UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON,Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
FORM 10-Q


(Mark One)
 
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 20172019
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to 
 
Commission file number: 001-14733

 

LITHIA MOTORS INC
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
LITHIA MOTORS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Oregon 93-0572810
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
150 N. Bartlett Street Medford, OregonMedfordOregon97501
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 541-776-6401
(541) 776-6401
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 [X] No [ ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [X] No [ ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging“emerging growth company"company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer [X] Accelerated filer [ ] Non-accelerated filer [ ] (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company [ ] Emerging growth company [ ]

Large Accelerated Filer ☒Accelerated Filer ☐
Non-Accelerated Filer ☐Smaller Reporting Company
Emerging Growth Company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. [ ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [ ] No [X]
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of eachSecurities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Act: 
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registeredOutstanding at October 25, 2019
Class A common stock without par value 23,958,168LADThe New York Stock Exchange22,644,997
Class B common stock without par value 1,000,000
(Class)LAD Outstanding at November 7, 2017The New York Stock Exchange600,000






LITHIA MOTORS, INC.
FORM 10-Q
INDEX
 
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATIONPage
   
Item 1.
   
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - September 30, 20172019, and December 31, 20162018
   
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 20172019 and 20162018
   
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) – Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 20172019 and 20162018
   
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash FlowsChanges in Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) – - Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 20172019 and 20162018
   
 
   
Item 2.
   
Item 3.
   
Item 4.
   
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION 
   
Item 1.Legal Proceedings
   
Item 1A.
Item 2.
   
Item 5.2.Other Information
   
Item 6.
   
 



LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

  September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
Assets    
Current Assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $38,577
 $50,282
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $6,145 and $5,281 446,613
 417,714
Inventories, net 1,966,456
 1,772,587
Other current assets 59,622
 46,611
Total Current Assets 2,511,268
 2,287,194
     
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $190,962 and $167,300 1,087,920
 1,006,130
Goodwill 257,185
 259,399
Franchise value 186,977
 184,268
Other non-current assets 328,243
 107,159
Total Assets $4,371,593
 $3,844,150
     
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity    
Current Liabilities:    
Floor plan notes payable $114,833
 $94,602
Floor plan notes payable: non-trade 1,598,111
 1,506,895
Current maturities of long-term debt 17,619
 20,965
Trade payables 103,105
 88,423
Accrued liabilities 241,094
 211,109
Total Current Liabilities 2,074,762
 1,921,994
     
Long-term debt, less current maturities 991,333
 769,916
Deferred revenue 98,265
 81,929
Deferred income taxes 66,474
 59,075
Other long-term liabilities 109,383
 100,460
Total Liabilities 3,340,217
 2,933,374
     
Stockholders' Equity:    
Preferred stock - no par value; authorized 15,000 shares; none outstanding 
 
Class A common stock - no par value; authorized 100,000 shares; issued and outstanding 23,966 and 23,382 148,880
 165,512
Class B common stock - no par value; authorized 25,000 shares; issued and outstanding 1,000 and 1,762 124
 219
Additional paid-in capital 42,373
 41,225
Retained earnings 839,999
 703,820
Total Stockholders' Equity 1,031,376
 910,776
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $4,371,593
 $3,844,150
See accompanying condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.


LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements ofOperations
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  2017 2016 2017 2016
Revenues:        
New vehicle $1,553,511
 $1,297,511
 $4,147,870
 $3,602,603
Used vehicle retail 679,180
 580,885
 1,915,038
 1,667,258
Used vehicle wholesale 65,739
 75,271
 206,754
 207,131
Finance and insurance 101,044
 87,709
 282,672
 246,390
Service, body and parts 265,683
 217,148
 744,262
 616,088
Fleet and other 15,185
 11,443
 86,883
 46,697
Total revenues 2,680,342
 2,269,967
 7,383,479
 6,386,167
Cost of sales:        
New vehicle 1,465,466
 1,221,668
 3,909,168
 3,387,132
Used vehicle retail 600,522
 512,076
 1,693,091
 1,466,947
Used vehicle wholesale 64,565
 74,353
 202,351
 202,897
Service, body and parts 133,191
 112,806
 376,096
 317,028
Fleet and other 13,577
 11,803
 82,829
 45,684
Total cost of sales 2,277,321
 1,932,706
 6,263,535
 5,419,688
Gross profit 403,021
 337,261
 1,119,944
 966,479
Asset impairments 
 3,498
 
 10,494
Selling, general and administrative 282,241
 228,134
 782,303
 662,766
Depreciation and amortization 14,828
 12,206
 41,598
 36,372
Operating income 105,952
 93,423
 296,043
 256,847
Floor plan interest expense (10,629) (6,186) (28,013) (18,304)
Other interest expense, net (9,905) (5,647) (23,745) (16,608)
Other income (expense), net 1,125
 (1,513) 11,357
 (4,534)
Income before income taxes 86,543
 80,077
 255,642
 217,401
Income tax provision (34,657) (26,036) (99,829) (71,662)
Net income $51,886
 $54,041
 $155,813
 $145,739
         
Basic net income per share $2.07
 $2.15
 $6.21
 $5.72
Shares used in basic per share calculations 25,008
 25,194
 25,090
 25,490
         
Diluted net income per share $2.07
 $2.14
 $6.19
 $5.69
Shares used in diluted per share calculations 25,076
 25,290
 25,158
 25,598
         
Cash dividends declared per Class A and Class B share $0.27
 $0.25
 $0.79
 $0.70
See accompanying condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.


LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  2017 2016 2017 2016
Net income $51,886
 $54,041
 $155,813
 $145,739
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:     
 
Gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax expense of $0, $0, $0, and $175, respectively 
 
 
 277
Comprehensive income $51,886
 $54,041
 $155,813
 $146,016
LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In millions)
(Unaudited)
  September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Assets    
Current Assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $27.1
 $31.6
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $6.9 and $7.2 459.7
 529.4
Inventories, net 2,386.4
 2,365.3
Other current assets 56.7
 65.1
Total Current Assets 2,929.9
 2,991.4
     
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $272.1 and $240.5 1,482.6
 1,448.0
Operating lease right-of-use assets 249.5
 
Goodwill 456.8
 434.9
Franchise value 309.1
 288.7
Other non-current assets 309.6
 221.0
Total Assets $5,737.5
 $5,384.0
     
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity    
Current Liabilities:    
Floor plan notes payable $407.5
 $324.4
Floor plan notes payable: non-trade 1,594.5
 1,733.3
Current maturities of long-term debt 26.3
 25.9
Trade payables 127.0
 126.3
Accrued liabilities 328.1
 283.6
Total Current Liabilities 2,483.4
 2,493.5
     
Long-term debt, less current maturities 1,287.8
 1,358.2
Deferred revenue 133.8
 121.7
Deferred income taxes 130.0
 91.2
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities 235.2
 
Other long-term liabilities 108.1
 122.2
Total Liabilities 4,378.3
 4,186.8
     
Stockholders’ Equity:    
Preferred stock - no par value; authorized 15.0 shares; none outstanding 
 
Class A common stock - no par value; authorized 100.0 shares; issued and outstanding 22.6 and 22.0 16.9
 
Class B common stock - no par value; authorized 25.0 shares; issued and outstanding 0.6 and 1.0 0.1
 0.1
Additional paid-in capital 3.4
 35.0
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (1.9) 
Retained earnings 1,340.7
 1,162.1
Total Stockholders’ Equity 1,359.2
 1,197.2
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity $5,737.5
 $5,384.0
 
See accompanying condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.




LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
  Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2017 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:    
Net income $155,813
 $145,739
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:    
Asset impairments 
 10,494
Depreciation and amortization 41,598
 36,372
Stock-based compensation 8,396
 8,665
Gain on disposal of other assets (382) (4,299)
Gain on disposal of franchise 
 (1,102)
Deferred income taxes 7,398
 9,782
(Increase) decrease (net of acquisitions and dispositions):    
Trade receivables, net (13,345) (5,911)
Inventories (16,098) (85,564)
Other assets 15,207
 4,688
Increase (net of acquisitions and dispositions):    
Floor plan notes payable 12,126
 18,122
Trade payables 12,397
 6,153
Accrued liabilities 25,907
 32,874
Other long-term liabilities and deferred revenue 11,519
 18,227
Net cash provided by operating activities 260,536
 194,240
     
Cash flows from investing activities:    
Capital expenditures (72,174) (81,363)
Proceeds from sales of assets 12,327
 1,756
Cash paid for other investments (7,929) (22,279)
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired (400,558) (199,435)
Proceeds from sales of stores 3,417
 11,837
Net cash used in investing activities (464,917) (289,484)
     
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Borrowings on floor plan notes payable, net: non-trade 34,056
 93,817
Borrowings on lines of credit 1,306,000
 841,623
Repayments on lines of credit (1,432,853) (744,494)
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital leases, scheduled (13,697) (12,278)
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital leases, other (46,471) (5,903)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 395,905
 22,816
Payments of debt issuance costs (4,517) 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 5,577
 5,191
Repurchase of common stock (31,521) (108,597)
Dividends paid (19,803) (17,823)
Net cash provided by financing activities 192,676
 74,352
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents (11,705) (20,892)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 50,282
 45,008
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $38,577
 $24,116
     
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:    
Cash paid during the period for interest $51,160
 $36,641
Cash paid during the period for income taxes, net 89,206
 29,478
Floor plan debt paid in connection with store disposals 
 5,284
     
Supplemental schedule of non-cash activities:    
Debt issued in connection with acquisitions $1,748
 $
Non-cash assets transferred in connection with acquisitions 
 2,637
Debt assumed in connection with acquisitions 86,902
 19,657
Issuance of Class A common stock in connection with acquisitions 2,137
 
LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In millions, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2019 2018 2019 2018
Revenues:        
New vehicle $1,824.8
 $1,733.0
 $4,993.3
 $4,914.5
Used vehicle retail 916.3
 805.9
 2,632.4
 2,325.6
Used vehicle wholesale 74.4
 92.0
 233.5
 253.2
Finance and insurance 136.3
 121.1
 382.7
 342.1
Service, body and parts 340.5
 311.3
 993.3
 908.4
Fleet and other 40.1
 28.7
 168.6
 104.4
Total revenues 3,332.4
 3,092.0
 9,403.8
 8,848.2
Cost of sales:        
New vehicle 1,724.8
 1,632.1
 4,711.9
 4,625.2
Used vehicle retail 816.6
 719.6
 2,355.0
 2,078.5
Used vehicle wholesale 73.3
 90.6
 229.7
 249.0
Service, body and parts 169.0
 156.9
 492.2
 461.9
Fleet and other 37.8
 26.6
 159.8
 98.5
Total cost of sales 2,821.5
 2,625.8
 7,948.6
 7,513.1
Gross profit 510.9
 466.2
 1,455.2
 1,335.1
Asset impairments 
 
 0.5
 
Selling, general and administrative 343.2
 309.0
 1,021.5
 939.9
Depreciation and amortization 20.9
 19.6
 60.9
 55.3
Operating income 146.8
 137.6
 372.3
 339.9
Floor plan interest expense (17.9) (16.0) (55.5) (45.1)
Other interest expense, net (14.8) (15.0) (45.0) (40.7)
Other income, net 3.3
 2.4
 8.9
 5.4
Income before income taxes 117.4
 109.0
 280.7
 259.5
Income tax provision (32.2) (15.9) (77.2) (53.7)
Net income $85.2
 $93.1
 $203.5
 $205.8
         
Basic net income per share $3.67
 $3.85
 $8.77
 $8.34
Shares used in basic per share calculations 23.2
 24.2
 23.2
 24.7
         
Diluted net income per share $3.64
 $3.84
 $8.72
 $8.31
Shares used in diluted per share calculations 23.4
 24.3
 23.3
 24.8
         
Cash dividends paid per Class A and Class B share $0.30
 $0.29
 $0.89
 $0.85

See accompanying condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.


LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(In millions)
(Unaudited)
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2019 2018 2019 2018
Net income $85.2
 $93.1
 $203.5
 $205.8
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:     
 
Loss on cash flow hedges, net of tax benefit of $0.4, $0.0, $0.7, and $0.0, respectively (1.0) 
 (1.9) 
Comprehensive income $84.2
 $93.1
 $201.6
 $205.8
See accompanying condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.



LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
(In millions)
(Unaudited)
Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
  Common Stock Additional Paid-In Capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Retained Earnings Total Stockholders’ Equity
  Class A  Class B 
  Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount 
Balance at December 31, 201822.0
 $
 1.0
 $0.1
 $35.0
 $
 $1,162.1
 $1,197.2
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 56.4
 56.4
Issuance of stock in connection with employee stock plans
 2.3
 
 
 
 
 
 2.3
Issuance of restricted stock to employees0.1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Repurchase of Class A common stock
 (3.1) 
 
 
 
 
 (3.1)
Class B common stock converted to Class A common stock0.2
 
 (0.2) 
 
 
 
 
Compensation for stock and stock option issuances and excess tax benefits from option exercises
 10.5
 
 
 (7.0) 
 
 3.5
Dividends paid
 
 
 
 
 
 (6.7) (6.7)
Retained Earnings Adjustment for Adoption of ASC 842
 
 
 
 
 
 0.9
 0.9
Balance at March 31, 201922.3
 9.7
 0.8
 0.1
 28.0
 
 1,212.7
 1,250.5
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 61.9
 61.9
Loss on cash flow hedges, net of tax benefit of $0.3
 
 
 
 
 (0.9) 
 (0.9)
Issuance of stock in connection with employee stock plans0.1
 2.8
 
 
 
 
 
 2.8
Compensation for stock and stock option issuances and excess tax benefits from option exercises
 0.5
 
 
 3.4
 
 
 3.9
Option premiums paid
 
 
 
 (31.4) 
 (5.1) (36.5)
Dividends paid
 
 
 
 
 
 (7.0) (7.0)
Balance at June 30, 201922.4
 13.0
 0.8
 0.1
 
 (0.9) 1,262.5
 1,274.7
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 85.2
 85.2
Loss on cash flow hedges, net of tax benefit of $0.4
 
 
 
 
 (1.0) 
 (1.0)
Issuance of stock in connection with employee stock plans
 2.9
 
 
 
 
 
 2.9
Class B common stock converted to Class A common stock0.2
 
 (0.2) 
 
 
 
 
Compensation for stock and stock option issuances and excess tax benefits from option exercises
 1.0
 
 
 3.4
 
 
 4.4
Dividends paid
 
 
 
 
 
 (7.0) (7.0)
Balance at September 30, 201922.6
 $16.9
 0.6
 $0.1
 $3.4
 $(1.9) $1,340.7
 $1,359.2

 See accompanying condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.




LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
(In millions)
(Unaudited)
Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
  Common Stock Additional Paid-In Capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Retained Earnings Total Stockholders’ Equity
  Class A  Class B 
  Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount 
Balance at December 31, 201723.9
 $149.1
 1.0
 $0.1
 $11.3
 $
 $922.7
 $1,083.2
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 52.1
 52.1
Issuance of stock in connection with employee stock plans
 1.8
 
 
 
 
 
 1.8
Issuance of restricted stock to employees0.1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Repurchase of Class A common stock(0.1) (8.2) 
 
 
 
 
 (8.2)
Compensation for stock and stock option issuances and excess tax benefits from option exercises
 0.3
 
 
 3.3
 
 
 3.6
Dividends paid
 
 
 
 
 
 (6.8) (6.8)
Retained earnings adjustment for adoption of ASC 606
 
 
 
 
 
 1.4
 1.4
Balance at March 31, 201823.9
 143.0
 1.0
 0.1
 14.6
 
 969.4
 1,127.1
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 60.7
 60.7
Issuance of stock in connection with employee stock plans0.1
 2.7
 
 
 
 
 
 2.7
Repurchase of Class A common stock(0.6) (59.1) 
 
 
 
 
 (59.1)
Compensation for stock and stock option issuances and excess tax benefits from option exercises
 7.8
 
 
 (4.5) 
 
 3.3
Option premiums received (paid)
 
 
 
 33.4
 
 
 33.4
Dividends paid
 
 
 
 
 
 (7.2) (7.2)
Balance at June 30, 201823.4
 94.4
 1.0
 0.1
 43.5
 
 1,022.9
 1,160.9
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 93.1
 93.1
Issuance of stock in connection with employee stock plans
 2.9
 
 
 
 
 
 2.9
Repurchase of Class A common stock(0.5) (47.7) 
 
 
 
 
 (47.7)
Compensation for stock and stock option issuances and excess tax benefits from option exercises
 0.5
 
 
 2.4
 
 
 2.9
Dividends paid
 
 
 
 
 
 (7.0) (7.0)
Balance at September 30, 201822.9
 $50.1
 1.0
 $0.1
 $45.9
 $
 $1,109.0
 $1,205.1

 See accompanying condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.



LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In millions)
(Unaudited)
  Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2019 2018
Cash flows from operating activities:    
Net income $203.5
 $205.8
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:    
Asset impairments 0.5
 
Depreciation and amortization 60.9
 55.3
Stock-based compensation 11.8
 9.8
Gain on disposal of other assets 
 (0.1)
Gain on disposal of franchise (9.1) (15.4)
Deferred income taxes 39.5
 19.5
(Increase) decrease (net of acquisitions and dispositions):    
Accounts receivable, net 69.7
 63.4
Inventories (4.1) (14.5)
Other assets 22.3
 12.0
Increase (decrease) (net of acquisitions and dispositions):    
Floor plan notes payable 83.1
 8.1
Trade payables 0.1
 3.6
Accrued liabilities (36.5) 8.6
Other long-term liabilities and deferred revenue 11.8
 23.1
Net cash provided by operating activities 453.5
 379.2
     
Cash flows from investing activities:    
Capital expenditures (91.9) (113.4)
Proceeds from sales of assets 0.8
 2.0
Cash paid for other investments (6.7) (62.1)
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired (142.8) (374.0)
Proceeds from sales of stores 40.9
 32.9
Net cash used in investing activities (199.7) (514.6)
     
Cash flows from financing activities:    
(Repayments) borrowings on floor plan notes payable, net: non-trade (114.0) 61.7
Borrowings on lines of credit 2,147.0
 1,964.5
Repayments on lines of credit (2,209.6) (1,860.2)
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital leases, scheduled (18.0) (16.9)
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital leases, other (11.0) (5.3)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 
 62.1
Payments of debt issuance costs (0.4) (0.4)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 8.0
 7.4
Repurchase of common stock (3.1) (81.6)
Dividends paid (20.7) (21.0)
Payments of contingent consideration related to acquisitions 
 (0.8)
Other financing activity (36.5) 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (258.3) 109.5
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents (4.5) (25.9)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 31.6
 57.3
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $27.1
 $31.4
     
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:    
Cash paid during the period for interest $107.6
 $88.9
Cash paid during the period for income taxes, net 13.8
 2.9
Floor plan debt paid in connection with store disposals 12.3
 33.1
     
Supplemental schedule of non-cash activities:    
Debt issued in connection with acquisitions $26.4
 $125.1
Debt assumed in connection with acquisitions 
 10.8
ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities 1
 260.3
 
1 Amounts for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 include the transition adjustment for the adoption of Topic 842.

 See accompanying condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.


LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
Note 1.1. Interim Financial Statements
 
Basis of Presentation
These condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contain unaudited information as of September 30, 20172019, and for the three and nine-monthsnine months ended September 30, 20172019 and 2016.2018. The unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations for reporting on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, certain disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for annual financial statements are not included herein. In management’s opinion, these unaudited financial statements reflect all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the information when read in conjunction with our 20162018 audited Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes thereto. The financial information as of December 31, 20162018, is derived from our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2017.22, 2019. The unaudited interim condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto included in our 20162018 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
 
In 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842),” which requires leases with durations greater than twelve months to be recognized on the balance sheet, as right-of-use assets with corresponding operating lease liabilities. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-11, “Targeted Improvements - Leases (Topic 842).” This update provides an optional transition method that allows entities to elect to apply the standard using the modified retrospective approach at its effective date, versus recasting the prior periods presented. If elected, an entity would recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the year of adoption. We adopted the new standard as of January 1, 2019 using the transition method that provides for a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings upon adoption. The Consolidated Financial Statements for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 are presented under the new standard, while comparative years presented are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with our historical accounting policy. We elected the package of practical expedients, which permits us to not reassess under the new standard our prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. We elected the short-term lease recognition exemption for all leases that qualify. We have both real estate leases and equipment leases that are impacted by the new guidance. Most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, therefore we use our incremental borrowing rate at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Adoption of the new standard resulted in the derecognition of a deferred gain from prior completed sale-leaseback transactions. This adjustment, net of tax, was recorded as $0.9 million increase in retained earnings. See Note 10.

The impact of adopting Topic 842 on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 1, 2019 was as follows (in millions):
Impact on Consolidated Balance Sheets December 31, 2018 Adjustments January 1, 2019
Operating lease right-of-use assets $
 $259.7
 $259.7
Total Assets 5,384.0
 259.7
 5,643.7
Operating lease liabilities:     

Accrued liabilities 283.6
 26.6
 310.2
Deferred revenue 121.7
 (1.3) 120.4
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities 
 243.9
 243.9
Other long-term liabilities 122.2
 (10.3) 111.9
Total Liabilities 4,186.8
 258.8
 4,445.6
Retained earnings 1,162.1
 0.9
 1,163.0
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity 5,384.0
 259.7
 5,643.7


Reclassifications
Certain immaterial reclassifications of amounts previously reported have been made to the accompanying condensed Consolidated Financial Statements to maintain consistency and comparability between periods presented. These reclassifications



Note 2. Contract Liabilities and Assets

Contract Liabilities
We are the obligor on our lifetime oil contracts. Revenue is allocated to these performance obligations and is recognized over time as services are provided to the customer. The amount of revenue recognized is calculated, net of cancellations, using an input method, which most closely depicts performance of the contracts. Our contract liability balances were $166.4 million and $149.6 million as of September 30, 2019, and December 31, 2018, respectively; and we recognized $6.4 million and $18.5 million of revenue in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, related to our adoptioncontract liability balance at December 31, 2018. Our contract liability balance is included in accrued liabilities and deferred revenue.

Contract Assets
Revenue from finance and insurance sales is recognized, net of ASU 2016-09, "Compensation - Stock Compensation - Improvementsestimated charge-backs, at the time of the sale of the related vehicle. We act as an agent in the sale of these contracts as the pricing is set by the third-party provider, and our commission is preset. A portion of the transaction price related to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting." Specifically, we reclassifiedsales of finance and insurance contracts is considered variable consideration and is estimated and recognized upon the presentationsale of excess tax benefits on our Consolidated Statementsthe contract. Our contract asset balances associated with future estimated variable consideration were $8.9 million and $9.2 million as of Cash Flows between financingSeptember 30, 2019 and operating cash flowsDecember 31, 2018, respectively; and recorded reclassifications between additional paid-in capitalare included in trade receivables and retained earnings. See also Note 13.other non-current assets.


Note 2.3. Accounts Receivable and Contract Assets


Accounts receivable consisted of the following (in thousands)millions):
  September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Contracts in transit $235.7
 $294.0
Trade receivables 54.8
 54.3
Vehicle receivables 44.3
 51.6
Manufacturer receivables 104.0
 105.5
Auto loan receivables 62.5
 61.5
Other receivables 4.0
 6.8
  505.3

573.7
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts (6.9) (7.2)
Less: Long-term portion of accounts receivable, net (38.7) (37.1)
Total accounts receivable, net $459.7

$529.4

  September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
Contracts in transit $225,564
 $233,506
Trade receivables 45,243
 45,193
Vehicle receivables 53,166
 43,937
Manufacturer receivables 85,307
 76,948
Auto loan receivables 75,651
 69,859
Other receivables 16,892
 3,857
  501,823

473,300
Less: Allowance (6,145) (5,281)
Less: Long-term portion of accounts receivable, net (49,065) (50,305)
Total accounts receivable, net $446,613

$417,714


Accounts receivable classifications include the following:


Contracts in transit are receivables from various lenders for the financing of vehicles that we have arranged on behalf of the customer and are typically received approximately ten days after selling a vehicle.
Trade receivables are comprised of amounts due from customers for open charge accounts, lenders for the commissions earned on financing and others for commissions earned on service contracts and insurance products.
Vehicle receivables represent receivables for the portion of the vehicle sales price paid directly by the customer.
Manufacturer receivables represent amounts due from manufacturers, including holdbacks, rebates, incentives and warranty claims.
Auto loan receivables include amounts due from customers related to retail sales of vehicles and certain finance and insurance products.


Interest income on auto loan receivables is recognized based on the contractual terms of each loan and is accrued until repayment, charge-off, or repossession. Direct costs associated with loan originations are capitalized and expensed as an offset to interest


income when recognized on the loans. All other receivables are recorded at invoice and do not bear interest until they are 60 days past due.


The allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based on our historical write-off experience and is reviewed monthly. Consideration is given to recent delinquency trends and recovery rates. Account balances are charged against the allowance after all appropriate means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. The annual activity for charges and subsequent recoveries is immaterial.




The long-term portion of accounts receivable was included as a component of other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.


Note 3.4. Inventories


The components of inventories, net, consisted of the following (in thousands)millions):
  September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
New vehicles $1,651.4
 $1,700.1
Used vehicles 645.0
 576.8
Parts and accessories 90.0
 88.4
Total inventories $2,386.4
 $2,365.3

  September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
New vehicles $1,412,668
 $1,338,110
Used vehicles 474,948
 368,067
Parts and accessories 78,840
 66,410
Total inventories $1,966,456
 $1,772,587

Note 4.5. Goodwill and Franchise Value


The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill are as follows (in thousands)millions):
  Domestic Import Luxury Consolidated
Balance as of December 31, 2015 ¹ $97,903
 $84,384
 $30,933
 $213,220
Additions through acquisitions2
 18,154
 21,795
 7,448
 47,397
Reductions through divestitures (1,218) 
 
 (1,218)
Balance as of December 31, 2016 1
 114,839
 106,179
 38,381
 259,399
Adjustments to purchase price allocations2,3
 (817) (1,006) (391) (2,214)
Balance as of September 30, 2017 ¹ $114,022
 $105,173
 $37,990
 $257,185
  Domestic Import Luxury Consolidated
Balance as of December 31, 2017 ¹ $114.0
 $104.3
 $38.0
 $256.3
Additions through acquisitions 2
 51.4
 85.8
 43.5
 180.7
Reductions through divestitures (0.9) (1.2) 
 (2.1)
Balance as of December 31, 2018 ¹ 164.5
 188.9
 81.5
 434.9
Adjustments to purchase price allocations 3
 1.6
 1.6
 1.9
 5.1
Additions through acquisitions 3
 6.2
 9.0
 2.2
 17.4
Reductions through divestitures (0.1) (0.5) 
 (0.6)
Balance as of September 30, 2019 1
 $172.2
 $199.0
 $85.6
 $456.8

1 Net of accumulated impairment losses of $299.3 million recorded during the year ended December 31, 2008.
2 Our purchase price allocation for the acquisition of the Carbone Auto Group was finalized in the third quarter of 2017. As a result, we reclassified $2.2 million of value from goodwill to franchise value.
3 Our purchase price allocation is preliminary for the2017 acquisitions of the Baierl Auto Group, and the Downtown LA Auto Group, Crater Lake Ford Lincoln, Crater Lake Mazda, Albany CJD Fiat and the associated goodwill has not been2018 acquisition of Broadway Ford were finalized in 2018. Also, our purchase price allocation for the 2018 acquisition of Prestige Auto Group was preliminary and was allocated to eachour segments in 2018. As a result, we added $180.7 million of goodwill.
3 Our purchase price allocation for the acquisitions of the Ray Laks Honda, Ray Laks Acura, Day Auto Group, Prestige Auto Group, and Buhler Ford were finalized in 2019. As a result, we added $22.5 million of goodwill. Our purchase price allocation for the 2019 acquisitions of Hamilton Honda, Morgantown Ford, Mission Viejo Land Rover Jaguar, and Hazleton Honda is preliminary and goodwill is not yet allocated to our segments. See also Note 12.These amounts are included in other non-current assets until we finalize our purchase accounting.


The changes in the carrying amounts of franchise value are as follows (in thousands)millions):
 Franchise Value
Balance as of December 31, 2015$157,699
Additions through acquisitions27,087
Reductions through divestitures(518)
Balance as of December 31, 2016184,268
Additions through acquisitions 1
495
Adjustments to purchase price allocations 2
2,214
Balance as of September 30, 2017$186,977
 Franchise Value
Balance as of December 31, 2017$187.0
Additions through acquisitions 1
103.5
Reductions through divestitures(1.8)
Balance as of December 31, 2018288.7
Adjustments to purchase price allocations 2
3.5
Additions through acquisitions 2
20.9
Reductions through divestitures(4.0)
Balance as of September 30, 2019$309.1

1 Our purchase price allocation is preliminary for the 2017 acquisitions of the Baierl Auto Group, and the Downtown LA Auto Group, Crater Lake Ford Lincoln, Crater Lake Mazda, Albany CJD Fiat and have not been includedthe 2018 acquisition of Broadway Ford were finalized in 2018. Also, our purchase price allocation for the above2018 acquisition of Prestige Auto Group was preliminary and was allocated to our segments in 2018. As a result, we added $103.5 million of franchise value additions. See also Note 12.value.
2Our purchase price allocation for the acquisitionacquisitions of the CarboneRay Laks Honda, Ray Laks Acura, Day Auto Group, wasPrestige Auto Group, and Buhler Ford were finalized in the third quarter2019. As a result, we added $24.4 million of 2017, resulting in a reclassification in the current year of $2.2 million from goodwill to franchise value.



Note 5. Long-term Debt

Long-term debt consisted Our purchase price allocation for the 2019 acquisitions of the following:Hamilton Honda, Morgantown Ford, Mission Viejo Land Rover Jaguar, and Hazleton Honda is preliminary

(Dollars in thousands) September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
Real estate mortgages $476,559
 $428,367
5.25% Senior Notes due 2025 300,000
 
Used vehicle inventory financing facility and revolving lines of credit 226,654
 353,507
Capital leases and other debt 12,699
 11,191
Total long-term debt outstanding 1,015,912
 793,065
Less: unamortized debt issuance costs (6,960) (2,184)
Less: current maturities (net of current debt issuance costs) (17,619) (20,965)
Long-term debt $991,333
 $769,916


and franchise value is not yet allocated to our segments. These amounts are included in other non-current assets until we finalize our purchase accounting.
5.25% Senior Notes Due 2025
On July 24, 2017, we issued $300 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.25% Senior Notes due 2025 ("the Notes") to eligible purchasers in a private placement under Rule 144A and Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933. Interest accrues on the Notes from July 24, 2017 and is payable semiannually on February 1 and August 1. The first interest payment is due on February 1, 2018. We may redeem the Notes in whole or in part at any time prior to August 1, 2020 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus a make-whole premium set forth in the Indenture and accrued and unpaid interest. After August 1, 2020, we may redeem some or all of the Notes subject to the redemption prices set forth in the Indenture. If we experience specific kinds of changes of control, as described in the Indenture, we must offer to repurchase the Notes at 101% of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase.

We paid approximately $5.0 million in underwriting and other fees in connection with this issuance, which will be amortized as interest expense over the term of the Notes. The Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior unsecured basis by each of our existing and future restricted subsidiaries that is a borrower under, or that guarantees obligations under, our credit facility or other indebtedness. The terms of the Notes, in certain circumstances, may restrict our ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends, repurchase our common stock, or merge, consolidate or sell all or substantially all our assets.

Credit Facility
On August 1, 2017, we amended our existing credit facility to increase the total financing commitment to $2.4 billion. This syndicated credit facility is comprised of 18 financial institutions, including seven manufacturer-affiliated finance companies. Our credit facility provides for up to $1.9 billion in new vehicle inventory floor plan financing, up to $250 million in used vehicle inventory floor plan financing and a maximum of $250 million in revolving financing for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions and working capital. This credit facility may be expanded to $2.75 billion total availability, subject to lender approval.


Note 6.6. Stockholders’ Equity


Repurchasesof Class A Common Stock
RepurchasesIn May 2019, we entered into a structured repurchase agreement involving the use of our Class A Common Stock occurred under a repurchase authorization granted by our Board of Directors and related to shares withheld as part ofcapped call options for the vesting of restricted stock units ("RSUs"). In February 2016, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $250 millionpurchase of our Class A common stock. Share repurchases underWe paid a fixed sum upon execution of the agreement in exchange for the right to receive either a pre-determined amount of cash or stock. Upon expiration of the agreement, if the closing market price of our common stock is above the pre-determined price, we will have our initial investment returned with a premium in either cash or Class A shares (at our election). If the closing market price of our common stock is at or below the pre-determined price, we will receive the number of shares specified in the agreement. We paid a net premium of $36.5 million in the second quarter of 2019 to enter into this authorization wereagreement, which was recorded as follows:
  Repurchases Occurring in the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Cumulative Repurchases as of September 30, 2017
  Shares Average Price Shares Average Price
2016 Share Repurchase Authorization 310,000
 $91.33
 1,023,725
 $83.25

a reduction of additional paid-in-capital and retained earnings. As of September 30, 2017, we had $164.8 million available for repurchases pursuant to our 2016 share repurchase authorization.2019, the options were outstanding.



In addition, during the first nine months of 2017, we repurchased 32,300 shares at an average price of $99.33 per share, for a total of $3.2 million, related to tax withholdings associated with the vesting of RSUs. The repurchase of shares related to tax withholdings associated with stock awards does not reduce the number of shares available for repurchase as approved by our Board of Directors.


Note 7.7. Fair Value Measurements


Fair Value DisclosuresFactors used in determining the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities are summarized into three broad categories:

Level 1 - quoted prices in active markets for Financial Assetsidentical securities;
Level 2 - other significant observable inputs, including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment spreads, credit risk; and Liabilities
Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs, including our own assumptions in determining fair value.

We determined the carrying value of cash equivalents, accounts receivable, trade payables, accrued liabilities and short-term borrowings approximate their fair values because of the nature of their terms and current market rates of these instruments. We believe the carrying value of our variable rate debt approximates fair value.
 
We have fixed rate debt primarily consisting of amounts outstanding under our senior notes and real estate mortgages. We calculated the estimated fair value of the senior notes using quoted prices for the identical liability (Level 1) and calculated the estimated fair value of the fixed rate real estate mortgages using a discounted cash flow methodology with estimated current interest rates based on a similar risk profile and duration (Level 2). The fixed cash flows are discounted and summed to compute the fair value of the debt. As of September 30, 2017,2019, our real estate mortgages and other debt, which includes capital leases, had maturity dates between January 12, 2019October 1, 2020, and DecemberAugust 31, 2050.2038.


We have derivative instruments consisting of interest rate collars. The fair value of derivative liabilities is measured using observable Level 2 market expectations at each measurement date and is recorded as current liabilities and other long-term liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 11 for more details regarding our derivative contracts.

We estimate the value of other long-lived assets that are recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis on a market valuation approach. We use prices and other relevant information generated primarily by recent market transactions involving similar or comparable assets, as well as our historical experience in divestitures, acquisitions and real estate transactions. Additionally, we may use a cost valuation approach to value long-lived assets when a market valuation approach is unavailable. Under this approach, we determine the cost to replace the service capacity of an asset, adjusted for physical and economic obsolescence. When available, we use valuation inputs from independent valuation experts, such as real estate appraisers and brokers, to corroborate our estimates of fair value. Real estate appraisers’ and brokers’ valuations are typically developed using one or more valuation techniques including market, income and replacement cost approaches. Because these valuations contain unobservable inputs, we classified the measurement of fair value of long-lived assets as Level 3.

There were no changes to our valuation techniques during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017.2019.


Below are our derivative liabilities that are measured at fair value (in millions):
Fair Value at September 30, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Measured on a recurring basis:      
Derivative contract, net $
 $2.6
 $




A summary of the aggregate carrying values, excluding unamortized debt issuance cost, and fair values of our long-term fixed interest rate debt is as follows (in thousands)millions):
  September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Carrying value    
5.25% Senior notes due 2025 $300.0
 $300.0
Real estate mortgages and other debt 452.2
 445.8
  $752.2

$745.8
Fair value    
5.25% Senior notes due 2025 $313.5
 $278.6
Real estate mortgages and other debt 459.5
 448.7
  $773.0
 $727.3

  September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
Carrying value    
5.25% Senior Notes due 2025 $300,000
 $
Real Estate Mortgages and Other Debt 382,562
 286,660
  $682,562

$286,660
Fair value    
5.25% Senior Notes due 2025 $309,750
 $
Real Estate Mortgages and Other Debt 403,009
 293,522
  $712,759
 $293,522


Below are our long-lived assets that were measured at fair value (in millions):
Fair Value at December 31, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Measured on a non-recurring basis:      
Long-lived assets held and used:      
Certain buildings and improvements $
 $
 $2.3


Long-lived assets held and used are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we evaluated the future undiscounted net cash flows associated with certain properties, which were under contract to sell, and determined the carrying value was not recoverable and exceeded the estimated fair value. As a result of this evaluation, we recorded $0.5 million of impairment charges associated with a property in 2019. The long-lived asset impaired in the first quarter of 2019 was sold in the second quarter of 2019.

Note 8.8. Net Income Per Share of Class A and Class B Common Stock


We compute net income per share of Class A and Class B common stock using the two-class method. Under this method, basic net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period excluding common shares underlying equity awards that are unvested or subject to forfeiture. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares and, if dilutive, potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares consist of the common shares issuable upon the net exercise of stock options and unvested RSUs and is reflected in diluted earnings per share by application of the treasury stock method. The computation of the diluted net income per share of Class A common stock assumes the conversion of Class B common stock, while the diluted net income per share of Class B common stock does not assume the conversion of those shares.
 
Except with respect to voting and transfer rights, the rights of the holders of our Class A and Class B common stock are identical. Under our Articles of Incorporation, the Class A and Class B common stock share equally in any dividends, liquidation proceeds or other distribution with respect to our common stock and the Articles of Incorporation can only be amended by a vote of the shareholders. Additionally, Oregon law provides that amendments to our Articles of Incorporation that would adversely alter the rights, powers or preferences of a given class of stock, must be approved by the class of stock adversely affected by the proposed amendment. As a result, the undistributed earnings for each year are allocated based on the contractual participation rights of the Class A and Class B common shares as if the earnings for the year had been distributed. Because the liquidation and dividend rights are identical, the undistributed earnings are allocated on a proportionate basis.






Following is a reconciliation of net income and weighted average shares used for our basic earnings per share (“EPS”) and diluted EPS (in thousands,millions, except per share amounts):
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018
(in millions, except per share data) Class A Class B Class A Class B
Net income applicable to common stockholders - basic $83.0
 $2.2
 $89.3
 $3.8
Reallocation of net income due to conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding 0.2
 
 0.3
 
Conversion of Class B common shares into Class A common shares 2.0
 
 3.5
 
Net income applicable to common stockholders - diluted $85.2
 $2.2
 $93.1
 $3.8
         
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic 22.6
 0.6
 23.2
 1.0
Conversion of Class B common shares into Class A common shares 0.6
 
 1.0
 
Effect of dilutive stock options on weighted average common shares 0.2
 
 0.1
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted 23.4
 0.6
 24.3
 1.0
         
Net income per common share - basic $3.67
 $3.67
 $3.85
 $3.85
Net income per common share - diluted $3.64
 $3.64
 $3.84
 $3.84


Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016
(in thousands, except per share data) Class A Class B Class A Class B
Net income applicable to common stockholders - basic $49,687
 $2,199
 $50,262
 $3,779
Reallocation of net income as a result of conversion of dilutive stock options 1
 (1) 1
 (1)
Reallocation of net income due to conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding 285
 
 439
 
Conversion of Class B common shares into Class A common shares 1,908
 
 3,326
 
Effect of dilutive stock options on net income 5
 (5) 13
 (13)
Net income applicable to common stockholders - diluted $51,886
 $2,193
 $54,041
 $3,765
         
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic 23,948
 1,060
 23,432
 1,762
Conversion of Class B common shares into Class A common shares 1,060
 
 1,762
 
Effect of dilutive stock options on weighted average common shares 68
 
 96
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted 25,076
 1,060
 25,290
 1,762
         
Net income per common share - basic $2.07
 $2.07
 $2.15
 $2.15
Net income per common share - diluted $2.07
 $2.07
 $2.14
 $2.14
The effect of antidilutive securities on Class A and Class B common stock was evaluated for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2019, and 2018 and was determined to be immaterial.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016
Diluted EPS Class A Class B Class A Class B
Antidilutive Securities        
Shares issuable pursuant to stock options not included since they were antidilutive 9
 
 
 



Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016
(in thousands, except per share data) Class A Class B Class A Class B
Net income applicable to common stockholders - basic $147,876
 $7,937
 $134,533
 $11,206
Reallocation of distributed net income as a result of conversion of dilutive stock options 3
 (3) 5
 (5)
Reallocation of distributed net income due to conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding 1,006
 
 1,365
 
Conversion of Class B common shares into Class A common shares 6,909
 
 9,794
 
Effect of dilutive stock options on net income 19
 (19) 42
 (42)
Net income applicable to common stockholders - diluted $155,813
 $7,915
 $145,739
 $11,159
         
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic 23,812
 1,278
 23,530
 1,960
Conversion of Class B common shares into Class A common shares 1,278
 
 1,960
 
Effect of dilutive stock options on weighted average common shares 68
 
 108
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted 25,158
 1,278
 25,598
 1,960
         
Net income per common share - basic $6.21
 $6.21
 $5.72
 $5.72
Net income per common share - diluted $6.19
 $6.19
 $5.69
 $5.69
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016
Diluted EPS Class A Class B Class A Class B
Antidilutive Securities        
Shares issuable pursuant to stock options not included since they were antidilutive 10
 
 
 


Note 9. Equity-Method Investment
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018
(in millions, except per share data) Class A Class B Class A Class B
Net income applicable to common stockholders - basic $198.2
 $5.3
 $197.5
 $8.3
Reallocation of net income due to conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding 0.6
 
 0.8
 
Conversion of Class B common shares into Class A common shares 4.7
 
 7.5
 
Net income applicable to common stockholders - diluted $203.5
 $5.3
 $205.8
 $8.3
         
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic 22.6
 0.6
 23.7
 1.0
Conversion of Class B common shares into Class A common shares 0.6
 
 1.0
 
Effect of employee stock purchases and restricted stock units on weighted average common shares 0.1
 
 0.1
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted 23.3
 0.6
 24.8
 1.0
         
Net income per common share - basic $8.77
 $8.77
 $8.34
 $8.34
Net income per common share - diluted $8.72
 $8.72
 $8.31
 $8.31


In October 2014, we acquired a 99.9% membership interest in a limited liability company managed by U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation with a total equity contribution of $49.8 million. This investment generated new markets tax credits under the New Markets Tax Credit Program (“NMTC Program”). The NMTC Program was established by Congress in 2000 to spur new or increased investments into operating businesses and real estate projects located in low-income communities.

While U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation exercised management control over the limited liability company, due to the economic interest we held in the entity, we determined our ownership portion of the entity was appropriately accounted for using the equity method. We exited this equity-method investment in December 2016.
We estimated the value of our equity-method investment, which was recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis, based on a market valuation approach. We used prices and other relevant information generated primarily by recent market transactions involving similar or comparable assets. Because these valuations contained unobservable inputs, we classified the measurement of fair value of our equity-method investment as Level 3.


The following amounts relatedeffect of antidilutive securities on Class A and Class B common stock was evaluated for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019, and 2018 and was determined to this equity-method investment were recorded in our Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands):be immaterial.
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  2017 2016 2017 2016
Asset impairments to write investment down to fair value $
 $3,498
 $
 $10,494
Our portion of the partnership’s operating losses 
 2,066
 
 6,197
Non-cash interest expense related to the amortization of the discounted fair value of future equity contributions 
 31
 
 185
Tax benefits and credits generated 
 7,592
 
 20,374






Note 10.9. Segments


While we have determined that each individual store is a reporting unit, we have aggregated our reporting units into three3 reportable segments based on their economic similarities: Domestic, Import and Luxury.


Our Domestic segment is comprised of retail automotive franchises that sell new vehicles manufactured by Chrysler, General Motors and Ford. Our Import segment is comprised of retail automotive franchises that sell new vehicles manufactured primarily by Honda, Toyota, Subaru, Nissan and Volkswagen. Our Luxury segment is comprised of retail automotive franchises that sell new vehicles manufactured primarily by BMW, Mercedes-BenzMercedes and Lexus. The franchises in each segment also sell used vehicles, parts and automotive services, as well as automotive finance and insurance products.


Corporate and other revenue and income includes the results of operations of our stand-alone body shopshops offset by unallocated corporate overhead expenses, such as corporate personnel costs, and certain unallocated reserve and elimination adjustments. Additionally, certain internal corporate expense allocations increase segment income for Corporate and other while decreasing segment income for the other reportable segments. These internal corporate expense allocations are used to increase comparability of our dealerships and reflect the capital burden a stand-alone dealership would experience. Examples of these internal allocations include internal rent expense, internal floor plan financing charges, and internal fees charged to offset employees within our corporate headquarters thatwho perform certain dealership functions.


We define our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) to be certain members of our executive management group. Historical and forecasted operational performance isare evaluated on a store-by-store basis and on a consolidated basis by the CODM. We derive the operating results of the segments directly from our internal management reporting system. The accounting policies used to derive segment results are substantially the same as those used to determine our consolidated results, except for the internal allocation within Corporate and other discussed above. Our CODM measures the performance of each operating segment based on several metrics, including earnings from operations, and uses these results, in part, to evaluate the performance of, and to allocate resources to, each of the operating segments.





Certain financial information on a segment basis is as follows (in thousands)millions):
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2019 2018 2019 2018
Revenues:          
  
  
  
Domestic $1,008,310
 $893,156
 $2,863,018
 $2,495,468
        
New vehicle $613.0
 $600.1
 $1,682.7
 $1,711.2
Used vehicle retail 328.1
 288.2
 949.6
 836.5
Used vehicle wholesale 30.3
 37.0
 89.5
 104.5
Finance and insurance 48.1
 42.5
 137.2
 125.6
Service, body and parts 122.8
 114.7
 359.2
 335.4
Fleet and other 15.5
 15.3
 47.6
 50.4
 1,157.8
 1,097.8
 3,265.8
 3,163.6
Import 1,209,955
 983,947
 3,276,667
 2,777,007
        
New vehicle 824.8
 787.8
 2,198.1
 2,227.4
Used vehicle retail 380.9
 334.6
 1,085.7
 977.9
Used vehicle wholesale 28.4
 35.2
 85.3
 94.3
Finance and insurance 65.2
 60.5
 180.9
 167.1
Service, body and parts 129.2
 114.8
 374.2
 340.8
Fleet and other 9.2
 3.5
 38.1
 22.0
 1,437.7
 1,336.4
 3,962.3
 3,829.5
Luxury 463,518
 392,537
 1,246,484
 1,111,215
        
New vehicle 387.0
 347.6
 1,110.2
 988.0
Used vehicle retail 206.7
 182.5
 596.0
 510.3
Used vehicle wholesale 16.4
 19.9
 59.0
 54.4
Finance and insurance 19.2
 16.4
 54.1
 44.6
Service, body and parts 84.9
 76.9
 248.0
 218.6
Fleet and other 15.2
 9.6
 81.7
 31.0
 729.4
 652.9
 2,149.0
 1,846.9
 2,681,783

2,269,640

7,386,169
 6,383,690
 3,324.9

3,087.1

9,377.1
 8,840.0
Corporate and other (1,441) 327
 (2,690) 2,477
 7.5
 4.9
 26.7
 8.2
 $2,680,342

$2,269,967

$7,383,479
 $6,386,167
 $3,332.4

$3,092.0

$9,403.8
 $8,848.2
Segment income1:
          
  
  
  
Domestic $31,141
 $32,292
 $84,440
 $84,420
 $37.9
 $25.3
 $94.1
 $79.5
Import 36,954
 32,934
 91,365
 86,878
 48.3
 37.4
 117.8
 90.6
Luxury 7,515
 7,423
 22,542
 21,736
 13.0
 11.7
 36.5
 30.5
 75,610

72,649

198,347
 193,034
 99.2

74.4

248.4
 200.6
Corporate and other 34,541
 26,794
 111,281
 81,881
 50.6
 66.8
 129.3
 149.5
Depreciation and amortization (14,828) (12,206) (41,598) (36,372) (20.9) (19.6) (60.9) (55.3)
Other interest expense (9,905) (5,647) (23,745) (16,608) (14.8) (15.0) (45.0) (40.7)
Other income (expense), net 1,125
 (1,513) 11,357
 (4,534)
Other income, net 3.3
 2.4
 8.9
 5.4
Income before income taxes $86,543

$80,077

$255,642
 $217,401
 $117.4

$109.0

$280.7
 $259.5
1Segment income for each of the segments is defined as income before income taxes, depreciation and amortization, other interest expense and other income, (expense), net.



  September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Total assets:    
Domestic $1,460.1
 $1,488.0
Import 1,318.5
 1,224.2
Luxury 865.7
 934.6
Corporate and other 2,093.2
 1,737.2
  $5,737.5
 $5,384.0


Note 10. Leases
Lease Accounting

We lease certain dealerships, office space, land and equipment. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet; we recognize lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. We have elected not to bifurcate lease and nonlease components related to leases of real property.

Most leases include one or more options to renew, with renewal terms that can extend the lease term from one to 26 years or more. The exercise of lease renewal options is at our sole discretion. Certain leases also include options to purchase the leased property. The depreciable life of assets and leasehold improvements are limited by the expected lease term, unless there is a transfer of title or purchase option reasonably certain of exercise.

Certain of our lease agreements include rental payments based on a percentage of retail sales over contractual levels and others include rental payments adjusted periodically for inflation. Our lease agreements do no contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.

We rent or sublease certain real estate to third parties.

As described further in “Note 1. Interim Financial Statements,” we adopted Topic 842 as of January 1, 2019. Prior period amounts have not been adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with our historic accounting under Topic 840.

The table below presents the lease-related liabilities recorded on the balance sheet (in millions):
  Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  2017 2016 2017 2016
Floor plan interest expense:        
Domestic $9,900
 $6,303
 $26,570
 $19,031
Import 8,007
 4,613
 20,608
 13,241
Luxury 4,494
 2,720
 11,018
 8,027
  22,401
 13,636
 58,196
 40,299
Corporate and other (11,772) (7,450) (30,183) (21,995)
  $10,629
 $6,186
 $28,013
 $18,304
  September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Operating lease liabilities:    
Current portion included in accrued liabilities $25.8
 $
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities 235.2
 
Total operating lease liabilities 261.0
 
Financing lease liabilities:    
Current portion included in current maturities of long-term debt 1.0
 2.0
Long-term portion of lease liabilities in long-term debt 29.3
 28.8
Total financing lease liabilities 1
 30.3
 30.8
Total lease liabilities $291.3
 $30.8
Weighted-average remaining lease term:    
Operating leases 13 years
  
Finance leases 13 years
  
Weighted-average discount rate:    
Operating leases 5.08%  
Finance leases 5.81%  
1 Corresponding finance lease assets are not material and are included in property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation.



The components of lease costs, which were included in selling, general and administrative in our Consolidated Statements of Operations, were as follows (in millions):
  September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
Total assets:    
Domestic $1,256,960
 $1,225,387
Import 1,067,466
 959,355
Luxury 590,515
 511,779
Corporate and other 1,456,652
 1,147,629
  $4,371,593
 $3,844,150

  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2019 2019
Operating lease cost 1
 $12.2
 $36.5
Variable lease cost 2
 0.1
 1.3
Sublease income (1.2) $(3.4)
Total lease costs $11.1
 34.4

1 Includes short-term and month-to-month lease costs, which are immaterial.
Note 11. Contingencies2 Variable lease cost generally includes reimbursement for actual costs incurred by our lessors for common area maintenance, property taxes and insurance on leased real estate.


Litigation
We are party to numerous legal proceedings arising inAs of September 30, 2019, the normal coursematurities of our business. Although we do not anticipate that the resolution of legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business or the proceedings described below will have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows, we cannot predict this with certainty.operating lease liabilities were as follows (in millions):

  Operating Leases
Remainder of 2019 $9.9
Year Ending December 31,  
2020 37.6
2021 34.4
2022 31.5
2023 26.4
Thereafter 228.2
Total minimum lease payments 368.0
Less:  
Present value adjustment (107.0)
Operating lease liabilities $261.0

California Wage and Hour Litigations
In August 2014, Ms. Holzer filed a complaint in the Central District of California (Holzer v. DCH Auto Group (USA) Inc., Case No. BC558869) alleging that her employer, an affiliate of DCH Auto Group (USA) Inc., failed to provide vehicle finance and sales persons, service advisors, and other clerical and hourly workers accurate and complete wage statements; and statutory meal and rest periods. The complaint also alleges that the employer failed to pay these employees for off-the-clock time worked; and wages due at termination. The plaintiffs also seek attorney fees and costs. DCH has sought to compel arbitration based on plaintiffs’ arbitration agreements. The plaintiffs (and several other employees in separate actions) are seeking relief under California’s PAGA provisions.

During the pendency of Holzer, related cases were filed that made substantially similar non-technician claims. DCH and all non-technician claimants settled their individual claims in mediation in 2017. In January 2017, DCH and all non-technician plaintiffs agreed in principle to settle the representative claims, although this settlement has not yet been approved by the California courts as expressly contemplated by the parties and required by applicable law as a condition of the agreed release of claims. DCH Auto Group (USA) Limited must indemnify Lithia Motors, Inc. for losses related to this claim pursuant to the stock purchase agreement between Lithia Motors, Inc. and DCH Auto Group (USA) Limited dated June 14, 2014. We believe the exposure related to this lawsuit, when considered in relation to the terms of the stock purchase agreement, is immaterial to our financial statements.


Note 12.11. Derivative Financial Instruments

We account for derivative financial instruments by recording the fair value as either an asset or liability in our Consolidated Balance Sheets and recognize the resulting gains or losses as adjustments to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). We do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. For derivative instruments that hedge the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCI”) in stockholders’ equity and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. To receive hedge accounting treatment, cash flow hedges must be highly effective in offsetting changes to expected future cash flows on hedged transactions.

In the second quarter of 2019, to hedge the business exposure to rising interest rates on a portion of our variable rate debt, we entered into a 5-year zero-cost interest rate collar, with an aggregate notional amount of $300 million. This instrument hedges interest rate risk related to a portion of our $1.7 billion of non-trade floor plan notes payable.

The gains and losses from the cash flow hedge are recorded in AOCI and released to interest expense in the same period that the hedged interest expense on the floor plan is recognized. As of September 30, 2019, we had a loss of $2.6 million recorded associated with the fair value of our derivative instrument, included as a component of accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities with the offset in AOCI. As of September 30, 2019, the amount of net losses we expect to reclassify from AOCI into interest expense in earnings within the next twelve months is immaterial. However, the actual amount reclassified could vary due to future changes in the fair value of these derivatives. NaN amounts were reclassified from AOCI in the three or nine months ended September 30, 2019.



Note 12. Acquisitions


In the first nine months of 2017,2019, we completed the following acquisitions:

On May 1, 2017, Baierl Auto Group, an eight store platform based2019, Hamilton Honda in Hamilton Township, New Jersey.
On May 20, 2019, Morgantown Ford in Morgantown, West Virginia.
On July 1, 2019, Mission Viejo Jaguar Land Rover, California.
On August 19, 2019, Hazleton Honda, Pennsylvania.
On August 7, 2017, Downtown LA ("DTLA") Auto Group, a seven store platform based in California.


Revenue and netoperating income contributed by the 20172019 acquisitions subsequent to the date of acquisition were as follows (in thousands)millions):
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Revenue $100.7
Operating income 1.9

Revenue$281,416
Net income$4,378


In 2016,the first nine months of 2018, we completed the following acquisitions:

On January 26, 2016, Singh Subaru15, 2018, Ray Laks Honda in Riverside, California.Orchard Park, New York and Ray Laks Acura in Buffalo, New York.
On February 1, 2016, Ira Toyota in Milford, Massachusetts.
On June 23, 2016, Helena Auto Center, LLC in Helena, Montana.
On August 1, 2016, Kemp Ford in Thousand Oaks, California.
On September 12, 2016, Carbone26, 2018, Day Auto Group, a nine7 store platform based in Pennsylvania.
On March 1, 2018, Prestige Auto Group, a 6 store platform based in New YorkJersey and Vermont.New York.
On September 28, 2016, GreinerApril 2, 2018, Broadway Ford Lincoln in Casper, Wyoming.Idaho Falls, Idaho.
On October 5, 2016, Woodland Hills Audi in Woodland Hills, California.
On November 16, 2016, HonoluluApril 23, 2018, Buhler Ford in Honolulu, Hawaii.Eatontown, New Jersey.


All acquisitions were accounted for as business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. The results of operations of the acquired stores are included in our Consolidated Financial Statements from the date of acquisition.
 
The following tables summarize the consideration paid for the 20172019 acquisitions and the amount of identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date (in thousands)millions):
  Consideration
Cash paid, net of cash acquired $142.8
Debt issued 26.4
  $169.2

  Consideration
Cash paid, net of cash acquired $400,558
Equity securities issued 1
 2,137
Debt issued 1,748
  $404,443



1 In partial consideration for the purchase of Baierl Auto Group, we issued 4,489 shares of our Class A common stock on May 1, 2017 and will issue an additional 17,957 shares over the next four years for a total of 22,446 shares. As of May 1, 2017, these shares were deemed outstanding for purposes of calculating basic and diluted EPS and had a market value of $2.1 million, based on the closing price of our Class A common stock on May 1, 2017 of $95.22 per share. See also Note 8.


The purchase price allocations for the Baierl Auto GroupHamilton Honda, Morgantown Ford, Mission Viejo Jaguar Land Rover, and DTLA Auto GroupHazleton Honda acquisitions are preliminary, and we have not obtained and evaluated all of the detailed information necessary to finalize the opening balance sheet amounts in all respects. We recorded the purchase price allocations based upon information that is currently available. Unallocated items are recorded as a component of other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following table details the preliminary purchase price allocations (in millions):
  Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed
Inventories, net $60.0
Property and equipment, net 5.0
Other non-current assets 131.9
Other long-term liabilities (27.7)
  $169.2

  Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed
Trade receivables, net $15,554
Inventories 190,079
Franchise value 
Property and equipment 57,217
Other assets 249,725
Floor plan notes payable (75,065)
Debt and capital lease obligations (11,837)
Other liabilities (21,230)
  $404,443


In the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017,2019, we recorded $3.5$0.2 million and $5.7$1.9 million, respectively, in acquisition relatedacquisition-related expenses as a component of selling, general and administrative expense. Theseexpense, respectively. Comparatively, we recorded $0.2 million and $4.3 million of acquisition-related expenses include costs related to current year acquisitions, as well as reserve adjustments associated with contingent consideration recorded in association with previous acquisitions. We did not have any material acquisition expenses foreach of the same periods in 2016.2018.
 


The following unaudited proforma summary presents consolidated information as if all acquisitions in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 20172019 and 20162018, had occurred on January 1, 20162018 (in thousands,millions, except per share amounts):
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2019 2018 2019 2018
Revenue $3,337.1
 $3,188.9
 $9,557.0
 $9,326.8
Net income 85.2
 93.6
 204.0
 205.6
Basic net income per share 3.67
 3.87
 8.79
 8.34
Diluted net income per share 3.63
 3.86
 8.74
 8.30
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2017 2016 2017 2016
Revenue $2,773,082
 $2,792,994
 $8,032,963
 $7,941,561
Net income 53,488
 59,925
 164,938
 163,473
Basic net income per share 2.14
 2.38
 6.57
 6.41
Diluted net income per share 2.13
 2.37
 6.56
 6.39

 
These amounts have been calculated by applying our accounting policies and estimates. The results of the acquired stores have been adjusted to reflect the following: depreciation on a straight-line basis over the expected lives for property and equipment;equipment, accounting for inventory on a specific identification method;method, and recognition of interest expense for real estate financing related to stores where we purchased the facility. No nonrecurring proforma adjustments directly attributable to the acquisitions are included in the reported proforma revenues and earnings.


Note 13.13. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued accounting standards update ("ASU") 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," which amends the accounting guidance related to revenues. This amendment will replace most of the existing revenue recognition guidance when it becomes effective. The new standard, as amended in July 2015, is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and entities are allowed to adopt the standard as early as annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods therein. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We have evaluated the effect this amendment will have on our most significant types of transactions and expect the timing of most of our revenue recognition to generally remain the same. A portion of the transaction price related to sales of finance and insurance contracts will likely be considered variable consideration and subject to accelerated recognition under the new standard. The new standard requires an entity to estimate variable consideration and apply the constraint in determining the transaction price. We are still evaluating how much variable consideration should be constrained and at what


point the constraint is resolved, which will also determine the amount of any potential cumulative effect adjustment. As a result, we have not yet quantified the impact to our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases." ASU 2016-02 increases transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and requires disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those annual periods. We are evaluating the effect this pronouncement will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, "Compensation - Stock Compensation - Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting." ASU 2016-09 simplifies the accounting for several aspects of share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows. In January 2017, we adopted this new guidance. As a result, we recorded the following:
Reclassified $0.2 million as a decrease to additional paid-in capital and an increase to retained earnings related to our policy election to record forfeitures as they occur.
All prior periods presented in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows have been adjusted for the presentation of excess tax benefits on the cash flow statement. This resulted in a $4.4 million reclassification between financing and operating cash flows.
We had $0.3 million of tax-affected state net operating loss carryforwards related to excess tax benefits for which a deferred tax asset had not been recognized. At adoption, this amount was recorded with the offset to retained earnings. Additionally, we do not believe that it is more-likely-than-not that the asset will be utilized and, as a result, a valuation allowance in the same amount was recorded that offset the impact to retained earnings. 

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, "Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments." ASU 2016-15 provides guidance for eight cash flow classification issues to reduce diversity in practice. The clarification includes guidance on items such as debt prepayment or debt extinguishment cost, contingent consideration payment made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies and distributions received from equity method investees. ASU 2016-15 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the effect this pronouncement will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.


In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, "Intangibles“Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) - Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment." ASU 2017-04 simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under the updated standard, an entity should perform its goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit'sunit’s fair value, if applicable. The loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. The same impairment test also applies to any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. ASU 2017-04 is effective for fiscal years, including interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2017-04 to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718) - Scope of Modification Accounting." ASU 2017-09 reduces both diversity in practice and cost and complexity when changing the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. The amendments in this update provide guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting. ASU 2017-09 is effective for fiscal years, including interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period for which financial statements have not yet been issued. The amendments in this update should be applied prospectively to an award modified on or after the adoption date. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2017-09 to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.



Note 14. Subsequent Events
Disposal of Stores
On October 16, 2017, we disposed of Spokane Mercedes in Spokane, Washington. The disposal generated cash of approximately $13.2 million.

Common Stock Dividend
On October 23, 2017, our Board of Directors approved a dividend of $0.27 per share on our Class A and Class B common stock related to our third quarter 2017 financial results. The dividend will total approximately $6.7 million and will be paid on November 24, 2017 to shareholders of record on November 10, 2017.




Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors
Certain statements under the sections entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Form 10-Q constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “Safe Harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Generally, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “project”, “outlook,”“outlook”, “target”, “may,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “seek,” “expect,” “plan,” “intend,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “likely,” “goal,” “strategy,” “future,” “maintain,”“may”, “will”, “would”, “should”, “seek”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “forecast”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “predict”, “potential”, “likely”, “goal”, “strategy”, “future”, “maintain”, and “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terms. Examples of forward-looking statements in this Form 10-Q include, among others, statements we make regarding:

Future market conditions, including anticipated national new car sales levels;
Expected operating results, such as improved store performance; continued improvement of selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A&A”) as a percentage of gross profit and all projections;
Anticipated continuedintegration, success and growth of acquisitions;acquired stores;
Anticipated ability to capture additional market share;
Anticipated ability to find accretive acquisitions;
Expected revenues from acquired stores;
Anticipated synergies, ability to increase ownership and ability to monetize our investment in Shift;
Anticipated additions of dealership locations to our portfolio in the future;
Anticipated availability of liquidity from our unfinanced operating real estate; and
Anticipated levels of capital expenditures in the future.future; and
Our strategies for customer retention, growth, market position, financial results and risk management.
 
The forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and situations that may cause our actual results to materially differ from the results expressed or implied by these statements. Certain important factors that could cause actual results to differ from our expectations are discussed in Part II - Other Information, Item 1A in this Form 10-Q and in the Risk Factors section of our 20162018 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as supplemented and amended from time to time in Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.Commission (SEC).
 
By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events that depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement.

Overview
We areLithia Motors, Inc. is one of the largest automotive retailers in the highly fragmented American auto retail industry. Asand providers of November 7, 2017, we offered 30 brands of new vehicles and all major brands of used vehicles in 166 storespersonal transportation solutions in the United States, and, online at over 200 websites.in 2019, was ranked #265 on the Fortune 500. As of September 30, 2019, we operated 184 stores representing 30 brands in 19 states. We sellare a growth company powered by people and innovation. By purchasing and building strong businesses that have yet to realize their potential, we generate significant cash flows while maintaining low leverage. Operational excellence is achieved by refocusing the business on the consumer experience and by utilizing proprietary performance measurements to increase market share and profitability. Lithia’s unique growth model reinvests to expand its nationwide network and to fund incremental modernization that supports and expands our core business with the goal of providing transportation solutions wherever, whenever and however consumers desire.

We offer a wide range of products and services including new and used vehicles, finance and replacement parts, provide vehicle maintenance, warranty, paint and repair services, arrange related financing, and sell service contracts, vehicle protectioninsurance products and credit insurance.automotive repair and maintenance. We strive for diversification in our products, services, brands and geographic locations to reduce dependence on any one manufacturer, reduce susceptibility to changing consumer preferences, manage market risk and maintain profitability.

We seek to provide customers a seamless, blended online and physical retail experience with broad selection and access to specialized expertise and knowledge. Our physical network enables us to provide convenient touch points for customers and provide services throughout the vehicle life cycle. We use digital technologies to further activate our physical network and capture additional earnings.

We build long-term value for our customers, employees and shareholders through the following strategies:



Driving operational excellence
We remain focused on achieving operational excellence at existing locations. Operations are structured to promote an entrepreneurial environment at the dealership level. Each store’s general manager and department managers, with assistance from regional and corporate management, are responsible for developing successful retail plans in their local markets. They drive dealership operations, personnel development, manufacturer relationships, store culture and financial performance. Strong performance creates synergistic benefits such as increased vehicle trade-ins resulting in additional used vehicle sales, incremental finance and insurance sales and ultimately, increased units in operation and customer retention, which generate additional service revenues.

In 2016,order to mitigate fluctuations in vehicle sales and general economic conditions, we werelink compensation to performance for the fifth largest public automotive retailer in the U.S.,majority of our management and sales personnel. We develop pay plans that are measured based upon various factors such as dealership and department profitability, customer satisfaction and individual performance metrics. These plans also serve to reward personnel for meeting their annual operating plans and achieving earnings potential.

We have centralized many administrative functions to drive efficiencies and streamline store-level operations. The reduction of administrative functions at our stores allows our local managers to focus on customer-facing opportunities to increase revenues and gross profit. Our operations are supported by our dedicated training and personnel development program, which shares best practices across our dealership network and seeks to develop management talent.

Growth through acquisition and network optimization
Our value-based acquisition strategy focuses on purchasing strong businesses that have yet to realize their earnings potential. As we integrate these stores into our existing network, we focus on improving performance. Our success is measured by revenue. Our stores are located in 18 states with concentrations westachieving profitability through increasing market share and retaining customers while controlling costs. With our performance management strategy, standardized information systems and centrally- and regionally-performed administrative functions, we seek to gain economies of the Mississippi and in the Northeast and offer 30 brands of new vehicles and all major brands of used vehicles. Our operations consist ofscale from our dealership network.

We target acquiring domestic, import and luxury storesfranchises in marketscities ranging from mid-sized regional citiesmarkets to metropolitan urban areas.markets. We evaluate all brands for expansion opportunities provided the market is large enough to support adequate new vehicle sales to justify the required capital investment. We focus on successfully integrating acquired stores to achieve targeted returns. Platform acquisitions may include one or more locations which do not meet our criteria. We regularly optimize and balance our network through strategic divestitures to ensure continued high performance. The divestiture of these underperforming stores increases availability of capital and personnel resources and reduces future capital expenditures for facility improvements. We believe our disciplined approach and the current economic environment provide us with attractive acquisition opportunities and expanded coast to coast coverage.


Modernization and diversification
Driving growth and achieving earnings potential generates the free cash flow that allows us to invest in modernization, diversification and digital initiatives, thereby providing more ways to meet consumers’ personal transportation needs. We strategically invest in modernization that supports and expands our core business with the goal of providing customers with choices that meet their desire for affordability, convenience and transparency. We prioritize creating internal solutions to improve our existing operations, gain vertical and horizontal adjacencies to our core business, and expand our market share.

During the third quarter, in the Pittsburgh market, we activated a convenient sell-from-home customer experience powered by our proprietary technology. This is part of our multi-faceted expansion of digital conveniences and expands upon buy-from-home technology launched earlier during 2019.

Thoughtful capital allocation
Our capital deployment strategy is to target a 65% investment in acquisitions, 25% investment in capital expenditures, modernization and diversification and 10% in shareholder return in the form of dividends and share repurchases. This disciplined approach, combined with our ability to successfully integrate newly-acquired locations, drives growth and profitability. During the first nine months of 2019, we paid $20.7 million in dividends and invested $91.9 million in our stores through capital expenditures. We continue to manage our liquidity and available cash to prepare for future acquisition and innovation opportunities. As of September 30, 2019, our adjusted leverage ratio, calculated as net debt, excluding floorplan financing, to adjusted EBITDA, was less than 2.0, representing the low end of our targeted range. We have liquidity in cash, availability on our credit facility and unfinanced real estate. Our liquidity, combined with our ability to access the debt and equity markets, positions us for continued growth through acquisitions and investments in innovation.
Results of Operations

For the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, we reported net income of $51.9 million, or $2.07 per diluted share, and $54.0 million, or $2.14 per diluted share, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, we reported net income of $155.8 million, or $6.19 per diluted share, and $145.7 million, or $5.69 per diluted share, respectively.




Key Revenue and Gross Profit Metrics
Key performance metrics for revenue and gross profit were as follows (dollars in thousands)millions):
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2017
 Revenues 
Percent of
Total Revenues
 
Gross Profit
 
Gross Profit
Margin
 
Percent of Total
Gross Profit
New vehicle $1,553,511
 58.0% $88,045
 5.7% 21.8%
Used vehicle retail 679,180
 25.3
 78,658
 11.6
 19.5
Used vehicle wholesale 65,739
 2.5
 1,174
 1.8
 0.3
Finance and insurance 1
 101,044
 3.8
 101,044
 100.0
 25.1
Service, body and parts 265,683
 9.9
 132,492
 49.9
 32.9
Fleet and other 15,185
 0.5
 1,608
 10.6
 0.4
  $2,680,342
 100.0% $403,021
 15.0% 100.0%
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2016
 Revenues 
Percent of
Total Revenues
 
Gross Profit
 
Gross Profit
Margin
 
Percent of Total
Gross Profit
New vehicle $1,297,511
 57.2% $75,843
 5.8 % 22.5 %
Used vehicle retail 580,885
 25.6
 68,809
 11.8
 20.4
Used vehicle wholesale 75,271
 3.3
 918
 1.2
 0.3
Finance and insurance 1
 87,709
 3.9
 87,709
 100.0
 26.0
Service, body and parts 217,148
 9.6
 104,342
 48.1
 30.9
Fleet and other 11,443
 0.4
 (360) (3.1) (0.1)
  $2,269,967
 100.0% $337,261
 14.9 % 100.0 %

1 Commissions reported net of anticipated cancellations.
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2017
 Revenues 
Percent of
Total Revenues
 
Gross Profit
 
Gross Profit
Margin
 
Percent of Total
Gross Profit
New vehicle $4,147,870
 56.2% $238,702
 5.8% 21.3%
Used vehicle retail 1,915,038
 25.9
 221,947
 11.6
 19.8
Used vehicle wholesale 206,754
 2.8
 4,403
 2.1
 0.4
Finance and insurance 1
 282,672
 3.8
 282,672
 100.0
 25.2
Service, body and parts 744,262
 10.1
 368,166
 49.5
 32.9
Fleet and other 86,883
 1.2
 4,054
 4.7
 0.4
  $7,383,479
 100.0% $1,119,944
 15.2% 100.0%
  Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,  
  2019 2018 Change 2019 2018 Change
Revenues            
New vehicle $1,824.8
 $1,733.0
 5.3 % $4,993.3
 $4,914.5
 1.6 %
Used vehicle retail 916.3
 805.9
 13.7
 2,632.4
 2,325.6
 13.2
Finance and insurance 136.3
 121.1
 12.6
 382.7
 342.1
 11.9
Service, body and parts 340.5
 311.3
 9.4
 993.3
 908.4
 9.3
Total Revenues 3,332.4
 3,092.0
 7.8
 9,403.8
 8,848.2
 6.3
             
Gross profit            
New vehicle $100.0
 $100.9
 (0.9) % $281.4
 $289.3
 (2.7) %
Used vehicle retail 99.7
 86.4
 15.4
 277.4
 247.1
 12.3
Finance and insurance 136.3
 121.1
 12.6
 382.7
 342.1
 11.9
Service, body and parts 171.5
 154.5
 11.0
 501.1
 446.6
 12.2
Total Gross Profit 510.9
 466.2
 9.6
 1,455.2
 1,335.1
 9.0
             
Gross profit margins            
New vehicle 5.5% 5.8% (30) bps 5.6% 5.9% (30) bps
Used vehicle retail 10.9
 10.7
 20
 10.5
 10.6
 (10)
Finance and insurance 100.0
 100.0
 
 100.0
 100.0
 
Service, body and parts 50.4
 49.6
 80
 50.4
 49.2
 120
Total Gross Profit Margin 15.3
 15.1
 20
 15.5
 15.1
 40
             
Retail units sold            
New vehicles 48,508
 48,790
 (0.6) % 134,090
 139,314
 (3.7) %
Used vehicles 44,143
 39,751
 11.0
 127,683
 114,961
 11.1
             
Average selling price per retail unit            
New vehicles $37,618
 $35,519
 5.9 % $37,238
 $35,276
 5.6 %
Used vehicles 20,756
 20,274
 2.4
 20,617
 20,229
 1.9
             
Average gross profit per retail unit            
New vehicles $2,061
 $2,068
 (0.3)% $2,098
 $2,077
 1.0 %
Used vehicles 2,258
 2,172
 4.0
 2,173
 2,149
 1.1
Finance and insurance 1,471
 1,367
 7.6
 1,462
 1,345
 8.7

Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2016
 Revenues 
Percent of
Total Revenues
 
Gross Profit
 
Gross Profit
Margin
 
Percent of Total
Gross Profit
New vehicle $3,602,603
 56.4% $215,471
 6.0% 22.3%
Used vehicle retail 1,667,258
 26.1
 200,311
 12.0
 20.7
Used vehicle wholesale 207,131
 3.2
 4,234
 2.0
 0.4
Finance and insurance 1
 246,390
 3.9
 246,390
 100.0
 25.5
Service, body and parts 616,088
 9.6
 299,060
 48.5
 30.9
Fleet and other 46,697
 0.8
 1,013
 2.2
 0.2
  $6,386,167
 100.0% $966,479
 15.1% 100.0%

1 Commissions reported net of anticipated cancellations.




Same Store Operating Data
We believe that same store comparisons are an important indicator of our financial performance. Same store measures demonstrate our ability to grow revenues in our existing locations. As a result, same store measures have been integrated into the discussion below.
 
Same store measures reflect results for stores that were operating in each comparison period and only include the months when operations occurred in both periods. For example, a store acquired in August 20162018 would be included in same store operating data beginning in September 2017,2019, after its first full complete comparable month of operation. The third quarter operating results for the same store comparisons would include results for that store in only the periodmonth of September for both comparable periods.

  Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,  
(Dollars in millions) 2019 2018 Change 2019 2018 Change
Revenues            
New vehicle $1,772.9
 $1,695.7
 4.6 % $4,801.1
 $4,765.7
 0.7 %
Used vehicle retail 898.8
 788.2
 14.0
 2,543.2
 2,257.9
 12.6
Finance and insurance 133.0
 118.3
 12.4
 371.3
 331.9
 11.9
Service, body and parts 332.0
 303.2
 9.5
 955.3
 879.0
 8.7
Total Revenues 3,249.7
 3,018.8
 7.6
 9,060.1
 8,573.3
 5.7
             
Gross profit            
New vehicle $96.6
 $98.6
 (2.0) % $269.5
 $280.0
 (3.8) %
Used vehicle retail 97.7
 85.4
 14.4
 269.9
 241.7
 11.7
Finance and insurance 133.0
 118.3
 12.4
 371.3
 331.9
 11.9
Service, body and parts 167.6
 150.9
 11.1
 483.0
 433.4
 11.4
Total Gross Profit 498.5
 456.8
 9.1
 1,405.9
 1,296.9
 8.4
             
Gross profit margins            
New vehicle 5.4% 5.8% (40) bps 5.6% 5.9% (30) bps
Used vehicle retail 10.9
 10.8
 10
 10.6
 10.7
 (10)
Finance and insurance 100.0
 100.0
 
 100.0
 100.0
 
Service, body and parts 50.5
 49.8
 70
 50.6
 49.3
 130
Total Gross Profit Margin 15.3
 15.1
 20
 15.5
 15.1
 40
             
Retail units sold            
New vehicles 47,141
 47,590
 (0.9) % 129,001
 134,509
 (4.1) %
Used vehicles 43,305
 38,717
 11.9
 123,555
 111,094
 11.2
             
Average selling price per retail unit            
New vehicles $37,609
 $35,631
 5.6 % $37,217
 $35,430
 5.0 %
Used vehicles 20,754
 20,358
 1.9
 20,584
 20,324
 1.3
             
Average gross profit per retail unit            
New vehicles $2,049
 $2,073
 (1.2)% $2,089
 $2,081
 0.4 %
Used vehicles 2,257
 2,205
 2.4
 2,184
 2,175
 0.4
Finance and insurance 1,471
 1,371
 7.3
 1,470
 1,351
 8.8
New Vehicle Revenue and Gross Profit
  Three Months Ended September 30, Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease)
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts) 2017 2016  
Reported        
Revenue $1,553,511
 $1,297,511
 $256,000
 19.7 %
Gross profit $88,045
 $75,843
 $12,202
 16.1
Gross margin 5.7% 5.8% (10)bp
1 
 
         
Retail units sold 45,452
 38,417
 7,035
 18.3
Average selling price per retail unit $34,179
 $33,774
 $405
 1.2
Average gross profit per retail unit $1,937
 $1,974
 $(37) (1.9)
        

Same store  
  
  
  
Revenue $1,288,680
 $1,280,030
 $8,650
 0.7
Gross profit $72,246
 $74,903
 $(2,657) (3.5)
Gross margin 5.6% 5.9% (30)bp 

        

Retail units sold 37,762
 37,870
 (108) (0.3)
Average selling price per retail unit $34,126
 $33,801
 $325
 1.0
Average gross profit per retail unit $1,913
 $1,978
 $(65) (3.3)

1 A basis point is equal to 1/100th of one percent



  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease)
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts) 2017 2016  
Reported        
Revenue $4,147,870
 $3,602,603
 $545,267
 15.1 %
Gross profit $238,702
 $215,471
 $23,231
 10.8
Gross margin 5.8% 6.0% (20)bp
1 
 
         
Retail units sold 121,944
 107,225
 14,719
 13.7
Average selling price per retail unit $34,015
 $33,599
 $416
 1.2
Average gross profit per retail unit $1,957
 $2,010
 $(53) (2.6)
        

Same store      
  
Revenue $3,602,946
 $3,582,725
 $20,221
 0.6
Gross profit $207,549
 $214,415
 $(6,866) (3.2)
Gross margin 5.8% 6.0% (20)bp 

        

Retail units sold 105,870
 106,599
 (729) (0.7)
Average selling price per retail unit $34,032
 $33,609
 $423
 1.3
Average gross profit per retail unit $1,960
 $2,011
 $(51) (2.5)

1 A basis point is equal to 1/100th of one percent

New vehicle sales increased 19.7% and 15.1% inDuring the three and nine-month periodsmonths ended September 30, 20172019, we had net income of $85.2 million, or $3.64 per share on a diluted basis, compared to the same periodsnet income of 2016, primarily driven by an increase in volume related to acquisitions.

Same store new vehicle unit sales decreased 0.3% and 0.7%, respectively, in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same periods of 2016. These volume decreases were offset by$93.1 million, or $3.84 per share on a 1.0% and 1.3% increase, respectively, in average price per unit for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same periods of 2016. On a same storediluted basis, our stores performed better than national new vehicle sales levels, which decreased 1.2% and 1.9% , respectively, in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same periods of 2016.
Same store unit sales increased (decreased) as follows:

 Three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same period of 2016 National growth in the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same period of 2016 ¹ Nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same period of 2016 National growth in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same period of 2016 ¹
Domestic brand same store unit sales change (5.8)% (2.9)% (3.1)% (3.6)%
Import brand same store unit sales change 4.5
 0.6
 2.7
 (0.6)
Luxury brand same store unit sales change (7.8) (2.7) (9.7) 0.3
Overall (0.3) (1.2) (0.7) (1.9)

1 National auto unit sales and seasonally adjusted annual rate ("SAAR") data obtained from Stephens Auto Unit Sales and SAAR report as of September 2017.

National new vehicle sales market growth continues to moderate for all brands. Our domestic brand unit volume change outperformed the national average for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 compared toduring the same period of 2016 despite a decline in2018. During the third quarter of 2017 that exceeded the national domestic brand decline for the same period. Our performance, compared to the national trend for domestic brands, was mainly driven by Chrysler, which had same store unit sales decreases of 9.0% and 3.4%, respectively, offset by Ford, which had a same store unit sales increases of 6.5% and 1.5%, respectively, for the three and nine-month periodsnine months ended September 30, 20172019, we had net income of $203.5 million, or $8.72 per share on a diluted basis, compared to net income of $205.8 million, or $8.31 per share on a diluted basis, during the same periodsperiod of 2016. This performance compares to2018.


national market decreases of 10.3% and 8.0%, respectively, for Chrysler and 0.9% and 2.9%, respectively, for Ford for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same periods of 2016.

Our import brand unit volume outperformed the national average for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same periods of 2016. Our Toyota stores, which comprised 21.2% of our total new vehicle unit sales in the third quarter of 2017, grew 11.3% and 4.0% for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same periods in 2016. This compares to national market increases of 8.3% and 0.5%, respectively, for the three and nine-months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same periods of 2016. Our Honda stores, which comprised 20.4% of our total new vehicle unit sales in the third quarter of 2017, had same store unit increases of 2.1% and 1.1%, respectively, for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same periods of 2016. The national average unit volume increases were 0.8% and 0.3%, respectively, for Honda in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same periods of 2016.

The period-over-period volume decreases for our luxury brand unit volume exceeded the national average in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same periods of 2016. The decreases were primarily associated with our BMW and Mercedes stores, which comprised 3.3% and 1.2%, respectively, of our total new vehicle unit sales in the third quarter of 2017. Our BMW stores had same store unit sales decreases of 24.6% and 18.6%, respectively, for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same periods of 2016. This compares to national average decreases for BMW of 7.5% and 5.2% for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same periods of 2016. Our Mercedes stores had same store unit sales decreases of 7.1% and 12.1%, respectively, for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same periods of 2016. This compares to national average decreases for Mercedes of 7.1% and 3.0% for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same periods of 2016. Our luxury brands were down more than the national average due to decreases in our local markets. We are concentrated in areas such as Seattle and New Jersey, where new vehicle registrations were down. Additionally, our BMW stores lost market share.

We seek to grow our new vehicle sales organically by gaining share in the markets we serve. To increase awareness and customer traffic, we use a combination of traditional, digital and social media advertisements to reach customers. We have established a company-wide target of achieving 25% higher sales than the national OEM average. As of September 30, 2017, our sales were 9% higher than the national OEM average.


New vehicle gross profit increased 16.1% and 10.8%, respectively, in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same periods of 2016. On a same store basis, new vehicle gross profit decreased 3.5% and 3.2% in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same periods of 2016. The same store average gross profit per unit for new vehicles decreased $65 and $51 in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same periods of 2016.

Vehicles
Under our business strategy, we believe that our new vehicle sales create incremental profit opportunities through certain manufacturer incentive programs, arranging of third party financing, vehicle service and insurance contracts, future resale of used vehicles acquired through trade-in and parts and service work. Same store new vehicle revenues increased 4.6% and 0.7%, respectively, for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 compared to the same periods in 2018. This was due to increases in average selling prices of 5.6% and 5.0%, offset by decreases in unit volume of 0.9% and 4.1%, in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2018. This was driven by the increased performance of our luxury segment, which saw overall increases in unit sales while maintaining higher than average selling prices compared to our other segments. Our stores remain nimble in their volume and gross margin strategies and adapt to local and regional market conditions.




Used Vehicle Retail Revenue and Gross Profit
  Three Months Ended September 30, Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease)
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts) 2017 2016  
Reported        
Retail revenue $679,180
 $580,885
 $98,295
 16.9 %
Retail gross profit $78,658
 $68,809
 $9,849
 14.3
Retail gross margin 11.6% 11.8% (20)bp  
         
Retail units sold 34,717
 29,636
 5,081
 17.1
Average selling price per retail unit $19,563
 $19,601
 $(38) (0.2)
Average gross profit per retail unit $2,266
 $2,322
 $(56) (2.4)
         
Same store      
  
Retail revenue $593,285
 $572,862
 $20,423
 3.6
Retail gross profit $71,248
 $68,215
 $3,033
 4.4
Retail gross margin 12.0% 11.9% 10bp  
         
Retail units sold 30,115
 29,171
 944
 3.2
Average selling price per retail unit $19,701
 $19,638
 $63
 0.3
Average gross profit per retail unit $2,366
 $2,338
 $28
 1.2
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease)
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts) 2017 2016  
Reported        
Retail revenue $1,915,038
 $1,667,258
 $247,780
 14.9 %
Retail gross profit $221,947
 $200,311
 $21,636
 10.8
Retail gross margin 11.6% 12.0% (40)bp  
         
Retail units sold 97,671
 84,783
 12,888
 15.2
Average selling price per retail unit $19,607
 $19,665
 $(58) (0.3)
Average gross profit per retail unit $2,272
 $2,363
 $(91) (3.9)
         
Same store      
  
Retail revenue $1,730,495
 $1,656,119
 $74,376
 4.5
Retail gross profit $205,438
 $199,432
 $6,006
 3.0
Retail gross margin 11.9% 12.0% (10)bp  
         
Retail units sold 87,553
 84,148
 3,405
 4.0
Average selling price per retail unit $19,765
 $19,681
 $84
 0.4
Average gross profit per retail unit $2,346
 $2,370
 $(24) (1.0)

Vehicles
Used vehicle retail sales are a strategic focus for organic growth. We offer three categories of used vehicles: manufacturer certified pre-owned ("CPO"(“CPO”) vehicles; core vehicles, or late-model vehicles with lower mileage; and value autos, or vehicles with over 80,000 miles. We have established a company-wide target of achieving a per store average of 85 used retail units per month. Strategies to achieve this target include reducing wholesale sales and selling the full spectrum of used units, from late model CPO models to vehicles over ten years old.



Same store sales of used vehicles increased (decreased) as follows:
  Three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same period of 2016 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same period of 2016
Certified pre-owned vehicles (5.3)% (1.2)%
Core vehicles 7.6
 6.4
Value autos 9.3
 10.8
Overall 3.6
 4.5
The increases in same store used vehicle sales were primarily driven by increased unit sales in our core and value auto categories. For value autos, average selling prices increased 4.8% and 5.7%, respectively, for During the three and nine-monthsnine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same periods of 2016. For core autos, average selling prices increased 1.1% and 0.2%, respectively, for the three and nine-months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same periods of 2016. These increases offset the decreases in growth of our CPO vehicles, which had difficult comparisons as this category had double digit growth in 2016. On an annualized average, as of September 30, 2017 and 2016, each of2019, our stores sold 67 and 65 retailan average of 74 used vehicle units, respectively,vehicles per month.store per month, compared to 68 used vehicles per store per month for the same period of 2018.

Used retail vehicle gross profit increased 14.3% and 10.8%, respectively, in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same periods of 2016. On a same store basis, gross profit increased 4.4% and 3.0%, respectively, in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same periods of 2016, primarily driven by volume growth, partially offset in the nine-month period by a decrease in the average gross profit per unit sold. The same store gross profit per unit increased $28 and decreased $24, respectively,revenues for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 20172019, increased 13.7% and 13.2%, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2016.2018. On a same store basis, used vehicle sales for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019, increased 14.0% and 12.6% as compared to the respective periods of 2018, driven by increases in our core vehicle category of 19.5% and 17.6%, respectively. Our core vehicle category had growth in unit sales of 17.8% and 16.5%, with an improvement in average selling price per vehicle of 1.4% and 1.0% for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019, respectively, as compared to the same periods of 2018.


Our used vehicle operations provide an opportunity to generate sales to customers unable or unwilling to purchase a new vehicle, sell brands other than the store’s new vehicle franchise(s) and increase sales from finance and insurance and parts and service.

Used Vehicle Wholesale Revenue and Gross Profit
  Three Months Ended September 30, Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease)
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts) 2017 2016  
Reported        
Wholesale revenue $65,739
 $75,271
 $(9,532) (12.7)%
Wholesale gross profit $1,174
 $918
 $256
 27.9
Wholesale gross margin 1.8% 1.2% 60bp  
         
Wholesale units sold 11,122
 10,853
 269
 2.5
Average selling price per wholesale unit $5,911
 $6,936
 $(1,025) (14.8)
Average gross profit per retail unit $106
 $85
 $21
 24.7

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease)
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts) 2017 2016  
Reported        
Wholesale revenue $206,754
 $207,131
 $(377) (0.2)%
Wholesale gross profit $4,403
 $4,234
 $169
 4.0
Wholesale gross margin 2.1% 2.0% 10bp  
         
Wholesale units sold 32,868
 30,140
 2,728
 9.1
Average selling price per wholesale unit $6,290
 $6,872
 $(582) (8.5)
Average gross profit per retail unit $134
 $140
 $(6) (4.3)



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


Finance and Insurance
  Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease)
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts) 2017 2016  
Reported        
Revenue $101,044
 $87,709
 $13,335
 15.2 %
Average finance and insurance per retail unit $1,260
 $1,289
 $(29) (2.2)%
         
Same store        
Revenue $87,371
 $86,951
 $420
 0.5 %
Average finance and insurance per retail unit $1,287
 $1,297
 $(10) (0.8)%

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase % Increase
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts) 2017 2016  
Reported        
Revenue $282,672
 $246,390
 $36,282
 14.7%
Average finance and insurance per retail unit $1,287
 $1,283
 $4
 0.3%
         
Same store        
Revenue $257,155
 $245,397
 $11,758
 4.8%
Average finance and insurance per retail unit $1,329
 $1,287
 $42
 3.3%

We believe that arranging timely vehicle financing is an important part of our ability to sell vehicles, and we attempt to arrange financing for every vehicle we sell. We also offer related products such as extended warranties, insurance contracts and vehicle and theft protection.


The increases in finance and insurance revenue in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019, compared to the same periods of 2018, were primarily due to expanded product offerings and increased penetration rates. Third-party extended warranty and insurance contracts yield higher profit margins than vehicle sales and contribute significantly to our profitability. Same store finance and insurance revenues were flatincreased 12.4% and 11.9% for the three-month periodthree and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and increased 4.8% for the nine-month period ended September 30, 20172019, respectively, as compared to the same periods of 2016. The slowing2018. These increases were driven by increases in the third quarter of 2017 was primarily due to a decline in penetration rates and a decrease in the average finance and insurance amountrevenues per retail unit.unit, combined with increases in used vehicle unit volume, and slightly offset by decreases in new vehicle unit volume. On a same store basis, our finance and insurance revenues per retail unit decreased $10increased $100 to $1,471 and increased $42,$119 to $1,470 per unit, respectively, in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 20172019, compared to the same periods of 2016, mainly2018, primarily due to increases in unit volume offset by flat or slightly declining penetration rates.

Trends inservice contract penetration rates for total newof 250 and used retail vehicles sold are detailed below:170 basis points, respectively.
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2017 2016 2017 2016
Finance and insurance 75% 76% 76% 77%
Service contracts 45
 44
 45
 44
Lifetime lube, oil and filter contracts 26
 27
 26
 27

We seek to increase our penetration of vehicle financing on the number of vehicles that we sell and to offer a comprehensive suite of products. We target an average F&I per retail unit of $1,450. We believe improved performance from sales training and revised compensation plans will be critical factors in achieving this target.




Service, Bodybody and Parts Revenue and Gross Profit
  Three Months Ended September 30, Increase % Increase
(Dollars in thousands) 2017 2016  
Reported        
Customer pay $143,842
 $118,915
 $24,927
 21.0%
Warranty 63,350
 53,203
 10,147
 19.1
Wholesale parts 39,463
 30,543
 8,920
 29.2
Body shop 19,028
 14,487
 4,541
 31.3
Total service, body and parts $265,683
 $217,148
 $48,535
 22.4%
         
Service, body and parts gross profit $132,492
 $104,342
 $28,150
 27.0%
Service, body and parts gross margin 49.9% 48.1% 180 bp
  
         
Same store        
Customer pay $123,001
 $117,904
 $5,097
 4.3%
Warranty 52,836
 52,801
 35
 0.1
Wholesale parts 30,836
 29,844
 992
 3.3
Body shop 14,683
 13,842
 841
 6.1
Total service, body and parts $221,356
 $214,391
 $6,965
 3.2%
         
Service, body and parts gross profit $109,591
 $103,025
 $6,566
 6.4%
Service, body and parts gross margin 49.5% 48.1% 140 bp
  

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase % Increase
(Dollars in thousands) 2017 2016  
Reported        
Customer pay $402,313
 $339,640
 $62,673
 18.5%
Warranty 174,552
 145,747
 28,805
 19.8
Wholesale parts 111,796
 88,710
 23,086
 26.0
Body shop 55,601
 41,991
 13,610
 32.4
Total service, body and parts $744,262
 $616,088
 $128,174
 20.8%
         
Service, body and parts gross profit $368,166
 $299,060
 $69,106
 23.1%
Service, body and parts gross margin 49.5% 48.5% 100 bp  
         
Same store        
Customer pay $358,724
 $338,078
 $20,646
 6.1%
Warranty 152,738
 145,140
 7,598
 5.2
Wholesale parts 92,124
 87,958
 4,166
 4.7
Body shop 44,723
 40,966
 3,757
 9.2
Total service, body and parts $648,309
 $612,142
 $36,167
 5.9%
         
Service, body and parts gross profit $320,345
 $297,185
 $23,160
 7.8%
Service, body and parts gross margin 49.4% 48.5% 90 bp  

parts
We provide service, body and parts for the new vehicle brands sold by our stores, as well as service and repairs for most other makes and models. Our parts and service operations are an integral part of our customer retention and the largest contributor to our overall profitability. Earnings from service, body and parts have historically been more resilient during economic downturns, when owners have tended to repair their existing vehicles rather than buy new vehicles.




Our service, body, and parts salesrevenue grew in all areas in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 20172019, compared to the same periods of 2016. There are2018. The growth experienced in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019, was due to an increase in warranty work and more late-model units in operation as new vehicle sales volumes have been increasing since 2010.operation. We believe this increase inthe increased number of units in operation will


continue to benefit our service, body and parts salesrevenue in the coming years as more late-model vehicles age, and requirenecessitating repairs and maintenance.

We focus on retaining customers by offering competitively-priced routine maintenance and through our marketing efforts. We increasedIn the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019, the largest contributions to our service, body and parts revenue growth were increases of $15.2 million, or 9.1%, and $38.8 million, or 8.1%, respectively, in same store customer pay business 4.3%revenue, compared to the same periods of 2018. Same store warranty revenue grew 11.1% and 6.1%, respectively,14.2% in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 20172019, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2016.
Same store warranty sales increased 0.1%2018. Performance in parts wholesale and 5.2%, respectively,body shop grew 8.0% and 3.8% in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 20172019, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2016. Warranty sales growth slowed in the third quarter of 2017, as compared to the growth experience in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017. This is due to slowing warranty work related to recalls, particularly Honda and Toyota, which had decreases in warranty sales of 39.2% and 14.9%, respectively, in the three month period ended September 30, 2017 and decreases of 14.9% and 11.3%, respectively, in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same periods of 2016. Our domestic and luxury stores offset this trend, resulting in the slight increase for the quarter.2018.
 
The increases in same-store warranty work by segment were as follows:
  Three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same period of 2016 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same period of 2016
Domestic 10.0 % 6.5 %
Import (11.5) (0.3)
Luxury 9.8
 13.8
Same store wholesale parts increased 3.3% and 4.7% in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same periods of 2016. We target independent repair shops, competing new vehicle dealers and wholesale accounts to expand parts sales to other repair shops.
Same store body shop increased 6.1% and 9.2%, respectively, in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same periods of 2016. Our stores have increased production through calculated adjustments to optimize personnel and equipment.

Same store service, body and parts gross profit increased 6.4%11.1% and 7.8%, respectively,11.4% in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 20172019, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2016, which is in line with our revenue growth. Our2018, primarily as a result of higher gross margins increased as our mix has shifted towardtowards customer pay, which has a higher marginmargins than other service.service work.


Segments
Certain financial information by segment is as follows:
  Three Months Ended September 30, Increase (Decrease) % Increase
(Dollars in thousands) 2017 2016  
Revenues:        
Domestic $1,008,310
 $893,156
 $115,154
 12.9%
Import 1,209,955
 983,947
 226,008
 23.0
Luxury 463,518
 392,537
 70,981
 18.1
  2,681,783
 2,269,640
 412,143
 18.2
Corporate and other (1,441) 327
 (1,768) NM
  $2,680,342
 $2,269,967
 $410,375
 18.1%
NM - not meaningful


 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase (Decrease) % Increase Three Months Ended September 30, Increase % Increase
(Dollars in thousands) 2017 2016 
(Dollars in millions) 2019 2018 Increase % Increase
Revenues:             
Domestic $2,863,018
 $2,495,468
 $367,550
 14.7% $1,157.8
 $1,097.8
 $60.0
 5.5%
Import 3,276,667
 2,777,007
 499,660
 18.0
 1,437.7
 1,336.4
 101.3
 7.6
Luxury 1,246,484
 1,111,215
 135,269
 12.2
 729.4
 652.9
 76.5
 11.7
 7,386,169
 6,383,690
 1,002,479
 15.7
 3,324.9
 3,087.1
 237.8
 7.7
Corporate and other (2,690) 2,477
 (5,167) NM
 7.5
 4.9
 2.6
 NM
 $7,383,479
 $6,386,167
 $997,312
 15.6% $3,332.4
 $3,092.0
 $240.4
 7.8%
NM - not meaningful
  Three Months Ended September 30, Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease)
(Dollars in thousands) 2017 2016  
Segment income1:
        
Domestic $31,141
 $32,292
 $(1,151) (3.6)%
Import 36,954
 32,934
 4,020
 12.2
Luxury 7,515
 7,423
 92
 1.2
  75,610
 72,649
 2,961
 4.1
Corporate and other 34,541
 26,794
 7,747
 28.9
Depreciation and amortization (14,828) (12,206) 2,622
 21.5
Other interest expense (9,905) (5,647) 4,258
 75.4
Other income (expense), net 1,125
 (1,513) 2,638
 NM
Income before income taxes $86,543
 $80,077
 $6,466
 8.1 %
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase % Increase
(Dollars in millions) 2019 2018  
Revenues:        
Domestic $3,265.8
 $3,163.6
 $102.2
 3.2%
Import 3,962.3
 3,829.5
 132.8
 3.5
Luxury 2,149.0
 1,846.9
 302.1
 16.4
  9,377.1
 8,840.0
 537.1
 6.1
Corporate and other 26.7
 8.2
 18.5
 NM
  $9,403.8
 $8,848.2
 $555.6
 6.3%
NM - not meaningful

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase % Increase
(Dollars in thousands) 2017 2016  
Segment income1:
        
Domestic $84,440
 $84,420
 $20
 %
Import 91,365
 86,878
 4,487
 5.2
Luxury 22,542
 21,736
 806
 3.7
  198,347
 193,034
 5,313
 2.8
Corporate and other 111,281
 81,881
 29,400
 35.9
Depreciation and amortization (41,598) (36,372) 5,226
 14.4
Other interest expense (23,745) (16,608) 7,137
 43.0
Other income (expense), net 11,357
 (4,534) 15,891
 NM
Income before income taxes $255,642
 $217,401
 $38,241
 17.6%

 NM – Not meaningful
  Three Months Ended September 30, Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease)
(Dollars in millions) 2019 2018  
Segment income1:
        
Domestic $37.9
 $25.3
 $12.6
 49.8 %
Import 48.3
 37.4
 10.9
 29.1
Luxury 13.0
 11.7
 1.3
 11.1
  99.2
 74.4
 24.8
 33.3
Corporate and other 50.6
 66.8
 (16.2) (24.3)
Depreciation and amortization (20.9) (19.6) 1.3
 6.6
Other interest expense (14.8) (15.0) (0.2) (1.3)
Other income, net 3.3
 2.4
 0.9
 NM
Income before income taxes $117.4
 $109.0
 $8.4
 7.7 %

1Segment income for each reportable segment is defined as income before income taxes, depreciation and amortization, other interest expense and other expense, net.
NM – not meaningful


 Three Months Ended September 30, Increase % Increase Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease)
 2017 2016 
Retail new vehicle unit sales:        
(Dollars in millions) 2019 2018 Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease)
Segment income1:
     
Domestic 13,911
 12,735
 1,176
 9.2% $94.1
 $79.5
 $14.6
 18.4 %
Import 26,621
 21,467
 5,154
 24.0
 117.8
 90.6
 27.2
 30.0
Luxury 5,029
 4,287
 742
 17.3
 36.5
 30.5
 6.0
 19.7
 45,561
 38,489
 7,072
 18.4
 248.4
 200.6
 47.8
 23.8
Allocated to management (109) (72) 37
 NM
 45,452
 38,417
 7,035
 18.3%
Corporate and other 129.3
 149.5
 (20.2) (13.5)
Depreciation and amortization (60.9) (55.3) 5.6
 10.1
Other interest expense (45.0) (40.7) 4.3
 10.6
Other income, net 8.9
 5.4
 3.5
 NM
Income before income taxes $280.7
 $259.5
 $21.2
 8.2 %
1Segment income for each reportable segment is defined as income before income taxes, depreciation and amortization, other interest expense and other expense, net.

NM – not meaningful


  Three Months Ended September 30, Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease)
  2019 2018  
Retail new vehicle unit sales:        
Domestic 14,284
 14,695
 (411) (2.8)%
Import 26,994
 27,295
 (301) (1.1)
Luxury 7,342
 6,860
 482
 7.0
  48,620
 48,850
 (230) (0.5)
Allocated to management (112) (60) 52
 NM
  48,508
 48,790
 (282) (0.6)%
NM – Not meaningful

 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase % Increase Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease)
 2017 2016  2019 2018 
Retail new vehicle unit sales:                
Domestic 39,407
 35,176
 4,231
 12.0% 39,569
 42,048
 (2,479) (5.9)%
Import 69,643
 59,581
 10,062
 16.9
 74,180
 78,311
 (4,131) (5.3)
Luxury 13,168
 12,667
 501
 4.0
 20,566
 19,248
 1,318
 6.8
 122,218
 107,424
 14,794
 13.8
 134,315
 139,607
 (5,292) (3.8)
Allocated to management (274) (199) 75
 NM
 (225) (293) (68) NM
 121,944
 107,225
 14,719
 13.7% 134,090
 139,314
 (5,224) (3.7)%
NM – Not meaningful


Domestic
A summary of financial information for our Domestic segment follows:
  Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease)
(Dollars in millions) 2019 2018  
Revenue:        
New vehicle $613.0
 $600.1
 $12.9
 2.1 %
Used vehicle retail 328.1
 288.2
 39.9
 13.8
Used vehicle wholesale 30.3
 37.0
 (6.7) (18.1)
Finance and insurance 48.1
 42.5
 5.6
 13.2
Service, body and parts 122.8
 114.7
 8.1
 7.1
Fleet and other 15.5
 15.3
 0.2
 NM
  $1,157.8
 $1,097.8
 $60.0
 5.5
Segment income $37.9
 $25.3
 $12.6
 49.8
Retail new vehicle unit sales 14,284
 14,695
 (411) (2.8)
  Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease)
(Dollars in thousands) 2017 2016  
Revenue $1,008,310
 $893,156
 $115,154
 12.9 %
Segment income $31,141
 $32,292
 $(1,151) (3.6)
Retail new vehicle unit sales 13,911
 12,735
 1,176
 9.2

NM - not meaningful

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase % Increase
(Dollars in thousands) 2017 2016  
Revenue $2,863,018
 $2,495,468
 $367,550
 14.7%
Segment income $84,440
 $84,420
 $20
 
Retail new vehicle unit sales 39,407
 35,176
 4,231
 12.0


  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease)
(Dollars in millions) 2019 2018  
Revenue:        
New vehicle $1,682.7
 $1,711.2
 $(28.5) (1.7)%
Used vehicle retail 949.6
 836.5
 113.1
 13.5
Used vehicle wholesale 89.5
 104.5
 (15.0) (14.4)
Finance and insurance 137.2
 125.6
 11.6
 9.2
Service, body and parts 359.2
 335.4
 23.8
 7.1
Fleet and other 47.6
 50.4
 (2.8) NM
  $3,265.8
 $3,163.6
 $102.2
 3.2 %
Segment income $94.1
 $79.5
 $14.6
 18.4 %
Retail new vehicle unit sales 39,569
 42,048
 (2,479) (5.9)%
NM - not meaningful

Our Domestic segment revenue increased 12.9%5.5% and 14.7%, respectively,3.2% in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 20172019, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2016. Since September 2016, we acquired five additional domestic brand stores, which contributed2018 due to increases in new vehicle, used vehicle retail, finance and insurance, and service, body and parts sales.revenues.


Our Domestic segment income decreased 3.6%increased 49.8% and was unchanged, respectively,18.4% in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 20172019, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2016. In the three-months ended September 30, 2017, the decrease in segment income was2018, primarily due to gross profitsprofit growth of 14.4%11.3% and 8.5%, in line with revenues,respectively, partially offset by growth in SG&A growth of 17.7% due to expense growth exceeding the rate4.2% and 6.0%, respectively. Total SG&A as a percent of gross profit growth in all categories. Our Domestic segment experienced higher SG&A expenses in all areas. Additionally, floor plan interest expense increased 57.1%, comprised of approximately 26% relateddecreased from 76.0% to increased volume due71.2% for the three-month period and decreased from 75.0% to acquisitions, 9% related to increased volume at existing stores and 22% related to rising interest rates. For73.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, segment income was flat despite growth2019, compared to the same periods of 2018. The decreases for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 were primarily driven by decreases in both revenuepersonnel costs as a percentage of gross profit of 190 bps and 20 bps and decreases in advertising costs as a percentage of gross profit. Growth in SG&A expensesprofit of 18.6%80 bps and floor50 bps, compared to the same periods of 2018. Floor plan interest expense of 39.6% werefor domestic stores increased 2.1% and 10.2%, respectively, due to higher interest rates and increased volume for the main drivers, offsetting all revenue growth resulting in flat segment income overthree and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019, compared to the same periodperiods of 2016.2018.




Import
A summary of financial information for our Import segment follows:
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase % Increase Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease)
(Dollars in thousands) 2017 2016 
Revenue $1,209,955
 $983,947
 $226,008
 23.0%
(Dollars in millions) 2019 2018 Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease)
Revenue:     
New vehicle $824.8
 $787.8
 $37.0
 4.7 %
Used vehicle retail 380.9
 334.6
 46.3
 13.8
Used vehicle wholesale 28.4
 35.2
 (6.8) (19.3)
Finance and insurance 65.2
 60.5
 4.7
 7.8
Service, body and parts 129.2
 114.8
 14.4
 12.5
Fleet and other 9.2
 3.5
 5.7
 NM
 $1,437.7
 $1,336.4
 $101.3
 7.6
Segment income $36,954
 $32,934
 $4,020
 12.2
 $48.3
 $37.4
 $10.9
 29.1
Retail new vehicle unit sales 26,621
 21,467
 5,154
 24.0
 26,994
 27,295
 (301) (1.1)

NM - not meaningful

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase % Increase
(Dollars in thousands) 2017 2016  
Revenue $3,276,667
 $2,777,007
 $499,660
 18.0%
Segment income $91,365
 $86,878
 $4,487
 5.2
Retail new vehicle unit sales 69,643
 59,581
 10,062
 16.9

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease)
(Dollars in millions) 2019 2018  
Revenue:        
New vehicle $2,198.1
 $2,227.4
 $(29.3) (1.3)%
Used vehicle retail 1,085.7
 977.9
 107.8
 11.0
Used vehicle wholesale 85.3
 94.3
 (9.0) (9.5)
Finance and insurance 180.9
 167.1
 13.8
 8.3
Service, body and parts 374.2
 340.8
 33.4
 9.8
Fleet and other 38.1
 22.0
 16.1
 NM
  $3,962.3
 $3,829.5
 $132.8
 3.5 %
Segment income $117.8
 $90.6
 $27.2
 30.0 %
Retail new vehicle unit sales 74,180
 78,311
 (4,131) (5.3)%
 NM - not meaningful

Our Import segment revenue increased 23.0%7.6% and 18.0%, respectively,3.5% in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 20172019, respectively, compared to the same periods of 20162018 due to increases in all major business lines. Since September 2016, we added eight import brand stores.used vehicle retail, finance and insurance, and service, body and parts revenues.


Segment income for our Import segment income increased 12.2%29.1% and 5.2%, respectively,30.0% in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 20172019, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2016. In the three months ended September 30, 2017, the 12.2% growth in segment income was2018 primarily due to gross profitsprofit growth of 22.3%11.9% and 8.8%, in line with revenues,respectively, partially offset by SG&A expense growth of 23.2% mainly related8.1% and 4.7%, respectively. Total import SG&A as a percent of gross profit decreased from 76.4% to rising facility cost.73.8% and from 79.0% to 76.0% for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2018. The decreases for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 were primarily driven by decreases in advertising costs as a percentage of gross profit of 100 bps and 90 bps, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2018. Floor plan interest expense increased 73.6% and was a significant contributor to the slower growth in segment income. Acquisitions, resulting in increased volumes, comprised 27.5% of this increase, increased inventory levels at existingfor import stores increased floor plan interest expense 14.2%5.6% and rising8.7%, respectively, due to higher interest rates and increased volume for the expense 31.9%. For the nine monthsthree and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, segment income grew 5.2% and lagged our revenue growth. Gross profit growth was 16.3% and lagged behind revenue growth for the period. Additionally, growth in SG&A expenses was 17.7%, slightly higher than the growth in gross profit, and floor plan interest expense increased 55.6% due to increased inventory levels and rising interest rates. The net effect of these factors was slower segment income growth2019, compared to revenue growth.the same periods of 2018.


Luxury
A summary of financial information for our Luxury segment follows:
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase % Increase Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase % Increase
(Dollars in thousands) 2017 2016 
Revenue $463,518
 $392,537
 $70,981
 18.1%
(Dollars in millions) 2019 2018 Increase % Increase
Revenue:     
New vehicle $387.0
 $347.6
 $39.4
 11.3 %
Used vehicle retail 206.7
 182.5
 24.2
 13.3
Used vehicle wholesale 16.4
 19.9
 (3.5) (17.6)
Finance and insurance 19.2
 16.4
 2.8
 17.1
Service, body and parts 84.9
 76.9
 8.0
 10.4
Fleet and other 15.2
 9.6
 5.6
 NM
 $729.4
 $652.9
 $76.5
 11.7
Segment income $7,515
 $7,423
 $92
 1.2
 $13.0
 $11.7
 $1.3
 11.1
Retail new vehicle unit sales 5,029
 4,287
 742
 17.3
 7,342
 6,860
 482
 7.0

NM - not meaningful

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase % Increase
(Dollars in thousands) 2017 2016  
Revenue $1,246,484
 $1,111,215
 $135,269
 12.2%
Segment income $22,542
 $21,736
 $806
 3.7
Retail new vehicle unit sales 13,168
 12,667
 501
 4.0


  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase % Increase
(Dollars in millions) 2019 2018  
Revenue:        
New vehicle $1,110.2
 $988.0
 $122.2
 12.4%
Used vehicle retail 596.0
 510.3
 85.7
 16.8
Used vehicle wholesale 59.0
 54.4
 4.6
 8.5
Finance and insurance 54.1
 44.6
 9.5
 21.3
Service, body and parts 248.0
 218.6
 29.4
 13.4
Fleet and other 81.7
 31.0
 50.7
 NM
  $2,149.0
 $1,846.9
 $302.1
 16.4%
Segment income $36.5
 $30.5
 $6.0
 19.7%
Retail new vehicle unit sales 20,566
 19,248
 1,318
 6.8%
NM - not meaningful

Our Luxury segment revenue increased 18.1%11.7% and 12.2%, respectively,16.4% in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 20172019, respectively, compared to the same periods of 20162018 due to increases in all major business lines. New retail units increased 7.0% and 6.8%, and used vehicle retail financeunits increased 13.0% and insurance and service body and parts sales. In the past twelve months, we added five luxury brand stores.


Our Luxury segment income increased 1.2% and 3.7%, respectively,17.7% for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 20172019, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2016. In2018.
Our Luxury segment income increased 11.1% and 19.7% for the three monthsand nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017,2019, respectively, compared to the 1.2% growth in segment income wassame periods of 2018, primarily due to gross profit growth of 21.9%7.9% and 13.7%, respectively, offset by anincreases in SG&A expense increase of 22.7%6.9% and 11.7%, mainly relatedrespectively. Luxury segment gross profit increases for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019, compared to advertising expense.the same periods of 2018, were driven by strong performance in service, body and parts and increases in finance and insurance per unit. Total Luxury SG&A as a percent of gross profit decreased from 81.0% to 80.2% and from 81.9% to 80.5% for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2018. Improvements were seen in all SG&A categories as a percentage of gross profit. Floor plan interest expense increase of 65.2%, which was comprised of 33.1% related to increased volume from acquisitions, 7.8% related to increased volume at existing stores7.3% and 24.3% related to rising interest rates. These factors resulted in slower Luxury segment income growth compared to revenue growth. For25.2% for the nine monthsthree and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, segment income grew 3.7% and lagged our revenue growth for that period. Gross profit growth was 13.5%, slightly better than revenue growth for2019, respectively, compared to the period. This was offset by growth in SG&A expensesame periods of 13.7% and floor plan interest expense growth of 37.3%2018, due to risinghigher interest rates and increasing inventories. These factors resulted in slower segment income growth than revenue growth.increased volume.


Corporate and Other
Revenues attributable to Corporate and other include the results of operations of our stand-alone body shop,shops, offset by certain unallocated reservereserves and elimination adjustments related to vehicle sales.
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease) Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase (Decrease) % Decrease
(Dollars in thousands) 2017 2016 
(Dollars in millions) 2019 2018 Increase (Decrease) % Decrease
Revenue, net $(1,441) $327
 $(1,768) (540.7)% $7.5
 $4.9
 
Segment income $34,541
 $26,794
 $7,747
 28.9
 $50.6
 $66.8
 $(16.2) (24.3)%

NM - not meaningful
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease) Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase (Decrease) % Decrease
(Dollars in thousands) 2017 2016 
(Dollars in millions) 2019 2018 Increase (Decrease) % Decrease
Revenue, net $(2,690) $2,477
 $(5,167) (208.6)% $26.7
 $8.2
 
Segment income $111,281
 $81,881
 $29,400
 35.9
 $129.3
 $149.5
 $(20.2) (13.5)%
NM - not meaningful
 
The decreasesincreases in Corporate and other revenue in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 20172019, compared to the same periods of 20162018 were primarily related to increased finance and insurance incentives received that were not specifically related to any particular segment, and changes to certain reserves that arewere not specifically identified with our domestic, import or luxury segment revenue, such as our reserve for revenue reversals associated with unwound vehicle sales, and elimination of revenues associated with internal corporate vehicle purchases and leases with our stores. Corporate and other revenues were impacted in 2017 from an increase in internal corporate vehicle purchases and leases with our stores resulting in negative revenues for the three and nine month-periods ended September 30, 2017.
 
Segment income attributable to Corporate and other includes amounts associated with the operating income from our stand-alone body shop,shops and certain internal corporate expense allocations that reduce reportable segment income but increase Corporate and


other income. These internal corporate expense allocations are used to increase comparability of our dealerships and reflect the capital burden a stand-alone dealership would experience. Examples of these internal allocations include internal rent expense, internal floor plan financing charges, and internal fees charged to offset employees within our corporate headquarters who perform certain dealership functions. Segment income attributable to Corporate and other also includes gains on the divestiture of stores.


Corporate and other segment income increased $7.7decreased $16.2 million and $29.4$20.2 million respectively, for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 20172019, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2016. These increases were2018, primarily due to the addition of 18 stores in the past twelve months, reduced by certain unusual expenses. The three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 included acquisition expenses of $3.5 million and $5.7 million, respectively, and anincreases to storm insurance reserve charge of $1.7 millioncharges and $5.6 million, respectively, related storm damages. The 2016 results included impairment charges of $3.5 million and $10.5 million, respectively, for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 related to an equity investment.increased personnel costs.


Asset Impairments
Asset impairments consist of the following:
  Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Dollars in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016
Equity-method investment $
 $3,498
 $
 $10,494
  Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Dollars in millions) 2019 2018 2019 2018
Long-lived assets $
 $
 $0.5
 $



TheDuring the first quarter of 2019, we recorded an asset impairments recorded in 2016 wereimpairment of $0.5 million associated with our equity-method investment incertain real properties which were under contract to sell. The long-lived assets were tested for recoverability and were determined to have a limited liability company. We evaluated this equity-method investment at the end of each reporting period and identified indications of loss resulting from other than temporary declines incarrying value exceeding their fair value. We exited this equity-method investment in December 2016. See Note 97 of the Condensed Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.


Selling, General and Administrative Expense (“SG&A”)
SG&A includes salaries and related personnel expenses, advertising (net of manufacturer cooperative advertising credits), rent, facility costs, and other general corporate expenses.
  Three Months Ended September 30, Increase % Increase
(Dollars in thousands) 2017 2016  
Personnel $182,443
 $151,801
 $30,642
 20.2%
Advertising 24,572
 20,110
 4,462
 22.2
Rent 8,768
 6,694
 2,074
 31.0
Facility costs 14,992
 12,488
 2,504
 20.1
Other 51,466
 37,041
 14,425
 38.9
Total SG&A $282,241
 $228,134
 $54,107
 23.7%
 Three Months Ended September 30, Increase Three Months Ended September 30, Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease)
As a % of gross profit 2017 2016 
(Dollars in millions) 2019 2018 Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease)
Personnel 45.3% 45.0% 30bp $236.2
 $213.2
 
Advertising 6.1
 6.0
 10
 28.4
 28.6
 (0.2) (0.7)
Rent 2.2
 2.0
 20
 10.4
 10.5
 (0.1) (1.0)
Facility costs 3.7
 3.7
 
Facility costs1
 19.4
 18.2
 1.2
 6.6
Gain on sale of assets (9.4) (15.8) 6.4
 NM
Other 12.7
 10.9
 180
 58.2
 54.3
 3.9
 7.2
Total SG&A 70.0% 67.6% 240bp $343.2
 $309.0
 $34.2
 11.1 %

1 Includes variable lease costs related to the reimbursement of actual costs incurred by our lessors for common area maintenance, property taxes and insurance on leased property.
NM - not meaningful
  Three Months Ended September 30, Increase (Decrease)
As a % of gross profit 2019 2018 
Personnel 46.2 % 45.7 % 50bp
Advertising 5.5
 6.1
 (60)
Rent 2.0
 2.3
 (30)
Facility costs 3.8
 3.9
 (10)
Gain on sale of assets (1.8) (3.4) 160
Other 11.5
 11.7
 (20)
Total SG&A 67.2 % 66.3 % 90bp

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase % Increase
(Dollars in thousands) 2017 2016  
Personnel $513,439
 $445,053
 $68,386
 15.4%
Advertising 67,516
 59,229
 8,287
 14.0
Rent 23,216
 20,040
 3,176
 15.8
Facility costs 44,371
 30,920
 13,451
 43.5
Other 133,761
 107,524
 26,237
 24.4
Total SG&A $782,303
 $662,766
 $119,537
 18.0%

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase (Decrease)
As a % of gross profit 2017 2016 
Personnel 45.8% 46.0% (20)bp
Advertising 6.0% 6.1% (10)
Rent 2.1% 2.1% 
Facility costs 4.0% 3.2% 80
Other 12.0% 11.2% 80
Total SG&A 69.9% 68.6% 130bp

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease)
(Dollars in millions) 2019 2018  
Personnel $678.2
 $618.9
 $59.3
 9.6 %
Advertising 82.9
 81.7
 1.2
 1.5
Rent 31.1
 33.6
 (2.5) (7.4)
Facility costs1
 57.4
 54.1
 3.3
 6.1
Gain on sale of assets (9.1) (15.4) 6.3
 NM
Other 181.0
 167.0
 14.0
 8.4
Total SG&A $1,021.5
 $939.9
 $81.6
 8.7 %
1 Includes variable lease costs related to the reimbursement of actual costs incurred by our lessors for common area maintenance, property taxes and insurance on leased property.
NM - not meaningful
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase (Decrease)
As a % of gross profit 2019 2018 
Personnel 46.6 % 46.4 % 20bp
Advertising 5.7
 6.1
 (40)
Rent 2.1
 2.5
 (40)
Facility costs 3.9
 4.0
 (10)
Gain on sale of assets (0.6) (1.2) 60
Other 12.5
 12.6
 (10)
Total SG&A 70.2 % 70.4 % (20)bp

SG&A as a percentage of gross profit was 67.2% and 70.2% for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019, respectively, compared to 66.3% and 70.4%, respectively, for the same periods of 2018. SG&A expense increased 23.7%11.1% and 18.0%, respectively,8.7% in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 20172019, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2016.2018. Overall, increases in SG&A expense wereincreased due primarily to personnel costs, driven by growth through acquisitions. Inin gross profits, and storm reserve charges, offset by gains on sale of assets in the three-month periodthree and nine-month periods ended September 30, 20172019 compared to the same period in 2016, increases related to rent expensesperiods of 2018.

On a same store basis and other expenses outpacedexcluding non-core charges, SG&A as a percentage of gross profit was 68.8% and 69.7% for the overall increase. Increased rent expense in the three-month periodthree and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 was a result2019, respectively, compared to 68.9% and 70.7%, respectively, for the same periods of our


recent acquisitions in the current quarter with leased properties. Other expenses in the three-month period ended September 30, 2017 include acquisition expenses of $3.5 million, storm insurance reserve charges of $1.7 million and other reserve adjustments related to our auto loan receivables and medical insurance. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, facility cost and other expenses increased more significantly than other components of SG&A. The increase in facility costs was mainly2018. These decreases were primarily due to lowerreduced rent expense and controlling overall costs as a result of a $3.4 million gain for property-related insurance proceeds and a $1.1 million gain on the sale of stores in the first quarter 2016. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, other expenses included $5.7 million of acquisition expenses, a $5.6 million increase in storm insurance reserve related charges and increases to other reserves related to our auto loan receivables.while growing gross profit.


SG&A expense adjusted for non-core charges was as follows (in thousands)millions):
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase % Increase Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease)
(Dollars in thousands) 2017 2016 
(Dollars in millions) 2019 2018 Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease)
Personnel $182,443
 $151,803
 $30,640
 20.2% $236.2
 $213.2
 
Advertising 24,572
 20,110
 4,462
 22.2
 28.4
 28.6
 (0.2) (0.7)
Rent 8,768
 6,694
 2,074
 31.0
 10.4
 10.5
 (0.1) (1.0)
Adjusted facility costs 14,992
 12,489
 2,503
 20.0
Facility costs1
 19.4
 18.2
 1.2
 6.6
Adjusted gain on sale of assets 
 (0.1) 0.1
 NM
Adjusted other 46,246
 37,038
 9,208
 24.9
 56.9
 54.3
 2.6
 4.8
Adjusted total SG&A $277,021
 $228,134
 $48,887
 21.4% $351.3
 $324.7
 $26.6
 8.2 %
1 Includes variable lease costs related to the reimbursement of actual costs incurred by our lessors for common area maintenance, property taxes and insurance on leased property.
NM - not meaningful



 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase (Decrease)
As a % of gross profit 2017 2016  2019 2018 
Personnel 45.3% 45.0% 30bp 46.2% 45.7% 50bp
Advertising 6.1% 6.0% 10
 5.5
 6.1
 (60)
Rent 2.2% 2.0% 20
 2.0
 2.3
 (30)
Adjusted facility costs 3.7% 3.7% 
Facility costs 3.8
 3.9
 (10)
Adjusted gain on sale of assets 
 
 
Adjusted other 11.4% 10.9% 50
 11.3
 11.6
 (30)
Adjusted total SG&A 68.7% 67.6% 110bp 68.8% 69.6% (80)bp
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase % Increase Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease)
(Dollars in thousands) 2017 2016 
(Dollars in millions) 2019 2018 Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease)
Personnel $513,439
 $445,055
 $68,384
 15.4% $678.2
 $618.9
 
Advertising 67,516
 59,229
 8,287
 14.0% 82.9
 81.7
 1.2
 1.5 %
Rent 23,216
 20,040
 3,176
 15.8% 31.1
 33.6
 (2.5) (7.4)%
Adjusted facility costs 44,371
 32,007
 12,364
 38.6%
Facility costs1
 57.4
 54.1
 3.3
 6.1 %
Adjusted loss on sale of assets 
 0.3
 (0.3) NM
Adjusted other 122,526
 105,616
 16,910
 16.0% 169.6
 162.2
 7.4
 4.6 %
Adjusted total SG&A $771,068
 $661,947
 $109,121
 16.5% $1,019.2
 $950.8
 $68.4
 7.2 %

1 Includes variable lease costs related to the reimbursement of actual costs incurred by our lessors for common area maintenance, property taxes and insurance on leased property.
NM - not meaningful
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase (Decrease) Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase (Decrease)
As a % of gross profit 2017 2016  2019 2018 
Personnel 45.8% 46.0% (20)bp 46.6% 46.4% 20bp
Advertising 6.0% 6.1% (10) 5.7
 6.1
 (40)
Rent 2.1% 2.1% 
 2.1
 2.5
 (40)
Adjusted facility costs 4.0% 3.3% 70
Facility costs 3.9
 4.0
 (10)
Adjusted loss on sale of assets 
 
 
Adjusted other 10.9% 11.0% (10) 11.7
 12.2
 (50)
Adjusted total SG&A 68.8% 68.5% 30bp 70.0% 71.2% (120)bp




Adjusted SG&A forexcludes $1.1 million in storm insurance reserve charges, $0.2 million in acquisition-related expenses, and a $9.4 million net gain on store disposals in the three-month period ended September 30, 2019.

Adjusted SG&A excludes $9.5 million in storm insurance reserve charges, $1.9 million in acquisition-related expenses, and a $9.1 million net gain on store disposals in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019.

Adjusted SG&A excludes a $15.7 million net gain on store disposals in the three months ended September 30, 20172018.

Adjusted SG&A excludes acquisition expenses of $3.5$1.5 million and ain storm insurance reserve charges, $3.3 million of acquisition related charge of $1.7 million. Forexpenses, and a $15.7 million net gain on store disposals in the threenine months ended September 30, 2016 there were no adjustments to SG&A. Adjusted SG&A for the nine month period ended September 30, 2017 excludes $5.7 million of acquisition expense and $5.6 million of storm insurance related charges. In the nine month period ended September 30, 2016 adjusted SG&A excludes a $1.1 million gain for the disposal of stores, offset by a $1.9 million legal reserve adjustment. 2018.

See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for more details.




Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization is comprised of depreciation expense related to buildings, significant remodels or improvements, furniture, tools, equipment, and signage, and amortization of certain intangible assets, including customer lists and non-compete agreements.lists.
 Three Months Ended September 30, Increase % Increase Three Months Ended September 30, Increase % Increase
(Dollars in thousands) 2017 2016 
(Dollars in millions) 2019 2018 Increase % Increase
Depreciation and amortization $14,828
 $12,206
 $2,622
 21.5% $20.9
 $19.6
 
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase % Increase Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase % Increase
(Dollars in thousands) 2017 2016 
(Dollars in millions) 2019 2018 Increase % Increase
Depreciation and amortization $41,598
 $36,372
 $5,226
 14.4% $60.9
 $55.3
 


The increases of 6.6% and 10.1% in depreciation and amortization infor the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 20172019, respectively, compared to the same periods of 20162018 were primarily due to capital expenditures and acquisitions that occurred since September 30, 2016. Our largestin the second and third quarters of 2019. In 2019, we acquired approximately $30 million in depreciable buildings and improvements and invested $91.9 million in capital investments were related to expanding and improving facilities subsequent to the acquisition of stores, as well as investments in improvements at our existing facilities.expenditures. These investments increaseincreased the amount of depreciable assetsdepreciation expense in the three and amortizable expenses. Innine-month periods ended September 30, 2019. See the full year of 2016discussion under “Liquidity and the first nine months of 2017, we had capital expenditures of $100.8 million and $72.2 million, respectively.Capital Resources” for additional information.


Operating Margin
Operating income as a percentage of revenue, or operating margin, was as follows:
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2019 2018 2019 2018
Operating margin 4.0% 4.1% 4.0% 4.0% 4.4% 4.4% 4.0% 3.8%
Operating margin adjusted for non-core charges 1
 4.1% 4.3% 4.2% 4.2% 4.2% 3.9% 4.0% 3.7%

1 See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for more details.
 
Operating margin declined slightlyincreased 10 and 20 basis points in the three monthsand nine-month periods ended September 30, 20172019, respectively, compared to the same periodperiods in 2016 and was consistent with prior year2018. The increases in operating margin for the nine monthsthree and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017. Adjusting for non-core charges, as detailed below2019, were primarily due to overall increases in Non-GAAP Reconciliations, adjusted operatinggross margin declined slightlywhile continuing to integrate recently acquired stores and improvements in the three months ended September 30, 2017our cost structure compared to the same periodperiods in 2016 and was consistent with the prior year for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Our recent acquisitions of the Baierl Auto Group and DTLA Auto Group impacted our operating margin as we continue to integrate these stores into our cost structure. We continue to focus on cost control, which allows us to leverage our cost structure in an environment of improving sales.2018.


Floor Plan Interest Expense and Floor Plan Assistance

 Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  
(Dollars in thousands) 2017 2016 % Change 2017 2016 % Change
(Dollars in millions) 2019 2018 % Change 2019 2018 % Change
Floor plan interest expense (new vehicles) 10,629
 6,186
 71.8% 28,013
 18,304
 53.0% $17.9
 $16.0
 11.9% $55.5
 $45.1
 23.1%




Floor plan interest expense increased $4.4$1.9 million and $9.7$10.4 million respectively, in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 20172019, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2016.2018. The 72%11.9% increase in floor plan interest expense for the three-month period ended September 30, 20172019, compared to the same period in 2016 was due to2018 includes a 31% increase in inventory levels related to acquisitions, a 22% increase in existing store inventory levels, and a 19%1.2% increase related to increasingan increase in same store inventory levels; a 0.6% increase related to acquisition volume, net of divestitures; and a 10.1% increase related to increased LIBOR rates as compared to the same period of 2016.2018. The 53%23.1% increase in floor plan interest expense for the nine-month period ended September 30, 20172019, compared to the same period in 2016 was due to2018 includes a 21%1.2% increase related to acquisitions, an 17% due to increasingthe increase in same store inventory levels at existing stores andlevels; a 15%1.7% increase due to increasingacquisition volume, net of divestitures; and a 20.2% increase related to increased LIBOR rates.rates as compared to the same period of 2018.

Floor plan assistance is provided by manufacturers to support store financing of new vehicle inventory. Under accounting standards, floor plan assistanceinventory and is recorded as a component of new vehicle gross profit when the specific vehicle is sold. However, because manufacturers provide this assistance to offset inventory carrying costs, we believe a comparison of floor plan interest expense to floor plan assistance is a useful measure of the efficiency of our new vehicle sales relative to stocking levels.




The following tables detail the carrying costs for new vehicles and include new vehicle floor plan interest net of floor plan assistance earned.
 Three Months Ended September 30,   % Three Months Ended September 30,   %
(Dollars in thousands) 2017 2016 Change Change
(Dollars in millions) 2019 2018 Change Change
Floor plan interest expense (new vehicles) $10,629
 $6,186
 $4,443
 71.8 % $17.9
 $16.0
 $1.9
 11.9%
Floor plan assistance (included as an offset to cost of sales) (15,130) (12,044) (3,086) 25.6
 (18.3) (17.9) (0.4) 2.2
Net new vehicle carrying costs $(4,501) $(5,858) $1,357
 (23.2)% $(0.4) $(1.9) $1.5
 NM

NM - not meaningful
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   % Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   %
(Dollars in thousands) 2017 2016 Change Change
(Dollars in millions) 2019 2018 Change Change
Floor plan interest expense (new vehicles) $28,013
 $18,304
 $9,709
 53.0 % $55.5
 $45.1
 $10.4
 23.1%
Floor plan assistance (included as an offset to cost of sales) (40,186) (33,614) (6,572) 19.6
 (50.7) (49.6) (1.1) 2.2
Net new vehicle carrying costs $(12,173) $(15,310) $3,137
 (20.5)% $4.8
 $(4.5) $9.3
 NM
NM - Not meaningful


Other Interest Expense
Other interest expense includes interest on debt incurred related to acquisitions, real estate mortgages, our used vehicle inventory financing facility and our revolving line of credit.
 Three Months Ended September 30, Increase % Increase Three Months Ended September 30, Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease)
(Dollars in thousands) 2017 2016 
(Dollars in millions) 2019 2018 Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease)
Mortgage interest $4,964
 $3,787
 $1,177
 31.1
 $6.9
 $7.3
 
Other interest 5,092
 1,939
 3,153
 162.6
 8.5
 8.1
 0.4
 4.9
Capitalized interest (151) (79) 72
 91.1
 (0.6) (0.4) 0.2
 NM
Total other interest expense $9,905
 $5,647
 4,258
 75.4% $14.8
 $15.0
 $(0.2) (1.3)%

NM - not meaningful
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase % Increase Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase % Increase
(Dollars in thousands) 2017 2016 
(Dollars in millions) 2019 2018 Increase % Increase
Mortgage interest $14,049
 $11,034
 $3,015
 27.3% $20.8
 $17.9
 
Other interest 10,040
 5,889
 4,151
 70.5
 26.1
 23.6
 2.5
 10.6
Capitalized interest (344) (315) 29
 9.2
 (1.9) (0.8) 1.1
 NM
Total other interest expense $23,745
 $16,608
 7,137
 43.0% $45.0
 $40.7
 $4.3
 10.6%

NM - not meaningful

The increases of $4.3 million and $7.1 million, respectively, in otherOther interest expense infor the three and nine-month periodsthree-month period ended September 30, 20172019 decreased $0.2 million, as interest rates decreased compared to the same periodsperiod of 2016 were2018. Other interest expense for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019 increased $4.3 million, compared to the same period of 2018, primarily due to higher volumes of borrowing on our credit


facilityincreased interest rates and higher mortgage interest due to additional mortgage financings and increased interest rates. In July 2017, we issued $300 million in 5.25% Senior Notes, which contributed $3.0 million of additional interest expense in the third quarter of 2017.financings.

Other Income (Expense), Net
  Three Months Ended September 30, Increase % Increase
(Dollars in thousands) 2017 2016  
Other Income (Expense), net $1,125
 $(1,513) $2,638
 NM
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Increase % Increase
(Dollars in thousands) 2017 2016  
Other Income (Expense), net $11,357
 $(4,534) $15,891
 NM

Other income (expense), net in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 included a $9.1 million gain related to legal settlements with OEMs recorded in the first quarter of 2017. Other income (expense), net in 2016 included the gains and losses related to equity-method investments, which we exited in December 2016.


Income Tax Provision
Our effective income tax rate was as follows:
  Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  2017 2016 2017 2016
Effective income tax rate 40.0% 32.5% 39.1% 33.0%
Effective income tax rate excluding tax credits generated through our equity-method investment and other non-core items 1
 40.3% 39.3% 39.1% 39.3%

1 See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for more details.
  Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  2019 2018 2019 2018
Effective income tax rate 27.4% 14.6% 27.5% 20.7%
 


Our 2016effective income tax rate was positively affected by new markets tax credits that were generated through our equity-method investment with U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation. Our effective tax rates for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 20172019 were negatively impactedaffected by excess tax deficiencies on stock awards vesting in the current periods and increases in the current state effective tax rate, primarily due to enactment of combined reporting in New Jersey beginning January 1, 2019. We estimate our annual effective tax rate, excluding non-core charges, to be 27.6%.

Our effective income tax rate for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018, was positively affected by the enactment of tax legislation commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”), signed into law on December 22, 2017, which reduced the Federal corporate income tax rate to 21.0%. Our effective income tax rate in the third quarter of 2018 benefited from return to provision adjustments to our income tax receivable and deferred taxes as a result of finalizing calculations supporting our 2017 federal income tax return. These adjustments are the result of tax planning undertaken in 2018 and completed in the third quarter, resulting in changes to certain established tax accounting methods. Additionally, our effective income tax rate in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018, was favorably affected by excess tax benefits related to stock-based compensation and the revaluation of certain acquired deferred tax liabilities, resulting in a lower effective rate than expected for the full year. Partially offsetting these benefits was the negative impact from an increasing presence in states with higher income tax rates. Our effective tax rate forrates, including the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 was favorably impacted by excess tax benefits related to our stock-based compensation as a resultimpact of the adoption of new guidance that was applied prospectively beginning in 2017. See Note 13 of the Condensed Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.New Jersey Assembly Bill 4202.
Excluding the tax credits generated by our equity-method investment and adjusting for other non-core items, our effective tax rate was slightly impacted by the recognition of excess tax benefits related to our stock-based compensation offset by our increasing presence in states with higher state income tax rates.


Non-GAAP Reconciliations
We believe each of the non-GAAP financial measures below improves the transparency of our disclosures, provides a meaningful presentation of our results from the core business operations because they exclude adjustments for items not related to our ongoing core business operations and other non-cash adjustments, and improves the period-to-period comparability of our results from the core business operations. We use these measures in conjunction with GAAP financial measures to assess our business, including our compliance with covenants in our credit facility and in communications with our Board of Directors concerning financial performance. These measures should not be considered an alternative to GAAP measures.



The following tables reconcile certain reported non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP measure from our Consolidated Statements of Operations:Operations.
  Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
(Dollars in Thousands, Except per Share Amounts) As reported Insurance reserves Acquisition expenses Adjusted
Selling, general and administrative $282,241
 $(1,704) $(3,516) $277,021
Operating income 105,952
 1,704
 3,516
 111,172
         
Income before income taxes $86,543
 $1,704
 $3,516
 $91,763
Income tax provision (34,657) (943) (1,380) (36,980)
Net income $51,886
 $761
 $2,136
 $54,783
         
Diluted net income per share $2.07
 $0.03
 $0.08
 $2.18
Diluted share count 25,076
      
  Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) As reported Equity-method investment Adjusted
Asset impairment $3,498
 $(3,498) $
Operating income 93,423
 3,498
 96,921
Other income (expense) (1,513) 2,066
 553
       
Income before income taxes $80,077
 $5,564
 $85,641
Income tax provision (26,036) (7,592) (33,628)
Net income (loss) $54,041
 $(2,028) $52,013
       
Diluted net income (loss) per share $2.14
 $(0.08) $2.06
Diluted share count 25,290
    


 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) As reported Insurance reserves Acquisition expenses OEM settlement Adjusted
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) As reported Acquisition expenses Net disposal gain on sale of stores Insurance reserves Adjusted
Selling, general and administrative $782,303
 $(5,582) $(5,653) $
 $771,068
 $343.2
 $(0.2) $9.4
 $(1.1) $351.3
Operating income 296,043
 5,582
 5,653
 
 307,278
Other (expense) income, net 11,357
 
 
 (9,111) 2,246
Operating income (loss) 146.8
 0.2
 (9.4) 1.1
 138.7
         

          
Income (loss) before income taxes $255,642
 $5,582
 $5,653
 $(9,111) $257,766
 $117.4
 $0.2
 $(9.4) $1.1
 $109.3
Income tax (provision) benefit (99,829) (2,174) (2,201) 3,423
 (100,781) (32.2) (0.1) 2.7
 (0.3) (29.9)
Net income (loss) $155,813
 $3,408
 $3,452
 $(5,688) $156,985
 $85.2
 $0.1
 $(6.7) $0.8
 $79.4
                    
Diluted net income (loss) per share $6.19
 $0.14
 $0.14
 $(0.23) $6.24
 $3.64
 $
 $(0.28) $0.03
 $3.39
Diluted share count 25,158
         23.4
        





 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) As reported Disposal gain on sale of stores Equity-method investment Legal reserve adjustment Adjusted
Asset impairment $10,494
 $
 $(10,494) $
 $
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) As reported Net disposal gain on sale of stores Tax attributes Adjusted
Selling, general and administrative 662,766
 1,087
 
 (1,906) 661,947
 $309.0
 $15.7
 $
 $324.7
Operating Income (expense) 256,847
 (1,087) 10,494
 1,906
 268,160
Other (expense) income, net (4,534) 
 6,197
 
 1,663
Operating income (loss) 137.6
 (15.7) 
 121.9
         

        
Income (loss) before income taxes $217,401
 $(1,087) $16,691
 $1,906
 $234,911
 $109.0
 $(15.7) $
 $93.3
Income tax (provision) benefit (71,662) 426
 (20,374) (747) (92,357) (15.9) 4.1
 (12.8) (24.6)
Net income (loss) $145,739
 $(661) $(3,683) $1,159
 $142,554
 $93.1
 $(11.6) $(12.8) $68.7
                  
Diluted net income (loss) per share $5.69
 $(0.03) $(0.14) $0.05
 $5.57
 $3.84
 $(0.48) $(0.53) $2.83
Diluted share count 25,598
         24.3
      




  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) As reported Acquisition expenses Net disposal gain on sale of stores Insurance reserves Asset impairments Adjusted
Asset impairment $0.5
 $
 $
 $
 $(0.5) $
Selling, general and administrative 1,021.5
 (1.9) 9.1
 (9.5) 
 1,019.2
Operating income (loss) 372.3
 1.9
 (9.1) 9.5
 0.5
 375.1
            

Income (loss) before income taxes $280.7
 $1.9
 $(9.1) $9.5
 $0.5
 $283.5
Income tax (provision) benefit (77.2) (0.5) 2.6
 (2.6) (0.1) (77.8)
Net income (loss) $203.5
 $1.4
 $(6.5) $6.9
 $0.4
 $205.7
             
Diluted net income (loss) per share $8.72
 $0.06
 $(0.28) $0.29
 $0.02
 $8.81
Diluted share count 23.3
          
  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) As reported Net disposal gain on sale of stores Acquisition expenses Insurance reserves Tax attributes Adjusted
Selling, general and administrative $939.9
 $15.7
 $(3.3) $(1.5) $
 $950.8
Operating income (loss) 339.9
 (15.7) 3.3
 1.5
 
 329.0
             
Income (loss) before income taxes $259.5
 $(15.7) $3.3
 $1.5
 $
 $248.6
Income tax (provision) benefit (53.7) 4.1
 (0.9) (0.4) (14.2) (65.1)
Net income (loss) $205.8
 $(11.6) $2.4
 $1.1
 $(14.2) $183.5
             
Diluted net income (loss) per share $8.31
 $(0.47) $0.10
 $0.04
 $(0.57) $7.41
Diluted share count 24.8
          

Liquidity and Capital Resources
We manage our liquidity and capital resources to fund our operating, investing and financing activities. We rely primarily on cash flows from operations and borrowings under our credit facilities or in capital markets as the main sources for liquidity. We use those funds to invest in capital expenditures, increase working capital and fulfill contractual obligations. Remaining funds are used for acquisitions, investment in innovation, debt retirement, cash dividends, share repurchases and general business purposes.
 
Available Sources
Below is a summary of our immediately available funds:
  As of September 30, Increase % Increase
(Dollars in thousands) 2017 2016  
Cash and cash equivalents $38,577
 $24,116
 $14,461
 60.0%
Available credit on the credit facilities 268,831
 122,138
 146,693
 120.1
Total current available funds 307,408
 146,254

161,154
 110.2
Estimated funds from unfinanced real estate 211,379
 193,247
 18,132
 9.4
Total estimated available funds $518,787
 $339,501

$179,286
 52.8%
Cash flows generated by operating activities and borrowings under our credit facility and other types of debt are our most significant sources of liquidity. WeAs of September 30, 2019, we had $27.1 million in cash and $249.5 million in availability under our credit facility. In addition, we also have the ability to raise funds through mortgaging real estate. As of September 30, 2017,2019, over 40% of our unencumbered owned operating real estate had a book value of $282 million.is currently unfinanced. Assuming we can obtain financing on 75% of this value, we estimate we could have obtained additional fundsthese operating properties, our real estate, cash and availability under our credit facility, provide us with total potential liquidity of approximately $211 million at September 30, 2017;over $500 million; however, no assurances can be provided that the appraised value of these operating properties will match or exceed their book values or that this capital source will be available on terms acceptable to us.
 
In July 2017, we issued $300 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.25% senior notes due 2025 in a private placement under Rule 144A and Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933. We used the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, including funding acquisitions, capital expenditures and debt repayment.

In addition to the above sources of liquidity, potential sources include the placement of subordinated debt or loans, the sale of equity securities and the sale of stores or other assets. We evaluate all of these options and may select one or more of them depending on overall capital needs and the availability and cost of capital, although no assurances can be provided that these capital sources will be available in sufficient amounts or with terms acceptable to us.
 




Information about our cash flows, by category, is presented in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The following table summarizes our cash flows:
 Nine Months Ended September 30, Increase (Decrease) Nine Months Ended September 30, Increase (Decrease)
(Dollars in thousands) 2017 2016 in Cash Flow
(Dollars in millions) 2019 2018 in Cash Flow
Net cash provided by operating activities $260,536
 $194,240
 $66,296
 $453.5
 $379.2
 $74.3
Net cash used in investing activities (464,917) (289,484) (175,433) (199.7) (514.6) 314.9
Net cash provided by financing activities 192,676
 74,352
 118,324
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (258.3) 109.5
 (367.8)
 
Operating Activities
Cash provided by operating activities for the nine monthsnine-month period ended September 30, 20172019, increased $66.3$74.3 million compared to the same period of 2016,2018, primarily related to changesan increase in inventory.floor plan notes payable related to our floor plan credit facility with Chrysler Capital, offset by an increase in cash payments related to accrued liabilities, compared to the same period of 2018.
 
In the second quarter of 2019, we entered into a floor plan credit facility with Chrysler Capital. This facility provides floor plan financing for new vehicle inventory at certain Chrysler locations. As this facility is provided through a manufacturer partner, we classify these changes as an operating activity. During the second quarter of 2019, we reclassified $52.0 million from financing activities to operating activities as these funds were used to pay off our Chrysler inventory previously floored under our syndicated line.

Borrowings from and repayments to our syndicated lending group related to our new vehicle inventory floor plan financing are presented as financing activities. To better understand the impact of changes in inventory and the associated financing, we also consider our adjusted net cash provided by operating activities to include borrowings or repayments associated with our new vehicle floor plan credit facility.


Adjusted net cash provided by operating activities is presented below (in thousands)millions):
 Nine Months Ended September 30, Increase (Decrease) Nine Months Ended September 30, Increase (Decrease)
(Dollars in thousands) 2017 2016 in Cash Flow
(Dollars in millions) 2019 2018 in Cash Flow
Net cash provided by operating activities – as reported $260,536
 $194,240
 $66,296
 $453.5
 $379.2
 $74.3
Add: Net borrowings on floor plan notes payable, non-trade 34,056
 93,817
 (59,761)
Add: Net (repayments) borrowings on floor plan notes payable, non-trade (114.0) 61.7
 (175.7)
Less: Borrowings on floor plan notes payable, non-trade associated with acquired new vehicle inventory (85,527) (88,147) 2,620
 (46.0) (120.9) 74.9
Net cash provided by operating activities – adjusted $209,065

$199,910

$9,155
 $293.5

$320.0

$(26.5)

Inventories are the most significant component of our cash flow from operations. As of September 30, 2017,2019, our new vehicle daysdays’ supply was 69,77, or six days higher than our days’ supply as of December 31, 2018. Our days’ supply of used vehicles was 67 days as of September 30, 2019, or one day higher than our daysdays’ supply as of December 31, 2016. Our days supply of used vehicles was 63 days as of September 30, 2017, or seven days higher than our days supply as of December 31, 2016.2018. We calculate daysdays’ supply of inventory based on current inventory levels, excluding in-transit vehicles, and a 30-day historical cost of sales level. We have continued to focus on managing our unit mix and maintaining an appropriate level of new and used vehicle inventory.
 
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities totaled $464.9$199.7 million and $289.5$514.6 million, respectively, for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 20172019 and 2016. Cash flows from investing activities relate primarily to capital expenditures, acquisition and divestiture activity and sales of property and equipment.2018.
 
Below are highlights of significant activity related to our cash flows from investing activities:
 Nine Months Ended September 30, Increase (Decrease) Nine Months Ended September 30, Increase
(Dollars in thousands) 2017 2016 in Cash Flow
(Dollars in millions) 2019 2018 in Cash Flow
Capital expenditures $(72,174) $(81,363) $9,189
 $(91.9) $(113.4) $21.5
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired (400,558) (199,435) (201,123) (142.8) (374.0) 231.2
Cash paid for other investments (7,929) (22,279) 14,350
 (6.7) (62.1) 55.4
Proceeds from sales of stores 3,417
 11,837
 (8,420) 40.9
 32.9
 8.0






Capital Expenditures
Below is a summary of our capital expenditure activities:
 Nine Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands) 2017 2016
(Dollars in millions) 2019 2018
Post-acquisition capital improvements $19,893
 $37,714
 $27.6
 $43.1
Facilities for open points 714
 32
 
 8.5
Purchases of previously leased facilities 
 27,381
Purchase of facilities for existing operations 2.5
 18.3
Existing facility improvements 26,400
 11,810
 39.4
 16.9
Maintenance 25,167
 4,426
 22.4
 26.6
Total capital expenditures $72,174
 $81,363
 $91.9
 $113.4
 
Many manufacturers provide assistance in the form of additional incentives or assistance if facilities meet specified standards and requirements. We expect that certain facility upgrades and remodels will generate additional manufacturer incentive payments. Also, tax laws allowing accelerated deductions for capital expenditures reduce the overall investment needed and encourage accelerated project timelines.timeliness.
 
We expect to use a portion of our future capital expenditures to upgrade facilities that we recently acquired. This additional capital investment is contemplated in our initial evaluation of the investment return metrics applied to each acquisition and is usually associated with manufacturer standards and requirements. The decrease in capital expenditures for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019, compared to the same period of 2018 related primarily to lower post-acquisition capital improvements due to fewer acquisition related activities.


If we undertake a significant capital commitment in the future, we expect to pay for the commitment out of existing cash balances, construction financing and borrowings on our credit facility. Upon completion of the projects, we believe we would have the ability to secure long-term financing and general borrowings from third party lenders for 70% to 90% of the amounts expended, although no assurances can be provided that these financings will be available to us in sufficient amounts or on terms acceptable to us.

We expect to make expenditures of approximately $93 million in 2017 for capital improvements at recently acquired stores, purchases of land for expansion of existing stores, facility image improvements, purchases of store facilities, purchases of previously leased facilities and replacement of equipment.
 
Acquisitions
We focus on acquiring stores at attractive purchase prices that meet our return thresholds and strategic objectives. We look for acquisitions that diversify our brand and geographic mix as we continue to evaluate our portfolio to minimize exposure to any one manufacturer and achieve financial returns.
 
We are able to subsequently floor new vehicle inventory acquired as part of an acquisition; however, the cash generated by this transaction is recorded as borrowings on floor plan notes payable, non-trade.


Adjusted net cash paid for acquisitions, as well as certain other acquisition-related information is presented below:
 Nine Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 2019 2018
Number of stores acquired 15
 13
 4
 17
Number of stores opened 1
 1
 
 1
Number of franchises added 
 1
 2
 
        
(Dollars in thousands)    
(Dollars in millions)    
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired $400,558
 $199,435
 $142.8
 $374.0
Less: Borrowings on floor plan notes payable: non-trade associated with acquired new vehicle inventory (85,527) (88,147) (46.0) (120.9)
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired – adjusted $315,031
 $111,288
 $96.8
 $253.1
 
We evaluate potential capital investments primarily based on targeted rates of return on assets and return on our net equity investment.






Financing Activities
Net cash (used in) provided or (used) inby financing activities, adjusted for borrowing on floor plan facilities: non-trade was as follows:
  Nine Months Ended September 30, Increase
(Dollars in thousands) 2017 2016 in Cash Flow
Cash provided in financing activities, as reported $192,676
 $74,352
 $118,324
Adjust: Repayments (borrowings) on floor plan notes payable: non-trade (34,056) (93,817) 59,761
Cash provided (used) in financing activities – adjusted $158,620
 $(19,465) $178,085
  Nine Months Ended September 30, Increase (Decrease)
(Dollars in millions) 2019 2018 in Cash Flow
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities, as reported $(258.3) $109.5
 $(367.8)
Adjust: Borrowings (repayments) on floor plan notes payable: non-trade 114.0
 (61.7) 175.7
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities – adjusted $(144.3) $47.8
 $(192.1)

Below are highlights of significant activity related to our cash flows from financing activities, excluding net borrowings on floor plan notes payable: non-trade, which are discussed above:
  Nine Months Ended September 30, Increase (Decrease)
(Dollars in thousands) 2017 2016 in Cash Flow
Net (repayments) borrowings on lines of credit $(126,853) $97,129
 $(223,982)
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital leases, unscheduled (46,471) (5,903) (40,568)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 395,905
 22,816
 373,089
Repurchases of common stock (31,521) (108,597) 77,076
Dividends paid (19,803) (17,823) (1,980)
Borrowing and Repayment Activity
During the first nine months of 2017, we raised net proceeds of $349.4 million from our Senior Notes offering and real estate mortgage debt. We used the funds to pay down our outstanding balances on our long-term debt and our lines of credit, acquire stores and fund repurchases of common stock. Our debt to total capital ratio, excluding floor plan notes payable, was 49.5% at September 30, 2017 compared to 46.5% at September 30, 2016.
  Nine Months Ended September 30, Increase (Decrease)
(Dollars in millions) 2019 2018 in Cash Flow
Net (repayments) borrowings on lines of credit $(62.6) $104.3
 $(166.9)
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital leases, unscheduled (11.0) (5.3) (5.7)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 
 62.1
 (62.1)
Repurchases of common stock (3.1) (81.6) 78.5
Dividends paid (20.7) (21.0) 0.3
Other financing activity (36.5) 
 (36.5)
  
Equity Transactions
On February 25, 2016, our BoardIn May 2019, we entered into a structured repurchase agreement involving the use of Directors authorizedcapped call options for the repurchase of up to $250 millionpurchase of our Class A common stock. We repurchasedpaid a totalfixed sum upon execution of 342,300 sharesthe agreement in exchange for the right to receive either a pre-determined amount of cash or stock. Upon expiration of the agreement, if the closing market price of our Class A common stock at an averageis above the pre-determined price, we will have our initial investment returned with a premium in either cash or shares (at our election). If the closing market price of $92.08 per shareour common stock is at or below the pre-determined price, we will receive the number of shares specified in the first nine monthsagreement. We paid net premiums of 2017. This included 310,000 shares$36.5 million in the second quarter of 2019 to enter into this agreement, which was recorded as parta reduction of the repurchase plan at an average price per share of $91.33additional paid-in-capital and 32,300 shares related to tax withholding on vesting RSUs at an average price of $99.33.retained earnings. As of September 30, 2017, we had $164.8 million remaining available for repurchases and2019, the authorization does not have an expiration date.options were outstanding.

In the first nine months of 2017,2019, we declared and paid dividends on our Class A and Class B common stock as follows:
Dividend paid: 
Dividend amount
per share
 
Total amount of dividend
(in thousands)
March 2017 $0.25
 $6,292
May 2017 $0.27
 $6,760
August 2017 $0.27
 $6,751
Dividend paid: 
Dividend amount
per share
 
Total amount of dividend
(in millions)
March 2019 $0.29
 $6.7
May 2019 $0.30
 $7.0
August 2019 $0.30
 $7.0
 
We evaluate performance and make a recommendation to the Board of Directors on dividend payments on a quarterly basis.
 




Summary of Outstanding Balances on Credit Facilities and Long-Term Debt
Below is a summary of our outstanding balances on credit facilities and long-term debt:
 As of September 30, 2017  As of September 30, 2019 
(Dollars in thousands) Outstanding Remaining Available  
(Dollars in millions) Outstanding Remaining Available  
Floor plan note payable: non-trade $1,598,111
 $
 
1 
 $1,594.5
 $
 
1 
Floor plan notes payable 114,833
 
   407.5
 
  
Used vehicle inventory financing facility 5,000
 45,000
 
2 
 332.0
 
 
2 
Revolving lines of credit 221,654
 223,831
 
2, 3 
 69.0
 249.5
 
2, 3 
Real estate mortgages 476,559
 
 
  
 585.1
 
 
  
5.25% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2025 300,000
 
  300.0
 
 
Other debt 12,699
 
 
  
 33.5
 
 
  
Total debt outstanding 2,728,856
 268,831
   3,321.6
 249.5
  
Less: unamortized debt issuance costs (6,960) 
  (5.5) 
 
Total debt $2,721,896
 $268,831
  $3,316.1
 $249.5
 

1 As of September 30, 2017,2019, we had a $1.9$2.0 billion new vehicle floor plan commitment as part of our credit facility.
2 The amount available on the credit facility is limited based on a borrowing base calculation and fluctuates monthly.
3 Available credit is based on the borrowing base amount effective as of August 31, 2017.2019. This amount is reduced by $8.3$16.1 million for outstanding letters of credit.


Credit Facility
On August 1, 2017, we amended our existing credit facility to increase the total financing commitment by $350 million to $2.4 billion and extend the maturity to August 2022. ThisOur syndicated credit facility is comprised of 1820 financial institutions, including seven manufacturer-affiliated finance companies. Under our credit facility we are permittedcompanies, with a maturity date of July 2023.

We have the option to allocatereallocate the total financing commitment amongcommitments, provided that the used vehicle inventory floor plan financing forcommitment does not exceed 16.5% of aggregate commitments, the revolving loan commitment does not exceed 18.75% of aggregate commitments, and the sum of these commitments plus the new vehicle inventory floor plan financing for used vehicles (upcommitment does not exceed the aggregate total financing commitment of $2.6 billion. Additionally, we may request an increase in the aggregate new vehicle floor plan commitment of up to a maximum of 16.5% of$400 million provided that the total aggregate commitment) and revolving financing for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions and working capital (up to a maximum of 18.75% of the total commitment). Our credit facility may be expanded to $2.75 billion total availability, subject to lender approval.commitment does not exceed $3.0 billion. All borrowings from, and repayments to, our lending group are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as financing activities.


Our obligations under our revolving syndicated credit facility are secured by a substantial amount of our assets, including our inventory (including new and used vehicles, parts and accessories), equipment, accounts receivable (and other rights to payment) and our equity interests in certain of our subsidiaries. Under our revolving syndicated credit facility, our obligations relating to new vehicle floor plan loans are secured only by collateral owned by borrowers of new vehicle floor plan loans under the credit facility.

We have the ability to deposit up to $50 million in cash in Principal Reduction (PR) accounts associated with our new vehicle inventory floor plan commitment. The PR accounts are recognized as offsetting credits against outstanding amounts on our new vehicle floor plan commitment and would reduce interest expense associated with the outstanding principal balance. As of September 30, 2017, we had no balances in our PR accounts.

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


The interest rate on the credit facility, as amended, varies based on the type of debt, with the rate of one-month LIBOR plus 1.25% for new vehicle floor plan financing, one-month LIBOR plus 1.50% for used vehicle floor plan financing;financing and a variable interest rate on the revolving financing ranging from the one-month LIBOR plus 1.25% to 2.50%,2.25% depending on our leverage ratio. The annual interest rate associated with our new vehicle floor plan commitment was 2.48%3.28% at September 30, 2017.2019. The annual interest rate associated with our used vehicle inventory financing facility and our revolving line of credit was 2.73% and 2.48%, respectively,3.53% at September 30, 2017.2019.


Under the terms of our credit facility we are subject to financial covenants and restrictive covenants that limit or restrict our incurring additional indebtedness, making investments, selling or acquiring assets and granting security interests in our assets.




Under our credit facility, we are required to maintain the ratios detailed in the following table:
Debt Covenant Ratio Requirement As of September 30, 20172019
Current ratio Not less than 1.10 to 1 1.321.28 to 1
Fixed charge coverage ratio Not less than 1.20 to 1 2.822.36 to 1
Leverage ratio Not more than 5.00 to 1 2.932.51 to 1
 


As of September 30, 2017,2019, we were in compliance with all covenants. We expect to remain in compliance with the financial and restrictive covenants in our credit facility and other debt agreements. However, no assurances can be provided that we will continue to remain in compliance with the financial and restrictive covenants.


If we do not meet the financial and restrictive covenants and are unable to remediate or cure the condition or obtain a waiver from our lenders, a breach would give rise to remedies under the agreement, the most severe of which are the termination of the agreement, acceleration of the amounts owed and the seizure and sale of our assets comprising the collateral for the loans. A breach would also trigger cross-defaults under other debt agreements.


Although we refer to the lenders’ obligations to make loans as “commitments,” each lender’s obligations to make any loan or other credit accommodations under the revolving syndicated credit facility is subject to the satisfaction of the conditions precedent specified in the credit agreement including, for example, that our representations and warranties in the agreement are true and correct in all material respects as of the date of each credit extension. If we are unable to satisfy the applicable conditions precedent, we may not be able to request new loans or other credit accommodations under our revolving syndicated credit facility.

Other Lines of Credit
During 2019 we entered into a revolving line of credit agreement with Chrysler Capital, a program of Chrysler Group LLC and Santander Consumer USA. The revolving line of credit includes a commitment of up to $20.0 million, secured by certain assets from select Chrysler locations. The interest rate on this revolving line is equal to the one-month LIBOR rate plus 1.50%. Along with this new line with Chrysler Capital, we have a revolving line of credit with Ford Motor Credit Company, bringing our other lines of credit to a total financing commitment of $80.0 million. These other lines of credit mature in 2021 and have interest rates up to 7.58%. As of September 30, 2019, no amounts were outstanding on these other lines of credit.

Floor Plan Notes Payable
We have floor plan agreements with manufacturer-affiliated finance companies for certain new vehicles at certain stores and vehicles that are designated for use as service loaners. During 2019 we entered into a floor plan agreement with Chrysler Capital. This facility provides floor plan financing for new vehicle inventory at select Chrysler locations. The variable interest rates on these floor plan notes payable commitments vary by manufacturer. Atmanufacturer and are variable rates. As of September 30, 2017, $114.82019, $407.5 million was outstanding on these arrangements.agreements at interest rates ranging up to 7.00%. Borrowings from, and repayments to, manufacturer-affiliated finance companies are classified as operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Real Estate Mortgages and Other Debt
We have mortgages associated with our owned real estate. Interest rates related to this debt ranged from 3.0% to 5.3% at September 30, 2019. The mortgages are payable in various installments through August 1, 2038. As of September 30, 2019, we had fixed interest rates on 72% of our outstanding mortgage debt.
Our other debt, which totaled $33.5 million at September 30, 2019, includes finance leases and sellers’ notes. See Note 10 of the Condensed Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on finance leases.

5.25% Senior Notes Due 2025
On July 24, 2017, we issued $300 million in aggregate principleprincipal amount of 5.25% Senior Notes due 2025 ("the Notes"(“Notes”) to eligible purchasers in a private placement under Rule 144A and Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933. Interest accrues on the Notes from July 24, 2017 and is payable semiannually on February 1 and August 1. The first interest payment is due on February 1, 2018. We may redeem the Notes in whole or in part at any time prior to August 1, 2020 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus a make-whole premium set forth in the Indenture and accrued and unpaid interest. After August 1, 2020, we may redeem some or all of the Notes subject to the redemption prices set forth in the Indenture. If we experience specific kinds of changes of control, as described in the Indenture, we must offer to repurchase the Notes at 101% of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase.


We paid $5.0 million of underwriting and other fees in connection with this issuance, which is being amortized as interest expense over the term of the Notes. The Notes will beare fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior unsecured basis by each of our existing and future restricted subsidiaries that is a borrower under, or that guarantees obligations under, our credit facility or other indebtedness. The terms of the Notes, in certain circumstances, may restrict our ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends, repurchase our common stock, or merge, consolidate or sell all or substantially all our assets.


We used the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, which included funding acquisitions, capital expenditures, and debt repayment.


Real Estate Mortgages and Other Debt

We have mortgages associated with our owned real estate. Interest rates related to this debt ranged from 3.0% to 5.0% at September 30, 2017. The mortgages are payable in various installments through October 2034. As of September 30, 2017, we had fixed interest rates on 78% of our outstanding mortgage debt.
Our other debt includes capital leases and sellers’ notes. The interest rates associated with our other debt ranged from 3.1% to 8.0% at September 30, 2017. This debt, which totaled $12.7 million at September 30, 2017, is due in various installments through December 2050.


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


Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates
There have been no material changes in the critical accounting policies and use of estimates described in our 20162018 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2017. 22, 2019.


See also Note 1 and Note 10 of the Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information including the impact of our January 1, 2019 adoption of Topic 842 - Leases and related updates.

Seasonality and Quarterly Fluctuations
Historically, our sales have been lower in the first quarter of each year due to consumer purchasing patterns and inclement weather in certain of our markets. As a result, financial performance is expected to be lower during the first quarter than during the second, third and fourth quarters of each fiscal year. We believe that interest rates, levels of consumer debt, consumer confidence and manufacturer sales incentives, as well as general economic conditions, also contribute to fluctuations in sales and operating results.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
 
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
There have been no material changes in our reported market risks or risk management policies since the filing of our 20162018 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2017.22, 2019.


Item 4.Controls and Procedures
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We evaluated, with the participation and under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and that such information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.
 
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our lastmost recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.



PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.Legal Proceedings


See Note 11We are party to numerous legal proceedings arising in the normal course of our business. Although we do not anticipate that the Condensed Notes toresolution of legal proceedings arising in the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.normal course of business will have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows, we cannot predict this with certainty.


Item 1A.Risk Factors
 
TheThere have been no material changes from the risk factors below are modified from those that are includedpreviously disclosed in our 20162018 Annual Report on Form 10-K which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2017 to account for our recent note placement and the expansion of our credit facility.10-K. The information in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the risk factors and information disclosed in that report.

Our indebtedness and lease obligations could materially adversely affect our financial health, limit our ability to finance future acquisitions and capital expenditures and prevent us from fulfilling our financial obligations. Much of our debt is secured by a substantial portion of our assets. Much of our debt has a variable interest rate component that may significantly increase our interest costs in a rising rate environment.



Our indebtedness and lease obligations could have important consequences to us, including the following:
limitations on our ability to complete acquisitions;
impaired ability to obtain additional financing for acquisitions, capital expenditures, working capital or general corporate purposes;
reduced funds available for our operations and other purposes, as a larger portion of our cash flow from operations would be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness; and
exposure to the risk of increasing interest rates as certain borrowings are, and will continue to be, at variable rates of interest.

In addition, our loan agreements and the indenture governing our 5.25% notes due in 2025 contain covenants that limit our discretionreport, which was filed with respect to business matters, including incurring additional debt, granting additional security interests in our assets, acquisition activity, disposing of assets and other business matters. Other covenants are financial in nature, including current ratio, fixed charge coverage and leverage ratio calculations. A breach of any of these covenants could result in a default under the applicable agreement. In addition, a default under one agreement could result in a default and acceleration of our repayment obligations under the other agreements under the cross-default provisions in such other agreements. For example, a default under our $2.4 billion syndicated credit facility could trigger a default and acceleration of our repayment obligations under the indenture governing our $300 million aggregate principal amount 5.25% Notes due in 2025, and vice versa.

We have granted in favor of certain of our lenders and other secured parties, including those under our $2.4 billion revolving syndicated credit facility, a security interest in a substantial portion of our assets. If we default on our obligations under those agreements, the secured parties may be able to foreclose upon their security interests and otherwise be entitled to obtain or control those assets.

Certain debt agreements contain subjective acceleration clauses based on a lender deeming itself insecure or if a “material adverse change” in our business has occurred. If these clauses are implicated, and the lender declares that an event of default has occurred, the outstanding indebtedness could become immediately due and owing.

If these events were to occur, we may not be able to pay our debts or borrow sufficient funds to refinance them. Even if new financing were available, it may not be on terms acceptable to us. As a result of this risk, we could be forced to take actions that we otherwise would not take, or not take actions that we otherwise might take, in order to comply with these agreements.

In addition, the lenders’ obligations to make certain loans or other credit accommodations under our credit facility is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions precedent including, for example, that our representations and warranties in the agreement and related loan documents are true and correct in all material respects as of the date of the proposed credit extension. If any of our representations and warranties in those agreements are not true and correct in all material respects as of the date of a proposed credit extension, or if other conditions precedent are not satisfied, we may not be able to request new loans or other credit accommodations under those credit facilities, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Additionally, our real estate debt generally has a five to ten-year term, after which the debt needs to be renewed or replaced. A decline in the appraised value of real estate or a reduction in the loan-to-value lending ratios for new or renewed real estate loans could result in our inability to renew maturing real estate loans at the debt level existing at maturity, or on terms acceptable to us, requiring us to find replacement lenders or to refinance at lower loan amounts.

As of September 30, 2017, approximately 86% of our total debt was variable rate. The majority of our variable rate debt is indexed to the one-month LIBOR rate. The current interest rate environment is at historically low levels, and interest rates will likely increase in the future. In the event interest rates increase, our borrowing costs may increase substantially. Additionally, fixed rate debt that matures may be renewed at interest rates significantly higher than current levels. As a result, this could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

We may not be able to satisfy our debt obligations upon the occurrence of a change in control or another event of default under our credit agreement or indenture.

Upon the occurrence of a change in control or another event of default as defined in our credit agreement, the agent under the credit agreement will have the right to declare all outstanding obligations immediately due and payable and to terminate the availability of future advances to us. There can be no assurance that we would have sufficient resources available to satisfy all of our obligations under the credit agreement in the event of a change in control or fundamental change. A "change in control" as defined in our credit agreement includes, among other events, the acquisition by any person, or two or more persons acting in concert, in either case other than Lithia Holdings Company, L.L.C., Sid DeBoer or Bryan DeBoer, of beneficial ownership (within


the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the SEC under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934) of 20% or more of the outstanding shares of our voting stockCommission on a fully diluted basis.February 22, 2019.

Upon a change of control as defined in the indenture governing our 5.25% Senior Notes due in 2025, the holders of the notes may require us to repurchase all or a portion of the notes at a purchase price of 101% of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase. Generally, if an event of default occurs under the indenture, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding notes may declare all of the notes to be due and payable.

In the event we were unable to satisfy the above obligations, it could have a material adverse impact on our business and our common stock holders.


Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
We repurchased the following shares of our Class A common stock during the third quarter of 2017:2019:
 
Total number of shares purchased 2
 Average price paid per share 
Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans 1
 
Maximum dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under publicly announced plan (in thousands) 1
 
Total number of shares purchased 2
 Average price paid per share 
Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans 1
 
Maximum dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under publicly announced plan (in thousands) 1
July 20,000
 $97.69
 20,000
 $169,411
 
 $
 
 $233,603
August 23,157
 103.23
 23,000
 167,037
 127
 131.88
 
 233,603
September 20,000
 113.16
 20,000
 164,774
 
 
 
 233,603
 63,157
 $104.62
 63,000
 $164,774
 127
 $131.88
 
 $233,603

1 Effective February 29, 2016, On October 22, 2018, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up toapproved a $250 million of our Class A common stock.repurchase authorization. This authorization does not have an expiration date and it replaced the previous authorizations, which limited the number of shares we were authorized to repurchase.date.
2 Of the The shares repurchased in the third quarter of 2017, 157 shares2019 were related to the tax withholdings on vesting RSUs.


Item 5.Other Information

Subsequent to the earnings release filed on a Current Report on Form 8-K on October 25, 2017, and prior to the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we recorded an elimination of internal used vehicle wholesale transactions and new and used vehicle retail sales. The transactions had no impact on gross profits and were primarily associated with recently acquired stores. This elimination resulted in a reduction of both revenues and cost of sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 of $10.0 million for used vehicle wholesales, or 15.2% and 4.8%, respectively, of used vehicle wholesale revenues; $3.6 million for new vehicles or 0.2% and 0.1%, respectively, of new vehicle revenues and $0.4 million for used vehicle retail or 0.1% and less than 0.1%, respectively, of used vehicle retail revenues. Adjusted for this elimination, total revenues were $2.7 billion and $7.4 billion, respectively, and total cost of sales were $2.3 billion and $6.3 billion, respectively, for the the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017. This elimination had no other impact to our Consolidated Statements of Operations.



Item 6.Exhibits
 
The following exhibits are filed herewith and this list is intended to constitute the exhibit index.
Restated Articles of Incorporation of Lithia Motors, Inc., as amended May 13, 1999 (incorporated by reference to
exhibit Exhibit 3.1 to ourthe Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999)10-Q filed July 26, 2019).
2017Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of Lithia Motors, Inc. (incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.1Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K datedfiled April 28, 2017 and filed with Securities and Exchange Commission on May 3, 2017)25, 2019).
Indenture, dated as of July 24, 2017, among Lithia Motors, Inc., the Guarantors and the Trustee (incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K dated July 24, 2017 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 24, 2017).
Form of 5.250% Senior Notes due 2025 (included as part of Exhibit 4.1)(incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K dated July 24, 2017 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 24, 2017).
Sixth Amendment to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated July 12, 2017.
Seventh Amendment to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated August 1, 2017 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K dated August 1, 2017 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 3, 2017)
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Certification of ChiefPrincipal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
Certification of ChiefPrincipal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
101.INSXBRL Instance Document.
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.




SIGNATURE
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Date: November 7, 2017October 25, 2019LITHIA MOTORS, INC.
  
 
By: /s/ John F. North III
/s/ Tina Miller
 John F. North IIITina Miller
 Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)


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