated with the preparation of vehicles for sale,
and smaller increases in other parts and service revenues, such
as service work outsourced to third-parties and retail parts
sales. Partially offsetting these increases was a
$23.5 million decrease in warranty revenue. Warranty
declines were driven in part by improved quality of vehicles
manufactured in recent years, as well as changes to certain
manufacturers warranty and prepaid service programs. The
improvements to customer-paid business are attributable to our
service drive process, maintenance menu, and service marketing
program, as well as our pricing models and training programs.
Additionally, during 2006 we experienced a 5.1% increase in
parts and service revenues and a 6.1% increase in gross profit
related to volume imports and premium luxury vehicles, compared
to flat revenues and a 1.2% decrease in gross profit related to
parts and service for domestic vehicles.
Same store parts and service gross profit increased
$4.7 million or 0.4% during 2007, as compared to 2006,
primarily as a result of the greater percentage of gross profit
from customer-paid business for parts and service. Same store
parts and service gross profit increased $26.9 million or
2.4% during 2006, as compared to 2005, primarily related to
increased volume of imports and premium luxury vehicles.
33
Finance
and Insurance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 vs. 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 vs. 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Favorable/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Favorable/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
(Unfavorable)
|
|
|
% Variance
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
(Unfavorable)
|
|
|
% Variance
|
|
($ in millions, except per vehicle data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reported:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue and gross profit
|
|
$
|
593.7
|
|
|
$
|
623.1
|
|
|
$
|
(29.4
|
)
|
|
|
(4.7
|
)
|
|
$
|
588.5
|
|
|
$
|
34.6
|
|
|
|
5.9
|
|
Gross profit per vehicle retailed
|
|
$
|
1,110
|
|
|
$
|
1,070
|
|
|
$
|
40
|
|
|
|
3.7
|
|
|
$
|
990
|
|
|
$
|
80
|
|
|
|
8.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 vs. 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 vs. 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Favorable/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Favorable/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
(Unfavorable)
|
|
|
% Variance
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
(Unfavorable)
|
|
|
% Variance
|
|
|
Same Store:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue and gross profit
|
|
$
|
596.5
|
|
|
$
|
624.6
|
|
|
$
|
(28.1
|
)
|
|
|
(4.5
|
)
|
|
$
|
632.3
|
|
|
$
|
600.5
|
|
|
$
|
31.8
|
|
|
|
5.3
|
|
Gross profit per vehicle retailed
|
|
$
|
1,119
|
|
|
$
|
1,073
|
|
|
$
|
46
|
|
|
|
4.3
|
|
|
$
|
1,067
|
|
|
$
|
985
|
|
|
$
|
82
|
|
|
|
8.3
|
|
Same store finance and insurance revenue and gross profit
decreased $28.1 million or 4.5% during 2007, as compared to
2006, due to lower new and used sales volumes partially offset
by an increase in finance and insurance revenue and gross profit
per vehicle retailed. Increased same store finance and insurance
revenue and gross profit per vehicle retailed was driven by an
increase in finance and insurance products sold per customer and
our continued emphasis on training and certification of store
associates, particularly in third and fourth quartile stores,
and on maximizing our preferred lender relationships. Same store
finance and insurance revenue and gross profit per vehicle
retailed was impacted by a decrease in retrospective commissions
received on extended service contracts of $1.4 million in
2007.
Same store finance and insurance revenue and gross profit
increased $31.8 million or 5.3% during 2006, as compared to
2005, primarily due to the benefit from a $12.3 million
increase in retrospective commissions received on extended
service contracts, as well as higher new and used vehicle prices
and increased premium luxury revenue per vehicle retailed.
Improvements were also driven by our continued emphasis on
training and certification of store associates, particularly in
third and fourth quartile stores, and on maximizing our
preferred lender relationships.
34
Operating
Expenses
Selling,
General, and Administrative Expenses
During 2007, selling, general, and administrative expenses
decreased $63.7 million or 3.0%. As a percentage of total
gross profit, selling, general, and administrative expenses
increased to 71.9% in 2007 from 70.7% in 2006 resulting from
deleveraging of our cost structure due to the decline in
vehicles sales. Selling, general, and administrative expenses in
2007, as compared to 2006, decreased due to a $58.8 million
decrease in compensation expense and an $8.3 million
decrease in gross advertising expenditures, partially offset by
a $3.7 million decrease in advertising reimbursements from
manufacturers.
During 2006, selling, general, and administrative expenses
increased $66.5 million or 3.3%. As a percentage of total
gross profit, selling, general, and administrative expenses
increased to 70.7% in 2006 from 70.1% in 2005. Increases in
selling, general, and administrative expenses in 2006, compared
to 2005, are primarily due to a $49.8 million increase in
compensation expense, including $15.2 million of non-cash
compensation expense related to the adoption of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004),
Share-Based Payment, for stock options during 2006.
Additionally, advertising expenses increased $16.0 million,
resulting from a $7.4 million increase in gross advertising
expenditures and an $8.6 million decrease in advertising
reimbursements from manufacturer. In 2005, selling, general, and
administrative expenses included $10.5 million of property
damage costs related to Hurricane Wilma.
Non-Operating
Income (Expenses)
Floorplan
Interest Expense
Floorplan interest expense was $133.1 million in 2007,
$138.2 million in 2006, and $102.3 million in 2005.
The decrease in 2007, as compared to 2006, is primarily the
result of lower inventory levels, partially offset by higher
short-term LIBOR interest rates during 2007. The increase in
2006, as compared to 2005, is primarily the result of higher
short-term LIBOR interest rates. In 2008, we anticipate lower
floorplan interest rates resulting from lower short-term LIBOR
interest rates.
Other
Interest Expense
Other interest expense was incurred primarily on borrowings
under our term loan facility, mortgage facility, revolving
credit facility, and outstanding senior unsecured notes. Other
interest expense was $114.3 million in 2007,
$90.9 million in 2006, and $63.3 million in 2005. The
increase in other interest expense in 2007, as compared to 2006,
is primarily due to a $21.8 million increase in interest
expense related to the $1.15 billion of additional debt
incurred in connection with our April 2006 equity tender offer
and a $6.2 million increase in interest expense related to
our revolving credit facility, primarily as a result of
increased borrowings in 2007. Partially offsetting these
increases was an $8.7 million reduction in interest expense
resulting from the repurchase of our 9% senior unsecured
notes and repayments of mortgage facilities. Additionally,
during 2007 we incurred $2.6 million of expenses in
connection with the modifications to our term loan, revolving
credit facilities, and our mortgage facility.
The increase in other interest expense in 2006, as compared to
2005, is primarily due to a $61.6 million increase in
interest expense related to the $1.15 billion of additional
debt incurred in connection with our April 2006 equity tender
offer, partially offset by a $32.4 million reduction in
interest expense resulting from the repurchase of our
9% senior unsecured notes and repayments of mortgage
facilities during 2006 and 2005.
Other
Interest Expense Senior Note
Repurchases
In April 2006, we purchased $309.4 million aggregate
principal of our 9% senior unsecured notes for an aggregate
total consideration of $339.8 million pursuant to our debt
tender offer and consent solicitation. Approximately
$34.5 million of tender premium and other financing costs
related to our debt tender offer was expensed as Other Interest
Expense Senior Note Repurchases in the accompanying
Consolidated Income Statements.
35
During 2005, we repurchased $123.1 million (face value) of
our 9% senior unsecured notes at an average price of 110.5%
of face value or $136.0 million. The premium paid and
financing costs of $17.4 million were recognized as Other
Interest Expense Senior Note Repurchases in the
accompanying Consolidated Income Statements.
Provision
for Income Taxes
Our effective income tax rate was 37.3% in 2007, 38.9% in 2006,
and 36.5% in 2005. Income taxes are provided based upon our
anticipated underlying annual blended federal and state income
tax rates, adjusted, as necessary, for any other tax matters
occurring during the period. As we operate in various states,
our effective tax rate is also dependent upon our geographic
revenue mix. We expect our underlying tax rate to be
approximately 40% on an ongoing basis, excluding the impact of
any potential tax adjustments in the future.
As of December 31, 2007, we had unrecognized tax benefits
recorded in accordance with FIN 48. See Note 11,
Income Taxes, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
for additional discussion.
During the twelve months beginning January 1, 2008, it is
reasonably possible that we will reduce unrecognized tax
benefits by approximately $35 million to $39 million
(net of tax effect) primarily as a result of the expiration of
certain statutes of limitations.
During 2007, we recorded net income tax benefits in our
provision for income taxes of $12.0 million related to the
resolution of various income tax matters, changes in certain
state tax laws, and other adjustments.
During 2006, we made estimated state tax and federal tax
payments totaling $278.3 million, including approximately
$100 million related to provisions for the third and fourth
quarter of 2005, payment for which had been deferred as allowed
for filers impacted by hurricanes in 2005.
During 2005, we recorded net income tax benefits in our
provision for income taxes of $14.5 million, primarily
related to the resolution of various income tax matters. We also
recognized income of $110.0 million in 2005, included in
discontinued operations related to the settlement of various
income tax matters.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
We believe that our funds generated through future operations
and availability of borrowings under our secured floorplan
facilities (for new vehicles) and revolving credit facility will
be sufficient to service our debt and fund our working capital
requirements, pay our tax obligations and commitments and
contingencies, and meet any seasonal operating requirements for
the foreseeable future. We expect to remain in compliance with
the covenants of our various financing agreements. At
December 31, 2007, unused availability under our revolving
credit facility was $361.2 million.
At December 31, 2007, we had $32.8 million of
unrestricted cash and cash equivalents. In the ordinary course
of business, we are required to post performance and surety
bonds, letters of credit,
and/or cash
deposits as financial guarantees of our performance. At
December 31, 2007, surety bonds, letters of credit, and
cash deposits totaled $111.6 million, including
$78.8 million in letters of credit. We do not currently
provide cash collateral for outstanding letters of credit.
See the table at the beginning of Note 7, Notes Payable and
Long-Term Debt, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements for the amounts of our notes payable and long-term
debt as of December 31, 2007 and 2006.
Senior
Unsecured Notes and Credit Agreement
In April 2006, we sold $300.0 million of floating rate
senior unsecured notes due April 15, 2013, and
$300.0 million of 7% senior unsecured notes due
April 15, 2014, in each case at par. The floating rate
senior unsecured notes bear interest at a rate equal to
three-month LIBOR plus 2.0% per annum, adjusted quarterly, and
may be redeemed by us on or after April 15, 2008, at a
premium. The 7% senior unsecured notes may also be redeemed
by us on or after April 15, 2009, at a premium.
36
In April 2006, we also completed the first amendment to our
credit agreement to provide: (1) a $675.0 million
revolving credit facility that provided for various interest
rates on borrowings generally at LIBOR plus 0.80%, and
(2) a $600.0 million term loan facility bearing
interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.25%. In December 2006,
the borrowing capacity of the revolving credit facility was
increased to $700.0 million under the amended credit
agreement.
The proceeds of the senior unsecured notes and term loan
facility, together with cash on hand and borrowings of
$80.0 million under the amended revolving credit facility,
were used to: (1) purchase 50 million shares of our
common stock at $23 per share for an aggregate purchase price of
$1.15 billion pursuant to our equity tender offer,
(2) purchase $309.4 million aggregate principal of our
9% senior unsecured notes for an aggregate total
consideration of $339.8 million pursuant to our debt tender
offer and consent solicitation, and (3) pay related
financing costs. Approximately $34.5 million of tender
premium and other financing costs related to our debt tender
offer was expensed during 2006.
We have negotiated a letter of credit sublimit as part of our
revolving credit facility. The amount available to be borrowed
under the revolving credit facility is reduced on a
dollar-for-dollar basis by the cumulative amount of any
outstanding letters of credit, which was $78.8 million at
December 31, 2007. We had borrowings outstanding under the
revolving credit facility of $260.0 million at
December 31, 2007, leaving $361.2 million of borrowing
capacity at December 31, 2007.
In July 2007, we completed a second amendment of the credit
agreement. Under the terms of the second amendment, the interest
rate on the term loan facility decreased from LIBOR plus 1.25%
to LIBOR plus 0.875% and the interest rate on the revolving
credit facility decreased from LIBOR plus 0.80% to LIBOR plus
0.725%. Additionally, the credit agreement termination date was
extended from July 14, 2010, to July 18, 2012, and
certain other terms and conditions were modified as a result of
this amendment. We incurred $1.6 million of expenses in
connection with this modification during 2007, which are
included as a component of Other Interest Expense in the
accompanying Consolidated Income Statements.
The credit spread charged for the revolving credit facility and
term loan facility is impacted by our senior unsecured credit
ratings. On November 29, 2007, Standard and Poors
Rating Services revised its outlook for AutoNation to negative
from stable, indicating concerns that our results in 2008 could
be pressured by lower vehicle sales, particularly in our
California and Florida markets. Credit ratings could be lowered
if new vehicle demand worsens significantly, threatening our
earnings and cash flow, or if we increase our financial leverage
through acquisitions or share repurchases. The outlook could be
revised back to stable if market demand returns in the near term
or if we demonstrate our ability to maintain reasonable
profitability, cash flow, and leverage measures despite the
ongoing revenue pressures.
Other
Debt
At December 31, 2007, we had $14.1 million of
9% senior unsecured notes due August 1, 2008. The
9% senior unsecured notes are guaranteed by substantially
all of our subsidiaries.
At December 31, 2007, we had $239.7 million
outstanding under a mortgage facility with an automotive
manufacturers captive finance subsidiary. The mortgage
facility was refinanced under a new facility in November 2007 to
provide a fixed interest rate (5.864%) and provide financing
secured by
10-year
mortgages on certain of our store properties. In connection with
this refinancing, in 2007 we received net proceeds of
approximately $126.4 million and recorded $1.0 million
of expenses, which are included as a component of Other Interest
Expense in the accompanying Consolidated Income Statements.
Prior to this refinancing, the facility utilized short-term
LIBOR-based interest rates. The facilitys interest rates
averaged 6.54% for 2007 and 6.40% for 2006.
Vehicle floorplan payable-trade totaled $1.7 billion at
December 31, 2007, and $2.0 billion at
December 31, 2006. Vehicle floorplan payable-trade reflects
amounts borrowed to finance the purchase of specific vehicle
inventories with manufacturers captive finance
subsidiaries. Vehicle floorplan payable-non-trade totaled
$459.9 million at December 31, 2007, and
$221.4 million at December 31, 2006, and represents
amounts payable borrowed to finance the purchase of specific
vehicle inventories with non-trade lenders. All
37
the floorplan facilities are at one-month LIBOR-based rates of
interest. Secured floorplan facilities are used to finance new
vehicle inventories and the amounts outstanding thereunder are
due on demand, but are generally paid within several business
days after the related vehicles are sold. Floorplan facilities
are primarily collateralized by new vehicle inventories and
related receivables. Our manufacturer agreements generally
require that the manufacturer have the ability to draft against
the floorplan facilities so that the lender directly funds the
manufacturer for the purchase of inventory.
Share
Repurchases and Dividends
During 2007, we repurchased 33.2 million shares of our
common stock for an aggregate purchase price of
$645.7 million (average purchase price per share of
$19.43). There was $196.7 million available for share
repurchases authorized by our Board of Directors as of
December 31, 2007.
Future share repurchases are subject to limitations contained in
the indenture relating to our senior unsecured notes issued in
April 2006. As of January 1, 2008, we had approximately
$30 million available for share repurchases and other
restricted payments that are subject to these limitations. This
amount will increase in future periods by 50% of our cumulative
consolidated net income (as defined in the indenture), the net
proceeds of stock option exercises, and certain other items, and
decrease by the amount of future share repurchases and other
restricted payments subject to these limitations. While we
expect to continue repurchasing shares in the future, the
decision to make additional share repurchases will be based on
such factors as the market price of our common stock versus our
view of its intrinsic value, the potential impact on our capital
structure, and the expected return on competing uses of capital
such as dealership acquisitions, capital investments in our
current businesses, or repurchases of our debt.
We have not declared or paid any cash dividends on our common
stock during our three most recent fiscal years. We do not
anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. The
indenture for our senior unsecured notes issued in April 2006
restricts our ability to declare cash dividends.
Restrictions
and Covenants
Our senior unsecured notes issued in April 2006, amended credit
agreement, and mortgage facility contain numerous customary
financial and operating covenants that place significant
restrictions on us. These covenants may limit our ability to
obtain additional financing for working capital, capital
expenditures, acquisitions, and other general corporate
activity. See Note 7 for further information. As of
December 31, 2007, we were in compliance with the
requirements of all applicable financial and operating covenants.
In the event of a downgrade in our credit ratings, none of the
covenants described in Note 7 would be impacted. In
addition, availability under the revolving credit facility
described above would not be impacted should a downgrade in the
senior unsecured credit ratings occur. Certain covenants in the
indenture for the senior unsecured notes issued in April 2006
would be eliminated with certain upgrades of the senior
unsecured notes to investment grade by either Standard and
Poors or Moodys Investor Service.
The floorplan facilities described above contain certain
operational covenants. At December 31, 2007, we were in
compliance with such covenants in all material respects. At
December 31, 2007, aggregate capacity under the floorplan
credit facilities to finance new vehicles was $3.6 billion,
of which $2.2 billion total was outstanding.
Cash
Flows
Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $20.0 million during
2007, decreased by $194.0 million during 2006, and
increased by $134.6 million during 2005. The major
components of these changes are discussed below.
Cash
Flows from Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities during 2007 was
$206.9 million, as compared to $302.7 million in 2006,
and $579.6 million in 2005.
38
Net cash provided by operating activities during 2007 was
primarily affected by a change in the classification of
borrowings from a floorplan lender, a reduction in tax payments,
and a reduction in earnings, as further discussed below.
On November 30, 2006, General Motors (GM)
completed the sale of a majority stake in General Motors
Acceptance Corporation (GMAC), which was GMs
wholly-owned captive finance subsidiary prior to this
transaction. As a result of this sale, we have classified new
borrowings from GMAC subsequent to this transaction as vehicle
floorplan payable-non-trade, with related changes reflected as
financing cash flows. Accordingly, net floorplan borrowings from
GMAC since this transaction (totaling $231.5 million for
2007) are reflected as cash provided by financing
activities, while repayments in 2007 of amounts due to GMAC
prior to this transaction continue to be reflected as cash used
by operating activities.
Partially offsetting the GMAC reclassification was a
$130.4 million reduction in tax payments during 2007, as
compared to 2006. A portion of this reduction pertains to
estimated federal tax payments totaling approximately
$100 million that we made in 2006, related to estimated
taxes for the third and fourth quarter of 2005, payment for
which had been deferred as allowed for filers affected by
hurricanes in 2005.
The reduction in cash provided by operating activities also
reflects lower earnings in 2007, as compared to 2006.
Additionally, cash provided by operating activities was
favorably impacted in 2006 by a $34.5 million adjustment to
net income to reflect tender premium and other financing costs
related to our April 2006 debt tender offer as a financing
activity.
Cash provided by operating activities decreased in 2006, as
compared to 2005, primarily as a result of the federal tax
payments totaling approximately $100 million made in 2006
that were related to estimated taxes for the third and fourth
quarter of 2005, as discussed above. Additionally, cash provided
by operating activities also reflects lower earnings in 2006 as
compared to 2005.
Cash
Flows from Investing Activities
Net cash flows from investing activities consist primarily of
cash used in capital additions, activity from business
acquisitions, property dispositions, purchases and sales of
investments, and other transactions as further described below.
Capital expenditures, excluding property operating lease
buy-outs, were $157.9 million during 2007, as compared to
$169.7 million in 2006, and $130.6 million in 2005. We
will make facility and infrastructure upgrades and improvements
from time to time as we identify projects that are required to
maintain our current business or that we expect to provide us
with acceptable rates of return. We expect 2008 capital
expenditures of approximately $110 million, excluding any
acquisition-related spending, land purchased for future sites,
or lease buy-outs, net of asset sales.
Property operating lease buy-outs were $2.3 million during
2007, as compared to $5.9 million in 2006, and
$10.3 million in 2005. We continue to analyze certain
higher cost operating leases and evaluate alternatives in order
to lower the effective financing costs.
Proceeds from the disposal of property held for sale were
$8.8 million in 2007, $6.5 million in 2006, and
$33.4 million in 2005. These amounts are primarily from the
sales of stores and other properties held for sale. Cash
received from business divestitures, net of cash relinquished,
totaled $55.1 million in 2007, $24.0 million in 2006,
and $55.0 million in 2005.
Cash used in business acquisitions, net of cash acquired, was
$6.7 million in 2007, $166.7 million in 2006, and
$15.9 million in 2005. During 2007, we acquired ten
automotive retail franchises and other related assets as
compared to five in 2006 and two in 2005. Cash used in business
acquisitions included deferred purchase price for certain prior
year automotive retail acquisitions of $0.2 million in 2006
and $9.9 million in 2005. See discussion in Note 15,
Acquisitions, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
39
Cash
Flows from Financing Activities
Net cash flows from financing activities primarily include
treasury stock purchases, stock option exercises, debt activity,
and changes in vehicle floorplan payable-non-trade.
We repurchased 33.2 million shares of our common stock for
an aggregate purchase price of $645.7 million during 2007
(average purchase price of $19.43), including repurchases for
which settlement occurred subsequent to December 31, 2007.
During 2007, proceeds from the exercise of stock options were
$96.6 million (average price per share of $14.12), as
compared to $75.7 million in 2006 (average price per share
of $13.24), and $112.8 million in 2005 (average price per
share of $11.55).
During 2007, we refinanced our mortgage facility and received
net proceeds of $126.4 million and paid $1.0 million
of expenses.
We repaid $4.0 million during 2007, $37.7 million in
2006, and $164.4 million in 2005 of amounts outstanding
under our mortgage facilities, including prepayments of
$154.0 million in 2005.
Cash flows from financing activities include changes in vehicle
floorplan payable-non-trade (vehicle floorplan payables with
lenders other than the automotive manufacturers captive
finance subsidiaries for that franchise) totaling
$219.8 million in 2007, $87.3 million in 2006, and
$23.6 million in 2005. A portion of the change in vehicle
floorplan payable-non-trade in 2007 and 2006 relates to the
reclassification of GMAC-financed vehicles from vehicle
floorplan payable-trade to vehicle floorplan payable-non-trade,
as a result of GMs sale of a majority stake in GMAC,
effective November 30, 2006, as described above and in
Note 3, Inventory and Vehicle Floorplan Payable, of the
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
In April 2006, we sold $300.0 million of floating rate
senior unsecured notes due April 15, 2013, and
$300.0 million of 7% senior unsecured notes due
April 15, 2014, in each case at par. In connection with the
issuance of the April 2006 senior unsecured notes, we amended
our existing credit agreement to provide: (1) a
$675.0 million revolving credit facility for which we had
net borrowings of $260.0 million during 2007 and (2) a
$600.0 million term loan facility. In December 2006, the
borrowing capacity of the revolving credit facility increased to
$700.0 million under the amended credit agreement.
The proceeds of the senior unsecured notes issued in April 2006
and term loan facility, together with cash on hand and
borrowings of $80.0 million under the amended revolving
credit facility, were used to: (1) purchase 50 million
shares of our common stock at $23 per share for an aggregate
purchase price of $1.15 billion pursuant to our equity
tender offer, (2) purchase $309.4 million aggregate
principal of our 9% senior unsecured notes for an aggregate
total consideration of $339.8 million ($334.2 million
of principal and tender premium and $5.6 million of accrued
interest) pursuant to our debt tender offer and consent
solicitation, and (3) pay related financing costs. During
2006, we expensed $34.5 million of tender premium
($24.8 million) and other deferred financing costs
($9.7 million) related to our debt tender offer. In 2005,
we repurchased $123.1 million (face value) of our
9% senior unsecured notes at an average price of 110.5% (or
$136.0 million) of face value.
As discussed above, in April 2006, we purchased 50 million
shares of our common stock at $23 per share for an aggregate
purchase price of $1.15 billion pursuant to our equity
tender offer. We repurchased an additional 11.2 million
shares of our common stock for a purchase price of
$228.9 million during 2006, for a total of
61.2 million shares repurchased for an aggregate purchase
price of $1.38 billion in 2006. During 2005, we repurchased
11.8 million shares of our common stock for an aggregate
price of $237.1 million, under our Board-approved share
repurchases programs.
40
Contractual
Payment Obligations
The following table summarizes our payment obligations under
certain contracts at December 31, 2007:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments Due by Period
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less Than
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More Than
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
One Year
|
|
|
1 - 3 Years
|
|
|
3 - 5 Years
|
|
|
5 Years
|
|
(In millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vehicle floorplan payable (Note 3)*
|
|
$
|
2,181.8
|
|
|
$
|
2,181.8
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Notes payable and long-term debt (Note 7)*
|
|
|
1,775.8
|
|
|
|
23.9
|
|
|
|
65.3
|
|
|
|
876.5
|
|
|
|
810.1
|
|
Interest payments **
|
|
|
227.7
|
|
|
|
36.8
|
|
|
|
69.0
|
|
|
|
67.2
|
|
|
|
54.7
|
|
Operating lease commitments (Note 8)***
|
|
|
665.2
|
|
|
|
60.6
|
|
|
|
105.8
|
|
|
|
90.7
|
|
|
|
408.1
|
|
Acquisition purchase price commitments
|
|
|
30.0
|
|
|
|
30.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FIN 48 unrecognized tax benefits, net (Note 11)*
|
|
|
52.1
|
|
|
|
39.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13.1
|
|
Purchase obligations
|
|
|
154.8
|
|
|
|
72.4
|
|
|
|
56.5
|
|
|
|
25.8
|
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
5,087.4
|
|
|
$
|
2,444.5
|
|
|
$
|
296.6
|
|
|
$
|
1,060.2
|
|
|
$
|
1,286.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. |
|
** |
|
Represents scheduled interest payments on fixed rate senior
unsecured notes. Estimates of future interest payments for
vehicle floorplan payables and other variable rate debt are
excluded. |
|
*** |
|
Amounts for operating lease commitments do not include certain
operating expenses such as maintenance, insurance, and real
estate taxes. In 2007, these charges totaled approximately
$50 million. See Note 8, Commitments and
Contingencies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. |
In the ordinary course of business, we are required to post
performance and surety bonds, letters of credit,
and/or cash
deposits as financial guarantees of our performance. At
December 31, 2007, surety bonds, letters of credit, and
cash deposits totaled $111.6 million, including
$78.8 million letters of credit. We do not currently
provide cash collateral for outstanding letters of credit. We
have negotiated a letter of credit sub-limit as part of our
revolving credit facility. The amount available to be borrowed
under this revolving credit facility is reduced on a
dollar-for-dollar basis by the cumulative amount of any
outstanding letters of credit.
As further discussed under the heading Provision for
Income Taxes, there are various tax matters where the
ultimate resolution may result in us owing additional tax
payments.
Off
Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of December 31, 2007, we did not have any significant
off-balance-sheet arrangements, as defined in
Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of SEC
Regulation S-K.
Seasonality
Our operations generally experience higher volumes of vehicle
sales and service in the second and third quarters of each year
due in part to consumer buying trends and the introduction of
new vehicle models. Also, demand for vehicles and light trucks
is generally lower during the winter months than in other
seasons, particularly in regions of the United States where
stores may be subject to adverse winter conditions. Accordingly,
we expect our revenue and operating results generally to be
lower in our first and fourth quarters as compared to our second
and third quarters. However, revenue may be impacted
significantly from quarter to quarter by actual or threatened
severe weather events and by other factors unrelated to weather
conditions, such as changing economic conditions and automotive
manufacturer incentive programs.
41
New
Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 1 and Note 11 to our Consolidated Financial
Statements.
Forward
Looking Statements
Our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash
flows, and prospects, and the prevailing market price and
performance of our common stock, may be adversely affected by a
number of factors, including the matters discussed below.
Certain statements and information set forth in this Annual
Report on
Form 10-K,
as well as other written or oral statements made from time to
time by us or by our authorized executive officers on our
behalf, constitute forward-looking statements within
the meaning of the Federal Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995. We intend for our forward-looking statements to be
covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking
statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995, and we set forth this statement in order to comply
with such safe harbor provisions. You should note that our
forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this
Annual Report on
Form 10-K
or when made and we undertake no duty or obligation to update or
revise our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of
new information, future events, or otherwise. Although we
believe that the expectations, plans, intentions, and
projections reflected in our forward-looking statements are
reasonable, such statements are subject to known and unknown
risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our
actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially
different from any future results, performance, or achievements
expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. The
risks, uncertainties, and other factors that our stockholders
and prospective investors should consider include, but are not
limited to, the following:
|
|
|
|
|
The automotive retailing industry is sensitive to changing
economic conditions and various other factors. Our business and
results of operations are substantially dependent on new vehicle
sales levels in the United States and in our particular
geographic markets and the level of gross profit margins that we
can achieve on our sales of new vehicles, all of which are very
difficult to predict.
|
|
|
|
We are dependent upon the success and continued financial
viability of the vehicle manufacturers and distributors with
which we hold franchises.
|
|
|
|
Our new vehicle sales are impacted by the consumer incentive and
marketing programs of vehicle manufacturers.
|
|
|
|
Natural disasters and adverse weather events can disrupt our
business.
|
|
|
|
We are subject to restrictions imposed by, and significant
influence from, vehicle manufacturers that may adversely impact
our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash
flows, and prospects, including our ability to acquire
additional stores.
|
|
|
|
We are subject to numerous legal and administrative proceedings,
which, if the outcomes are adverse to us, could materially
adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial
condition, cash flows, and prospects.
|
|
|
|
Our operations, including, without limitation, our sales of
finance and insurance and vehicle protection products, are
subject to extensive governmental laws and regulations. If we
are found to be in violation of, or subject to liabilities
under, any of these laws or regulations, or if new laws or
regulations are enacted that adversely affect our operations,
our business, operating results, and prospects could suffer.
|
|
|
|
Goodwill and other intangible assets comprise a significant
portion of our total assets. We must test our intangible assets
for impairment at least annually, which may result in a
material, non-cash write-down of goodwill or franchise rights
and could have a material adverse impact on our results of
operations and shareholders equity.
|
|
|
|
Our ability to grow our business may be limited by our ability
to acquire automotive stores on favorable terms or at all.
|
42
|
|
|
|
|
We are subject to interest rate risk in connection with our
floorplan notes payable, revolving credit facility, term loan
facility, and floating rate senior unsecured notes that could
have a material adverse effect on our profitability.
|
|
|
|
Our revolving credit facility, term loan facility, mortgage
facility, and the indenture relating to our senior unsecured
notes contain certain restrictions on our ability to conduct our
business.
|
|
|
|
Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our
financial condition and operations and prevent us from
fulfilling our debt service obligations. We may still be able to
incur more debt, intensifying these risks.
|
|
|
|
Our largest stockholder, as a result of its voting ownership,
may have the ability to exert substantial influence over actions
to be taken or approved by our stockholders.
|
|
|
ITEM 7A.
|
QUANTITATIVE
AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
|
Our primary market risk exposure is increasing LIBOR-based
interest rates. Interest rate derivatives may be used to hedge a
portion of our variable rate debt when appropriate based on
market conditions. At December 31, 2007, our fixed rate
debt, primarily consisting of amounts outstanding under senior
unsecured notes and mortgages, totaled $595.2 million and
had a fair value of $578.9 million. At December 31,
2006, our fixed rate debt, primarily consisting of amounts
outstanding under senior unsecured notes, totaled
$360.5 million and had a fair value of $363.4 million.
Interest
Rate Risk
We had $2.2 billion of variable rate vehicle floorplan
payables at December 31, 2007 and 2006. Based on these
amounts, a 100 basis point change in interest rates would
result in an approximate change of $21.8 million in 2007
and $22.1 million in 2006 to our annual floorplan interest
expense. Our exposure to changes in interest rates with respect
to total vehicle floorplan payable is partially mitigated by
manufacturers floorplan assistance, which in some cases is
based on variable interest rates.
We had $1.2 billion of other variable rate debt outstanding
at December 31, 2007 and 2006. Based on the amounts
outstanding at year-end, a 100 basis point change in
interest rates would result in an approximate change to interest
expense of $11.8 million in 2007 and $12.1 million in
2006.
43
Report of
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
AutoNation, Inc.:
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of
AutoNation, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as listed in the
Index at Item 8. These consolidated financial statements
are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred
to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of the Company as of December 31, 2007, and 2006,
and the results of their operations and their cash flows for
each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 2007, in conformity with U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles.
As discussed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements, effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted
Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48,
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes an
Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109. Also, as
discussed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements, effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted
Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 123 (revised
2004), Share-Based Payment.
Also we have audited, in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the
Companys internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in
Internal Control Integrated Framework issued
by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 27, 2008,
expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the
Companys internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ KPMG LLP
February 27, 2008
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Certified Public Accountants
45
Report of
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
AutoNation, Inc.:
We have audited AutoNation Inc. and subsidiaries (the
Company) internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in
Internal Control Integrated Framework issued
by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (COSO). The Companys management is responsible
for maintaining effective internal control over financial
reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of
internal control over financial reporting, included in the
accompanying Managements Annual Report on Internal Control
Over Financial Reporting, appearing under Item 9A. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on the Companys
internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control
over financial reporting was maintained in all material
respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of
internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk
that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the
design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on
the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other
procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We
believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
A companys internal control over financial reporting is a
process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of
financial statements for external purposes in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles. A companys
internal control over financial reporting includes those
policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance
of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly
reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the
company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions
are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company
are being made only in accordance with authorizations of
management and directors of the company; and (3) provide
reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of
unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the
companys assets that could have a material effect on the
financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over
financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.
Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future
periods are subject to the risk that controls may become
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree
of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material
respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as
of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in
Internal Control Integrated Framework issued
by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the
consolidated financial statements of the Company as listed in
the Index at Item 8, and our report dated February 27,
2008, expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated
financial statements.
/s/ KPMG LLP
February 27, 2008
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Certified Public Accountants
46
AUTONATION,
INC.
CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEETS
As of December 31,
(In millions, except share and per share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
ASSETS
|
CURRENT ASSETS:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
32.8
|
|
|
$
|
52.8
|
|
Receivables, net
|
|
|
714.1
|
|
|
|
795.0
|
|
Inventory
|
|
|
2,325.7
|
|
|
|
2,305.0
|
|
Other current assets
|
|
|
165.8
|
|
|
|
295.6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Current Assets
|
|
|
3,238.4
|
|
|
|
3,448.4
|
|
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
|
|
|
1,986.6
|
|
|
|
1,893.8
|
|
GOODWILL, NET
|
|
|
2,757.4
|
|
|
|
2,767.5
|
|
OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
|
|
|
319.9
|
|
|
|
317.2
|
|
OTHER ASSETS
|
|
|
177.3
|
|
|
|
174.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
$
|
8,479.6
|
|
|
$
|
8,601.4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
|
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vehicle floorplan payable trade
|
|
$
|
1,721.9
|
|
|
$
|
1,992.2
|
|
Vehicle floorplan payable non-trade
|
|
|
459.9
|
|
|
|
221.4
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
211.5
|
|
|
|
208.3
|
|
Notes payable and current maturities of long-term obligations
|
|
|
23.9
|
|
|
|
13.6
|
|
Other current liabilities
|
|
|
484.6
|
|
|
|
579.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Current Liabilities
|
|
|
2,901.8
|
|
|
|
3,014.6
|
|
LONG-TERM DEBT, NET OF CURRENT MATURITIES
|
|
|
1,751.9
|
|
|
|
1,557.9
|
|
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
|
|
|
220.7
|
|
|
|
225.4
|
|
OTHER LIABILITIES
|
|
|
131.7
|
|
|
|
90.8
|
|
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share;
5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share;
1,500,000,000 shares authorized; 193,562,149 and
223,562,149 shares issued, respectively, including shares
held in treasury
|
|
|
1.9
|
|
|
|
2.2
|
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
|
|
461.0
|
|
|
|
1,092.0
|
|
Retained earnings
|
|
|
3,266.1
|
|
|
|
2,989.4
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
|
|
|
(0.2
|
)
|
|
|
(0.4
|
)
|
Treasury stock, at cost; 13,205,583 and 16,809,630 shares
held, respectively
|
|
|
(255.3
|
)
|
|
|
(370.5
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Shareholders Equity
|
|
|
3,473.5
|
|
|
|
3,712.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities and Shareholders Equity
|
|
$
|
8,479.6
|
|
|
$
|
8,601.4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
47
AUTONATION,
INC.
CONSOLIDATED
INCOME STATEMENTS
For the Years Ended December 31,
(In millions, except per share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
Revenue:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New vehicle
|
|
$
|
10,195.6
|
|
|
$
|
10,985.0
|
|
|
$
|
10,995.8
|
|
Used vehicle
|
|
|
4,241.2
|
|
|
|
4,413.3
|
|
|
|
4,206.2
|
|
Parts and service
|
|
|
2,592.7
|
|
|
|
2,532.6
|
|
|
|
2,439.0
|
|
Finance and insurance, net
|
|
|
593.7
|
|
|
|
623.1
|
|
|
|
588.5
|
|
Other
|
|
|
68.3
|
|
|
|
72.5
|
|
|
|
80.8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL REVENUE
|
|
|
17,691.5
|
|
|
|
18,626.5
|
|
|
|
18,310.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of Sales:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New vehicle
|
|
|
9,475.6
|
|
|
|
10,179.8
|
|
|
|
10,193.9
|
|
Used vehicle
|
|
|
3,882.3
|
|
|
|
4,012.9
|
|
|
|
3,798.4
|
|
Parts and service
|
|
|
1,460.5
|
|
|
|
1,419.6
|
|
|
|
1,368.8
|
|
Other
|
|
|
28.7
|
|
|
|
31.4
|
|
|
|
34.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL COST OF SALES
|
|
|
14,847.1
|
|
|
|
15,643.7
|
|
|
|
15,395.6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross Profit:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New vehicle
|
|
|
720.0
|
|
|
|
805.2
|
|
|
|
801.9
|
|
Used vehicle
|
|
|
358.9
|
|
|
|
400.4
|
|
|
|
407.8
|
|
Parts and service
|
|
|
1,132.2
|
|
|
|
1,113.0
|
|
|
|
1,070.2
|
|
Finance and insurance
|
|
|
593.7
|
|
|
|
623.1
|
|
|
|
588.5
|
|
Other
|
|
|
39.6
|
|
|
|
41.1
|
|
|
|
46.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL GROSS PROFIT
|
|
|
2,844.4
|
|
|
|
2,982.8
|
|
|
|
2,914.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selling, general & administrative expenses
|
|
|
2,046.2
|
|
|
|
2,109.9
|
|
|
|
2,043.4
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
91.7
|
|
|
|
81.4
|
|
|
|
76.9
|
|
Other expenses (income), net
|
|
|
1.7
|
|
|
|
(0.2
|
)
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING INCOME
|
|
|
704.8
|
|
|
|
791.7
|
|
|
|
793.9
|
|
Floorplan interest expense
|
|
|
(133.1
|
)
|
|
|
(138.2
|
)
|
|
|
(102.3
|
)
|
Other interest expense
|
|
|
(114.3
|
)
|
|
|
(90.9
|
)
|
|
|
(63.3
|
)
|
Other interest expense senior note repurchases
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(34.5
|
)
|
|
|
(17.4
|
)
|
Interest income
|
|
|
3.4
|
|
|
|
8.3
|
|
|
|
7.5
|
|
Other gains (losses), net
|
|
|
(1.5
|
)
|
|
|
4.8
|
|
|
|
(0.1
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
|
|
|
459.3
|
|
|
|
541.2
|
|
|
|
618.3
|
|
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
|
|
|
171.3
|
|
|
|
210.4
|
|
|
|
225.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
|
|
|
288.0
|
|
|
|
330.8
|
|
|
|
392.6
|
|
INCOME (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF INCOME TAXES
|
|
|
(9.3
|
)
|
|
|
(13.9
|
)
|
|
|
103.9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET INCOME
|
|
$
|
278.7
|
|
|
$
|
316.9
|
|
|
$
|
496.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BASIC EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuing operations
|
|
$
|
1.45
|
|
|
$
|
1.47
|
|
|
$
|
1.49
|
|
Discontinued operations
|
|
$
|
(.05
|
)
|
|
$
|
(.06
|
)
|
|
$
|
.40
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
1.41
|
|
|
$
|
1.41
|
|
|
$
|
1.89
|
|
Weighted average common shares outstanding
|
|
|
198.3
|
|
|
|
225.2
|
|
|
|
262.7
|
|
DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuing operations
|
|
$
|
1.44
|
|
|
$
|
1.44
|
|
|
$
|
1.46
|
|
Discontinued operations
|
|
$
|
(.05
|
)
|
|
$
|
(.06
|
)
|
|
$
|
.39
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
1.39
|
|
|
$
|
1.38
|
|
|
$
|
1.85
|
|
Weighted average common shares outstanding
|
|
|
200.0
|
|
|
|
229.3
|
|
|
|
268.0
|
|
COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING, net of treasury stock
|
|
|
180.4
|
|
|
|
206.8
|
|
|
|
262.2
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
48
AUTONATION,
INC.
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY AND
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the
Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005
(In millions, except share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock
|
|
|
Paid-In
|
|
|
Retained
|
|
|
Comprehensive
|
|
|
Treasury
|
|
|
Comprehensive
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Capital
|
|
|
Earnings
|
|
|
Income (Loss)
|
|
|
Stock
|
|
|
Income
|
|
|
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2004
|
|
|
273,562,137
|
|
|
$
|
2.7
|
|
|
$
|
2,240.0
|
|
|
$
|
2,176.0
|
|
|
$
|
(1.5
|
)
|
|
$
|
(154.1
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
496.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
496.5
|
|
Other comprehensive income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges, restricted investments and
marketable securities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
499.8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchases of treasury stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(237.1
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise of stock options, including income tax benefit of $30.9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(39.0
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
182.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2005
|
|
|
273,562,137
|
|
|
|
2.7
|
|
|
|
2,201.0
|
|
|
|
2,672.5
|
|
|
|
1.8
|
|
|
|
(208.5
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
316.9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
316.9
|
|
Other comprehensive income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, restricted investments
and marketable securities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2.2
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2.2
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
314.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchases of treasury stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,380.6
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Treasury stock cancellation
|
|
|
(50,000,000
|
)
|
|
|
(0.5
|
)
|
|
|
(1,100.0
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,100.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock option expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise of stock options, including income tax benefit of $18.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(24.4
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
118.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2006
|
|
|
223,562,149
|
|
|
|
2.2
|
|
|
|
1,092.0
|
|
|
|
2,989.4
|
|
|
|
(0.4
|
)
|
|
|
(370.5
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
278.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
278.7
|
|
Other comprehensive income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized gains on restricted investments and marketable
securities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
278.9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchases of treasury stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(645.7
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Treasury stock cancellation
|
|
|
(30,000,000
|
)
|
|
|
(0.3
|
)
|
|
|
(611.7
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
612.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock option expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise of stock options, including income tax benefit of $17.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(34.6
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
148.9
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cumulative effect of change in accounting for uncertainties in
income taxes
(FIN 48-Note 11)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2.0
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2007
|
|
|
193,562,149
|
|
|
$
|
1.9
|
|
|
$
|
461.0
|
|
|
$
|
3,266.1
|
|
|
$
|
(0.2
|
)
|
|
$
|
(255.3
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
49
AUTONATION,
INC.
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended December 31,
(In millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
278.7
|
|
|
$
|
316.9
|
|
|
$
|
496.5
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss (income) on discontinued operations
|
|
|
9.3
|
|
|
|
13.9
|
|
|
|
(103.9
|
)
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
91.7
|
|
|
|
81.4
|
|
|
|
76.9
|
|
Amortization of debt issue costs and discounts
|
|
|
4.3
|
|
|
|
3.7
|
|
|
|
7.7
|
|
Stock option expense
|
|
|
15.3
|
|
|
|
15.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense on senior note repurchase
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34.5
|
|
|
|
12.9
|
|
Deferred income tax provision
|
|
|
10.6
|
|
|
|
17.4
|
|
|
|
32.5
|
|
Other
|
|
|
5.4
|
|
|
|
(3.7
|
)
|
|
|
(0.4
|
)
|
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects from business
combinations and divestitures:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Receivables
|
|
|
83.6
|
|
|
|
(30.4
|
)
|
|
|
(37.2
|
)
|
Inventory
|
|
|
(0.7
|
)
|
|
|
259.3
|
|
|
|
(130.8
|
)
|
Other assets
|
|
|
(27.2
|
)
|
|
|
(3.5
|
)
|
|
|
45.2
|
|
Vehicle floorplan payable-trade, net
|
|
|
(270.3
|
)
|
|
|
(305.3
|
)
|
|
|
82.1
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
3.1
|
|
|
|
3.3
|
|
|
|
37.5
|
|
Other liabilities
|
|
|
(2.8
|
)
|
|
|
(90.1
|
)
|
|
|
64.4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by continuing operations
|
|
|
201.0
|
|
|
|
312.6
|
|
|
|
583.4
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) discountinued operations
|
|
|
5.9
|
|
|
|
(9.9
|
)
|
|
|
(3.8
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
206.9
|
|
|
|
302.7
|
|
|
|
579.6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchases of property and equipment, excluding property
operating lease buy-outs
|
|
|
(157.9
|
)
|
|
|
(169.7
|
)
|
|
|
(130.6
|
)
|
Property operating lease buy-outs
|
|
|
(2.3
|
)
|
|
|
(5.9
|
)
|
|
|
(10.3
|
)
|
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment
|
|
|
3.5
|
|
|
|
1.4
|
|
|
|
0.6
|
|
Proceeds from the disposal of property held for sale
|
|
|
8.8
|
|
|
|
6.5
|
|
|
|
33.4
|
|
Cash used in business acquisitions, net of cash acquired
|
|
|
(6.7
|
)
|
|
|
(166.7
|
)
|
|
|
(15.9
|
)
|
Net change in restricted cash
|
|
|
(1.3
|
)
|
|
|
(3.9
|
)
|
|
|
31.0
|
|
Purchases of restricted investments
|
|
|
(13.7
|
)
|
|
|
(6.5
|
)
|
|
|
(23.9
|
)
|
Proceeds from the sales of restricted investments
|
|
|
22.8
|
|
|
|
13.4
|
|
|
|
13.4
|
|
Cash received from business divestitures, net of cash
relinquished
|
|
|
55.1
|
|
|
|
24.0
|
|
|
|
55.0
|
|
Other
|
|
|
(0.2
|
)
|
|
|
(0.1
|
)
|
|
|
(0.2
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in continuing operations
|
|
|
(91.9
|
)
|
|
|
(307.5
|
)
|
|
|
(47.5
|
)
|
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations
|
|
|
1.4
|
|
|
|
(1.1
|
)
|
|
|
5.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(90.5
|
)
|
|
|
(308.6
|
)
|
|
|
(41.8
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchases of treasury stock
|
|
|
(644.2
|
)
|
|
|
(1,380.6
|
)
|
|
|
(237.1
|
)
|
Proceeds from senior unsecured notes issued
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
600.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from term loan facility
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
600.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from revolving credit facility
|
|
|
1,323.0
|
|
|
|
1,039.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payment of revolving credit facility
|
|
|
(1,258.0
|
)
|
|
|
(844.0
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Repurchase of 9% senior unsecured notes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(334.2
|
)
|
|
|
(136.0
|
)
|
Net proceeds of vehicle floor plan non-trade
|
|
|
219.8
|
|
|
|
87.3
|
|
|
|
23.6
|
|
Proceeds from mortgage facilities
|
|
|
126.4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments of mortgage facilities
|
|
|
(4.0
|
)
|
|
|
(37.7
|
)
|
|
|
(164.4
|
)
|
Payments of notes payable and long-term debt
|
|
|
(3.6
|
)
|
|
|
(3.4
|
)
|
|
|
(1.3
|
)
|
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options
|
|
|
96.6
|
|
|
|
75.7
|
|
|
|
112.8
|
|
Tax benefit from stock options
|
|
|
17.7
|
|
|
|
18.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
(1.0
|
)
|
|
|
(16.6
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in continuing operations
|
|
|
(127.3
|
)
|
|
|
(196.5
|
)
|
|
|
(402.4
|
)
|
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations
|
|
|
(9.1
|
)
|
|
|
8.4
|
|
|
|
(0.8
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in financing activities
|
|
|
(136.4
|
)
|
|
|
(188.1
|
)
|
|
|
(403.2
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
|
|
|
(20.0
|
)
|
|
|
(194.0
|
)
|
|
|
134.6
|
|
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS at beginning of period
|
|
|
52.8
|
|
|
|
246.8
|
|
|
|
112.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS at end of period
|
|
$
|
32.8
|
|
|
$
|
52.8
|
|
|
$
|
246.8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
50
AUTONATION,
INC.
NOTES TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All tables in millions, except per share dara)
|
|
1.
|
SUMMARY
OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
|
Organization
and Business
AutoNation, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is the largest
automotive retailer in the United States. As of
December 31, 2007, we owned and operated 322 new vehicle
franchises from 244 stores located in major metropolitan
markets, predominantly in the Sunbelt region of the United
States. We offer a diversified range of automotive products and
services, including new vehicles, used vehicles, vehicle
maintenance and repair services, vehicle parts, extended service
contracts, vehicle protection products, and other aftermarket
products. We also arrange financing for vehicle purchases
through third-party finance sources. For convenience, the terms
AutoNation, Company, and we
are used to refer collectively to AutoNation, Inc. and its
subsidiaries, unless otherwise required by the context.
Basis
of Presentation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the
accounts of AutoNation, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All of our
automotive dealership subsidiaries are indirectly wholly owned
by the parent company, AutoNation, Inc. We operate in a single
industry segment, automotive retailing. All significant
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in
the consolidation.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of
the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and
expenses during the reporting period. In preparing these
financial statements, management has made its best estimates and
judgments of certain amounts included in the financial
statements, giving due consideration to materiality. We base our
estimates and judgments on historical experience and other
assumptions that we believe are reasonable. However, application
of these accounting policies involves the exercise of judgment
and use of assumptions as to future uncertainties and, as a
result, actual results could differ materially from these
estimates. We periodically evaluate estimates and assumptions
used in the preparation of the financial statements and make
changes on a prospective basis when adjustments are necessary.
Significant estimates made by AutoNation in the accompanying
Consolidated Financial Statements include allowances for
doubtful accounts, accruals for chargebacks against revenue
recognized from the sale of finance and insurance products,
certain assumptions related to goodwill, intangible, and
long-lived assets, accruals related to self-insurance programs,
certain legal proceedings, estimated tax liabilities, estimated
losses from disposals of discontinued operations, and certain
assumptions related to determining stock option compensation.
Certain reclassifications of amounts previously reported have
been made to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements
in order to maintain consistency and comparability between
periods presented. We reclassified certain amounts within the
Cash Provided by (Used In) Operating Activities section of our
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows to separately present our
deferred income tax provision.
Cash
and Cash Equivalents
We consider all highly liquid investments with a maturity of
three months or less as of the date of purchase to be cash
equivalents unless the investments are legally or contractually
restricted for more than three months.
51
AUTONATION,
INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
Inventory
Inventory consists primarily of new and used vehicles held for
sale, valued at the lower of cost or market using the specific
identification method. Cost includes acquisition,
reconditioning, dealer installed accessories, and transportation
expenses. Parts and accessories are valued at the lower of cost
(first-in,
first-out) or market.
Investments
Investments in marketable securities are included in Other
Assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and
relate to our self-insurance programs. Restricted investments,
included in Other Assets, consist primarily of marketable
corporate and government debt securities. Marketable securities
include investments in debt and equity securities and are
primarily classified as available-for-sale. Investments in debt
securities include investment grade corporate bonds, government
securities, and other instruments with maturities ranging from
2008 to 2036. Marketable securities are stated at fair value
with unrealized gains and losses included in Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income (Loss) in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Other-than-temporary declines in investment values are recorded
as a component of Other Expenses (Income), Net in the
Consolidated Income Statements. Fair value is estimated based on
quoted market prices.
Property
and Equipment, net
Property and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated
depreciation. Expenditures for major additions and improvements
are capitalized, while minor replacements, maintenance, and
repairs are charged to expense as incurred. When property is
retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated
depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting
gain or loss is reflected in Other Expenses (Income), Net in the
Consolidated Income Statements.
Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the
assets involved using the straight-line method. Leasehold
improvements are amortized over the estimated useful life of the
asset or the respective lease term used in determining lease
classification, whichever is shorter. The estimated useful lives
are: five to forty years for buildings and improvements and
three to ten years for furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
We continually evaluate property and equipment, including
leasehold improvements, to determine whether events and
circumstances have occurred that may warrant revision of the
estimated useful life or whether the remaining balance should be
evaluated for possible impairment. We use an estimate of the
related undiscounted cash flows over the remaining life of the
property and equipment in assessing whether an asset has been
impaired. We measure impairment losses based upon the amount by
which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value.
Fair values generally are estimated using prices for similar
assets
and/or
discounted cash flows.
Goodwill
and Other Intangible Assets, net
We account for acquisitions using the purchase method of
accounting. Goodwill consists of the cost of acquired businesses
in excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired.
Additionally, other intangible assets are separately recognized
if the benefit of the intangible asset is obtained through
contractual or other legal rights, or if the intangible asset
can be sold, transferred, licensed, rented, or exchanged,
regardless of our intent to do so.
Our principal identifiable intangible assets are rights under
franchise agreements with vehicle manufacturers. We generally
expect our franchise agreements to survive for the foreseeable
future and, when the agreements do not have indefinite terms,
anticipate routine renewals of the agreements without
substantial cost. The contractual terms of our franchise
agreements provide for various durations, ranging from one year
to no expiration date, and in certain cases, manufacturers have
undertaken to renew such franchises upon expiration so long as
the dealership is in compliance with the terms of the agreement.
However, in general, the
52
AUTONATION,
INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
states in which we operate have automotive dealership franchise
laws that provide that, notwithstanding the terms of any
franchise agreement, it is unlawful for a manufacturer to
terminate or not renew a franchise unless good cause
exists. It is generally difficult for a manufacturer to
terminate, or not renew, a franchise under these franchise laws,
which were designed to protect dealers. In addition, in our
experience and historically in the automotive retail industry,
dealership franchise agreements are rarely involuntarily
terminated or not renewed by the manufacturer. Accordingly, we
believe that our franchise agreements will contribute to cash
flows for the foreseeable future and have indefinite lives.
Other intangibles are amortized using a straight-line method
over their useful lives, generally ranging from three to sixteen
years.
Goodwill and franchise rights assets are tested for impairment
annually at June 30 or more frequently when events or
circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. We
completed impairment tests of goodwill and franchise rights as
of June 30, 2007, and June 30, 2006. The goodwill test
includes determining the fair value of our single reporting unit
and comparing it to the carrying value of the net assets
allocated to the reporting unit. No goodwill impairment charges
resulted from the required goodwill impairment tests. The test
for franchise rights assets requires the comparison of estimated
fair value to its carrying value by store. Fair values of rights
under franchise agreements are estimated by discounting expected
future cash flows of the store. We recorded $2.2 million
($1.4 million, net of tax) of impairment charges related to
rights under a Jaguar stores franchise agreement to reduce
the carrying value of that stores franchise agreement to
estimated fair value. The decline in the fair value of rights
under this stores franchise agreement reflects the
negative impact of historical performance of the store since our
acquisition of it, as well as our expectations for the
stores future prospects. These factors resulted in a
reduction in forecasted cash flows and growth rates used to
estimate fair value. This non-cash impairment charge is
classified as Other Expenses (Income), Net in the accompanying
Consolidated Income Statements for the year ended
December 31, 2007.
Other
Assets
Other assets consist of various items, including, among other
items, service loaner and rental vehicle inventory, net,
investments in marketable securities, the cash surrender value
of corporate-owned life insurance held in a Rabbi Trust for
deferred compensation participants, property held for sale,
notes receivable, restricted assets, and debt issuance costs.
Debt issuance costs are amortized to Other Interest Expense in
the accompanying Consolidated Income Statements using the
effective interest method through maturity.
We had property held for sale of $10.9 million at
December 31, 2007, and $18.7 million at
December 31, 2006.
Other
Current Liabilities
Other current liabilities consist of various items payable
within one year including, among other items, accruals for
payroll and benefits, sales taxes, finance and insurance
chargeback liabilities, deferred revenue, accrued expenses, and
customer deposits. Other current liabilities also includes other
tax accruals, totaling $72.2 million at December 31,
2007, and $58.7 million at December 31, 2006. See
Note 11, Income Taxes, of the Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements for additional discussion of income taxes.
Employee
Savings Plan
We offer a 401(k) plan to all of our employees and provide a
matching contribution to certain employees that participate. The
matching contribution expensed totaled $5.1 million in
2007, $5.3 million in 2006, and $5.8 million in 2005.
In 2005, we established a deferred compensation plan (the
Plan) to provide certain employees with the
opportunity to accumulate assets for retirement on a
tax-deferred basis commencing in 2006. Participants in the Plan
are allowed to defer a portion of their compensation and are
100% vested in their respective deferrals
53
AUTONATION,
INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
and earnings. Participants may choose from a variety of
investment options, which determine their earnings credits. We
provide a matching contribution to participants in the Plan and
may also make discretionary contributions. The total
contributions expensed totaled $2.6 million in 2007 and
$2.5 million in 2006. Matching contributions vest over two
years from the effective date of the employers matching
contribution, and discretionary contributions vest three years
after the effective date of the discretionary contribution.
Certain participants in the Plan are not eligible for matching
contributions to our 401(k) plan. The balances due to
participants in the Plan were $23.2 million as of
December 31, 2007, and $10.2 million as of
December 31, 2006, and are included in Other Liabilities in
the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Stock
Options
We have various stock option plans under which options to
purchase shares of common stock may be granted to key employees
and directors of AutoNation. Upon exercise, shares of common
stock are issued from our treasury stock. Options granted under
the plans are non-qualified and are granted at a price equal to
or above the closing market price of the common stock on the
trading day immediately prior to the date of grant. Generally,
options granted will have a term of 10 years from the date
of grant and will vest in increments of 25% per year over a
four-year period on the yearly anniversary of the grant date.
In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board
(FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based
Payment (SFAS No. 123R). In March
2005, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107
regarding its interpretation of SFAS No. 123R. The
standard requires companies to expense the grant-date fair value
of stock options and other equity-based compensation issued to
employees and is effective for annual periods beginning after
June 15, 2005. As of January 1, 2006, we adopted
SFAS No. 123R and related interpretive guidance issued
by the FASB and the SEC using the modified prospective
transition method. Under the modified prospective transition
method, SFAS No. 123R applies to new awards and to
awards modified, repurchased, or cancelled after the required
effective date. Additionally, compensation cost for the portion
of awards for which the requisite service has not been rendered
as of the required effective date is recognized as the requisite
service is rendered on or after the required effective date.
Accordingly, our Consolidated Financial Statements for prior
periods have not been restated to reflect the adoption of
SFAS No. 123R.
Prior to January 1, 2006, we applied Accounting Principles
Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees, in accounting for stock-based employee
compensation arrangements whereby compensation cost related to
stock options was generally not recognized in determining net
income and the pro forma impact of compensation cost related to
stock options was disclosed. Our pro forma net income and pro
forma
54
AUTONATION,
INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
earnings per share that would have been reported if the fair
value method had been applied to all awards were as follows for
2005:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
Net income, as reported
|
|
$
|
496.5
|
|
Pro forma stock-based compensation cost, net of taxes
|
|
|
(9.3
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma net income
|
|
$
|
487.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic earnings per share, as reported
|
|
$
|
1.89
|
|
Pro forma stock-based compensation cost
|
|
$
|
(.04
|
)
|
Pro forma basic earnings per share
|
|
$
|
1.85
|
|
Diluted earnings per share, as reported
|
|
$
|
1.85
|
|
Pro forma stock-based compensation cost
|
|
$
|
(.03
|
)
|
Pro forma diluted earnings per share
|
|
$
|
1.82
|
|
Risk-free interest rate
|
|
|
3.69 4.10%
|
|
Expected dividend yield
|
|
|
|
|
Expected term
|
|
|
5 years
|
|
Expected volatility
|
|
|
33%
|
|
Derivative
Financial Instruments
We recognize all derivative instruments on the balance sheet at
fair value. The related gains or losses on these transactions
are deferred in stockholders equity as a component of
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss). These deferred
gains and losses are recognized in income or expense in the
period in which the related items being hedged are recognized in
expense. However, to the extent that the change in value of a
derivative contract does not perfectly offset the change in the
value of the items being hedged, that ineffective portion is
immediately recognized in income. We recognize gains or losses
when the underlying transaction settles.
During 2006, we had $800.0 million of interest rate hedge
instruments (cash flow hedges) mature, consisting of
$200.0 million in swaps, which effectively locked in a
LIBOR-based rate of 3.0%, and $600.0 million in collars
that capped floating rates to a maximum LIBOR-based rate no
greater than 2.4%. We held no derivative contracts as of
December 31, 2007 and 2006.
At December 31, 2005, net unrealized losses, net of income
taxes, related to hedges included in Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income (Loss) were $2.1 million. The income
statement impact from interest rate hedges was additional income
of $1.8 million in 2006 and $0.2 million in 2005. At
December 31, 2005, all of our derivative contracts were
determined to be highly effective, and no ineffective portion
was recognized in income.
Revenue
Recognition
Revenue consists of the sales of new and used vehicles,
commissions from related finance and insurance
(F&I) products, sales of parts and services,
and sales of other products. We recognize revenue in the period
in which products are sold or services are provided. We
recognize vehicle and finance and insurance revenue when a sales
contract has been executed, the vehicle has been delivered, and
payment has been received or financing has been arranged.
Rebates, holdbacks, floorplan assistance, and certain other
dealer credits received directly from manufacturers are recorded
as a reduction of the cost of the vehicle and recognized into
income upon the sale of the vehicle or when earned under a
specific manufacturer program, whichever is later. Revenue on
finance and insurance products represents commissions earned by
us for: (i) loans and leases
55
AUTONATION,
INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
placed with financial institutions in connection with customer
vehicle purchases financed and (ii) vehicle protection
products sold.
We sell and receive a commission, which is recognized upon sale,
on the following types of products: extended service contracts,
maintenance programs, guaranteed auto protection (known as
GAP, this protection covers the shortfall between a
customers loan balance and insurance payoff in the event
of a casualty), tire and wheel protection, and theft
protection products. The products we offer include products that
are sold and administered by independent third parties,
including the vehicle manufacturers captive finance
subsidiaries. Pursuant to our arrangements with these
third-party providers, we primarily sell the products on a
straight commission basis; however, we may sell the product,
recognize commission, and participate in future profit pursuant
to retrospective commission arrangements, which are recognized
as earned. Certain commissions earned from the sales of finance,
insurance, and other protection products are subject to
chargebacks should the contracts be terminated prior to their
expirations. An estimated liability for chargebacks against
revenue recognized from sales of F&I products is recorded
in the period in which the related revenue is recognized. Our
estimated liability for chargebacks is based primarily on our
historical chargeback experience, and is influenced by increases
or decreases in early termination rates resulting from
cancellation of vehicle protection products, defaults,
refinancings and payoffs before maturity, and other factors.
Chargeback liabilities were $62.5 million at
December 31, 2007, and $70.1 million at
December 31, 2006.
Insurance
Under our self-insurance programs, we retain various levels of
aggregate loss limits, per claim deductibles, and
claims-handling expenses as part of our various insurance
programs, including property and casualty, employee medical
benefits, automobile, and workers compensation. Costs in
excess of this retained risk per claim may be insured under
various contracts with third party insurance carriers. We review
our claim and loss history on a periodic basis to assist in
assessing our future liability. The ultimate costs of these
retained insurance risks are estimated by management and by
third-party actuarial evaluation of historical claims
experience, adjusted for current trends and changes in
claims-handling procedures.
Advertising
We expense the cost of advertising as incurred or when such
advertising initially takes place, net of earned manufacturer
credits and other discounts. Manufacturer advertising credits
are earned in accordance with the respective manufacturers
programs, which is typically after we have incurred the
corresponding advertising expenses. Advertising expense, net of
allowances, was $211.2 million in 2007, $215.8 million
in 2006, and $199.8 million in 2005. Advertising allowances
from manufacturers were $28.8 million in 2007,
$32.6 million in 2006, and $41.2 million in 2005.
Income
Taxes
We file a consolidated federal income tax return. Deferred
income taxes have been provided for temporary differences
between the recognition of revenue and expenses for financial
and income tax reporting purposes and between the tax basis of
assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the
financial statements.
Earnings
(Loss) Per Share
Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net
income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares
outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings (loss) per share
is based on the combined weighted average number of common
shares and common share equivalents outstanding, which include,
where appropriate, the assumed exercise of dilutive options.
56
AUTONATION,
INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
New
Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141
(revised 2007), Business Combinations
(SFAS No. 141R). SFAS No. 141R
is a revision to SFAS No. 141 and includes substantial
changes to the acquisition method used to account for business
combinations (formerly the purchase accounting
method), including broadening the definition of a business, as
well as revisions to accounting methods for contingent
consideration and other contingencies related to the acquired
business, accounting for transaction costs, and accounting for
adjustments to provisional amounts recorded in connection with
acquisitions. SFAS No. 141R retains the fundamental
requirement of SFAS No. 141 that the acquisition
method of accounting be used for all business combinations and
for an acquirer to be identified for each business combination.
SFAS No. 141R shall be applied prospectively to
business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or
after the beginning of the first annual reporting period
beginning on or after December 15, 2008. We are currently
evaluating the requirements of SFAS No. 141R.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159,
The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial
Liabilities Including an Amendment of FASB Statement
No. 115 (SFAS No. 159).
SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure
certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value.
Unrealized gains and losses, arising subsequent to adoption, are
reported in earnings. SFAS No. 159 is effective for
fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We are
currently evaluating the impact of adopting
SFAS No. 159, if elected, on our Consolidated
Financial Statements.
As of January 1, 2007, we adopted FASB Interpretation
No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income
Taxes an Interpretation of FASB Statement
No. 109 (FIN 48). See Note 11,
Income Taxes, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for
further discussion.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157,
Fair Value Measurements
(SFAS No. 157). SFAS No. 157
defines fair value and applies to other accounting
pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements
and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.
SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning
after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those
fiscal years for financial assets and liabilities, as well as
for any other assets and liabilities that are carried at fair
value on a recurring basis in financial statements. The FASB has
provided a one year deferral for the implementation of
SFAS No. 157 for non-financial assets and liabilities
that are not required to be measured at fair value on a
recurring basis. We are currently evaluating the impact of
adopting SFAS No. 157 on our Consolidated Financial
Statements.
In March 2006, the EITF reached a consensus on EITF Issue
No. 06-3,
How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to
Governmental Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income
Statement (That is, Gross versus Net Presentation)
(EITF 06-3),
which allows companies to adopt a policy of presenting taxes in
the income statement on either a gross or net basis. Taxes
within the scope of this EITF include taxes that are imposed on
a revenue transaction between a seller and a customer, for
example, sales taxes, use taxes, value-added taxes, and some
types of excise taxes. As of January 1, 2007, we adopted
EITF 06-3
for interim and annual reporting periods.
EITF 06-3
did not impact the method for recording and reporting these
sales taxes in our Consolidated Financial Statements as our
policy is to exclude all such taxes from revenue.
57
AUTONATION,
INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
2. RECEIVABLES,
NET
The components of receivables, net of allowance for doubtful
accounts, at December 31 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Trade receivables
|
|
$
|
119.1
|
|
|
$
|
111.0
|
|
Manufacturer receivables
|
|
|
139.9
|
|
|
|
158.7
|
|
Other
|
|
|
55.5
|
|
|
|
73.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
314.5
|
|
|
|
343.2
|
|
Less: Allowances
|
|
|
(6.4
|
)
|
|
|
(6.3
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
308.1
|
|
|
|
336.9
|
|
Contracts-in-transit
and vehicle receivables
|
|
|
384.1
|
|
|
|
429.2
|
|
Income tax refundable (See Note 11)
|
|
|
21.9
|
|
|
|
28.9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Receivables, net
|
|
$
|
714.1
|
|
|
$
|
795.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contracts-in-transit
and vehicle receivables represent receivables from financial
institutions for the portion of the vehicle sales price financed
by our customers.
|
|
3.
|
INVENTORY
AND VEHICLE FLOORPLAN PAYABLE
|
The components of inventory at December 31 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
New vehicles
|
|
$
|
1,861.8
|
|
|
$
|
1,856.3
|
|
Used vehicles
|
|
|
313.1
|
|
|
|
299.9
|
|
Parts, accessories, and other
|
|
|
150.8
|
|
|
|
148.8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
2,325.7
|
|
|
$
|
2,305.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vehicle floorplan payable-trade totaled $1.7 billion at
December 31, 2007, and $2.0 billion at
December 31, 2006. Vehicle floorplan payable-trade reflects
amounts borrowed to finance the purchase of specific vehicle
inventories with the corresponding manufacturers captive
finance subsidiaries (trade lenders). Vehicle
floorplan payable-non-trade totaled $459.9 million at
December 31, 2007, and $221.4 million at
December 31, 2006, and represents amounts borrowed to
finance the purchase of specific vehicle inventories with
non-trade lenders. Changes in vehicle floorplan payable-trade
are reported as operating cash flows and changes in vehicle
floorplan payable-non-trade are reported as financing cash flows
in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. On
November 30, 2006, General Motors (GM)
completed the sale of a majority stake in General Motors
Acceptance Corporation (GMAC), which was GMs
wholly-owned captive finance subsidiary prior to this
transaction. As a result of this sale, we have classified new
borrowings from GMAC subsequent to this transaction as vehicle
floorplan payable-non-trade, with related changes reflected as
financing cash flows in the accompanying Consolidated Statements
of Cash Flows. Accordingly, net floorplan borrowings from GMAC
since this transaction (totaling $231.5 million for
2007) are reflected as cash provided by financing
activities, while repayments in 2007 of amounts due to GMAC
prior to this transaction continue to be reflected as cash used
by operating activities in the accompanying Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows.
Our floorplan facilities, which utilize LIBOR-based interest
rates, averaged 6.3% for 2007 and 6.2% for 2006. Floorplan
facilities are used to finance new vehicle inventories and the
amounts outstanding thereunder are due on demand, but are
generally paid within several business days after the related
vehicles are sold. Floorplan facilities are primarily
collateralized by new vehicle inventories and related
receivables. Our
58
AUTONATION,
INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
manufacturer agreements generally require that the manufacturer
have the ability to draft against the floorplan facilities so
that the lender directly funds the manufacturer for the purchase
of inventory. The floorplan facilities contain certain
operational covenants. At December 31, 2007, we were in
compliance with such covenants in all material respects. At
December 31, 2007, aggregate capacity under the floorplan
credit facilities to finance new vehicles was approximately
$3.6 billion, of which $2.2 billion total was
outstanding.
|
|
4.
|
PROPERTY
AND EQUIPMENT, NET
|
A summary of property and equipment, net, at December 31 is as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Land
|
|
$
|
899.8
|
|
|
$
|
826.2
|
|
Buildings and improvements
|
|
|
1,187.3
|
|
|
|
1,143.1
|
|
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment
|
|
|
505.3
|
|
|
|
454.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,592.4
|
|
|
|
2,423.6
|
|
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
(605.8
|
)
|
|
|
(529.8
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,986.6
|
|
|
$
|
1,893.8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.
|
GOODWILL
AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
|
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net, at December 31
consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
$
|
3,023.2
|
|
|
$
|
3,033.3
|
|
Less: accumulated amortization
|
|
|
(265.8
|
)
|
|
|
(265.8
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill, net
|
|
$
|
2,757.4
|
|
|
$
|
2,767.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Franchise rights indefinite-lived
|
|
$
|
316.4
|
|
|
$
|
312.5
|
|
Other intangibles
|
|
|
7.9
|
|
|
|
7.8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
324.3
|
|
|
|
320.3
|
|
Less: accumulated amortization
|
|
|
(4.4
|
)
|
|
|
(3.1
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other intangible assets, net
|
|
$
|
319.9
|
|
|
$
|
317.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill and franchise rights-indefinite-lived are not
amortized. Goodwill was amortized until January 1, 2002,
when we adopted provisions of SFAS No. 142,
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Other
intangibles are amortized primarily over three to sixteen years
using a straight-line method.
At December 31, 2007, and 2006, current insurance accruals
were included in Other Current Liabilities in the Consolidated
Balance Sheets and long-term insurance accruals were included in
Other Liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Insurance accruals current portion
|
|
$
|
39.4
|
|
|
$
|
41.2
|
|
Insurance accruals long-term portion
|
|
|
48.2
|
|
|
|
47.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total insurance accruals
|
|
$
|
87.6
|
|
|
$
|
88.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
59
AUTONATION,
INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
|
|
7.
|
NOTES PAYABLE
AND LONG-TERM DEBT
|
Notes payable and long-term debt at December 31 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Floating rate senior unsecured notes
|
|
$
|
300.0
|
|
|
$
|
300.0
|
|
7% senior unsecured notes
|
|
|
300.0
|
|
|
|
300.0
|
|
Term loan facility
|
|
|
600.0
|
|
|
|
600.0
|
|
Revolving credit facility
|
|
|
260.0
|
|
|
|
195.0
|
|
9% senior unsecured notes
|
|
|
14.1
|
|
|
|
14.1
|
|
Mortgage facility
|
|
|
239.7
|
|
|
|
116.0
|
|
Other debt
|
|
|
62.0
|
|
|
|
46.4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,775.8
|
|
|
|
1,571.5
|
|
Less: current maturities
|
|
|
(23.9
|
)
|
|
|
(13.6
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt, net of current maturities
|
|
$
|
1,751.9
|
|
|
$
|
1,557.9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior
Unsecured Notes and Credit Agreement
In April 2006, we sold $300.0 million of floating rate
senior unsecured notes due April 15, 2013, and
$300.0 million of 7% senior unsecured notes due
April 15, 2014, in each case at par. The floating rate
senior unsecured notes bear interest at a rate equal to
three-month LIBOR plus 2.0% per annum, adjusted quarterly, and
may be redeemed by us on or after April 15, 2008, at 103%
of principal, on or after April 15, 2009, at 102% of
principal, on or after April 15, 2010, at 101% of
principal, and on or after April 15, 2011, at 100% of
principal. The 7% senior unsecured notes may be redeemed by
us on or after April 15, 2009, at 105.25% of principal, on
or after April 15, 2010, at 103.5% of principal, on or
after April 15, 2011, at 101.75% of principal, and on or
after April 15, 2012, at 100% of principal.
In April 2006, we also completed the first amendment to our
credit agreement to provide: (1) a $675.0 million
revolving credit facility that provides for various interest
rates on borrowings generally at LIBOR plus 0.80%, and
(2) a $600.0 million term loan facility bearing
interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.25%. In December 2006,
the borrowing capacity of the revolving credit facility was
increased to $700.0 million under the amended credit
agreement.
The proceeds of the senior unsecured notes and term loan
facility, together with cash on hand and borrowings of
$80.0 million under the amended revolving credit facility,
were used to: (1) purchase 50 million shares of our
common stock at $23 per share for an aggregate purchase price of
$1.15 billion pursuant to our equity tender offer,
(2) purchase $309.4 million aggregate principal of our
9% senior unsecured notes for an aggregate total
consideration of $339.8 million pursuant to our debt tender
offer and consent solicitation, and (3) pay related
financing costs. Approximately $34.5 million of tender
premium and other financing costs related to our debt tender
offer was expensed during 2006.
We have negotiated a letter of credit sublimit as part of our
revolving credit facility. The amount available to be borrowed
under the revolving credit facility is reduced on a
dollar-for-dollar basis by the cumulative amount of any
outstanding letters of credit, which totaled $78.8 million
at December 31, 2007. We had borrowings outstanding under
the revolving credit facility of $260.0 million at
December 31, 2007, leaving $361.2 million of borrowing
capacity at December 31, 2007.
In July 2007, we completed a second amendment of the credit
agreement. Under the terms of the second amendment, the interest
rate on the term loan facility decreased from LIBOR plus 1.25%
to LIBOR plus 0.875% and the interest rate on the revolving
credit facility decreased from LIBOR plus 0.80% to LIBOR plus
60
AUTONATION,
INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
0.725%. Additionally, the credit agreement termination date was
extended from July 14, 2010, to July 18, 2012, and
certain other terms and conditions were modified as a result of
this amendment. We incurred $1.6 million of expenses in
connection with this modification during 2007, which are
included as a component of Other Interest Expense in the
accompanying Consolidated Income Statements.
The credit spread charged for the revolving credit facility and
term loan facility is impacted by our senior unsecured credit
ratings. On November 29, 2007, Standard and Poors
Rating Services revised its outlook for AutoNation to negative
from stable.
Our senior unsecured notes and borrowings under the credit
agreement are guaranteed by substantially all of our
subsidiaries. Within the meaning of
Regulation S-X,
Rule 3-10,
AutoNation, Inc., (the parent company) has no independent assets
or operations, the guarantees of its subsidiaries are full and
unconditional and joint and several, and any subsidiaries other
than the guarantor subsidiaries are minor.
Other
Debt
At December 31, 2007, we also had $14.1 million of
9% senior unsecured notes due August 1, 2008. The
9% senior unsecured notes are guaranteed by substantially
all of our subsidiaries. As discussed above, in April 2006 we
purchased $309.4 million aggregate principal amount of the
9% senior unsecured notes. As of April 12, 2006,
covenants related to the 9% senior unsecured notes were
substantially eliminated as a result of the successful
completion of the consent solicitation. The remaining aggregate
principal amount of 9% senior unsecured notes was not
tendered for purchase and, accordingly, remains outstanding.
At December 31, 2007, we had $239.7 million
outstanding under a mortgage facility with an automotive
manufacturers captive finance subsidiary. The mortgage
facility was refinanced under a new facility in
November 2007 to provide a fixed interest rate (5.864%) and
provide financing secured by
10-year
mortgages on certain of our store properties. In connection with
this refinancing, in 2007 we received net proceeds of
approximately $126.4 million and recorded $1.0 million
of expenses, which are included as a component of Other Interest
Expense in the accompanying Consolidated Income Statements.
Prior to this refinancing, the facility utilized LIBOR-based
interest rates. The facilitys interest rates averaged 6.5%
for 2007 and 6.4% for 2006.
During 2000, we entered into a sale-leaseback transaction
involving our corporate headquarters facility that resulted in
net proceeds of approximately $52.1 million. This
transaction was accounted for as a financing lease, wherein the
property remains on the books and continues to be depreciated.
We have the option to renew the lease at the end of the ten-year
lease term subject to certain conditions. The gain on this
transaction has been deferred and will be recognized at the end
of the lease term, including renewals. The remaining obligation
related to this transaction of $40.4 million at
December 31, 2007, and $42.8 million at
December 31, 2006, is included in Other Debt in the above
table.
Restrictions
and Covenants
Our senior unsecured notes issued in April 2006, credit
agreement, and mortgage facility contain numerous customary
financial and operating covenants that place significant
restrictions on us, including our ability to incur additional
indebtedness or prepay existing indebtedness, to create liens or
other encumbrances, to sell (or otherwise dispose of) assets,
and to merge or consolidate with other entities.
The indenture for our senior unsecured notes issued in April
2006 restricts our ability to make payments in connection with
share repurchases, dividends, debt retirement, investments, and
similar matters to a cumulative aggregate amount that is limited
to $500.0 million plus 50% of our cumulative consolidated
net income (as defined in the indenture) since April 1,
2006, the net proceeds of stock option exercises, and certain
other items, subject to certain exceptions and conditions set
forth in the indenture. As of December 31, 2007, the
amended credit agreement requires us to meet certain financial
covenants, as defined, requiring the
61
AUTONATION,
INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
maintenance of a maximum consolidated leverage ratio, as defined
(3.0 times through September 30, 2009, after which it will
revert to 2.75 times), and a maximum capitalization ratio (65%),
as defined. In addition, the indenture for the senior unsecured
notes issued in April 2006 contains a debt incurrence
restriction based on a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio
(2:1), and the mortgage facility contains covenants regarding
maximum cash flow leverage and minimum interest coverage.
In the event that we were to default in the observance or
performance of any of the financial covenants in the amended
credit agreement or mortgage facility and such default were to
continue beyond any cure period or waiver, the lender under the
respective facility could elect to terminate the facilities and
declare all outstanding obligations under such facilities
immediately payable. Our amended credit agreement, the indenture
for our senior unsecured notes issued in April 2006, our vehicle
floorplan payable facilities, and our mortgage facility have
cross-default provisions that trigger a default in the event of
an uncured default under other material indebtedness of
AutoNation. As of December 31, 2007, we were in compliance
with the requirements of all applicable financial and operating
covenants.
In the event of a downgrade in our credit ratings, none of the
covenants described above would be impacted. In addition,
availability under the amended credit agreement described above
would not be impacted should a downgrade in the senior unsecured
debt credit ratings occur. Certain covenants in the indenture
for the senior unsecured notes issued in April 2006 would be
eliminated with an upgrade of our senior unsecured notes to
investment grade by either Standard & Poors or
Moodys Investors Services.
At December 31, 2007, aggregate maturities of notes payable
and long-term debt, excluding vehicle floorplan payable, were as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ending December 31:
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
$
|
23.9
|
|
2009
|
|
|
22.4
|
|
2010
|
|
|
42.9
|
|
2011
|
|
|
8.0
|
|
2012
|
|
|
868.5
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
810.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,775.8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.
|
COMMITMENTS
AND CONTINGENCIES
|
Legal
Proceedings
We are involved, and will continue to be involved, in numerous
legal proceedings arising out of the conduct of our business,
including litigation with customers, employment related
lawsuits, class actions, purported class actions, and actions
brought by governmental authorities.
We are a party to numerous legal proceedings that arose in the
conduct of our business. We do not believe that the ultimate
resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect
on our results of operations, financial condition, or cash
flows. However, the results of these matters cannot be predicted
with certainty, and an unfavorable resolution of one or more of
these matters could have a material adverse effect on our
financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
Lease
Commitments
We lease real property, equipment, and software under various
operating leases most of which have terms from one to twenty
years. We account for leases under SFAS No. 13,
Accounting for Leases, and other related
authoritative literature.
62
AUTONATION,
INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
Expenses under real property, equipment, and software leases
were $66.9 million in 2007, $58.2 million in 2006, and
$57.4 million in 2005. The leases require payment of real
estate taxes, insurance, and maintenance in addition to rent.
Most of the leases contain renewal options and escalation
clauses. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis
over the term of the lease, including any option periods, as
appropriate. The same lease term is used for lease
classification, the amortization period of related leasehold
improvements, and the estimation of future lease commitments.
Future minimum lease obligations under non-cancelable real
property, equipment, and software leases with initial terms in
excess of one year at December 31, 2007, are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ending December 31:
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
$
|
60.6
|
|
2009
|
|
|
58.3
|
|
2010
|
|
|
47.5
|
|
2011
|
|
|
46.3
|
|
2012
|
|
|
44.4
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
408.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
665.2
|
|
Less: sublease rentals
|
|
|
(11.7
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
653.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
Matters
AutoNation, acting through its subsidiaries, is the lessee under
many real estate leases that provide for the use by our
subsidiaries of their respective dealership premises. Pursuant
to these leases, our subsidiaries generally agree to indemnify
the lessor and other related parties from certain liabilities
arising as a result of the use of the leased premises, including
environmental liabilities, or a breach of the lease by the
lessee. Additionally, from time to time, we enter into
agreements with third parties in connection with the sale of
assets or businesses in which we agree to indemnify the
purchaser or related parties from certain liabilities or costs
arising in connection with the assets or business. Also, in the
ordinary course of business in connection with purchases or
sales of goods and services, we enter into agreements that may
contain indemnification provisions. In the event that an
indemnification claim is asserted, liability would be limited by
the terms of the applicable agreement.
From time to time, primarily in connection with dispositions of
automotive stores, our subsidiaries assign or sublet to the
dealership purchaser the subsidiaries interests in any
real property leases associated with such stores. In general,
our subsidiaries retain responsibility for the performance of
certain obligations under such leases to the extent that the
assignee or sublessee does not perform, whether such performance
is required prior to or following the assignment or subletting
of the lease. Additionally, AutoNation and its subsidiaries
generally remain subject to the terms of any guarantees made by
us in connection with such leases. Although we generally have
indemnification rights against the assignee or sublessee in the
event of non-performance under these leases, as well as certain
defenses, and we presently have no reason to believe that we or
our subsidiaries will be called on to perform under any such
assigned leases or subleases, we estimate that lessee rental
payment obligations during the remaining terms of these leases
are approximately $90 million at December 31, 2007.
Our exposure under these leases is difficult to estimate and
there can be no assurance that any performance of AutoNation or
its subsidiaries required under these leases would not have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition,
and cash flows.
At December 31, 2007, surety bonds, letters of credit, and
cash deposits totaled $111.6 million, including $78.8
million of letters of credit. In the ordinary course of
business, we are required to post performance and
63
AUTONATION,
INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
surety bonds, letters of credit,
and/or cash
deposits as financial guarantees of our performance. We do not
currently provide cash collateral for outstanding letters of
credit.
In the ordinary course of business, we are subject to numerous
laws and regulations, including automotive, environmental,
health and safety, and other laws and regulations. We do not
anticipate that the costs of such compliance will have a
material adverse effect on our business, consolidated results of
operations, cash flows, or financial condition, although such
outcome is possible given the nature of our operations and the
extensive legal and regulatory framework applicable to our
business. We do not have any material known environmental
commitments or contingencies.
A summary of yearly repurchase activity follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Repurchased
|
|
|
Aggregate
|
|
Year Ended December 31:
|
|
(In millions)
|
|
|
Purchase Price
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
33.2
|
|
|
$
|
645.7
|
|
2006
|
|
|
61.2
|
|
|
$
|
1,380.6
|
|
2005
|
|
|
11.8
|
|
|
$
|
237.1
|
|
As discussed in Note 7, Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt,
of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, we purchased
50 million shares of our common stock at $23 per share for
an aggregate purchase price of $1.15 billion pursuant to an
equity tender offer in April 2006. After the completion of the
equity tender offer, we repurchased an additional
11.2 million shares of our common stock for a purchase
price of $228.9 million during the remainder of 2006, for a
total of 61.2 million shares repurchased for an aggregate
purchase price of $1.38 billion in 2006.
In April 2007, our Board of Directors authorized an additional
$500.0 million share repurchase program. We repurchased
33.2 million shares of our common stock for an aggregate
purchase price of $645.7 million (average purchase price
per share of $19.43) during the year ended December 31,
2007. In October 2007, our Board of Directors authorized an
additional $250.0 million share repurchase program. There
is $196.7 million available for share repurchases
authorized by our Board of Directors as of December 31,
2007. Future share repurchases are subject to limitations
contained in the indenture relating to our senior unsecured
notes.
Our Board of Directors authorized the retirement of
30 million shares in 2007 and 50 million shares in
2006 of our treasury stock, which assumed the status of
authorized but unissued shares. These retirements had the effect
of reducing treasury stock and issued common stock, which
includes treasury stock. Our common stock, additional paid-in
capital, and treasury stock accounts have been adjusted
accordingly. There was no impact to shareholders equity or
outstanding common stock.
We have 5.0 million authorized shares of preferred stock,
par value $.01 per share, none of which are issued or
outstanding. The Board of Directors has the authority to issue
the preferred stock in one or more series and to establish the
rights, preferences, and dividends.
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options were
$96.6 million in 2007, $75.7 million in 2006, and
$112.8 million in 2005.
We recorded $15.3 million ($9.6 million on an
after-tax basis) during 2007 and $15.2 million
($9.3 million on an after-tax basis) during 2006 of
compensation expense (included in Selling, General and
Administrative Expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Income
Statements) attributable to stock options granted or vested
subsequent to December 31, 2005.
64
AUTONATION,
INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
We use the Black-Scholes valuation model to determine
compensation expense and amortize compensation expense over the
requisite service period of the grants on a straight-line basis.
The following table summarizes the assumptions used:
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2007
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2006
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Risk-free interest rate
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3.06% 4.87%
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2.99% 5.16%
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Expected dividend yield
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Expected term
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4 7 years
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4 7 years
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Expected volatility
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20% 40%
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32% 40%
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The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury
yield curve at the time of the grant. The expected term of stock
options granted is derived from historical data and represents
the period of time that stock options are expected to be
outstanding. The expected volatility is based on historical
volatility, implied volatility, and other factors impacting us,
including the debt and equity tender offers discussed in
Note 7, Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt, and Note 9,
Shareholders Equity, of the Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements.
The following table summarizes stock option activity during 2007:
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Weighted-
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Weighted-
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Average
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Average
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Remaining
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Aggregate
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Shares
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Exercise
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Contractual
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Intrinsic Value
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(In millions)
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Price
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Term (Years)
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