UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

 

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q/A

Amendment No. 1

 

ý

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

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2005

 

OR

 

o

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from                to               

 

Commission file number: 001-31262

 


 

ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

01-0609375

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

 

 

622 Third Avenue, 37th Floor

 

 

New York, New York

 

10017

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

(212) 885-2500
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 


 

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 ý  No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ý  No o

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: The number of shares of common stock outstanding as of May 3, 2005, was 32,602,487 (net of 1,586,587 treasury shares).

 

 



 

EXPLANATORY NOTE

 

We are filing Amendment No. 1 to the Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2005 to change the presentation of certain floor plan notes payable information. We finance substantially all of our new and at times a portion of our used vehicle inventories under revolving floor plan notes payable with various lenders. Consistent with industry practice, the Company previously reported all floor plan notes payable as a single line on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and all cash flow activity relating to floor plan notes payable in the operating activities section of our Consolidated Statement of Cash flows. In addition, we historically considered all borrowings and repayments of floor plan notes payable associated with inventory acquired through a dealership acquisition and inventory sold through a dealership divestiture, non-cash activities.  Floor plan notes payable to a party unaffiliated with the manufacturer of a particular new vehicle, and all floor plan notes payable relating to pre-owned vehicles, have been restated as floor plan notes payable — non-manufacturer affiliated on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and the related non-manufacturer affiliated cash flows have been restated from operating activities to financing activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows with borrowings reflected separately from repayments. In addition, we have included floor plan notes payable activity associated with dealership acquisitions and divestitures in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

 

The changes in presentation have no effect on net income, earnings per share, stockholder’s equity or our conclusion that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2005. However, because we are restating the financial statements included in our Form 10-Q, our financial statements include the effects of entities which became discontinued operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2005.  In addition, we have made certain other immaterial reclassifications to conform to current presentation. All other information in this amendment is as of the date of the original filing and does not reflect any subsequent information or events occurring after the date of the original filing. Forward looking statements made reflect our expectations as of the date of our original filing and have not been adjusted to reflect subsequent information.

 



 

ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.
INDEX

 

 

 

Page

 

PART I – Financial Information

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2005 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2004, restated

1

 

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 (Unaudited)

2

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2005, and 2004 (Unaudited), restated

3

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

4

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

21

 

 

 

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

22

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

35

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

36

 

 

 

 

PART II – Other Information

 

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

37

 

Signatures

38

 

Index to Exhibits

39

 



 

PART I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements

 

ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(Unaudited)
(Restated)*

 

(Restated)

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

39,253

 

$

28,093

 

Contracts-in-transit

 

101,838

 

105,360

 

Restricted investments

 

1,799

 

1,645

 

Accounts receivable (net of allowance of $2,283 and $2,073, respectively)

 

151,329

 

148,196

 

Inventories

 

800,479

 

761,557

 

Deferred income taxes

 

15,576

 

15,576

 

Prepaid and other current assets

 

55,214

 

56,831

 

Assets held for sale

 

8,020

 

25,748

 

Total current assets

 

1,173,508

 

1,143,006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net

 

201,154

 

195,788

 

GOODWILL

 

461,189

 

461,650

 

RESTRICTED INVESTMENTS, net of current portion

 

2,508

 

2,478

 

OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS

 

100,616

 

95,037

 

Total assets

 

$

1,938,975

 

$

1,897,959

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Floor plan notes payable – manufacturer affiliated

 

$

337,267

 

$

336,369

 

Floor plan notes payable – non-manufacturer affiliated

 

353,052

 

314,579

 

Current maturities of long-term debt

 

28,241

 

33,880

 

Accounts payable

 

77,097

 

53,078

 

Accrued liabilities

 

89,967

 

89,066

 

Liabilities associated with assets held for sale

 

4,004

 

20,538

 

Total current liabilities

 

889,628

 

847,510

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LONG-TERM DEBT

 

476,251

 

492,536

 

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

 

41,518

 

40,360

 

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

 

37,971

 

35,821

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 12)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $.01 par value per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized

 

 

 

Common stock, $.01 par value per share, 90,000,000 shares authorized 34,187,408 and 34,163,759 shares issued, including shares held in treasury, respectively

 

342

 

342

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

413,398

 

413,094

 

Retained earnings

 

97,545

 

87,905

 

Treasury stock, at cost; 1,586,587 shares held

 

(15,032

)

(15,032

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(2,646

)

(4,577

)

Total shareholders’ equity

 

493,607

 

481,732

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

1,938,975

 

$

1,897,959

 

 


* See Note 2 “Restatement”

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

1



 

ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

 

 

 

For the Three Months
Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

REVENUES:

 

 

 

 

 

New vehicle

 

$

778,507

 

$

664,149

 

Used vehicle

 

322,572

 

283,354

 

Parts, service and collision repair

 

154,377

 

134,264

 

Finance and insurance, net

 

35,748

 

28,412

 

Total revenues

 

1,291,204

 

1,110,179

 

COST OF SALES:

 

 

 

 

 

New vehicle

 

725,263

 

615,296

 

Used vehicle

 

293,671

 

258,527

 

Parts, service and collision repair

 

74,280

 

64,568

 

Total cost of sales

 

1,093,214

 

938,391

 

GROSS PROFIT

 

197,990

 

171,788

 

OPERATING EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

160,894

 

136,920

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

4,707

 

4,572

 

Income from operations

 

32,389

 

30,296

 

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):

 

 

 

 

 

Floor plan interest expense

 

(6,606

)

(4,107

)

Other interest expense

 

(9,601

)

(10,264

)

Interest income

 

265

 

267

 

Other income, net

 

115

 

124

 

Total other expense, net

 

(15,827

)

(13,980

)

Income before income taxes

 

16,562

 

16,316

 

INCOME TAX EXPENSE

 

6,211

 

6,118

 

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

 

10,351

 

10,198

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, net of tax

 

(711

)

166

 

NET INCOME

 

$

9,640

 

$

10,364

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic–

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations

 

$

0.32

 

$

0.31

 

Discontinued operations

 

(0.02

)

0.01

 

Net Income

 

$

0.30

 

$

0.32

 

Diluted–

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations

 

$

0.32

 

$

0.31

 

Discontinued operations

 

(0.03

)

0.01

 

Net Income

 

$

0.29

 

$

0.32

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

32,588

 

32,435

 

Diluted

 

32,781

 

32,721

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

2



 

ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

 

 

 

For the Three Months
Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2005
(Restated)*

 

2004
(Restated)*

 

CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

9,640

 

$

10,364

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities-

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

4,707

 

4,572

 

Depreciation and amortization from discontinued operations

 

543

 

634

 

Amortization of deferred financing fees

 

343

 

533

 

Change in allowance for doubtful accounts

 

210

 

(203

)

(Gain) Loss on sale of discontinued operations

 

(386

)

168

 

Other adjustments

 

1,315

 

928

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and divestitures-

 

 

 

 

 

Contracts-in-transit

 

3,522

 

(3,492

)

Accounts receivable

 

(7,531

)

(8,767

)

Proceeds from the sale of accounts receivable

 

4,157

 

5,248

 

Inventories

 

(30,948

)

(47,020

)

Prepaid and other current assets

 

(6,190

)

(5,953

)

Floor plan notes payable – manufacturer affiliated

 

(2,554

)

12,775

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

25,495

 

17,344

 

Other long-term assets and liabilities

 

(2,430

)

(4,445

)

Net cash used in operating activities

 

(107

)

(17,314

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures – non-financed

 

(9,198

)

(6,291

)

Capital expenditures – financeable

 

(1,577

)

(6,015

)

Construction reimbursements associated with sale-leaseback agreements

 

2,032

 

4,386

 

Acquisitions

 

 

(53,198

)

Proceeds from the sale of assets

 

3,272

 

1,893

 

Other investing activities

 

(177

)

913

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(5,648

)

(58,312

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Floor plan borrowings – non-manufacturer affiliated

 

693,071

 

540,196

 

Floor plan repayments – non-manufacturer affiliated

 

(654,598

)

(521,223

)

Proceeds from borrowings

 

2,107

 

802

 

Repayments of debt

 

(20,194

)

(4,919

)

Payments of debt issuance costs

 

(3,774

)

 

Proceeds from the exercise of stock options

 

303

 

45

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

16,915

 

14,901

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

11,160

 

(60,725

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period

 

28,093

 

106,711

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period

 

$

39,253

 

$

45,986

 

 

See Note 11 for supplemental cash flow information

 


* See Note 2 “Restatement”

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

3



 

ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

 

1.  DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. is a national automotive retailer, operating 94 dealership locations (130 franchises) as of March 31, 2005. We offer an extensive range of automotive products and services, including new and used vehicles, financing and insurance, vehicle maintenance and collision repair services, replacement parts and service contracts. We offer 33 domestic and foreign brands of new vehicles, including four heavy truck brands. We also operate 23 collision repair centers that serve our markets. Our retail network is organized into regional dealership groups, formerly called “platforms,” in 23 metropolitan markets, which are marketed under different local brands.

 

During the first quarter of 2005, we reorganized our platforms into principally four regions: (i) Florida (comprising our Coggin dealerships operating primarily in Jacksonville and Orlando and our Courtesy dealerships operating in Tampa), (ii) West (comprising our McDavid dealerships operating throughout Texas, our Thomason dealerships operating in Portland, Oregon, our Spirit dealerships operating primarily in Los Angeles, California and our Northern California Dealerships operating in Sacramento and Fresno, California), (iii) Mid-Atlantic (comprising our Crown dealerships operating in North Carolina, South Carolina and Southern Virginia) and (iv) South (comprising our Nalley dealerships operating in Atlanta, Georgia, and our North Point dealerships operating in Little Rock, Arkansas.)  Our Plaza dealerships in St. Louis, Missouri and our Gray Daniels dealerships operating in Jackson, Mississippi remain standalone operations.

 

2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements reflect the consolidated accounts of Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. and our wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

 

In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal, recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2005, and for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 have been included.  The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2005, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year.  Our interim unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto contained in our Annual Report on Form
10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2004.

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically and the effects of revisions are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period they are determined to be necessary.

 

Restatement

 

Subsequent to the issuance of the Company’s December 31, 2004 financial statements, we determined that certain information in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows should be restated for all periods presented to comply with the guidance under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 95, “Statement of Cash Flows,” and Rule 5-02(19)(a) of Regulation S-X. Historically, we reported all cash flows arising in connection with changes in floor plan notes payable as an operating activity and considered all borrowings and repayments of floor plan notes payable associated with inventory acquired through a dealership acquisition and inventory sold through a dealership divestiture, non-cash activities.  Therefore, the changes in floor plan notes payable associated with dealership acquisitions and divestitures were not included in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. As a result, we have (i) restated floor plan notes payable to a party other than the manufacturer of a particular new vehicle, and all floor plan notes payable relating to pre-owned vehicles, as floor plan notes payable non-manufacturer affiliated on our Consolidated Balance Sheets (ii) restated the related non-manufacturer affiliated cash flows as a financing activity on our Consolidated Statements of Cash flows with borrowings reflected separately from repayments and (iii) included floor plan notes payable activity associated with dealership

 

4



 

acquisitions and divestitures in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.  A summary of the significant effects of the restatement are as follows:

 

(In thousands)

 

As of
March 31, 2005

 

 

 

Floor plan notes payable – previously reported

 

$

690,319

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Floor plan notes payable – manufacturer affiliated - previously reported

 

$

 

 

 

Floor plan notes payable – manufacturer affiliated

 

337,267

 

 

 

Floor plan notes payable – manufacturer affiliated – restated

 

$

337,267

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Floor plan notes payable – non-manufacturer affiliated - previously reported

 

$

 

 

 

Floor plan notes payable – non-manufacturer affiliated

 

353,052

 

 

 

Floor plan notes payable – non-manufacturer affiliated – restated

 

$

353,052

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

(In thousands)

 

2005

 

2004

 

Cash provided by (used in) operating activities – previously reported

 

$

41,112

 

$

(12,244

)

Floor plan notes payable – manufacturer affiliated

 

(40,506

)

(5,015

)

Other

 

(713

)

(55

)

Cash used in operating activities – restated

 

$

(107

)

$

(17,314

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash used in investing activities – previously reported

 

$

(8,394

)

$

(44,409

)

Acquisitions

 

 

(15,049

)

Proceeds from the sale of assets

 

2,033

 

1,091

 

Other

 

713

 

55

 

Cash used in investing activities – restated

 

$

(5,648

)

$

(58,312

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash used in financing activities – previously reported

 

$

(21,558

)

$

(4,072

)

Floor plan borrowings – non-manufacturer affiliated

 

693,071

 

540,196

 

Floor plan repayments – non-manufacturer affiliated

 

(654,598

)

(521,223

)

Cash provided by financing activities – restated

 

$

16,915

 

$

14,901

 

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenue from the sale of new and used vehicles is recognized upon delivery, passage of title, signing of the sales contract and approval of financing. Revenue from the sale of parts, service and collision repair is recognized upon delivery of parts to the customer or at the time vehicle service or repair work is completed. Manufacturer vehicle incentives and rebates, including holdbacks, are recognized as a component of new vehicle cost of sales when earned, generally at the time the related vehicles are sold.

 

We receive commissions from the sale of vehicle service contracts, credit life insurance and disability insurance to customers. In addition, we receive commissions from financing institutions for arranging customer financing. We may be charged back (“chargebacks”) for finance, insurance or vehicle service contract commissions in the event a contract is terminated. The revenues from financing fees and commissions are recorded at the time the vehicles are sold and a reserve for future chargebacks is established based on historical operating results and the termination provisions of the applicable contracts. Finance, insurance and vehicle service contract commissions, net of estimated chargebacks, are included in Finance and insurance, net in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

Upon adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” on January 1, 2002, we determined that each of our platforms qualified as a reporting unit since we operate in one segment, our platforms are one level below our corporate level, discrete financial information existed for each platform and the management of each platform directly reviewed the platform’s performance. In late 2004, we began the process of reorganizing our platforms into four regions.

 

5



 

Within this more streamlined structure, we will evaluate our operations and financial results by dealership in the aggregate, rather than by platform. The general managers, with direction from the regional CEOs, will continue to have the independence and flexibility to respond effectively to local market conditions. During the first quarter of 2005, based on the changes in our management, operational and reporting structure, we have determined that goodwill will be evaluated at the operating segment level.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

We account for stock-based compensation issued to employees in accordance with Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” APB Opinion No. 25 requires the use of the intrinsic value method, which measures compensation cost as the excess, if any, of the quoted market price of the stock at the measurement date over the amount an employee must pay to acquire the stock. We have adopted the disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure-An amendment of FASB Statement No. 123.”

 

The following table illustrates the effect on net income and net income per share had stock-based employee compensation been recorded based on the fair value method under SFAS No. 123 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”:

 

 

 

For the Three Months
Ended March 31,

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

9,640

 

$

10,364

 

Adjustments to net income:

 

 

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation expense included in net income, net of tax

 

1

 

20

 

Pro forma stock-based compensation expense, net of tax

 

(666

)

(1,189

)

Pro forma net income

 

$

8,975

 

$

9,195

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common share—basic (as reported)

 

$

0.30

 

$

0.32

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common share—diluted (as reported)

 

$

0.29

 

$

0.32

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pro forma net income per common share—basic

 

$

0.28

 

$

0.28

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pro forma net income per common share—diluted

 

$

0.27

 

$

0.28

 

 

We use the Black-Scholes option valuation model (“Black-Scholes”), which is the measure of fair value most often utilized under SFAS No. 123.  Traded options, unlike our stock-based awards, are not subject to vesting restrictions, are fully transferable and may use lower expected stock price volatility measures than those assumed below. We estimated the fair value of stock-based compensation issued to employees during each respective period using Black-Scholes with the following weighted average assumptions:

 

 

 

For the Three Months
Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Risk free interest rate

 

4.1

%

2.3

%

Expected life of options

 

4 years

 

4 years

 

Expected stock price volatility

 

46

%

53

%

Expected dividend yield

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

 

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

 

We utilize derivative financial instruments to manage our capital structure. The types of risks hedged are those relating to the variability of cash flows and changes in the fair value of our financial instruments caused by movements in interest rates. We document our risk management strategy and assess hedge effectiveness at the inception and during the term of each hedge.  Derivatives are reported at fair value on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

The changes in fair value of the effective portion of “cash flow” hedges are reported as a component of accumulated other

 

6



 

comprehensive income (loss). Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified to interest expense to the extent the hedge becomes ineffective.  The change in fair value of “fair value” hedges are recorded as a component of interest expense.  Changes in the fair value of the associated hedged exposures (senior subordinated notes) are also recorded as a component of interest expense.

 

Measurements of hedge effectiveness are based on comparisons between the gains or losses of the actual interest rate swaps and the gains or losses of hypothetical interest rate swaps which are designed to reflect the critical terms of the defined hedged exposures.  Ineffective portions of these interest rate swaps are reported as a component of interest expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.  We recognized minor ineffectiveness during the three months ended March 31, 2005 and no ineffectiveness during the three months ended March 31, 2004.

 

Discontinued Operations

 

In accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” certain amounts reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, have been classified as Assets Held for Sale and Liabilities Associated with Assets Held for Sale. In addition, the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, have been reclassified to reflect the status of our discontinued operations as of September 30, 2005.

 

Statements of Cash Flows

 

Borrowings and repayments of floor plan notes payable to a party unaffiliated with the manufacturer of a particular new vehicle, and all floor plan notes payable relating to pre-owned vehicles, are classified as financing activities on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows with borrowings reflected separately from repayments.  The net change in floor plan notes payable to a party affiliated with the manufacturer of a particular new vehicle is classified as an operating activity on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

 

The net change in service loaner vehicle financing is reflected as an operating activity in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, as these borrowings and repayments are with lenders affiliated with the vehicle manufacturer from which we purchase the related vehicles.

 

Construction reimbursements from third parties in connection with sale-leaseback agreements for the construction of new dealership facilities or leasehold improvements on our dealership facilities are included in investing activities in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

 

Financeable capital expenditures include all expenditures that we have financed during the reporting period or intend to finance in future reporting periods through sale-leaseback transactions or mortgage financing. Non-financed capital expenditures include all capital expenditures that are not included in financeable capital expenditures.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-based Payment.”  This statement requires compensation costs related to share-based payment transactions to be recognized in the financial statements. With limited exceptions, the amount of compensation cost will be measured based on the grant-date fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued. Compensation cost will be recognized over the period that an employee provides service in exchange for the award. SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004) replaces SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” In April 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted a new rule that amends the compliance dates for SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004).  Registrants would have been required to implement the standard as of the beginning of the first interim or annual period that begins after September 15, 2005.  The Commission’s new rule allows companies to implement SFAS No. 123 (Revised 2004) at the beginning of their next fiscal year, instead of the next reporting period, that begins after September 15, 2005. We are currently evaluating the effect of this statement on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

7



 

3.  INVENTORIES

 

Inventories consist of the following:

 

 

 

As of

 

(In thousands)

 

March 31,
2005

 

December 31,
2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New vehicles

 

$

641,302

 

$

619,098

 

Used vehicles

 

115,099

 

98,071

 

Parts and accessories

 

44,078

 

44,388

 

Total inventories

 

$

800,479

 

$

761,557

 

 

The lower of cost or market reserves for inventory totaled $4.8 million and $4.9 million as of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively.

 

4.  GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2005, we sold one dealership location (two franchises) resulting in the removal of $0.5 million of Goodwill from our Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The two franchises had been purchased prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 142 and therefore there were no manufacturer franchise rights allocated to these franchises.  Manufacturer franchise rights totaled $42.0 million as of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, and are included in Other Long-term Assets on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

5.  ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE

 

Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale include (i) assets and liabilities associated with discontinued operations held for sale at each balance sheet date, (ii) costs of completed construction projects included in pending sale-leaseback transactions where an unaffiliated third party has reimbursed us or will reimburse us for the cost of construction and (iii) costs of completed construction projects included in pending sale-leaseback transactions where an unaffiliated third party has agreed to purchase the assets from us upon completion of the transaction.

 

Assets and liabilities associated with discontinued operations include one dealership location (two franchises) as of March 31, 2005, and two dealership locations (four franchises) as of December 31, 2004. Assets associated with discontinued operations totaled $8.0 million and $11.2 million, and liabilities associated with discontinued operations totaled $4.0 million and $7.4 million as of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively.

 

Included in Assets Held for Sale as of December 31, 2004 was $14.5 million of costs associated with one completed project included in a pending sale-leaseback transaction.  As of December 31, 2004, Liabilities Associated with Assets Held for Sale included $13.1 million of funds reimbursed to us from an unaffiliated third party associated with this completed construction project.  During the three months ended March 31, 2005, we received the remaining $1.4 million of funds from an unaffiliated third party and completed this sale-leaseback transaction, which resulted in the removal of $14.5 million of Assets Held for Sale and Liabilities Associated with Assets Held for Sale from our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

A summary of assets and liabilities held for sale is as follows:

 

 

 

As of

 

(In thousands)

 

March 31,
2005

 

December 31,
2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Inventories

 

$

4,586

 

$

7,846

 

Property and equipment, net

 

3,434

 

17,902

 

Total assets

 

8,020

 

25,748

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Floor plan notes payable

 

4,004

 

7,456

 

Other liabilities

 

 

13,082

 

Total liabilities

 

4,004

 

20,538

 

Net assets held for sale

 

$

4,016

 

$

5,210

 

 

Included in Prepaid and Other Current Assets on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets are costs associated with construction projects, which we intend to sell through sale-leaseback transactions but have not been completed and therefore are not available for sale.  In connection with these construction projects, we have entered into sale-leaseback agreements whereby an unaffiliated third party purchased the land and is either reimbursing us for the cost of construction of dealership facilities being constructed on the land or has agreed to purchase the assets from us upon completion of the project. We capitalize the cost of the construction during the construction period and record a corresponding liability equal to the amount reimbursed.  Upon completion

 

8



 

of the construction, we will execute the sale-leaseback transaction, remove the cost of the land, facilities and the related liability from our Consolidated Balance Sheets and amortize the capitalized lease payments on a straight-line basis over the lease term. As of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, the book value of assets associated with construction projects that have not been completed totaled $7.6 million and $7.1 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, the book value of liabilities associated with these construction projects totaled $1.1 million and $1.6 million, respectively.

 

6.  LONG-TERM DEBT

 

On March 23, 2005, we entered into a new committed credit facility (the “New Committed Credit Facility”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., 17 other financial institutions (the “Syndicate”), and Ford Motor Credit Corporation (“FMCC”), collectively the Lenders.  Concurrently with entering into the New Committed Credit Facility we terminated our First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with FMCC, General Motors Acceptance Corporation (“GMAC”) and DaimlerChrysler Financial Services North America LLC. The New Committed Credit Facility provides us with $650.0 million of new and used vehicle inventory financing (“Floor Plan Tranche”) and $150.0 million of working capital borrowing capacity (“Working Capital Tranche”). In addition, FMCC and GMAC have committed $150.0 million and $100.0 million of floor plan financing outside of the Syndicate to finance inventory at our Ford “Family” (Ford, Lincoln Mercury, Mazda, Volvo and Land Rover) and General Motors’ dealerships, respectively. In total, these commitments give us $150.0 million of working capital borrowing capacity and $900.0 million of floor plan borrowing capacity.  Floor plan notes payable to a party affiliated with the manufacturers from which we purchase new vehicle inventory are classified as Floor Plan Notes Payable – manufacturer affiliated on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.  All other floor plan notes payable are classified as Floor Plan Notes Payable – non-manufacturer affiliated.

 

The New Committed Credit Facility has a 3-year maturity, but provides for an indefinite series of one-year extensions at our request, if approved by the Lenders.  We believe such approval would be obtained.  The FMCC and GMAC floor plan lines of credit have no stated termination date.  Borrowings under the Working Capital Tranche accrue interest at variable rates based on LIBOR plus a specified percentage that is dependent upon our adjusted debt level at the end of each calendar quarter.  Borrowings under the Floor Plan Tranche and the GMAC floor plan line of credit will accrue interest based on LIBOR and borrowings under the FMCC floor plan line of credit will accrue interest based on the Prime Rate.

 

Amounts borrowed under the New Committed Credit Facility are secured by certain of our tangible and intangible assets and the guarantees of each of our subsidiaries, other than those subsidiaries engaged in the sale of new motor vehicles manufactured by Toyota or Lexus under dealer franchise agreements or licensing agreements with those manufacturers or their authorized distributors (the “Toyota/Lexus Floor Plan Borrowers”).  Floor plan loans made to the Toyota/Lexus Floor Plan Borrowers are cross-collateralized by the motor vehicle inventory of these entities, with each Toyota/Lexus Floor Plan Borrower additionally securing its respective borrowings with its assets.

 

The terms of the New Committed Credit Facility require us on an ongoing basis to meet certain financial ratios, as defined in our New Committed Credit Facility, including a current ratio of at least 1.2 to 1, a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.2 to 1, a leverage ratio of not greater than 4.5 to 1, an adjusted minimum net worth of not less than $350.0 million and requires that neither we nor our subsidiaries incur unsecured debt in excess of $50.0 million.  It also includes customary conditions with respect to incurring new indebtedness and limitations on cash dividends.  We may declare and pay cash dividends on our capital stock and may purchase shares of our capital stock, provided the aggregate amount payable in respect of cash dividends paid by us or the shares repurchased shall not exceed an amount equal to the sum of $15.0 million plus one-half of the aggregate of our net income in accordance with GAAP for the period subsequent to December 31, 2003 and ending on the date of determination.

 

The New Committed Credit Facility also contains customary events of default, including change of control, non-payment of obligations and cross-defaults to our other indebtedness.  Payments under the New Committed Credit Facility may be accelerated upon the occurrence of an event of default that is not otherwise waived or cured, subject to certain provisions, which allow a 60-day standstill period with respect to the Floor Plan Tranche.  As of March 31, 2005, we were in compliance with all of the covenants of the New Committed Credit Facility.

 

We are required to pay a floor plan loan commitment fee equal to 0.25% per annum times the average unused amount of the committed Floor Plan Tranche during the most recently ended fiscal quarter and a revolving credit loan commitment fee equal to 0.375% per annum times the average unused amount of the Working Capital Tranche.  In connection with the Floor Plan Tranche, we have also agreed to pay a fee equal to $6.25 for each motor vehicle financed.

 

9



 

Long-term debt consists of the following:

 

 

 

As of

 

(In thousands)

 

March 31,
2005

 

December 31,
2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2012

 

$

250,000

 

$

250,000

 

8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014 ($200.0 million face value, net of hedging activity of $6,985 and $2,736, respectively)

 

193,015

 

197,264

 

Mortgage notes payable

 

32,678

 

49,732

 

Notes payable collateralized by loaner vehicles

 

21,842

 

21,627

 

Capital lease obligations

 

4,276

 

4,421

 

Other notes payable

 

2,681

 

3,372

 

 

 

504,492

 

526,416

 

Less—current portion

 

(28,241

)

(33,880

)

Long-term debt

 

$

476,251

 

$

492,536

 

 

7.  COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

The following table provides a reconciliation of net income to comprehensive income:

 

 

 

For the Three Months
Ended March 31,

 

(In thousands)

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

9,640

 

$

10,364

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

Change in fair value of interest rate swaps

 

3,089

 

(7,740

)

Income tax (expense) benefit associated with interest rate swaps

 

(1,158

)

2,878

 

Comprehensive income

 

$

11,571

 

$

5,502

 

 

8.  DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITY

 

We entered into two forward interest rate swaps with a combined notional principal amount of $170.0 million, to provide a hedge against changes in the interest rates of our variable rate floor plan notes payable for a period of eight years beginning in March 2006.  The swap agreements were designated and qualify as cash flow hedges of our variable rate floor plan indebtedness and will contain minor ineffectiveness. The swaps are scheduled to expire in March 2006.  As of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, the swaps had a fair value of $4.3 million and $7.1 million and are included in Accrued Liabilities and Other Long-term Liabilities, respectively, on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

We entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a notional principal amount of $200.0 million as a hedge against changes in the fair value of our 8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014. Under the terms of the swap agreement, we are required to make variable rate payments based on six-month LIBOR and receive a fixed rate of 8.0%.  This swap agreement was designated and qualifies as a fair value hedge of our 8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014 and did not contain any ineffectiveness.  As a result our 8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014 have been adjusted by the fair market value of the related swap.  The swap is scheduled to expire in March 2006.  As of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, the swap agreement had a fair value of $7.0 million and $2.7 million and is included in Accrued Liabilities and Other Long-Term Liabilities, respectively, on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

We entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a notional principal amount of $15.2 million as a hedge against future changes in the interest rate of our variable rate mortgage notes payable beginning in January 2005. Under the terms of the swap agreement, we are required to make payments at a fixed rate of 6.08% and receive a variable rate based on LIBOR. This swap agreement was designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge of changes in the interest rate of our variable rate mortgage notes payable and will contain minor ineffectiveness. As of March 31, 2005, the swap agreement had a fair value of $0.2 million, which was included in Other Long-Term Assets, and as of December 31, 2004, had a fair value of $0.2 million, which was included in Other Long-Term Liabilities on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

10



 

9.  DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2005, we sold one dealership location (two franchises).  As of March 31, 2005, one dealership location (two franchises) was pending disposition.  During the period between March 31, 2005 and September 30, 2005, we sold one dealership location (four franchises) including the one dealership location (two franchises) that were pending disposition as of December 31, 2004.  In addition, as of September 30, 2005 eight dealership locations (eight franchises) were pending disposition.  The accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 have been reclassified to reflect the status of our discontinued operations as of September 30, 2005.

 

The following table provides further information regarding our discontinued operations as of September 30, 2005, and includes the results of businesses sold prior to September 30, 2005, and businesses pending disposition as of September 30, 2005:

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended
March 31, 2005

 

For the Three Months Ended
March 31, 2004

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Sold(a)

 

Pending
Disposition(b)

 

Total

 

Sold(c)

 

Pending
Disposition(b)

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Franchises

 

6

 

8

 

14

 

20

 

6

 

26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

9,875

 

$

80,636

 

$

90,511

 

$

60,060

 

$

75,726

 

$

135,786

 

Cost of sales

 

8,316

 

68,228

 

76,544

 

50,669

 

63,489

 

114,158

 

Gross profit

 

1,559

 

12,408

 

13,967

 

9,391

 

12,237

 

21,628

 

Operating expenses

 

1,808

 

12,877

 

14,685

 

9,228

 

11,137

 

20,365

 

Income (loss) from operations

 

(249

)

(469

)

(718

)

163

 

1,100

 

1,263

 

Other expense, net

 

(444

)

(361

)

(805

)

(651

)

(178

)

(829

)

Gain (loss) on disposition of discontinued operations

 

386

 

 

386

 

(168

)

 

(168

)

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

(307

)

(830

)

(1,137

)

(656

)

922

 

266

 

Income tax (expense) benefit

 

112

 

314

 

426

 

242

 

(342

)

(100

)

Discontinued operations, net of tax

 

$

(195

)

$

(516

)

$

(711

)

$

(414

)

$

580

 

$

166

 

 


(a)   Businesses were sold between January 1, 2005 and September 30, 2005

(b)   Businesses pending disposition as of September 30, 2005

(c)   Businesses were sold between January 1, 2004 and September 30, 2005

 

10.  EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average common shares outstanding during the periods presented.  Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average common shares and common share equivalents outstanding during the periods presented.

 

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

 

 

For the Three Months
Ended March 31,

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

2005

 

2004

 

Net income:

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations

 

$

10,351

 

$

10,198

 

Discontinued operations

 

(711

)

166

 

Net income

 

$

9,640

 

$

10,364

 

Earnings per share – basic and diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations – basic

 

$

0.32

 

$

0.31

 

Discontinued operations– basic

 

(0.02

)

0.01

 

Net income

 

$

0.30

 

$

0.32

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations – diluted

 

$

0.32

 

$

0.31

 

Discontinued operations – diluted

 

(0.03

)

0.01

 

Net income

 

$

0.29

 

$

0.32

 

Common shares and common share equivalents:

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic

 

32,588

 

32,435

 

Common share equivalents (stock options)

 

193

 

286

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted

 

32,781

 

32,721

 

 

11



 

11.  SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, we made interest payments, net of amounts capitalized, totaling $16.0 million and $11.8 million, respectively.  During the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, we received $2.5 million and $1.5 million, respectively, of proceeds associated with our interest rate swap agreement that was entered into in December 2003 in connection with the issuance of our 8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, we made income tax payments totaling $0.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2005, we completed a sale-leaseback transaction, which resulted in the sale of approximately $14.5 million of Assets Held for Sale and the removal of $14.5 million of Liabilities Associated with Assets Held for Sale from our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

12.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

A significant portion of our vehicle business involves the sale of vehicles, parts or vehicles composed of parts that are manufactured outside the United States of America. As a result, our operations are subject to customary risks of importing merchandise, including fluctuations in the relative values of currencies, import duties, exchange controls, trade restrictions, work stoppages and general political and socio-economic conditions in foreign countries. The United States of America or the countries from which our products are imported may, from time to time, impose new quotas, duties, tariffs or other restrictions, or adjust presently prevailing quotas, duties or tariffs, which may affect our operations and our ability to purchase imported vehicles and/or parts at reasonable prices.

 

Manufacturers may direct us to implement costly capital improvements to dealerships as a condition upon entering into franchise agreements with them. Manufacturers also typically require that their franchises meet specific standards of appearance. These factors, either alone or in combination, could cause us to divert our financial resources to capital projects from uses that management believes may be of higher long-term value, such as acquisitions.

 

Substantially all of our facilities are subject to federal, state and local provisions regarding the discharge of materials into the environment. Compliance with these provisions has not had, nor do we expect such compliance to have, any material effect upon our capital expenditures, net earnings, financial condition, liquidity or competitive position. We believe that our current practices and procedures for the control and disposition of such materials comply with applicable federal, state and local requirements.

 

From time to time, we and our dealerships are named in claims involving the manufacture and sale or lease of motor vehicles, including but not limited to the charging of administrative fees, the operation of dealerships, contractual disputes and other matters arising in the ordinary course of our business. With respect to certain of these claims, the sellers of dealerships we have acquired have indemnified us. We do not expect that any potential liability from these claims will materially affect our financial condition, liquidity, results of operations or financial statement disclosures.

 

Our dealerships hold dealer agreements with a number of vehicle manufacturers. In accordance with the individual dealer agreements, each dealership is subject to certain rights and restrictions typical of the industry. The ability of the manufacturers to influence the operations of the dealerships or the loss of a dealer agreement could have a negative impact on our operating results.

 

We have guaranteed a loan made by a financial institution directly to a non-consolidated entity controlled by a former platform executive, which totaled approximately $2.4 million as of March 31, 2005. This loan was made by a corporation we acquired in October 1998, and guarantees an industrial revenue bond, which we are legally required to guarantee. The primary obligor of the note is a non-dealership business entity and that entity’s partners as individuals.

 

12



 

13.  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Our 8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014 are guaranteed by all of our current subsidiaries, other than our current Toyota and Lexus dealership subsidiaries, and all of our future domestic restricted subsidiaries, other than our future Toyota and Lexus dealership facilities. The following tables set forth, on a condensed consolidating basis, our balance sheets, statements of income and statements of cash flows, for our guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries for all financial statement periods presented in our interim consolidated financial statements.

 

13



 

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of March 31, 2005
(In thousands)

(Restated)

 

 

 

Parent
Company

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

 

$

39,253

 

$

 

$

 

$

39,253

 

Inventories

 

 

750,421

 

50,058

 

 

800,479

 

Other current assets

 

 

287,564

 

38,192

 

 

325,756

 

Assets held for sale

 

 

8,020

 

 

 

8,020

 

Total current assets

 

 

1,085,258

 

88,250

 

 

1,173,508

 

Property and equipment, net

 

 

196,072

 

5,082

 

 

201,154

 

Goodwill

 

 

399,877

 

61,312

 

 

461,189

 

Other assets

 

 

86,304

 

16,820

 

 

103,124

 

Investment in subsidiaries

 

493,607

 

131,077

 

 

(624,684

)

 

Total assets

 

$

493,607

 

$

1,898,588

 

$

171,464

 

$

(624,684

)

$

1,938,975

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Floor plan notes payable – Manufacturer affiliated

 

$

 

$

337,267

 

$

 

$

 

$

337,267

 

Floor plan notes payable – Non –Manufacturer affiliated

 

 

313,781

 

39,271

 

 

353,052

 

Other current liabilities

 

 

193,946

 

1,359

 

 

195,305

 

Liabilities associated with assets held for sale

 

 

4,004

 

 

 

4,004

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

848,998

 

40,630

 

 

889,628

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

 

476,217

 

34

 

 

476,251

 

Other liabilities

 

 

79,766

 

(277

)

 

79,489

 

Shareholders’ equity

 

493,607

 

493,607

 

131,077

 

(624,684

)

493,607

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

493,607

 

$

1,898,588

 

$

171,464

 

$

(624,684

)

$

1,938,975

 

 

14



 

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of December 31, 2004
(In thousands)

(Restated)

 

 

 

Parent
Company

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

 

$

28,093

 

$

 

$

 

$

28,093

 

Inventories

 

 

713,205

 

48,352

 

 

761,557

 

Other current assets

 

 

286,675

 

40,933

 

 

327,608

 

Assets held for sale

 

 

25,748

 

 

 

25,748

 

Total current assets

 

 

1,053,721

 

89,285

 

 

1,143,006

 

Property and equipment, net

 

 

190,706

 

5,082

 

 

195,788

 

Goodwill

 

 

400,338

 

61,312

 

 

461,650

 

Other assets

 

 

79,435

 

18,080

 

 

97,515

 

Investment in subsidiaries

 

481,732

 

130,098

 

 

(611,830

)

 

Total assets

 

$

481,732

 

$

1,854,298

 

$

173,759

 

$

(611,830

)

$

1,897,959

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Floor plan notes payable – Manufacturer affiliated

 

$

 

$

336,369

 

$

 

$

 

$

336,369

 

Floor plan notes payable – Non –Manufacturer affiliated

 

 

277,170

 

37,409

 

 

314,579

 

Other current liabilities

 

 

170,227

 

5,797

 

 

176,024

 

Liabilities associated with assets held for sale

 

 

20,538

 

 

 

20,538

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

804,304

 

43,206

 

 

847,510

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

 

492,499

 

37

 

 

492,536

 

Other liabilities

 

 

75,763

 

418

 

 

76,181

 

Shareholders’ equity

 

481,732

 

481,732

 

130,098

 

(611,830

)

481,732

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

481,732

 

$

1,854,298

 

$

173,759

 

$

(611,830

)

$

1,897,959

 

 

15



 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2005
(In thousands)

 

 

 

Parent
Company

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

 

$

1,144,856

 

$

148,228

 

$

(1,880

)

$

1,291,204

 

Cost of sales

 

 

969,064

 

126,030

 

(1,880

)

1,093,214

 

Gross profit

 

 

175,792

 

22,198

 

 

197,990

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

 

144,495

 

16,399

 

 

160,894

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

4,372

 

335

 

 

4,707

 

Income from operations

 

 

26,925

 

5,464

 

 

32,389

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Floor plan interest expense

 

 

(6,255

)

(351

)

 

(6,606

)

Other interest expense

 

 

(8,433

)

(1,168

)

 

(9,601

)

Other income, net

 

 

370

 

10

 

 

380

 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

9,640

 

2,428

 

 

(12,068

)

 

Total other expense, net

 

9,640

 

(11,890

)

(1,509

)

(12,068

)

(15,827

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

9,640

 

15,035

 

3,955

 

(12,068

)

16,562

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

 

4,728

 

1,483

 

 

6,211

 

Income from continuing operations

 

9,640

 

10,307

 

2,472

 

(12,068

)

10,351

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

(667

)

(44

)

 

(711

)

Net income

 

$

9,640

 

$

9,640

 

$

2,428

 

$

(12,068

)

$

9,640

 

 

16



 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004
(In thousands)

 

 

 

Parent
Company

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

 

$

969,009

 

$

143,691

 

$

(2,521

)

$

1,110,179

 

Cost of sales

 

 

817,712

 

123,200

 

(2,521

)

938,391

 

Gross profit

 

 

151,297

 

20,491

 

 

171,788

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

 

122,616

 

14,304

 

 

136,920

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

4,273

 

299

 

 

4,572

 

Income from operations

 

 

24,408

 

5,888

 

 

30,296

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Floor plan interest expense

 

 

(3,829

)

(278

)

 

(4,107

)

Other interest expense

 

 

(9,317

)

(947

)

 

(10,264

)

Other income (expense), net

 

 

396

 

(5

)

 

391

 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

10,364

 

3,125

 

 

(13,489

)

 

Total other expense, net

 

10,364

 

(9,625

)

(1,230

)

(13,489

)

(13,980

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

10,364

 

14,783

 

4,658

 

(13,489

)

16,316

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

 

4,372

 

1,746

 

 

6,118

 

Income from continuing operations

 

10,364

 

10,411

 

2,912

 

(13,489

)

10,198

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

(47

)

213

 

 

166

 

Net income

 

$

10,364

 

$

10,364

 

$

3,125

 

$

(13,489

)

$

10,364

 

 

17



 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2005
(In thousands)

(Restated)

 

 

 

Parent
Company

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-guarantor Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

$

 

$

3,429

 

$

(3,536

)

$

 

$

(107

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

(10,489

)

(286

)

 

(10,775

)

Other investing activities

 

 

5,127

 

 

 

5,127

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(5,362

)

(286

)

 

(5,648

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Floor Plan Borrowings – non- manufacturer Affiliated

 

 

567,735

 

125,336

 

 

693,071

 

Floor Plan Repayments – non-manufacturer affiliated

 

 

(531,123

)

(123,475

)

 

(654,598

)

Proceeds from borrowings

 

 

2,107

 

 

 

2,107

 

Repayments of debt

 

 

(19,352

)

(842

)

 

(20,194

)

Intercompany financing

 

 

(2,803

)

2,803

 

 

 

Other financing activities

 

 

(3,471

)

 

 

(3,471

)

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

 

13,093

 

3,822

 

 

16,915

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

11,160

 

 

 

11,160

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

 

28,093

 

 

 

28,093

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

 

$

39,253

 

$

 

$

 

$

39,253

 

 

18



 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004
(In thousands)

(Restated)

 

 

 

Parent
Company

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries

 


Eliminations

 


Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash used in operating activities

 

$

 

$

(13,618

)

$

(3,696

)

$

 

$

(17,314

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

(11,692

)

(614

)

 

(12,306

)

Payments for acquisitions

 

 

(53,198

)

 

 

(53,198

)

Other investing activities

 

 

7,192

 

 

 

7,192

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(57,698

)

(614

)

 

(58,312

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Floor Plan Borrowings – non- manufacturer affiliated

 

 

425,278

 

114,918

 

 

540,196

 

Floor Plan Repayments – non-manufacturer affiliated

 

 

(407,323

)

(113,900

)

 

(521,223

)

Proceeds from borrowings

 

 

802

 

 

 

802

 

Repayments of debt

 

 

(4,237

)

(682

)

 

(4,919

)

Other financing activities

 

 

45

 

 

 

45

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

 

14,565

 

336

 

 

14,901

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(56,751

)

(3,974

)

 

(60,725

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

 

98,927

 

7,784

 

 

106,711

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

 

$

42,176

 

$

3,810

 

$

 

$

45,986

 

 

19



 

14.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Acquisitions

 

During the second quarter of 2005, we acquired one dealership location (one franchise) in Arkansas for a total purchase price of $12.0 million, of which $4.7 million was paid in cash through the use of available funds, $6.8 million was borrowed from our floor plan facilities, with the remaining $0.5 million representing the fair value of future payments. We estimate annual revenues of the acquired franchise will total approximately $35.0 million, based on historical performance.

 

20



 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.:

 

We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of March 31, 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, and statements of cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2005 and 2004. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

 

We conducted our reviews in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

 

Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to such consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

As discussed in Note 2 “Restatement,” the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been restated.

 

We have previously audited, in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 2004, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated March 14, 2005 (March 14, 2006 as to the effects of the restatement discussed in Note 2 “Restatement” and discontinued operations discussed in Note 16 “Discontinued Operations”), we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2004 is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

 

 

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

 

New York, New York

May 5, 2005 (March 14, 2006 as to the effects of the restatement discussed in Note 2 “Restatement” and discontinued operations discussed in Note 9 “Discontinued Operations”)

 

21



 

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

 

Subsequent to the issuance of our December 31, 2004 financial statements, we determined that certain information in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows should be restated for all periods presented to comply with the guidance under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 95, “Statement of Cash Flows,” and Rule 5-02(19)(a) of Regulation S-X. Floor plan notes payable to a party unaffiliated with the manufacturer of a particular new vehicle, and all floor plan notes payable relating to pre-owned vehicles, have been restated as floor plan notes payable — non-manufacturer affiliated on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and the related non-manufacturer affiliated cash flows have been restated from operating activities to financing activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows with borrowings reflected separately from repayments. In addition, we have restated our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows to include floor plan notes payable activity in connection with our dealership acquisitions and divestitures.  Consistent with industry practice, we previously reported all cash flow activity relating to floor plan notes payable as operating cash flows and considered floor plan notes payable activity associated with dealership acquisitions and divestitures, non-cash activities.  This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations has been updated for the effects of the restatement and for the effects of entities which became discontinued operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2005.  In addition, we have made certain other immaterial reclassifications to conform to current presentation.  Forward looking statements made reflected our expectations as of the date of our original filing and have not been adjusted to reflect subsequent information.

 

We are one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States, operating 94 dealership locations (130 franchises) in 23 metropolitan markets within 11 states as of March 31, 2005. We offer 33 different brands of new vehicles, including four heavy truck brands. We also operate 23 collision repair centers that serve our markets.

 

We have grown our business through the acquisition of large dealership groups formerly referred to as “platforms” and numerous “tuck-in” acquisitions. “Tuck-in” acquisitions refer to the purchase of dealerships in the market areas in which we have existing dealerships. We use “tuck-in” acquisitions to increase the number of vehicle brands we offer in a particular market area and to create a larger gross profit base over which to spread overhead costs.

 

During the first quarter of 2005, we reorganized our dealerships into principally four regions: (i) Florida (comprising our Coggin dealerships operating primarily in Jacksonville and Orlando, and our Courtesy dealerships operating in Tampa), (ii) West (comprising our McDavid dealerships operating throughout Texas, our Thomason dealerships operating in Portland, Oregon, our Spirit dealerships operating primarily in Los Angeles, California and our Northern California Dealerships operating in Sacramento and Fresno, California), (iii) Mid-Atlantic (comprising our Crown dealerships operating in North Carolina, South Carolina and Southern Virginia) and (iv) South (comprising our Nalley dealerships operating in Atlanta, Georgia and our North Point dealerships operating in Little Rock, Arkansas). Our Plaza dealerships in St. Louis, Missouri and our Gray Daniels dealerships operating in Jackson, Mississippi remain standalone operations.  Within this more streamlined structure, we will evaluate our operations and financial results by dealership in the aggregate, rather than by platform. The general managers, with direction from the regional CEOs, will continue to have the independence and flexibility to respond effectively to local market conditions. We expect a significant improvement in management effectiveness as a result of this reorganization, as well as added operating and cost efficiencies. During the three months ended March 31, 2005, we incurred $3.6 million in severance and other costs related to our regional reorganization.  We expect to complete the final phases of our reorganization during the remainder of 2005.  Currently, we estimate that the regional reorganization will have a negative impact on income from continuing operations of $0.02 to $0.04 per diluted share during 2005 and will improve income from continuing operations by approximately $0.10 per diluted share in future years.  During the third quarter of 2005, we entered into agreements to divest of all our Thomason dealerships in Portland, Oregon and our Spirit Nissan store in Rancho Santa Margarita, California.  When those sales close, we will exit the Portland, Oregon and Rancho Santa Margarita markets, thereby reducing our number of metropolitan markets to 21.

 

Our revenues are derived primarily from four offerings: (i) the sale of new vehicles to individual retail customers (“new retail”) and the sale of new vehicles to commercial customers (“fleet”) (the terms “new retail” and “fleet” being collectively referred to as “new”); (ii) the sale of used vehicles to individual retail customers (“used retail”) and the sale of used vehicles to other dealers at auction (“wholesale”) (the terms “used retail” and “wholesale” being collectively referred to as “used”); (iii) maintenance and collision repair services and the sale of automotive parts (collectively referred to as “fixed operations”); and (iv) the arrangement of vehicle financing and the sale of various insurance and warranty products (collectively referred to as “F&I”). We evaluate the results of our new and used vehicle sales based on unit volumes and gross profit per vehicle retailed (“PVR”), our fixed operations based on aggregate gross profit, and F&I based on gross profit PVR. We assess the organic growth of our revenue and gross profit by comparing the year-to-year results of stores that we have operated for at least twelve months (“same store”).

 

Our gross profit percentage varies with our revenue mix. The sale of vehicles generally results in lower gross profit percentages than our fixed operations. As a result, when fixed operations revenue increases as a percentage of total revenue, we expect our overall gross profit percentage to increase.

 

22



 

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses consist primarily of fixed and incentive-based compensation, advertising, rent, insurance, utilities and other customary operating expenses. A significant portion of our selling expenses is variable (such as sales commissions), or controllable expenses (such as advertising), generally allowing our cost structure to adapt in response to trends in our business. We evaluate commissions paid to salespeople as a percentage of retail vehicle gross profit, advertising expense on a PVR basis and all other SG&A expenses in the aggregate as a percentage of total gross profit.

 

Sales of vehicles (particularly new vehicles) have historically fluctuated with general macroeconomic conditions, including consumer confidence, availability of consumer credit and fuel prices. Although these factors may impact our business, we believe that any future negative trends will be mitigated by increased used vehicle sales, stability in our fixed operations, our variable cost structure, our regional diversity and our advantageous brand mix. Historically, our brand mix, which is weighted towards luxury and mid-line import brands, has been less affected by market volatility than the U.S. automobile retailing industry as a whole. We expect the recent industry-wide gain in market share of the luxury and mid-line import brands to continue in the near future.

 

Our operations are generally subject to modest seasonal variations as we tend to generate more revenue and operating income in the second and third quarters than in the first and fourth quarters of a calendar year. Generally, the seasonal variations in our operations are caused by factors relating to weather conditions, changes in manufacturer incentive programs, model changeovers and consumer buying patterns, among other things.

 

Over the past several years, certain automobile manufacturers have used a combination of vehicle pricing and financing incentive programs to generate increased customer demand for new vehicles. These programs have served to increase competition with late-model used vehicles. We anticipate that the manufacturers will continue to use these incentive programs in the future and, as a result, we will continue to monitor and adjust our used vehicle inventory mix in response to these programs. In addition, we will continue to expand our service capacity in order to meet anticipated future demand, as the relatively high volume of new vehicle sales, resulting from the highly “incentivized” new vehicle market, will drive future service demand at our dealership locations.

 

Interest rates over the past several years have been at historic lows. We do not believe that changes in interest rates significantly impact customer overall buying patterns, as changes in interest rates do not dramatically increase the monthly payment of a financed vehicle. For example, the monthly payment for a typical vehicle financing transaction in which a customer finances $25,000 at 6.0% over 60 months increases by approximately $5.80 with each 0.5% increase in interest rates.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2005, Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2004

 

Net income decreased $0.8 million to $9.6 million, or $0.29 per diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2005, from $10.4 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2004.  Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2005, includes severance and other related costs of $3.6 million ($2.2 million after-tax) related to our regional reorganization.  Excluding the costs of